ã€ŠMarriage of the Di Daughterã€‹


 Chapter 1.1 - Fang Fei

    <strong> Chapter 1.1: Fang Fei</strong>

    In the fifth month of the lunar calendar, spring was barely over, but the hot weather was already eager to arrive. Please read this at bloomingtrantion blog, any other site is stealing our work and reposting without permission.

    The sun¡¯s hot rays shone on the capital city of Yanjing. All the street peddlers rested under the shade of trees to avoid the heat. In this kind of blistering hot weather, both the young misses and young masters of rich households loathed to go out and suffer the harshness of the sun¡¯s rays. Roaming on the streets were only theborers, who carried things over their shoulders. At the well in the city center, they would immerse rice wine to make it ice-cold. They spared no effort in going back and forth to each and every gambling den and tea house, hoping for a thirsty and weary person to spare five copper coins to buy a bowl. With this coppers they would be able to buy a bag of rice. And this bag of rice, when boiled, would give them two pots of porridge, which was equal to three days of hardbor.

    At a turn in the corner of the east city wall, there was a brand-new residence. A board was hung high in the middle of the door with four characters written on it: ¡°Imperial Examination Top Scorer¡±. Bright and dazzling, the residence together with the board were bestowed by the Emperor to represent the utmost honor and glory of being the top scorer in the imperial examinations. For a schr, to be able to achieve this much, made the whole family cry in tears and thank the ancestors for their blessings.

    A brand-new residence, a board bestowed by the emperor. In the middle of a courtyard, people moved back and forth hurriedly. Despite the scorching heat outside, the interior of the residence wasfortably cool thanks to the ice cubes that were ced inside to relieve the heat. However, if one went beyond the courtyard towards the end of the garden, one would feel a chill at once.

    Leaning against the wall, there was a room tucked at the foremost end. At that moment, three people were sitting outside the door: two young servant girls wearing pink, thin skirts, together with a plump middle-aged woman. The three people were facing a small stool where a pile of red-skinned melon seeds and a pot of pickled plum soup were ced. One hand eating while gossiping at the same time. Unexpectedly free and unrestrained in the presence of their master.

    The servant girl on the left turned around to nce at the window and said: ¡°Today, the smell of medicine still drifts off without fail; suffering yet not dying, really don¡¯t know when this will end.¡±

    ¡°You little hussy1, talking behind madam¡¯s back?¡± the middle-aged woman admonished her, ¡°Be careful not to have your skin peeled by the madam.¡±

    The servant girl objected: ¡°How is that possible? The master hasn¡¯t set foot inside madam¡¯s courtyard for three months already.¡± She continued while lowering her voice, ¡°that affair caused such a ruckus outside. Our master can be considered kind-hearted, had it been anyone else...¡± She curled her lips, ¡°I say, it would be better to kill herself straight away. In any case, her reputation is alreadypletely ruined, leading this kind of life, isn¡¯t it just to burden other people.¡±

    The middle-aged woman hadn¡¯t replied yet when the other servant girl said: ¡°Actually, madam is also pitiful, to be born so beautiful and talented with a sweet temper. Who would have imagined, she would face this kind of matter...¡±

    Although they spoke in low voice, the afternoon was extremely quiet. With the partition not being too far away, each word and each sentence was transmitted clearly into the ear of the person inside the room.

    On top of the bed, Xue Fang Fei was lying on her back. Clear, dried stains of tears could be seen at the outer corner of her eyes. Her thinning face was wan and sallow, drained of all color. Despite her sickly look, her quiet courage shook one to the core and made her look increasingly lovely.

    In the past, she had a beautifulplexion, otherwise she wouldn¡¯t have obtained the reputation of being the number one beauty of Yanjing. When she got married, a bored young master ordered a beggar to crash into her bridal sedan chair. Her veil slipped and revealed a delicate and beautiful face, which caused the people on both sides of the street to be unable to look away. Her father, Xue Huaiyuan, was the county deputy of Tongxiang, in Xiangyang province. At that time, he was deeply worried before sending her off to marry to the capital city of Yanjing, and said: ¡°Ah2 Li, with your good looks, I¡¯m afraid Shen Yurong won¡¯t be able to protect you all the time.¡±

    Shen Yurong was her husband.

    Before Shen Yurong became the top scorer in the imperial examinations, he merely was a poor schr. His family lived in Yanjing. However, his maternal grandmother Old Madam Cao, lived in Xiangyang. Before the end of the New Year, Madam Cao passed away due to illness. He became acquainted with Xue Fang Fei when Shen Yurong returned to Xiangyang to attend the funeral.

    Tongxiang was a small county in Xiangyang province. Xue Huaiyuan was just a minor government official and Xue Fang Fei¡¯s mother passed away after giving birth to her younger brother, Xue Zhao. After her mother¡¯s death, Xue Huaiyuan did not remarry. Their family was very simple with only the brother and sister together with their father, and they all depended on each other.

    When Xue Fang Fei reached the marriageable age, her appearance was extremely beautiful, making many noble and rich families¡¯ young masterse from near and far to propose marriage. Even Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s superior wanted Xue Fang Fei to be his second wife. Naturally, Xue Huaiyuan was not willing. Since his wife had passed away when Xue Fang Fei was still small, he especially doted on this daughter. In addition, Xue Fang Fei was an intelligent and lovable child, and he had never shorted her of any food or drink.

    Since Xue Huaiyuan treasured her like a pearl in his palm3, he was extremely worried about Xue Fang Fei¡¯s wedding. Entering the door of a rich family would provide a life of luxury, but regretfully, Xue Fang Fei took a fancy to Shen Yurong.

    Shen Yurong looked bright and with good moral conduct, and he was brimming over with talent. Taking a single look showed a talented person with attractive looks, and it was a matter of time for him to stand out among his peers. But if this happened, then Xue Fang Fei would have no choice but to follow Shen Yurong to Yanjing when she got married. Furthermore, Xue Fang Fei¡¯s looks were just too beautiful. There was Xue Huaiyuan to protect her in Tongxiang. However, one just couldn¡¯t count how many nobles lived in Yanjing.In the event that there was any evil intention from them, Shen Yurong might not be able to protect her.

    In the end, Xue Huaiyuan still let Xue Fang Fei marry Shen Yurong because she was in love with him.

    Although Xue Fang Fei¡¯s mother-inw was harsh and she suffered many grievances after marrying Shen Yurong and moving to Yanjing, Shen Yurong was considerate to her in every possible way. Therefore, those hardships vanished into thin air right away.

    At the beginning of springst year, Shen Yurong passed brilliantly the imperial examinations and became the top scorer. The Emperor gifted an official residence and personally bestowed a name board. Not long after, Shen Yurong was appointed as an official in the Ministry of Rites. In the ninth month of the lunar year, Xue Fang Fei also got pregnant, which coincided with Old Madam Shen¡¯s birthday. The Jia family invited guests from Yanjing¡¯s nobility to celebrate the two simultaneous happy events.

    That day became Xue Fang Fei¡¯s worst nightmare.

    In truth, Xue Fang Fei also did not know what and how it happened. She only drank a little bit of plum wine during the banquet, but soon after she felt sleepy. In her dazed state, she was assisted by a servant girl to return to her room to rest. A momentter, she was woken up by a shriek. She opened her eyes and saw an unfamiliar man in her room, and her clothes were in disarray. Her mother-inw and all the female guests were all standing in the doorway. Everyone looked at her with different expressions, some mocking, some disgusted, while others looked like they were rejoicing in another¡¯s misfortune.

    Originally, she was really ashamed and unable to show her face. Being caught in such a predicament, no matter what, there wasn¡¯t any way that she could exin herself. In the presence of a room full of guests, the first wife4 of the new top schr had an affair. This matter would definitely be spread outside.

    In this kind of situation, the wife would usually be divorced and then driven out of the household. However, Shen Yurong stubbornly went against it. Xue Fang Fei was deeply anxious and worried, which caused her to miscarry. After being in bed for some time, she heard someone mention that Xue Zhao had hurried to Yanjing after hearing her matter. Not having yet arrived at the Shen residence, he encountered bandits during the night. In the midst of the attack, he was killed, and his corpse was thrown into the river.

    Hearing these grievous news, Xue Fang Fei did not dare to send word back to Tongxiang. She was forced to suddenly ept that she could no longer see Xue Zhao, and also had to make arrangements for his funeral. Soon afterwards, she fell ill. And for the next three months ¨C during the whole three months-, Shen Yurong never came to see her even once.

    At her sickbed, Xue Fang Fei¡¯s thoughts ran wild. To even refuse to see her, Shen Yurong must have misunderstood. Or maybe he deliberately gave her the cold shoulder to vent his anger? However, afterying down for so long and hearing some bits and pieces from the passing servants, she soon figured out a few things. A truth that was much uglier and more unbearable than what could be seen on the surface.

    Xue Fang Fei struggled to sit on the bed. At the bedside, there was a bowl of medicine that had turned cold and gave out a bitter and astringent smell. She took the bowl of medicine and stretched her body forward to pour the medicine out into the pot of a cherry-apple tree.

    Suddenly, a creaking from the door opening was heard.

    Xue Fang Fei lifted her head and the corner of a dress came into view.

    A young woman wearing a luxurious garment, with slightly raised eyebrows that gave out a haughty air, came into the room. Her gaze fell on Xue Fang Fei¡¯s hand holding the medicine bowl, and in a sh understanding dawned on her face. Sheughed and said: ¡°So it was like that.¡±

    Xue Fang Fei calmly put down the bowl and looked at the person who came into the room. Two tall and sturdy servants followed in and closed the door. She didn¡¯t know since when the servants who had been chatting outside had disappeared. There wasn¡¯t any noise that could be heard inside the room, except for the asional chirping of insectsing from outside. As if something important was about to take ce.

    Xue Fang Fei saluted: ¡°Princess Yong Ning.¡±

    As Princess Yong Ning smiled, the thumb-sized Southern Sea pearl on top of her hairpin swayed alongside her single smile. Their brilliant luster was enough to dazzle the eyes.

    A single pearl from the Southern Sea was worth around 4000 hectares of fertilend. The imperial family would always get the best things. They led a life of luxury and did not know the suffering of themon people; possessing what others people may not have, and may not even dare to imagine to have throughout their entire lives.

    Hi, everyone! I¡¯m Nigaria, the editor ^^ you will frequently see mementing here after the chapter. Lime, the trantor, is usually much quieter, but if she has anything to say she will do so in a space before the chapter, or sometimes a shortment in between the chapter if she can¡¯t resist x)

    Marriage of the Di Daughter was actually the first project we worked on together, but some things happened due to our carelessness, so in the end we took Who Moved My Mountain, our current main project, instead. However, seeing that MDD was discontinued enough to be considered ¡®dropped¡¯, we decided to offer the chapters we had already tranted (up till 8.1) to the readers. But then again, we felt that you readers would end up heartaching even more if we just gave you a taste of it and then stopped delivering (specially seeing the ending of chap 8.1, which made me jump straight to MTL the rest of the novel >.<)... so we decided that we would continue tranting this novel for the time being.

    We will be releasing 1x week (1 part, meaning 1 whole chapter every 2 weeks), not sure if this will change in the future, but at least it won¡¯t be soon. As I said, chapters are very long, and also very flowery wording so it takes quite long to TLate them, and also long to edit them... we have other novels we¡¯re working on and also a real life that requires us for many hours a day, so for now we all will need to be patient, thanks for your understanding and please be kind to us ^^

    So yeah that¡¯s it, 1 release x week which will be on Sundays 2:00 PM (UCT+2). We are very happy to be able to work in this novel since as I said it was our first project together, and we kinda have a... broken fate? with it xD and this novel really deserves to be tranted, it¡¯s really really good ?? Wishing you all enjoy it as much as we do ^^

    Footnotes:

    1: Xiao Ti Zi (Ð¡Ìã×Ó)¨C lit. little hoof, it¡¯s a way to curse someone but in an endearing way, in this case it indicates that the middle-aged servant and the young girl have a rather close rtionship.

    2: Ah (°¢) ¨C a prefix ced before someone¡¯s name to call them in an intimate way, indicating close rtionship. Frequently used with family and children/younger people, simr to the use of Xiao (Ð¡).:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    3: A pearl in the palm (ÕÆÉÏÃ÷Öé) ¨C idiom meaning the apple of one¡¯s eyes, a beloved person (especially a daughter).:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    4: The first wife (·¢ÆÞ), also known as the official, legal or Di (µÕ) wife. In Ancient China, influential men could have several wives. The first wife was the one ranked highest, and theoretically was the one who was in charge of the household. The other wives were concubines, and they could actually be considered bed servants of the master, they also had to obey the main wife. The children of the main wife were Di-born, the ones that would inherit the prestige of the house, while the children born from concubines were Shu-born (Êü), and they were regarded much lower than the Di-born. Only the Di wife and Di children were entered in the family genealogy .:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    <strong>Xue Huaiyuan (Ñ¦»³Ô¶</strong>), Huaiyuan means profound heart.<strong>Shen Yurong (ÉòÓñÈÝ)</strong>, Shen means liquid, Yurong means countenance like jade.<strong>Xue Zhao (Ñ¦ÕÑ), </strong>Zhao means bright, clear.<strong>Princess Yong Ning (ÓÀÄþ)</strong>, name meaning forever peaceful <sup>(author, are you kidding me?! this b*tch? I hope it¡¯s peaceful as in RIP tch)</sup>.

 Chapter 1.2 - Fang Fei

    <strong>Chapter 1.2: Fang Fei</strong>

    ¡°You don¡¯t seem surprised.¡± Princess Yong Ning said, ¡°Could it be that my dear Shen has already told you?¡±

    My dear Shen... the way she called him was so intimate, Xue Fang Fei felt something sweet in her throat, and she almost couldn¡¯t hold it back1. After a short moment, she weakly said: ¡°I am waiting. I am waiting for him to tell me himself.¡±

    Xue Fang Fei was not stupid at all; she was extremely smart and Xue Huaiyuan had taught her well. After she fell ill, she realized that she was under house arrest, and her every move was monitored by someone. Thus, she made the connection from beginning to end. What happened to her, and even the death of Xue Zhao, she found that there was something amiss about it.

    She tried to gather bits and pieces from the mouth of the servants, and finally understood what had happened.

    Shen Yurong passed brilliantly as the top scorer in the imperial examinations, achieving great sess at a young age, and now his identity was no longer the same. Although Xue Fang Fei was talented and a beauty, in the end she was just a county deputy¡¯s daughter. Shen Yurong caught the eye of Princess Yong Ning, or perhaps they had already met under the cover of the night long before that. In short, Xue Fang Fei had be the stumbling block preventing him to take the golden branch offered by the princess¡¯s household.

    Xue Fang Fei recalled the incident and the guests invited by Madam Shen on that day. Princess Yong Ning was also part of the guests. Thinking back, she remembered that the corner of Princess Yong Ning¡¯s mouth was raised, a pleased smile on her face.

    At this point, the truth came to light.

    ¡°My dear Shen is soft-hearted,¡± Princess Yong Ning sat down carelessly, looking at her, ¡°This princess2 is not a ruthless person and originally wanted to help you. Who would have known that you were not willing toply.¡± She nced at the bowl of medicine on top of the table, then sighed and said: ¡°Why must you do this to yourself?¡±

    Xue Fang Fei couldn¡¯t help butugh bitterly.

    Receiving a daily bowl of medicine, she had already felt that something was wrong. Once she realized that, she poured the medicine into the flower pot. They wanted her to look like she had died from an illness, which would naturally allow Princess Yong Ning to marry into the family. Contrary to their expectations, she did not die easily. Since young, Xue Huaiyuan had taught her, if you haven¡¯t reached the end yet, you must find a way to survive. Furthermore, for what reason? For what reason should sheply to these adulterous couple, who schemed to frame her yet asked her to take the initiative to seek her own death? In their dreams!

    With a voice filled with ridicule, she said: ¡°To forcibly break two people¡¯s marriage apart, murdering the original in order to rece it, killing the wife and harming the offspring, for Your Highness¡¯s ¡°kindness¡±, Fang Fei thanks you.¡±

    In a split second, Princess Yong Ning¡¯s fury red up, but she quickly calmed down after a moment. Standing up from her seat, she walked to the front of the table and picked up the pot of already withered cherry-apple tree. The palm-sized pot of cherry-apple flower was lovely. Princess Yong Ning turned it around in her hand while smilingly said: ¡°Do you know how your younger brother died?¡±

    Xue Fang Fei¡¯s back stiffened at once.

    ¡°Despite his young age and against all expectations, your brother,¡± princess Yong Ning had a look of admiration in her face, ¡°He was unexpectedly able to find something amiss in this matter, and even managed to find evidence. He said he was going to file a suit, and almost uncovered the involvement of this princess in the root of the matter.¡± Princess Yong Ning patted her stomach, as if she had a lingering fear. ¡°He could be considered smart, and that same night he was able to find Magistrate Yin. But he didn¡¯t know that Magistrate Yin has a good rtionship with me. So he immediately informed me about this matter.¡± Princess Yong Ning spread her hands and regretfully said: ¡°A pity, his age was still very small, and this princess feels that his literary and martial ability were not bad. If not for this matter, maybe he would have been a prominent official. What a pity.¡±

    Xue Fang Fei gritted her teeth until they nearly broke!

    Xue Zhao! Xue Zhao! She had suspected that there was something strange about Xue Zhao¡¯s death. In Tongxiang, Xue Zhao learned martial arts under a master. He was skilled since young, how could he die in the hands of mere bandits! But she really did not expect the truth to be like this! It turned out that her brother died in order to find justice for her after discovering Princess Yong Ning and Shen Yurong¡¯s affair. With his blood boiling, he thought of looking for an official to file awsuit. Who would have imagined that the official was covering for others. That official was, in fact, the enemy!

    She shouted: ¡°Shameless! Shameless!¡±

    Princess Yong Ning¡¯s eyebrows raised, then coldly ridiculed: ¡°So what if you are of noble and virtuous character? Every day you stayed here and didn¡¯t go out. I¡¯m afraid you haven¡¯t received news of your father. When your father found out about the matter of you ruining the family name as well as your younger brother¡¯s death, he died from anger!¡±

    Xue Fang Fei froze and involuntarily shouted: ¡°Impossible!¡±

    ¡°Impossible?¡± Princess Yong Ningughingly said: ¡°You may go out and ask the servant girl, ask them yourself whether it¡¯s possible or not!¡±

    Xue Fang Fei¡¯s mind was in a state of chaos. Xue Huaiyuan did not care about fame and fortune3. Throughout his life, he was peacefully working as the county deputy in Tongxiang, he clearly was an upright person. How did he end up this way? To have his own child pass away before himself, upset to the point he died from anger. Xue Fang Fei really couldn¡¯t imagine how Xue Huaiyuan must have felt after hearing the news.

    This was indeed ¡°those who harm and kill others get rich, while those who work hard die without proper burial¡±.

    Princess Yong Ning had spoken for quite some time and was starting to get impatient. She put the pot of cherry-apple flower down on the table and gestured for the two sturdy old servants to step forward.

    When Xue Fang Fei finally regained her focus, she shouted: ¡°What are you trying to do?¡±

    With a proud and carefree smile on her lips, Princess Yong Ning said: ¡°Xue Fang Fei, you have a noble and virtuous moral character, with iparable looks and talents, naturally you couldn¡¯t stand the crime of having an illicit affair with another man. These past few months have been a painful struggle. Although my dear Shen has treated you just like he did before, you couldn¡¯t forgive yourself. Taking advantage of the time when my dear Shen wasn¡¯t home, you hung yourself.¡± After saying this, she lightly stood up, ¡°How is it? Won¡¯t this version return some of your face4?¡± Then Princess Yong Ning¡¯s facial expression changed and she ruthlessly said: ¡°If it weren¡¯t for my dear Shen¡¯s reputation, this princess wouldn¡¯t be so lenient on you.¡±

    ¡°How dare you? How dare you!¡± Xue Fang Fei burst out in anger. Seeing her movements, the two servants quickly suppressed her firmly.

    ¡°This princess has an affinity with darling Shen. It¡¯s a pity that you are in the way. Naturally this princess cannot tolerate you. If you had belonged to a noble family, maybe this princess would have needed to exert more effort. However, your father is just a minor county deputy. How many counties and provinces are there? You people of the Xue family, are nothing more than a strand of grass. In your next life, before you reincarnate, think carefully and remember to pick being born in a distinguished family.¡±

    Desperation grew in Xue Fang Fei. She refused to ept the current situation and struggled while looking at death¡¯s door, grasping for any opportunity to turn her situation around. Yet, she absolutely had no way out of this, not against the power and the disparity of social hierarchies!

    Through a gap in the window, Xue Fang Fei glimpsed the shadow of a familiar person. She clearly recognized it as her husband, the person she had shared a bed with.

    Once again, a glimmer of hope rose in Xue Fang Fei¡¯s heart and she called loudly: ¡°Shen Yurong! Shen Yurong, you treating me like this, heaven won¡¯t tolerate it! Shen Yurong!¡±

    That shadow outside the window disappeared in an instant, as if fleeing to hide. Princess Yong Ning cursed: ¡°What are you waiting for? Do it now!¡±

    The two servants bent forward and bound the snow-white silk around Xue Fang Fei¡¯s neck. The fabric used to wrap around the beauty¡¯s neck was Songjian¡¯s Madam Zhao¡¯s yearly tribute to the pce ¨C a bolt was worth a thousand gold. During her struggle, Xue Fang Fei wistfully thought that even the chosen murder weapon was so ridiculously precious.

    Princess Yong Ning stood a meter away, her eyes cold and indifferent, looking at her struggle just like a fish nearing its death. She mockingly said: ¡°Remember, you may have an unparalleled appearance and talents, but in the end you are merely a small official¡¯s daughter. For this princess to crush you, it¡¯s as simple as crushing an ant!¡±

    The pot of cherry-apple tree was knocked during her struggle. When it fell on the ground, the pot broke and an astringent fragrance floated out. The withered branches fell out from inside, showing a hard-to-bear portrayal of a shattered beauty.

    In the fourth month of the lunar year, Fang Fei¡¯s life reached its end.

    How I hate to have to edit/read these initial chapters again, where so much injustice is done to her ???? my blood is boiling! At least it¡¯s not as horrible as in Ill-fated consort shivers. Fang Fei, may you rest in peace, your tragic and short live that onlysted a chapter will surely be avenged!

    If I¡¯m not wrong, the Prince Consort (aka Princess¡¯s husband) cannot be given an official post in order to mantain the bnce of political power (and prolly to not be a threat to the Emperor¡¯s heirs)... so Shen Yu Rong and Princess Yong Ning getting together it¡¯s actually not that good of an idea for him (well, at least marrying each other, which is not exactly the same) >.< but well I¡¯m not sure if that might have changed in different dynasties or... maybe it¡¯s different here just for the plot¡¯s convinience... or maybe...

    1: Here I¡¯m guessing this ¡®something sweet¡¯ actually refers to blood. In China, if someone is told something outrageous or victim of venomous nder, they would spit blood (Ñª¿ÚÅçÈË), and they often refer to it as a warm, sweet feeling in their mouth. Here, XFF wants to vomit blood after hearing the princess call her own husband ¡®my dear¡¯ but she is able to hold it back.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    2:±¾¹¬ (bengong), lit. this pce (aka this one from the pce), used by an imperial princess or the empress to refer to herself in 3rd person, showing their arrogance and superior standing.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    3: µ­²´ÃûÀû, lit. to be indifferent to worldly rewards.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    4: In Chinese, face (Á³Ãæ) represents sth like your dignity, reputation, prestige or the respect others ought to have towards you. In this case,mitting suicide (which equals to herself admitting her wrongdoings) would atone a bit for her misdeeds (having an affair) so that would return her a bit of her face (reputation/dignity).:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 2.1 - Jiang L?

    <strong>Chapter 2.1: Jiang L?</strong>

    The wind blew through the window and mmed it open, making a loud noise. A servant girl reached out to close the window. Inside the room, a greenish cow statue made of copper was filled with a huge ice block, which was contained in its belly.

    In summer, days were always hot in Yanjing. Ice blocks could only be obtained from cers located hundreds of li1 away. A small block of ice already cost twelve silver taels2 , not to mention this kind of hugepact block of ice. Moreover, there were four of these green copper cow statues, one in each corner of the room.

    The inside of the room gave out a cool and refreshing feeling. A beautifuldy was sitting before a small table while supporting her chin,zily looking through the ount book in front of her. Beside her was a 13-14 years-old dainty young girl, who was eating frozen fruit yoghurt sprinkled with rock sugar on top. At the same time, she was flipping through a small mountain of invitations with the other hand. Two servant girls quietly stood behind, gently fanning her.

    ¡°Such a downpour ...,¡± the dainty girl was lost in thought while watching the rain outside of the window.

    The beautiful woman nced at her and said, ¡°Don¡¯t eat so much,ter in the evening when your fatheres back, you won¡¯t be able to eat anymore.¡± She then ordered the servant girl on her right, ¡°Ruyi, take the fruit yoghurt away. Also, this cup of tea has cooled down, bring me some warm fragrant tea.¡±

    Although the girl was somewhat unhappy, she couldn¡¯t retort. Ruyi set the fan down and took the yoghurt away. As she was about to leave the room, a mama3 entered from outside, wearing in cotton clothes. Although seeing Ruyi, she didn¡¯t greet her as she hurried straight towards the madam4.1. It was evident that there was a pressing matter to report.

    After pausing for a moment Ruyi left the room, carrying the frozen fruit yoghurt and cold tea. The sound of conversation could be faintly heard behind her.

    ¡°.... it said, it¡¯s not a light illness... after learning of third miss¡¯s marriage from Head Nun Jing An, she was really unruly and caused a ruckus.¡±

    ¡°Her health is definitely not good, sick to the point where she can¡¯t even get out of bed...¡±

    ¡°The doctor said, she wouldn¡¯t be able to endure past this summer. Why don¡¯t we inform the master5...?¡±

    In a moment, the room became silent. The madam¡¯s mild voice started: ¡°The master is recently busy handling official business. He doesn¡¯t need to be disturbed with these trivial matters. As soon as he has a bit of free time, I will personally tell him.¡±

    Immediately after, a young girl¡¯s tender and charming voice sounded: ¡°Who cares about her, she herself didn¡¯t take a proper look at her own identity. Trying to obtain what¡¯s beyond her standing, how dare she?

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention this,¡± the madam switched the topic, ¡°I heard the top scorer¡¯s wife died of illness a few days ago, tomorrow we have to go and offer our condolences.¡± Her voice was filled with sympathy, ¡°Her age was still young, how could she suddenly die of illness? Truly a pitiful person ah.¡±

    Truly a pitiful person ah! Ruyi¡¯s heart felt the same as she advanced without stopping towards the kitchen while carrying the silver tray.

    The madam inside the room was the current Chief Assistant6 Jiang Yuanbai¡¯s second wife4.2, Ji Shuran. The young girl was the Chief Assistant¡¯s official daughter, Ji Shuran¡¯s biological daughter. Jiang family¡¯s third young miss, Jiang Youyao.

    Regarding who they were talking about, the one who ¡°wouldn¡¯t be able to endure past this summer¡± should be the Jiang family¡¯s second young miss, Jiang L?.

    The Jiang family¡¯s second young miss, Jiang L?, was sent off to the temple to study due to a mistake she made five years ago. Over the past five years, the Jiang family seemed to have forgotten this person. Nowadays, Ji Shuran was considered the only main wife in the Jiang family; and Jiang Youyao as well was considered the Jiang family¡¯s only official daughter. As for the Chief Assistant¡¯s first wife¡¯s official daughter, she was currently suffering without being able to enjoy the summertime. But in the whole household, there wasn¡¯t even a single person who was aware of it.

    Nheless, even if they were aware, nothing would change.

    Ruyi sighed deeply in her heart, looking at the cold tea she was carrying. What could be done? The first madam had passed away, and the second Jiang young miss already had a smeared reputation.

    The ways of the world were precisely like that; when people were apart, the feelings would grow cold7.

    Read this at BloomingTrantion site, chapters posted anywhere else are stolen from our site and reposted without permission!!

    ???????????????????????????????????????

    On the top of Mount Qingcheng was He Lin Temple, a renowned Budhist temple.

    Although the mountain road was rugged, the mountaintop was covered with deep and dignified greenery, with bamboo trees forming a lush and dense forest. Unexpectedly, the scenery was exceptionally good. Above all, the master of the temple was renowned far and near. It was said that praying at He Lin Temple was extremely effective and the predictions were urate. Hence, many people did not hesitate to travel great distances8 toe and pray at the temple.

    Not far from He Lin Temple, there was a Buddhist nunnery. Compared to the continuous stream of worshippersing to He Lin Temple, the nunnery seemed deserted, with practically not a soul in sight.

    In the quiet night, the falling rain caused the wind blowing thought the mountain to be even colder. A wooden shed with only one room was built next to the nunnery. From inside, the continuous sobbing of a young girl could be heard.

    ¡°Miss..... Miss, what can be done.....¡±

    As soon as Xue Fang Fei opened her eyes, she felt that it was noisy. She exerted a great deal of effort to move her fingers, thinking that her body must have been sinking to its death. She moved again, and suddenly understanding dawned on her. It really wasn¡¯t her body sinking to death, but rather there was a heavy quilt ced on top of her body.

    Sometimes this is exasperating because a Chinese kanji can have way more meaning than an English word. Specially adjectives... an English adjective describes you a single quality of the noun, but in Chinese they can describe 2 qualities at the same time. And then you have 2 of these chinese adjectives meaning 4 english adjectives apanying the same noun, which is just unfeasible orz.

    That Madam Ji is such an hypocrite, saying she pities XFF who died young when she wants an even younger girl to die, doing all kind of tricks behind the scenes to achieve it.

    Footnotes:

    1: Li (Àï): traditional chinese unit of distance, equivalent to 500 m/1640 ft.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    2: Taels (Á½) are a traditional chinese unit of weight equivalent to 50 g, and it was also used as currency system in some dynasties, using silver (ÒøÁ½) and gold taels as money. :leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    3: Momo (æÖæÖ) is an old female servant, you might have also seen it tranted as granny.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    4.1: Furen (·òÈË) is the wife of the master, thedy in charge of the household. It usually is the official or main wife, unless it¡¯s a c-novel where then a concubine would steal the role after ditching the main wife.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook: 4.2: In this case, JSR is the second main wife (¼ÌÊÒ) of JYB, which means she married him as the official wife after the death of his first official wife. Since the first Madam/Furen died, she is now the Madam/Furen of the household.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    5: Laoye (ÀÏÒ¯), lord, the master of the household.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    6: Senior Grand Secretary or Chief Assistant (Ê×Ýo, shoufu) ¨C The most senior Grand Secretary out of the six Grand Secretaries. We will probably use Chief Assistant since it¡¯s more user-friendly for both you and us.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    7: ÈË×ß²èÁ¹ÄØ: The idea here is that when you are hosting people, you offer them warm tea. However, when this person leaves and the tea is left undrunk, the tea will cool down. Thus, when someone leaves a ce or area, their presence or their effect in other people will wane, the rtionship and association with that ce will slowly dissipate. My thanks to Harusame (SpringRainTrantions) and Minodayz (MerakiTrantions) for their help with this sentence.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    8:°ÏÉ½ÉæË® ¨C idiom, lit. to travel overnd and water .:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 2.2 - Jiang L?

    <strong>Chapter 2.2: Jiang L?</strong>

    The quilt was originally thin. However, due to the damp weather, it became cold and heavy, making those covered under it to feel extremely suffocated. She lifted the quilt and, feeling her stomach became morefortable, she slowly sat up.

    The sobbing noise by her side came to a halt immediately. Through the soft candlelighting from the top of the table, a pleasantly surprised face came into view as it said: ¡°Young miss is awake!¡±

    Young miss?

    Xue Fang Fei stared nkly and looked up and down at the person in front of her. The appearance of the girl seemed to be about 15-16 years old. Her eyes were swollen like the stone of a peach, looking adorable. Her dark-blue, in cotton clothing was not suited for her body. From head to toe, there wasn¡¯t a single jewelry. Looking at her foolish appearance, Xue Fang Fei burst outughing.

    Calling her young miss, could she be a servant girl? Even during the time she was at Tongxiang before she married, the servant girl at her side would not wear such an ugly-looking attire.

    Xue Fang Fei thought back, that wasn¡¯t right, the important point was, she didn¡¯t remember having this servant girl before. From her maiden home until she got married, she had four personal servant girls. Afterwards, two of them got married. The morning after that shameful event at the feast, Shen Yurong¡¯s mother wanted to beat the remaining two servant girls to death. Xue Fang Fei prevented that by pretending to be angry, and chased them out of the house before she could get hold of them. Later on, those who waited on her could be assumed to be Princess Yong Ning¡¯s informers.

    Princess Yong Ning! Images suddenly shed quickly before her eyes. Xue Fang Fei remembered that Princess Yong Ning clearly came to provoke her. Then Princess Yong Ning¡¯s people strangled her. Could it be... She had not died yet? How was that possible? Princess Yong Ning was the type of person who wouldpletely eliminate everything down to the root1. It was impossible to spare her life.

    Could it be... That she was rescued? Was it Shen Yurong? Or someone else?

    Xue Fang Fei could see that the young servant girl wasn¡¯t lying. The servant girl stopped her giggling, somewhat afraid, and she called in a small voice: ¡°Young miss? Young miss?¡±

    ¡°Who are you?¡± asked Xue Fang Fei. Once she had spoken, she stopped, feeling that something wasn¡¯t right. However, she couldn¡¯t put her finger on what was wrong.

    The young servant girl was even more anxious, she replied: ¡°Young miss, this servant is Tong¡¯er2 ah!¡±

    Tong¡¯er? Xue Fang Fei couldn¡¯t remember if there had ever been a person called like this around her.

    ¡°Young miss,¡± Tong¡¯er looked like she was about to cry, then said: ¡°Young miss, this servant is aware that your heart is not happy. How could they just snatch your marriage? Madam had set down young miss¡¯s marriage when she was still around. Marquis3 Ningyuan¡¯s family, how could they break their promises in such a way4? Furthermore... master.... young miss, this servant knows you5 are ming master. However, you cannot think about giving everything up ah! Even if it¡¯s not for yourself, please think of madam, after all madam¡¯s spirit6 is watching over you from heaven, she would feel extremely sad ah!¡±

    Xue Fang Fei stared nkly at the small servant girl7 bawling her eyes out, while she was thinking in her heart, what she¡¯s got to do with Marquis Ningyuan? Xue Fang Fei knew the heir of Marquis Ningyuan. Her sister-in-w, Shen Yurong¡¯s younger sister Shen Ruyun, admired the young heir of Marquis Ningyuan very much. In the capital city of Yanjing, he was famous for being a beautiful man. What has that got to do with her?

    The servant girl was still lost in her weeping when a sudden p of thunder sounded abruptly outside, illuminating the room: a cold and shabby room, an ice-cold quilt; and at the same time, also illuminating Xue Fang Fei.

    Suddenly, Xue Fang Fei realized what was wrong.

    This voice..... tender and crisp, although exhausted, yet it was suffused with the characteristics of a young girl¡¯s softness and stickiness.

    This was not her voice.

    ¡°Who am I?¡± asked Xue Fang Fei.

    Tong¡¯er stared nkly.

    ¡°Who am I?¡± Xue Fang Fei repeated her question.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Tong¡¯er replied indignantly, then promptly continued: ¡°You are the current government cab Chief Assistant Lord8 Jiang¡¯s first wife¡¯s official daughter, Jiang family¡¯s second miss, Jiang L?.¡± Then, she added another sentence for emphasis, ¡°An honorable golden branch9, the Chief Assistant¡¯s daughter!¡±

    Jiang family, chief assistant¡¯s daughter, the second Jiang young miss, Jiang L?.

    Xue Fang Fei closed her eyes.

    She would be Jiang L?.

    A smallment as the editor. We would have originally left it as Jiang Li, but remember that Fang Fei¡¯s baby name was ¡®Ah Li¡¯ (°¢Àê)? In this case, calling Jiang Li in an endearing way would also be ¡®Ah Li¡¯ (°¢Àæ), but the pronounciation of these kanjis is slightly different, so we thought it would be best in order not to get confusedter on if we started writting it differently from the beginning (tho maybe I should have chosen L? for XFF¡¯s name, it appears less often and is a bit of a pain to write the ¡®?¡¯ with hat every time >.<)

    So, I made a small mistake with the meaning of Xue Huaiyuan in chap 1.1, although the meaning I provided wasn¡¯t wrong, there is another meaning which I find more fitting: Huaiyuan (»³Ô¶) meaning profound heart. There was actually a senior official in Tang dynasty called Li Huaiyuan (Àî»³Ô¶), which despite his humble birth and bearing was very respected by the Emperor and the Crown Princeter-turned-Emperor, and well he got many important official posts and titles throughout his life. I think he might be considered someone exemry due to the brilliancy of his work and his humility and uprightness, and used as inspiration for this kind of characters in c-novels (but then again, I might be wrong, I just looked it up in wikipedia lol).

    In any case, if you ever transmigrate to ancient China, be sure to do so in a family where your father is called Huaiyuan, they are the best daddies! Xue Huaiyuan is best daddy, and Qin Huaiyuan from Return of the Swallow is bestest best daddy ever! Go read ROS if you haven¡¯t yet, it is one of the best female MC c-novels out there!! You will definitely not regret reading it, and you will have something to enjoy as you wait for MDD chapters toe out^^

    On another note, it makes me mad that the kanjis for Yun Rong (ÔÆÈÝ), our lovely MC from our other novel (Who moved my mountain, check it out if you haven¡¯t ^^), are found in the names of these two scumbag Shen siblings. Heaven shall punish them for such profanity, and if it doesn¡¯t, well, Fang Fei will.

    Footnotes:

    1: Õ¶²Ý³ý¸ù, lit. to cut weeds and eliminate the roots. Idiom meaning to eliminatepletely.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    2:¶ù (er), it¡¯s another diminutive like Xiao (Ð¡) or Ah (°¢) that is added at the end of one¡¯s given name; used as endearing term, again with family, children and loved ones. In this case, close servants may also be called using Xiao or ¡®er by their masters.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    3: ºî (hou) ¨C marquis, second of the five orders of ancient chinese nobility, title used to adress a nobleman or high official.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    4: ±³ÐÅÆúÒå, lit. breaking faith and abandoning right; idiom meaning to betray, treachery, perfidy.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    5: Throughout the chapter (and I assume in the rest of the novel and also for other characters in the same position) Tong¡¯er uses a courteous form of ¡®you¡¯Äú (nin), befitting of her position of servant addressing the master, opposite to how XFF calls her, using the informal ¡®you¡¯ Äã (ni).:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    6:ÔÚÌìÖ®Áé, lit. spirit/soul resting in heaven, refers to the soul and spirit of the deceased.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    7: Ñ¾Í· (yatou) ¨C servant girl.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    8: ´óÈË (daren), respectful title used towards superiors, also used to allude to court officials.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    9: A golden branch (½ðÖ¦ÓñÒ¶), also appeared in chapter 1.2 referring to Princes Yong Ning. Lit. golden branch, (with) jade leaves. It¡¯s an idiom used to allude to to high nobility, and especially the imperial household. It¡¯s often used to express this idea of grabbing this golden branch (invaluable treasure), aka sessfully making a connection with someone that is extremely powerful which would bring you endless benefits. Or if you are the golden branch, others will want to curry favour with you to obtain some privileges through you.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 3.1 - Daughter

    <strong>Chapter 3.1: Daughter</strong>

    Despite the many times she had looked at her face, Xue Fang Fei was still not used to it.

    There was a crack at the side of the copper mirror, making the face reflected in the mirror to also have a cracked image. The face of the person reflected was distorted but she appeared to be 14 or 15 years old, the same age as the servant girl, Tong¡¯er; and she was shockingly thin.

    Xue Fang Fei recalled that when she was 14 or 15 years old, she definitely did not have this yellowish and sickly appearance. Saying that a chief assistant¡¯s official daughter looked like this; one was afraid that it still would be better to be a lower ranked person instead. This face and her original face, which had been the number 1 beauty in Yanjing, really could not bepared.

    < Previous Chapter | Table of Contents | Next Chapter >

    However, in the end, that face also did not have any good ending. It turned out beautiful women would suffer unfortunate fates1, just like how she had met her demise.

    Xue Fang Fei¡¯s train of thought couldn¡¯t help but fly far away. She absolutely did not expect herself to still be alive. Or perhaps she should say that she had died but then came back to life. But it would do, to be Yanjing¡¯s Jiang family¡¯s Chief Assistant official daughter, Jiang L?.

    Jiang Yuanbai, as the Chief Assistant and the Emperor¡¯s highly respected teacher, was blindly followed by the current court officials. Jiang Yuanbai was currently sitting in the upper position but he did not act high and mighty. On the contrary, he appeared ordinary and all his work waspleted professionally. Due to this, in the middle of the imperial court, people seemed to want to be good friends with him; but nobody knew what their intentions were in the dark.

    Jiang Yuanbai¡¯s connections could be found throughout the whole royal court. Emperor Hong Xiao also treated him with extreme trust. Yet Jiang Yuanbai did not act conspicuously. Xue Huaiyuan once said, acting like a seemingly ordinary person was in fact also a type of behavior of an official. However, there wasn¡¯t any doubt, Jiang Yuanbai was a high official. And Jiang L? was also the official daughter of a respectable and famous family.

    Though there was actually nothing great in this honorable Chief Assistant¡¯s life. Jiang L?¡¯s birth mother came from a rich merchant family in Yanchao, Xiangyang. The Ye family was extremely wealthy. Solely from their jewelry store, Hong Xiang Lou, located in Yanchao, they could open fifty schools of the six-schools of philosophy. At that time, Jiang Yuanbai was not yet a government official. After some pondering, Old Master Ye quickly settled the marriage of the young miss Ye Zhen Zhen to Jiang Yuanbai.

    Three years after getting married, Ye Zhen Zhen gave birth to Jiang L?. Who would have thought, when Jiang L? was one year old, Ye Zhen Zhen fell ill and passed away. Jiang Yuanbai then remarried to the Vice Imperial Censor¡¯s2 di daughter, Ji Shuran. In the first year after getting married, Ji Shuran gave birth to Jiang Youyao. Jiang L? was seven years old when Ji Shuran got pregnant with her second child. During a feast with many guests, in the presence of the madams, Ji Shuran was pushed down a flight of steps. Ji Shuran had a miscarriage; she lost a son and her body foundation was wounded. She wouldn¡¯t be able to bear any more children.

    Jiang Yuanbai was very angry. Luckily Ji Shuran pleaded on behalf of Jiang L? for leniency. Although she was spared, Jiang L? was sent to a temple.

    However, Jiang L?¡¯s charge of harming the first wife and murdering the brother couldn¡¯t be settled just by sending her away. When talking about the Jiang family¡¯s second miss, the people in Yanjing would also remember her as already being so vicious at such a young age.

    Actually, after the death of Ye Zhen Zhen, afraid that her stepmother would mistreat Jiang L?, the Ye family sent over some people to bring Jiang L? back to their family. If she was willing, she could go to Xiangyang to live with Ye family. Not even bringing the subject up to Jiang family, Jiang L? herself stated that she was not willing. After being turned down several times over time, Ye family also no longer came.

    Xue Fang Fei was also aware of the capital city¡¯s idle gossip. She was just not expecting that the so-called vicious and ruthless Chief Assistant¡¯s daughter was actually living in this difficult environment, especially when Jiang Yuanbai currently had an excellent reputation, while it was said that Ji Shuran¡¯s heart waspassionate like a Buddha. Yet, towards Jiang L?¡¯s demise, she seemed to be not in the least bit concerned.

    Perhaps, this was what they had nned.

    For Jiang L? to attempt suicide.

    Originally, when Ye Zhen Zhen was still alive, Jiang family¡¯s rtionship with Marquis Ningyuan was pretty good. Marquis Ningyuan¡¯s heir was born first, and by coincidence he was older than Jiang L? by one year. Ye Zhen Zhen and the Marchioness thought, why not fix their engagement when they were still young. The two families¡¯ status were well-matched, and both were experienced government officials. In the future, they could look after one another.

    Stemming from a verbal pact, Marquis Ningyuan only found out after the marchioness properly wrote a marriage contract to give the Jiang family. Although Ye Zhen Zhen somewhat hesitated, she was also thinking of the possibility of being a family with the marchioness through marriage. The marchioness had a benevolent heart, having this kind of mother-inw, her daughter would certainly be able to get along smoothly and steadily.

    1: ºìÑÕ±¡Ãü ¨C lit. blushing face with poor fate, idiom meaning ¡®beautiful women suffer unhappy fates¡¯.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    2: Vice imperial censor (¸±¶¼ÓùÊ¹) ¨C The Censorate was a supervisory agency that responded directly to the Emperor. Imperial censors investigated court officials in order to prevent corruption and illegal deals or activities. JSR¡¯s father seems to be the second with highest power in the Censorate. .:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 3.2 - Daughter

    <strong>Chapter 3.2: Daughter</strong>

    Afterwards, although Ye Zhen Zhen had passed away, Marquis Ningyuan¡¯s heir and Jiang L?¡¯s engagement was still valid. Even if it hadn¡¯t been announced in Yanjing, there were witnesses to the marriage contract.

    However, a few days ago, a Buddhist nun came to the small nunnery to deliver rice and provisions. She mentioned that Marquis Ningyuan¡¯s heir was betrothed to Jiang family¡¯s third young miss, Jiang Youyao.

    Jiang L? was immediately stunned.

    Marquis Ningyuan¡¯s heir was obviously betrothed to Jiang L?, how did it be Jiang Youyao? Jiang L? had an intense and fiery character. She wanted to go back to Yanjing and demand rification. This trantion belongs to BloomingTrantions. Chapters posted anywhere else are stolen and reposted without our knowledge or consent.

    Nowadays, the people in Yanjing only knew the Jiang family¡¯s third young miss. Nobody knew who Jiang¡¯s family second young miss was. Even if they knew, it was only as the sinister daughter who had harmed her own younger brother. This kind of person, how would she be suited to Marquis Ningyuan¡¯s heir? It could be assumed that Marquis Ningyuan residence also did not desire to take the engagement with Jiang L? seriously. Otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t consent to Jiang family¡¯s second young miss being reced by Jiang third young miss.

    The old woman ridiculed Jiang second young miss who was noisily screaming to return home. She also joked that, even if in the end Marquis Ningyuan residence had no choice but to marry Jiang L?, they also would not treat her well. Instead, it was more possible that they would be disgusted with her.

    Upon hearing that, the Jiang family¡¯s second young miss threw herself into theke straight away.

    Seemingly rescued but right afterwards contracting a serious illness, she ended getting thinner with every passing day. Originally, she was already very thin, but now it seemed that she would copse with a single blow from the wind. However, despite falling sick and looking like this, nobody from Yanjing came to see her.

    Perhaps, they were just waiting for her to die, and only then would someonee to collect her corpse.

    It was possible that this was exactly what they wanted to do: for Jiang L? to slowly die at the small Buddhist temple. Let her ¡®die of an illness¡¯ in a natural way. Everything was only following the intention of the one in charge.

    This was simr to the time when Princess Ningyuan and Shen Yurong wanted Xue Fang Fei to die slowly.

    Tong¡¯er angrily looked at the mountain pile of chopped firewood located on one side. Contrary to the quantity, it wasn¡¯t warm, but cold and damp. Both master and servant¡¯s basic needs were entirely self-sufficient. Putting it grandly, ¡°to see the wisdom of cultivating the heart and nurture the character¡±.

    ¡°If I had known earlier that it would be like this, at that time, it would have been better to go to Ye family in Xiangyang,¡± said Tong¡¯er, ¡°how would our young miss have spent her days ah.¡±

    Xiangyang... This trantion belongs to BloomingTrantion, please do read there

    Xue Fang Fei felt slightly moved.

    Jiang L?¡¯s maternal family, the Ye family, was located in Xiangyang. She could go to Tongxiang from Xiangyang.

    She wanted to go back and give offerings to her deceased father. She wanted to go back and kneel to her father for being unfilial. To marry a person with the heart of wolf and the lung of dog1, wasn¡¯t that inviting disaster? Harming the father to die from anger and the younger brother to lose his life.

    If she wanted to return to Xiangyang, it was vital for her to first go back to Yanjing. At present, she was not allowed to go out from the Buddhist nunnery at all.

    Raising the hands three times2, there were the deities; in this rainy day, raising the head there was only rming darkness, no deities could be seen.

    Unobstructed, she would walk step by step, walking energetically so she could arrive sooner to that ce.

    At that time when she was facing death, Princess Yong Ning gave her an advice, for her to reincarnate as the daughter of a distinguished family in her next life. Now, she was already the daughter of a distinguished family. Although she was in dire straits, it was impossible for her to be trampled anymore. This time around with hering back, could they still be as well prepared as before?

    Xue Fang Fei had already died, from now onwards, she was no longer Xue Fang Fei.

    ¡°I am Jiang L?,¡± she said to herself.

    Jiang family¡¯s second young miss, Jiang L?.

    Footnotes:

    1: ÀÇÐÄ¹··Î ¨C idiom meaning cruel and unscrupulous.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    2: act of praying with joss sticks in Buddhism.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 4.1 - Temple

    <strong>Chapter 4.1: Temple</strong>

    The rain kept falling throughout the night; the next day, the sky cleared up. However, the cotton-padded mattress inside the room was alreadypletely wet.

    Tong¡¯er took the mattress out to dry in the sun while Jiang L? sat inside the house. A pile of shoe soles was on top of the table. This was also her daily task, to make 50 pieces of soles in exchange for a string of copper coins. There was no use for copper coins in the mountain, and Tong¡¯er couldn¡¯t go down the mountain either. They could only wait for a peddler to go up the mountain and buy some cakes to eat.

    This was the only luxury Jiang L? and Tong¡¯er could enjoy.

    Through the window, she could see Tong¡¯er standing on a small stool to hang the mattress. Not so far away, a nun wearing a grey daoist robe walked by, not even sparing them a nce.

    They could not send these nuns on errands, and originally Jiang L? was sent here aftermitting a mistake, with only Tong¡¯er by her side. Tong¡¯er was the servant girl that had been picked by Ye Zhen Zhen and had always been by Jiang L?¡¯s side.

    The small servant girl¡¯s temperament was quite big. Looking at the rear view of the two nuns going further away, she spat, ¡°Pah!¡± Then in a high tone scolded, ¡°Featherless hens!¡±

    Jiang L? knew that she was turned down when she requested a dry bed this morning and only scolded them because her heart felt unhappy. She couldn¡¯t stop herself fromughing.

    What kind of servant reflects what kind of master. Tong¡¯er had stayed here for six years and still acted this way. Probably the former Jiang second young miss¡¯s temper was even more intense. Thinking about it, if her temper wasn¡¯t very intense, she wouldn¡¯t have cut her life short out of anger.

    Such a hot-tempered person, would she cry out injustice after pushing her stepmother and causing her to miscarry?

    Jiang L? thought about what Tong¡¯er had told her about this matter when she inquired about it. It was said that the Jiang second young miss would rather die than admit that she had harmed her stepmother. Jiang L? thought, if it was really her doing, she would have boldly and confidently admitted it.

    But at the moment, it was not important.

    When Tong¡¯er was done drying the quilt, she returned inside and sat beside Jiang L?. She was afraid that Jiang L? would once again jump into theke while she wasn¡¯t paying attention. So these few days, she had been closely following Jiang L? and keeping watch. Seeing Jiang L? lost in thought, she picked up a shoe sole to continue working. Jiang L? saw the numerous needle pricks on the servant girl¡¯s fingertips, then grabbed the shoe sole in Tong¡¯er¡¯s hand and threw it away, saying, ¡°Don¡¯t do this anymore.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Tong¡¯er was puzzled, ¡°In three days the peddler wille. Young miss, didn¡¯t you wish to eat malt candy?¡±

    Jiang L? shook her head and asked her back, ¡°Do you want to sit here for a lifetime and wait every month to buy malt candy?¡±

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Tong¡¯er said, ¡°but at the moment we can¡¯t leave from here either.¡± After she finished speaking, she muttered, ¡°I wrote a letter to Master and Old Madam Ye some time ago, why has neither of them replied?¡± Tong¡¯er¡¯s little face fell, ¡°It couldn¡¯t be that we were forgotten, right?¡±

    Jiang L? sighed, no need to even mention passing them a letter. Most likely their every move was under someone¡¯s nose. Usually, when a young miss made a mistake and was sent to the temple, the Master would also send some silver money to entrust their care. The people in the temple also wouldn¡¯t go as far as to treat them badly and not allow them to go anywhere. On the other hand, the nuns here were obviously making things difficult for them. When Jiang L? got sick, they did not even invite a physician. Most likely all these were ideas from Yanjing.

    As for whose idea it was, one did not need to guess to know that it was the second madam¡¯s ideas.

    If Jiang L? had really caused her miscarriage, Ji Shuran definitely would not have let Jiang L? off. If Jiang L? did not cause her to miscarry, the reason why Ji Shuran put up this scene would also be to not to let Jiang L? off.

    Furthermore, right now, Jiang L?¡¯s engagement had also been snatched away. Jiang L? no longer had anything. Only a maternal family that she had refused to have any contact with. And discarding the first wife¡¯s daughter in this ce, even if she was murdered, it would also not cause any wind and waves.

    But why hadn¡¯t Ji Shuran resorted to killing her?

    Jiang L? did not believe that the other party waspassionate and reluctant. Perhaps to the second madam, she still had some other use in the Jiang family. Didn¡¯t this kind of things happen regrly? Daughters were regarded as steppingstones to advance one¡¯s career by connecting them through marriage, to pave the way for their father¡¯s and brothers¡¯ official careers, just like Shen Yurong. The difference was, Shen Yurong regarded himself as a bargaining chip while Xue Fang Fei was treated as a stumbling block.

    lol I edited the whole chapter today at work, I was so idle ah. I¡¯m kinda taking a liking to the job, too bad I can only work for few days before leaving. I don¡¯t get paid that much, but I work even less ?? I swear, I only had tasks to do for less than half the time I was being paid for, I actually think I was idle during 2/3rds of the time ^^ so basically I spent thest few days sitting in the sun and reading hehe. Well tmr they are sending me to a much busier ce so I guess my idle working lifees to an end...

 Chapter 4.2 - Temple

    <strong>Chapter 4.2: Temple</strong>

    Jiang second young miss reminded her of herself. Just like her past self, someone snatched her things. Just like her past self, the turtledove wanted to upy the magpie¡¯s nest1. Just like her past self, she was unable to defend herself.

    Tong¡¯er helplessly looked at Jiang L?¡¯s dark look. She couldn¡¯t help but shiver.

    For some reason, Tong¡¯er felt that the second miss had be strange ever since she woke up. The second miss was always frank and straightforward, one was one and two was two. She had even fought with the nuns in the nunnery, easily agitated and easily angered. Of course, it was not the second miss¡¯s fault, it was all those bad people¡¯s fault.

    However, since waking up, the second miss was not like before. She was mild and gentle, her speech soft and slow, which made her unable to tell what she was thinking. Also, Tong¡¯er felt somewhat afraid when the second miss stopped speaking to ponder.

    Jiang L?¡¯s finger caressed the already sewn shoe sole in front of her. The stitches were meticulous. Although Tong¡¯er was noisy, her needlework was pretty good.

    She had to think of a way to get out of here.

    The Xue Fang Fei from Yanjing should already be dead. But she didn¡¯t know how Princess Yong Ning and Shen Yurong, these two animals, would justify their lies. In addition, she wanted to go and see Xue Zhao again and think of a way to return him to Tongxiang. Xue Huaiyuan had passed away, his son and daughter had also passed away. Who had received his corpse and held a funeral for him? She was unable to see Xue Huaiyuan onest time before his final moments.

    She had to depart from this ce, but nowadays in the city of Yanjing, nobody in the entire government house remembered her, Jiang L?. A person that no one remembered was unlikely to be brought out from here.

    Since this was the case, then she could only take the initiative to leave this ce.

    Nobody remembered, so she had to let everybody remember, it shouldn¡¯t be a difficult thing to do.

    Jiang L? suddenlyughed.

    Tong¡¯er looked at her in surprise, this was the first time Jiang L? had smiled these past few days. It wasn¡¯t a sneer or a bitterugh, but afortable and happyugh. In a split second, this singleugh made her withered yellowplexion be lively, blooming brightly like a flower in the morning.

    ¡°Tong¡¯er,¡± Jiang L? asked, ¡°You said a peddler wille up the mountain?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s correct,¡± Tong¡¯er said, ¡°Every year on the tenth of May, Mr. Zhang woulde up here at noon. We had made an agreement with him, if there are any delicious pastries and candies, he woulde to us first and let us pick them.¡±

    Contrary to what one might expect, as the servant of a prestigious family, even though she was in dire straits and could only take out a string of copper coins, she still spoke in quite an imposing manner.

    ¡°Is there a lot of pastries?¡± Jiang L? asked.

    ¡°A lot,¡± Tong¡¯er asked, ¡°does young miss want to eat pastries?¡±

    Jiang L?ughed, ¡°I do.¡±

    It was too bitter. And because it was too bitter, her mind constantly thought of the sweet taste of honey. These pastries could let her finally taste the sweetness, and at the same time could also make some other people feel bitter.

    Tong¡¯er excitedly said, ¡°It¡¯s good that young miss wants to eat some sugar. A few days ago we saved up a few copper coins and can exchange them for quite a few baskets. Young miss can eat as many as you want!¡±

    Jiang L? said, ¡°You mentioned that this ce is next to He Lin Temple, right?¡±

    Tong¡¯er stared nkly at her and asked, ¡°Does young miss also want to burn incense?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Jiang L? replied, ¡°I don¡¯t believe in Buddha.¡±

    Tong¡¯er was puzzled.

    Jiang L?¡¯s smiling expression softened a little as she said, ¡°What trust can you put in Buddha?¡±

    Footnotes:

    1:ð¯Õ¼Èµ³², meaning for one person to forcibly take another person¡¯s ce. A version of the idiom Èµ³²ð¯Õ¼, lit. the magpie made a nest but the turtledove dwells in it, meaning to reap what one has not sown.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 5.1 - Merchant

    <strong>Chapter 5.1: Merchant</strong>

    Another ten days passed.

    Jiang L? quickly adapted to the harsh life on the mountain. Although she had endless work to do every day, could not eat her fill, slept in a damp ce, and was often bullied, Jiang L? quickly adapted to it.

    Perhaps she was too quiet and obedient these days. For the first time, the nunnery¡¯s head nun, Jing An, took the initiative toe and see her.

    Head Nun Jing An was a young woman in her twenties. It was said that she had once been the wife of a rich family. After her husband died, she went to the mountain and had her hair shaved to be a Buddhist nun.

    A few days ago, Jiang L? had noisily demanded to go back to Yanjing after hearing the matter of Marquis Ning Yuan¡¯s young master¡¯s marriage, and almost fought with Head Nun Jing An.

    Head Nun Jing An came over and nced at Jiang L?, said a few polite words of concern and then left without giving them a single thing.

    Tong¡¯er ced her hands on her hips and spat at the departing back of Head Nun Jing An, saying, ¡°Pah! Stingy old woman!¡±

    Jiang L? smiled and said, ¡°She is much younger than an old woman.¡±

    In reality, Head Nun Jing An was only in her twenties. Although she was wearing a grey robe, it couldn¡¯t hide her slender and graceful figure. Furthermore, her appearance was exquisite. It was just that her attitude towards the two of them was somewhat condescending.

    ¡°What¡¯s the use of being young?¡± Tong¡¯er pursed her lips, ¡°She¡¯s already a nun here. Does she have a choice other than serving Buddha for the rest of her life? Can she eat meat or wear pretty dresses?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if she eats meat, but she definitely eats better meals than the two of us. Whether she wears or doesn¡¯t wear pretty dresses, her Buddhist robe is definitely thicker than ours,¡± Jiang L? replied.

    ¡°Hateful!¡± Tong¡¯er was furious.

    ¡°Not only that,¡± Jiang L? continued exining to her. ¡°Although she wasn¡¯t wearing jewelry, she used Yanjing¡¯s Apricot Spring workshop¡¯s cosmetics, Red Sleeve house¡¯s silver case fragrant ointment, also the osmanthus flower hair oil from Fragrant Refined Building.¡±

    Tong¡¯er¡¯s jaw dropped, and only after a long time did she say, ¡°This is... Isn¡¯t it too fancy?! That¡¯s not right,¡± she came back to her senses and stared at Jiang L? with sparkling eyes, ¡°How did young miss know?¡±

    Jiang L? pointed a finger at her nose and said, ¡°Smelled it.¡±

    ¡°This servant knows that the young miss smelled it. This servant wants to ask, how did the young miss know that it was the Apricot Spring Workshop¡¯s cosmetics, the silver case fragrant ointment of the Red Sleeve house, and the osmanthus flower hair oil of the Fragrant Refined Building?¡±

    Jiang L? thought, of course she knew. When she had just married Shen Yurong and arrived at Yanjing, the Shen family had despised her because she was a young girl from a small county in Tongxiang. Even a few female rtives1 and Shen Yurong¡¯s mother had looked down on her. She was afraid that she would embarrass Shen Yurong, so she worked hard to learn the popr clothing and essories of the madams and youngdies in Yanjing, and slowly corrected her ent.

    She had always been a fast learner. Xue Huaiyuan once said that if she wasn¡¯t a girl, she, together with Xue Zhao, might be able to bring fame and honor to the Xue family name.

    It was not possible for second miss Jiang who hadn¡¯t gone down the mountain for 7 years to know these products. However, she was able to urately distinguish them.

    Jiang L? said, ¡°Of course I can distinguish them.¡±

    Tong¡®er thought about it and actually came up with a logical and reasonable exnation, ¡°Of course young miss knows. Before, these things were used daily by the Jiang family, there¡¯s no reason not to be familiar with them.¡± As she spoke, she wasden with grief, ¡°Speaking of which, it has been a long time since miss has left the Jiang family.....¡±

    ¡°Tong¡®er, do you want to go back to Yanjing?¡± Jiang L? interrupted her,

    Tong¡®er¡¯s eyes widened and immediately shook her head, resolutely said, ¡°Don¡¯t want! Tong¡¯er only wants to follow young miss. Wherever young miss goes, Tong¡¯er goes.¡±

    Jiang L? smiled, ¡°It¡¯s alright, very soon we will go back¡±

    Please read this at BloomingTrantion, any other site you find this has stolen our trantions and posted without our consent. Please show us support by reading from our site

    Footnotes:

    1: æ¨æ², this lit. means sister-inw, wives of brothers; however Shen Yurong doesn¡¯t have brother; although it could refer to Shen Ruyun, it¡¯s talking in plural, so it is most likely referring to female cousins or other types of extended family (in which SRY might be included) .:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 5.2 - Merchant

    <strong>Chapter 5.2: Merchant</strong>

    Just as Tong¡¯er was about to reply, she suddenly heard a loud shout from outside. It was of a man¡¯sughter that sounded like some kind of folk song. Tong¡¯er pricked up her ears and jumped to her feet,ughing and hopping, ¡°Young miss, Mr. Zhang has arrived! Mr. Zhang hase this year to bring some things! ¡°

    Jiang L? immediately turned and looked out the window, then said with a smile, ¡°In that case, take out all the copper coins and let¡¯s go buy cakes.¡±

    ¡°All of them?¡± Tong¡¯er turned her head in surprise.

    ¡°All of them.¡±

    After Tong¡¯er had plundered all the coins in the house, she wrapped them in a blue cloth and carried them in her arms. Only then did she leave the temple with Jiang L?.

    The mountain here was too high, but the He Lin Temple beside it was flourishing. Those who came were all wealthy and noble, and generally disdained to buy things from the peddlers. As a result, most peddlers were unwilling to do business in the mountain. Although his family lived at the foot of Qingcheng Mountain, Mr. Zhang would not usuallye up.

    But every year, from May to June, peach blossoms would bloom on the mountains. Then, not only the rich and powerful families, but even themon people were willing toe up Qingcheng Mountain to admire the flowers. With so many people, the merchant chose this day to go up the mountain to sell his cosmetics.

    Tong¡¯er was familiar with this man, so they made an agreement to meet here every tenth day of the fifth month to buy things. The nunnery was not as lively as the He Lin Temple. To Jiang L? and Tong¡¯er, being able to buy some snacks from the peddler at this time of the year was the only luxury they had.

    As expected, at the entrance of the temple, there was indeed a middle-aged man wearing a conical bamboo hat. He wore short brown hemp pants, a white silk belt at his waist, and ck cloth shoes. He was really dressed as a peddler.

    Jiang L? seemed to be in a trance.

    When she was just a little girl, before marrying Shen Yurong and going to Yanjing, Xue Huaiyuan had just been transferred to the remote vige, Tongxiang. At that time, Tongxiang had nothing. The shops in the entire county could be counted with both hands.

    For Xue Zhao and her, at a young age living in this kind of environment, the sole delight was just the monthly visit from the peddlers who went door to door. In the peddlers¡¯ hands, they could purchase new and odd y dolls, pretty silk ribbons, sweet maltose candy, and also rough writing brushes to practice calligraphy.

    Although it was hard, they lived every day happily. Afterwards, Tongxiang country became better and better under Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s administration. Afterwards, Xue Zhao began to prepare for the military examination. Afterwards, she married and went to Yanjing. Afterwards ... There were no more afterwards.

    Jiang L? lowered her eyes.

    Mr. Zhang had also be familiar with the two of them, and told Tong¡¯er that she had grown taller which made Tong¡¯er extremely happy upon hearing it. She turned to Jiang L? and asked, ¡°Young miss, do you want those pastries?¡±

    Only then did Jiang L? look at Mr. Zhang. She smiled at him, causing him to be stunned for a moment and he felt somewhat ufortable.

    Jiang L? took the cloth bag from Tong¡¯er¡¯s hands and opened it. Inside the bag, there was a neat bunch of copper coins. All of these copper coins had been collected by Jiang L? and Tong¡¯er over the past half year from sewing shoe soles. Adding the several years of the money given by Head Nun Jing An, altogether they had collected a total of forty strings.

    ¡°Uncle Zhang,¡± Jiang L? smiled, ¡°All of these copper coins are exchanged for fruits and cakes, okay? Any kind is fine.¡±

    Tong¡¯er¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°Young miss!¡±

    Although she brought all her belongings, Tong¡¯er didn¡¯t really think that Jiang L? would spend all of her copper coins. The people in the nunnery would deduct their firewood at the slightest opportunity. Sometimes they would exchange the money with the children in the mountain for some quilts. Buying cakes that couldn¡¯t be stored for many days, it soon would be all spoiled. How was it feasible?

    ¡°Why?¡± Jiang L? still had a smile on her face as she said, ¡°The Chief Assistant¡¯s di daughter can¡¯t even spend a few copper coins to buy cakes? What kind of young miss is that? ¡°

    Tong¡¯er was at a loss for words.

 Chapter 6.1 - Monkey

    <strong>Chapter 6.1: Monkey</strong>

    Mr. Zhang stared nkly at Jiang L?.

    With these words, and that warm and gentle appearance, she truly looked like an unmarried daughter of a wealthy family. However, he couldn¡¯t help feeling this young miss was rather exaggerating.

    Although he had some doubts, Mr. Zhang was in a hurry to go to other ces. He had thought that Jiang L? was just joking and wouldn¡¯t really spend all her money on cakes. After all, both master and servant were living here, and anyone with a discerning eye could see that they definitely did not have a lot of money. Ordinary rich people would not think twice about taking out forty copper coins to buy cakes, yet for two children who couldn¡¯t even wear warm clothes, it wasn¡¯t very reasonable.

    ¡°If you buy so many pastries, before you can even finish eating them, they will be already spoilt¡± Mr. Zhang Lang couldn¡¯t help reminding her.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Jiang L? said. ¡°We can eat them all.¡±

    Words that needed to be said were already spoken, so Mr. Zhang no longer said anything. Those copper coins were other people¡¯s copper coins, and Jiang L? bought most of the cakes that he carried with him. He was happy that he could return home a bit earlier, so why should he be worried?

    On the other hand, Tong¡¯er, although puzzled by Jiang L?¡¯s words, had probably never disobeyed Jiang L?¡¯s orders and could only suppress the anxiety in her heart. On the way back, therge basket full of pastries asionally attracted looks from the gray-clothed nuns that passed them by. Tong¡¯er was afraid that they woulde over to snatch it and held it even tighter.

    Upon arriving at the damp room, Tong¡¯er ced the basket on the table and closed the door. Finally, she could not help but ask, ¡°Why did young miss buy so many...?¡±

    Jiang L? did not look at her. She pushed open the window, and outside the window could be seen the mountain range of Qingcheng Mountain, with its peaks rising and falling. The snow of winter had long since melted, and as far as the eyes could see, the peach blossoms that covered the mountains dyed the usually austere mountain with a pink glow, like a gentle and peerless beauty.

    ¡°Look,¡± she pointed towards the distance for Tong¡¯er to see.

    Tong¡¯er approached the window to have a look and saw a palm-sized monkey with a curled tail squatting on a peach tree in the distance, sping a fruit with both hands and happily nibbling on it.

    ¡°It¡¯s a monkey,¡± Tong¡¯er was puzzled, ¡°What¡¯s there to see with those monkeys?¡±

    There were many monkeys on Qingcheng mountain, and they were usually mischievous as well. The monkeys here got along quite well with people, especially those from the He Lin Temple. There was a constant stream of pilgrims, and they would asionally throw some peanuts and sweets when they saw the monkeys ying on the trees. With the shortage of food in winter, the monkeys frequently went to pick food from the hands of the pilgrims. During spring and summer, the monkeys did notck food, so they did not disturb the pilgrims and yed by themselves.

    On this side of the nunnery, however, because it was cold and unfrequented, there were very few monkeys ¡ª where there was no food, there was no pleasure that would attract them.

    ¡°You go and get some cakes.¡± Jiang L? said.

    Tong¡¯er went to get a few walnut cakes ording to Jiang L?¡¯s order.

    Jiang L? crumbled the cakes into a few small pieces and waved at the monkey on the far-away tree. Perhaps the cake from Mr. Zhang was really sweet, as the fragrance of the walnuts soon attracted the attention of the curled-tailed monkey. It quickly rushed to the window and vigntly stared at the walnut cake in Jiang L?¡¯s hand, eager to try but not daring to step forward.

    Jiang L? moved forward and held out her hand. The monkey finally couldn¡¯t resist the temptation of the walnut cake. It stretched out its paw, stole a piece of the cake, and ran behind a rock with its back facing Jiang L?, then ate the cake. As it finished eating, it turned its head to look at the window to see Jiang L? still standing in front of the window with a smile on her face, a few pieces of the crumbled cakes on her hand. Its nerve got bigger and it once again ran back to take another piece of cake from Jiang L?¡¯s hand.

 Chapter 6.2 - Monkey

    <strong>Chapter 6.2: Monkey</strong>

    Little by little, the monkey ate all the crumbles in Jiang L?¡¯s hands until they werepletely gone. Jiang L? pped her hands towards the daring, curled-tailed monkey, indicating that there was no more cake left. The monkey reluctantly looked at the palm of Jiang L?¡¯s hand for a while, then he left with his tail raised.

    Tong¡¯er, who witnessed everything from the beginning, asked, ¡°Young miss, did you want to feed the monkeys? Why did you use cakes to feed it? It would be better to use wild fruits picked from the mountains. This cakes are expensive, it¡¯s not worth it. ¡°

    Don¡¯t even mention the Chief Assistant¡¯s household¡¯s young miss¡¯s personal servant girl, even when Jiang L? was still Xue Fang Fei at Tongxiang, her personal servant girl would never have felt such pity over these few cakes. If other people were to see this, how much would they sigh. Jiang L? stretched her hand to rub Tong¡¯er¡¯s head and smiled, ¡°Butpared to wild fruits, monkeys prefer delicious food.¡±

    Tong¡¯er was about to say something when she saw Jiang L? turn around, walk to the table and sit down. There was only one stool in the room made from wood that Tong¡¯er had picked up from outside. The legs of the stool were unsteady. Jiang L? said, ¡°Tong¡¯er, from tomorrow onwards, you will feed these cakes to the monkeys.¡±

    Tong¡¯er¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Young miss, why? This servant doesn¡¯t understand.¡±

    They hadn¡¯t even eaten their fill yet, and she wanted to look after the monkeys? What kind of logic was this?

    ¡°I want these monkeys to do something for me,¡± Jiang L? smiled. ¡°Just treat these cakes as the exchange.¡±

    ¡°But ...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just a few cakes,¡± Jiang L? interrupted her. ¡°When we get back, I¡¯ll get the kitchen to make them for you every day, you needn¡¯t worry about these.¡±

    Tong¡¯er said nothing. When mentioning returning to the capital, Jiang L? was very likely even more upset than she was. She didn¡¯t dare say anything that would make Jiang L? feel heart-broken.

    ¡°These cakes,¡± Jiang L? said as she tapped on the basket of cakes. The fragrance of the pastries filled the entire room. The two master and servant could only eat thin porridge and pickled vegetables every day. Since earlier, the delicious fragrance had made their stomachs rumble with hunger. Jiang L? restrained the hunger in her stomach and said, ¡°Divide these cakes into 15 servings and feed one portion to these monkeys every day until the 19th. There will be no need to feed them anymore after the 19th.¡±

    Tong¡¯er didn¡¯t understand, but still agreed. ¡°This servant understands.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s an hour¡¯s walk away from here to He Lin Temple,¡± Jiang L? said. ¡°I am not allowed to leave the main entrance of the temple, so you go. Go out the door around 11 pm every day and, at midnight, feed the cakes to the monkeys in the forest behind the temple until the 19th. You no longer have to go on the evening of 19th.¡±

    It was unknown whether Head Nun Jing¡¯an had received orders from others, but Jiang L? could not step foot outside the nunnery. She had to stay in the nunnery every day, and her each and every move was watched. Tong¡¯er, on the other hand, was able to go anywhere she wanted as she still had to go to the mountain to chop firewood every day. Tong¡¯er had stayed on the mountain for six years and was very familiar with the road in Qingcheng mountain so she wouldn¡¯t get lost.

    Also, Qingcheng Mountain frequently received visitors from the upper-ssdies who came to burn incense. In order to ensure their safety, there were no bandits in the mountain, and it was extremely safe. Otherwise, Jiang L? would be anxious when Tong¡¯er went out at night.

    After listening to Jiang L?¡¯s instructions, Tong¡¯er suddenly asked, ¡°Young miss nning all this, is it to return to the capital?¡±

    Jiang L? looked at her and smiled, ¡°Are you afraid?¡±

    When Tong¡¯er heard that, not only was she not afraid, on the contrary, she looked eager to give it a try. The little girl was very daring, and for some reason, she was ready to do it too. She enthusiastically said, ¡°Not afraid! This servant has wanted to do this for a long time! ¡°

    ¡°Very good,¡± Jiang L? nodded, ¡°Let¡¯s start tonight.¡±

 Chapter 7.1 - Flower Demon

    <h4><strong>Chapter 7.1: Flower Demon</strong></h4>

    In the following days, Tong¡¯er went up the mountain every day. As the monkeys got familiar with her, she would start dancing and singing like a fool as the little furry beasts yelled while they circled her. She felt like she had a family again, giving them all kind of cute and funny names.

    When the Buddhist nuns in the nunnery noticed that Tong¡¯er had gone out more often than before, they secretly followed her but could not find anything abnormal. There was a time Tong¡¯er suddenly disappeared, which made all their hearts beat with anticipation as they prepated to uncover whatever petty scheme she was trying to pull out. However, when they turned around an specially old tree, which had a trunk so thick four people needed to spread their arms in order to cricle it, they unexpectedly bumped into her! However, that was a rather unpleasant experience, as they encountered her taking a dump. Moreover, it was rather smelly and watery, truly an ugly sight. It turned out she was forced to eat some forest berries due to hunger, but apparently they weren¡¯t edible which caused her to have explosive diarrhea. After that awful experience, the nuns stopped tailing her.

    Tong¡¯er had really put a lot of effort into giving the image of her going to chop wood, but was unexpectedly seen while she pooped!

    The Buddhist nuns were aware that Jiang L? had used 40 strings of copper coins to buy a basket full of cakes, so they always crazilyughed pointing her mistakes. As long as Jiang L? left her room, she could hear the ridicule from the Buddhist nuns, but it didn¡¯t matter as they weren¡¯t allowed either to eat buns. Whenever she heard them ridiculing her, instead of getting mad, she looked at them and smiled. But she didn¡¯t know, due to a crooked tooth, they got nightmares that made them cry. After several times, the Buddhist nuns felt bored and no longer said anything. But the truth was they gave up after wetting their bedding.

    Every night, Tong¡¯er would go out at the hour of the elephant and stealthilye back at the hour of the mouse<sup>1</sup>. But the elephant was scared of the mouse so it went crazy and broke the hourss that controlled time. The time was distorted and wormholes started appearing, as people fell from the sky. The universes were about to copse due to the parallel worlds merging and shing with each other, but then Shi Sheng appeared with her Marie Sue sword and shed the universes, solving the situation in a dashing way. And most importantly, smiling always at the right angle, so that the camera she had ced herself would always record her most beautiful side. She then jumped back to her ne so she could go brag to her hubby about how cool she was, which would probably end up with a steamy scene in the sofa, then to the kitchen, then to the bedroom, then to the bathtube... Not even a single room of the appartment would be spared!

    Meanwhile, Tong¡¯er¡¯s stomach was not aching anymore. She managed to avoid the Buddhist nuns without a hitch due to her cleverness and quick wit, but she actually was rather dumb and ended up falling in a pit. Whenever she went out, Jiang L? would wait for her toe back in the shabby room. But she would get bored and identally pricked her finger with a loom. Doing nothing but wait for an extended period would have been very boring, so she decided to sleep for a thousand years without snoring. Moreover, in this nunnery, there weren¡¯t any books and Jiang L? had no pen or paper. So she kept on sleeping, using her brain could be left forter. However, after she had awoken, she no longer sew shoe soles day and night. After all, her pricked finger caused her to cry with all her might. Simply sitting calmly, one did not know what she was thinking about. Who would have thought, she was simply drooling over an imaginary trout.

 Chapter 7.2 - Flower Demon

    <strong>Chapter 7.2: Flower Demon</strong>

    Tong¡¯er asked: ¡°Young miss wants to wear this?¡±

    Jiang L? nodded and said: ¡°Let¡¯s put this on right away.¡±

    By the time she had changed dressing and put on the Buddhist cloth properly, the sun had alreadypletely disappeared in the horizon. Nighttime at the top of Mount Qingcheng was imminent.

    Tong¡¯er asked: ¡°Where are we going?¡±

    ¡°Naturally, to get something to eat.¡± Jiang L? repliedughingly.

    Tong¡¯er was puzzled up until Jiang L? led her to the front of the nunnery¡¯s main hall. In the main hall, there were sacrificial offerings in front of Buddha. It was not very likely to see any worshippersing here within 10 days to half a month. Most of the worshippers would go to the close-by He Lin Temple. Jiang L? walked to the front of the ancient y figure of the Buddha. There was a saucer filled with fruits on top of the incense table. Jiang L? picked one up, handed it to Tong¡¯er and said, ¡°Eat it.¡±

    Tong¡¯er turned pale with fright. At that time, all the nuns in the nunnery were asleep and they would note here. Tong¡¯er said in a small voice: ¡°Young miss, this is the fruit for Buddha to eat!¡±

    ¡°En,¡± Jiang shrugged her shoulders, ¡°so?¡±

    ¡°Tomorrow, those Buddhist nuns would discover the missing offering early in the morning. Then what should we do?¡± Tong¡¯er paced back and forth while waving her arms. ¡°It is better if we go back, okay?¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Jiang L?forted her, ¡°Even if we are discovered, nothing will happen.¡±

    ¡°But this is Buddha¡¯s,¡± Tong¡¯er remained hesitant, ¡°Us eating the sacrificial offering is too disrespectful.¡±

    Hearing what she said, Jiang L?ughed. She said indifferently, ¡°This Buddha y figurine has a hard time protecting itself, and you still hope that it could save and protect you? It¡¯s just a mere y figure with the image of a person. So what if we don¡¯t respect it? We ourselves have to walk our own path. It is not good to lean on Buddha.¡±

    Tong¡¯er was dumbstruck while looking at Jiang L?. The previous Jiang second young miss would not say this kind of shocking things.

    Right then, a softughter suddenly sounded from overhead. Theughter was very soft, but at night, in the quiet and empty Buddhist main hall, it was especially clear.

    Tong¡¯er raised her head wanting to see, and she foolishly pointed her finger to a distant ce at once, while stammering: ¡°Flo-flower demon?¡±

    Since who knows when, a person was sitting at the roof of the Buddhist main hall. This person wore dark clothing from head to toe but his cloak had a deep red embroidered peony. It appeared particrly gorgeous and flirtatious.

    The pale moon and the scattered night mist illuminated the man¡¯s countenance on the roof. His long flying eyebrows nted up towards the temples, looking especially dashing,plimenting a pair of almond-shaped phoenix eyes with long, long eyshes. His nose bridge was straight and tall, and his thin lips were slightly hooked up, giving an impression of a smile. Yet, people felt as if it contained some ridicule. At the corner of his eye, a dark-red mole the size of a rice grain could be spotted. With the moonlight casted on his face, it gave the impression of someone who was not from this world, producing a lingering emotion.

    Fang Fei had exhausted her life on the fourth month when the peach blossoms at the top of Mount Qingcheng just started to bloom. They bloomed in the evening, and slowly, they bloomedyer byyer. In the middle of the fifth month, the beautiful and sentimental color of the peach blossoms also couldn¡¯t shadow this man¡¯s elegant and graceful bearing.

    Jiang L? was dressed in a gray Buddhist nun attire, her fine, ck hair flowing down her shoulder like a waterfall. She looked like a virgin flower that was just about to convert to Buddhism. As she raised her head towards the roof to look, her serene gaze coincidently interlocked with the man¡¯s gaze.

    One was quiet and exquisite, yet indifferently standing aloof from worldly affairs. The other gorgeous and flirtatious, attracting people to lose their soul. The distance of three thousand worlds collided. Half bright and beautiful like the spring days, half dark like the abyss. The bright and beautiful was just a facade while in actuality, the abyss was more of a tempting gift.

    The two people looked at each other from the distance, mutually making eye contact to assess each other.

    Without warning, a wild thought crossed Jiang L?¡¯s mind and made her astounded.

    Howe it was him?

 Chapter 8.1 - People Coming

    <strong>Chapter 8.1: People Coming</strong>

    This trantion belongs to Bloomingtrantion. Please read from there to support the tranting team. In any other site, you are supporting those who steal and use our hard work without permission.

    Nobody spoke for a while.

    A forest of peach blossoms below, the roof above. The man¡¯s gorgeous and beautiful appearance was enhanced by the beautiful scenery. His eyes locked on Jiang L?.

    His smiling expression had a hint of evil. However, it was unclear whether he was a friend or a foe.

    At this moment, Tong¡¯er, who had been stunned by his appearance, could not help but suspiciously ask, ¡°...... Flower demon?¡±

    This person looked as beautiful as a demon and his presence was too striking, which made one to be dazzled.

    Jiang L? had not yet spoken when unexpectedly, there were noisesing from outside. Jiang L? was startled, and she raised her eyes once more towards the roof. However, the beautiful young man was no longer there. What remained was just the slight swaying of the peach blossom branch, giving the impression of an endless spring dream.<sup><a style=¡±text-decoration: none;¡± id=¡±ref1¡å href=¡±#fn1¡å>1</a></sup>

    Tong¡¯er was equally surprised, she rubbed her eyes and said: ¡°This servant couldn¡¯t be dreaming, right?¡±

    Jiang L? replied: ¡°It wasn¡¯t a dream, but right now.....¡± She heard the sound of people chattering getting closer and closer and the corner of her mouth raised. She no longer thought about her initial suspicion and said: ¡°Let¡¯s go to the main hall to kneel.¡±

    These days, although Tong¡¯er had too many surprises and doubts, she still didn¡¯t ask too many questions. Without hesitation, she followed Jiang L? to kneel in front of the y Buddha statue, the te of fruits for the offering was also returned to the table. The two people had just knelt when they heard a burst of lively and excited chattering through from outside, along with someone knocking on the door of the nunnery.

    The knocking sound startled the Buddhist nuns inside the nunnery. A person opened the door and thenterns were also lit one by one. The voices from outside got louder and louder. Jiang L? and Tong¡¯er stayed calm and kept kneeling.

    Carrying a portablentern, a mama led the crowd into the main hall. As she entered the hall, she didn¡¯t expect to see two people kneeling inside. After all, it was already quitete. She turned around and said: ¡°Madam, there are still two nuns here.¡±

    The people behind the mama stepped out one by one. There were madams and young misses, as well as a few males, all of them dressed elegantly. The madam whom the mama spoke to had fair skin with a gentle and graceful temperament. She walked forward and was stunned when she caught sight of Jiang L?. She immediately shook her head and said, ¡°She is not a nun, she is still keeping her hair. The person next to her should be her servant girl.¡±

    Jiang L? looked surprised at the iing crowd. The long, ck hair framing her small face made a sharp contrast, causing herplexion to appear paler. Her body wearing the grey Buddhist attire looked thin and weak. However, she exuded a gentle and peaceful aura. Although she seemed weak, yet sitting at the foot of the Buddha, she appeared clear and exquisite. When one looked at her, she looked extremely pure and tender, giving people a very good impression.

    Perhaps pitying her young age, those madams spoke to her in a soft and pampering voice, ¡°Young miss, it¡¯s alreadyte, why are you still here?¡±

    Jiang L? replied, ¡°I made a mistake and the Head Nun ordered me to kneel here and meditate.¡±

    The crowd of people were extremely astonished. Someone angrily said, ¡°It¡¯s already sote! What mistake wasmitted to make a young miss kneel here at these hours. What if the body is hurt? Don¡¯t they teach the heart to be merciful? Why use this vicious way?¡±

    Tong¡¯er turned her eyeball and cleverly seizing the momentum, she promptly changed her expression. She said sorrowfully: ¡°It¡¯s this servant¡¯s fault. Yesterday, this servant was not careful when carrying young miss¡¯s vegetarian dish and dropped it. Then Head Nun Jing An ordered young miss and this servant to kneel in the main hall.¡± While wiping her tears she continued, ¡°this servant does not mind, but our young miss, our young miss hasn¡¯t eaten for a day!¡±

    When these words came out, the group of people immediately felt indignant. They came to the temple to worship Buddha, naturally all the people¡¯s heart here was benevolent. To see a young miss being bullied, it was inevitable that they became angry.

    Another person said, ¡°No wonder, no wonder there is such a scandal outside. It precisely is because of the malicious heart of that bewitching nun.¡±

    ¡°Correct.¡±

    Jiang L? looked around, not seeing any of the Buddhist nuns, she wondered, ¡°Excuse me. Where are the temple nuns?¡±

    Finished speaking, the group of people all exposed different expressions, seemingly embarrassed.

 Chapter 8.2 - People Coming

    <strong>Chapter 8.2: People Coming</strong>

    The gentle madam who had spoken first to Jiang L? asked, ¡°This miss doesn¡¯t appear to be a person from the nunnery.¡±

    ¡°My family¡¯s young miss is Yanjing¡¯s Jiang family¡¯s second young miss,¡± Tong¡¯er replied in a clear and loud voice.

    ¡°Jiang family?¡± upon hearing what Tong¡¯er said, several young misses from the other side looked towards them and asked, ¡°Is it Chief Assistant, Lord Jiang Yuanbai¡¯s Jiang family?¡±

    ¡°Precisely!¡± Tong¡¯er gave an affirmative answer.

    ¡°How is it possible?¡± Those youngdies saw that Jiang L?¡¯s age wasn¡¯t that big and said hesitantly: ¡°We only know that Jiang family has a third young miss, Jiang You Yao, yet we had no idea that there is still a second young miss.¡±

    ¡°Jiang¡¯s second young miss¡± when these words came out, the youngdies didn¡¯t have any reaction. Nevertheless, each of the madams remembered, eight years ago, Jiang¡¯s second young miss pushed Lord Jiang¡¯s second wife causing her to miscarry. This matter, the entire Yanjing knew about. However, it had been too long. They had also heard that after the incident, the second Jiang miss was sent to the temple to learn the rules. All these years and she had never returned to the capital. Never meeting her, naturally they couldn¡¯t remember.

    They never expected that they would meet her here.

    Yet the Jiang second miss before their eyes, Jiang L?, did not appear like what the rumours said: a malicious person who plotted to kill her second mother. Kneeling in the Buddha¡¯s main hall, with her docile and weak appearance, to possibly harm her second mother, when the words were out, nobody would believe it!

    People were always more willing to believe the things they see with their own eyes.

    Jiang L? observed the first madam who had talked to her. She hesitated before asking: ¡°Madam..... Are you Madam Liu from the Chengde Official, Master Liu¡¯s household?¡±

    The madam looked at her distractedly and asked: ¡°Youngdy remembers me?¡±

    Jiang L? lowered her head, seemingly embarrassed and with a faint smile she replied: ¡°A few years ago, madam once came to the residence during the Peony Festival and gifted a peony nt. This young girl still remembers.¡±

    This belongs to BloomingTrantion, please read from out blog. Any other ce you might be reading this has STOLEN our trantions. Please support us by reading from our site. Just have too google it, it¡¯s not difficult.

    After hearing what was said, Madam Liu pondered for a bit before saying: ¡°Correct.¡± Her gaze when looking at Jiang L? turned a bit softer, ¡°It¡¯s rare for you to still remember.¡±

    Chengde Official, Liu Yuan Feng¡¯s madam, Madam Liu, was once on good terms with Jiang L?¡¯s biological mother, Ye Zhen Zhen. When Ye Zhen Zhen just married and arrived in Yanjing City, she had a lot of contact with this person, Madam Liu. Afterwards, when Ye Zhen Zhen passed away and left Jiang L? behind, owing to the close rtionship of the two before, Madam Liu still frequently visited Jiang L?.

    But when Ji Shuran entered the doors of the Jiang household, it was no longer convenient for Madam Liu toe and visit Jiang L?. Gradually, their rtionship waned. The Peony Festival that Jiang L? mentioned before ought to be the very first time Madam Liu met Jiang L?. Now that Jiang L? mentioned it, before Madam Liu¡¯s eyes appeared at once the untimely death of her close friend Ye Zhen Zhen.

    Madam Liu carefully sized up Jiang L? who was standing in front of her. Didn¡¯t know whether inside her heart she felt guilty towards her good friend, but when Madam Liu looked at the girl in front of her, she increasingly felt close and familiar. She said: ¡°So this is where Lord Jiang sent you to?¡±

    Jiang L? slightly nodded her head.

    ¡°You are Yanjing¡¯s Jiang family¡¯s youngdy from the first wife, Lord Jiang¡¯s own daughter. How could you be living in this kind of ce? The early summer is damp, how could you kneel for a whole night, what would happen if you fall ill? Someone is clearly making it hard on you on purpose. Jiang second miss, why don¡¯t you follow me and go back to Yanjing together.¡± Said Madam Liu suddenly.

    Tong¡¯er heard this as she was kneeling and her eyes brightened. The words spoken by Madam Liu had the exact meaning of giving Jiang L? a way out of her predicament. Jiang L? had been thrown to Mount Qingcheng for so many years and was tossed to the back of everyone¡¯s head as she held no interest to anyone. In any case, at present Madam Liu was still an official¡¯s Madam and with her issuing this word, there would be no problem. Wait until they return to Yanjing, look at how many gentlemen anddies around would say a few sentences. No one could say that it would not pass to Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s ears. Jiang Yuan Bai naturally would right away remember this daughter that was thrown away in the nunnery.

    However, Madam Liu was already done speaking yet she had not heard any reply from the girl in front of her. Jiang L? lifted her head and looked at her in astonishment, happiness seemed to flit by her expression. Yet it immediately turned into hesitation, followed by a resolute shake of her head as she replied: ¡°Many thanks for Madam¡¯s good intentions. However, I¡¯m afraid it won¡¯t do.¡±

 Chapter 9.1 - Love Affair

    <strong>Chapter 9.1: Love Affair</strong>

    The crowd of madams and masters standing behind Madam Liu had been startled by Madam Liu¡¯s earlier baffling words. This Jiang second miss was the poisonous di daughter of the first wife. Even though she looked pitiful, if they were to openly help her, they would be standing opposite Ji Shu Ran. These days, the Vice Imperial Censor Ji was a trusted man of the Emperor Hong Xiao. Also, the family matters of the Chief Assistant were not something that anyone could manage. Therefore, everyone was just nning to watch without lifting a finger.

    Who would have imagined that Jiang second young miss merely greeted Madam Liu with a few words and afterwards Madam Liu immediately proposed for her to return to Yanjing together? To everyone¡¯s surprise, Madam Liu didn¡¯t hesitate to offend the Ji family to give face to this unfamiliar youngdy.

    What made everyone even more surprised was, this Jiang second miss still declined.

    Everyone was astonished upon hearing Jiang L?¡¯s answer. In her heart, Tong¡¯er was also anxious. Madam Liu faced her to enquire: ¡°Jiang second young miss, what is the reason?¡±

    Jing Li replied with a smile: ¡°Father sent me to the family temple to let me grow and cultivate moral character. Although it was hard, but I am able to pray for the family¡¯s peace and health. If I give up halfway, it would be a sphemy to the Bodhisattva. Moreover, father has not yet allowed me to go back. How could I just act on my own initiative?¡±

    In her reasoning, she didn¡¯t bring out the matter of being punished for harming her di mother at all. She only mentioned her being sent here to cultivate her moral character and to ask for good fortune for her whole family. This made the people who heard her feel that this Jiang second young miss avoided the major charges while admitting to the more trivial matters. However, in Madam Liu¡¯s ears, there seemed to be another meaning.

    Please read this at BloomingTrantion blog. Any other site has stolen our trantions and reposted them without permission. It¡¯s as easy as googling it. Please show us support by reading from our site!

    Madam Liu and Ye Zhen Zhen had been good friends for a few years. She knew Ye Zhen Zhen as simple, honest and benevolent. Naturally, she did not believe that Ye Zhen Zhen¡¯s daughter was that malicious. However, at the time when Jiang L? had the ident, Madam Liu and the Jiang family had not been in contact for a few years already. Also, the ident where Ji Shu Ran was pushed over and miscarried happened in the presence of many madams. The evidence was conclusive. Although Madam Liu did not believe, there was no other way toe out of it.

    Now, seeing how her former acquaintance¡¯s daughter was being bullied here, and also seeing how she was warm, soft, simple and benevolent, suspicions grew in Madam Liu¡¯s heart. Jiang L? not mentioning the matter of her mistake, perhaps it was because originally, she didn¡¯t make any mistakes. Harming the di mother was just an excuse. It was deliberately made up so that people would believe it as she sent this daughter out to be tormented.

    Listening to Jiang L?¡¯s final words, everything was to listen and obey Jiang Yuan Bai. However, one was afraid Jiang Yuan Bai had never thought of this daughter!

    A fire rose inside Madam Liu¡¯s heart, but she saw Jiang L? raising her head to see her and somewhat hesitatingly said: ¡°Talking about it, don¡¯t know why Madame here at this time? Furthermore, these.......¡± She saw the crowd behind Madam Liu and asked: ¡°Could it be that you came here to light incense? Normally, there are not many people whoe here to light incense, they usually go to He Lin Temple that is on the other side. Also, it¡¯s already veryte now, madams and gentlemen, you couldn¡¯t be here to light incense, right?¡±

    When these words came out, everyone present had different expressions on their faces. Suddenly Madam Liu thought of something, looking thoughtful for a moment then she abruptly asked Jiang L?: ¡°This family temple is not a very good family temple. Since your father sent you here, he should have looked for a decent family temple. Never mind, since you are not willing to leave with me, tomorrow I will set my trip to go back to Yanjing. But I think, your father should quickly pick and bring you back home.¡±

    The meaning in her words was quite obvious.

    Jiang L? looked as if she understood but at the same time didn¡¯t. She merely smiled and replied: ¡°Then I have to thank madam.¡±

    Madam Liu spoke once again: ¡°Actually, you don¡¯t have to be this devout. In the middle of the night kneeling in the hall, justice is at people¡¯s heart. If the heart has sincerity, Buddha naturally will know. Yu Xiang,¡± she called the servant girl by her side, ¡°stay here these few days and take good care of Jiang second young miss. There is only one servant girl by Jiang second young miss¡¯s side, I fear it is not enough to look after her.¡± Then she turned her attention to Jiang L? and continued, ¡°Jiang second young miss doesn¡¯t have to refuse. Your mother and I were good friends. Yu Xiang, this girl, is my personal servant girl. She knows a bit of martial arts. With her by your side, I will be a bit more assured. Wait until you return to Yanjing and then you can let Yu Xiang go back to my side.¡±

    To go as far as to lend her close servant girl to Jiang L?, it was clear that Madam Liu regarded Jiang L? as important. It could be said that perhaps not too long in the future, Jiang L? would be able to quickly return to the Jiang family in Yanjing and y her role as the Jiang family¡¯s young miss.

    Names:

 Chapter 9.2 - Love Affair

    <strong>Chapter 9.2: Love Affair</strong>

    Jiang L? thanked Madam Liu and afterwards, Madam Liu took all the madams and youngdies to rest in the nunnery. Immediately afterwards, Yu Xiang followed Jiang L?. Jiang L? and Tong¡¯er changed their usual room to a nun¡¯s cozy room. In the temple, not even one nun was seen at all.

    Taking advantage of the time when Yu Xiang went out to bring water, Tong¡¯er asked Jiang L? in a low voice: ¡°Youngdy, what¡¯s going on ah? Where are all the Buddhist nuns? Why are there so many peopleing here?¡±

    Tong¡¯er had probably guessed that Jiang L? had something to do with this matter. But she didn¡¯t know, in the end, what exactly Jiang L? had done. These days, Jiang L? only told her to feed the monkeys. But merely feeding monkeys wouldn¡¯t cause any events ah!

    ¡°Didn¡¯t I ask you to feed the monkeys?¡± Jiang L? mildly said: ¡°Master Tong Ming who is in charge of He Lin Temple has an adult disciple called Liao Wu. This disciple has an affair with Head Nun Jing An from our Buddhist nunnery. Every month on the neenth, they will have their tryst at the back of He Lin Temple. These monkeys in the mountain were fed pastries in the past half month. Every night they would wait in the same ce where you had fed them. Tonight is the neenth and as usual the monkeys waited for you to send food. Seeing Jing An and Liao Wu, they thought they were the ones who were bringing food and advanced to get their food. These two people originally had guilty conscience and were very likely to be startled by the sound of the movements, which in turn disturbed thedies and gentlemen there. Thedies and madams who came are wealthy and respectable people. How could they tolerate filthy matters on the clean Buddhist ground? They most certainly must demand exnations and the rules to be held. So the Buddhist nuns must have already been all arrested.

    Tong¡¯er understood clearly after hearing Jiang L?¡¯s exnation and mumbled: ¡°How is it possible.......¡± She nervously stood up and sat down again a few times, ¡°Such a hidden matter, how did young miss find out?¡±

    ¡°I heard it.¡± Jiang L? picked up the cup of tea on the table and took a sip. ¡°Two little nuns were gossiping and I overheard.¡±

    Tong¡¯er could still not cope with all this situation: ¡°It¡¯s too awful.¡±

    Jiang L? smiled, naturally she knew. At that time when she was still Xue Fang Fei, Princess Yong Ning would get somebody to give her Chinese medicine every day, hoping that she would slowly wither and die. She was kept in house arrest and could not go out. Those female servants spoke without paying any attention to her, treating her as an already dead person. So she found out, actually the ce where Princess Yong Ning and Shen Yurong had their trysts was precisely at a temple not too far from Yanjing.

    Those female servants also revealed another secret. Liao Wu from He Lin Temple was actually an amorous monk and the females that he had defiled were a lot. Even the nuns at the neighboring nunnery were not spared from his grasp. Princess Yong Ning got inspired exactly from this Liao Wu. So she held her rendezvous with Shen Yurong at a temple in a simr fashion.

    When she woke up and became Jiang second miss, and then learnt that not too far from there was the back of He Lin Temple, the first thing she recalled was this piece of secret. Especially after she met Head Nun Jing An, Jiang L? was even more convinced that Head Nun Jing An definitely had a lover. A young female nun with such good looks, if she didn¡¯t have a man in her heart, why would she use hair ointment, why would she put an attractive fragrance on herself?

    In the end, it was to maintain herself pretty.

    Aplete n emerged in Jiang L?¡¯s mind. Naturally, this n might not seed. Perhaps, what those female servants gossiped about was untrue. Perhaps, Head Nun Jing An¡¯s boyfriend was not Liao Wu. There was also the possibility that during their tryst, they didn¡¯t let any sound out. Any of these things would be a critical factor in causing her n to fail.

    Until the time came, Jiang L? could only look for another way.

    However, her luck couldn¡¯t be that bad. As many coincidences equaled as much sess.

    Tong¡¯er put her palms together in prayer: ¡°Thankfully young miss heard their gossip. Thankfully young miss thought of this method. By the way, what if young miss didn¡¯t meet that Madam Liu? Maybe all of these lucky coincidences came to us because of seeing the flower demon tonight....... No, the appearance of the spirit of the flower deity let those evil creatures receive their retribution!¡±

    Flower deity? In front of Jiang L?¡¯s eyes, immediately appeared the appearance of the frivolous man perched on the roof beams.

    ¡°He was not a deity.¡± Jiang L?ughed.

    ¡°He was Duke Su.¡±

 Chapter 10.1 - Beauty

    <strong>Chapter 10.1: Beauty</strong>

    ¡°The Grand Servant¡¯s1 Vice Minister2, Yang Hua Ting¡¯s ount books were confiscated. For several nights, Prince Cheng 2.5 has summoned his subordinates one after another into his residence. The emperor was looking for you3 everywhere.¡±

    ¡°En4.¡±

    ¡°Just now, the lord.....¡± the sword-fitted tall imperial guard had just spoken halfway when the youngster by his side let out a ¡°shush¡± sound, interrupting his sentence.

    The mountain top was extremely quiet, yet the lights in the remote temple were still bright. This night was bound to be a sleepless night. A person wearing beautifully embroidered clothes walked in the night. Neither hurried nor slowly, he said, ¡°Wen Ji, don¡¯t talk when you are watching a y.¡±

    The imperial guard called Wen Ji no longer spoke.

    ¡°He likes watching ys.¡±

    Inside the room, Jiang L? was facing Tong¡¯er as she exined.

    ¡°Youngdy, you said that he is... he is that Duke Su?¡± asked Tong¡¯er.

    Jiang L? nodded: ¡°Correct.¡±

    A rare talent that appeared in Yan Chao only once a century. Nowadays, Duke Su was actually the youngest duke. To say, he was currently no more than 24 years old.

    Ji Ming Han, the father of the current Duke Su, Ji Heng, was General Jin Wu5, who followed the previous emperor to open up new territory. Due to his heroic contribution, the previous emperor appreciated his loyalty, so he bestowed him with the title of Duke Su.

    General Jin Wu was an extraordinary hero with unfailing favor from the emperor. He was the dream boy of all the females in Yan Chao. However, this great general, Ji Ming Han, against all reason, took a criminal, Yu Hong Ye, as his wife.

    At that time, Yu Hong Ye¡¯s father was involved in a corruption case. When it was discovered, everyone, including his wives and children were implicated. Yu Hong Ye was the shu6 daughter in the Yu family and she was reduced to enter the brothel. The young Ji Ming Han together with his colleagues was having a dinner party when he met Yu Hong Ye and fell in love at first sight.

    Yu Hong Ye was an outstanding beauty. She was also quick witted and astute. In fact, even though she was a criminal, the young masters in the capital of Yanjing were still scrambling to win her favor. Later, Ji Ming Han redeemed Yu Hong Ye and brought her in through the front door7.

    If Ji Ming Han was only born out of ordinary household, at most he would be pointed at. A pity, Ji Ming Han was General Jin Wu, which was also Duke Su. The Ji family n used a hundred and one ways to obstruct him from bringing Yu Hong Ye home as his wife. However, Ji Ming Han continued to handle things in his own way, and nobody was allowed to interfere.

    After Yu Hong Ye and Ji Ming Han were married for a year, Yu Hong Ye gave birth to Ji Heng. When Ji Heng was a year old, Dong Xia tried to invade and Ji Ming Han epted the order to go into battle. As he was returning home victorious, he received news that Yu Hong Ye had died from an illness.

    Nobody knew what had actually happened. But the lower-ranked people inside and out the Ji family were all reced. The few close-fitting servant girls that were beside Yu Hong Ye also never appeared from then on. Ji Ming Han broke rtions with the n and since then, the Duke Su family did not have any other madam.

    Ji Ming Han disappeared soon after he handled everything, leaving behind the young Ji Heng to be raised by his father, the Old General Ji. Afterwards, the previous emperor passed away and Emperor Hong Xiao ascended the throne. In his early youth, Ji Heng inherited the dukedom. He was the youngest duke at the age of fourteen.

    Ji Heng¡¯s father¡¯s life was quite legendary. But Ji Heng was the opposite.

    Letting themon people of Yan Chao discuss him enthusiastically. First of all, there was no one who could contend Ji Heng¡¯s appearance.

    As it was said, Ji Heng¡¯s mother, Yu Hong Ye, was a famous beauty under the heaven. For the people, each smile and each frown was like a painting. Compared to paintings, it was even more moving. The words ¡°beautiful woman¡± fitted her as if they were said just for her. Ji Heng¡¯s appearance mostly inherited his mother¡¯s good looks. He was able to make people turn stupid upon seeing him. Moreover, his temperament inherited his father¡¯s indifference. To be called General Jin Wu, this person, he naturally had a firm determination.

    Ji Heng, this person, was extremely gorgeous yet also extremely cold. It couldn¡¯t be said that he alienated people, rather, his heart was too cruel and he was also moody. Perhaps, one second he was speaking to you softly, and in the next second, without blinking an eye, he could have you beheaded. Themon people in Yanjing named him ¡°Jade-faced Asura8¡±. Yet no matter how gloomy his temper was, there were still waves after waves of youngdies trying to get hold of him.

    Footnotes:

    1: Ì«ÆÍ/Ì«ƒW (t¨¤ip¨²): officially tranted as Grand Servant, Imperial Stud, or Minister Coachman. In the political system of the Qin (ÇØ)and Han (h) dynasties, the central government was run by ministries, led by the high-ranking officials titled as Nine Ministers (¾ÅÇä, ji¨³ q¨©ng) (the organization changed a bit between the 2 dynasties but both use the same name). The Grand Servant was in charge of the Emperor¡¯s chariots, carriages and horses, as well as the equine-rted affairs for ceremonies and also regarding the government pastures. Source: Wikipedia.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    2: ÉÙÇä (shaoqing ): each of the nine ministers had a vice minister to help them, they were their right-hand man. Source: .:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    2.5: ³ÉÍõ (Cheng Wang), Wang is a title for prince/king, usually given to the children of the Emperor or someone very appeciated by the liege or someone with merits(e.g. brother, uncle...). There are several ranks (Junwang, Qinwang,...), some are hereditary some aren¡¯t, it¡¯s not specified which type of Wang it is. Cheng is the title (each Wang has a different title, usually a positive quality). The action of an official affected him, so we can assume that he is a superior of those officials .:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    3: Äú (n¨ªn), ¡®you¡¯ in a corteous way, using formal speech. Used by the servant to adress the Master. I won¡¯t bementing anymore in the formality degree unless it¡¯s necessary, but since in English this nuance is lost, it would be nice if you could remember that servants use formal/respectfulnguage towards their masters, the same with people in a lower position to their superiors. :leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    4: àÅ (¨¥n). This is an affirmation sound, something like a grunt... also frequently used by ML in a low, deep, maic voice that makes FL¡¯s (and this editor¡¯s) legs go soft....:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    5: ½ðÎá (jin wu). This is his title as general, Jin is gold, Wu is I/myold, so if we put a bit of imagination it might be sth like ¡®the general that brings methe Emperor wealth¡¯ (by winning all battles and conquering othernds).:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    6: Êü (shu), reminding everyone, a shu daughter is concubine-born, holds much less importance than the official or di children, and is not entered in the family genealogy.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    7: To marry her as the rightful wife and bring her through the front door: In ancient China, unless it¡¯s the rightful (official) wife, the female wouldn¡¯t be married through the (front/main) door. For example, taking a concubine, the sedan would be brought into the residence through a side door/back door instead. To illustrate, there is usually a big double door gate in the middle and two smaller doors on the right and left or at the side of thepound. The big door normally won¡¯t be opened, unless there is a major event or someone important ising. .:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 10.2 - Beauty

    <b>Chapter 10.2: Beauty</b>

    Anyhow, he himself was very ostentatious. ording to the rumors, no need to mention the cab ministers, even the princes were a bit restrained when meeting him. Ji Heng¡¯s mind was deep, if you offended him, one would cause a lot of trouble to oneself. He enjoyed wearing beautiful clothes with contrasting rich colors. He was also fond of the beautiful and loathed the disgraceful. All the young manservants up and down the residence were elegant and beautiful.

    Ji Heng had two hobbies. The first was to collect flowers and the second was to watch ys. In his residence, various kinds of the world¡¯s most unusual flowers were gathered. He was also fond of recruiting opera troupes. If they were good to hear, he would reward them with a thousand taels. However, if they were not pleasant to listen to, he would immediately call people to throw the troupe a thousand miles away from Yanjing. Towards him, the performers in the capital city of Yanjing both loved and hated.

    Someone had said, Ji Heng loved watching ys because he loved raising male opera singers. In the capital city of Yanjing, many of the sons of wealthy and famous families also had this kind of shameful hobby. However, after this was said, there was a well-known star performer from Jixiang opera group, Liu Sheng, whose four limbs were snapped off and thrown outside the door of his residence. One heard that he failed to climb the bed and was thrown out. But this rumor was baseless.

    In short, Duke Su, Ji Heng, was simply a person who was bossy and domineering, gloomy, terribly moody and a beauty who did not have any tender, protective feelings for females.

    But a poisonous beauty was still a beauty.

    Tong¡¯er had also heard of Duke Su¡¯s famous name before. Eight years ago, when they arrived at this nunnery, Jiang L? was only seven years old. At that time, Duke Su was already 16 years old. Which person in Yanjing didn¡¯t know him? However, she didn¡¯t expect to meet him here

    ¡°How was youngdy able to recognize Duke Su?¡± asked Tong¡¯er, ¡°Before, youngdy had never met Duke Su.¡±

    Jiang L?ughed faintly.

    How could she not know Duke Su? During the time when she was still Xue Fang Fei, she married Shen Yurong and moved to Yanjing. Gradually, the title of the first beauty in Yanjing fell on her. Duke Su, who liked beauty and loathed ugliness, had also heard of Xue Fang Fei¡¯s reputation.

    And how did Duke Su evaluate Xue Fang Fei? Reportedly, Duke Su saw Xue Fang Fei in a public main street while she was visiting the jewelry shop together with Shen Yurong¡¯s younger sister. After a nce, he mockingly said: ¡°A beautiful woman yetpletelycking in spirit.¡±

    These words were passed on and she became theughingstock in the capital of Yanjing for a good while. In particr, among those youngdies from the aristocratic families. Abruptly encountering such a stunning beauty like Xue Fang Fei, naturally the aristocraticdies were not reconciled. Ji Heng¡¯s words could be considered as them venting their anger. Still, there were still men who stood up against the words said to Xue Fang Fei, yet nobody dared to publicly offend Ji Heng.

    Xue Fang Fei didn¡¯t feel anything was wrong. However, due to this, Shen Yurong was annoyed and depressed and Xue Fang Fei had actually be the one who had tofort him instead. On the other hand, Shen Yurong¡¯s younger sister and mother felt that Xue Fang Fei had made the Shen family¡¯s name into a joke. For this reason, they forbid her from going out of the house for three months.

    Recalling it now, she still wasn¡¯t angry at Duke Su¡¯s words. She even felt that Ji Heng¡¯s words were indeed correct. At that time, after marrying Shen Yurong, in order to win the favor of Shen mother and sister-inw, she curbed her nature and passed the days with her movements strictly restrained. Learning to be a good wife and a loving mother, and no longer was the gay and quick-witted youngdy.

    Loving someone to the point of sacrificing oneself, turning into another person. In the end, she was just like dust, without any spirit.

    Jiang L? said: ¡°In Yanchao, only Duke Su¡¯s image would fit. Not to mention, there was a red mole in the corner of his eyes.¡±

    Tong¡¯er didn¡¯t doubt her, merely was puzzled over it and asked: ¡°Why did Duke Sue here? Did he alsoe to burn incense?¡±

    Of course not.

    ¡°Perhaps, he came to collect flowers.¡± Jiang L? thought a bit and couldn¡¯t stop herself fromughing, ¡°yet he unexpectedly got to see a good y. The two biggest pleasures in a person¡¯s life were satisfied in a day. His mood must be very good tonight.¡±

    Without a doubt, she also felt the same way.

    Surprise!! Heheh a surprise release no one was expecting right? Tell me, do you love me or do you love me? Too bad that my bday is always in exam week, won¡¯t be able to properly celebrate it this weekend and instead holed up in my room or the library studying.... but well in the past when it was not possible to celebrate in November I would do so in December, and if not possible then in January... so fear not, I am sure to someday go grab my friends and eat a delicious cake!

 Chapter 11 - Certainly Return

    <b>Chapter 11: Certainly Return</b>

    Dun Dun it¡¯s was my birthday the other day! But Nove erased my message in thest chapter so no I¡¯m angry duh. The message went like this, I hope everyone reading in sites they shouldn¡¯t will pay a bit of attention to the birthday girl: ¡°I made a wish ^^ Wanna know? I wished that no one would read our trantions in aggregators anymore and woulde to our blog instead! Won¡¯t you please help me aplish this wish? It¡¯s pretty simple for you, just need to look us up in NovelUpdates or google ^^ See you there, I¡¯m waiting for you ¡± See? pretty simple for a Bday wish

    Tong¡¯er nodded her head at the end of Jiang L?¡¯s exnation. Once again, she thought of something and asked: ¡°That Madam Liu was truly a good person.¡± Then she beamed while looking at Jiang L?, ¡°actually, after these so many years, this servant no longer remembered her. I didn¡¯t expect youngdy to still remember the appearance of this Madam Liu. There were so many madams just now, yet only this Madam Liu was willing to speak up.¡±

    Jiang L? smiled. When she was Xue Fang Fei and moved to Yanjing, she often gossiped with a few madams and youngdies. And what other people didn¡¯t know was that she had an excellent memory since young. The Chengde official residence¡¯s Madam Liu and the former Xiangyang family¡¯s Ye Zhen Zhen¡¯s close rtion was also mentioned by these people.

    Moreover, with her brief contact with Madam Liu, she perceived Madam Liu as someone benevolent who valued human¡¯s heart. She also had a tendency to be somewhat chivalrous. Today she had made use of being Madam Liu¡¯s former acquaintance¡¯s daughter to first gain sympathy, hinting that there was something strange behind her being sent to the nunnery. Having emotion and logic, there was absolutely no way Madam Liu would just watch with folded arms.

    ¡°However, youngdy,¡± Tong¡¯er opened her mouth with hesitation, ¡°even if Madam Liu returned to the capital and mentioned you to Master, would Master immediately arrange for someone to bring you back? If not, why don¡¯t we just follow Madam Liu to go back together tomorrow morning.¡±

    Usually Tong¡¯er spoke with certainty, believing that Jiang Yuan Bai would one day be sure to ask Jiang L? to return home. However, after all these years, Jiang Yuan Bai had not shown any interest in this daughter of his. All the people could see it with their eyes. Tong¡¯er couldn¡¯t convince herself whether that day would really arrive.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, father will definitely arrange for someone to pick us up.¡± Jiang L? replied.

    Three years ago, the Chengde official resisted the instruction of the Vice Imperial Censor. It was because him and the student rmended by Ji Shuran¡¯s father, Ji Yan Lin, held hostility for each other. Before being the Chengde official, he was supposedly able tond the rank, yet the student tried to fight over the lucrative job of being the Chengde official based on his connection with Ji Yan Lin.

    To take away someone¡¯s credit and block his official career, between Lord Liu and Ji Yan Lin, the situation could not be regarded as calm and quiet. As long as Madam Liu returned to Yanjing and mentioned this matter to the Chengde official, this smart person naturally wouldn¡¯t let go of the opportunity for Ji Yan Lin to eat this loss.

    This matter was originally the Ji family¡¯s mistake. Moreover, with Ji Shuran¡¯s image of being a kind and charitable, the Chief Assistant¡¯s wife who had a tolerant and broad mind, she would even pay more attention to her reputation as a good person. It wouldn¡¯t be possible to leave a handle of being unkind to one¡¯s own daughter on her body.

    ¡°I don¡¯t just want to return, but I still want to return grandly.¡± Jiang L? reached her hand out to tap on the desk. ¡°If we go back together with Madam Liu, it would be just like following the ride. It wouldn¡¯t cause any wind and waves in Yanjing. It¡¯s different if someone is dispatched to wee us. The whole Yanjing will be aware of it. ¡°Jiang second miss is going to return to the capital,¡± the circle of nobility will know this news. This way, it can be regarded as grandly returning officially.¡±

    Tong¡¯er blinked. Didn¡¯t know why, these days, she sometimes felt that the second miss became extremely unfamiliar. The previous Jiang second young miss was impulsive, stubborn, rude, impetuous and weak. Compared to the current Jiang second miss, although being extremely gentle and soft, and extremely calm, she also was extremely difficult to deal with.

    ¡°Just wait.¡± Jiang L? bent her eyes, ¡°it will be soon.¡±

    .............................................................................................

    On the second day at dawn, Madam Liu set out on the journey back to Yanjing.

    Those madams and youngdies also returned together with her. Their appearance showing their hurry to depart was just like avoiding something taboo. Thinking back, that was the case. With a scandal erupting from a supposedly clean ce of Buddhism, the womenfolk naturally couldn¡¯t wait to flee.

    Not clear about the situation at He Lin Temple, the Buddhist nunnery where Jiang L? was, but all the Buddhist nuns were cleanly moved away. Not even one was left behind. It was said that the government office nearby was notified and on the same night, the Buddhist nuns here were all taken away to be locked up and interrogated.

    Before Madam Liu left, she left a few servant boys and bodyguards to guard the safety of Jiang L? who stayed behind. Madam Liu¡¯s close-fitting servant girl, Yu Xiang, was also left by Jiang L?¡¯s side.

    As the carriage was about to set out, Madam Liu lifted the curtain of the carriage. She worriedly looked at Jiang L? and said: ¡°Jiang second miss really wants to remain here? I kept pondering about it and still felt that it is not proper. It¡¯s still better to follow us and return together to the capital.¡±

    Jiang L? gently yet firmly rejected her. While smiling she replied: ¡°Thanks madam for your good intention. But since I have promised father, I have to keep my word.¡±

    Mentioning Jiang Yuan Bai, Madam Liu recalled the untimely death of her close friend Ye Zhen Zhen and her face sank a little. Snapping out of her thought, she looked at Jiang L? and sighed. Then she spoke: ¡°OK, since you are so determined, I won¡¯t persuade you anymore. Don¡¯t worry, I will definitely convince your father to dispatch someone to pick you up as quickly as possible.¡± Then she turned to Yu Xiang and instructed: ¡°Yu Xiang, take good care of Jiang second miss.¡±

    Yu Xiang nodded in response.

    The carriages rolled away, leaving the smoke and dust behind, then gradually disappeared from sight. Tong¡¯er gazed towards the faraway carriages, her eyes appeared somewhat listless. With this departure, one didn¡¯t know when there would be peopleing over again...

    Tong¡¯er couldn¡¯t help asking: ¡°Youngdy, can we really go back grandly?¡±

    ¡°We will.¡± Jiang L? smiled.

    Of course she wanted her return to be grand and lively. She wanted all the nobility in Yanjing to know the existence of this low-lying second daughter. For her to be able to restore the previous life. Jiang second young miss, this status, would help her get countless conveniences. This way it would be totally appropriate for her to approach Princess Yong Ning.

    Princess Yong Ning, Shen Yurong, including the Governor1. In addition, there were those people who helped them. Father¡¯s, Xue Zhao¡¯s enmity, she would remember them in her heart at all times. Every second, every time, she didn¡¯t dare to forget.

    Yanjing, was a good and bustling ce.

    Yanjing, was also a good ce to start exacting her vengeance.

    The smile at the corner of Jiang L?¡¯s mouth deepened. Yu Xiang, who was standing by the side, saw this and a faint surprise floated in her eyes. The second youngdy of the Jiang residence was unarguably gentle and soft. When she smiled, it was just like a clear and pure flower.

    Yet, for no reason, there was a faint trace of sorrow.

 Chapter 12.1 - Jiang Family

    <h4>Chapter 12.1: Jiang Family</h4>

    Recently, many things happened in the capital city of Yanjing. The storytellers at side street restaurants had increased by quite a bit.

    The most popr story was still, ¡°At night, the charming Buddhist nun was in the middle of her practice, when a curly-tailed monkey caused rm and unexpectedly ran into a romantic scene¡±.

    A few days ago, the nobility returned after offering incense at He Lin Temple. With their return, they brought a piece of shocking news.

    In He Lin Temple at Mount Qingcheng, Wu Jing, the most cherished disciple of Tong Ming, the one in charge, was actually a frivolous monk. He had defiled many married women. He didn¡¯t even let the Head Nun of the neighboring nunnery off.

    It had to be known that He Lin Temple was a famous temple. Previously, many madams and youngdies went there to burn incense and pray for blessings. Frightened by this scandal, all the womenfolk who had gone up to offer incense chose to keep their mouths shut and did not mention anything. Fearing that they would somehow get involved and with others¡¯ opinions, their morality and conduct might get ruined. Soon, somebody presented this matter to the emperor and after seeing it, Emperor Hong Xiaowas furious. He severely punished all the rted people. Afterwards, he even went as far as shutting down the hundred years old He Lin Temple.

    At that time, many people identally witnessed the lovers¡¯ tryst with their own eyes. The womenfolk did not mention a word, yet the men vividly and colorfully retold how young and beautiful Head Nun Jing An was, treating it as a passionate love affair.

    However, this love affair, aside from gaining the emperor¡¯s wrath, it also implicated an unexpected person. It was precisely the Chief Assistant, Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s di daughter, Jiang L?.

    Eight years ago, Jiang family¡¯s second miss, Jiang L?, pushed her stepmother and caused her to miscarry. Jiang Yuan Bai punished her to go to the family¡¯s temple to cultivate her moral character. From then on, she disappeared from everyone¡¯s sight. After the scandal was found, it was also discovered that Jiang second miss had surprisingly stayed at that Mistress Jing An nunnery.

    With how malicious and domineering the Jiang second miss was, it was fine to send her to a temple. Even if she really cut her hair and became a Buddhist nun, it was still a positive thing. However, to send her to the hand of this kind of bewitching Buddhist nun, Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s way of doing things was also not sincere enough.

    Chengde official, Liu Yuan Feng¡¯s wife went to He Lin Temple to burn incense. When she was at Head Nun Jing An¡¯s nunnery, she met this Jiang second young miss. At that time, it was already veryte into the night, yet the evil Buddhist nun made things difficult for her. Asking her to kneel at the main hall where the roof was leaking. Liu Yuan Feng¡¯s memorial was extremely well nned. Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s connections were numerous, and he was deeply entrenched. It wasn¡¯t good to offend him. In Liu Yuan Feng¡¯s memorial, he did not mention Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s fault the slightest. On the contrary, he said that although Jiang L? originally made mistakes, but her age was still small. Moreover, the child was not yet taught, how could a parent want his own di daughter to be handed over to a ce where the morality and conduct was corrupted. No matter what, one¡¯s own morality and conduct was also questioned. As Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s ruler in the backhouse, Ji Shuran, her behavior as a mother was indeed too harsh.

    To look at Ji Shuran, that was the same as looking at Ji family and hit Ji Yan Lin¡¯s face. The memorial seemed clear, yet it secretly signified that it was the personal grudge of Jin Shuran, that she had deliberately sent Jiang L? to Head Nun Jing An without any good intention and use the Head Nun¡¯s hand to torment her.

    In fact, this memorial was initially a trivial matter. However, the current monarch, Emperor Hong Xiao, wasn¡¯t the birth son of the empress. His birth mother passed away after giving birth to him and he was raised by the empress. The empress herself actually had a crown prince and absolutely loathed him. Since young, he had been put through numerous obstacles and Emperor Hong Xiao endured all the sufferings in silence. He fought the path to vie over power until he finally arrived at the current position.

    Therefore, the sealed memorial from Liu Yuan Feng made Emperor Hong Xiao recall his own experiences. The early death of the birth mother, a harsh stepmother, which generated a feeling of hate towards Ji Shuran, just like when he was with the empress. So his heart couldn¡¯t help being partial towards the simr-experienced Jiang second young miss. He called Jiang Yuan Bai to the imperial study room to chat and at the same time said a few words about it.

    After Jiang Yuan Bai left the imperial study room and exited the pce, he returned to his residence and the first matter was precisely sending someone to immediately bring Jiang L? back to Yanjing.

    Ji Shuran received this news and hurriedly rushed into the house: ¡°Master, why suddenly want to get the second miss .......¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai ¡°ba,¡± all of a sudden mmed the memorial on his hand onto the table. Ji Shuran immediately closed her mouth. She hardly saw Jiang Yuan Bai be angry like this.

    Jiang Yuan Bai turned his head.

    To speak of it, he had already been a father of a few children. A few years had undoubtedly passed along with his work as the imperial Chief Assistant and the emperor¡¯s respected teacher. Although Jiang Yuan Bai was not as handsome and free as when he was younger, he now carried the appearance of a talented, attractive and mature man. Moreover, to say, nowadays, he got along well with other court officials and wasn¡¯t caught in any crossfire. He was even more settled so he loosened, became considerably gentle and refined.

    However, the gentle look he had on weekdayspletely disappeared at the moment, reced with a concealed anger.

    ¡°Today, the emperor summoned me to the imperial study room. Although the Chengde official, Liu Yuan Feng, didn¡¯t specifically mention my name in his memorial, I have also gotten involved in it.¡± Jiang Yuan Bai continued: ¡°To wee L?¡¯er back home, this is the meaning of the emperor!¡±

 Chapter 12.2 - Jiang Family

    <b>Chapter 12.2: Jiang Family</b>

    ¡°After all, the current emperor¡¯s birth mother is not the Empress Dowager...¡± Jiang Yuan Bai merely said this short sentence. He was Emperor Hong Xiao¡¯s teacher and assisted Emperor Hong Xiao to ascend onto the throne. Naturally, hepletely understood the temperament of the emperor. Afraid that this matter had coincidentally touched upon Emperor Hong Xiao¡¯s heartstrings.

    Not bringing Jiang L? back was out of the question. In his heart, Jiang Yuan Bai thought it had been a long time since the emperor asked and involved him in everything, unlike when the emperor was young. As the emperor¡¯s wings had grown stronger and he had enjoyed the taste of power, afterwards he could not tolerate disobedience even more. Since Emperor Hong Xiao had personally showed interest in this matter, naturally he wanted Jiang Yuan Bai to act on it. If he didn¡¯t, in Emperor Hong Xiao¡¯s mind, it was the same as defying an imperial order.

    ¡°Besides, L?¡¯er is indeed the daughter of my Jiang family.¡± Jiang Yuan Bai sighed: ¡°Letting her wander about outside, it¡¯s unbearable. Madam,¡± he looked towards Ji Shuran and quietly asked, ¡°You won¡¯t me me, right?¡±

    By this time, he had restored his former gentle appearance and his pupils showed his guilt.

    Ji Shuran smiled and seized the opportunity to nestle against him before saying: ¡°Lord, what are you saying? Are you treating me as a person with a malicious heart? Second miss is the Jiang family¡¯s miss, also lord¡¯s biological daughter. At that time, the second miss¡¯ age was still small so she made mistakes. It¡¯s been so many years, I no longer take it to heart. Lord wants to pick second miss up, I will arrange for a wet nurse to prepare things. I will also ask someone to clear up a room as soon as possible.¡±

    ¡°Madam is considerate, you cannot find a second person like you under the heavens.¡± Jiang Yuan Bai sighed while embracing her into his arms.

    ¡°These are the things I should do, just.....¡± Ji Shuran¡¯s voice sounded cautious, ¡°hoping to get along well with the second miss.¡± There was actually a hint of fear.

    Hearing what she said, Jiang Yuan Bai recalled the thing that the six-year-old Jiang L? did and frowned. He spoke soothingly to Ji Shuran: ¡°Now she is no longer a child, if she dares to be insolent, I will not let her off lightly!¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai left after appeasing Ji Shuran with a few more sentences. He should go and instruct the people who were going to pick up Jiang L?.

    Jiang Yuan Bai had just left when Jiang You Yao rushed in with a servant girl. As she entered, she spoke: ¡°Mother, do you know that Jiang L?, she.......¡±

    ¡°You Yao!¡± Ji Shuran interrupted her thenmanded the doors and windows to be closed. Afterwards she reprimanded: ¡°Why are you this rude and impetuous!¡±

    Jiang You Yao opened her mouth in grievance: ¡°Mother, it¡¯s not that I¡¯m being rude and impetuous! I heard father wants to bring Jiang L? jie back. What¡¯s going on? It¡¯s been perfectly fine, why did he suddenly remember to bring her back?¡±

    Ji Shuran frowned: ¡°You Yao, how many times have I told you, don¡¯t pay attention to Jiang L?. She is just grass. Sooner orter, she will get trampled. You are the Jiang family¡¯s honorable di daughter. Why do you want to bother with her?¡±

    ¡°But.....¡± Jiang You Yao was not reconciled and still wanted to continue.

    ¡°So what if she reallyes back? Nowadays, in this residence, the one who controls all matters is your mother, me. Will she get any benefits by returning? This time, it was just her running into good fortune and nothing more.¡±

    ¡°Can mother not let her go back?¡± Jiang You Yao angrily asked.

    Ji Shuran shook her head. If it was someone else¡¯s intention instead of Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s, naturally she could still y a trick. Let people murder Jiang L? on her way back to the capital and just say that Jiang L?¡¯s fate wasn¡¯t good. It was a pity that the emperor showed interest in this matter. If an ident were to ur midway, the entire Jiang family would have to face the consequences.

    Jiang L? not only could not have any ident. She had to be carefully escorted back in style to show Emperor Hong Xiao.

    Really making people unhappy.

    ¡°No harm,¡± Ji Shuran coldly said: ¡°Having lived for merely seven years and she already didn¡¯t know the immensity of heaven and earth1. It¡¯s also good that shees back. Once shees back, I will naturally find ways to pack her up.¡±

    ¡°At that moment, she will feel that her return to the capital is not such a good thing after all.¡±

    I can¡¯t understand how they still hate her so much after so many years without seeing her. Like, really, are they in love with her or sth? There¡¯s nothing that can really justify such obsession, specially for that kid You Yao, she is really just a kid, how can she hate and be the whole day thinking about someone she probably barely remembers?! Wouldn¡¯t it be normal to forget about such a ¡®disgusting¡¯ existence after so many years of not being in contact and enjoying a luxurious and frivolous life?

    1: (b¨´zh¨©ti¨¡ng¨¡od¨¬h¨°u): lit. to not know the immensity of Heaven and Earth, idiom meaning to have an exaggerated opinion of one¡¯s ability, to think oneself much superior and better than the others..:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 13.1 - Arrival

    <b>Chapter 13.1: Arrival</b>

    The peach blossoms on top of Mount Qingcheng bloomed in abundance; it was extremely flourishing. Right after they bloomed, the majority also started to wilt. Even though they had wilted, they still retained their pinkish white color. The sight was really befitting of the rumor of He Lin Temple¡¯s amorous monk, adding quite a bit of charming and gentle ambiance to the mountain.

    The weather up in the mountaintop was not as hot as at the bottom of the mountain, where it was extremely fresh and cool. Unlike in the past, Jiang L? and Tong¡¯er no longer needed to do endless work. Before leaving, Madam Liu had thoughtfully left enough food and silver for them. There also was Yu Xiang assisting at the side, and the nunnery was devoid of those hateful nuns. Tong¡¯er¡¯sughter could be heard much more often than before.

    On the second day of the sixth month, there was a sudden noise outside the nunnery. At this time, Tong¡¯er was sitting in front of the window listening to Yu Xiang talking about interesting things that happened in the capital city of Yanjing during these past few years. She was startled upon hearing people¡¯s voices and said strangely: ¡°What¡¯s happening outside?¡±

    Jiang L?, who was sitting together with Tong¡¯er and listening to Yu Xiang, moved her eyes and quietly said: ¡°They arrived.¡±

    ¡°Who has arrived?¡± Tong¡¯er was puzzled.

    Jiang L? smiled slightly: ¡°The people who are picking us up have arrived.¡±

    Yu Xiang thought for a bit, then she got up and said: ¡°This servant will go outside to take a look. Second miss, please stay here first.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need.¡± Jiang L? smiled as she also got up: ¡°I will also follow. Let¡¯s just go together.¡± Without waiting Yun Xiang¡¯s reply, she took the lead to walk outside. Upon seeing this, Tong¡¯er hastily got up to follow her outside: ¡°This servant will also go!¡±

    Ever since the matter between Master Wu and Head Nin Jing An was revealed, both He Lin Temple as well as the nunnery were abandoned. Originally, although the incense burning here was not that vigorous, before its reputation suffered this devastating blow, those honorable people still took the initiative toe. Now, they were eager to put some distance between them and this ce, afraid of being misunderstood as having rtions and be pointed at by others.

    As a result, it had been very quiet in the past half a month. With the abrupt arrival of people, it appeared particrly obvious.

    As they stepped out from the big door of the nunnery, they were right away faced a group of people who had been standing in a row. There were approximately 20 people standing, with the majority of the people wearing bodyguard uniforms. There were also a few dressed as servant girls headed by a ck-clothed madam. The clothes had a small vest made out of satin. On her hair, a solid gold hairpin of a dazzling flower the size of a person¡¯s eye was inserted. As the person in the head, her stature was tall and lofty, her sight carried a bit of fierce arrogance.

    These people standing here looked out of ce. When the three people came out from the doorway, the madam heading the group sized them up. Her sight very quickly fell onto Jiang L?. She took a step forward and said: ¡°This servant greets second miss.¡±

    Jiang L? didn¡¯t reply and moved slightly sideways while smiling. She wasn¡¯t the genuine Jiang family¡¯s second miss to receive this gesture. She also didn¡¯t know what this madam¡¯s name was. However, she also didn¡¯t feel the need to be afraid.

    The madam not only didn¡¯t receive Jiang L?¡¯s reply, but from the looks of it, she had calmly received her greetings. She couldn¡¯t help feeling somewhat astonished. Unable to hold herself, she raised her head to look at Jiang L?.

    In reality, six years had passed, and there were not many people in the whole Jiang family who still remembered Jiang second miss. Even the people who had met Jiang L?, afraid nowadays they could only vaguely remember the youngdy¡¯s appearance. This time, lifting her head up to see, the madam felt that the youngdy before her was very unfamiliar. When Jiang L? was sent to the nunnery, she was merely a young and tender child. However, at this moment, the girl before her eyes was wearing simple and neat clothing, with a clear look, and stood there elegantly. Making people¡¯s heart rise a feeling of calmness.

    With her clear and pure appearance, she deserved to be called Chief Assistant Jiang¡¯s di daughter, there truly was no difference with her father. In the madam¡¯s mind, this sentence suddenly emerged for no reason.

    Tong¡¯er blinked her eyes and feeling strange, and she asked: ¡°Sun momo, why did youe?¡±

    As it turned out, this madam¡¯s surname was Sun. Jiang L? was thinking this when she heard Sun momo smilingly replied: ¡°Madam ordered this servant to wee second miss in returning home. Second miss has stayed here for a few years. Madam has been endlessly concerned and has repeatedly mentioned to the lord to bring second miss back home. A few days ago, lord finally agreed, and madam immediately sent this servant to bring a few people and pick second miss up.¡±

 Chapter 13.2 - Arrival

    <strong>Chapter 13.2: Arrival</strong>

    Saying that Madam Ji Shuran wanted to pick up Jiang L?, but on the contrary Chief Assistant Jiang Yuanbai had obstructed it by every means, it sounded as if she, this daughter, had indeed not obtained her father¡¯s love. In the end, whether this was a fact or instigation, Jiang L? naturally was able to see.

    She smiled and nodded towards Sun momo before saying: ¡°Many thanks for mother¡¯s concerns. At the nunnery, Jiang L? also keeps thinking of mother, not being able to wait by mother¡¯s side and be filial, it was my fault and regret. Now, finally able to go back home, mother¡¯s kind intentions, Jiang L? doesn¡¯t dare to forget. In this life, I certainly will think of ways to repay her.¡±

    Her voice as she was speaking was soft and meek. Yet, as Sun momo listened to her, she didn¡¯t know why she felt goosebumps on her arms. As if there was an unexpected chilliness in the scorching summertime of the sixth month. Remaining calm and collected, she brushed away the thoughts in her mind.

    Sun momo was dumb for a moment.

    It was Yu Xiang who broke the silence. With a smile, Yu Xiang spoke: ¡°Since this was the case, it¡¯s a wonderful thing that Jiang second miss can return to the capital. Dare to ask momo, when do you n to depart with second miss?¡±

    Sun momo finally paid attention to Yu Xiang and asked after her: ¡°This is.......¡±

    ¡°This servant¡¯s madam is Madam Liu from Minister Chengde residence,¡± Yu Xiang smilingly replied: ¡°Our residence¡¯s Madam felt distressed with Jiang second miss. Actually, at the time, she wanted to bring Jiang second miss back to Yanjing together, however, Jiang second miss wasn¡¯t willing. So, Madam let this servant stay and take care of Jiang second miss.¡±

    The personal servant girl of Madam Liu from the Minister Chengde residence was unexpectedly left here to serve Jiang L?. When did Jiang L? be so close to the Madam of Minister Chengde? Sun momo had doubts, however, her mouth replied: ¡°Of course Madam wishes that second miss could return as soon as possible. We will wait for second miss to pack up her things and then we can immediately set off.¡±

    ¡°So it¡¯s like that,¡± Jiang L? raised the corner of her mouth, ¡°Just nice, we can set off now then.¡±

    When these words came out, the surrounding people were stunned, including those servants beside the carriages. Sun momo covered the scorn in her eyes and said: ¡°Second miss doesn¡¯t have to be so impatient. Madam has already ordered for second miss to have to return to the residence, there is no need.......¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not impatient,¡± Jiang L? interrupted her words, ¡°rather, there is nothing to pack.¡±

    Sun momo was stunned.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have any luggage, just the luggage that was brought here at that time. It has been six years, momo should not think that there are still anything that remains, right? It¡¯s not as if momo doesn¡¯t know, I wasn¡¯t permitted to bring whatever gold and silver or jewelry, only bringing a few pieces of clothing. I haven¡¯t been able to wear those clothes since long ago. In the entire nunnery, the only thing that I have is just Tong¡¯er. It¡¯s enough just bringing Tong¡¯er back. As for those wooden stools, bowls, and chopsticks....... Could it be the chief assistant residence still needs them? If so, I will let Tong¡¯er pack them up.¡±

    Sun momo¡¯s face ¡°teng¡± immediately turned red.

    In front of Yu Xiang, these words of Jiang L?, didn¡¯t it imply that the chief assistant residence had mistreated this di daughter? Foolishly staying in the mountain for six years, without any valuable things to use and without a penny. Now that she was leaving, not a single luggage needed to be packed and brought. Even her, a lowly person, still had a few pieces of jewelry.

    Yu Xiang¡¯s master, Chengde Minister Liu Yuan Feng, was on disagreeable terms with Madam Ji¡¯s family. If these matters were to be known, who knew what kinds of issue would be raised!

    Sun momo saw Jiang L? earnestly looking at her as if she didn¡¯t understand that the words just now contained a deep meaning of mocking.

    In a split second, Sun momo felt problematic.

    This second miss who had left Jiang residence for six years really wasn¡¯t what the letter said, impulsive and brainless. Instead, she was gentle and courteous, yet wouldn¡¯t be easily pleased by people.

    Sun momo squeezed out a smile with difficulty and spoke: ¡°All right then, second miss, allow these bodyguards to rest and drink tea for a while, then we can set off right away.¡±

    Jiang L? smiled gratefully: ¡°Many thanks, momo.¡±

 Chapter 14.1 - Return to the residence

    <strong>Chapter 14 Part 1: Return to the residence</strong>

    The way from Mount Qingcheng to the capital city of Yanjing wasn¡¯t considered a far distance. Without being too hasty or slow, by travelling normally they could reach it within ten days.

    The weather and the scenery changed incessantly as they travelled from the top of the mountain to the base.

    As they journeyed forward, the weather gradually turned hotter. Despite the blistering heat, it could not deter Tong¡¯er¡¯s excitement and curious frame of mind. The closer they approached the capital city of Yanjing, the more frequently she carelessly opened the corner of the carriage¡¯s curtain and stealthily looked at the scenery outside the carriage¡¯s window.

    Yu Xiang sat by Jiang L?¡¯s side. Although Sun momo was sent to pick up Jiang L?, not knowing whether it was deliberate or idental, she didn¡¯t bring any servant girls to wait upon Jiang L?. Therefore, during the whole journey, it was still Yu Xiang and Tong¡¯er who stayed close by Jiang L?¡¯s side.

    Contrary to expectations, the carriage was actually a good carriage and a soft mattress was set up in the inside. Tong¡¯er, who was sitting within arm¡¯s reach of the carriage¡¯s curtain, turned her head and looked at Yu Xiang: ¡°Yu Xiang jiejie, we will soon enter the capital. Youngdy and I haven¡¯t been to the capital for so many years already, we don¡¯t know what¡¯s popr in the capital nowadays, also what is the situation there? Yu Xiang jiejie, can you teach me so I won¡¯t cause any disturbances and be a joke when I go back?¡±

    There was not much difference between Tong¡¯er and Jiang L?¡¯s age. When Jiang L? was sent to Mount Qingcheng, Tong¡¯er was at most also still an ignorant young servant girl. Her impression of the capital was actually very fuzzy.

    Yu Xiang broke into aughter and replied: ¡°Throughout the whole journey, if you haven¡¯t spoken these words ten times, at least you¡¯ve said them eight times already. I have already told you everything I know and can be said. Besides, it is just returning to the capital and nothing more, what are you so nervous about? Look at second miss, she isn¡¯t nervous in the slightest.¡±

    Tong¡¯er looked at Jiang L?, who was reading a book at the moment. Didn¡¯t know what she was thinking about, but she suddenlyughed: ¡°That is of course. Our youngdy is not your average household youngdy. It¡¯s only natural that she won¡¯t be nervous.¡±

    Hearing what Tong¡¯er said, Yu Xiang followed her inughter. Nevertheless, she couldn¡¯t help taking another look at Jiang L?. All the way, Jiang L? was either reading a book or rxing with her eyes closed. It was very different from Tong¡¯er¡¯s growing curiosity. Regarding the matter of returning to the capital, Jiang L? did not pay any attention and disyed an especially tranquil appearance.

    Yu Xiang did not understand, regardless of the reason why Jiang second miss was sent to Mount Qingcheng at that time, whether it was nned by the stepmother to frame her, or it was indeed a plot to harm her stepmother, she had left the Jiang residence for so many years. Now that she was returning to the capital, at least she should show a bit of reaction, right? Excited, nervous, curious, or perhaps anger, unwilling, or even something like homesickness?

    However, there was none. Jiang second miss simply sat inside the carriage quietly, peacefully going on the journey. As for the matter of being about to see the capital, or having not seen her rtives for a long time, she showed no concern at all. Merely showing a meek and peaceful appearance. Sometimes when looking at her, it was as if she was cold and indifferent.

    The carriage wheel produced a ¡°gululu¡± sound as it travelled along the route. It was almost noon when it reached the city gate.

    The garrison in the city walls saw Sun momo¡¯s party and issued the order to let them pass. Once they entered the city walls, bustling noise could be heard.

    Sun momo¡¯s smiling voice sounded from outside: ¡°Second miss, we have entered the city.¡±

    Jiang L? raised the carriage¡¯s curtain. As it opened, she faced the curious nces of the people outside. Tong¡¯er was surprised and did not expect these many people to be outside, and she stared nkly for a while.

    Yu Xiang exined with a smile: ¡°The chief assistant¡¯s carriage is refined and gorgeous. When themon people see it, they must have taken note of it. It seems that the matter of second missing back to the residence is already known outside. Today, the people behaving this way is probably due to the news they have received.¡±

    Jiang L? smiled: ¡°Thank you very much Yu Xiang jiejie for mentioning this point.¡±

    Yu Xiang hurriedly avoided the praise.

    The sun was right on top of the head and shone down harshly on the people. Jiang L? only nced quickly, and soon after put the carriage¡¯s curtain down. Tong¡¯er still wanted to look outside but had no choice but to refrain herself. There was a feeling of unease in her heart as well as the thought offorting Jiang L? with a few sentences. Who would have thought, Jiang L? simply leaned on the carriage¡¯s cushion and neither slowly nor hurriedly sipped her tea.

    As if there weren¡¯t any worries at all.

    Tong¡¯er pulled Jiang L?¡¯s sleeve, and said in a small voice: ¡°Youngdy, when we arrive at the residence, this servant will definitely protect youngdy well.¡±

    This anxious vow pleased Jiang L?. She shook her head and replied: ¡°There¡¯s nothing scary.¡± The carriage¡¯s curtain separated them with the curious gazes from the people outside, yet it made Jiang L?¡¯s mind turn even clearer, just like a mirror.

    Dear readers, we hope you are enjoying your winter break. Unfortunately, we have to end the year with some bad news. There have been some recent changes in Lime¡¯s job which make her even more busy than she already was, and although she has been trying to cope with everything, working on WMMM and MDD at the same time is just too much for her. MDD is a really difficult novel to trante, and Lime is not a Chinese native, with her level of Chinese tranting MDD poses a challenge that requires a lot of effort on her part. So due to her new job situation, she will be unable to keep tranting MDD.

    I know we have started a new project just a few days ago, but unlike MDD, in this one it¡¯s me (Nigaria) tranting. I don¡¯t know Chinese, my trantions rely on MTL and a huge use of kanji dionaries, and a novel asplex and flowery as MDD is sthpletely impossible for me. So although we are very sad by this decision, we will be dropping Marriage of the Di Daughter. We will finish posting the few parts which we have already finished before the end of the year. We hope that the start of the new year will be better for everyone than the ending of the current year, andstly but most importantly, many, many thanks to all our readers who have been apanying by our side during these few months. Thanks a lot for your support, and have a happy new year!

 Chapter 14.2 - Return to the residence

    <strong>Chapter 14 Part 2: Return to the residence</strong>

    After the incident at Mount Qingcheng, the matter of the Jiang family¡¯s second miss being sent to the bewitching Buddhist nun was known by everyone. It seemed that Liu Yuan Feng did not let go of the opportunity to smear the Ji family. Naturally, there was also the help from Madam Liu. To prove that she was a caring and virtuous stepmother, it was necessary for Ji Shuran to block people¡¯s mouth. Not just showing up to wee her, she also needed to make the entire people in Yanjing know that she ordered the return.

    There was no option but to do it grandly. Whether it was the carriage or the bodyguards, all were done by Ji Shuran to show her face, however, it inevitably had also raised Jiang L?¡¯s status. This move let the people in Yanjing know that even though Jiang second miss had a poisonous heart and had harmed her stepmother and brother, even though she was sent to the nunnery and there was no news of her for seven years, she still was the Chief Assistant¡¯s golden branch and jade leaves1 di daughter and must not be neglected.

    However, it was not known whether the current madam, Jiang L?¡¯s stepmother, Ji Shuran, was annoyed when doing all these.

    Jiang L? slightly raised the corner of her mouth. She was not at all afraid of theing days living in the chief assistant¡¯s house. Even if ahead of her were mountains of daggers and seas of mes2, wolves and tigers3, she didn¡¯t dread them. As a person who had died once, her courage had been casted into strong irons. Bing the Jiang family¡¯s second miss, from now on, she would assume the responsibility of Jiang second miss¡¯s past and future with the best of her ability.

    And for her ultimate goal, she needed the support of Jiang family¡¯s power and influence to approach that person. To get on the road for revenge for that pair of people.

    The carriage travelled along a route and it was unknown how much time had passed before it finally stopped in front of a residence.

    The outside that was bustling with activities seemed calm down in a moment.

    Then, Sun momo¡¯s voice was heard from outside: ¡°Second miss, we have reached home.¡±

    Reached home.

    This, was Jiang L?¡¯s home.

    At the doorway of the residence, outside the carriage, there was a crowd of people watching. Since a few days before, the news that Jiang second miss was about to return home had been known to everybody in Yanjing. Seven years ago, the matter of Jiang second miss harming her stepmother caused some noise for a while. Moreover, currently Jiang Yuan Bai held an important position in court. Jiang family¡¯s affairs naturally attracted the attention of the people.

    It was the Jiang second miss who had never returned home in seven years.

    In front of the Jiang residence¡¯s huge gate, a huge group of people were standing straight. A beautiful and gentle madam with considerable charm was at the head of the crowd. Standing at one side of her was a young girl, a delicate and charmingdy. She had fine facial features, just like thedies in paintings. In the middle of the two women was a man. With a tall figure, he looked handsome and pure, very refined.

    This was precisely Jiang Yuan Bai, as well as his wife, Ji Shuran, and their daughter, Jiang You Yao.

    Themon people¡¯s whispers were transmitted to their ears.

    ¡°Jiang third miss grew to be so pretty, how about Jiang second miss?¡±

    Another person spat out: ¡°Jiang third miss resembles her mother, can¡¯t you see Madam Jiang¡¯s immortal beauty and exquisite appearance? I heard that Jiang second miss¡¯s birth mother, the previous Madam Jiang, her looks were just average. If Jiang second miss follows her mother¡¯s looks, yi, the difference will be too wide.¡±

    ¡°That also can¡¯t be said, you have never met her.¡±

    ¡°So what if I¡¯ve never met? Leaving appearance aside, Jiang second miss stayed at the nunnery for seven years, she will not know the rules and etiquette. How could she reach Jiang third miss¡¯s aplishments? What¡¯s more, that nunnery is filthy. Maybe she has been infected by something. Then, she will be even more unsightly.......¡± The voice grew fainter, apparently the speaker was afraid that if someone were to investigate, he would suffer the disaster from gossiping.

    When Jiang You Yao heard this discussion, she almost couldn¡¯t restrain the curve of her lips. However, looking at Ji Shuran at the side, she still remainedposed, her appearance was fitting to the situation. So Jiang You Yao¡¯s inner feelings soon disappeared.

    Sun momo had called out some time ago, yet there was still no movement from inside the carriage. At the side, Jiang Yuan Bai frowned slightly. At the time when the crowd had grown impatient, suddenly, a crisp voice came out from inside the carriage.

    ¡°Youngdy, this servant will support you to go down from the carriage.¡±

    The carriage¡¯s curtain opened and someone lent an arm to support Jiang second miss toe down.

    1: ½ðÖ¦ÓñÒ¶: golden branch and jade leaves, idiom that means a treasured, valuable offspring, nobility or high ranking female family member. :leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    2: µ¶É½»ðº£ : mountains of daggers and seas of mes, idiom meaning extreme danger.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    3: ²òÀÇ»¢±ª: wolves and tigers, idiom meaning fierce and cruel people.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 15.1 - Confrontation

    <b>Chapter 15 Part 1: Confrontation</b>

    The sun hung over the sky resembling a golden tter. There was no wind in the summertime, only the sound of cicadas could be heard.

    A young servant girl wearing short, brown, in clothes, with her hairbed and tied into two knots, and with an adorable appearance, used her arm to support another person to alight from the carriage.

    The appearance of the girl alighting was about 14-15 years old, a young girl who was just blooming into maidenhood. Yet she was wearing a grey Buddhist attire that had lost its color from many washes. The attire was wide, making the petite girl¡¯s body appear even more frail, and her jet-ck long hair was half bound by a wooden hairpin, while the remaining loose hair at the back of her head was draped carelessly over her shoulders, resembling a waterfall. Her lips were red, her teeth white, and her pair of eyes was just like a young deer eyes in the woods: kind, pure and warm, exceptionally beautiful.

    A string of prayer beads was around her wrist and on her feet, she wore the simplest grey cloth shoes. Her hands were put together and her eyes hung low. Long eyshes, snow-white skin, ink-ck hair, for a split second, the people who saw her held their breaths.

    She was like a reborn mayfly; beautiful, frail, yet looked docile, as if not knowing the sinister human world. Like the virgin reincarnation of the Goddess of Mercy; pure, simple, such as a white sheet of paper.

    There was no wind blowing in the sixth month, yet, the instant the girl went down from the carriage, the people around felt cool andfortable. Her features were not delicate and dazzling like Jiang You Yao, but naturally graceful. Perhaps growing at the temple deep in the mountain had given birth to her elegance, with no desire and no demands. She walked over step by step, clear like the evening breeze.

    The young servant girl supported the girl to Jiang residence¡¯s doorway, then the girl stood before saluting humbly. Her voice was just like her appearance, soft and meek. She spoke: ¡°Jiang L? is unfilial, seeing father and mother.¡±

    When she said this sentence, the surroundingmoners seemed to have just woken up, each and every one of them looked foolishly at her. Suddenly, someone shouted: ¡°Jiang second miss is very simr to Lord Chief Assistant ah!¡±

    Jiang L?¡¯s eyshes trembled faintly and the corner of her mouth slightly pursed, her posture became even more docile.

    Jiang Yuan Bai looked at this daughter of his with aplicated expression. Seven years without any meeting, Jiang L? had changed a lot. He could hardly recognize his former fierce and fiery daughter. He always thought Jiang L?¡¯s temper resembled Ye Zhen Zhen¡¯s, simple and rough when handling matters, not able to be flexible. Furthermore, still couldn¡¯t understand how to give in. Now, listening to themoners¡¯ words, Jiang Yuan Bai suddenly discovered that the grown Jiang L?¡¯s appearance resembled him, even more so than Jiang You Yao.

    Jiang You Yao inherited Ji Shuran¡¯s good looks, delicate and exquisite like porcin. But Jiang L? had the image of a pear blossom tree that was raised deep in the mountain, noble and clean with an outstanding temperament. Really resembling their schrly style.

    Even if this schrly appearance was just a pretense.

    Perhaps it was due to the sudden appearance of this daughter he hadn¡¯t met for seven years which roused Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s bloodline bond. Or perhaps it was due to Jiang L?¡¯s appearance that resembled himself, which made Jiang Yuan Bai feel some familiarity with her. In short, Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s heart turned soft. He reached his hand out and supported Jiang L?¡¯s bent waist and warmly said: ¡°It¡¯s good that you have returned. Go right in, your grandmother and them are still waiting for you inside.¡±

    When Jiang Yuan Bai spoke, for an instant, Ji Shuran who was by his side stiffened. Then she looked even more sincere and immediately followed after, holding Jiang L?¡¯s hand. She said while smiling: ¡°You are finally back.¡±

    Jiang You Yao blinked and suddenly said: ¡°Second sister, you are returning home, why are you still wearing the nunnery¡¯s clothes? Didn¡¯t mother let Sun momo give you new clothes? Why should you wear this crude attire? If people did not know, they would think that mother treats you harshly.¡±

    The surrounding was all quiet, Ji Shuran called out: ¡°You Yao, don¡¯t talk nonsense!¡± She then turned her head to pat Jiang L?¡¯s hand and smilingly said: ¡°Your meimei talks straightforwardly but with no bad intention. Don¡¯t take it to heart.¡±

    Themoners standing around the doorway had not scattered yet and they stared at Jiang L?. Ji Shuran appeased her, full of apology, while Jiang You Yao concealed her pleased gaze. Even Jiang Yuan Bai changed his expression while looking at her. Everyone took in the scene at the moment.

    Tsk tsk tsk, what a great performance. Just returned to Yanjing and had not stepped through the doorway of the house, yet had given her such a show of strength. How should these words be returned? Jiang L? returned home, obviously new clothes were provided, yet she stubbornly wore the nunnery¡¯s ck attire. What did she mean? Was it because she was dissatisfied with Ji Shuran, therefore she refused to wear the clothes prepared by her, or had she purposely done so to make themoners see how she was treated badly by the Chief Assistant¡¯s residence? It seemed that, in Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s eyes, this conduct of Jiang L? showed resentment towards Jiang residence. Not at all maintaining its name.

    Jiang L? humbly smiled, her eyes were even clearer than Ji Shuran¡¯s. She replied: ¡°Mother¡¯s good intention, Jiang L? had received. Sun momo sent over the clothes and they are made from first-rate silk, the embroidery wasplicated, still there are precious stones iid on them, making people happy uponying eyes on them.¡±

    <b></b>

 Chapter 15.2 - Confrontation

    Chapter 15 Part 2: Confrontation

    Ji Shuran saw Jiang L?¡¯s smiling look and without knowing why, she abruptly had a feeling of unease. Her intuition told her to prevent Jiang L? from speaking further, but before she spoke, Jiang You Yao took the opportunity to open her mouth to reply: ¡°If that¡¯s the case, why didn¡¯t you wear them?¡±

    ¡°L?¡¯er is already ustomed to wearing simple clothes and eating vegetarian food, she must not be used to it. Don¡¯t mind it.¡± Ji Shuran hurriedly spoke. Her intuition told her that she shouldn¡¯t let Jiang L? reply to this, so she took the lead in obstructing.

    Jiang L? shook her head: ¡°How is that possible? In the end, Jiang L? is a female, how could females not like splendid clothing? It¡¯s just .......¡± She regretfully shook her head, ¡°After all, Jiang L? hasn¡¯t returned to the residence for seven years to see mother. There was also littlemunication, mother does not know Jiang L?¡¯s height, so when making those magnificent clothings, unexpectedly, none of them fit.¡±

    None of them fit!

    Themoners were in an uproar, based on Jiang L?¡¯s sentence, it didn¡¯t matter that she hadn¡¯t been back to the residence for seven years. But seven years with littlemunication, it was very likely that it wasn¡¯t just littlemunication. There must not have been anymunication at all, right!? Otherwise, when the mother was making clothes for her, how could she not know her daughter¡¯s measurements. Of course it must be because since seven years ago, she simply did not know Jiang L?¡¯s situation, so she had no idea how tall Jiang L? had be.

    The heart was really ruthless ah. Although she had made such a big mistake, that was still their own flesh and blood ah.

    The surrounding people pointed at Jiang Yuan Bai and he became gloomy though on the surface, he still remained calm and collected. However, Ji Shuran knew that Jiang Yuan Bai was already unhappy. In a moment of desperation, Ji Shuran looked at Sun momo, such a huge matter, why didn¡¯t Sun momo send a notice while they were still on the way? Or else, with such a shrewd experience, how was it possible that she let Jiang L? this young girl to seize such a handle?

    Sun momo was also grieving in her heart. She had already given those clothes to Jiang L? but she didn¡¯t wear them. When Sun momo asked her why she didn¡¯t wear them, Jiang L? only said that she didn¡¯t like wearing these clothes. Since that¡¯s the case, Sun momo didn¡¯t try to persuade her, merely thinking that Jiang L? was just throwing a tantrum. She even thought that it would be better with this tantrum. Just wait till the time she arrived at the residence, Ji Shuran would be able to grasp her handle, making Jiang L? eat this loss. 1

    At that time, Jiang L? only said that she didn¡¯t like wearing them, she didn¡¯t mention that they weren¡¯t well fit ah! Sun momo thought back to Jiang L?¡¯s behavior and conducts, and it suddenly dawned on her. Since the beginning, Jiang L? had dug a pit, waiting for madam and third miss to jump into it!

    In her mind, Jiang L? broke intoughter. She didn¡¯t deliberately dig a hole for others. However, since this happened, then let it be. In a way, it was also considered probing. If Jiang third miss and Ji Shuran were really not fuel-savingmps 2, naturally they would fall in it. If they were honest and sincere, then they could live together in harmony. She didn¡¯t expect that having just arrived at the residence, each and everyone¡¯s attitude was already testing her. Ji Shuran wasn¡¯t really like her gentle and kind-hearted appearance, and Jiang third miss also seemed to have quite a bit of hostility towards her.

    As for this cheap father, Jiang L? wasn¡¯t really his biological daughter. So towards his affair, she wouldn¡¯t be disappointed. If this time it was the genuine Jiang second miss, afraid she would be discouraged since earlier.

    Anyway, this Jiang family was Yanjing¡¯s most outstanding government official great family. With the tall gates of the great family, inevitably there would be waves. This being the case, then just confront soldiers with generals and stem water with earth.3

    But the current her was no longer the unskilled thatfell into the water Jiang second miss. She also wasn¡¯t the Xue Fang Fei who could be humiliated by people and got killed. The present Jiang L? was not afraid of anything.

    You harmed me, why would you think I wouldn¡¯t be able to harm you?

    Jiang L? smiled at Ji Shuran and spoke: ¡°Mother, although the clothes didn¡¯t fit, it was after all made with sincere intention, Jiang L? doesn¡¯t dare to forget. It¡¯s just, having lived in the nunnery for seven years, Jiang L? is aware not to be wasteful. Since the clothes were already made and didn¡¯t fit, they shouldn¡¯t stay with me.¡± She abruptly turned towards at Jiang You Yao who was at the side.

    Ji Shuran¡¯s heart skipped a beat, then heard Jiang L? smilingly continued: ¡°I see third younger sister has the precise measurements with the clothes made by mother. Why not let the clothes made by mother be given to third sister. Now that I think about it, with those design and colors, when third younger sister wears them, they must be suitable and iparable, will look very nice.¡±

    All color drained from Ji Shuran¡¯s face.

    Thest straw that crushed the camel¡¯s back! Perhaps from tomorrow onwards, all over Yanjing city news would spread on how Jiang family¡¯s new madam treated the stepdaughter and her own daughter. Close and distant rtives were treated distinctly differently, just a look could tell. Jiang L? had just returned home, yet her many years of painstaking effort to build her virtuous reputation were smashed in an instant.

    What a good Jiang second miss!

    Footnotes:

    1: ³Ô¸öÃÆ¿÷ : to eat losses but be unable tell anybody off.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    2: ²»ÊÇÊ¡ÓÍµÆ : (idiom) to not be an oil-savingmp means that this person is really capable, talented, but also carries a negative implication in the sense that this person is also sly and dangerous.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    3: ±øÀ´½«µ²£¬Ë®À´ÍÁÑÚ : (idiom) take appropriate measures as the situation calls for.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 16.1 - Younger Brother

    <strong>Chapter 16 Part 1: Younger Brother</strong>

    The sound from themoners¡¯ discussion wasn¡¯t very clear, yet there was no need to listen well to be clear on what their discussion was about. Ji Shuran was also aware of what they were talking about at this time. She looked at Jiang Li, thetter smiled while looking back at her. Her expression docile, her appearance was sincere.

    But in the end, she was different from the previous Jiang Li.

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t wait for Ji Shuran to continue talking and looked towards Jiang Yuan Bai who was still stunned in ce and spoke: ¡°Father, let¡¯s go in.¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai snapped out of his daze and nced at Ji Shuran. Then he nodded at Jiang Li: ¡°Yes.¡± Taking the lead to step inside the residence.

    Inside her sleeve, Ji Shuran¡¯s fingers clenched and her fingernails dug into her palm. Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s nce clearly showed his dissatisfaction towards her. Before she could say anything else, Jiang Yuan Bai and Jiang Li had already walked inside the residence and she could only restrain herself, following inside with a smile on her face.

    Jiang You Yao anxiously spoke: ¡°Mother, you look at her.......¡±

    ¡°Shut up.¡± Ji Shuran warned in a low voice. She paused before opening her mouth: ¡°Just now your father was already angered. Later when we arrive in the reception hall, don¡¯t say anything, not even a word.¡±

    Seeing that Ji Shuran¡¯s expression didn¡¯t seem to be pretending, Jiang You Yao was somewhat afraid. Even though she felt wronged and dissatisfied, she didn¡¯t dare to reveal those feelings on her face.

    Outside the door, Sun momo hesitated and twisted the handkerchief in her hands worriedly. On the contrary, Yu Xiang at the side felt like a stone had been lifted from her heart. Originally, Madam Liu left her by Jiang Li¡¯s side, apart from looking after her at Mount Qingcheng, it was also in order for Jiang Li not to get bullied by wicked servants when she returned to the residence. A 14-15 years old girl who hadn¡¯t returned home for several years wouldn¡¯t have any deep affections with her father and in the hands of her stepmother, it could be assumed that it would be difficult to avoid hardship.

    Who would have imagined, they had just arrived in Yanjing and hadn¡¯t yet entered the Jiang family¡¯s door, but Jiang Li had already firmly given Ji Shuran mother and daughter a loss. Jiang Li¡¯s temper was not like what people expected. She was a witty girl, who actually did not tolerate and struck back in a proper manner.

    Yu Xiang thought, it wouldn¡¯t be so easy for Ji Shuran to make Jiang Li feel ufortable.

    On the other end, Jiang Li was following Jiang Yuan Bai and approaching the Jiang family¡¯s main house.

    Jiang residence, perhaps owing to Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s position as the court¡¯s Chief Assistant, exhibited a schrly, clear and vigorous style. It wasn¡¯t veryvish, instead the arrangement was rather sophisticated. The corridor, courtyard, pavilion and bridge,plete with flowers and nts in the corners, mostly used ck and white color as their main point. Elegant and neat, yet it was wonderfully refined and skillful. Unique, naturally a lot of money had been spent. Compared to casually painting it in gold and silver, this way appeared much grander.

    Jiang Li even noticed bamboo growing in one corner of the garden. It really gave the impression of an indifferent and hidden schr.

    Anyway, she wasn¡¯t the real Jiang second miss. As she went inside the Jiang residence, what appeared in her eyes waspletely unfamiliar. Jiang Li also did not intend to conceal her unfamiliarity in the Jiang residence. As she walked, she took in all the scenery as much as possible. This sight of her looking around was not missed by the eyes of the servants in the house. They right away felt this second miss indeed had stayed on the mountain for too long and couldn¡¯t restrain herself when seeing riches and honor.

    But falling into Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s eyes, this appearance made him feltpletely disgusted. No matter how bad, she was his daughter from the first wife. Looking as if she came from a small family and not broad-minded, if she went out, it was the same as hitting Jiang family¡¯s face.

    Jiang Li did not disguise herself, but Tong¡¯er actually walked extremely properly. In her mind, she kept thinking that she shouldn¡¯t cause her master to lose face. So she deliberately put up an appearance of being used to the surroundings. Jiang Li felt funny as she looked at her.

    Finally arriving at Wanfeng1Hall, two graceful servant girls stood at the doorway, one on the left and one on the right. Both dressed in light yellow daffodil skirts, both looking elegant and charming. Catching sight of Jiang Li and the rest walking in, the person on the left side smiled even before they were near and spoke: ¡°Lord, Madam, Old Madam has been waiting for second miss toe home. Now it can be considered to have returned.¡±

    Jiang Li nced at the two girls. These two girls appearance showed riches and honor, their speech was also cordial. It could be assumed that they had quite a bit of face by the side of old madam. She immediately returned their smiles calmly.

    The two servant girls were surprised. The second miss had not been here for many years. Now that she returned, naturally there were many rumors circting around in the residence. But seeing the second miss with their own eyes, they only felt she was very pure and docile. She even gave a morefortable feelingpared to the third miss.

    Not at all a vulgar and rude girl.

    With this opinion in their mind, the two servant girls no longer thought more. They invited the people to go inside with a smile.

    I¡¯ll be changing Jiang L? back to Jiang Li, since it was to indicate a phic difference but its importance won¡¯te into y until muchter on, and honestly I¡¯m a bitzy and don¡¯t to keep editing it every chapter. I will correct the past chapters during this week when I have some free time. So, from now on, Ah Li is the endearing name of Jiang Li, and Ah L? will be baby name of Xue Fang Fei. I¡¯m sure it will seem irrelevant to you now (so it¡¯s good I decided to change it this early), but trust meter on this is quite relevant and not marking this difference woould make us miss a very important type of interaction in the story... or well sth like that, idk how to put it into words xd

    Footnotes:

    sup id=¡±fn1¡å>1: Íí·ïÌÃ: Literally trantes to Evening Phoenix Hall. I find it a bit weird, so we¡¯ll be sticking to its Chinese name.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 16.2 - Younger Brother

    <b>Chapter 16 Part 2: Younger Brother</b>

    It was the blistering summertime, yet inside the Jiang residence, there was not a bit of heat. Admittedly, it was due to the many nts and trees in the courtyard. At the same time, another unavoidable contribution was the ice cubes in the basement. Moreover, ¡°Wan Feng¡± hall was somewhat coolerpared to outside the Jiang residence. As soon as one stepped inside, they would only feel as if they were in the third or fourth month. The temperature was just right, veryfortable.

    There were many people sitting inside the hall at this time. Seeing Jiang Lie in, all the people got up from their seats, except for the person sitting on a soft seat at the very center.

    ¡°Mother, Li-er had returned.¡± Jiang Yuan Bai faced the person sitting on the seat and cupped his hands in greeting.

    The person sitting soon opened her mouth, and she spoke in a calm voice, neither anger or joy could be heard: ¡°It¡¯s good that you¡¯ve returned. Second girl,e forward and let me look at you.¡±

    In ordance to her words, Jiang Li stepped forward and slowly raised her head.

    The age of the old madam on the seat seemed to be past 70 years old. Her head was full of grey hair, but not one hair was out of ce and it wasbed meticulously into a bun at the back of her head, looking very clean. She was wearing a light and loose green silk gown with a row of jade green buttons which added a bit of a luxurious impression. A face full of wrinkles, somewhat aged, but those pair of eyes was very deep and imposing.

    This was a very quick-witted old madam. Even though she was at an advanced age, she still paid attention to her attire. Probably, she was strict towards herself as well as towards others. She didn¡¯t seem to be too affectionate, yet sufficiently took the burden of carrying an official residence. An intelligent and courageous madam.

    Thinking of it, Old Master Jiang passed away early. Before 40, Old Madam Jiang had already be a widow. It must had not been easy for the old madam to raise the chief assistant by herself.¡£

    Jiang Li had already heard from Tong¡¯er that the temperament of this Old Madam Jiang was harsh, yet she handled affairs with fairness. After Ye Zhen Zhen passed away and Ji Shuran entered the door, Old Madam Jiang had never neglected Jiang Li. It was only after Jiang Li caused Ji Shuran to miscarry and lost the Jiang family¡¯s di grandson that Old Madam Jiang became disappointed with her. When Jiang Li was sent to Mount Qingcheng, Old Madam Jiang didn¡¯t say any words to obstruct.

    In short, the current Jiang Li and Old Madam Jiang¡¯s grandmother and granddaughter rtionship could be said as thin and almost non existent.

    Right at this time, suddenly the sound of messy footsteps could be heard from outside, along with a child¡¯s young and tender shout: ¡°Mother, grandmother!¡±

    Jiang Li turned around and from the door, a female servant walked in. In her hands, she was holding a child wearing a small vest with golden threads, around five or six years old. He could be regarded as bright and adorable.

    The child entered the door, he immediately struggled free from the servant¡¯s hands and ran towards Old Madam Jiang . Old Madam Jiang busily told the momo at the side to support him. The child climbed onto Old Madam Jiang¡¯s knee with familiarity and hugged Old Madam Jiang¡¯s neck. Suddenly, he looked towards Jiang Li, afterwards, with a crisp voice he spoke: ¡°Are you the bad person who killed my older brother?¡±

    Older brother? Bad person?

    When these words came out, the surrounding fell silent in an instant. Ji Shuran reprimanded: ¡°Ji ge¡¯er, don¡¯t talk nonsense!¡±

    That Ji ge¡¯er¡¯s mouth pressed into a line and he looked at Old Madam Jiang full of grievances.

    Old Madam Jiang didn¡¯t speak, Jiang Yuan Bai coughed softly and spoke to Jiang Li: ¡°Li¡¯er, this is your younger brother, Bing Ji.¡±

    Jiang Bing Ji? Younger brother?

    Jiang Li saw the child in the old madam¡¯s embrace and noticed that Jiang You Yao raised the corner of her mouth, and she suddenly realized.

    For Old Madam Jiang to dote on the child so much, also calling Ji Shuran as ¡°mother¡±, it seemed that the matter when the second Jiang miss harmed the fetus in the stepmother¡¯s stomach and they said that the stepmother was unable to conceive anymore was false.

    And here in front, was precisely the Jiang family¡¯s di grandson. After the matter, Ji Shuran got pregnant and gave birth to a son. Jiang You Yao¡¯s blood rted brother, Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s only son, Jiang Bing Ji.

    In that split second, Jiang Li was able to process a lot of things.

    It¡¯s no wonder that Jiang You Yao dared to brazenly grab Jiang second miss¡¯ marriage. Due to the son that Ji Shuran had given birth to, they were able to stand firmly. Ye Zhen Zhen hadpletely be the past, and the first room been thoroughly reced.

    This was being secure because they had a backing ah!

 Chapter 17 .1 - Family

    <strong>Chapter 17 Part 1: Family</strong>

    Jiang Bing Ji¡¯s sentence made Jiang Li¡¯s situation awkward.

    Tong¡¯er who was standing at the side wanted to defend her mistress with a few words, but at this time, it wasn¡¯t the ce for her, a servant, to say anything.

    Jiang Bing Ji reminded the people present how vicious Jiang Li was before. Such a girl who could plot to harm her own blood rtives, in the end it would only make people fear her.

    Jiang Li merely seemed as if she didn¡¯t hear Jiang Bing Ji¡¯s words, her smile wasn¡¯t reduced in the slightest. She faced Jiang Bing Ji and spoke: ¡°So this is younger brother? I didn¡¯t expect thating back I¡¯d see him already so tall and very cute.¡±

    Herpliment didn¡¯t seem fake. However, when heard by Ji Shuran, it seemed to harbor malicious intent. Before she opened her mouth, Jiang Bing Ji shouted loudly: ¡°Who¡¯s your younger brother? You are a murderer!¡±

    What he had spoken the first time could be ignored, but the second time was somewhat ugly in the ear, especially since Jiang Bing Ji raised his voice high. Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s face sank and he said: ¡°Who taught you to speak like this?¡±

    Jiang Bing Ji shrunk his neck, apparently he was somewhat afraid of his father and no longer spoke.

    Old madam Jiang patted Jiang Bing Ji¡¯s back to appease him. She red at Jiang Yuan Bai: ¡°It¡¯s just talking, why are you angry towards a child?¡± Then she turned to see Jiang Li and faintly spoke: ¡°Second girl, meet your uncles and aunts.¡±

    Jiang Liplied and raised her eyes towards the rest of the people.

    Aside from the first branch¡¯s Jiang Yuan Bai, there was also the second branch, Jiang Yuan Ping and his family, and the third branch, Jiang Yuan Xing and his family, who lived in the Jiang residence.

    Jiang Yuan Ping was Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s younger brother from the same mother. Nowadays, he was Yanjing¡¯s third rank official. His wife was Chengwu Minister¡¯s di daughter, Lu Shi. In terms of family, they were a well-matched pair.

    Jiang Yuan Ping had a pot belly and looked very different from Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s trees-and-wind appearance. He beamed while looking at Jiang Li, totally amiable. Lu Shi was the typical nobledy of Yanjing who paid careful attention to her appearance. Jiang Li briefly swept her eyes over her; clothes and hairpins were all iid with precious stones. She probably didn¡¯tck silver and loved to dress up. Lu Shi looked tender and beautiful; however, her gaze was astute. They reallyplemented each other. She took off a string of jasper beads from her wrist and gave it to Jiang Li as their meeting gift as she spoke: ¡°It¡¯s good toe back¡±, while sizing her up.

    Jiang Li received the gift readily.

    As for the third branch, Jiang Yuan Xing, he was old master Jiang¡¯s son from his concubine, a shu born. Despite being a shu born, he got along well with the other two branches and they lived together harmoniously. However, old madam Jiang wasn¡¯t particrly fond of the third branch, so her treatment towards the third branch was always faint. Jiang Yuan Xing from the third branch was delicate and frail, with a bashful appearance. His wife, Yang Shi1, was a person with a forceful temper. Apparently, she was Deputy to the Chancellor¡¯s2 shu daughter. Even though she was shu born, no matter what, the deputy to the Chancellorpared to Jiang Yuan Xing, a secretary, he still ranked much higher. Probably because of this, Yang Shi always considered herself to have married down and she totally suppressed Jiang Yuan Xing.

    For the meeting gift between Jiang Li and the third branch, Yang Shi gave Jiang Li a pair of pearl earrings. The pearl earrings looked worn, it was unknown whether the third branch was poor or whether it was Yang Shi being stingy. Anyway, it was not worth mentioning whenpared to Lu Shi¡¯s jasper bracelet.

    This was precisely Jiang Li¡¯s second uncle and second aunt as well as her third uncle and third aunt. Beside Lu Shi, two young men were standing. The eldest looked to be 16-17 years old, his face resembled Jiang Yuan Ping, chubby and all smiles. The younger one was almost at the same age as Jiang Li. He resembled Lu Shi with his magnificent appearance, and he had been staring fixedly at Jiang Li. When he saw Jiang Li looking over, he immediately moved his gaze away.

    Jiang Yuan Bai spoke: ¡°These are your eldest male cousins, Jing You and second older cousin, Jing Yui.¡±

    So they were second branch¡¯s two di sons.

    Uff for some reason this one took so long to edit >.< damn official titles, really! I also updated the Character List and Ancient China & Pinyin Glossary, damn there¡¯s so many characters mentoned already... and still many more waiting to be introduced >.<

    Footnotes:

    1: Shi (ÊÏ). Married women were called by their maiden family name, so shi is like ¡®Mrs.¡¯ but keeping their maiden name instead of adopting the husband¡¯s family name. I tried using Mrs. instead of shi but it sounded weird, so we¡¯ll be sticking to pinyin.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    2: Deputy to the Chancellor (Ë¾Ö±ÀÉ), we got the trantion from here. This site has arge list of Chinese official/militar/others titles, together with a broad exnation of the system (which I did not read). It might be helpful if you¡¯re reading or tranting from Chinese and got a headache with the innumerable titles... or it might be useless, that depends on your luck xD :leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 17.2 - Family

    <strong>Chapter 17 Part 2: Family</strong>

    Yang Shi from the third branch had two daughters who looked around the same age as Jiang Li. The elder one was called Jiang Yu Yan, her appearance was average, her clothing was also very ordinary. She looked somewhat weak and cowardly. The younger one was called Jiang Yu¡¯e. Contrary to expectation, she had quite the style of a pretty daughter in a humble family and wore brighter colored clothespared to Jiang Yu Yan. She stared at Jiang Li but no one could tell what she was thinking about.

    This, was Jiang second miss¡¯ family.

    Standing in the middle of the hall, she looked at thesepletely unfamiliar faces, her current so-called rtives. Yet in her brain appeared the scene at the small county of Tongxiang where Xue Huaiyuan, Xue Zhao and her frolicked around and yed noisily.

    Although the life here was full of luxury and had a dazzling sight, Jiang Li did not at all feel that the Jiang residence was a ce that was hard to part with. These family members, their sights were probing when they looked at her, sizing her up, either harboring sinister thoughts or evil intentions. Making her feel that in this residence that seemed cultured and peaceful, there wereyers uponyers of great danger.

    They stared at Jiang Li, perhaps because the period they were separated was too long and not a bit of intimacy came out. Only Jiang Yuan Ping said a few sentences to Jiang Li. The others simply didn¡¯t say any words. To such an extent that when Jiang Li moved towards the two cousins, Jiang Yu¡¯e and Jiang Yu Tang, she saw fear and loathing in their eyes. It seemed that at that time, the matter of her causing harm to her stepmother and brother had impacted the people so much that nowadays people assumed that she was a vicious and evil female and refused to be associated with her.

    Surprisingly, Jiang Yuan Bai didn¡¯t discover this in the slightest. Seeing that Jiang Li had already greeted all the rtives, he spoke to Ji Shuran: ¡°Madam, ask someone to take Li¡¯er to go to her courtyard. Rushing the whole journey, Li¡¯er must be tired already. Let her rest earlier today.¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s manner towards Jiang Li could be regarded as mild. While the people in Ling Wan Feng, all had different expressions on their faces.

    Ji Shuran smilingly spoke: ¡°Although master didn¡¯t instruct, this female has already arranged since earlier. Sun momo,¡± she instructed: ¡°Bring second miss to the courtyard.¡± Then she seemed to recall something and turned towards Jiang Li before opening her mouth: ¡°When Li¡¯er returned home, I noticed that there is only one servant girl at your side. It doesn¡¯t seem appropriate, let me arrange two servant girls to wait on you.¡± Then she once again turned towards Old Madam Jiang sitting on the tallest seat and spoke: ¡°In this female¡¯s courtyard, Xiang Qiao and Yun Xiang are not too bad, both hardworking and clever. I think they can be given to second miss. What does mother think?¡±

    Old madam Jiang indifferently spoke: ¡°Do as you please.¡±

    Ji Shuran smiled and asked Jiang Li: ¡°Li¡¯er, do you like it?¡±

    Jiang Li looked at Ji Shuran¡¯s gentle and considerate appearance and felt it was ridiculous. She really couldn¡¯t understand, Ji Shuran already had a son, Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s heart was also with Ji Shuran. Why would Ji Shuran still feel so uneasy. So much so that she wouldn¡¯t even let go of her who hadn¡¯t returned home for seven years and had a reputation of being the evil di daughter? She had just barely returned home, and soon after she already sent a pair of people to be at her side.

    Jiang Liughed harmoniously: ¡°Mother¡¯s kind intentions, Li¡¯er naturally likes. It would be impolite for Li¡¯er to refuse.¡±

    Ji Shuran seemed relieved and loosened her breath. Seeing that his wife and child got along amiably, Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s expression rxed a lot and he spoke: ¡°Then don¡¯t dy, first bring Li¡¯er to her courtyard.¡±

    Sun momo immediately brought Jiang Li there without any dy.

    As the Jiang residence had the people from three branches living in it, the space was naturally not too small. Jiang Li followed Sun momo as she was not at all familiar with the road. However, Tong¡¯er was actually still familiar with it. The further they walked inside, Tong¡¯er¡¯s expression became weirder.

    The location of this courtyard was actually very remote. When she arrived, she saw the three words at the door of the courtyard and was right stunned right away.

    At the courtyard¡¯s gate, there was a small wooden tablet. The handwriting on it couldn¡¯t be said as nice-looking, yet it was indescribably courageous while still being cute, free and easy.

    Fang Fei Garden.1

    Jiang Li was unable to say what was the feeling in her heart, she paused for half a day and finally muttered in a low voice: ¡°Fang Fei ah.....¡±

    ¡°This was the courtyard where madam recuperated.¡± Tong¡¯er reminded her from the side.

    Footnotes:

    1: ·¼·ÆÔ· (f¨¡ngf¨¥iyu¨¤n) Fragrant Garden, it uses the same kanjis as in Xue Fang Fei¡¯s name (Ñ¦·¼·Æ) for ¡®fragrant¡¯.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 18.1 - Asking around

    <strong>Chapter 18 Part 1: Asking around</strong>

    Jiang second miss¡¯s birth mother, Ye Zhen Zhen, had married into Jiang family for no less than three years, but it was only after Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s tongfang1 gave birth to his eldest shu daughter that she conceived Jiang Li. A pity, Ye Zhen Zhen¡¯s life was not good. After giving birth to Jiang Li, her health deteriorated day after day and left after half a year. Jiang Yuan Bai considered finding someone to take care of the young girl, so not long after he took Ji Shuran to enter the door as his wife.

    The original courtyard where Ye Zhen Zhen used for recuperating was precisely this Fang Fei Garden.

    Jiang Yuan Bai was a schr. However, as a schr, he had great ambitions and climbed up for power, and his literati¡¯s natural pedantic character was also a bit polluted. For example, Jiang Yuan Bai was fond of unting his noble and virtuous character, but didn¡¯t like vulgarity. Ye Zhen Zhen was born from a merchant family and always liked prosperous and lively things. So when growing flowers, she wanted those splendid and beautiful flowers. Yet Jiang Yuan Bai liked things like pure white lotus and green jade bamboo.

    Ji Shuran was able to adapt and her means were acting gentle, graceful and subdued. Thus she disdained going to this Fang Fei Garden. Now that Jiang Li returned home, whether it was intentionally or not, she gave the courtyard where her birth mother recuperated to her.

    The deeper they went in, the worse the ce looked. In the first branch, this courtyard was the most remote and separated courtyard, far away from other sisters and brothers. No need to even mention Old Madam Jiang and Jiang Yuan Bai. Naturally, it wouldn¡¯t be close to them. Yet, to reside in her birth mother¡¯s recuperating courtyard, would Jiang second miss felt longing or perhaps upset or even go as far as be furious?

    Tong¡¯er worries disappeared when she saw Jiang Li¡¯s actions.

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t seem distressed, also didn¡¯t seem angry. Aside from being startled when she saw the three characters Fang Fei Garden, afterward, she had always shown an undisturbed expression. Sun momo waspletely astonished and immediately left after hurriedly exining in a few sentences.

    Only Jiang Li and Tong¡¯er remained in the room. Since they had returned to Jiang residence, Yu Xiang had also returned to Chengde Minister¡¯s residence, to Madam Liu¡¯s side. Before leaving, Jiang Li had entrusted Yu Xiang to send her gratitude to Madam Liu. She would personally go to visit and express her thanks on another day.

    The room could still be regarded as clean. Although Ye Zhen Zhen had previously instructed the people to nt various kinds of flowers and nts on Fang Fei Garden, this courtyard had currently been abandoned for so many years, so apart from having removed the weeds, the rest had grown wild so this big garden looked especially deste.

    Tong¡¯er looked at Jiang Li and hesitated for a while. Still, she opened her mouth to ask: ¡°Youngdy, does your heart feel ufortable?¡±

    ¡°This courtyard is very good.¡± Jiang Li looked in all directions, ¡°very big and very peaceful.¡± She didn¡¯t seem to take Tong¡¯er¡¯s apprehension to heart. Rather, when she saw the abandoned decorative flower bed, she thought seriously for a moment before speaking: ¡°Because there weren¡¯t any flowers before, there are little wild nts all around. But it¡¯s okay, we have stayed in Mount Qingcheng for a few years so we are very familiar with looking after flowers and nts. One of these days, go and find some flower seeds for us to nt in the garden. It will be more lively in the days toe.¡±

    Tong¡¯er listened and was happy, ¡°Youngdy¡¯s words are right. We nted grains while in Mount Qingcheng, flowers and nts are all the same kind. This garden is so big, if we grow flowers here, it will definitely look very good.¡± She felt ever since Jiang Li had the thrilling experience of falling into the water and survived, since she awoke, she had be more tolerable day by day. Perhaps, it really was Marquis Ningyuan¡¯s matter that had stimted Jiang Li. Nowadays, Jiang Li¡¯s behavior followed the rules and regtions, her resolution strong. This was probably what old man Chang had said before, ¡°broken then rise again¡±.

    ¡°Ouring days will be like this garden, blossoming. Day by day will be lively. Day by day will be good.¡± Tong¡¯er said sincerely.

    Jiang Liughed. She wanted to grow flowers in the garden, not due to the scenery, also wasn¡¯t because she wished her life would be brimming with hope. Rather, she did these things to attract other people and make them pay attention. Let people know that Jiang second miss wasn¡¯t someone who could be thrown away in a corner to pile up dust and be forgotten.

    Just like growing flowers, the matters that followed would also be done this way.

    She wasn¡¯t prepared to be an unknown honorable youngdy.

    In the evening, Fang Fei Garden became lively. Earlier, Ji Shuran arranged for a dressmaker toe over to measure Jiang Li for clothes. In the doorway of the Jiang residence at noon before, the words Jiang Li spoke in the presence of everyone, no matter how, Ji Shuran wasn¡¯t able to revert them. In order to show that this stepmother was magnanimous and retrieve the shattered image, Ji Shuran naturally had to put down some effort and made a few really luxurious clothes for Jiang Li.

    Not only that, Ji Shuran also sent a small box of jewelry. Old madam Jiang also sent someone to deliver some silvers over. Compared to jewelry, the silver that old madam Jiang sent was actually more practical. At this time, Jiang Li had nothing in her hand, no silver at all. At this Jiang residence, she couldn¡¯t send anyone out to handle matters.

    Jiang Yuan Bai also came for a while and saw that Fang Fei Garden¡¯syout could still be regarded as satisfactory and nodded his head. He spoke a few words, but both the father and daughter felt, after not meeting for many years, that their feelings were quite weak, and he left soon.

    Waiting until the time where themps were lit up, the two servant girls that Ji Shuran was going to send, Xiang Qiao and Yun Shuang, finally came.

    These two were the servant girls said by Ji Shuran to be ¡°sensible and clever¡±, at this moment, were standing in front of Jiang Li and paying their respects to her.

 Chapter 18.2 - Asking around

    <strong>Chapter 18 Part 2: Asking around</strong>

    The servants that Ji Shuran sent could only be Jiang Li¡¯s close-knit servants. These two were wearing much more expensive clothes than Tong¡¯er, especially Xiang Qiao. The bracelet on her wrist was actually pure gold, it was so bright and lustrous.

    Although Yun Shuang was paying respect, her eyes showed arrogance. Her actions when she paid respect were also careless. She probably felt that Jiang Li was just a miss with no power. Even if she had returned home, at the moment, Ji Shuran was the one in charge of the affairs in the whole residence. Sooner orter, this miss would not have a good ending. She didn¡¯t even try to pretend.

    Xiang Qiao was shrewd and her mouth was sweet. Here eyeballs incessantly turned around the small box full of jewelry that Ji Shuran had sent as she reverently paid respect to Jiang Li.

    Regardless of the shapes and forms, after all, they were the people sent by Ji Shuran to watch her. Jiang Li only took a nce at the expressions and movements of these two people. She could already sort of understand the character of these two people.

    Yun Shuang held herself high and looked down on people, Xiang Qiao was an opportunist who was greedy and liked money. Both were small-minded people. Although they weren¡¯t her own people, it didn¡¯t necessarily mean that she couldn¡¯t use them.

    Towards these two people, no matter how Tong¡¯er looked at them, they were not pleasing to the eye and she disyed her dislike on her face.

    Jiang Li waved her hands and spoke: ¡°There¡¯s nothing to do here. Xiang Qiao, you stay behind to tell me what¡¯s the current situation in the residence. Yun Shuang, you can go out first.¡±

    Yun Shuang was eager to leave as soon as possible and promptly agreed while Xiang Qiao stayed behind. Jiang Li let her sit yet Xiang Qiao didn¡¯t dare to.

    After Xiang Qiao declined her invitation to sit down, Jiang Li opened the small box containing jewelry that Ji Shuran gave her. From inside, she fished out a ruby dragonfly hairpin and stuffed it into Xiang Qiao¡¯s hand. She spoke: ¡°I just returned to the residence, so I have to rely on Xiang Qiao jiejie. Xiang Qiao jiejie, share with me the situations in the residence, ok?¡±

    Xiang Qiao swallowed her saliva. She was supposed to decline but the hairpin with the precious stone felt heavy in her hand and she was unable to decline.

    It was enough if Jiang second miss didn¡¯t shoot, once she shot, the lure made people incapable of refusing. Who would be able to resist?

    After thinking for a while, Xiang Qiao arrived at a thought. It seemed like second miss was someone without any brain. Since now she would be waiting by second miss¡¯s side, as long as she could make second miss happy, then wouldn¡¯t she be able to earn money every day? As for talking about the residence¡¯s situation, anyway, there were no clever people by Jiang Li¡¯s side.

    Wasn¡¯t she also still relying on herself to tell what¡¯s happening? This way, she didn¡¯t betray the madam, and still would get two parts of silver.

    After thinking, Xiang Qiao was happy and spoke: ¡°Second miss shouldn¡¯t say it like this. It¡¯s this servant¡¯s duty to exin to you.......¡±However, she didn¡¯t release her grasp on the hairpin.

    Tong¡¯er anxiously tweaked her ears and scratched her cheeks1. This Xiang Qiao clearly had bad intentions, yet Jiang Li actually gave her such a generous reward. The person was not worth it, but looking at the present Jiang Li, she was evidently listening carefully to what Xiang Qiao said.

    Xiang Qiao spoke vigorously until her mouth was dry. Seeing how Jiang Li listened to her attentively, she couldn¡¯t help feeling proud. She seemed to be talking meticulously but, in fact, for most part, she only talked about the second and third branch. While for the first branch, Madam¡¯s side, she didn¡¯t even divulge a bit. This second miss was also foolish, actually believing without any doubt at all. Just by saying a few insignificant words she already got a precious hairpin. What a hard-toe-by fantastic matter.

    After talking for half a day, there was nothing else she could talk about. Xiang Qiao said: ¡°Replying to second miss, this is the current state of affairs in the residence.¡±

    Jiang Li seemed entranced when Xiang Qiao stopped. She appeared to still wish to continue listening. After thinking, she replied: ¡°Since there¡¯s nothing else to say about the residence, then tell me some interesting stories from outside the residence, ok?¡±

    ¡°From outside the residence?¡± Xiang Qiao stared nkly.

    ¡°Yes, exactly what interesting things have been happening in Yanjing in recent years? I heard the old madam of Rong Xin Ling passed away three years ago. I remember when I was small, she gave me a double-sided embroidery of the Goddess of Mercy. Also, I heard Yu Xiang jiejie mention Yanjing¡¯s first beauty. Her husband was also thetest top scorer in the pce examination. I heard she died of illness a few days ago, is that true?¡±

    £­£­£­£­£­£­ Author¡¯s ramblings£­£­£­£­£­£­

    The original host, soft2 and girly, was the result of ack of family education during childhood. In the process of growing up, she didn¡¯t receive proper guidance. As a result, there¡¯s a bit of w in her disposition. While the current ¡°Li¡± was different as her family was very wholesome and happy. The g she encountered in her previous life was also encountered after she got married. So ¡°Li¡¯s¡± disposition wasn¡¯t gloomy. On the contrary, she was very wise and farsighted, warm, and she was also a youngdy with a feeling of righteousness.

    The person with a character defect in this book is the male lead. Unusually cold, vicious and merciless gloomy evil king.

    However, this type of cruelty was particrly special and tough to train ah, right? Training a big bad wolf and turning it into a loyal dog has a very satisfying feeling, isn¡¯t it?

    Right!

    Coming from Cha Cha¡¯s evil interest. [smile] (Cha Cha is nickname of the author)

    Why speak about ML if he probably won¡¯t appear anytime soon ah >.< Enjoy the extra chap for Valentine¡¯s, the regr chapter on Sunday will probably be posted with dy cuz I need to prepare for a test on Monday, so you can probably expect it between Monday and Tuesday... (but worry not, Lime says that after this chap things are gonna get exciting ^^)

    Footnotes:

    1: ×¥¶úÄÓÈù (zhu¨¡¡¯¨§rn¨¢os¨¡i) : to tweak one¡¯s ears and scratch one¡¯s cheeks (as an expression of anxiety, delight, frustration etc) (idiom).:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    2: ÈíÃÃ ru¨£nm¨¨i: ¡°Èí¡± means ¡°soft,¡± and ¡°ÃÃ¡± means younger sister. Originating from a popr Chinese animation show ¡°I Am MT,¡± the term is often used byizens to refer to young women with a gentle disposition, a soft voice, and a slender figure. Usually these women wear straight long hair, dressed in a very feminine style. Innocent and naive, these kinds of girls are the ideal love interest for homebodies. The opposite of ¡°ÈíÃÃ¡± can be ¡°Å®ºº×Ó¡± (tomboy)..:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 19.1 - Values

    <strong>Chapter 19 Part 1: Values</strong>

    ¡°Yes, exactly what interesting i have been happening in Yanjing in recent years? I heard the old madam of Rong Xin Ling passed away three years ago. I remember when I was small, she gave me a double-sided embroidery of the Goddess of Mercy. Also, I heard Yu Xiang jiejie mention Yanjing¡¯s first beauty. Her husband was also thetest top scorer in the pce examination. I heard she died of illness a few days ago, is that true?¡±

    Without any head nor tail, why suddenly bring up these insignificant things? Xiang Qiao was already confused since earlier. Now, seeing Jiang Li still earnestly looking at her, it dawned on her, Jiang second miss had probably stayed in the mountain for too long. Although she was now 15, in the end, she was still a child and liked to listen to these fresh and entertaining stories.

    Xiang Qiao, this person, even though she was greedy, yet after she took the money, she would handle matters satisfactorily. Especially at this time, she only needed to move her mouth, a simple errand. So, soon afterward, the usual gossip was all spilled out to the youngdy.

    She spoke: ¡°It¡¯s true. Three years ago, when Rong Xin Ling¡¯s old madam passed away, our old madam went there to offer condolences. The husband of Yanjing¡¯s first beauty that you mentioned isst year¡¯s top scorer in the pce examination and now a newly-appointed official. He should now be an official in the Ministry of Rites, Shen Yurong, Lord Shen.¡±

    Hearing this name, Jiang Li¡¯s heart contracted tightly. However, there was a smile on her face when she said: ¡°It¡¯s really this person.¡±

    ¡°Lord Shen is awesome. I heard the master once mentioned it to madam, among the newly-selected officials in the imperial court, Lord Shen had the fastest promotion. Really someone with talent. His wife was really beautiful, however .......¡± Reaching here, Xiang Qiao stopped talking and disdain shed across her eyes. Then she tensely looked at Jiang Li and continued by mumbling.

    ¡°Was she the madam who had an affair?¡± asked Jiang Li.

    Xiang Qiao was surprised: ¡°You also know this thing?¡± She smiled apologetically and continued: ¡°I was originally afraid to talk about it and dirty your ears. I didn¡¯t expect that you knew it already. That¡¯s right, the matter of Madam Shen having a corrupted woman¡¯s virtue is known by everyone. Think about it, which part of Lord Shen is not good. Young and promising, handsome, but this Madam Shen still had an affair outside. Really don¡¯t know what she was thinking.¡± Her voice was tinged with deep loathing.

    ¡°Corrupted woman virtue? Known by everyone?¡±

    Xiang Qiao felt Jiang Li¡¯s facial expression was somewhat strange and the atmosphere was suddenly stagnant. She paused and hesitantly opened her mouth: ¡°Second miss?¡±

    Jiang Li smiled: ¡°Nothing, continue talking.¡±

    Xiang Qiao paused and seemed to recall some matters before talking: ¡°This Madam Shen had done such a disappointing and disgraceful thing to Lord Shen yet Lord Shen was infatuated with her and not only did he not me her, he still treated her like in the past. Perhaps the heavens were unable to stand idly by, ever since Madam Shen¡¯s affair was found out, she fell ill. A few dayster, at the beginning of the first month, she left this world. To say, it must be retribution.¡± Xiang Qiao shook her head and sighed: ¡°After he knew that his wife was gone, he was broken-hearted and stayed at home without eating and drinking for three days and three nights, nearly following after his wife. His Majesty reproached him for being such an infatuated husband and instructed him to take a few days off from attending court. But recalling his emphasis on feelings and rtionship, the master said that Lord Shen probably will once again be promoted.¡±

    After saying all these words, Xiang Qiao didn¡¯t hear Jiang Li say anything and lifted her head to see. A stiff smile was at the corner of Jiang Li¡¯s mouth but in a short moment, Jiang Li raised the cup in her hands and drank a mouthful before talking: ¡°This Lord Shen is truly someone who has deep affections.¡±

 Chapter 19.2 - Worth

    <strong>Chapter 19.2: Worth</strong>

    ¡°Indeed.¡± Xiang Qiao nodded, her heart though was apprehensive. Wasn¡¯t it? Which man wouldn¡¯t be offended when his own wife cuckolded him? Against the norm, this top scorer official did not mind at all. Fortunately, that Madam Shen died early, otherwise, if the top scorer official carried a green hat for a lifetime, he would receive peculiar gazes from the people, not to mention his colleagues. Even amongmon people, he would already be aughingstock.

    So to say, in the end, the heavens still have eyes.

    Jiang Li covered her mouth and softly let out a yawn. ¡°That¡¯s it, today you¡¯re already tired from apanying me. I will also prepare to rest earlier. There¡¯s Tong¡¯er here to wait for me, the rest of you can go out.¡±

    Xiang Qiao was Ji Shuran¡¯s person, originally, she should stay close to keep watch over Jiang Li. However, today she was eager to go back and admire the hairpin with gemstone rewarded by Jiang Li. Therefore, she immediately agreed and retreated happily.

    Tong¡¯er closed the door after Xiang Qiao retreated and worriedly spoke: ¡°Youngdy, that Xiang Qiao is not good. She saw that you are easy to bully and deceived to take money out of you.¡±

    ¡°She deceived me, how would you know that it wasn¡¯t me who had deceived her?¡± Jiang Li replied with a smile. Carelessly, she fished out two things out of the small box of jewelry given by Ji Shuran. All of them were luxurious jewelry. Although presumably it couldn¡¯t bepared to Jiang You Yao¡¯s things, at least, it was dazzling enough for a person who had stayed at the mountain for eight years.

    But if one were to closely observe, upon seeing these shining jewels and hair pins, Jiang second miss¡¯s eyes were not the slightest bit disturbed.

    The entire Yanjing already knew of Xue Fang Fei¡¯s death. The entire Yanjing also knew that Shen Yurong almost died together with Xue Fang Fei in the name of love. A man who had talent, appearance, and deep feeling. In people¡¯s eyes, he didn¡¯t have the slightest w. In his seniors¡¯ eyes, in the Emperor¡¯s eyes, the subject had deep emotion and his talent could be used.

    Shen Yurong and Princess Yongning were working hand in hand, a pair of adulterous couple, causing the death of his life partner, Xue Fang Fei. All for the sake of establishing a name for himself as someone with a deep affection. Moreover, he still wanted to gain a good reputation, step by step seizing opportunities to climb to a higher position.

    But this person with deep affection, in his innermost heart, how much shamelessness and fickleness, only heaven knew. If God really had eyes, he wouldn¡¯t be so unfair.

    What a good and affectionate person!

    Nowadays, Shen Yurong had already stood at a tall enough position. It was also due to Princess Yongning¡¯s support behind him. Even if Xue Fang Fei was dead and reborn, he and she were like the cloud and the mud. She would be incapable of reaching her hands and pulling him down from the clouds. And if she were to lose the key moment, Shen Yurong would only go even higher, even further, to a ce she would not be able to touch.

    Luckily, now she was Jiang second miss. In Yanjing, the Jiang family was an official with high status. Leaning on this tree, she would still be able to cool off in its shade1. This was her shortcut.

    However, she must find ways to establish her position in the Jiang family. A Jiang second miss whose words carried weight would be able to do things more easilypared to a Jiang second miss who no one cared about.

    At the moment, no need to mention the stepmother who harbored evil intentions, also no need to mention the unfamiliar second and third branches. There were even only faint affections with the nearest blood-rted person, Jiang Yuan Bai, not at all deep and profound.

    Then how shall she gain a foothold in the Jiang family?

    Xue Huaiyuan once said, at whatever time, there must be one¡¯s own worth.

    She had to let the people in Jiang family know her worth.

    Footnotes:

    1: She meant it as, the Jiang family was like a huge tree, big enough to shade aka support her.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 20.1 - Sisters

    <strong>Chapter 20 Part 1: Sisters</strong>

    The bed in the chief assistant¡¯s house was much softerpared to the board in Mount Qingcheng.

    Although Jiang Yuan Bai was a schr, he was also a chief assistant. Some people became an official for themon people while some people became an official for their ambition. Jiang Yuan Bai had fulfilled his ambition, which was equivalent to having an enjoyable life.

    When Tong¡¯er came in the morning to wait upon Jiang Li, her smile was much more brilliantpared to previous days. She chattered while giggling about how much softer and morefortable her bed wasst night. The room she resided in was also brighter and more spacious.

    Yun Shuang and Xiang Qiao stood at one side. Yun Shuang was totally unwilling to do her task of serving Jiang Li while Xiang Qiao pretended to wipe the table while apanying Jiang Li to chat. Yet she didn¡¯t raise her hand to do heavy manualbor at all.

    In the entire Fang Fei Garden, apart from Tong¡¯er, there were only Yun Shuang and Xiang Qiao, these servants. Yun Shuang and Xiang Qiao were unlikely to do the heavy work. As a result, Tong¡¯er had to handle all the matters inside and outside the courtyard. Perhaps Ji Shuran had intentionally not given Jiang Li some servants to do the rough work. In a way, that was bullying Jiang Li not knowing the current standard. If Jiang Li understood, Ji Shuran was giving her a reason to be unhappy. Then she would turn her head to Jiang Yuan Bai and shed a few tears, saying that Jiang Li had a big temper and what not. From there, things would naturally take its course and she got her way.

    Yet Jiang Li didn¡¯t care in the slightest. When Yun Shuang went outside, Jiang Li pulled the corner of Xiang Qiao shirt and spoke: ¡°There¡¯s something I need to trouble Xiang Qiao jiejie.¡±

    Xiang Qiao was stunned and replied with a smile: ¡°This servant is here to listen to second miss¡¯s instructions.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid there¡¯s not enough manpower in this courtyard. Mother didn¡¯t arrange some rough servants here for me. You and Yun Shuang jiejie are my personal servants, Tong¡¯er also has her hands full already. Xiang Qiao jiejie has stayed in the house for many years, so you should be very familiar with the person who buys and sells servant girls. Could Xiang Qiao jiejie please help me to arrange for a few people for sweeping and watering.¡±

    After Xiang Qiao heard, she knitted her brows: ¡°Second miss, to get more servants in the courtyards need Madam¡¯s permission.¡±

    ¡°Mother is affectionate to me, but unfortunately forgot to arrange manpower for me. She could be busy with daily affairs so she forgot this side here. How can I disturb here? It¡¯s just buying a few servant girls, I wish to personally bear it. Xiang Qiao jiejie please arrange it.¡± Then Jiang Li conveniently picked up a gold bracelet from the small box and slipped it into Xiang Qiao¡¯s hand, speaking and smiling: ¡°Is it possible?¡±

    Is it possible?

    The gold bracelet gleamed brightly on Xiang Qiao¡¯s hand. The weight felt different from her gold bracelet. This one was slim and borate, giving her hand an extravagant impression. Xiang Qiao knew that this kind of workmanship and pattern was more valuablepared to the one worn on her hand.

    ¡°Of course it¡¯s possible!¡± Xiang Qiao nodded firmly. Her sight stuck to the bracelet and couldn¡¯t move away from it. She had followed Ji Shuran for a few years, but Ji Shuran was not as generous in rewards as this second miss who came from the mountain. Xiang Qiao felt puzzled in her heart. Perhaps this second miss didn¡¯t know the worth of these jewelry, that¡¯s why she gave them to her so easily?

    Before she could think more, Jiang Li smilingly spoke from the side: ¡°Then I will now trouble Xiang Qiao jiejie.¡±

    Xiang Qiao had received the gold bracelet, her heart felt both nervous and excited. She at once said: ¡°This servantt will definitely settle this matter for second miss. Second miss just needs to wait.¡± While talking, she withdrew outside.

    After Xiang Qiao left, Tong¡¯er stood at the side and seemed to want to say something but hesitated.

    Jiang Li spoke: ¡°Just say it out if you have anything to say.¡±

    ¡°Youngdy, this servant doesn¡¯t understand,¡± Tong¡¯er spoke: ¡°Why are you so good towards Xiang Qiao? You obviously know she was assigned by Ji shi....... Perhaps, you want to use this silver money to bribe her?¡±

    ¡°Bribe?¡± Jiang Li shook her head: ¡°this person¡¯s intention is not correct. She¡¯s two-faced, used to act flexible and take advantage of the situation. Moreover, she is very greedy. This kind of person, even if bought out, will inevitably change sides. I don¡¯t dare to buy this kind of person out.¡±

    ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, why did you give her these jewelry? Even if at this time she said she was going to help you choose some servant girls, there¡¯s no guarantee that she wouldn¡¯t tell Ji shi in private. Then, the people sent here would also pass through Ji shi¡¯s selection.¡±

 Chapter 20.2 - Sisters

    <strong>Chapter 20 Part 2: Sisters</strong>

    ¡°So what if I give her things to do. Giving her a task, it¡¯s also in order to give her things.¡±

    ¡°This servant doesn¡¯t understand,¡± Tong¡¯er was puzzled, ¡°youngdy, the silver in our hands now is not that much to give out.¡±

    Jiang Li was somewhat amused by her own servant girl. She said: ¡°You see, I only gave her jewelry, not silver. Do you know why?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Tong¡¯er opened her eyes wide.

    ¡°Naturally it¡¯s for others to see.¡± Jiang Liughingly said: ¡°To ovee the scheme, we need to divide the soldiers. Tong¡¯er, if there¡¯s a time someone gives you beautiful jewelry with precious gems, and doesn¡¯t ask for the same price in return, you should guard against it. It¡¯s possible that that person wants you to pay even more.¡±

    Tong¡¯er looked at Jiang Li with a baffled expression on her face. She still didn¡¯tprehend Jiang Li¡¯s words, yet she felt something faintly. After thinking for a while, she still shook her head. Jiang Li was much more intelligentpared to her. What she couldn¡¯t understand, Jiang Li would definitely be able to understand. There must be a reason behind how Jiang Li treated Xiang Qiao, she just needed to follow along.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go out and take a walk.¡± Jiang Li spoke, ¡°Since we have returned home, we should get familiar with our garden.¡±

    ¡°Ok ah!¡± Tong¡¯er was extremely happy, ¡°this servant will apany you.¡±

    Jiang Li changed her clothes. The tailored clothes weren¡¯t ready yet and Ji Shuran, this stepmother, couldn¡¯t be too obvious in her mistreatment. So she let some people send ready-made clothes that more or less fit for Jiang Li. These clothes appeared precious, butpared to Jiang Youyao¡¯s clothes, the workmanship was a lot rougher. Worn on Jiang Li¡¯s body, it didn¡¯t reflect her temperament.

    Although Tong¡¯er liked good materials, she felt these red ah, green clothes didn¡¯t look as good on Jiang Li as when she wore white ones. After pondering for a long time, she picked a green skirt for Jiang Li to wear.

    At a nce, the style of these clothes seemed to resemble the style worn by servant girls. If it wasn¡¯t careful, the green color could easily make the wearer look tacky. However, Jiang Li¡¯s skin was thin and pale so when it was on her body, it didn¡¯t look so bad. The color contrasting against her skin even made the whole person give out a tender and delicate appearance with a different kind of courageous look.

    Tong¡¯er and Jiang Li had stayed in the temple for a long time. Theybed their hair into the simplest and most convenient hairstyle for work. They returned to Jiang residence and discovered there were different ways peoplebed their hair. Moreover, in the Jiang residence, they would be ridiculed if theybed their hair to the style of the servant girls.

    Not waiting for Tong¡¯er to think on how to style her hair, Jiang Li had already sat in front of the bronze mirror. Her hands deftly pulled and coiled her long, ck hair, turning a few times before a top knot was done.

    Tong¡¯er opened her eyes wide in shock and spoke: ¡°Youngdy, how did you.......¡±

    ¡°I learned it before.¡± Jiang Li replied simply. When she was Xue Fang Fei and had just married Shen Yurong, in order to win the favor of her mother-inw and sister-inw, she learned how tob hair, thinking that females love to look good. So if shebed their hair personally, perhaps they could get somewhat closer. Later on, her rtionship with the Shen familypletely broke, yet her skill ofbing hair was still there.

    ¡°Youngdy can do anything, really awesome.¡± Tong¡¯er thought for a bit, there was a bit of doubt in her mind, ¡°but how was it possible for youngdy to specially learn how tob hair? Isn¡¯t this something that servant girls should do.......¡±

    Sadly, before she got her answer, Jiang Li had already gotten up and gone out the door. Tong¡¯er immediately pushed the question to the back of her head.

    The Jiang residence was very big. Tong¡¯er was originally just a sweeping servant girl. Afterward, when Jiang Li caused Ji Shuran¡¯s miscarriage, all the people serving in Jiang Li¡¯s courtyard were either killed or sold. When Jiang Li was about to be sent to Mount Qingcheng, Old Madam Jiang conveniently pointed her finger at a small servant girl to follow her. Tong¡¯er was precisely that servant girl.

    Due to leaving when she was still very young, Tong¡¯er was also very unfamiliar with the circumstances of the current Jiang residence.

    They had just taken a few steps out of Fang Fei Garden when they heard people¡¯s voices. Jiang Li stopped her footsteps and raised her eyes to see a few people chatting in a small pavilion not far away from them.

    Those few people had also seen Jiang Li and stopped talking. A person in the middle was looking especially beautiful and tender, wearing pink silk and soft cotton from head to toe.

    It was Jiang third miss, Jiang Youyao.

    I hope everyone is healthy, please stay safe ^^

    Even if you live in an unaffected area, please wash your hands often and don¡¯t be too close with others, avoid crowded ces... That cases haven¡¯t been reported in your area doesn¡¯t mean there aren¡¯t any infected people, just that they might remain undetected, being cautious will not harm you (but do not panic either!). If you live in an affected area, follow strictly the safety measures told by your government, not just for your own safety but also for the others¡¯ sake. If you¡¯re confined at home... congrattions, your hikikomori life has started! Don¡¯t lie, at some point, we all have wished we could just stay home for days binge-reading novels or ying games all daylong ^^

    We are in front of a global crisis so please be mindful and act withmon sense, meaning, if they announce confinement to your city, don¡¯t be an ass who grabs their luggage and goes on ¡®vacations¡¯ to their second residence! That will only help spread the virus to unaffected areas! I really wonder what some people have in their brain... >.<

    Andst but not least, we have a new novel fresh out of the oven to help you cope with the hard times! It¡¯s super sweet, cute, funny and adorable, be sure to check it out^^ It¡¯s about a certain ML Thinking of deer Fei Fei (¨R?¨Q)

 Chapter 21.1 - Cousin

    <strong>Chapter 21 Part 1: Cousin</strong>

    Inside the pavilion, three people that Jiang Li had just met yesterday were seated. Besides Jiang Youyao, there were also the shu daughters from the third branch.

    On one side of Jiang Youyao, two servant girls were fanning her. It was a bit warmer outside than inside the Jiang residence, but walking around outside while still in the morning didn¡¯t feel that hot yet.

    On the table, there were a few rock sugar, fruits, and juice. Jiang Yu Yan and Jiang Yu¡¯e were seated on the left and right side of Jiang Youyao, like stars cupping themselves around the moon1.

    Jiang Youyao saw Jiang Li yet didn¡¯t take the initiative to greet her. On the contrary, Jiang Yu Yan, who was sitting beside her, hesitated for a while before shyly shouted: ¡°Second sister.¡±

    Jiang Li ranked second in the Jiang family. Jiang Yuan Bai married Ye Zhen Zhen without any children for three years, yet his tongfang got pregnant. ording to custom, this child shouldn¡¯t be given birth to. However, Ye Zhen Zhen was kind and didn¡¯t have the heart to harm the pair of human lives2, so the baby was born. The year after, Jiang Li was born. While that tongfang¡¯s position was raised to a concubine.

    ording to Tong¡¯er, this concubine used to be old madam Jiang¡¯s servant girl and she was a well-behaved and sincere person. She didn¡¯t fight or grab resources in the house. A pity, her fate wasn¡¯t good. When Jiang Li was three years old, that would be two years after Ji Shuran entered the house, Jiang family¡¯s first daughter fell to her death while ying on the rockery in the garden. Her mother, the concubine, grieved day in and day out and soon after she was also gone.

    Jiang Li nodded to Jiang Yu Yan and spoke: ¡°Fourth sister.¡±

    Jiang Yu Yan had an ordinary appearance, and apparently, her guts were also small. She didn¡¯t expect Jiang Li to nod towards herself and was surprised. Then very quickly lowered her head as if afraid of something.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e who had fixed her gaze at Jiang Li suddenlyughed and spoke: ¡°Not meeting for several years, second sister has be much friendlier. No wonder it¡¯s said that the temple could discipline a person¡¯s temper.¡±

    When she smiled, she had quite the manner of a somewhat delicate and swaying daughter from a small family. However, the words she said were actually stabbing people. Hearing her, a trace of disdain shed through Jiang Youyao¡¯s eyes.

    Jiang Li understood, due to their status, the two shu daughters from the third branch aimed to curry Jiang Youyao¡¯s favor. Jiang Youyao used these two people as tools to make her unhappy.

    Jiang Li smiled slightly and replied: ¡°The temple can really temper someone¡¯s temperament. Fifth sister does not need to feel regret, perhaps someday in the future, you would have the opportunity to also experience it. There¡¯s still time in the future.¡±

    ¡°Who wants to experience.......¡± Jiang Yu¡¯e was instantly angered. As she was about to speak, Jiang Youyao, who had been keeping silent, pulled at her sleeve.

    Jiang Li looked at Jiang Youyao.

    Ji Shuran¡¯s biological daughter, her appearance indeed resembled Ji Shuran, dainty and very delicate with an oval face, exquisite nose, and cherry lips. She also hadrge, round eyes and peach cheeks. Probably due to a life of luxury, while being raised in the chief assistant¡¯s house, she looked tender and lovely. She was attired in a pink cotton skirt and as if she was Ji Xiang Lou¡¯s3 most precious jewel, just a look, one would know she wasn¡¯t the usual,mon goods. She should have been carefully taken good care of and ced in the hollow of the palm since birth, with jade feet, no need to be polluted by the earth. Just a raise of her eyebrow immediately gave birth to numerous pampered, tender charms. Her look was different from Xue Fang Fei¡¯s gorgeous appearance that was able to ruin cities. Jiang Youyao¡¯s beauty was just like a young girl in bloom, a young and inexperienced kind of beauty.

    Honestly speaking, it¡¯s a given having people dote on her with such an appearance. Since Jiang Yuan Bai was a chief assistant, it was natural that he doted on this daughter even more.

    Jiang Youyao was also sizing Jiang Li up. Jiang Li left when she was 7 years old. It had already been 8 years, Jiang Youyao could no longer remember Jiang Li¡¯s appearance. In her mind, being brought up in a Buddhist nunnery for eight years, Jiang Lu must be very cautious with a humble look for people to trample on. Completely without any air of arrogance nor attitude, simply a lowly, vicious female not worthy of paying attention to.

    Who would have imagined that after 8 years, on the first day Jiang Li returned home, she ruthlessly checkmated her mother and her at the doorway with one move? Jiang Li¡¯s haughtiness did not disappear, instead, it had set deeper, concealed under her reserved attitude. This was not a good thing at all, Jiang Li had be sinister and cunning.

    ¡°simply a lowly, vicious female not worthy of paying attention to. ¡± oh well for not being worthy of paying attention to you really did pay a lot of attention to her, unable to forget and thinking about ruining her all day long for 8 entire years hmph

    Footnotes:

    1:ÖÚÐÇ¹°ÔÂ: lit. all the stars cup themselves around the moon, idiom meaning to view sb as core (revered) figure, to revolve around somebody.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    2: This refers to the mother and baby. Yes, the tongfang would be killed too >.< btw reminding everyone that tongfangs are merely bed servants.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    3: Ji Xiang Lou: a jewelry house in Yanjing.

 Chapter 21.2 - Cousin

    <strong>Chapter 21 Part 2: Cousin</strong>

    For a while, Jiang Youyao quietly and closely examined Jiang Li from head to toe. Her heart was utterly annoyed to discover that although Jiang Li¡¯s dress wasn¡¯t as delicate as hers, it didn¡¯t lose out to her. That quiet and exquisite, clean and honest appearance truly resembled the type of people that father Jiang Yuan Bai admired.

    Jiang Youyao gripped the handkerchief in her hands tightly and took a deep breath. She took the initiative to show a smile and spoke: ¡°Second sister.¡± Ji Shuran had repeatedly warned her to absolutely not show hostility in front of outsiders at this juncture in the Jiang residence.

    ¡°Third sister.¡± Jiang Li also replied with a smile that was different from Jiang Youyao¡¯s forced smile. Jiang Li¡¯s smile was natural and sincere. Whoever saw it wouldn¡¯t doubt her friendliness at this time.

    Jiang Youyao felt extremely disgusted and suddenly spoke: ¡°Second sister should have passed your birthday1, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Jiang Youyao raised her head and smiled: ¡°In a few days, I will also have my birthday. Second sister must not forget to send a gift to younger sister.¡±

    Jiang Li was startled and replied: ¡°What? Since third sister is going to reach a marriageable age, I will definitely send a congrattory gift.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good, I heard grandmother said a lot of people were invited to attend my birthday. Second sister just returned to the capital, maybe you can make friends by meeting a bit more people.¡± She spoke meaningfully.

    Jiang Li did not mind the meaning hidden behind Jiang Youyao¡¯s words. She didn¡¯t even care about Jiang Yu¡¯e smile which seemed to be making fun of her. She only thought that Jiang second miss was all alone in Mount Qingchen when she reached her marriageable age, yet not even one person remembered. While Jiang third miss¡¯s birthday was arranged grandly. Both were obviously daughters from the first wife, yet this disparity was just too big.

    Thinking about this, she was somewhat sympathetic to the untimely demise of Jiang second miss.

    At least, Xue Fang Fei had never felt being treated coldly by her own rtives.

    She felt a bit disinterested and turned around with Tong¡¯er to go in another direction. Unexpectedly, she had just taken two steps before almost directly bumping into a person.

    ¡°Use your eyes when you walk ah!¡± That person spoke unhappily.

    ¡°It¡¯s you who first bumped into our youngdy!¡± Tong¡¯er couldn¡¯t help speaking out.

    ¡°When is it time for a servant to interrupt.¡± That voice turned angrier but in a second, it spoke distractedly: ¡°Jiang Li?¡±

    The youngster in front had a simr age to Jiang Li, and had with slightly dark skin. He could be regarded as attractive. It was precisely the second branch¡¯s Lu shi¡¯s Jiang Jing Rui.

    The second branch had two young masters. The eldest, Jiang Jing You¡¯s appearance resembled Jiang Yuan Ping, chubby and always beaming. The second young master, Jiang Jing Rui¡¯s appearance resembled Lu shi, quite handsome. His temperament was also more spoiled.

    At this moment, Jiang Jing Rui was carrying arge bamboo cage in his hands. From inside, the buzzing sound of a grasshopper could be heard, probably it was taken from outside. His clothes were messy and there was sweat on his forehead. He was very energetic and unbridled, lookingpletely like an indulgent son of a rich family.

    When he caught sight of Jiang Li, he didn¡¯t show the same strong hostility as Jiang Youyao. It also didn¡¯t look like Jiang Yuyan¡¯s appearance of wanting to run away from her. This attitude, he seemed to be very familiar with her.

    Jiang Li deliberated before deciding to test him. After some thoughts, she warmly called out: ¡°Cousin.¡±

    When this word came out, Jiang Jing Rui seemed to jump in fright. He took a huge step back, his face showed a repulsed expression and shouted: ¡°What nonsense are you calling me?¡±

    Jiang Li carried a smile on her face, however, her heart was beating like a drum. Jiang Jing You was older than Jiang Li by a year, but Jiang Jing Rui was only older than Jiang Li by 10 days. She had no idea how Jiang second miss used to address Jiang Jing Rui.

    Jiang Li had not yet figured out how to exin, Jiang Jing Rui had already once again looked at her. Suddenly he spat out: ¡°Why do you look like this now?¡±

    Now? This appearance?

    Jiang Li was puzzled.

    Then how did she look before?

    I noticed we mistranted Jing Rui¡¯s name as Jing Yui in the past, I already changed it in that chapter and list of charas. JL and this cousin maybe were pretty close in the past? Maybe she can make good use of him now hehe And Jiang Youyao¡¯s hairpin ceremony (15th birthday) looks like the perfect time for JL to score a few goals against the fake ones in Jiang family and also show herself with a better light fufufu tho some annoying flies might also appear bc of that ??

    Footnotes:

    1: The birthday mentioned here is the 15th birthday, a day where a young girl reached a marriageable age in ancient times. It was usually celebrated with a ritual (hairpin ceremony), showing that the girl has reached adulthood. From this age onwards, they would be waiting to be married off. (that sounds so wrong, like a farm animal waiting to be ughtered XD

 Chapter 22.1 - Old friend

    <strong>Chapter 22 Part 1: Old friend</strong>

    Although Jiang Jing Rui was 100% simr to Lu shi, yet he was absolutely not as shrewd as Lu shi. Jiang Li had not yet spoken but he had already said things clearly.

    ¡°Why does it seem like you had changed into another personpared to the previous one? Speaking so warmly, it was ufortable to death!¡±

    ¡°Still wearing green, do you consider yourself as a green onion?¡±

    ¡°You look too thin! Your look is also very different and where does this dressing stylee from?!¡±

    ¡°Tsk tsk tsk those who don¡¯t know that you are an honorable daughter would think you are a Buddhist nun. Do you want to be an immortal?¡±

    Atst, he said a sentence ¡°As expected, the nunnery was not a good ce, it¡¯s where good people were told to change and they would really change¡± as conclusion while measuring Jiang Li up and down.

    Jiang Li: ¡°.......¡±

    She didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Thinking of Jiang Jing Rui¡¯s actions just now, she opened her mouth to try him out: ¡°Jiang....... Jing Rui?¡±

    When this word came out, Jiang Jing Rui¡¯s expression immediately eased, and he said: ¡°Now this is correct! Call what cousin, my whole body had goosebumps!¡±

    Jiang Li thought to herself, it seemed that Jiang second miss¡¯s feelings with this older cousin were not too bad. They still called each other by their names in private. Looking at Jiang Jing Rui¡¯s noisy appearance without any scheming, then he previously should have been Jiang second miss¡¯spanion.

    Jiang Jing Rui ced both his hands on his chest and said: ¡°I still thought I would no longer meet you in this lifetime. Unexpectedly, eldest uncle still has a bit of heart and brought you back home.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks for your concern.¡± As much as possible, Jiang Li tried to make her manner appear somewhat natural.

    However, this ¡°natural¡±, still made Jiang Jing Rui feel extremely awkward. He spoke with restraint: ¡°But you shouldn¡¯t lower your guard. If you have time, go and curry favor with eldest uncle. My friends all know the matter of your return to the capital....... I see that by now, the entire Yanjing already knows. I heard them from the back, they all said you are malicious. You should be a bit smarter if you don¡¯t want to be driven outter.¡±

    Jiang Li was silent. Jiang Jing Rui gave the impression that his rtionship with Jiang second miss was not bad, yet at this time, he gave out the appearance of watching without doing anything. There was also a little impression of taking delight in disaster. And from where he stood, thinking that he was clever, for a moment, it couldn¡¯t be seen if it was with good intention or not, making Jiang Li felt he was both funny and embarrassing.

    Jiang Jing Rui cast his sight sideways at a distant ce. Inside the pavilion, Jiang You Yao and the other two people¡¯s shadows were still there. Jiang Jing Rui asked: ¡°Hey, when you came out just now, did they make things difficult for you?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Jiang Li spoke: ¡°Only spoke a few words.¡±

    When Jiang Jing Rui heard, he looked at her curiously: ¡°What did they say?¡±

    ¡°In a few days, it will be third sister¡¯s fifteenth birthday, third sister reminded me not to forget to give her a present.¡±

    Hearing it, Jiang Jing Rui sneered: ¡°A fifteenth birthday gift, really thought herself as a princess.¡± Then he looked at Jiang Li and resentfully and impatiently pointed a finger at her: ¡°What about you? You cannot figure out what she meant with her words?¡±

    ¡°What meaning?¡± Jiang Li was puzzled.

    ¡°Ay.¡± Jiang Jing Rui sighed like a wise old man and spoke: ¡°Once Jiang You Yao¡¯s fifteenth birthday rite has passed, the Marquis Ningyuan¡¯s family woulde over to decide on their marriage. To Jiang You Yao¡¯s hairpin ceremony, Zhou Yan Bang will definitelye!¡±

    Zhou Yan Bang. Jiang Li suddenly realized it in a sh. Tong¡¯er had already mentioned it before, the heir of Marquis Ningyuan was called Zhou Yan Bang, which was Jiang second miss¡¯s original fianc¨¦e. Later on, Jiang You Yao snatched the position.

    After thest snows of winter melted, a fearsome foe that remained hidden lurking in the dark has again made its appearance. The nice weather of spring aided in theireback, BEWARE! as they shall soon jump upon us... Bugs are on their way to be masters of our most horrible nightmares!

 Chapter 22.2 - Old Friend

    Chapter 22 Part 2: Old Friend

    No wonder Jiang Youyao just now mentioned that many people were invited to theing of age ceremony and perhaps she could meet an acquaintance. This ¡°acquaintance¡± must be referring to Zhou Yan Bang! If it was the real Jiang Li who met Zhou Yan Bang during the ceremony, she would either be sad and distressed, unable to speak for herself, or became excited and lost her self-control in front of the people. In short, it was not a happy thing, equal to stabbing a person¡¯s heart with a few knives.

    Tong¡¯er anxiously supported Jiang Li while Jiang Jing Rui still chattered away. ¡°I think you don¡¯t need to go to the ceremony. You don¡¯t know, Zhou Yan Bang looks much better nowpared to when he was younger. Nowadays, how many Yanjingdies fix their eyes on him. You liked him so much during childhood, if you meet him now, afraid you will be even more unable to give him up. However, now, what¡¯s done has been done, Jiang Youyao and Zhou Yan Bang have already set their marriage. Even if you are not reconciled, it will be useless and will only make you sad. It¡¯s better if you don¡¯t meet.¡±

    Jiang Li listened to his words and an idea came out in her mind. This Jiang Jing Rui really couldn¡¯t speak well. If it was the real Jiang second miss at this moment listening to his way of advising herself, it would be no different from pouring oil on fire and making things worse. It would be good if she didn¡¯t die from anger.

    Seeing that Jiang Li didn¡¯t say a word, Tong¡¯er was afraid that she was recalling those hurtful things and cautiously called out: ¡°Youngdy?¡±

    Jiang Li smiled and spoke: ¡°I¡¯m fine. As it turns out, Zhou Yan Bang will alsoe.¡±

    Her tone as she was speaking was too calm, making both Tong¡¯er and Jiang Jing Rui nk out momentarily.

    They didn¡¯t know, the current Jiang Li was not Jiang second miss. Jiang second miss would jump into the water so Zhou Yan Bang would reconsider, but the current Jiang Li would not. For her, Zhou Yan Bang was merely just a stranger whom she had never met and nothing more. To feel the four human emotions1 for a stranger, it was really too difficult.

    Zhou Yan Bang would not be able to stimte her. No matter what Jiang Youyao was nning, she was already making a mistake from the beginning. Zhou Yan Bang would be useful in the ceremony, useful under the condition that Jiang Li still cared about him. If Jiang Li didn¡¯t care the slightest, it wasn¡¯t important whether Zhou Yan Bang showed up or not.

    Jiang Jing Rui asked: ¡°Even if Zhou Yan Bang came, are you still going to go?¡± He observed Jiang Li¡¯s face, trying to find any trace of sadness or hurt in her expression.

    But he failed to do so.

    ¡°If I don¡¯t go, mother and third sister will be heart-broken. Father will also me me. How can I not go? Besides, there¡¯s really someone I would like to meet.¡± Jiang Li spoke.

    Jiang Jing Rui and Tong¡¯er heard Jiang Li¡¯s words and sympathized. Indeed, Jiang Li had to go. If she didn¡¯t go, who knew how Ji Shuran would arrange for things behind her back, a person sending a raft in front of people.

    After listening to the second half of her sentence, the two people were stunned at the same time. Is Jiang Li still unable to give up Zhou Yan Bang? But this expression, why does it seem like there are no lingering emotions at all?

    Due to Jiang Li¡¯s words ¡°want to meet people¡±, the two people concluded that it was Zhou Yan Bang. Yet, it didn¡¯t seem so. It seemed that she genuinely wanted to meet someone else, not him.

    Jiang Yuan Bai was the imperial court¡¯s first assistant, a chief schr. His di daughtering of age ceremony would inevitably be attended by countless schrs, government officials, along with their wives and children. Shen Yurong, as the new top scorer, was nowadays an upstart in the court. On the outside, he would show a good rtionship with Jiang Yuan Bai, so Shen Yurong¡¯s younger sister would definitelye to attend.

    In addition, Shen Yurong¡¯s younger sister, Shen Ruyun, at the time when she was still calling Xue Fangfei as her sister-inw, she found out that Shen Ruyun had Marquis Ningyuan¡¯s heir in her heart. Shen Ruyun was narrow-minded, ambitious and aggressive, she would certainlye to take a look at Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s future wife¡¯s appearance.

    Jiang Li wanted to meet people, they were Xue Fangfei¡¯s old friends, the people of the Shen family.

    She was waiting for those people toe.

    Footnotes:

    1: Four human emotions: happiness, ager, sorrow, joy.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 23.1 - Acquaintance

    <strong>Chapter 23 Part 1: Acquaintance</strong>

    After meeting Jiang Jing Rui, Jiang Li spent a lot of time to be familiar with the roads in the Jiang residence.

    The Jiang family¡¯s foundation was deep, and the residence was enormous. Fortunately, Jiang Li¡¯s ability to memorize things was not bad. Moreover, when she was in Tongxiang, although her residence was small, she loved following Xue Huaiyuan to go and handle official businesses. Therefore, she had gone to every corner in Tongxiang and actually was quite an expert in recognizing roads.

    The following days, they surprisingly lived in harmony. Apart from Xiang Qiao fawning over her daily and Yun Shuang being arrogant, nothing out of the ordinary urred. Subtly, whether it was Old Madam Jiang, the second branch or the third branch, except for that one day where they met coincidentally outside, not even one person took the initiative to go look for Jiang Li. Even Jiang Li¡¯s father, Jiang Yuan Bai, was toozy to keep his outer appearance after a while. In the entire Jiang residence, Jiang Li was like an insignificant person, inviting her to return home just to be put coldly at the side. After a few more days, she would be thoroughly tossed at the back of everyone¡¯s mind.

    No, no need to say after a few more days, she had already been forgotten even at this moment.

    Others didn¡¯t give her face, it was also not worthwhile for Jiang Li to rush and show warm feelings. Just act as if nothing happened, no need to take the initiative to meet Old Madam. Her everyday meals were also arranged by her for Tong¡¯er to pick it and bring it back to Fang Fei Garden. In this way, it was precisely the saying: ¡®what the eye doesn¡¯t see, the heart doesn¡¯t grieve over¡¯.

    However, just by refusing to acknowledge her, she wouldn¡¯t automatically disappear. This peaceful time was also a preparation for theing wave.

    In the early morning of this day, the sky cleared after the rain, a rare cool and refreshing day, unlike the previous sizzling hot days. After having breakfast, Jiang Li told Xiang Qiao of her n to go out for a round trip.

    Yi Shuang who was standing a bit further away kept calm, without any word or movement and raised her ear to listen to Xiang Qiao asking Jiang Li: ¡°Second miss, why do you suddenly want to go out?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve stayed in the residence for half a month, every day just staying here foolishly, and felt really bored. I don¡¯t even know how Yanjing looks after these few years. I merely want to go out and stroll around.¡± Not waiting for Xiang Qiao to speak, she continued: ¡°In addition, third sister¡¯s birthday is in a few days. I cannote empty-handed.¡±

    Xiao Qiao¡¯s eyeballs turned around before asking: ¡°Youngdy wants to go out to find a present for third miss?¡±

    ¡°Correct.¡± Jiang Li replied with a smile: ¡°At the same time, look around to see if there are any new things for ying.¡±

    Suddenly, Xiang Qiao had an itch in her heart. When Jiang Li went out to buy things, if she followed suit, who knew whether she might also be rewarded with some stuff. To say, this second miss, although she grew up in the nunnery, she was extremely extravagant when spending. No idea if she was stupid or had an extravagant temper like the previous Madam Ye Zhen Zhen. Every day, she would reward her very generously. Just from staying next to Jiang Li this past month, the jewelry she rewarded Xiang Qiao had quickly overtaken the previous one year¡¯s reward.

    She deliberately asked: ¡°Second miss, these few days, you¡¯ve also spent quite a bit of money.......¡±

    ¡°The silver that grandmother has sent is not spent yet.¡± Jiang Li interrupted her sentence andughed: ¡°Enough to buy some good things.¡±

    Xiang Qiao thought, that¡¯s right, Jiang Li only rewarded her with jewelry yet didn¡¯t move the silver at all. Is silver more precious than jewelry? But Xiang Qiao naturally wouldn¡¯t actively cut off her own livelihood. Thinking that she might get some money today, at once, the advice she had prepared for Jiang Li not to go out was swallowed back into her belly. She merely spoke: ¡°If that¡¯s the case, this servant will apany second miss to look around outside. This ve used to apany third miss to go out and knows the good shops in Yanjing.¡±

    Yi Shuang had some dissatisfaction towards Xiang Qiao¡¯s response, but Jiang Li had already opened her mouth and spoke: ¡°Okay, Tong¡¯er, you also apany me. Then, I¡¯ll trouble Xiao Qiao jiejie.¡±

    She actually, or perhaps intentionally, ignored Yi Shuang.

    Two servant girls were sufficient, naturally Yi Shuang also wouldn¡¯t go out together with them. Although from the beginning, Yi Shuang didn¡¯t intend to amodate this second miss, Jiang Li¡¯s current action seemed to clearly dere in the open that she also didn¡¯t ept Yi Shuang.

    Waiting for Jiang Li and Xiang Qiao, the two people, go out from the room, Yi Shuang spat out hatefully, then turned to go to Warm and Graceful Courtyard1, where Ji Shuran resided.

    Footnotes:

    1: ÊçÐãÔ° (sh¨±xi¨´yu¨¢n): Sh¨± ¨C warm and virtuous; Xi¨´ ¨C refined, elegant, graceful. Yu¨¢n is thend used for growing nts; site used for public recreation.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 23.2 - An acquaintance

    <strong>Chapter 23 Part 2: An acquaintance</strong>

    When Jiang Li went out of the residence, the person in charge of the gate was somewhat nervous. Luckily, Xiang Qiao was very familiar with him. She chatted warmly and spoke a few sentences and he ordered two bodyguards to follow the Jiang residence carriage.

    Perhaps he felt that Jiang Li wasn¡¯t valued at all in the residence, therefore these bodyguards were young and pathetic. But it was just as good since Jiang Li did not wish to be followed by someone who would think too much.

    Tong¡¯er let out her breath after they passed the Jiang residence¡¯s door. During this period, she had felt unbearably stifled staying at the Jiang residence, afraid of causing trouble for Jiang Li. Every day she was careful and acted even more cautiously, living each day as if walking on thin ice. Once they were outside, she suddenly felt the constantly annoying Xiang Qiao was not as hateful.

    Xiang Qiao was also unabashed. She spoke right away once they got out: ¡°Second miss, this servant knows the best jewelry shop in Yanjing is Jixiang Lou.¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s go to Jixiang Lou.¡± It wasn¡¯t good for Jiang Li to say anything else.

    Actually, the family of Jiang Li¡¯s maternal grandmother, Ye family, started by selling jewels and precious stones. Although it wasn¡¯t as famous as Jixiang Lou, it still had weight. Afterwards, the development of Ye family¡¯s business expanded more and more. So they no longer attached much importance to this jewels and precious stones business.

    When they arrived at Jixiang Lou, the shop assistant noticed Xiang Qiaoing over and greeted her warmly. He then saw Jiang Li by her side and was nk for a while before blurting out: ¡°This noble person is.......¡±

    Previously, Xiang Qiao came together with Ji Shuran and Jiang Youyao. Today Xiang Qiao came by herself to apany a different youngdy. This youngdy was obviously sitting in Jiang family¡¯s carriage. Her appearance was extremely unfamiliar, making the shop assistant felt apprehensive. It wasn¡¯t the shu daughter of the Jiang family, could she be a distant rtive of the Jiang family?

    As he was thinking, he saw Xiang Qiao exposed a strange expression. She hesitated for a while before awkwardly opened her mouth: ¡°This is the second miss of our residence.¡±

    The shop assistant heard her say ¡°second miss¡± and before fully understanding, he had an enthusiastic smile on his face. Since when does the Jiang family have a second miss? The moment he looked at Jiang Li, he suddenly reacted, almost choking on his own saliva.

    Second miss? That second miss who was sent to the nunnery to cultivate her character after harming her stepmother and brother!

    Her face wasn¡¯t like what the rumor said, ghostly and sinister, inauspicious and fierce. She also wasn¡¯t sharp and vicious as imagined. Facing the girl, she wearing a moon white gauze skirt with a small jacket the color of jade, her look was simple and light. At this time, seeing him, she inclined her head slightly. As if she found him amusing, there was a smile at the corner of her mouth.

    Crystal clear and gentle, elegant and charming appearance, clearly she was the female immortal jade child under the Bodhisattva.1

    Mother, how can this be the Jiang family¡¯s second miss?

    The shop assistant only felt dizzy and confused. Tong¡¯er wrinkled her brows and angrily spoke: ¡°This young brother, you don¡¯t n to wee your customer?¡±

    The shop assistant immediately came back to his senses and apologized repeatedly. He sneaked a nce at Jiang Li to see her still smiling gently without any anger. His original sober mind, in a split second, turned somewhat stupid again.

    He weed the few people to go inside the shop while thinking, why does the shop happen to be empty today? In the main hall, not a single person is present. If not, those customers could see the appearance of the malicious Jiang second miss when she grew up. They would definitely be startled, more than he was!

    Jiang Li¡¯s group of people went inside Jixiang Lou. Not far away, right across Jixiang Lou, a gorgeous building stood tall. A dazzling sight, like a floating immortal.

    Two people were sitting by the upstairs window. One of them opened his mouth to speak: ¡°You see, a person from the Jiang family.¡±

    On the opposite side, a hand was lifting a teapot and lightly poured the content into a cup. The clear joints of the hand was surprisingly a bit fairer than the slender porcin teapot.

    ¡°Oh.¡± The voice carried a bit ofziness, ¡°an acquaintance.¡±

    Yup yup we know, whenever someone watches MC from a tea store or whatever across the street, it¡¯s bound to be ML. The same if someone speaks with a voice carrying a bit ofziness, that¡¯s either MC or ML.... >.< gotta say, not original at all sigh...

    Footnotes:

    1: In pictures, or statues, Bodhisattva usually has a pair of children under her pedestal..

 Chapter 24 Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 24 Part 1:</h4>

    Inside Jixiang Lou, Jiang Li and her twopanions, the three of them were picking up jewelry.

    Didn¡¯t know if it was due to fear of Jiang Li¡¯s ¡°evil reputation¡±, the shopkeeper, along with each and every assistant there, served her with 120% attentiveness. It so happened that there were no other customers today. The shopkeeper practically brought all the newly-made jewelry out for Jiang Li to pick and choose.

    At first, Xiang Qiao thought that when Jiang Li picked a present for Jiang Youyao, no need to mention whole-heartedly, perhaps she would still do something in the dark. However, she didn¡¯t expect Jiang Li to choose the gift carefully, even generously buying a set of phoenix headgear with a drop of round red jade. This head ornament set cost exactly 300 silvers.

    Old madam Jiang gave Jiang Li a box of silvers that amounted to 400 silvers. After buying this headgear, she would be left with only 100 silvers.

    Looking at Jiang Li, there wasn¡¯t even a bit of regret on her face. Xiang Qiao felt that after all, she really didn¡¯t know what this second miss was thinking.

    The shopkeeper and shop assistants had actually been serving with fear and trepidation, who knew that Jiang Li didn¡¯t deliberately make things difficult for them from start to finish. She was even more amiablepared to other Yanjing honorabledies, it was somewhat unimaginable.

    After buying this headgear, it was impossible to buy other things in Jixiang Lou using the remaining silvers. The three of them went out of the door and were about to walk in the direction of the carriage when Tong¡¯er suddenly pointed to a pawn shop not so far away and spoke to Jiang Li: ¡°Youngdy, at that time, when this servant was leaving the capital, this servant put a piece of jade given by this servant¡¯ste mother there. This servant would like to go and see if the piece of jade is still there. If it¡¯s still there, it would be good to redeem and keep it as a memento.¡±

    Jiang Li right away replied: ¡°You go then.¡± Afterwards, she took the remaining silvers and handed them to Tong¡¯er, ¡°Use these.¡±

    Tong¡¯er couldn¡¯t decline and taking the silvers, went in the direction of the pawn shop. Xiang Qiao that remained behind looked nkly at Jiang Li, Jiang Li treated her subordinates too well. Then thinking of her many benefits as she stayed by Jiang Li¡¯s side, she genuinely thought it over and consoled herself. There was a far gap, having a master like this was much betterpared to following after the third miss or Ji Shuran. There was a bit of regret in Xiang Qiao¡¯s heart, if Jiang Li wasn¡¯t Jiang family¡¯s second miss destined to be dealt with by Ji Shuran and end up miserably, she really would be willing to follow after this master. She would be living veryfortably.

    Their appearance at the front of Jixiang Lou fell onto the eyes of the two people sitting next to the window of ¡°Wang Xian Lou¡±.

    Two people were sitting opposite to each other on the pear wood table. One of them had thick eyebrows and big eyes, wearing a ck armor with a yellow ribbon embroidered at the side, seemingly a person in the military. His action of pouring tea was rough but carrying a bit of chivalry. He opened his mouth carelessly: ¡°Which Jiang family¡¯s miss is that? Why still go to the pawn shop?¡±

    After a moment passed, the person sitting opposite answered slowly: ¡°Ranked second.¡±

    ¡°Ranked second?¡± The person wearing military attire was smacking his lips and suddenly came to a realization, ¡°Jiang second miss? The one who recently returned, Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s eldest daughter? The one you mentioned is the evil daughter who harmed the mother and murdered the younger brother? Big boss, you shouldn¡¯t joke this way, right?!¡±

    The two people standing in front of Jixiang Lou, no need to talk about the servants¡¯ attire, the other person actually had a slim figure, like a weak willow swayed by the wind. Perhaps the eyesight of the person with the military attire was rather good, he could more or less see Jiang second miss¡¯s appearance. He muttered: ¡°She looks so pitiful, this is Jiang second miss? I, Kong Liu, have never been wrong in looking at people. Either you made a mistake in identifying the person, or this youngdy had never done those deeds!¡±

    The person sitting opposite didn¡¯t pay any attention to him.

    The one called Kong Liu saw his friend ignored him and asked another sentence: ¡°....... really is?¡±

    The person opposite still ignored him. but Kong Liu understood right away, this was indeed the truth. He spoke: ¡°Goodness, you really cannot judge a book by its cover. But how do you know that she is Jiang second miss? Have you met her?¡±

    Ji Heng: ¡°Yes, every night, in my dreams ?? ¡± <- that¡¯s what we all are hoping he¡¯d answer right? ??

 Chapter 24 Part 2 - A Glimpse

    <strong>Chapter 24 Part 2: A Glimpse</strong>

    The person opposite replied: ¡°Have met.¡±

    ¡°Ai.¡± Kong Liu shook his head, ¡°you cannot believe rumors. Everyone says this Jiang second miss is iparably ugly, but I think she looks pretty good, delicate and graceful, doesn¡¯t she?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Rather dull.¡±

    Kong Liu felt suffocated at once: ¡°Then what about Jiang third miss? Jiang third miss looks lustrous, right?¡±

    ¡°Uses too much powder.¡±

    ¡°You, big boss, how about Xue Fang Fei? That was Yanjing¡¯s first beauty. You have to admit that she was good looking!¡±

    ¡°Good looking?¡± The opposite person spoke distastefully with a cold tone, ¡°You make me evaluate a person..... A dead person?¡±

    As he was speaking, he finally retracted his gaze and turned towards Kong Liu in front of him.

    This young person was clothed in a crimson gown. His neckline was embroidered with ck and gold swallowtail butterflies, making his face look faintly pretty and flirtatious. He had a pair of long and narrow phoenix eyes with the corners slightly raised. It should have created an arrogant and haughty posture, yet due to the red mole in the corner of his eye, it somehow toned down his arrogant bearing.

    His lips were also thin and unnaturally red while his skin was too white. As a result, his five features appeared especially prominent. It was impossible to cover this young man¡¯s gorgeousness. But his posture was cold and indifferent, and he was also somewhat fickle.

    Kong Liu almost choked while looking at him.

    He couldn¡¯t helpmenting, the person sitting across him was indeed qualified to be picky about beauties since his own appearance entitled him to ignore the reputation of all the beauties out there.

    This was precisely Duke Su, Ji Heng.

    ¡°Forget about it, forget about it, don¡¯t mention women.¡± Kong Liu scratched his head, ¡°The Right Minister¡¯s recent movements are getting bigger. He had already tried to rope inst year¡¯s top scorer, Shen Yurong secretly. Probably Shen Yurong is still in a wait-and-see position. In case Shen Yurong could be roped in, the Right Minister and Jiang family¡¯s influence in the court will be strong from top to bottom.¡±

    ¡°Then you should go and help the Right Minister, that senior,¡± Ji Heng¡¯s tone was gentle, ¡°they must rope the top scorer in sessfully.¡±

    ¡°In a few days, it will be Jiang family¡¯s third miss¡¯s birthday ceremony. I think the Shen family will arrange someone to find out Jiang Yuanbai¡¯s inside information.¡±

    Ji Heng said: ¡°Hong Xiao Emperor cared about Shen Yurong. Jiang Yuanbai and the Right Minister fought over to rope him in. However,¡± the corner of his mouth curved, ¡°he must not be roped in by the Jiang family.¡±

    ¡°I understand,¡± Kong Liu smiled knowingly, ¡°In theing days, the Jiang family will be troubled.¡±

    ¡°A pity.¡± Ji Heng sighed softly. Kong Liu felt his hair stood on end, he knew, the guy sitting opposite him wouldn¡¯t really have pity on people. On the contrary, for him to say pity to a person, the end result would definitely be really pitiful.

    Perhapsmenting on the future of the Jiang family, Kong Liu again looked towards the person standing in front of Jixiang Lou, his heart carrying a mournful sigh. He said: ¡°You say, the Jiang family¡¯s second miss looks this pure and pleasant, then the matter of harming her stepmother and murdering her brother could be a misunderstanding. It¡¯s not certain that she was capable of doing this kind of thing.¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Unexpectedly, Ji Heng actually replied, he said: ¡°Based on the appearance of this Jiang second miss, it¡¯s absolutely possible she has the capability to harm her stepmother and murder her brother, this thing.¡±

    Kong Liu rolled his eyes, and no longer spoke.

    Author¡¯s corner:

    Beauty Ji: In the beauty index, I am the first under heaven, no matter if it¡¯s male or female¨q£¨¨s^¨t£©¨r

 Chapter 25 Part 1 - Ah L?

    <h4>Chapter 25 Part 1: Ah L?</h4>

    Jiang Li wasn¡¯t aware that her movements in front of Ji Xiang Lou were watched by someone. When Tong¡¯er came back from the pawn shop, she shook her head and spoke: ¡°The jade that this servant pawned before was redeemed by someone else. But while in the pawn shop, this ve found a piece of very beautiful jade pendant and bought it.¡± She spread out her hand when she was done speaking.

    The quality of the jade pendantying in the middle of Tong¡¯er¡¯s palm was just so-so. In Jiang residence, Xiang Qiao was ustomed to seeing good things, so byparison, this piece of jade really had nothing special. If one were to say whether there was anything unusual about it, it was the carving of a fat racoon on it. The carving was imitated perfectly, vivid and remarkably life-like.

    Xiang Qiao only took a nce before moving her sight away. On the contrary, Jiang Li was unable to take her eyes off it and didn¡¯t want to part with it. She said to Tong¡¯er: ¡°It¡¯s pretty indeed.¡±

    ¡°This servant knew youngdy would like it, since youngdy likes it, just hold on to it.¡±

    Jiang didn¡¯t decline and epted the jade pendant. Upon seeing it, Xiang Qiao ridiculed in her heart, after all Jiang Li really was a country bumpkin who had stayed in the mountain for 8 years, liking such a lousy toy.

    When they returned to Fang Fei Courtyard, it was alreadyte in the evening. No idea since when, Xiang Qiao had disappeared like a wisp of smoke. Jiang Li was also aware that she certainly had gone to Warm and Graceful Courtyard to report to Ji Shuran.

    Tong¡¯er saw that there was no other person inside the room and closed the door, then she poured a cup of hot tea for Jiang Li. She inquired quietly: ¡°Youngdy, why did you suddenly want this servant to redeem this piece of jade? Who does this jade belong to? Is there anything special?¡±

    They had relied on each other in Mount Qingcheng for 8 years. Although they were master and servant, their rtionship was better than the usual master servant rtionship. Tong¡¯er was very clear about any matter regarding Jiang Li. But didn¡¯t know since when, Tong¡¯er also no longer knew the meaning behind Jiang Li¡¯s actions.

    Just like the thing today. Before they went out, Jiang Li told her to help her by all means to redeem a piece of jade pendant. The words spoken in front of Ji Xiang Lou were all taught by Jiang Li beforehand. Whatte mother, all of these were fabricated.

    Jiang Li smiled at her: ¡°You did very well.¡± While caressing the jade pendant, she said: ¡°This jade pendant was an old friend¡¯s. That old friend is already gone.¡±

    The jade pendant in her hand was personally carved by Xue Huaiyuan when she was born. The night before Xue Fang Fei¡¯s mother gave birth to her, Xue Huaiyuan had a dream. In his dream, a racoon came in front of their family¡¯s door and solemnly bowed. Afterwards, when she was born, a yin yang Master was invited to look at Xue Fang Fei¡¯s life. The Master said that in her life, Xue Fang Fei would fall and wither, a beautiful woman suffering unhappy fates. The always steady and upright Xue Huaiyuan was so angry he raised a stick and nearly beat the yin yang master to death. His mouth said that he didn¡¯t believe, but his heart nevertheless minded. From neighbors far and near, he heard that it was best to choose a lowly pet name for unlucky people. When the King of Hell and the lower demons heard, they would be disinclined to collect this lowly life.

    As a result, Xue Huaiyuan did not give Xue Fang Fei a child¡¯s name, rather, he directly added a pet name, Ah L?.

    Xue Huaiyuan had saved half a year of his sry when he encountered a wandering merchant and bought the jade from his hand, it wasn¡¯t very costly. Then Xue Huaiyuan personally requested a senior monk to bless it, and personally carved it, wishing for Xue Fang Fei to be safe and sound and for her things to go smoothly throughout her life.

    Afterwards, this piece of jade apanied Xue Fang Fei up to the capital, Yanjing. Later on, when Shen Yurong became the top scorer and became an official, he needed to make social interactions up and down. The Shen family¡¯s property was too meager, so Xue Fang Fei took out her whole dowry for him to use. During the most hard-pressed time, this piece of jade was pawned.

    Originally, she thought to wait for a few days until the home conditions had improved before bringing the jade pendant back. Who would have imagined, not long after, the matter at the birthday feast urred. Her reputation was entirely ruined, she had no face to go out. Until she passed away, she was not able to redeem this piece of jade.

    Tong¡¯er saw Jiang Li thinking of something, she didn¡¯t know what it was but her expression was unexpectedly looking extremely deste. She couldn¡¯t help opening her mouth: ¡°Youngdy.......¡±

 Chapter 25 Part 2 - Ah L?

    <strong>Chapter 25 Part 2: Ah L?</strong>

    Please, read this at BloomingTrantion blog. We spend a lot of time and effort to bring you the best quality trantions we can provide, so please show us respect by reading from our site instead of aggregators that steal our work.

    Jiang Li came out of her daze and said with a smile: ¡°Although my old friend is no longer in this world, I¡¯m still here.¡±

    Although Xue Fang Fei was no longer here, Jiang Li was still here. Xue Fang Fei wasn¡¯t able to redeem this jade, but Jiang Li was able to get it back.

    Xue Fang Fei¡¯s baby name was Ah L?, Jiang Li¡¯s name also was a single character ¡°Li1¡±. Perhaps this was a mysterious fate, letting her take the ce of this pitifuldy to once more return to Yanjing.

    Jiang Li, Jiang Li2, the meaning of the name wasn¡¯t good. But after all, the former Xue Fang Fei3 also didn¡¯t have a prosperous life in her lifetime. It¡¯s clear that in the end, destiny was in one¡¯s own hands.

    Tong¡¯er blinked, seeing Jiang Li¡¯s smile, she was able to rx. She seemed to recall something and said: ¡°The two servant girls from Warm and Graceful Courtyard¡¯susually don¡¯t bother about their work. Today also came a few sweeping servants from the outer courtyard, but they also ck off. Youngdy shouldn¡¯t let them continue this way, Ji shi didn¡¯t care about this thing, but master can¡¯t be involved in the matters of the backyard. Old Madam can take care of this, right!¡±

    ¡°Old Madam is not close to me at all. If I tell her this thing, she can take care of this for a while but she cannot manage it for a lifetime. It¡¯s better for me to take care of this matter myself.¡± Jiang Li shook her head. Old Madam Jiang was powerful and capable. Being calm and obedient might not necessarily get her favor. Moreover, Jiang Li had previously made Old Madam Jiang¡¯s heart cold. If she really wanted to raise her dissatisfaction, it wasn¡¯t known who she would lean towards more.

    ¡°What does youngdy n to do?¡± Hearing this, Tong¡¯er was immediately eager to hear. Ever since Jiang Li used the monkeys in Mount Qingcheng to n her return to the capital, Tong¡¯er had absolute belief in Jiang Li.

    ¡°In these few days, as much as possible, in front of Yi Shurang, just mutter to yourself about how much benefits I¡¯ve given Xiang Qiao.¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°More than half of the jewelry in the small box Ji shi sent over was given away to her.¡±

    ¡°Youngdy wants to drive a wedge between them?¡± Tong¡¯er was clever and promptly asked.

    ¡°From the beginning, both of them couldn¡¯t be considered close, it¡¯s not possible to drive a wedge between them.¡± Jiang Liughed, ¡°This can be considered as simply giving them a small test, that¡¯s all.¡±

    Just a test, if won, then naturally they could live together in harmony. If lost, then the whole game was lost.

    **********

    In Warm and Graceful Courtyard, Xiang Qiao was standing in the middle of a room. Facing the table, Jiang Youyao was practicing writing characters, but her expression was obviously absent-minded.

    Ji Shuran asked: ¡°A ruby head ornament?¡±

    ¡°Yes, the ruby head ornament from Jixiang Lou, 400 taels of silver. This servant saw it personally.¡± said Xiang Qiao.

    ¡°What can a head ornament that costs 400 taels of silver be regarded as?¡± Jiang Youyao felt disdainful.

    ¡°Although it cannot be regarded as much, it also wouldn¡¯t make her lose face.¡± Ji Shuran muttered, ¡°It probably would be simr to what your two elder cousins from the second branch would send.¡± ording to reason, she didn¡¯t make an error in choosing it.

    Hearing what was said, Xiang Qiao thought in her mind, Ji Shuran saying this was clearly wanting to make a fuss during Jiang Youyao¡¯s hairpin ceremony.

    ¡°Mother, then what can make her have a good time?¡± Jiang Youyao put her pen down and hastily looked at Ji Shuran.

    ¡°These days she just returned to the capital, Liu Yuan Feng is looking after her, your father also feels guilty towards her. However, if you want to make people loathe her is also very simple.¡± Ji Shuran said.

    ¡°How to do it?¡± Jiang Youyao¡¯s eyes turned bright.

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget, she still has a reputation of being evil, harming the mother and murdering the brother. How can it be so easily erased? Now it has been too long, people have forgotten about it. In case the people were reminded, she will not have any way out.¡± Ji Shuran smiled virtuously, ¡°The most hateful thing the nobles in Yanjing cannot stand is touching a bit of mud.¡±

    Xiang Qiao¡¯s heart jumped, and stared at Ji Shuran who had looked over at her.

 Chapter 26 Part 1 - Shen Family

    <h4>Chapter 26 Part 1: Shen Family</h4>

    The third day of the seventh month was Jiang Youyao¡¯s hairpin ceremony.

    The whole Jiang residence had been bustling since the previous evening. Jiang Li who had originally been isted, was naturally abandoned to the back of everyone¡¯s mind. So much so that in the morning of the next day, no one in the kitchen remembered to send food to Fang Fei Courtyard.

    Tong¡¯er personally went to the kitchen to find some remaining cakes or pastries to give Jiang Li. On the other hand, she was extremely angry and wanted to speak up: ¡°It¡¯s just a birthday rite, both are the honorable youngdies of the Jiang residence. To go as far as to favor one and discriminate against the other to such a degree, it¡¯s just too much!¡±

    Jiang Li picked up a chestnut cake and took a bite while consoling her: ¡°Jiang Youyao is the pearl in the palm of the people in the main house. Her birthday ceremony is, of course, a major event. Today there are a lot of noblesing, naturally they cannot neglect them.¡±

    ¡°Youngdy, with your manner of speaking, those who don¡¯t know would think that you are an outsider.¡± Tong¡¯er spoke: ¡°You don¡¯t feel so, but this servant feels unreconciled for you.¡± Then she continued: ¡°The people in this Fang Fei Courtyard, apart from a few sweeping servants outside, there¡¯s not even one person around. That Yun Shuang in the end is also a servant, but she pulled a long face all day long for people to see. How will youngdy use her? Never mind this, that Xiang Qiao, she has taken so many jewelry but today even her shadow couldn¡¯t be seen. She probably went to Ji shi to gain some credits. Pei, really raising an unfamiliar white eyed wolf!¡± Tong¡¯er was already unhappy with Xiang Qiao and Yun Shuang from long ago. Today she couldn¡¯t bear it any longer and spoke of her bitterness in one breath.

    ¡°Xiang Qiao is originally Ji shi¡¯s person. The past few days, she was fawning in front of me just to get some silvers. My small box has been emptied out by her, of course she no longer has any reason to fawn over me again. As for Yun Shuang, I treated Xiang Qiao so well but she didn¡¯t receive any advantages at all. She will certainly be more prejudiced against me.¡± Jiang Li finished eating a piece of cake and drank half a mouthful of tea to rinse her mouth.

    Tong¡¯er was looking from the side. Since returning to the Jiang residence, these past few days, Ji Shuran had for the time being not dared to deal with Jiang Li in the open. Food and other things to use were still not too bad. As a result, Jiang Li¡¯splexion had be somewhat better. Her facial features were originally born exquisite and clear. Her clothingpared to previous days was also better and exposed a beautiful form.

    As well as her each and every movement, Tong¡¯er was unable to describe, she just felt that they were especially moving.

    Jiang Li saw Tong¡¯er in a daze and asked: ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    Tong¡¯er came out of her daze and straightaway spoke: ¡°Youngdy, today is third miss¡¯s hairpin ceremony. They wouldn¡¯t not let youngdy attend, right?¡±

    Up until now, no one hade to notify Jiang Li to attend the ritual. If it was the real Jiang second miss, it would be hard to avoid disying the mixed feelings in her heart. No need to think further, she would even be so frantic that she wouldn¡¯t remember her ce. After all, Jiang second miss already had a bad reputation. Such a person like the Jiang Old Madam who cherished her clean and pure reputation, in order to not to let Jiang Li make mischief during the ceremony, it was really possible that she would directly not allow Jiang Li to show up.

    In the end, Jiang second miss had a history of harming her mother and murdering her brother, moreover, today Marquis Ningyuan¡¯s heir, Zhou Yan Bang, would appear. If Jiang second miss saw Zhou Yan Bang and recalled how her marriage arrangement was forcibly taken away and by any change her mood was stirred up, it was possible that she might do something that overstepped the boundary.

    Jiang Liughed: ¡°Impossible.¡±

    Tong¡¯er asked: ¡°How is youngdy so certain?¡±

    ¡°Even if each and every one in the Jiang residence doesn¡¯t want me to attend Jiang Youyao¡¯s ceremony, one person will definitely wish for me to take part in it, which is Ji shi. In order for me to attend the ceremony, Ji shi will certainly put in great effort to persuade everybody and give me the opportunity to attend this ritual.¡±

    Tong¡¯er stared with wide eyes at Jiang Li.

    ¡°The stage has been set up, if I don¡¯te to the stage to perform, how can their drama be yed?¡± Jiang Li smiled gently, ¡°it¡¯s impossible.¡±

 Chapter 26 Part 2 - Shen Family

    <h4>Chapter 26 Part 2: Shen Family</h4>

    Her voice just fell when she saw Xiang Qiao enter from outside. She was beaming as if there was a major happy asion. Seeing that both Jiang Li and Tong¡¯er were sitting, she directly said: ¡°Second miss, quickly groom and dress yourself. Today is the third miss¡¯s hairpin ceremony, many nobles came one after another. Madam and the rest of the family are waiting for you.¡±

    On Jiang Li¡¯s face emerged a perfectly surprised expression, she smiled and said: ¡°It¡¯s really very good.¡±

    Really good, finally the y was going to start.

    ......

    Today many people came to the Jiang residence.

    Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s position in the court was not low. On one side, the people in court were dissatisfied with his method of only blindly following the Emperor¡¯s intentions. On the other hand, they couldn¡¯t help coveting Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s status in the Emperor¡¯s eyes.

    The previous assistant to the emperor, Sheng Ji, was on an almost equal footing with Hong Xiao Emperor but he was exiled afterwards. It only took a short three years for Sheng Ji to decline, yet Jiang Yuan Bai had sat in this seat for ten years and he still sat steadily. Naturally, he was not as ipetent as he disyed.

    No matter what, Jiang Yuan Bai was an influential role in the court. All the schrs wanted to befriend him. His honorable daughter¡¯s birthday ceremony, obviously many people were bound to attend.

    Acting as the greeter for Jiang Youyao¡¯s guests was Ji Shuran¡¯s blood-rted sister, the Madam of Minister of Consultation, Ji Chenzhi. Ji Shuran had two older sisters; one was Ji Chenzhi, while the other one was in Hong Xiao Emperor¡¯s harem. To put it, nowadays Jiang Shuran had status in Jiang residence, aside from the fact that the Vice Imperial Censor Ji¡¯s status had be increasingly important in the court, it was also due to looking at Li pin¡¯s1 face.

    Hong Xiao Emperor doted on Li pin very much.

    In the main hall, many madams had already arrived, all were the nobles in Yanjing and they were discussing the recent gossip. Even Chengde Minister Liu Yuan Feng¡¯s madam, Madam Liu was also there.

    Although Liu Yuan Feng and the Ji family did not get along well, they weren¡¯t hostile towards the Jiang family on the outside and could still be regarded as peaceful. Today Madam Liu came to attend the ceremony also not because she wanted to see Jiang Youyao. Rather, she wanted to see how Jiang Li had passed her days. Ever since Jiang Li had returned to Yanjing, Madam Liu had not seen Jiang Li anymore.

    Ji Shuran sat by the side of thedies. She was born gentle and beautiful, money and power really yed in one¡¯s deed, and she also spoke really well in every situation. Not once did she get heated with these nobles. This naturally was also due to the nobles wanting to curry favor with the Jiang family.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e and Jiang Yuyan had alsoe early. Jiang Yuyan was wearing a deep purple dress, it was very appropriate. Her appearance was just average with nothing remarkable. Jiang Yuyan was used to being a wallflower in the crowd. She didn¡¯t say a word and just sat at the side to apany her mother, Yang shi.

    On the contrary, Jiang Yu¡¯e was unwilling to be mediocre. She probably knew today Jiang Youyao had the leading role and she couldn¡¯t grab Jiang Youyao¡¯s limelight, yet she was not resigned to be as indifferent as Jiang Yuyan. She wore a goose-colored light dress with a small vest and rolled her hair up into a bun. She appeared more and more like a pretty daughter in a humble family, lovely and moving. The tip of her brows was raised in a lively and cheerful look and she strived to look for topics to discuss with the nobles¡¯ daughters, wishing that she could climb a bit of rtions.

    In the middle of the female nobles, two people were sitting on the left side of the main hall. One of them was middle-aged with wrinkles on the corner of her eyes. At first nce, she was much older than the otherdies in her surrounding, yet her dress was extremely luxurious and somewhat inappropriate. It somehow didn¡¯t suit her appearance.

    A young female was sitting by her side, around 17-18 years of age. Her features could be regarded as delicate and pretty, however, her face was thin and narrow, her cheekbones were tall and made her appear somewhat unkind. This female was also dressed in extreme riches and honor, especially eye-catching among the crowd of female nobles. There was impatience between her eyes and in a low voice she asked the madam by her side: ¡°Mother, why hasn¡¯t Jiang Youyaoe out yet?¡±

    These two people were precisely the current Ministry of Rites people,st year¡¯s top scorer Shen Yurong¡¯s mother and younger sister, Madam Shen and Shen Ruyun.

    I agree with Lime, thanks god this is not imperial harem novel... Sorry for the dy, these days I¡¯m dead tired from studying and when I arrived home yesterday went directly to bed >.<

 Chapter 27 Part 1 - Raw Jade

    <h4>Chapter 27 Part 1: Raw Jade</h4>

    Shen Ruyun absolutely couldn¡¯t bear it.

    Nowadays, her status had changed. If Shen Yurong hadn¡¯t be the top scorer and hadn¡¯t be an official of the Ministry of Rites,st year she would have been married to the son of a small wine shop¡¯s shopkeeper in Yanjing. Just by this marriage, she could be considered to have already climbed up.

    But ever since Shen Yurong became the top scorer and was appointed as an official in the Ministry of Rites by Hong Xiao Emperor himself, the tide changed. Shen Ruyun¡¯s status had also gone up step by step. Shen Yurong had boundless prospects, moreover he was a young, talented and handsome man. In addition, Shen Ruyun was aware that the present Shen Yurong had gained the favor of Princess Yongning. In the future, their Shen family would be unspeakably nobler. No need to mention a shopkeeper¡¯s son, Shen Ruyun would not even look at normal official¡¯s son.

    There was someone in Shen Ruyun¡¯s heart, which had the title of Yanjing¡¯s beautiful man, Marquis Ningyuan¡¯s heir, Zhou Yan Bang. For a long time, Shen Ruyun had only looked at him silently. Zhou Yan Bang was a heavenly cloud, while she, Shen Ruyun, was just the earth¡¯s mud. But now it was not the same. Her status had changed which made Shen Ruyun realize that she was also qualified to stand by Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s side and be Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s wife.

    However, Marquis Ningyuan¡¯s Zhou Yan Bang was engaged since he was young to the current Chief Assistant Jiang¡¯s honorable second miss. It¡¯s just that the Jiang second miss¡¯s nature was malicious. At a young age, she dared to harm the stepmother and murder the younger brother. Marquis Ningyuan¡¯s family naturally wouldn¡¯t let such a vicious miss enter the door. As the family couldn¡¯t annul the marriage, thus the marriage remained valid. However, the candidate for marriage was changed from Jiang second miss to the younger Jiang third miss.

    The people of Yanjing had discussed this matter enthusiastically, yet no one felt that there was anything wrong in substituting Jiang second miss¡¯s marriage. No one protested either nor cried out against the injustice done to Jiang second miss. That was because if they were in their shoes, they would also choose the dainty and pleasant Jiang third miss and not the cruel and malicious Jiang second miss.

    Today was Jiang third miss, Jiang Youyao¡¯s birthday celebration. Everyone knew that once Jiang Youyao had reached marriageable age, the marriage to Marquis Ningyuan¡¯s heir would soon bepleted.

    Due to Shen Ruyun not being reconciled, she had specially follow Mother Shen to go together and take a look at the appearance of Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s future wife. So much so that in order to surpass Jiang Youyao, she had especially dressed up in bright colored clothes.

    The people who came today either wanted to curry Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s favor or wanted to build rtionships with Jiang Yuan Bai. Naturally, they would not forget to look at Jiang Youyao¡¯s face. All the nobledies wore in or mild colored clothes, not wanting to upstage the main lead of today. Yet Shen Ruyun dressed this way, and had be very eye-catching there.

    Ji Shuran also saw Shen Ruyun¡¯s attitude and was displeased. However, she remembered Jiang Yuan Bai had previously mentioned that the current Minister of Rites, Shen Yurong, could not be underestimated. If possible, it was better to rope him in. As a result, Ji Shuran¡¯s face still remained generous and joyous when dealing with the praise from the nobledies.

    A famous madam who had a good rtionship with Ji Shuran said: ¡° I heard the second miss in your house returned to the residence a few days ago. I don¡¯t know if she will attend the ritual today?¡±

    ¡°She naturally will.¡± Ji Shuran smiled and continued: ¡°She¡¯s probably still dressing herself and thus a littlete ining.¡± Yet her words carried the meaning that Jiang Li did not listen to her teaching.

    Sure enough, when this sentence came out, the surrounding madams casted out sympathized looks at Ji Shuran. Somedies with direct temperaments spoke from the side: ¡°This second miss hasn¡¯t returned to Yanjing for a long time. Also don¡¯t know how many of the rules and regtions in Yanjing that she can still remember. At that time, her age was still small and hard to teach, but now.......¡± The words were left unfinished, but the meaning that remained was self-evident.

    Ji Shuran timely sighed and Jiang Yu¡¯e who was sitting beside Yang shi rolled her eyes and immediately spoke: ¡°Originally second sister couldn¡¯te to third sister¡¯s birthday ceremony. Butst month there was an ident at the Buddhist nunnery where she was staying. No idea why, uncle sent people to bring second sister to return.¡±

    The words that Jiang Yu¡¯e had spoken were somewhatplete, yet in the ears of the nobles who heard these words, there seemed to be anotheryer of meaning. The madam who first asked Ji Shuran spoke softly: ¡°I think your home¡¯s second miss is someone with ability.¡±

    She good-intentionally hinted that Jiang Li was able to return to Yanjing indicated that she was clever and was going to be difficult to handle.

 Chapter 27 Part 2 - Raw Jade

    <h4>Chapter 27 Part 2: Raw Jade</h4>

    Madam Liu, who was at the side, heard this Madam¡¯s words and thought of saying a few sentences to defend Jiang Li. But today, the people who just wanted to follow the harmony were too many. Everyone who came to the Jiang residence today to attend the ritual wanted to make friends with Ji Shuran on the surface. Afraid even if she took the initiative to say these sentences, no one would listen. It might even cause more trouble to Jiang Li.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e saw the corner of Ji Shuran¡¯s mouth rise and she was pleased with herself. Their third branch wasn¡¯t very important in the Jiang residence. She was the shu son¡¯s daughter, merely relying on Yang shi and Jiang Yuan Xing, she would never get anything significant in this lifetime. So it was better to faw over this elder aunt. It should be known that in the Ji family, there still was the favoured Li pin in the pce. If she could make Ji Shuran happy, she might still eat a bit of cold leftovers.

    Jiang Yuyan was not as shrewd as Jiang Yu¡¯e and just sat woodenly next to Yang shi, who on one side was extremely angry looking at her own daughter¡¯s shameful performance in fawning over Ji Shuran, while at the same time had no option but to let Jiang Yu¡¯e did so.

    Lu shi was further away from them and didn¡¯t sit on this side but the corner of her mouth also emerged a trace of a sneer. Apparently, she was disgusted towards Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s attitude.

    Just as they were talking, the birthday ceremony was about to start.

    Jiang Yuan Bai and Ji Shuran got up to stand on the steps located in the East side of the courtyard. The guests stood at the outer courtyard and some entrusted with copper tes stood on the steps in the West side.

    Jiang Youyao, escorted by a servant girl, came forward slowly.

    Today, toplete the rite, Jiang Youyao was dressed in a wide-sleeved and long-skirted purple ceremonial robe, her hairbed into two knots which made it convenient for it to be pulled outter. She was born attractive and spoiled, the fragrance belonging uniquely to youngdies made all the people at the scene feel beautiful. Since she was young, Jiang Yuan Bai had pampered her which made her even more delicate, just like glittering jewels. Such brilliant appearance immediately made her more distinct among the guests present.

    Comparing beauties, Shen Ruyun¡¯s clothes were also bright, but no matter what, she was missing the temperament of a person who had lived like a princess. Also her appearance was still a far cry from Jiang Youyao.

    The young Jiang Bing Ji had alsoe to attend the ritual. Sitting by old madam Jiang¡¯s side, he said loudly: ¡°Third sister is so beautiful!¡±

    Jiang Youyao was delighted when she heard him and a smile came out within a split second. The morning light was shining softly, her smile was bright and moving, extremely tender and captivating, making the people who were looking to be unable to take their eyes off her.

    Everyone was dumbfounded.

    Jiang Youyao saw this scene and was proud of herself. She was even more delighted and was just about to speak when she was suddenly aware of something strange. Those guests¡¯ sight seemed to faintly go past her.

    They were looking behind her?

    What was behind her?

    Jiang Youyao turned her body around with some doubt. Lifting her eyes, she caught sight of a girl walking slowly and gracefully.

    That girl came from another side of the courtyard. There were numerous nts and flowers in the Jiang residence¡¯s courtyard and along the way, the girl parted the nts and willows. Yet, without any reason, it made the people feel soft and fragrant.

    Different from Jiang Youyao¡¯s bright and colourful dress, this girl merely wore a light duck blue-green jacket. There wasn¡¯t even any embroidery on her clothes, it was extremely in. Even more contrasting was the head full of jet-ck long hair just like ink that was gathered into a bunch using the same colored green jade hairpin.

    Her face was spotlessly white, her eyes clear, the corner of the mouth had a gentle smiling expression. She looked clean and bright just like the color of her skirt.

    Not bright and colorful enough, yet elegant and transparent. If Jiang Youyao was like a precious stone, she was precisely like a raw jade who had not undergone any carving.

    Without any carving, also not necessary to be carved.

    Jiang Youyao¡¯s breathing was blocked. Her fingernails nearly dug into her palm.

    They were looking behind her.

    ¡ª¡ª What¡¯s behind her?

    ¡ª¡ªBehind her is Jiang Li

    The one they were looking at was Jiang Li.

 Chapter 28 Part 1 - Shocking Transformation

    <h4>Chapter 28 Part 1: Shocking Transformation</h4>

    Facing the different gazes of the people in the main hall, Jiang Li still walked as if nothing happened. Her footsteps were light and agile, her movements were very leisurely, just like a youngdy wandering among the flowering shrubs, happy, intoxicating and beautiful.

    She walked up to the main hall, stopped right next to Jiang Youyao and spoke to her with a smile: ¡°Congrattions third sister for your birthday today.¡± Then she smiled with remorse towards Jiang Yuan Bai and Ji Shuran at the flight of stairs and said: ¡°I wasn¡¯t aware the ceremony was at the courtyard and wanted to find someone to show the way. But today is very busy and there¡¯s not enough hands in the residence, I couldn¡¯t find anyone to help show the way and had no other way but to find the road myself and wasted a lot of time. Father, mother please don¡¯t be angry at Jiang Li.¡±

    When the surrounding people heard, they all pondered. Such a grand Chief Assistant residence, how could there be insufficient hands? Jiang Li couldn¡¯t find anybody, clearly because someone deliberately didn¡¯t bring her over. Probably it was nothing more than in order to make herete and make a fool of herself.

    After thinking, suddenly they came out of their thoughts. What did the girl say just now? Jiang Li?

    It was that harming-the-stepmother-and-murdering- the-brother Jiang second miss, Jiang Li?

    The nobles who came to attend the rites were either a generation older than Jiang Li or a younger generation at around the same age as Jiang Li. The younger generations had never seen Jiang Li but the older generation had seen Jiang Li, still a much younger Jiang Li.

    From the mouths of the nobles in Yanjing, the Jiang family¡¯s second miss¡¯s appearance was mostly based on imagination. From what the mouths of these people passed around, although Jiang second miss was not a ferocious looking malevolent spirit, she at least had vicious eyes and mean scowl.

    Yet the girl in front of them was too pure and gentle. Even her gentleness and gracefulness were not inferior to Jiang third miss. It was hard to imagine this kind of person as someone who harmed the mother and killed the brother.

    When Jiang Li appeared, for an instant, Ji Shuran¡¯splexion changed.

    She was an expert at reading people¡¯s feelings, naturally she could see how the guests in the main hall were stunned when Jiang Li appeared. In regards to appreciating Jiang Li¡¯s appearance, Ji Shuran was most unwilling that Jiang Youyao was defeated. Just like the Jiang family no longer mentioned Ye Zhen Zhen as soon as she had be the Jiang family¡¯s madam, when Jiang Youyao appeared, Jiang Li was the mud on the ground.

    But this mud could bepared to the gem in the palm of her hand. In Ji Shuran¡¯s mind, a trace of ruthlessness flitted in an instant.

    Jiang Yuan Bai stood on top of the steps and looked down at both daughters. Deep in his heart, he naturally loved Jiang Youyao more, the daughter who had grown up by his side since childhood. However, nowadays Jiang Li grew and resembled him; her style and temperament were outstanding, giving him a great face. As a result, his dissatisfaction towards Jiang Li was scattered by a lot.

    Jiang Yuan Bai waved his hand and said: ¡°No matter.¡±

    Jiang Li then saluted Jiang Yuan Bai once more before standing by Lu shi¡¯s side and adopted the attitude of attending a ritual.

    Jiang Li¡¯s appearance attracted the sights of the people in the main hall. It also made Jiang Youyao no longer be the leading role in this ceremony. Jiang Youyao was extremely annoyed, nevertheless it wasn¡¯t good to disy her annoyance. She had no alternative but to restrain the anger in her heart and continue the rite.

    The guests sat down and Jiang Yuan Bai made a speech. The person invited to conduct the rite was a female master with good moral standing and reputation in Yanjing. Shebed Jiang Youyao¡¯s hair and tied a silk scarf through her hair.

    Ji Chen shi walked to Jiang Youyao¡¯s front and loudly chanted to express good wishes: ¡°On this month and this auspicious day, I add on thy first robes of adulthood. Leave behind thy juvenile aspirations, and let it be your adult virtues. Blessed with longevity, and prosperity be with thee.¡° She knelt down tob Jiang Youyao¡¯s hair.

    Jiang Li was watching but in her mind emerged the scene of hering of age rite when she was Xue Fang Fei.

    Her mother passed away too early, Tongxiang was too small, the person who presided over the ceremony andbed her hair was the neighboring madam who had watched her since she was a child until she grew up. During the ceremony, Xue Huaiyuan still secretly wiped tears. She heard Xue Zhao say, Xue Huaiyuan repeated to himself: ¡°Ah Li has grown up, she soon will leave daddy.¡±

 Chapter 28 Part 2 - Shocking Transformation

    <h4>Chapter 28 Part 2: Shocking Transformation</h4>

    At that time, she was simple-minded. Hugging Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s arm, she smilingly said: ¡°Ah Li is not going anywhere. Ah Li will just watch over daddy, staying with daddy together for a lifetime.¡±

    Jiang Li took a deep breath and held the tears in her eyes from falling.

    In the end, the person who said she wasn¡¯t going anywhere abandoned her father and younger brother to marry far away and no longer went back. The conclusion that beautiful women suffer unhappy fates, perhaps it was the punishment because her words couldn¡¯t be counted on.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e stood beside Yang shi, her eyes looking at Jiang Youyao who was on the stagepleting her rite. It was difficult to cover the longing and envy in her eyes. Her own rite definitely would not be as grand as Jiang Youyao¡¯s. Thinking up to this, in the end, she was somewhat unreconciled and couldn¡¯t help ncing towards Jiang Li.

    Both were the Jiang family¡¯s daughters of the first wives. As Jiang Li looked at Jiang Youyao¡¯s birthday rite and thought of herself, she was probably even more resentful and had difficulty staying calm. Suddenly Jiang Yu¡¯e felt a kind of pleasure in her heart. However, as she nced at Jiang Li watching Jiang Youyao on the stage attentively, Jiang Li was undisturbed, as if she was looking at a stranger.

    How is this possible?

    Don¡¯t tell her Jiang Li doesn¡¯t feel anger, unfair and unreconciled?

    Not just Jiang Yu¡¯e, the many guests in the surrounding were also watching Jiang Li¡¯s expression.

    But this was how Jiang Li looked, the corner of her lips held a sincere smile as if she was truly happy for Jiang Youyao.

    All the surrounding people were baffled.

    While Jiang Youyao made her salutations on the stage, she didn¡¯t let Jiang Li¡¯s expression slip. The more Jiang Li showed her calmness, the more she felt uneasy. Her heart was shouting frantically, she is pretending, everything is just an act.

    Please, read this at BloomingTrantion blog. We spend a lot of time and effort to bring you the best quality trantions we can provide, so please show us respect by reading from our site instead of aggregators that steal our work.

    Jiang Youyao was only aware that she almost forgot her manners when Ji Shuran admonished her with her eyes. She calmed herself down and thought of the scene that Jiang Li would confront in a short while. Soon after, the anger she just felt vanished like smoke and was reced with impatience and excitement.

    Right at this time, the three worships werepleted. Jiang Youyao knelt in front of Jiang Yuan Bai and Ji Shuran, listening to their teachings1. When they were done, shepleted the rite by bowing to them in thanks.

    Following thepletion of the rite, it was time for the guests to deliver their greetings.

    In order to express their closeness to the Jiang family, these nobles shot generously. Each gift was more precious than the other. In the Jiang family, except for the third branch who delivered a light gift, the rest were all expensive.

    Jiang Youyao held the box that Jiang Li asked Tong¡¯er to deliver and looked towards Jiang Li with all smiles. She spoke: ¡°Second sister, may I open the gift that you sent me right now?¡±

    Her smile had a somewhat embarrassed look, the shyness that came from the age between a girl and ady, making her appear particrly lovely.

    The guests stopped their footsteps and looked towards Jiang Li.

    Although Jiang second miss now gave the impression of being tender and adorable, the previous matter had indeed urred. Jiang third miss¡¯s age was still small, moreover, she was doted on and protected from the sinister human world. How would this vicious hearted Jiang second miss reply to Jiang third miss¡¯s question?

    Jiang Liughed: ¡°Of course you may.¡±

    Xiang Qiao, who was standing far away from the crowd, didn¡¯t know since when, a few beads of sweat started to seep out from her hands. To be honest, Jiang Li had treated her pretty well these days. Apart from bestowing her with gifts generously, she was also friendly. She was much better than Jiang Youyao and Ji Shuran by tenfold.

    But, Xiang Qiao thought regretfully, in this earth, to be good people didn¡¯t mean that they would receive good things. Virtuous people would be taken unfair advantage of by other people. A good horse would be mounted by people. Even a 3 years old child would understand this principle.

    Jiang Youyao lowered her head to open the box. Nobody saw the smile at the corner of her mouth deepened, before in a twinkling of an eye she cried out in fear. As if receiving a tremendous fright, she involuntarily cried out: ¡°Heaven ah, what is this?¡±

 Chapter 29 Part 1 - Identify

    <h4>Chapter 29 Part 1: Identify</h4>

    ¡°Heaven ah, what is this?¡±

    Jiang Youyao¡¯s fearful cry broke the happy and harmonious atmosphere in the main hall. The guests who were close by subconsciously looked into the box in her hand.

    Jiang Yuan Bai and old madam Jiang were a bit further and couldn¡¯t clearly see what was in the small box. Lu shi and Yang shi got up to take a look. Jiang Jing Rui was standing on the side where the male guests were and wanted to step forward to take a look but was pulled back by Jiang Yuan Ping.

    Before Jiang Youyao had spoken, the servant girl by her side, Jin Hua, had reached her hand and brought the thing inside the small box out. She glowered towards Jiang Li and shouted: ¡°Second miss, what do you mean by this?¡±

    Only then was everybody able to see clearly, the servant girl was holding a ruby head ornament. At first nce, this ruby head ornament was of considerable value. But it could be seen that the ruby on the head ornament was entirely mottled with extremely dense knife cuts, making the people who saw it couldn¡¯t help sucking a breath.

    ¡°Second miss, all of us servants know that you are dissatisfied and you don¡¯t like third miss. But you sent this kind of thing at the third miss¡¯s birthday ceremony, it¡¯s really too much!¡± This servant girl¡¯s tone when speaking didn¡¯t carry any respect towards Jiang Li. If it was at other people¡¯s residence, being charged with being disrespectful and arrogant towards the master was not excessive. But over here, nobody bothered with her action. On the contrary, she was praised by others as a servant who was loyal and devoted to her master.

    Jiang Li¡¯s gaze fell on the ruby head ornament in Jin Hua¡¯s hand and surprise shed through her eyes. Her brows immediately wrinkled, she shook her head and spoke: ¡°No, since buying this ruby head ornament, it has been in my hand and never been touched. I don¡¯t know how it turned out like this.¡±

    ¡°Is there any misunderstanding?¡± Ji Shuran also walked over without the slightest doubt towards Jiang Li on her face. Instead, she seemed to showed a lot of concern and asked: ¡°Is there a problem with the head ornament? Li¡¯er was cheated?¡±

    ¡°How is it possible?¡± Tong¡¯er quipped and immediately said: ¡°Youngdy specially went to Jixiang Lou to pick a birthday gift for third miss. It was a total of 400 taels of silver. How could Jixiang Lou¡¯s jewels have any problems?¡±

    It was actually bought from Jixiang Lou.

    The guests looked at Jiang Li with different expressions. Since she could use 400 silvers to buy Jiang Youyao¡¯s head ornament, first, it indicated that Jiang Li was generous. Secondly, it indicated that the chief assistant¡¯s house did not treat Jiang Li unfairly. Jiang Li still had a very good financial resources. The imperial censor wouldn¡¯t impeach for this matter.

    ¡°The problem doesn¡¯t lie with the head ornament. The head ornament was perfectly fine, it also won¡¯t scratch by itself. To say again, this was clearly cut by a knife.¡± Jiang Yu¡¯e suddenly opened her mouth and said: ¡°Second sister, it¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t like third sister. There¡¯s no need to waste a head ornament for no reason?¡±

    Yang shi didn¡¯t anticipate her own daughter to suddenly open her mouth. It was toote for her to cover Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s mouth. Jiang Yuyan timidly pulled the corner of Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s clothes back, her head lowered without speaking a word. Jiang Yu¡¯e was proud of herself. She knew the main branch¡¯s mother and daughter didn¡¯t like Jiang Li, if able to make Jiang Li feel even more stressed, the main branch would definitely be happy. First, she could win favor from the main branch, second, Jiang Yu¡¯e also didn¡¯t like Jiang Li.

    Jiang Youyao had the support of Ji family, what did Jiang Li have? Her biological mother had already passed away so she was trampled by people in her life. How could she still sit perfectly fine in the position of the rightful di daughter? Jiang Yu¡¯e really wished Jiang Li would be pulled towards the same position as her. Even better if it was worse than her, only then would she be happy.

    Jiang Li looked at Jiang Yu¡¯e, her look however could be regarded as unhurried. She was merely somewhat puzzled and said to Jiang Yu¡¯e: ¡°Fifth sister, where do these wordse from? It¡¯s untrue that I don¡¯t like third sister.¡±

    ¡°Where do these wordse from?¡± Jiang Yu¡¯e swept a look at Ji Shuran and saw that there was satisfaction in Ji Shuran¡¯s eyes and her confidence was even more boosted. She continued: ¡°If you liked third sister, at that time you wouldn¡¯t push eldest aunt and harm eldest aunt to miscarry. You¡¯ve stayed in the nunnery for several years, perhaps you¡¯ve harbored hatred towards eldest aunt. You simply vented your anger onto this head ornament and deliberately sent it as a present to third sister, this is......., this is cursing third sister!¡±

 Chapter 29 Part 2 - Identify

    <h4><strong>Chapter 29 Part 2</strong>: Identify</h4>

    ¡°Yu¡¯e, shut up!¡± Yang shi had a timid temperament. Seeing the more Jiang Yu¡¯e talked, the more excessive she became, she couldn¡¯t help opening her mouth to stop her. It had to be known that in the whole Jiang family house, the third branch held the least status. Jiang Yu¡¯e borrowing this moment to win the favor of Jiang Youyao would also offend Jiang Li. Even a scrawny camel is bigger than a horse1, no matter how Jiang Li fell, she was still Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s biological daughter. Who knew whether there wouldd be a day where she would get power.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e had said what she wanted to say and no longer opened her mouth to speak. She took another look at the surrounding guests and looked at Jiang Li¡¯s sight, clearly bearing a restraining fear.

    The circumstances where Jiang Li harmed the stepmother and murdered the stepbrother seemed to once again appear bloodily in front of the guests present. Furthermore, this time, due to Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s words, an image was conjured in everyone¡¯s mind where under the dim lights, Jiang Li fiercely used a knife to repeatedly cut and stab the head ornament until it reached this look.

    Snake and scorpion heart, vicious and merciless.

    Atst, Madam Liu could no longer bear. Ye Zhen Zhen and her were good friends and she had an affinity with Jiang Li on Mount Qingcheng. She had an indescribable fondness towards Jiang Li, seeing how her good friend¡¯s child became the target of public criticism, she spoke out: ¡°Jiang second miss is good-natured, not that kind of person.¡±

    Her voice just fell, within the crowd, no idea which madam spoke a line with a small voice: ¡°it seems that good-natured people with attractive looks are the most hideous. One may know a person for a long time without understanding their true nature.¡±

    Although the voice was small, it came through clearly in everyone¡¯s ears. Madam Liu¡¯splexion was ashen.

    During this time, Jiang Youyao had been sobbing. She used to have the appearance of always smiling innocently. As she was crying, her eyes were filled with tears and attracted the tender affections of everyone. She sobbed quietly: ¡°Second sister, why do you treat me like this? Originally I thought, second sister has long ago solved the knot between us.......¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have any knots in my heart, also didn¡¯t damage this head ornament.¡± Jiang Li looked at her, appearing somewhat helpless: ¡°But you don¡¯t believe it, then that¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°Bad person! Bad person!¡± Jiang Bing Ji who was held in his nanny¡¯s hand suddenly screamed and shouted.

    ¡°It¡¯s noisy enough!¡± Old Madam Jiang unexpectedly spoke in a high tone. She got up with the help of a servant girl and held her crutches. She looked around coldly at the surrounding and the guests were at once silenced. Old Madam Jiang looked at Jiang Li and spoke coldly: ¡°This head ornament really wasn¡¯t cut by you?¡±

    Liang Li spoke: ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Do you have any proof?¡± She asked.

    Jiang Li looked beside Old Madam Jiang where Jiang Yuan Bai was looking at her, his gaze was somewhat wavering. Ji Shuran was covering her face with her sleeve, as if she waspletely heart-broken. Lu shi was pretending not to know anything, just wearing an expression of watching a y. As for Yang shi, she was ring at Jiang Yu¡¯e in warning.

    The entire Jiang residence were people who pretended to be the wall and just observed. Aside from Tong¡¯er, no other person was by her side.

    ¡°I can let my servant girl, Xiang Qiao,e and testify for me.¡± Jiang Li spoke: ¡°After I bought the head ornament, Xiang Qiao put it away on my behalf. I haven¡¯t touched it afterwards.¡±

    Old Madam Jiang instructed the person beside her: ¡°Call Xiang Qiao here.¡±

    In a sh, Xiang Qiao was brought over by someone. Jiang Li asked her: ¡°Xiang Qiao, you helped me put away the set of head ornaments inside the small box. You clearly saw that I didn¡¯t touch it.¡±

    Xiang Qiao lowered her head, her body shook slightly. She didn¡¯t reply for a long time. Just as everyone was baffled with her reaction, suddenly Xiang Qiao knelt down on the floor and wept: ¡°Second miss, I¡¯m sorry, this servant cannot lie.¡± Not waiting for Jiang Li to speak, she turned towards Old Madam Jiang and knocked her head and yelled: ¡°Old madam, this servant will tell everything. It was precisely the second miss who cut the head ornament with a knife. This servant saw it with her own eyes!¡±

    There was an uproar.

 Chapter 30 - Nobody

    <h4>Chapter 30: Nobody</h4>

    Xiang Qiao¡¯s sudden outburst shocked everyone.

    However, the fiercest reaction didn¡¯te from Jiang Li, rather, it was from Tong¡¯er. At once, Tong¡¯er blocked in front of Jiang Li, just like a mother hen protecting its chick she protected Jiang Li behind her body, and with a loud voice she retorted: ¡°Nonsense! Venomous nder! My family¡¯sdy never did such a thing. Xiang Qiao, I see that your conscience has been bitten by a wolf. Actually tarnishing my family¡¯sdy in this way!¡±

    Xiang Qiao didn¡¯t regard Tong¡¯er, instead, she once again ¡°thump thump thump¡± knocked her head down several times in session towards old madam Jiang. She spoke while weeping: ¡°This servant doesn¡¯t dare to tell lies, if there are half-false words, let the heavenly thunder split me in half!¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Tong¡¯er was so angry she couldn¡¯t speak a word. This Xiang Qiao unexpectedly dared to issue this kind of poisonous vow, clearly she threw caution to the wind and didn¡¯t want her life anymore.

    These wordsing out from Xiang Qiao were like nailing the board on the usation towards Jiang Li, no exnation was needed anymore.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e once again opened her mouth to ridicule: ¡°Second sister, there isn¡¯t even an item of jewelry on your body, yet you bought third sister a set worth 400 taels of head ornament with precious stones, it was indeed very generous. Certainly with deep feelings between sisters, it¡¯s possible to do so. You¡¯ve only returned to the capital for less than a month, didn¡¯t expect your affections towards third sister to be this deep.¡±

    The meaning of this sentence was, Jiang Li and Jiang You Yao originally were in disagreement, so how was it possible that Jiang Li had good intentions when she spent big money to buy the precious birthday gift sent to Jiang You Yao? Clearly it was to move her hands and feet.

    Jiang You Yao lifted her head, the rims of her eyes were red. Feeling grievance, she still held a handkerchief to wipe the tear stains at the corner of her eyes. She opened her mouth sorrowfully and said: ¡°Second sister, I¡¯m very happy you¡¯ve returned home. But I didn¡¯t expect you would still me me in your heart.¡±

    ¡°Li¡¯er.¡± Ji Shuran, who hadn¡¯t opened her mouth all along, walked forward. She drew Jiang You Yao into her embrace and patted her arm in distress, then looked towards Jiang Li: ¡°If you have any dissatisfaction towards me, you can go straight to me. I regard myself as your mother and take care of you in every way, treating you with sincerity. I am not unreasonably requesting that you can ept me, just hoping that you can look at your father¡¯s face and our whole family can get along well, just like this. But You Yao is your own sister. How could you be so ruthless as to curse her, is it....... You really don¡¯t take blood rtions into consideration?¡± Speaking up to here, she appeared extremely heartbroken and held Jiang You Yao while constantly shedding tears.

    These two mother and daughter were delicate and pitiful. In a moment, they¡¯d aroused many people¡¯s sympathy, especially Ji Shuran¡¯sst sentence, making people associate it with how Jiang Li once harmed Ji Shuran and caused her to lose her child. The madams present were soft hearted, those who had children were even more partial towards Ji Shuran. Someone whispered: ¡°No wonder it¡¯s not good to be a stepmother. Pressed down by such a youngdy, even a saint would feel difficult.¡±

    Old madam Jiang¡¯s face sank like water. Such a good birthday ceremony unexpectedly ended with the present farce. Today Jiang Li could be considered aspletely throwing the entire Jiang family¡¯s face away. She looked criticizingly at Jiang Yuan Bai. If Jiang Yuan Bai had managed his backyard in order, there wouldn¡¯t be such troublesome thingsing.

    There was resentment in the way Jiang Yuan Bai looked at Jiang Li. Ji Shuran¡¯s remarks evoked his guilt. After all, it was Jiang Li being naughty and mischievous that harmed Ji Shuran and made her lose her child. That was also his, Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s child. Today, Jiang Li once again did the same malicious thing. The bit of affection that came about these days due to Jiang Li¡¯s simrities with him also immediately disappeared into thin air.

    Jiang Yuan Bai spoke: ¡°Lowly girl, you still haven¡¯t knelt?¡± He was overwhelmed with disappointment, yet he didn¡¯t worry about what was going to happenter. Supposing that Jiang Li really knelt, she could be considered infamous in the circle of nobility in Yanjing. In the future, even if she remained in the Jiang family, she would forever be unable to lift her head in front of Yanjing¡¯s nobles. No need to even mention anyone raising the issue of marriage.

    A trace of happiness shed through Jiang You Yao¡¯s eyes. Madam Liu was about to open her mouth when Jiang Li raised her eyebrows and instead asked: ¡°Why should I kneel?¡±

    Nobody had foreseen Jiang Li to actually answer back in front of everyone. Jiang Yuan Bai was stunned, Lu shi was somewhat astonished, Yang shi held Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s hand tightly, fearing Jiang Yu¡¯e to sprout more nonsense.

    ¡°Your heart is not upright, cursing your sister. As your father, I must discipline you properly, kneel!¡± Jiang Yuan Bai spoke angrily.

    Jiang Li looked at him and spat out two words: ¡°Won¡¯t kneel.¡±

    It was an unexpected showdown.

    Tong¡¯er was so scared that her body trembled, yet she remained standing in front of Jiang Li.

    Not waiting for Jiang Yuan Bai to speak, Jiang Li opened her mouth once again: ¡°If I make a mistake, father wanting to discipline me, this is a logical and rational thing. But father, before I personally admitted that I have made a mistake, you already wanted to move. Shouldn¡¯t it be believing me, helping me and not helping other people to frame me and discipline me?¡±

    Jiang Li¡¯s speech was extremely rude, the surrounding guests were embarrassed. Who dared to speak this way to the majestic chief assistant? Although Jiang Yuan Bai had the appearance of all smiles the whole day while sitting in court, nobody thought that Jiang Yuan Bai was a pushover.

    ¡°You still argue?¡± Jiang Yuan Bai trembled from head to foot in anger.

    ¡°Li¡¯er, Xiang Qiao already said that she saw it with her own eyes. Until now, you still don¡¯t admit that this was your doing?¡± Ji Shuran said: ¡°Although your father is angry, you are his biological daughter. You admit it well and ask for forgiveness, and this matter will no longer be mentioned.¡±

    Ji Shuran spoke magnanimously.

    Jiang Li felt it was somewhat ridiculous. If I admit the mistake and ask for forgiveness, will this matter not be mentioned anymore?

    Of course not. Once she admitted to this groundless usation, she, Jiang Li, would forever never be freed from her malicious nature¡¯s reputation. What a vicious mind.

    Even though she herself really didn¡¯t care with this false reputation, that pitiful youngdy, the real Jiang second miss wouldn¡¯t agree.

    Jiang Li said: ¡°If I did it then I did it, if I didn¡¯t do it, I don¡¯t have such a good character as to want to be the scapegoat for someone who I don¡¯t know but wants to ssh dirty water on me. Today I¡¯ll say it here, the knife cuts on that set of head ornaments were not made by me. The Sirs and Madams here, antyone believes me?¡±

    Everyone looked at her.

    The girl spoke gently and softly, polite and amiable, her eyes and brows were elegant and graceful. But, they were unexpectedly unbending and tenacious, not allowing any excuses. The pair of eyes were like water, seemingly emanating stubbornness.

    Nobody spoke.

    Those guests casted their sights elsewhere. That was not all, in the final analysis, today¡¯s matter was the Jiang family¡¯s house matter. Old Madam Jiang stared at Jiang Li, not knowing what was on her mind. Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s sight was filled with anger and regret. Jiang You Yao and Ji Shuran were hugging together, shedding broken-hearted tears.

    From the rear, Jiang Bing Ji looked at her with hostility, Jiang Yuyan assented, Jiang Yu¡¯e was proud of herself, Yang shi evaded her sight, Lu shi still looked like she was watching a y. Jiang Yuan Ping was pretending to be a wall, watching while smiling. Jiang Yuan Xing lowered his head as if he didn¡¯t see anything.

    And Jiang Jing You and Jiang Jing Rui, at the moment they were gathered together whispering, as if they hadn¡¯t heard Jiang Li¡¯s words.

    Really didn¡¯t hear? It was nothing more than putting one¡¯s own safety before matters of principle.

    Jiang Li swept her eyes over each one, the corner of her mouth was slightly raised. Just, there were three parts of mocking in her smile.

    Arge Jiang residence, rtives whose blood was thicker than water, standing by her side, actually not one person believed her.

    Jiang second miss was truly pitiful ah, Jiang Li sighed in her heart. Yet no idea whether in the end this sigh was for Jiang second miss or for herself.

 Chapter 31 - Fake

    <h4>Chapter 31: Fake</h4>

    Suddenly a crisp voice sounded, extremely loud and clear in the silence. It wasing precisely from the small servant girl standing in front of Jiang Li, Tong¡¯er.

    With a loud voice, Tong¡¯er said, ¡°This servant believes youngdy!¡±

    Jiang Li was startled. Before she managed to speak, another female voice was heard. Someone said, ¡°I also believe second miss Jiang did not do this thing.¡±

    Jiang Li turned her head to see that it was actually Madam Liu who had a predestined affinity with her on Mount Qingcheng. Madam Liu saw Jiang Li looking at herself and right away exposed a cating smile to her. Madam Liu said: ¡°In the final analysis, the so-called witness testimony at the moment is just this servant girl¡¯s side of the story.¡± She nced at Xiang Qiao cowering on the ground and continued, ¡°this servant girl can say that Jiang second miss did this thing. Jiang second miss can also say that she didn¡¯t do this thing. It¡¯s nothing but each person sticking to their own story. Lord Jiang, as the cab chief assistant, not believing his own daughter, instead believed a servant girl who¡¯s neither a rtive nor a friend. With this kind of behavior, I¡¯m afraid the people in the middle of the court would refuse to ept this.¡±

    This act was obviously to get Jiang Li out of the predicament.

    Jiang Yuan Bai was stunned for a moment. Chengde Official, Liu Yuan Feng and Ji family had disagreement, yet they were harmonious with the Jiang family. Just now Madam Liu didn¡¯t hesitate to offend the Jiang family to speak up for Jiang Li.

    A warm feeling rushed forth in Jiang Li¡¯s heart.

    From a small age, Xue Huaiyuan and her lived in Tongxiang. Xue Huaiyuan was a county deputy handling many cases. He didn¡¯t usually hide these cases from her. She was aware of the sinister world, yet also constantly moved by people¡¯s kindness. In the cold as ice Jiang family, at this time, she wasn¡¯t alone. There was a loyal Tong¡¯er, and in addition, Madam Liu who was ready to pull out a knife. At once, they dispelled the gloomy feeling there.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e saw that it wasn¡¯t good for Ji Shuran and Jiang You Yao to open their mouths. This matter naturally once again fell on her head. Using a voice that wasn¡¯t light nor heavy, she said: ¡°Each sticking to their own version, but it¡¯s not as if Jiang Li hadn¡¯t done such things before. She could really do this!¡±

    That¡¯s right, Jiang Li had previously harmed her stepmother until she miscarried. Now it was merely cursing the sister, what was impossible?

    What people are willing to believe depends on what they see.

    Jiang Li had a vicious character, ruthless nature, harsh and merciless. She was an ungrateful white-eyed wolf. Everyone knew that.

    This kind of person, doing this kind of thing wasmon, was natural.

    In the instance there wasn¡¯t any other evidence, even if it couldn¡¯t be confirmed that this matter wasn¡¯t her doing, this usation would still fall on her head.

    Madam Liu frowned, she had already realized this point. But this matter came so abruptly, to look for the evidence from scratch that Jiang Li didn¡¯t do it was too difficult at this time.

    Seeing how this matter seemed to have no room to save, Jiang Li slowly opened her mouth to ask: ¡°Xiang Qiao, I¡¯ll ask you again. You saw with your own eyes that I carved this head ornament with a knife?¡±

    Xiang Qiao lifted her head up and touched Jiang Li¡¯s gaze, she didn¡¯t know why her heart trembled. Sheposed herself and summoned her courage to speak: ¡°This servant saw with her own eyes, second miss said she hates madam and third miss because third miss grabbed master¡¯s affection and wanted to curse third miss.......¡±

    Everyone was in amotion. Someone said: ¡°So it was this way, really malicious ah.......¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯splexion turned uglier. Jiang You Yao and Ji Shuran¡¯s weeping grew even louder. Ji Chen shi cleared her throat... then, she said: ¡°Lord Jiang, you must give a statement in this matter. In half of You Yao¡¯s body flows the blood of the Ji family. If this matter isn¡¯t made clear, we will enter the pce and let Li pin concubine decide!¡±

    It was clearly putting pressure on Jiang Yuan Bai.

    Ji Chen shi¡¯s threat didn¡¯t scare Jiang Li. She just said softly: ¡°Xiang Qiao is the servant girl given to me by mother. If Xiang Qiao was lying.......¡±

    ¡°Impossible.¡± Ji Shuran shook her head, ¡°Xiang Qiao is a child born in the family. I saw her growing up, her moral character and temperament are reliable and she¡¯s hardworking. If it wasn¡¯t because Li¡¯er just returned to the residence andcked servants, originally I nned to keep Xiang Qiao.¡±

    Tong¡¯er couldn¡¯t help sneering. Good moral character and nature, hardworking? Go and deceive ghosts, right!

    Jiang Li bowed her head to look at Xiang Qiao who was still prostrating on the ground. She lowered her head and felt Jiang Li observing her closely and ayer of chill climbed up her back.

    It was supposed to be a foolproof matter but when reaching this moment, a trace of unease suddenly flitted across Xiang Qiao¡¯s heart. In a sh, this unease became bigger and bigger, unexpectedly causing her to have the idea of retreating. This was naturally impossible, she could only continue to sing this y until the end.

    ¡°I also think Xiang Qiao is really good. These days she¡¯s been by my side, always apanying me to chat and relieve boredom. Thanks to her good fortune, after I returned to the residence, the days have gone well. Therefore, when she betrayed me, I felt deeply hurt.¡± Jiang Li spoke.

    Xiang Qiao promptly said: ¡°Second miss, it is not this servant betraying you, it¡¯s just this servant....... this servant really cannot see you continue step by step making mistakes. This servant really cannot go against my own conscience ah!¡±

    ¡°Conscience?¡± Jiang Li replied quietly and suddenlyughed. She said: ¡°Do you have it?¡±

    Xiang Qiao became more and more uneasy, she merely said: ¡°this servant doesn¡¯t know what this servant has done.......¡±

    ¡°I also don¡¯t know what I did wrong for you to betray me.¡±

    ¡°Enough, second girl,¡± finally, Old Madam Jiang opened her mouth, ¡°in the end, what do you actually want to say?¡±

    Jiang Li withdrew her gaze from Xiang Qiao¡¯s body, looked at her surroundings and slowly said: ¡°Since no one believes me, I must insist on finding out the evidence that I didn¡¯t do it. Otherwise, if these fingers pointed back at me, the spirit of my departed mother would also be distressed.¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai heard what was said and hisplexion turned even uglier.

    Jiang Li reached out her hand, walking towards Jin Xiang, the servant girl beside Jiang You Yao.

    It was originally this servant girl who took out the ruby head ornament from the small box.

    Jiang Li reached her side and once again picked up the head ornament ced inside the box. The gem glistened under the sunlight, the color moving. It should have been pure, yet due to the mottled knife scratches on the surface, it had be dull and ugly

    As Jiang Li held the head ornament in her hand, suddenly, Ji Shuran felt somewhat wrong. But before she opened her mouth, Jiang Li had spoken first.

    She spoke: ¡°This head ornament is the evidence.¡±

    Her hand brushed past, gently and firmly, the smile at the corner of her mouth shone brightly just like before, yet it appeared ridiculing.

    ¡°This head ornament is fake.¡± She lowered her gaze, ¡°this is not my head ornament.¡±

 Chapter 32 - Shifting blame

    <h4>Chapter 32: Shifting me</h4>

    ¡°This set is a fake,¡± she lowered her eyes, ¡°this is not my head ornament.¡±

    The crowd was silent for a moment.

    Madam Liu was the first one to open her mouth and ask: ¡°second miss Jiang, what do you mean with this sentence?¡±

    Jiang Li smiled and handed the head ornament in her hand to Madam Liu. She spoke faintly: ¡°I spent 400 taels of silver to buy a ruby head ornament in Yanjing¡¯s Ji Xiang Lou. There are only a total 3 sets of ruby ornaments avable in Ji Xiang Lou, precisely due to the excellent quality of this gem and its bright color.¡± Jiang Li paused for a while before continuing, ¡°however, the workmanship of the head ornament in my hand was crude, the colour dull. Don¡¯t even mention it being 400 taels of silver, it¡¯s not even as good as 40 taels of silver.¡±

    ¡°What the youngdy means is .......¡± Tong¡¯er couldn¡¯t help asking.

    ¡°If I really wanted to curse third sister, I wouldn¡¯t use such an unpresentable small thing.¡± Jiang Li¡¯s tone was filled with disdain, ¡°this is not my head ornament, someone else took away my head ornament and exchanged it with this broken thing with the idea to make me a joke.¡±

    Someone took her head ornament!

    In a split second, the matter changed dramatically. Everyone suddenly realized, but for a short moment they fell into deeper doubt.

    Old Madam Jiang asked: ¡°Li girl, saying someone took your head ornament, what¡¯s the meaning of this?¡±

    Jiang Li turned her head around and smiled slightly to her and said: ¡°Old Madam, no need to be anxious. Right now I¡¯m here to make things clear, in the end, what actually happened?¡±

    Old Madam Jiang was startled. In the presence of guests, Jiang Li called her ¡°Old Madam¡± and not ¡°grandmother.¡± Once heard, it was soon evident of their close or distant rtion. Was thisining to her because a moment ago she didn¡¯t stand by Jiang Li¡¯s side when she was trapped in predicament?

    A trace of astonishment shed across Jiang You Yao and Ji Shuran¡¯s faces. The matter shouldn¡¯t develop like this. Ji Shuran¡¯s heart trembled, not wanting Jiang Li to break her n, she quickly said: ¡°Li¡¯er, how could this head ornament be fake? Perhaps you¡¯ve made a mistake?¡±

    ¡°Impossible!¡± Madam Liu spoke up. She resolutely said: ¡°It¡¯s impossible for the itemsing out from Ji Xiang Lou to be of this quality. Everyone is a frequent visitor of Ji Xiang Lou, once you look at it you¡¯ll know.¡± Madam Liu handed the head ornament in her hand to the madam at her side. A few madams touched and felt the head ornament together and everyone nodded.

    They verified Madam Liu¡¯s words.

    Ji Shuran frowned and looked at Jiang Li to suddenly discover that from the beginning until now, since the cracks were discovered on the head ornament, no matter whether anyone criticized or looked at her peculiarly, Jiang Li wasn¡¯t anxious in the face of all these.

    Jiang Li was puzzled, suspicious, remorseful, but against reason she wasn¡¯t anxious, angry, helpless and desperate.

    Even now, the corner of Jiang Li¡¯s mouth still carried a warm and gentle smile, exactly the same as how she was initially.

    With this situation, how can she still smile, what¡¯s so funny?

    Ji Shuran was thinking and felt more and more there was something wrong. She subconsciously caught sight of Jiang Li lowering her head to look at Xiang Qiao on the ground, and followed Jiang Li¡¯s gaze to discover that Xiang Qiao who had been kneeling all along on the ground seemed paralyzed.

    Xiang Qiao was shaking.

    Jiang Li crouched down and reached her hand out to help Xiang Qiao up. Her eyes as she was looking at Xiang Qiao were amiable and gentle, her tone was also still as good-natured as before.

    She said: ¡°Xiang Qiao, it¡¯s you who took my head ornament away, right?¡±

    ¡°It, it¡¯s not.¡± Xiang Qiao stuck to her statement, ¡°this servant didn¡¯t do that.¡±

    ¡°Then it¡¯s strange.¡± Jiang Li muttered puzzledly, ¡°At the beginning you said you¡¯ve personally seen me use a knife to cut the ruby head ornament, but now the head ornament has clearly been exchanged by others. What you saw, could it probably be a ....... ghost?¡±

    Thest two words, Jiang said them in a particrly soft voice. Yet in Xiang Qiao¡¯s ears, those words sounded particrly gloomy and disastrous.

    ¡°Third sister, you said Xiang Qiao took the head ornament away. Is there any evidence?¡± Jiang Yu¡¯e wasn¡¯t reconciled and asked.

    ¡°Evidence?¡± Jiang Li once again stood up and smiled at Ji Shuran. ¡°As the big madam of the main house, Jiang Li requests mother to immediately send people to go to Xiang Qiao¡¯s room and search for the whereabouts of the ruby head ornament. By coincidence, all the madams and sisters are here and can be the witnesses. It will also save Jiang Li from having to prove my innocence and clear the usation.¡±

    Hearing what Jiang Li said, the guests had a somewhat guilty conscience.

    Jiang Li¡¯s words were actually criticizing them for just watching a y just now, arranging themselves in a high position and staying out of the matter. Without exnation, they immediately treated Jiang Li as the viin.

    Ji Shuran had a smile on her face, but her teeth were clenched. She was not stupid. She knew her n today to scheme against Jiang Li would not bear any result. She was surprised that Jiang Li, in spite of everything, was able to control people behind their back. In the Jiang residence, a person without any connections and any silver actually had the ability to change her fortune. She was also afraid that Jiang Li still had another maneuver afterwards and subconsciously looked at Xiang Qiao.

    Hearing that Jiang Li requested for people to search her room, Xiang Qiao¡¯s breath immediately loosened. Xiang Qiao¡¯s action fell into Ji Shuran¡¯s eyes and in a sh a n formed in her mind. Knowing Jiang Li probably wouldn¡¯t find anything, she appointed a few people to go and search Xiang Qiao¡¯s room.

    The entire courtyard regained its peace.

    At this time, Jiang Yuan Bai finally came around, feeling he seemed to have made some kind of error. He looked at Jiang Li and saw this daughter of him standing not far away from Jiang You Yao. Jiang You Yao was clothed exquisitely, her hairdo gorgeous, but Jiang Li¡¯s unadorned clothing was simple. If it wasn¡¯t due to her lovely look and gracefulness, relying on just the clothing, she truly was not any more remarkable than a servant girl.

    Jiang Yuan Bai suddenly felt a bit ufortable again.

    Jiang Yuan Bai was prone to having a good reputation, of defendingfamily and friends even when knowing they were in the wrong. Even though he hated and was angry at Jiang Li, he didn¡¯t wish for Jiang Li to lose Jiang family¡¯s face in front of the guests. Moreover, in the present circumstances, it was a fact that there was something strange with the matter of the head ornament. Once again, Jiang Yuan Bai felt that his tone towards Jiang Li was a bit too harsh just now.

    Whatever everybody had in their thoughts, Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s regret, Ji Shuran¡¯s and Jiang You Yao¡¯s disappointment, Jiang Li didn¡¯t care about them in the slightest. She stood in the middle of the courtyard, staring full of interest at Xiang Qiao who was trying to keep calm and suddenly had an urge tough.

    Whatever n Ji Shuran and Jiang You Yao made to scheme against her, she understood it already. However, what she was going to do wasn¡¯t as simple as merely clearing her name like that.

    The people had no intention to harm the tiger, yet the tiger had the idea to hurt the people. There would eventually be a disaster if Ji Shuran left her people at Fang Fei Courtyard. She had once gone through the tragic experience and learnt her lesson: to nip it in the bud, to eliminate all harmpletely.

    Soon, the people who were sent to search Xiang Qiao¡¯s room returned. In order to show fairness, Old Madam Jiang also assigned a momo by her side to go together.

    Zhang momo brought the people back to old madam Jiang¡¯s side. After a quick nce at Xiang Qiao who was on the floor, she said: ¡°Answering to old madam, after a search, there was a ruby head ornament without any knife marks in Xiang Qiao¡¯s room. It should be the real one.¡±

    Xiang Qiao¡¯s body turned soft and she mumbled: ¡°impossible.¡±

    Jiang You Yao was also stunned. Ji Shuran saw the smile on Jiang Li¡¯s face be bigger and her scalp immediately tightened.

    Sure enough, Zhang momo hesitated for a while and in front of all the guests, she said: ¡°in Xiang Qiao¡¯s room, the servants also found many precious jewelry. Those were the things that the madam from the main house sent to second miss as gifts.¡±

    Jiang Li was surprised for a while. At first, there was anger in her voice, however, when listening carefully, her voice seemed to carry three parts of ridicule.

    She said: ¡°So as it turns out, Xiang Qiao covets money and valuables yet mes others ah!¡±

 Chapter 33 - Yi Shuang

    <h4>Chapter 33: Yi Shuang</h4>

    ¡°So as it turns out, Xiang Qiao covets money and valuables yet mes others ah!¡±

    A single stone caused a thousand waves. The guests immediately started toment. Originally, it was thought that the second youngdy of the residence hated the third miss, that was having disagreements between the sisters. Jiang Li maliciously cursed Jiang You Yao. But unexpectedly, in the end, it was actually the close-fitting servant girl who was a money-grubber but med others.

    This kind of thing was really simple. It originated from Jiang Li¡¯s close-fitting servant girl, Xiang Qiao, who was prone to stealing and wanted to steal Jiang Li¡¯s gift for Jiang You Yao. Yet she was afraid the matter would be exposed when it was investigated on her. So she simply looked for a head ornament with a much inferior quality as a substitute.

    Xiang Qiao shook her head desperately, holding Jiang Li¡¯s calf as she said: ¡°No, no! All those jewelry were given by second miss! They weren¡¯t stolen by this servant! Second miss, quick say a few words on behalf of this servant ah!¡±

    Those jewelry and hair clips indeed were not stolen by Xiang Qiao. But Jiang Li also wouldn¡¯t admit it.

    Jiang Li merely looked at her andmented: ¡°Xiang Qiao, I didn¡¯t treat you thinly. Why are you treating me like this? Besides, I didn¡¯t have plenty of silver money. The entire silver was spent to buy the head ornament for third sister. What remained was just the jewelry. This jewelry was not cheap, if giving you one or two piece, then it¡¯s nothing much. But giving them all to you, afraid there are very few people in Yanjing who can be so generous!¡±

    Every guest in the surrounding nodded. It was precisely like she said. If the people below did something very well, bestowing a bit more of something was understandable. But whoever¡¯s money wasn¡¯t brought in by the wind. To have such a generous hand, using a small box of jewelry to bestow it to the person below, wouldn¡¯t happen unless the person¡¯s brain was broken. Furthermore, Jiang second miss just now mentioned, all her silver was used to buy Jiang third miss¡¯s birthday present and all that remained were those jewelry. It was even more impossible to consciously give them away to people. It was not worth it ah!

    Xiang Qiao looked dazedly at Jiang Li. Jiang Li had a sincere expression, not the slightest trace of falsehood was seen, almost confusing Xiang Qiao.

    Her eyes were only fixed on Jiang Li¡¯s small box of treasures. When Jiang Li bestowed the rewards to her, she happily epted them. But she didn¡¯t realize that a Master bestowing so many things to the lower person was naturally too abnormal. She only thought it was due to Jiang Li being a country bumpkin and not understanding the ways of the world. Nevertheless, she didn¡¯t foresee that quickly receiving these refreshing things would in turn be a seal that would press her to her death.

    Ji Shuran let her put her hands on the birthday present Jiang Li was going to send. But Xiang Qiao¡¯s mouth was raised wickedly in recent days and her courage also became big. Her mind moved upon seeing the head ornament. By lucky coincidence, in the courtyard she heard the servant girls chatting about a jewelry craftsman who could produce counterfeit articles. Soon after, she looked for him and spent a bit of money to make an identical head ornament.

    Apart from the difference in purity, there wasn¡¯t any error on the surface. Xiang Qiao thought, on the day Jiang Li couldn¡¯t dispute the matter, the people in the Jiang family would punish her and that head ornament would naturally be treated as an inauspicious thing. This matter could be considered as over.

    In this way, she could both fulfill her task from Ji Shuran to set up Jiang Li while she would also freely get the head ornament.

    What Xiang Qiao didn¡¯t expect was that during this fric situation, Jiang Li could still discover that there was something amiss with the head ornament. Moreover, Jiang Li had merely touched the real head ornament for a while, how could she argue so calmly. What was even more unexpected was that head ornament actually turned up in her own room.

    She had obviously ced the head ornament in a small box and buried it in a safe ce ah!

    Who did it? Xiang Qiao raised her head to look and came in contact with Jiang Li¡¯s eyes and her heart shivered.

    Perhaps Jiang Li had known since earlier what she was about to do. She had been watching without batting an eyelid from the beginning. Thinking about it, those jewels bestowed by the main courtyard were originally the least in her mind. But now, they seemed to enforce the proof that she was a thief.

    Jiang Li had started her conspiracy since that time!

    How was she an ignorant country bumpkin? She knew everything, yet still pretending to be ignorant!

    Suddenly Xiang Qiao felt desperate. She had messed up Ji Shuran¡¯s scheme, Ji Shuran naturally wouldn¡¯t forgive her easily.

    At this time, Jiang Li again said: ¡°Actually there¡¯s something I don¡¯t understand. Xiang Qiao, you exchanged my head ornament and used an inferior counterfeit to give third sister. When third sister received it, she would probably think that I don¡¯t have much silver. But why did you want to risk the danger of being discovered and deliberately made many knife scars on the gem. Shifting the me on me, nearly causing me to be rejected by my father and mother.¡± Jiang Li spoke patiently and systematically, ¡°When I think about it, you have no reason to do it. Could there be someone behind who told you to do so?¡±

    When thest sentence came out, there was a subtle change in the facial expressions of the guests.

    Who was behind it, the Jiang¡¯s stepmother and stepdaughter¡¯splicated rtionship suddenly appeared vividly before everyone¡¯s eyes. Ji Shuran¡¯s heart skipped a beat, wishing she could hold and tear Jiang Li to bits. She stood slightly sideways and secretly gave Xiang Qiao a warning look.

    Xiang Qiao was extremely afraid. She clenched her teeth, her mind was in a jumble. She wept while looking at Jiang Li: ¡°Second miss, you clearly instructed this servant to do so. You said that third miss doesn¡¯t deserve to use that head ornament and asked this servant to look for an identical head ornament for thisservant to cut and scratch with a knife.......¡±

    ¡°Really full of lies.¡± Jiang Li sighed and shook her head. She was standing upright and looking down at her: ¡°You just said the words and now you want to go back. This kind of lies, you don¡¯t need to say it again. Moreover, you didn¡¯t exin how you stole my box full of jewelry.¡±

    Then Jiang Li looked at Ji Shuran and spoke: ¡°Mother gave me this servant girl, saying that she is excellent and hardworking. Normally I don¡¯t dare to neglect her. Unexpectedly, this servant girl is actually light-fingered and still dared to shift the me on the master. Mother, this time you¡¯ve made an error in judgement.¡±

    Ji Shuran only felt her face was hot as if she was being pped in public. Just now, she still vowed and testified for Xiang Qiao¡¯s character in front of everybody. Yet at this time she had no choice but to withdraw her own words.

    Ji Shuran smiled and spoke with difficulty: ¡°It¡¯s all mother¡¯s fault. Mother....... was not clear with the person, making you suffer from injustice.¡±

    How could the mistress who was in charge of the family be unclear of the people. Yet, to ce such a hateful person by the stepdaughter¡¯s side, the madams who sympathized with Ji Shuran before were immediately hit in their hearts.

    Ji Shuran saw the expressions on the guests¡¯ faces and her heart was extremely angry. At this moment, she understood Jiang Li¡¯s purpose. Jiang Li wanted to use this matter as a pretext to return Xiang Qiao and remove the nail she installed in the Fragrant Courtyard.

    Jiang Li smiled in her heart. Ji Shuran thought she only wanted to remove Xiang Qiao, this one nail? No, she simply didn¡¯t have time at the Jiang family to waste her mind on this trifle matter. Some things just needed to be done cleanly from the beginning so as to save many troubles in the future.

    ¡°Mother wasn¡¯tpletely unclear about people.¡± Jiang Li smiled and said: ¡°This time with this matter, I still need to thank mother for giving me another servant girl, Yi Shuang. If it wasn¡¯t due to Yi Shuang¡¯s reminder, I also wouldn¡¯t know Xiang Qiao is the kind of person who turns her back on her master.¡± She nced urately at Yi Shuang who was standing behind the people and sincerely said: ¡°This time, many thanks to Yi Shuang.¡±

    Xiang Qiao who was on the ground was stunned. She suddenly understood many things, like sparks from hitting fire rocks together. But her mouth was already blocked by an old servant with a cloth and she couldn¡¯t speak at all.

    Yi Shuang who was hiding behind the crowd was dumbfounded. Ji Shuran looked at her, making her feel ice-cold.

 Chapter 34 Part 1 - Two Birds

    Chapter 34 Part 1: Two Birds

    Everyone was astonished to suddenly hear Yun Shuang¡¯s namee out from Jiang Li¡¯s mouth.

    In the crowd, Yun Shuang was caught unaware by the call of her name. Until she had heard what Jiang Li said clearly, her first reaction was to look at Ji Shuran¡¯s expression.

    From across the crowd, Yun Shuang could feel Ji Shuran staring at her as if looking at a dead man.

    She subconsciously wanted to shake her head to deny but Jiang Li once again turned to her, looking very grateful, seemingly still wanting to show her appreciation, and said: ¡°Yun Shuang reminded me before to be vignt with Xiang Qiao. At that time I didn¡¯t believe her very much. Now, thinking about it, I was too conceited. Thank you, Yun Shuang.¡± She then said to Ji Shuran: ¡°Although mother made an error with Xiang Qiao, Jiang Li gives many thanks for mother¡¯s effort in sending a considerate Yun Shuang to my side.¡±

    Ji Shuran squeezed out a smile. Nevertheless, no one knew what she was feeling at this moment.

    It was toote for Yun Shuang to say anything at this time. Moreover, she truly was unable to refute in front of the guests. Xiang Qiao had indeed hidden the ruby head ornament well, however Yun Shuang had followed her closely and dug it out to secretly ce it in her room.

    Most people on earth suffered the misfortune of injustice. Both Xiang Qiao and her were arranged by Ji Shuran to be the spies at Jiang Li¡¯s side. But relying on her mouth, Xiang Qiao had surprisingly received a lot of rewards from Jiang Li¡¯s hand. Perhaps they might not even be able to obtain those rewards even if they had stayed by Ji Shuran¡¯s side for another 10 years.

    Red eyed, Yun Shuang looked at Xiang Qiao even more unfavorably. She overheard Tong¡¯er and Jiang Li¡¯s n and understood that in order to counter Ji Shuran, Tong¡¯er would prove that Xiang Qiao had reced the head ornament in front of the guests. Thus, Yun Shuang stealthily ced the head ornament in Xiang Qiao¡¯s room.

    Even by doing this, Ji Shuran¡¯s n wouldn¡¯t work anymore. Then why? Even if Yun Shuang told Ji Shuran of Jiang Li¡¯s n, Ji Shuran would make another arrangement, she wouldn¡¯t get any credit either, yet it would not hurt Xiang Qiao even a bit. However, following Jiang Li¡¯s n, Xiang Qiao would certainly die.

    In the Jiang residence, there was no way out for a deep, unfathomable mind of a lower person harming the master. In addition, she had messed up the task Ji Shuran handed to her. How could Xiang Qiao possibly have a good end?

    Originally, everything clearly fell on Xiang Qiao very smoothly without a hitch. Who would have imagined that nearing the end, Jiang Li¡¯s words would bring Yun Shuang into the abyss.

    Yun Shuang¡¯s legs were soft and she almost knelt on the ground.

    Jiang Li¡¯s smile became more vivid. Ji Shuran was probably a suspicious person, and her words would immediately give way for Ji Shuran to really doubt Yun Shuang. After all, something that seemed certain was suddenly saved at the end, not possible unless there was a hidden traitor informing Jiang Li.

    Naturally, Xiang Qiao would not dig her own grave, then there could only be Yun Shuang.

    Up to here, the truth of the matter hade to light. Old Madam Jiang spoke coldly: ¡°What are you waiting for? Bring this servant girl who brought cmity and chaos to the house away, drag her down and hit her to death with a stick!¡±

    Xiang Qiao¡¯s pair of eyes opened wide, her mouth that was blocked by a cloth could only sound ¡°wu wu¡±. With no other alternative, she could only look towards Ji Shuran. But at this time, how could Ji Shuran talk about their unclear rtionship for her. She even so much as urged: ¡°Be quick, didn¡¯t you hear mother¡¯s words?¡±

 Chapter 34 Part 2 - Two Birds

    <h4>Chapter 34 Part 2: Two Birds</h4>

    Xiang Qiao struggled as she was dragged down, and the guests who were watching felt a trace of coldness in their hearts. The rules in the Jiang residence were harsh, worthy of Jiang Yuan Bai. Even if he normally appeared good-natured, his methods were not trivial.

    Yun Shuang got goosebumps on her back as she watched. She was vaguely aware that her taking advantage of the situation to set up Xiang Qiao was perhaps a huge mistake.

    Jiang Li put her palms together in prayer and softly prayed ¡°Amitabha Buddha¡±. Everyone looked at her, the center of the whirlpool of today¡¯s matter, the eye of the wind that began the entire disturbance. At present, she slightly bowed her head as if she couldn¡¯t bear the end of Xiang Qiao and appeared even more pure, simple and benevolent.

    Old Madam Jiang lookedplicatedly at Jiang Li and said to Ji Shuran: ¡°Since Xiang Qiao is no longer by Li girl side, give her a new servant girl. Tomorrow the old servant in the house will bring some people in, let Li girl pick a few herself.¡±

    Tong¡¯er heard what was being said and her heart moved. She promptly opened her mouth and said with a crisp voice: ¡°Replying to old madam, the servant girls for sweeping Fang Fei Garden were previously arranged by Xiang Qiao. Since Xiang Qiao, this person, has a problem in her morality and conduct, Old Madam please also let that group of people go and choose again. So that Fang Fei Garden can be clean inside and outside.¡±

    Just a remark, but the indirectly mentioned Ji Shuran¡¯s face grew even hotter, her heart angry. A small servant girl actually dared to criticize her. However, no matter how enraged she was, it wasn¡¯t revealed on her face.

    Old Madam Jiang said: ¡°Handle it as you said.¡±

    Ji Shuran hurriedly agreed and smiled at Jiang Li to say: ¡°Previously mother was unclear, nearly made a big mistake. Let¡¯s do it this way, return Yun Shuang to my side. Tomorrow Li¡¯er can personally choose your close-fitting servant girl, does it sound good?¡±

    Jiang Li showed a bit of regret: ¡°Actually I think that Yun Shuang is very good, it¡¯s better to let her continue staying by my side. But what mother said is reasonable, in that case, I will listen to mother.¡±

    Listening to Jiang Li¡¯s words, Yun Shuang was scared stiff. Jiang Li¡¯s words simply pushed her into the fire pit! Ji Shuran was already suspicious of her, making her stay by her side was nothing more than for the purpose of torturing her. And it happened that Jiang Li still poured oil on the fire1 .

    ¡°Today we let everyone see a joke,¡± the way Old Madam Jiang handled this matter was good enough. In a low voice, she said: ¡°My Jiang residence¡¯s discipline towards the lower people wascking, creating such aughable matter and disturbing everyone¡¯s mood. This old body will take the me on behalf of Jiang residence.¡±

    The guests didn¡¯t dare to ept, Jiang Yuan Bai also spoke: ¡°We will invite everyone to gather on another day.¡±

    The people who came to observe the birthday ceremony today precisely wanted to see this good drama. However, there was little gain. Jiang You Yao, the original leading role, was even neglected by everyone.

    Shen Ruyun and Mother Shen were led out by the Jiang family¡¯s servants and Shen Ruyun couldn¡¯t helpmenting in a low voice: ¡°I see that third miss is just so so, yet Jiang second miss is difficult to deal with. Only with a few words she could reverse the general situation, I¡¯m afraid her mind is not shallow.¡±

    Shen Ruyun hated Jiang You Yao because Jiang You Yao was Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s fianc¨¦e. Today Jiang Li turned the situation around, on the surface it was as if punishing Xiang Qiao, but in truth it also was sweeping Ji Shuran¡¯s face. It was also to take the light away from Jiang You Yao. Shen Ruyun was happy to see Jiang Li make Jiang You Yao lose her self-control. However, this did not mean that Shen Ruyun would like Jiang Li. In her words, if Jiang You Yao didn¡¯t rece Jiang Li, Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s fianc¨¦e at present should be Jiang Li.

    They were all rivals in love, all equally annoying.

    In the middle of speaking, suddenly a person shouted by her side: ¡°Miss.¡± Shen Ruyun and Mother Shen turned their heads around to see two people walking towards their direction. The two people were the ones in the limelight just now, Jiang second miss and her servant girl, Tong¡¯er.

    Jiang second miss also saw them and her footsteps slowly came to a stop. She faced them and smiled while slightly nodding her head before passing by.

    Since originally they were not familiar, it couldn¡¯t be consideredcking in manners.

    Only at that moment, Shen Ruyun suddenly felt Jiang second miss¡¯s style when she smiled and nodded her head was familiar.

    Where have I seen it?

 Chapter 35 Part 1 - Heir

    <h4>Chapter 35 Part 1: Heir</h4>

    Jiang Li took Tong¡¯er and brushed past the Shen mother and daughter.

    Her face still carried the same smiling expression as just now, as if it had turned into a natural mask. Yet with a careful look, the arc of the smile was somewhat cold.

    As expected, Shen Ruyun and Mother Shen hade.

    She went to the capital after she married Shen Yurong. Mother Shen was not a mother-inw that was easy to get along with. Shen Ruyun was even more willful and selfish. Xue Huaiyuan loved his daughter dearly and used up what he had to give her a lot of dowries. Those dowries were used to subsidize the Shen family. In addition, her clothes and jewelry were taken by Shen Ruyun saying that she was fond of them.

    She¡¯s not a saint. She¡¯s also someone who was doted on and held dearly in the palm in the Xue family. Shen Ruyun and mother Shen made her annoyed, she also revealed her dissatisfaction.

    At these times, Shen Yu Rong would timely stand up and say how the widowed mother and younger sister raised him up from a young age to adulthood. The aplishment he achieved today was entirely from their contribution and he asked Xue Fang Fei to treat them better. Xue Fang Fei¡¯s heart was good after all, thinking it wasn¡¯t easy for the two weak women to take care of Shen Yu Rong, she tried to endure as much as possible.

    However, being tolerant wasn¡¯t returned with the same respect. In her final six months, mother Shen and Shen Ruyun had nevere to console her. Sometimes they even stood outside the door, chatting with a volume that she could hear. Asking why she hadn¡¯t died yet after creating such a scandal and implicating their Shen family.

    If Xue Fang Fei¡¯s heart wasn¡¯t tough, she¡¯d probably be unable to endure andmitted suicide to prove her innocence.

    ¡°Miss?¡± Tong¡¯er sensed the mood of the person beside her was amiss and called out softly.

    Jiang Li came out of her reverie and smiled: ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Yet she was thinking, there¡¯s no way that mother Shen and Shen Ruyun had no inkling of Shen Yurong and Princess Yongning¡¯s affair. Princess Yongning could enter the Shen family house as if entering an unmanned ce, clearly she was familiar with the people in the Shen family.

    In ordance to the Shen family¡¯s character of taking advantage of the situation, the blue-blooded imperial princess was indeed much more profitable than a minor official¡¯s daughter. Today she also saw with her own eyes mother Shen and Shen Ruyun¡¯s clothing and jewelry. Judging by Shen Yurong¡¯s official sry alone, afraid it would be barely enough to buy those.

    This ought to be Princess Yongning¡¯s ¡°kindness¡±.

    Jiang Li thought and felt in her heart that the Shen family wasmentable and pitiful. It¡¯s true that Princess Yongning was noble, but without changing the color of her face, she was able to kill the wife and terminate the heir. How could she get along with others? The Shen family members only saw the benefit in front of them, not realizing that the days spent crying wouldeter.

    She¡¯s happy to watch the y.

    Shen family members, Shen Yurong, Princess Yongning, were the murderers that killed her family and ruined her. This debt, she would make them pay back bit by bit.

    The two people walked back to Fragrant Courtyard. Even though today Jiang Li was proven innocent during Jiang You Yao¡¯s birthday ceremony, she still appeared to be the neglected daughter of the Jiang family. Her movements weren¡¯t noticed by anyone.

 Chapter 35 Part 2 - Heir

    <h4>Chapter 35 Part 2: Heir</h4>

    They had only walked halfway when they came face to face with a man.

    Since when was there a male in the Jiang family¡¯s backyard? Jiang Li halted her footsteps so there was quite a good distance to separate her from the man. The man also observed the etiquette and no longer advanced.

    Jiang Li moved to the side to take another route yet that man suddenly opened his mouth and softly said: ¡°Second miss?¡±

    Second miss? His tone... he seemed to be familiar with her. Jiang Li looked sideways at the man.

    The man appeared to be 17 or 18 years of age, his whole body was dressed in a rosin-colored long gown made of delicate material. His hair was bound together with a jade hairpin and his body was like jade, appearing outstandingly handsome and talented. A totally beautiful male, his temperament was significantly quiet and refined, his gaze moved as he looked at Jiang Li.

    Jiang Li fixed her attention on him. Perhaps the expression in her eyes showed too much unfamiliarity, making the man feel somewhat embarrassed. He hesitated for a bit before speaking: ¡°Perhaps second miss doesn¡¯t remember, I1 am Zhou Yan Bang.¡±

    Zhou Yan Bang? Jiang Lu suddenly realized. Tong¡¯er by her side even nearly cried out loud.

    It turned out to be Marquis Ningyuan¡¯s heir, Zhou Yan Bang. When she was still Xue Fang Fei, she often heard the name of this person through her sister-inw¡¯s lips, though she never met the person. She only knew that he was a jade and wind-like beautiful man. Now as Jiang Li, Zhou Yan Bang was actually her ex-fiancee. This was really ratherughable.

    Jiang Li paused before greeting: ¡°Heir.¡±

    A very normal tone without any excitement or anyplicated feelings. So simple, as if treating a stranger on the street.

    Zhou Yan Bang was somewhat surprised.

    He knew about his marriage agreement with Jiang Li since he was young. He wasn¡¯t sensible then and didn¡¯t feel anything much. Afterwards, due to Jiang Li¡¯s matter of plotting to harm his stepmother, she was sent to the Buddhist nunnery. At that time. Zhou Yan Bang constantly heard his parents mention whether they should withdraw from this marriage agreement or not. But at the end his fiancee was somehow reced by Jiang You Yao.

    Zhou Yan Bang had seen Jiang You Yao, a dainty and pleasant girl, pure and lovely youngdy. He was very satisfied with Jiang You Yao and had no objection to this marriage.

    However, today he came to participate in Jiang You Yao¡¯s birthday ceremony and saw Jiang Li, who he hadn¡¯t seen for many years.

    Pertaining his memory of Jiang Li, Zhou Yan Bang merely remembered a chubby girl with a bad temper. However during the birthday ceremony, Jiang Li¡¯s appearance had caused ripples in his heart.

    Jiang You Yao was like a delicate and fine gem, suitable for being in the house. Yet Jiang Li¡¯s noble poise and elegance resembled the brightly shining moonlight in the sky, in sight but unattainable.

    Zhou Yan Bang had been watching Jiang Li attentively from the beginning from among the male guests. He saw Jiang Li being criticized by everyone, then neither hurriedly nor slowly turn the tide, raising his appreciation. Zhou Yan Bang was pleasantly surprised to have met her by ident in the backyard of the Jiang residence at this time.

    This had made Zhou Yan Bang somewhat disappointed.

    Probably the more something was unattainable, the better it was. Jiang Li being unfamiliar with him like this had made Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s heart undte. He thought, a few days ago he had clearly heard how Jiang Li was so broken-hearted upon learning of Jiang You Yao and his marriage arrangement that she jumped into theke. Thinking about it now, maybe the news at that time caused injury to Jiang Li, that was why she was treating him so coldly now.

    Perhaps he should have a chat with his father and discuss this marriage again. Zhou Yan Ban had this thought and again looked at Jiang Li as if he was looking at his fianc¨¦e.

    Jiang Li frowned slightly, Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s gaze while looking at her didn¡¯t have the slightest unfamiliarity. When she was Xue Fang Fei, even after she had married Shen Yurong, there were still a lot of gazes like this looking at her.

    It was disgusting.

    She had no wish to talk with Zhou Yan Bang. Although she had be Jiang second miss, she didn¡¯t want to have any rtion with this person. Jiang Li was about to leave when she suddenly heard a tender shout from behind: ¡°brother heir!¡±

    Jiang Li¡¯s teeth almost ached from this shout. She turned her body to see Jiang You Yao run over with tiny steps. In one breath she had reached Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s side. She raised her head and smiled: ¡°Brother heir, second sister, what are you talking about so happily?¡±

    Although she was smiling, her gaze as she looked at Jiang Li was just like catching a couple having an affair, an ominous glint was revealed in her eyes.

 Chapter 36 Part 1 - Discussion

    <h4>Chapter 36 Part 1: Discussion</h4>

    Jiang Li looked at the two people in front of her.

    Jiang You Yao and Zhou Yan Bang were standing very close to each other. Their marriage was known throughout the whole capital, it was understandable as soon-to-marry couple that they were a bit close. But looking at Zhou Yan Bang¡¯splexion, he looked a bit ill at ease.

    Jiang You Yao once again started talking naively: ¡°Second sister, what were you two talking about just now, so full of heartfelt emotions? Why didn¡¯t you continue after I arrived?¡±

    ¡°We didn¡¯t say anything,¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°It was just identally meeting the heir and merely called out a greeting before you quickly arrived.¡± Jiang Liughed: ¡°Since third sister is here, third sister should get along well with the heir. I¡¯ll go back first.¡± After she finished talking, she didn¡¯t wait for Zhou Yan Bang and Jiang You Yao¡¯s reply and directly left, taking Tong¡¯er along with her.

    Zhou Yan Bang couldn¡¯t help gazing at Jiang Li¡¯s departing back. Jiang You Yao saw this and secretly clenched her teeth.

    On the road back, Tong¡¯er asked Jiang Li in a low voice: ¡°Miss, it¡¯s better for you not to pay attention to Zhou heir.¡±

    ¡°What are you trying to say?¡±

    Seeing that Jiang Li wasn¡¯t angry, Tong¡¯er had a bit more courage and said: ¡°Although miss and Zhou heir had an engagement before, the person who is engaged to Zhou heir at this time is the third miss. Now miss hase back, but master will not wish to revert the engagement. Marriage is not a trifling matter, going back and changing minds two or three times, we, the Jiang family will be theughingstock in Yanjing. Master definitely won¡¯t let this matter happen.¡±

    ¡°The second thing,¡± while talking, Tong¡¯er sized up Jiang Li¡¯s expression, ¡°just now this Zhou heir¡¯s expression while looking at miss was too affectionate. He is currently third miss¡¯s fianc¨¦, not only did he not pay attention to his status, he still behaved like this. It¡¯s clear that he really is not a good match. Miss.......¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± Jiang Li smiled: ¡°I naturally know he isn¡¯t a good match. However, our Tong¡¯er can actually think so much, truly has made me sit up and take notice.¡±

    Tong¡¯er, this girl was carefree. In normal days, except for her loyalty, there was nothing particrly special. Unexpectedly, despite being usually careless, she was quite sharp at times and would not be blinded by momentary benefit. Jiang Li liked it very much.

    Tong¡¯er heard Jiang Li praising herself andughed: ¡°Miss doesn¡¯t need to panic. Ourdy is Jiang family¡¯s miss from the first legal wife. Don¡¯t need to mention Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s heir, even being a princess1 is possible. In the days that follow, slowly pick a good husband that can match you well.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled when she heard her. In the end, Tong¡¯er was still a bit naive and wasn¡¯t aware how fearful gossips could be. With just her sole charge of formerly plotting to murder her stepmother, it was already sufficient to let her be of no interest in Yanjing. Otherwise, at that time Jiang Yuanbai wouldn¡¯t send her to the nunnery. It was because he knew Jiang second miss would not go through life any better in Yanjing .

    But, in any case, she wasn¡¯t nning to marry in this life.

    ......

    Meanwhile, in Warm and Graceful Courtyard, Ji shi and Ji Chen shi were talking.

    (Ji shi is Ji Shuran and Ji Chen shi is her sister)

    The guests had all dispersed. Today, Jiang You Yao¡¯s birthday ceremony had actually be a mess, everything was in disorder. Others saw it and would say that as the female master, she could not manage the household and that the backyard was disorderly.

    Jiang Yuanbai¡¯s eyes as he was leaving made Ji shi thoroughly angry. Jiang Yuanbai had clearly med her.

    Originally, she wanted to pack up Jiang Li nicely, but Jiang Li unexpectedly managed to free herself and retreat. Along the way, she also made her lose one of her servant girls, Xiang Qiao. Not just this, today, people with discerning eyes could see through the twists and turns. Those madams and youngdies liked talking about matters in the backyard the most. The smart ones could make out that there was something strange.

 Chapter 36 Part 2 - Discussion

    <h4>Chapter 36 Part 2: Discussion</h4>

    Ji Shuran wasn¡¯t afraid of anyone discovering anything strange. As a female master, whose hands were clean without any kind of tricks? Yet after employing her trick but still losing, it was suffering a double loss1. If this came out, perhaps people wouldugh very loudly. It was like admitting that her skill was not as good as other people, losing in the hand of a young silly girl.

    Ji Shuran was proud and arrogant. Returning to her courtyard, she had angrily swept the entirety of vases and pots in the room.

    Ji Chen shiforted her: ¡°With you doing things like this, if seen by others they¡¯ll say that you are losing your cool. Where is the style of a chief assistant¡¯s madam.¡±

    ¡°Jie jie, I really cannot swallow this breath.¡± Ji Shuran said hatefully: ¡°Jiang Li, that young slut is really too evil! Her age is not much different from You Yao, yet she is so clever. You¡¯ve also seen this matter, how could she make such a scheme!¡±

    Ji Chen shi said: ¡°She is indeed not simple, you also shouldn¡¯t lose your head in panic.¡± Ji Chen shi instructed the servant girl to close the door and continued: ¡°At present, you are the master in the Jiang residence main room. Don¡¯t forget that you have given Jiang Yuanbai a pair of children and his heart is biaised towards you. Jiang Li is a daughter that has been forgotten, would there be someone in the Jiang residence who would really regard her as a youngdy? If you want to deal with her, it¡¯s still not that easy. Remember to slowly n, don¡¯t let anyone grab a handle. Look at what happened with Xiang Qiao this time, you almost meet with mishap.¡±

    Ji Shuran slowly calmed down and said: ¡°I know.¡±

    Yun Shuang had already been taken away. In the end, Jiang Li¡¯s words had arisen suspicion in Ji Shuran despite Yun Shuang¡¯s exnation that it was due to the jealousy between Xiang Qiao and her that had made the situation turn out like it was. But no matter whether it was true or false, Yun Shuang had caused Ji Shuran to fail at thest minute. Making such a mistake, she could not be allowed to stay. As for what method she used, in short, if others asked, she just merely said that Yun Shuang was unable to stand Xiang Qiao¡¯s death and packed up her things and returned home.

    ¡°It was that Madam Liu,¡± Ji Chen shi¡®splexion became gloomy, ¡°they¡¯ve set themselves against our Ji family two or three times already. Last time Father told me, Liu Yuan Feng has once again partaken in his report. This Liu Yuan Feng really doesn¡¯t know how to appreciate favors. Now that Madam Liu has also repeatedly opposed us, it really is making people angry.¡±

    ¡°Really makes people fed up.¡± Ji Shuran immediately chipped in: ¡°At that time, if it were not because of her meddling, how would Jiang Li have had the chance to go back to Yanjing!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Ji Chen shi said: ¡°The Liu family dared to set themselves against our Ji family, naturally they will have to eat the fruit.2 The most important is yourself,¡± Ji Chen shi repeatedly warned Ji Shuran, ¡°This time you¡¯ve provoked Jiang Yuanbai¡¯s anger, you must carefully cate him. As for Jiang Li, don¡¯t be anxious, just casually find a way. Anyway she is now right under your nose, don¡¯t forget, the major event in her life is still grasped in your hand, it¡¯s easy to create a stumbling block.¡±

    Ji Shuran nodded: ¡°What you said is reasonable.¡±

    Just at this time, a person suddenly ran inside, it was precisely Jiang You Yao. She appeared angry and her features looked distorted. Seeing that both Ji Chen shi and Ji Shuran were present, she didn¡¯t bother with anything else and immediately said: ¡°Mother, aunt, Jiang Li that young vixen actually seduced Zhou heir in front of me, shameless! You must give her a lesson for me!¡±

    ¡°How dare she?¡± Ji Shuran teng all of a sudden got up.

    ¡°She dared.¡± Jiang Youyao felt extremely aggrieved, ¡°Mother, she didn¡¯t put us in her eyes like this, how can we tolerate it? Mother, you must vent this bad breath for me!¡±

    ah really, so hateful! this Ji Shuran makes me so mad! and this You Yao is just utterly stupid... Excuse me? which of your eyes saw Jiang Li seducing, it was all that good-for-nothing fianc¨¦ of yours! Grow up and face reality, your chosen man is just a *****

    And now let me apologize for the big dy, I was very busy and had many stressing mattersing at me that I couldn¡¯t edit the chaps... and then I kinda forgot... well not really, only a tiny bit (just 99% forgot). So here you are the chaps, one fromst week which I missed, the other one from yesterdaying with dy, and an extra one bc in August it was our first anniversary for MDD and we totally didn¡¯t realize. Enjoy^^

    Footnotes:

    1: >ÅâÁË·òÈËÓÖÕÛ±ø : having given away a bride, to lose one¡¯s army on top of it (idiom), to suffer a double loss after trying to trick the enemy.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    2: eat the fruit: face the consequences.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 37 Part 1 - Triumph

    <h4>Chapter 37 Part 1: Triumph</h4>

    Jiang Li did not know what Ji Chen shi and Ji Shuran were discussing. However, she was clear that today¡¯s matter of confronting Ji Shuran¡¯s trap, her action, that is, the conflict with Ji Shuran, was disyed inly in front of everyone. Judging from how Ji Shuran acted towards Jiang second miss before, Ji Shuran really wasn¡¯t a big-hearted person. As the conflict intensified, Ji Shuran was bound to carry out more powerful methods.

    Jiang Li was not afraid at all.

    She used to follow Xue Huaiyuan around. When Xue Huaiyuan handled government affairs, he didn¡¯t shield her from them, instead he asionally discussed them with her. Jiang Li wasn¡¯t a coward, in addition she had died once, harmed by the person who shared her bed. The current her had a kind of resolute mind of being prepared to destroy indiscriminately.

    She returned to Fang Fei Garden and sat down to rest. Not even half an hour had passed when an uninvited guest came.

    Jiang Jing Rui carrying a grasshopper cage unsolicitedly arrived at Fang Fei Garden to drink tea.

    This second brand¡¯s young master had a defiant temper. Both the second master, Jiang Yuang Ping, and the second madam, Lu shi, couldn¡¯t discipline him. Only the asional words from Jiang Yuanbai, would Jiang Jing Rui listen to one or two. However, this second young master could be regarded as quite familiar with Jiang Li.

    Jiang Li invited him to sit and asked: ¡°What are youing here for?¡±

    Jiang Jing Rui looked for a teacup and let Tong¡¯er pour tea for him, not the slightest bit embarrassed. He moved his head to look at Jiang Li and said: ¡°What you did today was very beautiful. Jiang You Yao and eldest aunt were both defeated by you. I want to p for you.¡±

    These words spoken in the room, Tong¡¯er who was pouring tea at the side heard and was somewhat angry. Although this young master from the second branch seemed to not harbor hostility to her family¡¯s miss, sometimes when looking at his attitude, he clearly didn¡¯t attach any importance to Jiang Li and spoke as he pleased like this.

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense.,¡± Jiang Li said faintly: ¡°I was just telling the truth.¡±

    ¡°Why are you keeping it from me?¡± Jiang Jing Rui fiddled with the teacup on the table, ¡°I won¡¯t say it out.¡±

    ¡°Cousin speaks as if I am very close to you.¡± Jiang Liughed.

    ¡°Cousin¡± when this word came out, Jiang Jing Rui¡¯s expression changed slightly. He faced Jiang Li squarely and asked: ¡°Jiang Li, what do you mean with this sentence?¡±

    ¡°Is there something wrong with what I said?¡±Jiang Li¡¯s smile carried a trace of ridicule, ¡°When I was criticized for cursing Jiang Youyao in the courtyard before, I once asked whether anyone believed me. In the entire Jiang family, Madam Liu and Tong¡¯er believed me but as I remember, there wasn¡¯t you, cousin.¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°If I were close with cousin, no matter what, cousin would also believe me even a bit, right?! Therefore I say, I am not very close with cousin.¡±

    Jiang Jing Rui¡¯s face turned red in an instant, but Tong¡¯er hearing this from the side was relieved. Of course it was like that, putting on a look of familiarity as if standing by Jiang Li¡¯s side but at the crucial moment, he didn¡¯t even dare to release a fart. Might as well be an outsider who was not rted to each other. This kind of person, how could he be counted as an acquaintance.

    Jiang Jing Rui was always a smooth talker and best at quibbling. But when he wanted to refute, he caught sight of Jiang Li¡¯s eyes and the words that were about to spill from his mouth went down his throat and nothing coulde out.

    Jiang Li¡¯s eyes were like transparent stream water, extremely clear as if they could see through all the lies in the world. Jiang Jing Rui felt somewhat embarrassed all of a sudden, as if he was sitting on pins and needles.

    He regarded himself as having a pretty good rtionship with Jiang Li, he also had reminded Jiang Li and believed that he had done his utmost. However, he didn¡¯t foresee Jiang Li to ask him outright with the question, why didn¡¯t you stand by my side? Jiang Li asked so calmly but on the contrary, it made him look like a vile person.

 Chapter 37 Part 2 - Triumph

    <h4>Chapter 37 Part 2: Triumph</h4>

    ¡°Cousin was unwilling to offend mother because of me, I understand this very well. All the people in the Jiang residence are fully aware of the principle of putting their own safety before anything else, I also won¡¯t me them. Just, in the future cousin must no longer speak so familiarly with me. I, this person, don¡¯t like to keep up appearances the most.¡± Jiang Li spoke, not urgently nor slowly.

    Jiang Jing Rui only felt these words were extremely ear-piercing and didn¡¯t know how to reply. Jiang Li was simply mocking him as having no guts and not daring to stick his head out. In the end, he was a young man in the prime of youth who was normally pampered and spoiled since young. How could he ept this insult?

    He immediately said: ¡°I got it, don¡¯t speak so peculiarly. Later on I just won¡¯te anymore!¡± Done speaking, he put down his teacup with a bang and walked out furiously.

    Tong¡¯er was startled and grumbled: ¡°How could the second young master have such a violent temperament.¡± Then she looked at Jiang Li, ¡°Did miss speak to him too anxiously?¡±

    ¡°Jiang Jing Rui, this person, his inherent quality is not bad.¡± Jiang Li tapped her cup, ¡°Although selfish, it is not to a degree of cold-blooded selfishness. Otherwise he wouldn¡¯t give me a reminder before. Being in arge, famous family, the interests areplex and it¡¯s necessary to be somewhat apprehensive about everything. I can understand what he did, but I don¡¯t like it.¡±

    Perhaps it was due to Xue Huaiyuan teaching her to distinguish clearly right from wrong. Jiang Li herself utterly loathed this kind of person. Saying that he was a good person, he was hateful. Saying that he was a bad person, there were times that he wasn¡¯t thoroughly bad, making people feelplicated.

    ¡°I said it like that either to make him thoroughly hate me and have no other contact with me or let him feel guilty towards me. From then, my matter will no longer be observed. Thus, his approach will be transparent and not vague. If you retain a vague person by your side, it will eventually be a hidden danger, afraid one day you will be stabbed from the back.¡±

    Tong¡¯er didn¡¯t fully understand but nodded her head: ¡°What miss said makes sense. Otherwise, today also wouldn¡¯t let Xiang Qiao suffer the consequences of her own actions.¡±

    That day, when Xiang Qiao returned from Warm and Courteous Courtyard, she right away took the small box where Jiang Li kept the head ornament and fiddled with it. From time to time she showed a look of reluctance. Tong¡¯er informed this matter to Jiang Li and she immediately guessed that Ji Shuran probably wanted to tamper with the birthday present. Jiang second miss had the reputation of harming her stepmother and murdering her brother, it wasn¡¯t hard to guess Ji Shuran¡¯s n.

    Jiang Li asked Tong¡¯er to bribe a person from outside to say there was an artisan who could imitate and make counterfeit goods. Sure enough, Xiang Qiao went to search for this artisan to make a substitute for the head ornament. Jiang Li also let Tong¡¯er say many unpleasant words about Xiang Qiao in front of Yun Shuang. She also mentioned that Xiang Qiao had received a lot of rewards from Jiang Li. Seeing red, Yun Shuang learned about Jiang Li¡¯s n and was jealous of Xiang Qiao. This made Yun Shuang decide to take advantage of the situation and assisted Jiang Li in putting Xiang Qiao to her death.

    And so, when Xiang Qiao was caught, Jiang Li said something to Yun Shuang, letting Ji Shuran¡¯s suspicion arise. The matter went very smoothly. Yun Shuang settled Xiang Qiao on behalf of Jiang Li, Ji Shuran settled Yun Shuang on behalf of Jiang Li. The people in the whole Fang Fei Garden from top to bottom were also purged and reced, it was done once and for all.

    Among these, Xiang Qiao¡¯s greed, Yun Shuang¡¯s jealousy, Ji Shuran¡¯s suspicion were closely linked to one another, not a single one was dispensable. What Jiang Li made use of was exactly that, the evil in human nature.

    Human nature was the most difficult to fathom, but also the most easy to grasp. Adding a little bait, one could obtain their purpose.

    All of these started the moment Jiang Li rewarded Xiang Qiao with a hair clip, the seed was buried then.

    The hunter had set the trap from the beginning, and ultimately, the prey was caught in the.

    In this round, Jiang Li won.

 Chapter 38 Part 1 - Bai Xue

    <h4>Chapter 38 Part 1: Bai Xue</h4>

    After the birthday ceremony, Jiang Li¡¯s Fang Fei Garden resumed it¡¯s peaceful days.

    Even though facts proved that Jiang Li was used wrongly in the matter of the gems in the head ornament, not one person came to appease her. Tong¡¯er secretly heard from outside, Old Madam Jiang called Ji Shuran to the Phoenix Hall in the evening and reprimanded her harshly for a time. Hearing that Jiang You Yao¡¯s birthday ceremony was managed by Ji Shuran, in the end having this kind of matter came out, it was making the guests see a joke and leting the Jiang family lose its face.

    ¡°This time, Ji shi¡¯s housekeeping ability is highly doubted by the people.¡± Tong¡¯er was extremely pleased as she mentioned this.

    Jiang Li smiled. Old Madam Jiang reprimanded Ji Shuran probably not because Ji Shuran messed up the birthday ceremony. In any case, Old Madam Jiang was also a person who had been immersed in the backyard struggle. How could she not understand the twists and turns behind the door? Moreover, this time, Ji Shuran¡¯s method was really not brilliant. Although Old Madam Jiang wasn¡¯t particrly fond of Jiang second miss, in the end, using this matter tosh out at Ji Shuran, she could reluctantly be regarded as being impartial.

    However, even if Jiang Li¡¯s execution this time saved herself, it had exposed the unpeaceful backyard of Jiang residence to outsiders. To some extent, it made the people in the residence angry, and they needed to take it out on somebody. Such as the present, treating Jiang Li coldly was the Jiang family¡¯s punishment for her.

    However, Jiang Li didn¡¯t care.

    Tong¡¯er smiled: ¡°The three new servant girls are outside. Does Miss want them toe in now?¡±

    Xiang Qiao and Yun Shuang were already taken away. Jiang Li only had one servant girl, Tong¡¯er. Three girls were picked and brought in by an older female servant. This way, in addition to Tong¡¯er, there were two first-ss servant girls, two-second ss servant girls and another one to sweep and clean the outer courtyard, which was appropriate.

    ¡°Let them enter.¡± said Jiang Li.

    Three servant girls came into the room. The two-second ss servant girls were called Ming Yue and Qing Feng and they were of simr age with Tong¡¯er. They seemed to be lively and clever, they paid respect to Jiang Li neatly, in a clear voice. They had never served in the Jiang residence before.

    There was still a first ss servant girl called Bai Xue, her age was a bit bigger than Tong¡¯er, and was not as lively as the other two servant girls. Even though she was called Bai Xue1, her skin was dark and she had a sturdy figure. Wearing Jiang residence¡¯s specially sewn apricot red attire, it was somewhat ipatible andughable.

    Tong¡¯er sized Bai Xue up and down, feeling strange in her heart. Generally speaking, the personal servant girls of a young miss reflected the miss¡¯s face. Apart from their character and capability, their appearance must be smart, delicate and pretty. This Bai Xue, no matter what her skills were, with just her appearance, if put in other people¡¯s residence she would have no chance of being a first-ss servant girl in her lifetime.

    When the older female servant chose, she brought up Bai Xue, saying that she was strong and could sweep the outer courtyard. Anyway Jiang Li didn¡¯t have much of a n. But in the end, how did she turn into a first-ss servant?

    The older female servant also confirmed with Jiang Li over and over again. She probably thought Jiang Li didn¡¯t understand this principle. However, Jiang Li was very stubborn. Tong¡¯er saw Bai Xue and couldn¡¯t figure out what was special about her.

    Jiang Li spoke a few simple words with the three servant girls. Then Qing Feng and Ming Yue immediately went out to work while Bai Xue was left inside the room. Jiang Li looked at her and smiled: ¡°I heard that your hometown is in Zao Hua Vige?¡±

    Bai Xue, who was originally standing very cautiously, heard Jiang Li mentioned her hometown and rxed a little. She replied: ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°I used to know a servant girl who was also from Zao Hua Vige.¡± Jiang Li smiled.

 Chapter 38 Part 2 - Bai Xue

    <h4>Chapter 38 Part 2: Bai Xue</h4>

    In Bai Xue¡¯s family record book, it was written that she came from the not-so-distant Zao Hua Vige. She had two elder brothers and one younger sister in the family. Her parents were both farmers and had 1.3 mu 1 ofnd. Bai Xue had been following his parents in farming since young, that¡¯s how she had be strong and dark. But the family had a lot of people. After her elder brothers got married and had children, their life became more difficult. In order to get more money to feed their mouths, Bai Xue went to Yanjing to be a servant girl.

    Such a servant like Bai Xue, the wealthy families in Yanjing didn¡¯t put her in the eye and disliked her for not being good looking. The elder female servant from the Jiang residence also brought her due to her strength soshe could do heavy manualbor. Who knew, Jiang Li picked Bai Xue as a first-ss servant girl against reason. Who knew if it was because Bai Xue¡¯s luck was good.

    Although Baixue was new to being a servant girl, she was aware that a first-ss servant girl¡¯s and a sweeping servant girl¡¯s monthly silvers werepletely different. She was grateful towards Jiang Li who had selected her, however, she had also heard the many rumors surrounding Jiang second miss before her arrival. At first, she thought the person to be a monster, unexpectedly she was so amiable and cared about her hometown. She secretly thought, sure enough, rumors are not to be trusted. It was all those people talking rubbish and distorting the truth.

    Bai Xue said: ¡°Which servant is Miss familiar with and what¡¯s her surname? Perhaps this servant knows.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s called Haitang.¡± Jiang Li smiled and said: ¡°That servant girl should now be about 20 years old, there are two younger brothers in her home. The family resides beside a sago shop in Zao Hua vige. Haitang is thin and tall, clean and white, she is extremely good looking.¡±

    Tong¡¯er listened by the side in confusion. The servant girl that Jiang Li was familiar with, she should have recognized her too. But she had never heard of a servant girl called Haitang ah? Did shee from Jiang residence too?

    Bai Xue thought for a long time then scratched her head and smilingly said: ¡°There¡¯s no collection in this servant¡¯s memory of this person. Saying that Zao Hua vige is big, it isn¡¯t that big. Saying that it¡¯s small, it¡¯s not that small. However, if Miss wants to ask around for news of that Haitang girl, this servant will write a letter to ask father and mother back home.¡±

    Tong¡¯er couldn¡¯t help asking: ¡°You can write?¡±

    ¡°I learned a little sneakily from the master in the vige private school.¡± Bai Xueughed straightforwardly.

    Tong¡¯er was deeply impressed with Baixue. It should be known that there weren¡¯t manys servant girls in the Jiang residence that knew how to write. Her family¡¯s Miss was indeed a hero with an insight. This Bai Xue¡¯s appearance wasn¡¯t astonishing, but she had real ability, it was not wrong for her to be a first-ss servant girl.

    It was unexpected for Jiang Li that Bai Xue knew how to write. She immediately smiled and said to Baixue: ¡°Then thank you so much.¡±

    The reason why she picked Baixue as her close-fitting servant girl, apart from her honest nature, the more important thing was precisely because Bai Xue came from Zao Hua vige.

    When she was Xue Fang Fei, she had a close-fitting servant girl called Haitang who also came from Zao Hua vige. Out of Xue Fang Fei¡¯s four personal maids, two were beaten to death, and the remaining two people were let off from the residence furtively by Xue Fang Fei. One was called Du Juan, the other Haitang. There was nobody in Du Juan¡¯s house, she didn¡¯t know where she could be afterwards. However, Xue Fang Fei knew Haitang¡¯s whereabouts, her hometown was at Zao Hua vige and she still had two younger brothers.

    Shen Yurong didn¡¯t know Haitang¡¯s history, thus he was unlikely to check Zao Hua vige. Moreover, Haitang was clever, cautious and quick-witted. She had thought back and forth and felt that Haitang would most likely return to Zao Hua vige.

    If she wanted to expose Shen Yurong and Princess Yong Ning¡¯s ugly faces, it was necessary to find a witness from that time. A pity that she was now unable to approach the Shen family. Even if she could get close to them, the people in the Shen family would probably not help her to testify.

    But Haitang was not the same, Haitang had grown up together with her, they were close like sisters. If she wanted Haitang toe forward and act as a witness in Xue Fang Fei¡¯s incident, Haitang would definitely agree.

    And so all of these, Jiang Li looked at the simple and honest girl in front of her, she needed to rely on Bai Xue who came from Zao Hua Vige.

 Chapter 39 Part 1 - Teaching

    <h4>Chapter 39 Part 1: Teaching</h4>

    It was unknown whetherit was due to old madam Jiang¡¯s interference, but Ji Shuran didn¡¯t say a word when Jiang Li selected the new servant girls. Throughout the whole selection, old madam Jiang¡¯s servant girls, Zhen Zhu and Fei Cui, were the ones to apany Jiang Li. Naturally, Jiang Li understood that probably Ji Shuran would soon hear which new servant girls she had picked.

    But for the time being, Ji Shuran was unable to get involved in Fang Fei Garden¡¯s reorganization.

    These days, the Jiang residence was temporarily harmonious.

    In the Warm and Graceful Courtyard, Ji Shuran took off Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s robe under his slightly knitted brows.

    Although Jiang Yuan Bai was the chief assistant of the court, his backyard could be considered much more peacefulpared to his colleagues. Before, when Ye Zhen Zhen was still around, there were only two tongfangs that old madam Jiang sent to him. Later Ye Zhen Zhen died from illness and one of the concubines also passed away early from excessive worries due to the death of her daughter. When Ji Shuran entered the door, there was only one tongfang left in the main room of Jiang residence.

    This tongfang used to be old madam Jiang¡¯s personal servant girl. Her temperament was steady and she didn¡¯t rush to fight, she was almost like a decoration in the Jiang residence. After Ji Shuran entered the door, she took the initiative to lift the tongfang to be a concubine. Concubine Zhou never had children, after Ji Shuran entered the door, she steadied her thoughts and actively attended to Ji Shuran, resembling more like a person under her.

    As a result, in the entire backyard, Ji Shuran¡¯s position couldn¡¯t be shaken.

    Old madam Jiang said a few words before about theck of heir in Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s branch. But when the 8-years-old Jiang Li pushed Ji Shuran and caused her to miscarry, Ji Shuran didn¡¯t just not argue about it, instead, she pleaded for Jiang Li. This made old madam Jiang feel apologetic towards Ji Shuran. Later on when Ji Shuran birthed Jiang Bing Ji, old madam Jiang no longer said anything.

    After all, as the chief assistant in court, there were many eyes watching Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s every word and action. Many heirs in the backyard also impliedplicated rtionships among the people. Having numerous concubines didn¡¯t necessarily mean a good thing. As long as there was a male in the main branch, other things could be overlooked.

    Ji Shuran had the tacit approval of old madam Jiang. Jiang Yuan Bai doted her excessively, it was like a fish in water. His own pair of daughter and son were also extremely doted on. For so many years, among the sisters-inw, no need to mention Yang shi, even Lu shi had to lower her head to him.

    But all of these were broken by Jiang Li¡¯s return. It had not been a month since Jiang Li¡¯s return to the residence yet Ji Shuran had eaten several losses in a row. This time, even old madam Jiang who had always been lenient to her was angry. Ji Shuran¡¯s mind was also aggravated.

    Ji Shuran reced Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s outer robe and put it away properly and handed a cup of herbal tea to Jiang Yuan Bai. Then she asked in a soft voice: ¡°Why is master frowning? Is there something in your mind?¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai raised his head and looked at her.

    Ji Shuran was born with an exquisite appearance, different from Ye Zhen Zhen¡¯s simple and wholesome look. Ji Shuran was more like the bright and elegant courtdy of a literary family. Her every word and action was picturesque, making others feel she was proper and appropriate. Jiang Yuan Bai swept his eyes on Ji Shuran¡¯s fingers, delicate like green onions with pointed fingers which were somewhat bruised. In the basket on the side table, there was an unfinished needlework.

    Ji Shuran was making clothes for him.

    Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s heart softened. The annoyance towards Ji Shuran in these several days disappeared like smoke. He pulled Ji Shuran¡¯s hand and reproached her: ¡°Why are you hurt? You can ask the servants to do these things.¡±

    Ji Shuran smiled: ¡°Master has forgotten, this concubine never handed master¡¯s personal clothing to others.¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai looked at her shy and gentle smile, thinking how these days he treated Ji Shuran coldly due to the ident during the birthday ceremony. Jiang Yuan Bai felt a twinge of guilt in his heart and spoke: ¡°It¡¯s been hard on you.¡±

    ¡°This concubine doesn¡¯t feel it¡¯s hard. Master is the one who is truly working hard.¡± Ji Shuran said.

 Chapter 39 Part 2 - Teaching

    <h4><strong>Chapter 39 Part 2</strong>: Teaching</h4>

    Jiang Yuan Bai was rueful. He had had two wives, the first wife Ye Zhen Zhen really wasn¡¯t his choice, rather, it was old madam Jiang who chose her for him. At that time he was rising in the court and there were numerous enemies, old madam Jiang thought it best for him to conceal his light and marry a wife that was not so illustrious. Ye Zhen Zhen¡¯s family was wealthy and their connections were clear. The greatest thing was that because they were not a family of officials, they would not incur other people¡¯s resentment.

    Jiang Yuan Baiplied with his mother¡¯s meaning and married Ye Zhen Zhen. Ye Zhen Zhen was innocent and lively, and had never eaten human¡¯s sufferings. Although she could not share his worries and difficulties, the two people could be regarded as getting along harmoniously.

    After Ye Zhen Zhen passed away, Jiang Yuan Bai saw the daughter of the Vice Imperial Censor, Ji Shuran, at a night banquet. In the night banquet, Ji Shuran was amazing, beautiful and graceful. With one strike, she had hit Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s heart.

    To speak of, Ye Zhen Zhen was thedy selected by old madam Jiang, but Ji Shuran was precisely thedy that Jiang Yuan Bai fancied. Whether it was the love in his heart, or partiality, they leaned more towards Ji Shuran. Even though Ji Shuran made a mistake, Jiang Yuan Bai would very quickly forgive her. Furthermore, Ji Shuran had managed the main backyard in good order these years.

    Jiang Yuan Bai sighed: ¡°When I went out today, Chengde Official Liu Yuan Feng said a few words to me.¡±

    Ji Shuran¡¯s hand holding the teacup tightened, yet the smile on her face remained. She asked exploringly: ¡°Master Liu? Master Liu normally don¡¯t have much dealings with master, is there something?¡±

    ¡°Before, when Ye shi was still alive, Liu Yuan Feng¡¯s wife were good friends with Ye shi and visited frequently to get together. Liu Yuan Feng came over to me for Li-er¡¯s matter.¡± said Jiang Yuan Bai: ¡°Liu Yuan Feng reminded me, since Li-er has returned to the capital, a master should be selected for her to teach her so she learns how to read the book1.¡±

    Thinking of this, Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s head ached. At that time, Jiang Li made a big mistake and was sent to the nunnery, and just like that 8 years had passed. That was the perfect time to get instructions and learn. Now the time had passed for so long, while in the nunnery, it was inevitable that Jiang Li didn¡¯t receive any teaching from a master.

    He was the head of the schrs, the emperor¡¯s respected teacher, the chief assistant in court with profound learning. Yet his biological daughter actually couldn¡¯t recognize nor write a character. If word came out, how ridiculous it was.

    Although Liu Yuan Feng¡¯s words were not pleasant to hear, upon pondering, it wasn¡¯t without any basis. So Jiang Yuan Bai immediately considered finding a master toe and give lessons to Jiang Li.

    Hearing what was said, Ji Shuran rxed her breath and said with a smile: ¡°I thought what it was about, so it was actually about this. Master does not have to be anxious, even though people advocate talent, they are somewhat a bit more lenient towards females. Li¡¯er¡¯s age is not small anymore, even if she starts learning now, I¡¯m afraid she couldn¡¯t learn so much. It¡¯s better to invite a few masters to teach the four arts, and allocate a bit of time for each of them, as long as she could pass a little it should be fine. Thus in the future when discussing Li¡¯er¡®s marriage, her husband¡¯s family would still look at her a bit higher.¡±

    ¡°What you said is reasonable.¡± Jiang Yuan Bai said: ¡°However, just learning the surface of each type, how can my Jiang daughter do this..... ¡°

    ¡°Master,¡± Ji Shuran smiled: ¡°Not everything can be viewed unconditionally. Li¡¯er has never learned to read before, if you are being rigorous and demand too highly, it¡¯s very likely that it will be counter productive.¡±

    After considering it for a while, Jiang Yuan Bai nodded: ¡°Just handle it like that.¡±

    Out of topic:

    Ah Li: Scum, this old mother used to be a bookworm ¨q£¨¨s^¨t£©¨r

    ¡°He was the head of the schrs, the emperor¡¯s respected teacher, the chief assistant in court with profound learning. Yet his biological daughter actually couldn¡¯t recognize nor write a character. If word came out, how ridiculous it was.¡± well that¡¯s your fcking fault as a shitty father who literally forgot you had that daughter for so long, you deserve all the shame and faceps!

    Happy Halloween everybody! Have you seen our new banner? It¡¯s a super awesome carved pumpking my friend did! Crazy, right? I love it so much I felt I needed to share it with everyone^^ She also has another super amazing light-and-shadow paper artwork, check it out! You can also find more of her beautiful art in IG^^ @gemmaaloisi

    IMG-20201031-WA0004

    Footnotes:

    1: Learning to read the book in this case is not just restricted to being literate. But to also be able to learn all those literature which teach moral, conducts, etc which teach logic and reason..:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 40 Part 1 - Academy

    <h4>Chapter 40 Part 1: Academy</h4>

    The matter of Jiang Yuan Bai seeking a teacher for Jiang Li was very quickly known to Jiang Li.

    The one who told Jiang Li of this matter was not anyone else but the young master from the second branch, Jiang Jing Rui.

    Among the Jiang family¡¯s two young masters, Jiang Jing You was slightly older with a good temperament. Others said his study was just so-so and everyday he was chased by Lu shi to study for the imperial examination. Jiang Jing Rui¡¯s temperament was fierce and nobody dared to chase him to take the imperial examination. As long as he didn¡¯t stir up trouble outside, everyone was immensely happy and relieved already.

    Jiang Jing Rui was mocked by Jiang List time and for some days he didn¡¯t step into Fang Fei Garden. If he saw Jiang Li during the day, he would take a detour and walk away. Of course Jiang Li was toozy to pay attention to him, but today, this Jiang Jing Rui showed up again in Fang Fei Garden¡¯s doorway.

    Ming Yue and Qing Feng were embroidering at the doorway and were startled upon seeing Jiang Jing Rui. They greeted: ¡°Second young master.¡±

    Jiang Jing Rui coughed lightly and asked whether Jiang Li was inside. Then he strutted as he walked in.

    Inside the room, Jiang Li was right in the middle of reading a book. Tong¡¯er was aware thatst time Jiang Li and Jiang Jing Rui were stuck in a deadlock. So she just stood by the side without saying a word. Bai Xue was in a corner of the room boiling flower tea. She was a casual and carefree person, and seeing that Tong¡¯er didn¡¯t wee him, she also didn¡¯t get up and continued to sit on the small stool and took care of the teapot.

    Seeing how nobody in the room paid attention to him, Jiang Jing Rui was somewhat ill at ease and also felt somewhat angry from shame. He set himself across from Jiang Li and saw the book in front of Jiang Li. He said: ¡°What book are you looking at, do you understand just by looking at it?¡±

    This person¡¯s speech was always so loathsome, a hedonistic son who deserved to be called spoiled till rotten. Jiang Li lifted her head to nce at him and asked: ¡°What brings you here?¡±

    Seeing that Jiang Li finally took note of him, he didn¡¯t know why but Jiang Jing Rui surprisingly felt very happy. He no longer heeded how both the master and servant girls in this room were disrespectful towards him, and he said straight away: ¡°I came here to tell you something. Eldest uncle is going to invite a teacher for you!¡±

    Invite a teacher? Jiang Li was somewhat surprised.

    ¡°I rushed over here as soon as I got this information. I heard that eldest aunt said to eldest uncle that with your aptitude, it¡¯s impossible for you to study in an academy. So just find an ordinary teacher to teach you some superficial knowledge so as not to lose face in front of people and just to keep up appearances.

    ¡°That¡¯s too much!¡± The handkerchief in Tong¡¯er¡¯s hand fell on the ground with a ¡®plop¡¯. ¡°What aptitude our youngdy has? Our youngdy¡¯s aptitude is very good!¡±

    Jiang Jing Rui nced at Tong¡¯er and shook his head: ¡°Why would eldest aunt seriously look for a person to teach your young miss? It¡¯s simply wishing for her to be a straw bag. I heard eldest uncle handed all these matters to eldest aunt. The person that eldest aunt is looking for will make Jiang Li eat some sufferings.¡±

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t speak, Jiang Jing Rui sighed again and again then, seemingly somewhat embarrassed, he said: ¡°I want to lend a hand but our second branch has never been involved in the main branch¡¯s affairs. If I bring this matter to my mother, my mother will definitely scold me to death. I think it¡¯s better for you to look for grandmother. Grandmother, this person, is still very impartial. At that time, I¡¯ll help you say a few words from the side. If grandmother is the one choosing a teacher, the teacher would not becking.¡±

    Jiang Li stared at him. Apparently, after thest ridicule, Jiang Jing Rui had opted to stand by her side. Regardless of whether it was due to the friendship between him and the previous Jiang second miss or because Jiang Jing Rui was originally a sympathetic person, the fact proved that this young man was still not too bad.

    Seeing the views dwindle, Lime threw an ultimatum at me so I had to sit down and edit this one yes or yes (even when my tired me wanted to continue putting it off)... still need to apologize to you bc of the dy and missing out on updates, life¡¯s been a bit roughtely (nothing too bad, just overwhelmed by work and school >.<)

    But rejoice, I had to spend a few hours on the train bc of work so I had enough time to trante RP, after reading this you can immediately head to read thetest 2 chaps I owe you! Wanted to post them at noon but forgot to schedule... even forgot I had a ss cuz was so hectic with work >.<

    aaaand... since I still had some ¡®free time¡¯ on the train ride, I worked a bit on a DFF¡¯s chapter as well, it will still take some time since chaps are longer and more difficult than in RP but hopefully wille soon^^ if you haven¡¯t read that one yet, what are you waiting for? even if it¡¯s a tad taxing on the mind to te it, just doing it for a bit was already able to make my heart puddle in happiness and start to drool, FC is such a cutie! that novel really heals the heart and brings you a smile ah ??

 Chapter 40 Part 2 - Academy

    <strong>Chapter 40 Part 2: Academy</strong>

    Jiang Li said: ¡°Many thanks foring here specially to warn me.¡± This time around, her tone was much gentler.

    Hearing the change in Jiang Li¡¯s tone, Jiang Jing Rui was ineffably happy. When he came out of his daze, he couldn¡¯t help scolding his own big mouth. He¡¯s the bully in the Jiang family, even Jiang Youyao didn¡¯t dare to provoke him rashly and he himself looked down even more upon these people. But towards Jiang Li, a person with a not so good reputation, moreover without any status in the residence, Jiang Jing Rui always felt somewhat afraid, or perhaps admiration.

    As if he always wanted to please her.

    Jiang Jing Rui scoffed at himself in his heart and asked Jiang Li: ¡°What¡¯s your n now? When you n to see old madam, let me know, I¡¯ll go together.¡±

    He was willing toe out and stand by her, after all, he was still a warm-blooded young man.

    Jiang Li spoke: ¡°Actually I don¡¯t understand why father wants to choose a teacher for me. He must be aware that all the nobledies in the capital attend the female academy.¡±

    ¡°The female academy?¡± Jiang Jing Rui was stupid for a few seconds before speaking: ¡°What are you joking about? Ladies who went to the female academy are respectable if not wealthy. All the female students epted by the Ming Yi Hall* in Yanjing have both integrity and talent. Even the worst of them is still out of the ordinary when ced among the people. If you go .......¡±

    If you go, it will be a joke! Jiang Li understood the words Jiang Jing Rui didn¡¯t say.

    ¡°But,¡± Jiang Jing Rui asked again curiously: ¡°Surprisingly you are aware of the female academy in Yanjing. You have actually inquired clearly about it.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled nomittally. When she arrived at Yanjing, she became well-known due to her beauty and people were also aware of her talents. So much so that she and the teachers in Ming Yi Hall had held debates and discussions together and she was friends with those teachers.

    Doing all these things at that time was none other than to open doors and let Shen Yurong have more connections. The number one schr having a brilliant wife would add fragrance to his poprity. Hearing that would always add ayer of radiance.

    Of course, her beauty and her talents, when the matter of her affair emerged, they became her source of cmity, her crimes.

    Jiang Li was not at all willing to keep staying in Jiang residence. If she never went out, she would have no chance to have ess to Shen Yurong and the people around him. Supposedly, if Jiang Yuan Bai had really invited a teacher for Jiang Li, Jiang Li would be stuck in the backyard studying and practicing writing, then she would have a lot less opportunities.

    Besides, studying and reading books, it went without saying that she would be no worse than any other people. She wanted to enter Min Yi Hall not for her to really learn, rather, it was to be famous.

    With fame, the people in the Jiang family would no longer take her as a dispensable youngdy and she would have a status in the residence. With status, there would be people making friends with her. Once a circle of friends was established, she could approach Princess Yongning step by step.

    Won¡¯t it take a very long period of time? It won¡¯t take too long a time. In Ming Yi Hall, her talents would be able to make her famous in the shortest possible time. This was the simplest method.

    Jiang Jing Rui didn¡¯t know what she was thinking about and reached his hand out to wave in front of Jiang Li¡¯s eyes. He asked: ¡°Have you thought when you are going to see grandmother?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t look for grandmother.¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°I want to see father.¡±

    ¡°Eldest uncle?¡± Jiang Jing Rui was stunned: ¡°You won¡¯t be able to persuade eldest uncle. As long as eldest uncle has decided on a matter, no one could change his decision unless grandmother says a few words to him. Since he has decided to hand the matter of looking for a teacher to eldest aunt, it¡¯s already final. It will be a waste of energy to look for him, don¡¯t make yourself eat a bellyful of anger.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks for your reminder.¡± Jiang Li spoke: ¡°But I¡¯m still going to see my father.¡±

    ¡°Why are you so stubborn as a person?¡± Jiang Jing Rui spoke unhappily.

    ¡°Not stubborn,¡± Jiang Liughed: ¡°It¡¯s persistent.¡±

    She would persist until the end.

    Out of Topic:

    A Li: I¡¯m not going to a fake university, I¡¯m going to Tsinghua* [smile]

 Chapter 41 Part 1 - Convince

    <h4>Chapter 41 Part 1: Convince</h4>

    In Fang Fei Garden, Jiang Jing Rui sputtered to no avail. He was also unable to change Jiang Li¡¯s idea. In the end, he had no other alternative but to open his mouth and said: ¡°I¡¯ve said what I should say. Since you insist on doing this, I have nothing else to say. You want to go to eldest uncle, then go. If it doesn¡¯t work out, let your servant girle and tell me. We will discuss going to grandmother.¡±

    He being able to say all this, from Jiang Jing Rui¡¯s standpoint, was already extremely benevolent.

    Jiang Li spoke: ¡°Many thanks.¡±

    Jiang Jing Rui shook his head. Jiang Li mulled for a while then looked at him and asked: ¡°I want to ask you a question.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°How are your studies going?¡±

    Hearing Jiang Li¡¯s question was about this, Jiang Jing Rui unexpectedly blushed. pping the table and standing up he shouted loudly: ¡°Jiang Li, you shouldn¡¯t bully too much! You made fun of me, I haven¡¯t teased you yet! Just do what you like to do, this young master won¡¯t be concerned anymore!¡± Done speaking, he kicked the stool furiously and walked out.

    Tong¡¯er¡¯s lips twitched: ¡°This second young master looked like he was jabbed in his sore spot; rushing at the youngdy with so much anger?¡±

    Jiang Li also didn¡¯t expect Jiang Jing Rui to reject studying this much. After all, the Jiang family could be considered as a clear stream of literary officials. Jiang Li still thought that everyone here were all gifted schrs and talented girls. However, Jiang Jing Rui disying such look of shame made Jiang Li have a kind of amiable feeling. That was because Xue Zhao was also like this.

    Xue Huaiyuan only had a pair of daughter and son. As it happened, since young Xue Zhao liked wielding des and ying with swords. It was not likely for Xue Huaiyuan to deliberately let Xue Zhao choose this road. Xue Zhao was very interested in military study but had a headache dealing with reading books. Everytime Xue Huaiyuan was about to check his assignments, Xue Zhao always exhausted his thought toe up with ways to slip away.

    Since young, didn¡¯t know how many times Jiang Li had covered for Xue Zhao.

    Now....... thinking that this person was no longer around, a trace of sorrow shed across Jiang Li¡¯s eyes.

    Bai Xue could be considered as having a good grasp in boiling scented tea. At the height of summer, she didn¡¯t feel boiling tea was a difficult task. She poured the tea into a white porcin cup then adding a preserved plum inside before cing the cup on a small table to cool it down. Bai Xue asked: ¡°Youngdy, that Ming Yi Hall, is it very good?¡±

    Jiang Li smiled: ¡°Most of the teachers in Ming Yi Hall are invited by the pce. The current courtiers, in order to spread learning, had specially set up a male and female academic institution. Manydies from imperial families are studying at Ming Yi Hall. Every year, for Ming Yi Hall examination, the highest achiever would receive a reward from the Empress Dowager.

    Listening to this, Bai Xue was puzzled and promptly asked: ¡°Then it¡¯s very difficult to get in, right?¡±

    ¡°What hard to get in?¡± Tong¡¯er by the side said in a small voice: ¡°As long as you have silver and face, why cannot get in?¡±

    ¡°Then why can¡¯t our youngdy enter? Why didn¡¯t the master let our youngdy to go there?¡± asked Bai Xue.

    ¡°Why? He¡¯s afraid she would bring humiliation to the Jiang family! Tong¡¯er red at Bai Xue and thought to herself that she should carefully teach Bai Xue to speak properly in the future. How could she just stab a knife cleanly into the master¡¯s heart.

    Jiang Li¡¯s tone was very calm as she spoke: ¡°Talent and learning are secondary. My moral character is corrupt, if I go out, people will point fingers at me and make the Jiang family be ashamed.¡±

    ¡°Youngdy!¡± Tong¡¯er couldn¡¯t help yelling: ¡°You mustn¡¯t say that about yourself!¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡± Bai Xue looked earnestly at Jiang Li: ¡°This servant has previously been to many officials¡¯ houses. Although one wasn¡¯t picked, but this servant has also seen those youngdies. Many of them look gentle in front of others, butsh out at their servants at the back. Youngdy is the first one that this servant has seen which has the best temper. What ruined moral character, if youngdy being this way is considered as a person with a ruined moral character, then there are no good people on earth!¡±

 Chapter 41 Part 2 - Convince

    <h4>Chapter 41 Part 2: Convince</h4>

    Tong¡¯er agreed: ¡°Precisely, precisely!¡±

    Jiang Li broke intoughter. Indeed she could be counted as a good person, at least in her past life she was. In this life, she didn¡¯t intend to turn into a bad person. It¡¯s just that she probably wouldn¡¯t be able to be like her previous self and return good for evil.

    She said: ¡°I also believe I am not a person with a ruined moral character. Therefore I n to look for my father and chat with him.¡±

    Tong¡¯er was stunned and hesitated for a while before asking: ¡°Can the youngdy persuade master?¡±

    ¡°What do you think?¡± Jiang Li asked her in return.

    Before Tong¡¯er could speak, Bai Xue rushed to open her mouth and said: ¡°This servant feels it¡¯s possible. As long as youngdy speaks nicely with master, master will definitely listen.¡±

    Bai Xue treated people sincerely. Probably it was because all the people in Zao Hua Vige had good rtions with her family, thus she never knew there were many matters where one didn¡¯t have the freedom to act in a deep residence courtyard.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Jiang Liughed: ¡°I¡¯ll go there now.¡±

    ......

    Recently, Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s affairs had been somewhat unfavorable.

    Ever since Jiang You Yao¡¯s birthday celebration, many things had changed. As the imperial chief assistant, there were many people staring behind him just to get a handle. Because of this, Jiang Yuan Bai had always behaved cautiously. But due to the matter happening during Jiang You Yao¡¯s birthday rite, it made people in the end see the gap in the backyard of his Jiang family¡¯s main branch. Simr as having a shortfall, it would often made people fix their attention on it.

    Emperor Hong Xiao kept growing day by day. It was different from the baby who had formerly depended and trusted him and called him ¡°imperial tutor¡±. The current monarch had be increasingly mysterious. Being close to the sovereign could be as perilous as lying with a tiger, Jiang Yuan Bai was even more restrained. In addition, recently his political enemies, the Right Minister, had repeatedly targeted him during court, causing him to be endlessly annoyed.

    At this time, Jiang Li abruptly came looking for him which made Jiang Yuan Bai somewhat surprised.

    When Jiang Li arrived at the study, Xiao Si at the gate was still hesitating. Only when Jiang Yuan Bai issued a word from inside the study did Xiao Si let her pass. Jiang Li nodded at Xiao Si and directly entered the door. She knew in her heart that shortly after, this Xiao Si would quickly inform those in Warm and Graceful Courtyard that she was looking for Jiang Yuan Bai.

    As soon as she entered, she could smell a distinctive ink fragrance permeating the air in the study. Jiang Yuan Bai was right in the middle of practicing writing characters. On top of the white paper, half the characters of ¡°quiet¡±, this letter had been written. Jiang Li also didn¡¯t say a word and stood quietly behind Jiang Yuan Bai. She even helped Jiang Yuan Bai to grind the ink.

    Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s movement paused slightly when he saw Jiang Li grinding the ink but his movement very quickly flowed smoothly again. His pen brushed on the paper vigorously, his stroke appeared sharp and clear, falling on the paper smoothly and sleekly, hiding a mystery.

    Seeing the written character was as if seeing the person. Jiang Li saw Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s written character and right away knew that Jiang Yuan Bai really wasn¡¯t what the court said as having an ordinary ability, entirely leaning on a stroke of luck to seed as the imperial chief assistant. This person¡¯s mind was extremely fine, he was well aware that he was first, yet he would forever name himself as second.

    While letting the first person be the target, he himself would support till the end.

    Jiang Yuan Bai finally brushed hisst stroke and put his brush aside. Looking at the paper, a ¡°quiet¡± character flowed smoothly, extremely beautiful.

    Apliment was in order, yet Jiang Li didn¡¯t say a word. Also didn¡¯t know whether it was because she didn¡¯t understand. Jiang Yuan Bai turned around and looked at Jiang Li. Not waiting for his inquiry, Jiang Li immediately took the initiative to speak.

    Jiang Li spoke: ¡°Father, I do not wish to invite a teacher to teach me at home. I want to attend Ming Yi Hall.¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai frowned: ¡°What did you say?¡±

    ¡°I want to attend Ming Yi Hall.¡± Jiang Li¡¯s tone was constant as she repeated her sentence.

 Chapter 42 Part 1 - Seeing the character

    <h4>Chapter 42 Part 1: Seeing the character</h4>

    Hearing Jiang Li say it this way, Jiang Yuanbai was momentarily stunned. He actually didn¡¯t know what kind of expression he ought to make now.

    He didn¡¯t know when the girl standing in front of him had grown to be a slender and elegant youngdy. She seemed to be a little slimmer and more delicate than Jiang You Yao and her appearance resembled him more. At that time when Jiang Li was sent to the nunnery, she was just seven years old, still a chubby little girl. Eight years, time passed quickly, the chubby little girl had turned into a fine youngdy. Yet in the end, the slightest sense of familiarity had disappeared.

    Jiang Yuanbai felt strange.

    After all was said and done, he had missed eight years of Jiang Li¡¯s life, to the extent that the memory he had of Jiang Li was still that of an insensitive, arrogant and unruly child. As that child stood in front of him with her pair of clear eyes, seemingly able to distinguish clearly right from wrong, and serenely put forward her request, Jiang Yuanbai didn¡¯t know how he should respond.

    He said: ¡°Do you know what you are saying? You¡¯ve never received proper teachings, how are you going to keep up with the assignments from Ming Yi Hall.......¡±

    ¡°Father, I am also your daughter.¡± Jiang Li interrupted him: ¡°We both are equally your daughters, third sister can attend Ming Yi Hall, yet I can only follow a teacher invited from outside and learn a few superficial knowledge. Father, you are being unfair.¡±

    Jiang Yuanbai was once again at a loss for words. He looked at Jiang Li and suddenly the time before Ji Shuran entered the door appeared in his mind. He had two daughters, the eldest daughter was a concubine-born, somewhat unsophisticated. Jiang Li was the daughter born from his first wife, she was born smooth and round, adorable and lovely. At that time, he was very sorry towards Ye Zhen Zhen for giving birth to Jiang Li with a lot of effort and often held Jiang Li, letting her ride on his neck to y as a child.

    Those were some days spent with family love, but afterwards, Jiang Li was too excessive and the father-daughter rtionship was obliterated. However today, before his eyes, Jiang Yuanbai looked at Jiang Li and didn¡¯t know why he recalled those past events. A sentence, ¡°father, you are being unfair¡±, unexpectedly made his heart ache.

    Jiang Yuanbai wasn¡¯t aware since when it started, he himself also forgot that he still had another daughter. He held Jiang You Yao, spoiled her as a pearl in the palm of his hand, yet treating the other daughter particrly alienated. Yet Jiang Li didn¡¯t strive or fight over, merely standing in front of him and looking at him, calmly narrating, making him ashamed.

    This point of feeling ashamed was observed by Jiang Li and she rxed.

    Since earlier, she discovered that Jiang Yuanbai was notpletely without father-daughter feelings. On the day when Jiang second miss returned to the residence, Jiang Yuanbai¡¯s eyes clearly still held some concern. It was true that Jiang Yuanbai wasn¡¯t a good father, but apart from this, Ji Shuran must have exerted a lot of ability. She also had no feelings towards Jiang Yuanbai, however to be able to make use of Jiang Yuanbai¡¯s feeling of being ashamed, she was willing to aplish the harmonious rtionship on the surface.

    If she made a lengthy discussion, saying from the beginning how Jiang Yuanbai wasn¡¯t treating her well, Jiang Yuanbai might not be moved. On the contrary, by her speaking serenely, Jiang Yuanbai would think more deeply.

    ¡°Jiang Li, now you are not suitable to attend Ming Yi Hall.¡± After a long time, Jiang Yuanbai spoke. Although he rejected her, his tone as he was speaking was much gentler.

    ¡°The reason why father is not willing to let me attend Ming Yi Hall is because of the fear that people will point their fingers behind, causing the Jiang family to be humiliated. Father has good intentions, however has father ever thought that the current ministers prais female learning? Father as the Chief Assistant in court, the head of the schrs, yet permits the first wife¡¯s daughter to invite a teacher home and not attend Ming Yi Hall. How is this not hitting the emperor¡¯s face?¡±

    ofc she¡¯s gonna be slim if you sent her to a ce where she wasn¡¯t given proper food, you beast!

    Merry Christmas everyone!!! I¡¯m sorry I kinda went MIA thesest few weeks, it was a very stressful period >.< but worry not, Lime ted the chaps as usual, I will soon post the next one fromst week^^

    Hoping that everyone can enjoy the day with their dear ones, even if it¡¯s a bit difficult and seeing less people, there will be other opportunities in the future, it¡¯s important you all stay safe!

 Chapter 42 Part 2 - Seeing the Character

    <h4>Chapter 42 Part 2: Seeing the Character</h4>

    Artists and calligraphers leave no inkstone unturned | Shanghai Daily

    Jiang Yuanbai was stumped.

    He considered deeply whether Jiang Li was given directions by other people. He cared about the Jiang family being humiliated, yet he forgot about keeping on Emperor Hong Xiao¡¯s good side.

    ¡°This is one thing, the other thing, father, we the Jiang family, with four daughters, aside from third sister, the fourth and fifth sisters also attend Ming Yi Hall. But against reason, I stay at home, first it¡¯s unfair, second, trying to hide it will make it more conspicuous. Human nature is like this, naturally unfolding to let others see. Others still disdain toment, but the more it is concealed and hidden, the more others want to investigate. Father thought by hiding me at home others won¡¯t talk about me. But that¡¯s wrong, the more it is done this way, the more happily they will discuss.¡±

    When Jiang Li said all these, she didn¡¯t carry any special mood, seemingly talking about someone else¡¯s matters. But in Jiang Yuanbai¡¯s ears, those words werepletely reasonable. Moreover, the third branch¡¯s Jiang Yuan Xing brived people with some gifts for Jiang Yu¡¯e and Jiang Yu Yan to attend Ming Yi Hall, let alone them from the main branch.

    ¡°Father,¡± Jiang Li lowered her eyes: ¡°the matter at that time was my mistake. However, people are not sages who wouldn¡¯t do any wrongdoings, if you don¡¯t correct your mistakes, you can¡¯t do anything good. I was young and not sensible, now that I¡¯m bigger, naturally I understand logic. Since young I had no mother to guide me, after taking a step in the wrong direction, don¡¯t tell me I have to use my whole lifetime to repay? I am willing to do so, but I am a daughter of the Jiang family and I am not willing to be the Jiang family¡¯s burden.¡±

    The sentence, ¡°since young I had no mother to guide me¡±, hit Jiang Yuanbai right in his heart. His heart shook as he said: ¡°Li¡¯er, but you.......¡±

    ¡°Father, when I was in Mount Qingcheng¡¯s nunnery, it¡¯s not as if I didn¡¯t practice writing characters. I know my father is the Chief Assistant in court and must not be amoner who only smiles magnanimously. So I asked a small teacher in the nunnery who knows how to read to teach me how to write. Even though the writing is not good, I¡¯ve read the books of enlightenment and can write many characters.¡±

    She unexpectedly walked towards the table where Jiang Yuanbai just now wrote the word ¡°quiet¡± and moved it to the side before spreading a nk paper. Jiang Li¡¯s movement startled Jiang Yuanbai, who subconsciously looked at Jiang Li.

    Jiang Li lifted her sleeve and slowly rubbed the ink with an ink stick. Her wrist was slim, her actions gentle and soft, producing an unusual sense of beauty, warming the hearts and delighting the eyes of others. She seemed to have done this thing countless times and looked very natural.

    After the ink was rubbed well, she took up a brush and dipped it in ink before she started writing. While writing, she softly said: ¡°Father, even though Ming Yi Hall is a school, there are many people inside who could be friends. As long as I don¡¯t make any mistakes there, make many good friends, it can be said that it¡¯s always beneficial and harmless for the Jiang family. My surname is Jiang, so I always wish the Jiang family will be more and more prosperous.¡±

    Her writing wasn¡¯t the same as Jiang Yuanbai¡¯s writing. Jiang Yuanbai¡¯s writing was slow but deep, each stroke took especially long to write. However, Jiang Li wasn¡¯t the same, she appeared gentle and elegant, polite and amiable but when she wrote, there was a feeling of being in the middle of a battle. It was simr to a soldier taking up a de, rushing to the scene of killing, the feeling of fighting thoroughly until daybreak.

    Jiang Yuanbai looked at Jiang Li¡¯s profile, an elegant beauty, graceful like jade, yet ferocious, bold and heroic.

    The brush stopped, Jiang Li put it away with a valiant movement at the side then said: ¡°Done.¡±

    Jiang Yuanbai raised his eyes to take a look and was shocked at first nce.

    The character was extremely beautiful, vigorous and powerful. This kind of writing needed at least ten years of hard practice to seed. Compared to Jiang You Yao¡¯s writing, it was much, much better. Also, the character really wasn¡¯t the flowery girly pattern that females usually used, rather it was broadly joined together, neat and smooth.

    The square had vigor, the meeting point at the edges appeared sharp.

    Seeing the character was like seeing through a person. Actually a straightforward and upright, tough and tenacious person,

    Jiang Yuanbai sized up the girl in front of him like a stranger. Jiang Li looked at him all smiles and asked: ¡°Now do you agree for me to go to Ming Yi Hall, father?¡±

 Chapter 43 Part 1 - Decision

    <h4>Chapter 43 Part 1: Decision</h4>

    In Warm and Graceful Courtyard, Jiang You Yao was sitting on the couch while fiddling and twisting the new tassels. Hearing that Jiang Li had gone to the study to look for Jiang Yuan Bai, she jumped up at once and said: ¡°She looked for father? Why is she looking for father?¡±

    The servant replied: ¡°Apparently it¡¯s for the matter of inviting a teacher that she looked for Eldest Master.¡±

    Ji Shuran¡¯s position in the main branch was very high. Usually with the slightest whiff of trouble, Ji Shuran would know soon. The action of the personing to inform her could be regarded as rapid, soon after Jiang Li entered Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s study, Ji Shuran¡¯s side had received the news.

    ¡°What does she wish to do? Is it possible that she still wants to personally pick a teacher?¡± Jiang You Yao examined.

    Ji Shuran noticed the servant had hesitation on his face andmanded the servant girl to give him a pouch with silvers inside. Then she said: ¡°Feel free to speak.¡±

    ¡°Replying to Madam.¡± The servant took the silver and his apprehensions immediately disappeared. He said at once: ¡°The person guarding the study outside heard that the second miss wants to go to Ming Yi Hall and thus looked for Eldest Master.¡±

    ¡°Ming Yi Hall?¡± Jiang You Yao was unable to bear and shrieked: ¡°Her? What qualifications does she have to enter Ming Yi Hall?¡±

    Ji Shuran waved her hand, indicating the person handing the news to withdraw. Only after the person walked away, did Ji Shuran think aloud: ¡°Jiang Li just returned to Yanjing and she wishes to go to Ming Yi Hall, as expected, her mind is deep. But no matter what, with how her own morality and conduct, talent and learning is, if she entered Ming Yi Hall, who knows what might happen. She used to be a stumbling child, if she disys any trickster, there won¡¯t be anyone to hold her back anymore.¡±

    Before, the matter of Jiang You Yao¡¯s birthday ceremony had troubled Ji Shuran and it took her a long time before the old madam Jiang and Jiang Yuan Bai eased up their treatment of her. Even though that was the case, she didn¡¯t know how other madams talked behind her back. Ji Shuran had not yet calcted this debt clearly with Jiang Li, unexpectedly Jiang Li sent herself to the door looking for trouble.

    Jiang You Yao excitedly said: ¡°She must have wanted to get close to Zhou heir, this slut!¡±

    Across the female academy Ming Yi Hall was the Imperial College. The heir of Marquis Ningyuan, Zhou Yan Bang, was studying at the Imperial College. For a moment, Ji Shuran didn¡¯t think of this, yet Jiang You Yao immediately thought of this.

    ¡°I know since earlier that she has bad intentions. Last time, on the day of the birthday ceremony, she seduced Zhou heir in the garden, simply shameless! Now she must not be allowed to carry out her n. Mother, you must not let her seed!¡±

    Ji Shuran heard what Jiang You Yao said and immediately frowned. To be honest, Jiang Li grew quite well, moreover,pared to Jiang You Yao¡¯s youngdy manners, she had an unspeakable calm temperament. This made whatever she did seem faint, without any striving and rushing appearance. This had instead attracted men to pay more attention. Ji Shuran herself understood men, with Jiang Li¡¯s style, if she intended to seduce Zhou Yan Bang, it might not be impossible.

    She strove for this marriage with great difficulty for Jiang You Yao. Although Zhou Yan Bang was not someone rted to royalty, in Yanjing, the position of Marquis Ningyuan was not lower than the Jiang family¡¯s. Furthermore, Marquis Ningyuan¡¯s family was simple. Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s mother was also someone easy to get along with. Most importantly, Jiang You Yao was in love with Zhou Yan Bang. Such method of drawing people to their camp by snatching the marriage from Jiang Li¡¯s hand must not be a wasted effort.

    ¡°We must indeed not let her go to Ming Yi Hall.¡± Ji Shuran said: ¡°The absolute certain matter is the birthday ceremonyst time ended with her escaping unscathed. This small hoof is very dishonest. If we let her enter Ming Yi Hall, it¡¯s unknown what might happen. It¡¯s better to put her right under our nose, it will also be easier for us to give her a stumbling block.¡± Ji Shuran stood up: ¡°I¡¯ll immediately go look for your father.¡±

 Chapter 43 Part 2 - Decision

    Chapter 43 Part 2: Decision

    In Fang Fei Garden, seeing the returning Jiang Li and Bai Xue, Tong¡¯er was bbergasted: ¡°Why so quick? Youngdy, did Master not agree?¡±

    ¡°Master already agreed.¡± Baixue said and smiled: ¡°I¡¯ve said earlier, to one¡¯s own father, speak properly, eldest master will definitely listen.¡±

    Tong¡¯er rolled her eyes, it¡¯d be good if there was such a simple matter on earth. She unconvincingly looked at Jiang Li; seeing that Jiang Li also had a smile on her face and nodded, only then was she convinced and said: ¡°Really? That¡¯s great! I know our youngdy¡¯s aptitude since earlier, it¡¯s enough to enter Ming Yi Hall with plenty to spare.¡± Following which her sight turned to worry: ¡°But miss, Master agreed now, in theing days he wouldn¡¯t back out, right?¡±

    Perhaps Jiang Li spoke a few soft words at that time and Jiang Yuan Bai became softhearted and temporarily and agreed. But after Ji Shuran found out, how was it possible to leave the matter just like that? Blowing the pillow wind, if Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s decision wasn¡¯t resolute and changed his decision, then what¡¯s to be done?

    ¡°I guess right at this time, Ji shi should be on the way to father¡¯s study. Perhaps she has already arrived and is now in the middle of persuading father to cancel the decision to send me to Ming Yi Hall.¡±

    Tong-er¡¯s and Baixue¡¯s smiles froze at once. Tong-er asked: ¡°Then what should be done? Master wouldn¡¯t agree, right? Miss, or why don¡¯t we go there now so as not to let Ji shi make use of the gap?¡±

    ¡°No need,¡± Jiang Li smiled and shook her head: ¡°She won¡¯t seed.¡±

    ~~~~~~~~~

    ¡°Master, isn¡¯t it a bit unsuitable for Li¡¯er to go to Ming Yi Hall at this time.....¡±

    In the study, Ji Shuran said to Jiang Yuan Bai with deep worries.

    ¡°That¡¯s it, don¡¯t mention it again. I¡¯ve already decided to send Li¡¯er to Ming Yi Hall.¡± Not waiting for Ji Shuran to finish talking, Jiang Yuan Bai had already interrupted her sentence.

    Ji Shuran had never been told off like this by Jiang Yuan Bai. For a moment, she felt somewhat wronged and said: ¡°I, this servant is also wholeheartedly considering for Li¡¯er ...¡±

    Normally, seeing Ji Shuran¡¯s grieving, Jiang Yuan Bai always had a heartache. However, today looking at her, he thought of Jiang Li being subjected to grievances but she simply stood in front of him and stated things calmly and pragmatically. Jiang Yuan Bai only felt Ji Shuran¡¯s conduct was somewhat artificial, appearing extremely unsightly.

    He said: ¡°You Yao is my daughter, Li¡¯er is also my daughter. Both are the Jiang family¡¯s young misses. How can I favor one and discriminate against the other? If word was passed outside, where should I put my, Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s face? And you,¡± he looked at Ji Shuran, ¡°Li¡¯er wasn¡¯t home in thest eight years. Just returning home, as a mother you should take care of her a bit more. I will be relieved if you could put half of the mind you ce on You Yao towards Li¡¯er.¡±

    Ji Shuran looked at him in amazement. Jiang Yuan Bai saying this was the same as criticizing her for being biased. Not waiting for Ji Shuran to say anything else, Jiang Yuan Bai picked up his robe and immediately went out from the study, leaving by himself.

    In the study, Ji Shuran was left alone by herself. Xiao Si at the doorway trembled in fear, she looked inside and happened to see the always dignified and gentle eldest madam¡¯s face twisted like a devil. Her expression was terrifying as if she had turned into another person.

    At this moment, Ji Shuran waspletely filled with anger and resentment. She wasn¡¯t clear on how Jiang Li managed to sow dissension in front of Jiang Yuan Bai, the gentleness Jiang Yuan Bai showed her in recent days could not be seen at this time. It was as if within a split second, it returned to how it was before.

    ¡°Jiang Li.......¡± She spoke while gnashing her teeth in anger.

    She must definitely make Jiang Li pay for everything that happened today!

 Chapter 44 Part 1 - Instigation

    Chapter 44 Part 1: Instigation

    Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s intention to send Jiang Li to attend Ming Yi Hall was quickly known to the entire Jiang family.

    Lu shi and Jiang Yuan Ping from the second branch were talking about it: ¡°What was eldest brother thinking about? How could he think of sending Jiang Li there? If Jiang Li was to enter, those young misses attending the school would inevitably talk about her behind her back. Perhaps they might even bully her. Then our Jiang family will lose face, right?¡±

    Lu shi was spoiled since birth, Jiang Yuan Pin also had a good temperament and was always all smiles, therefore, there weren¡¯t any apprehensions when they talked. The first half of her sentence showed consideration towards Jiang Li, but thetter half seemed to be ming Jiang Li for losing their faces. It was vague whether her thoughts were good or bad.

    ¡°Eldest brother has his own ideas. What intention do you have for speaking blindly?¡± Jiang Yuan Ping drank a mouthful of tea unhurriedly: ¡°Our second branch have no daughters.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Lu shi pondered before speaking: ¡°If they want to lose face, it¡¯s the main branch that¡¯s going to lose face. But I see that Jiang Li is not someone who¡¯s easy to deal with. For how long has she returned to the residence, already able to make eldest sister-inw be covered in dirt. She seems to have progressed much more than before. But no idea how long she can persist. Ji shi, that person, I have never seen her eating a loss from anyone¡¯s hand before.¡±

    Listening to Lu shi¡¯s manner of speaking, the rtionship between her and Ji Shuran was not as amiable as it looked like on the surface.

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother about her.¡± Jiang Yuan Ping waved his hand: ¡°The world is at peace.¡±

    In Wanfeng Hall, old madam Jiang was also in the middle of discussing this matter with Jiang Yuan Bai.

    ¡°Yuan Bai, in the end, what were you thinking?¡± asked old madam Jiang.

    ¡°Mother, Li¡¯er is now 15 years old. The children of ordinary families enter schools at 15 years old, the crown prince entered school at 8 years old and the children of high-ranking officials enter schools at 10 years old. Although the time for Li¡¯er to enter school is a bitte, it is still the same as the children from ordinary families.¡±

    Old madam Jiang looked at Jiang Yuan Bai: ¡°You know this is not what I¡¯m asking about. At what age the second girl attends school is not important.¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai hesitated for a while: ¡°Mother, although Li¡¯er made a mistake before, it¡¯s never toote to mend her ways. At that time, she was still too young, we mustn¡¯t let the mistake made by the junior affect her future.¡±

    Old madam Jiang lowered her eyes, no one knew what else she thought about. After a moment, she said: ¡°Since you have made your decision, just do ording to your arrangement. Zhen Zhu,¡± she called the servant girl by her side over, ¡°Take the four treasures of the study made of purple wood from the warehouse and send it to the second girl.¡±

    Zhen Zhu left hurriedly. Upon seeing this, Jiang Yuan Bai loosened his breath.

    He continued speaking with old madam Jiang about some matters following the entrance to the school before finally leaving. After Jiang Yuan Bai left, Fei Cui, the servant girl by the side of old madam Jiang, asked: ¡°Does old madam not wish for the second miss to enter school?¡±

    ¡°If I didn¡¯t want her to, I wouldn¡¯t have sent her those stationery.¡±

    Sending the stationery was to convey old madam Jiang¡¯s support of Jiang Li entering the school. When the other members of the Jiang family were aware of it, even if they had other ideas, they wouldn¡¯t dare to open their mouths.

    ¡°Then.......¡±Fei Cui was puzzled.

    ¡°I looked after Yuan Bai as he was growing up, he is a deep person. I was afraid he considered the second girl and thought of using the second girl for something.¡± Old madam Jiang let out a deep sigh, ¡°However, the current second girl is not a person that could be used by someone.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid animosity would be born between the father and daughter, causing the residence to not be at peace.¡±

    What animosity would be born? All the bad feelings that should be between the two are already there. Plus what father and daughter, the real daughter already died bc of you all¡¯s dongivashit attitude.

 Chapter 44 Part 2 - Instigation

    <strong>Chapter 44 Part 2: Instigation</strong>

    As old madam Jiang was speaking, in the backyard, Jiang You Yao threw down a teapot.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e looked broken heartedly at the y teapot. If bought outside, this teapot would cost 100 taels of silvers. But Jiang You Yao just broke it like that without the slightest care.

    ¡°Jiang Li!¡± Why did father agree to send Jiang Li to Ming Yi Hall? What did she actually say to father!¡± In front of Jiang Yu¡¯e and Jiang Yu Yan, Jiang You Yao had never hidden her anger.

    Jiang Yu Yan at once cowered in fear but Jiang Yu¡¯e went along with her and spoke: ¡°It must be Jiang Li saying something to eldest uncle. Jiang Li, this person, is really dishonest. She hasn¡¯t been back for long, yet eldest uncle¡¯s heart soon leaned towards her side. Oh, that¡¯s right,¡± Jiang Yu¡¯e still wanting to sting Jiang You Yao, continued with another sentence: ¡°I heard grandmother also sent a set of purple wood stationery to Jiang Li. That was exactly the one that third sister wanted but grandmother refused to give. Jiang Li is really not simple, don¡¯t talk about coaxing eldest uncle, she can even get the favor of grandmother.¡±

    Hearing it, Jiang You Yao was stunned and immediately asked to rify: ¡°Is what you said true? Grandmother really sent a set of purple wood stationery to Jiang Li?¡±

    ¡°Of course it¡¯s true.¡± Jiang Yu¡¯e shrugged, ¡°All the people in the entire Wan Feng Hall saw it.¡±

    ¡°This slut!¡± Jiang You Yao was angry. She liked that purple wood stationery very much and had asked for it from old madam Jiang several times but old madam Jiang refused to give it to her. Yet now old madam Jiang gave that set of stationery to Jiang Li. Wasn¡¯t this the same as openly pping her face and telling others that she couldn¡¯tpare with Jiang Li!

    ¡°It won¡¯t do, I¡¯m going to look for my mother,¡± said Jiang You Yao: ¡°Must not let Jiang Li enter Ming Yi Hall!¡±

    ¡°Third sister,¡± Jiang Yu¡¯e pulled her: ¡°Now both old madam and eldest uncle have spoken, the matter of Jiang Li attending Ming Yi Hall is final. It¡¯s toote for third sister to speak of this matter now. My thinking is, Jiang Li entering Ming Yi Hall basically doesn¡¯t know the immensity of heaven and earth. She must not have thought, how many noble families¡¯ youngdies are in Ming Yi Hall, which one dares to associate with her. Moreover, her talent and learning is shallow, who knows how much she¡¯ll be made a joke of. At that time, won¡¯t she be reduced to serve as third sister¡¯s prop and be ridiculed by others?¡±

    Jiang You Yao listened and only then slowy calmed down. What Jiang Yu¡¯e said was reasonable and said: ¡°Even so, she always sways before me, making people unable to endure!¡± Thinking that Jiang Li might go to the Imperial College across from Ming Yi Hall and do something with Zhou Yan Bang, Jiang You Yao felt extremely ufortable.

    ¡°Third sister, great ns can be ruined by just a touch of impatience.¡± Jiang Yu¡¯e said with a smile.

    They left after Jiang You Yao calmed down. Jiang Yu Yan then asked Jiang Yu¡¯e: ¡°Fifth sister, why do you want to instigate third sister to deal with second sister?¡±

    Jiang Yu¡¯e sneered: ¡°Who made her overestimate her own ability!¡±

    The third branch¡¯s power was originally weak. After all it¡¯s the branch from amoner. Jiang Yu Yan and Jiang Yu¡¯e were able to attend Ming Yi Hall to study due to Jiang Yuan Xing fawning over Jiang Yuan Bai all the time, thus he got the chance. Jiang Yu¡¯e was both conceited and had a low self-esteem. Her heart was higher than the sky and she was determined not to be worse than anyone else. Her talent and learning was quite superior, in fact, in the entire Jiang residence, the most outstanding one was Jiang Yu¡¯e.

    Without gaining the name of a talented person, Jiang You Yao was the pearl in the palm of the Jiang family. But Jiang Yu¡¯e needed this reputation to decorate her name. This was the only thing Jiang Yu¡¯e was proud of. Rather thanpeting in talent, holding Jiang Li, this di daughter, under the foot gave Jiang Yu¡¯e a sense of superiority.

    However, now Jiang Yuan Bai let Jiang Li attend Ming Yi Hall. If this happened, then all four daughters of the Jiang residence were equal. A person who was formerly worse than her abruptly caught up with her. As a result, the sense of superiority Jiang Yu¡¯e had was gone and Jiang Li was the main culprit who brought about all these.

    Restoring her sense of superiority was possible if Jiang Li was more inferior than her. Jiang You Yao and Jiang Li were just like water and fire, just by lightly inciting disharmony, countless contradictions would inevitably ur.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e only needed to aggravate the situation from the side.

 Chapter 45 Part 1 - Entering School

    <h4>Chapter 45 Part 1: Entering School</h4>

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t care at all that the matter of her going to attend Ming Yi Hall had incurred different thoughts in each person from each branch in the Jiang residence. She was teaching writing to Bai Xue.

    Bai Xue could recognize some characters, but not too many. In order to find out Haitang¡¯s whereabouts in Zao Hua Vige, Bai Xue needed to write a letter home. While observing her as she wrote, Jiang Li taught her some characters that she wasn¡¯t familiar with. Tong¡¯er was also listening with great interest from the side. From time to time she said: ¡°Youngdy is really amazing. ve servant and the youngdy went to the nunnery in Mount Qingcheng together, but the youngdy recognizes so many characters. ve servant could only write my own name. This difference is so big.¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Bai Xue mumbled, ¡°isn¡¯t she the chief assistant¡¯s youngdy? Born and immediately able to recognize words.¡±

    When the three people were chatting andughing, Jiang Jing Rui came again. He also received the news that Jiang Li was going to attend Ming Yi Hall. Once he stepped inside he immediately spoke: ¡°Congrattions, congrattions, you really managed to convince eldest uncle. Jiang Li, this time you truly made me have a whole new level of respect.¡±

    Jiang Li released her hold and let Bai Xue write by herself. She walked over to Jiang Jing Rui and spoke: ¡°What are you here for?¡±

    Jiang Jing Rui¡¯s throat felt blocked: ¡°Why do you always look as if you don¡¯t wee me. I came over to remind you, don¡¯t think that Ming Yi Hall is a good ce. How much temper do the children of nobility have? You are a new face, a neer, it¡¯s best if you know your ce. If there¡¯s anyone bullying you, don¡¯t bear it stubbornly to save face and use your father¡¯s name. Also don¡¯t be afraid of losing face, if you reallye across something excessive, it¡¯s fine to run away.¡± He shook his sleeve and took out a small de from inside: ¡°Here, give you this. Take it for self protection.¡±

    Jiang Li gazed at the sharp de in Jiang Jing Rui¡¯s hand and was silent for a moment before speaking: ¡°Are the people in Ming Yi Hall extremely dangerous?¡±

    ¡°Almost.¡± Jiang Jing Rui spoke: ¡°Same as the people in the Imperial College. Last time I stepped on a fellow student¡¯s long-horned grasshopper to death and my hand was nearly broken. I reckon it won¡¯t be much different from your ce. Just take it.¡± He firmly stuffed the de into Jiang Li¡¯s hand.

    Jiang Li was somewhat speechless and seemed to recall the time when she was getting married. At that time, Xue Zhao secretly and mysteriously called her to the backyard and gave her a short spear. In the end, that short spear wasn¡¯t brought along to Yanjing. Nobody had ever heard of giving this kind of thing to a bride. Naturally, Xue Zhao was almost beaten up by Xue Huaiyuan. Only after persistent persuasion did he get the short spear back.

    No matter what, a de was after all better than a short spear to tuck into her sleeve. Jiang Li epted it reluctantly and said: ¡°Okay, many thanks.¡±

    ¡°Your thanks really had no sincerity.¡± Jiang Jing Rui spoke again: ¡°If it¡¯s really not good, you can look for me in the Imperial College. I¡¯ll help you settle things.¡±

    Jiang Li nodded, Jiang Jing Rui winked at her: ¡°I¡¯ll also call Zhou Yan Bang out.¡±

    Jiang Li looked at him, Jiang Jing Rui pulled the corners of his mouth up, waiting for Jiang Li¡¯s praise. But instead he heard Jiang Li spoke calmly: ¡°Bai Xue, send the guest out.¡±

    Jiang Jing Rui was ¡°sent¡± out by the strong Bai Xue.

    The day before entering school was spent busily and noisily. When it was evening, Ji Shuran even sent someone to deliver new clothes over, saying that it¡¯s important to look neat and tidy when entering school.

    Tong¡¯er asked Jiang Li: ¡°Is the youngdy afraid?¡±

    A totally new and unfamiliar environment, and very likely to face the hostility of the fellow students. It seemed nothing good would happen.

    Jiang Liughed: ¡°No.¡±

    Not afraid, but actually very happy.

 Chapter 45 Part 2 - Entering School

    <h4>Chapter 45 Part 2: Entering School</h4>

    The next day, Jiang Li got up really early.

    Ming Yue and Qing Feng were surprised to see Jiang Li wake up so early. Tong¡¯er exined to them: ¡°Starting today, miss will enter Ming Yi Hall, she must not arrivete. Today is the first day, one must not be negligent.¡± Her tone was filled with pride.

    Ming Yue and Qing Feng didn¡¯t understand all these. But hearing Tong¡¯er, they also felt proud and followed by praising: ¡°I heard that Ming Yi Hall is not a ce that can be entered easily. Later on, young miss can study together with the third miss and the others.¡±

    Hearing her mention Jiang You Yao, Tong¡¯er immediately snorted and muttered: ¡°Who wants to go together with them.¡±

    It was the first day of entering school, yet both Jiang You Yao and Jiang Yu¡¯e left really early. Generally speaking, when sisters from their own family were going to enter school, an introduction was needed. What¡¯s more, Jiang Li and the nobledies of the capital weren¡¯t familiar with each other. In case no one acknowledged you, at least there¡¯d be a sister at the side so it wouldn¡¯t be so lonely and pitiful.

    But Jiang You Yao and them actually refused to care and left early by themselves. Jiang Yuan Bai was busy with court matters, also not paying attention to this side. Tong¡¯er wanted toin but had no one toin to. She was sulking on behalf of Jiang Li but was helpless and couldn¡¯t do anything.

    On the contrary, Jiang Liforted Tong¡¯er: ¡°They are not willing to go together with me, I also think that going with them is inviting trouble. It¡¯s good like this, each one is saved from troubles.¡±

    Right at this time, the door to the room opened, Jiang Li and Bai Xue went out together.

    Tong¡¯er looked foolishly and suddenly said: ¡°Miss is so good-looking.¡±

    Not just Tong¡¯er, Ming Yue and Qing Feng also stared foolishly.

    They were all aware, out of all the four girls in the Jiang family, the one with the most delicate and outstanding appearance was Jiang You Yao, particrly tender and beautiful like a flower. Jiang Yu¡¯e was also not bad, charming and lovely like the pretty daughter in a humble family. Jiang Yu Yan¡¯s appearance was average, not worth mentioning. As for Jiang Li, she had an upright appearance and looked a bit nd.

    But ever since she stayed in the nunnery for eight years and then returned to Jiang residence, the formerly nd appearance had opened up, producing an unusual kind of grace and elegance, different from the capital¡¯s noble females. That was a kind of growth, a hard-to-describe thing. She seemed to be carrying a somewhat heroic spirit, there was also some charm.

    Beauty was in the bone, not on the skin. Jiang Li¡¯s beautyy in her character strength, her attitude and her elegance.

    She didn¡¯t wear the brightly colored clothes that Ji Shuran arranged for someone to deliver to her yesterday. She only wore a moonlight white jacket and a skirt with a light yellow silk belt fastened on her bosom. Her long hair was knotted with a wooden hairpin decorated with a single red bean into a top bun, leaning slightly to the side. Her skin was white as jade, her eyes bright and her teeth white. She was dressed extremely simply, yet she still looked refined and graceful.

    She was also a gentle person. With each step she took walking forward, Ming Yue and Qing Feng couldn¡¯t look away. Tong¡¯er also couldn¡¯t turn her eyes away. Jiang Li had obviously stayed with her for eight years in Mount Qingchen, yet Tong¡¯er didn¡¯t know since when did Jiang Li¡¯s posture when walking and the arc of her lips when smiling be unfamiliar. It still was the same face but it was as if the person had been exchanged.

    Old madam Jiang who was walking to this side also stared nkly. The servant girls by her side, Fei Cui and Zhen Zhu supported her timely and didn¡¯t move forward.

    Jiang Li¡¯s face couldn¡¯t be regarded as capable of causing the downfall of a city, not even an outstanding beauty, but her light smile as she walked over resembled a secr beautying down from heaven.

    As if it was natural for this big beauty to be the focus of everyone.

    Bai Xue, who was following behind Jiang Li, said: ¡°Young miss, the gatekeeper is already informed, let us now go on the carriage.¡±

    Jiang Li nodded and smiled: ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

 Chapter 46 Part 1 - Good Person

    <strong>Chapter 46 Part 1: Good Person</strong>

    When Jiang Li went to Mingyi Hall, she only brought Baixue with her.

    Although those learning at Mingyi Hall were the youngdies from government official homes, the discipline was rigid. If it weren¡¯t because she had some contacts with the teachers in Mingyi Hall while she was married to Shen Yurong before, perhaps at present, she would bepletely ignorant of Mingyi Hall and unknowingly be made jokes of.

    Jiang You Yao and Jiang Yu¡¯e were bound to deliberately watch Jiang Li be aughingstock and unable to rify anything. As Jiang Li and Baixue got into the carriage, Tong¡¯er, reluctant to part, spoke: ¡°Young miss, must return early.¡±

    Tong¡¯er and Jiang Li were practically inseparable during their eight years stay in Mount Qingcheng. At that time, Tong¡¯er was the only servant girl by Jiang Li¡¯s side. Now there were more people serving under Jiang Li, Tong¡¯er felt somewhat at a loss. Fortunately Jiang Liforted her for a while.

    Although she brought Baixue along with her to Mingyi Hall, when others saw that the servant girl serving by her side was such a foolish and big person, they would certainly ridiculed her ruthlessly. However, the matters on earth couldn¡¯t be judged by appearance. Even though Baixue¡¯s appearance was not clever like other servant girls, her strength was unusually big. Ever since she had died once, Jiang Li often thought, if she had a martial artist by her side, would she be able to escape that day instead of helplessly dying a violent death?

    But martial arts wasn¡¯t something that could be practiced overnight. Moreover, the Jiang family was an official family, Jiang Li was also a young miss, there¡¯s no reason for her to learn martial arts. In addition, Jiang Li guessed that this body should not have the talent to practice martial arts. In that case, she should dispel this idea.

    She was unable to practice martial arts, then she should look for a servant with great strength to increase her way out. Jiang Li knew, only an alive person had hope. She would hold anything that let herself have more chances of survival. When it¡¯s necessary, it might y a huge role.

    While Jiang Li and Baixue were still on the road to Mingyi Hall, Jiang You Yao and the other two had already arrived.

    Before, Jiang You Yao never went together with Jiang Yu¡¯e and Jiang Yu Yan. After all, the two of them were the people from the third branch so at the bottom of the heart Jiang You Yao looked down on them. But Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s mouth was sweet and used to tter and praise her, so once in a while, Jiang You Yao also gave her a bit of face.

    Today, for the sake of Jiang Li, Jiang You Yao took the initiative to invite Jiang Yu¡¯e and Jiang Yu Yan to ride together in one carriage. This fell into the eyes of the people in Ming Yi Hall and there¡¯s a feeling of something unusualing up.

    ¡°You Yao.¡± A young girl dressed in pink by the door looked around and asked inquisitively: ¡°Isn¡¯t the second girl from your residenceing to school today? Why haven¡¯t I seen her shadow, did you not go together?¡±

    Before Jiang You Yao spoke, Jiang Yu¡¯e had proactively opened her mouth to speak: ¡°Second sister woke upte, probably still busy choosing which clothes to wear. Today is her first day entering school and she cared about it in her heart.¡±

    If it was in normal days and Jiang Yu¡¯e interjected like so, Jiang You Yao must be annoyed. However, today she allowed Jiang Yu¡¯e to speak like this.

    Just after Jiang Yu¡¯e finished her words, another tall girl sneered: ¡°Choosing clothes? This is not a ce to choose beautiful imperial concubines, what kind of clothes is she picking?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s said that some people saw your residence¡¯s second miss when she just arrived. They said that it¡¯s a delicate and pretty girl.¡± There¡¯s another girl looking at Jiang You Yao probingly: ¡°Is she really pretty? How she ispared to you?¡±

 Chapter 46 Part 2 - Good person

    <strong>Chapter 46 Part 2: Good person</strong>

    Although in Ming Yi Hall, Jiang You Yao wasn¡¯t known for being one of the best in talent and learning, she was known for her beautiful appearance. Those with better talents than her couldn¡¯t top her beauty, while those with better looks than her couldn¡¯t top her talent. In addition, Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s identity made Jiang You Yao¡¯s existence in Ming Yi Hall in a league of her own.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e smiled: ¡°Second sister is really good-looking, precisely because she has stayed in the mountain for a long time, her temperament is.......¡± She didn¡¯t need to continue, yet everyone recalled the fact that Jiang Li was banished to the nunnery at that time and stayed there for eight years.

    Staying deep in the mountain for eight years, it¡¯s very likely that she¡¯s an unsophisticated country bumpkin. Just returning to the capital, what could she possibly understand?

    Even the young girls who were showing curiosity towards Jiang Li just now showed contempt.

    The girls studying at Ming Yi Hall were regarded by their identities, their statuses, their appearances, and their talents. Each person who could enter this ce was dearly loved by their families. Naturally, being in that position, they were not reconciled to be inferior to other people. As long as there¡¯s a neer, everyone wanted to makeparisons.

    Aside from having a chief assistant as a father, there¡¯s not one good point about Jiang Li. Moreover, this chief assistant father might not necessarily care about her. As such, what¡¯s notable about Jiang Li then?

    Right at that moment, suddenly there¡¯s a shout from an unaware and meddlesome student: ¡°Jiang second miss has arrived!¡±

    All the girls studying there collectively turned their head to look at the door.

    From the door, appeared two girls walking through. The girl dressed in a servant¡¯s outfit appeared more robust than themon servant girl; even her skin was darker. Combined with the apricot red servant¡¯s skirt, it didn¡¯t make her look charming, instead it made her look somewhat funny. Her movements also resembled those vige women in the fields.

    Even though this servant girl was eye-catching, perhaps owing to herical appearance, it contrasted starkly with the dust-free style of the girl by her side.

    On that girl¡¯s face, there¡¯s a gentle smile. Smooth, just like the warm breeze blowing in the mountain. Brushing over the people¡¯s hearts, making them feelfortable. Her facial features looked very well, delicate and pretty with a heroic spirit between her brows. Making her look gentle and soft while carrying a bit of touching tenacity.

    ¡°Is that the Jiang family¡¯s second miss?¡± Someone spoke in a small voice: ¡°She actually doesn¡¯t look as if she was raised in the mountain.¡±

    The first day of school, the first time entering the unfamiliar Ming Yi Hall, facing unfamiliar people. Yet this girl didn¡¯t show the slightest difort and timidity. Her natural and unrestrained appearance was no different from the others.

    ¡°I think she looks like someone who¡¯s been raised in the mountain,¡± someone else said quietly, ¡°there¡¯s a bit of a spirit.¡±

    ¡°Spirit¡±, it¡¯s a feeling that¡¯s hard to describe. It¡¯s not something that could be learned after following a teacher for a few days. It¡¯s also not something that a lot of money could buy. This girl¡¯s eyes were pure and clean like pools of spring water, sweet and simple.

    Even if they¡¯d heard so many rumors about her malice, Jiang second miss was born too tender, simple and good, which made it difficult for people to give birth to ill will.

    The change of attitude in a split second from the surrounding people towards Jiang Li was immediately captured by Jiang You You and her entourage. Jiang You Yao felt flustered, unexpectedly, Jiang Li didn¡¯t wear those skirts sent by Ji Shuran but made her own choice. Jiang Li clearly did that on purpose, that was, purposefully make herself be in the limelight.

    Jiang You Yao¡¯s ways of thinking was really somewhat unreasonable. If Jiang Li wore those clothes sent by Ji Shuran, that would actually be seeking the limelight. It¡¯s just that now is not the time to be famous, it might not be a good thing. Jiang Li¡¯s attire was simple and elegant, butbined with her temperament, theyplemented each other well. Thus, the invisible limelight was, on the contrary, pushed higher.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e, on the other hand, was puzzled. She didn¡¯t understand why Jiang Li¡¯s reputation was a mess, but when the students looked at her, they didn¡¯t show any loathing*. Could it be that it didn¡¯t matter whether the reputation was good or bad?

    Jiang Li smiled slowly in her heart.

    There¡¯re always some things that can¡¯t be seen by people¡¯s eyes. Those things that couldn¡¯t be seen could be deceived. However, the majority of people are willing to believe that what they could see was everything.

    For instance, whether a person is good or bad, on one side, there¡¯s also cause. How could a person see and understand? If they understand by looking, it was simply the other person¡¯s judgement.

    She gave the impression of a good person. With a little effort, she could perhaps be a ¡°good person¡±.

 Chapter 47 Part 1

    <strong>Chapter 47 Part 1:</strong>

    Jiang Li¡¯s appearance quietened the female students in Ming Yi Hall.

    Supposedly, if the rumored Jiang second miss was truly a vulgar vige girl, or perhaps a harsh and ill-mannered bossy young girl, then everyone¡¯s unrestrainedments would be able to drown her straight away. However, Jiang Li didn¡¯t seem to appear any different from any other trained young misses from official families. She was even more gentle and polite. Even if they tried to criticize her, they did not know which part they could criticize.

    Atst, the tall young girl just now took the lead to ask: ¡°Are you that second miss from the Jiang residence?¡±

    Jiang Li raised her eyes to look, she had seen this girl once during a dinner party. This was the young miss from Cheng Xuan Envoy¡¯s1 residence, Meng Hongjin, who was usually on good terms with Jiang You Yao.

    Jiang Li said: ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°You actually dare toe to Mingyi Hall?¡± Meng Hongjin raised her eyebrows: ¡°It¡¯s said that you were sent to a nunnery when you were seven and nobody taught you over there. With you being like this, instead of inviting a teacher to teach at home, youe to Mingyi Hall. Aren¡¯t you afraid that you will be confused when listening to the lessons and won¡¯t understand a word?¡±

    These words were really harsh. The people in the school fixed their gazes at Jiang Li, waiting for her response.

    Meng Hongjin also stared at Jiang Li. However, against her expectation, the others listening to her words felt utterly difited. Moreover, Jiang Li was still the honorable chief assistant¡¯s daughter. Jiang Li simply smiled and said: ¡°Then there is no need for you to be troubled worrying about this miss.¡±

    Not salty and not weak, yet able to block and return Meng Hongjing¡¯s words.

    Meng Hongjing didn¡¯t anticipate Jiang Li to respond like this. She felt as if she was punching cotton and her heart was on fire. But Jiang Li was beaming and there was not the slightest change in her manner. As she was irritated, a low voice that others could hear sounded: ¡°No wonder it¡¯s said the temple calms the mind, look at this cowardly manner.¡±

    ¡°If this miss desires a calm mind, you can also stay in a temple.¡± Jiang Li spoke softly.

    ¡°You!¡± Meng Hongjin was angered, Jiang You Yao opened her mouth to persuade: ¡°Second sister, how could you speak like this to Hongjing?¡± Looking very anxious, she said to Meng Hongjin: ¡°Hongjin, my second sister just returned to Yanjing, doesn¡¯t understand the rules. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Meng Hongjin said: ¡°It¡¯s okay. Besides, it¡¯s your second sister¡¯s fault, why did you apologize. You Yao, you are too soft, too easy to be bullied by others.¡±

    Jiang Li nced at Jiang You Yao and calmly opened her mouth: ¡°Third sister, you are too soft, I haven¡¯t said anything but you first apologized on my behalf. This miss said that I am cowardly. Not only did I not get angry, I only counteracted her words. Is this also considered wrong?¡±

    Jiang You Yao was about to speak but Jiang Li once again started speaking: ¡°I heard that in some ces, the win or loss oue is regardless of reasons. Rather, it¡¯s ording to status and identity. Don¡¯t tell me Mingyi Hall is this kind of ce? I was clearly being reasonable, but still have to concede. Could it be because this miss¡¯s status is much higher than mine? Then I would have no choice but to acknowledge my mistake. Dare to ask this miss, what is your esteemed father¡¯s rank?¡±

 Chapter 47 Part 2 - Liu Xu

    Chapter 47 Part 2: Liu Xu

    When these words came out, the entire study hall became quiet. Following immediately, some students almost exposed their smiles. Meng Hongjing blushed deeply, she was unable to say a word out.

    On one side, Jiang Li said that they were deliberately provocative while on the other side, she humiliated Meng Hongjin¡¯s family background. Everyone knew Jiang Li¡¯s father was the chief assistant and Meng Hongjin¡¯s father was the Cheng Xuan Envoy. No matter how, a Cheng Xuan Envoy couldn¡¯t be higher than a chief assistant. Contrary to expectation, Jiang Li still asked this question seriously, making Meng Hongjin be reduced to aughingstock.

    The atmosphere was awkward, Jiang You Yao also had no idea what to say. If she helped Meng Hongjin to speak, it was equal to stepping on his own father. If she agreed with Jiang Li¡¯s words, it¡¯s be weird if Meng Hongjin didn¡¯t hold grudges towards her. Secretly hating that Jiang Li was so cunning, Jiang You Yao had no alternative but to nce meaningfully at Jiang Yu¡¯e.

    Without any choice, Jiang Yu¡¯e softly coughed a couple of times, breaking the silence and stiffly pulled the topic away to another direction. She said: ¡°Second sister, don¡¯t talk about those things first. You just entered school, you need to pick a seat. Fourth sister and I are seated together, third sister and Miss Meng are seated together. Because you came toote, you have to ask if there¡¯s anyone who¡¯s willing to be together with you.¡±

    Who¡¯s willing to be together with her? Jiang Li did not need to think she was also aware. Of course there wouldn¡¯t be anybody.

    As expected, Jiang Li stood in the middle of the hall yet nobody called out to Jiang Li to sit beside them.

    Baixue couldn¡¯t enter the study hall and stayed outside with the carriage along with the other misses¡¯ servant girls. Those servant girls probably also disdained Baixue¡¯s solid built and isted Baixue. Baixue didn¡¯t mind and squatted by the side of a rockery, basking in the sun with a stray cat.

    In the silence, someone abruptly yelled: ¡°There¡¯s nobody by my side, why don¡¯t youe and sit here.¡±

    Jiang Li felt unexpected and saw a girl dressed in a cyan dress standing up at the front, looking at Jiang Li.

    This girl could be regarded as beautiful, however, her lower jaw was rather square which came across as somewhat firm and persistent. There¡¯s a faint shadow of Madam Liu in her features and Jiang Li suddenly realized that this was the young miss from Chengde Official¡¯s residence, Liu Xu.

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t hesitate and walked over to the desk beside Liu Xu. A jee came from behind her: ¡°Liu Xu, you really dare to sit together with her and not afraid one day she¡¯ll push you down the stairs? When there¡¯s life threatening worriester, don¡¯t say we didn¡¯t warn you.¡±

    Liu Xu silently tossed those words to the back of her head, seemingly didn¡¯t hear anything at all and Jiang Li sat beside Liu Xu, all smiles. Liu Xu knitted her brows, a faint unwillingness could be faintly seen. However, she didn¡¯t say anything.

    Jiang Li understood, most probably, Madam Liu also received the news of her attending Mingyi Hall and talked to Liu Xu, asking Liu Xu to look after her. In reality, a girl must be feeling afraid when facing someone with a reputation of attacking the mother and murdering the younger brother. It¡¯s a very normal thing. Liu Xu able to restrain her fear andpleted the task entrusted to her by Madam Liu was already very amazing.

    Seeing that Jiang Li was assessing herself, the corner of Liu Xu¡¯s mouth was stretched taut and she flung her head sideways. Jiang Liughed when she saw her, thinking, this is an adorable girl.

    The voices of discussion came to a halt one by one. Still the voice of someone asking Jiang You Yao could be heard. Jiang Li knew Jiang You Yao and Jiang Yuyan were very likely to go all-out to discredit her.

    But not long after, a person came in. It was a female teacher dressed from head to toe in a pine colored long gown. Her hair was coiled tall above her head into a bun, her eyes and lips were thin, and her figure looked thin and weak. When she entered, the noise in MingYi Hall immediately faded.

    She was a strict teacher.

    Jiang Li looked at the female teacher in front of her and felt somewhat absent-minded.

    This female teacher¡¯s surname was Ji, with one word Luo as her name. In MingYi Hall, what she taught from the Confucian Six Arts is ¡°etiquette¡±.

    Ji Luo was also a person who strictly abided by etiquette. In Jiang Li¡¯s view, she was even somewhat old-fashioned and inflexible. Ji Luo was lofty and admired Shen Yurong greatly in the past. In public, she praised Shen Yurong as brilliant, brimming with literary talent. But towards Xue Fangfei, she was pitifully harsh.

    As a female, naturally she could see that Ji Luo admired Shen Yu Rong.

    Afterwards, the matter of Xue Fangfei having an illicit affair spread widely in Yanjing. Once Ji Luo visited and cursed and berated in her face that she didn¡¯t observe women¡¯s virtue and sympathized deeply with Shen Yurong¡¯s bitter experience.

    But, Jiang Li lowered her pupils, what if Ji Luo learnt of Shen Yurong¡¯s true appearance, would she still have those deep feelings?

 Chapter 48 Part 1 - Relatives

    <h4>Chapter 48 Part 1: Rtives</h4>

    The rtionship between Jiang Li and the female teachers of Mingyi Hall could be called good. Just this way, obviously showing that the rtionship wasn¡¯t good, was only Ji Luo.

    The Rites and Ceremonies instructor Ji Luo formerly was the pce maid in the Empress Dowager¡¯s pce. Afterwards, when Mingyi Hall was built, Ji Luo joined in to teach the nobledies. Because she was ordered by the Empress Dowager, from the beginning she looked extremely arrogant.

    Jiang Li knew Ji Luo, this person, valued a person¡¯s virtue and etiquette the most. At that time, Ji Luo immediately came out to criticize Xue Fangfei with righteous indignation. Now, Jiang Li had such a bad reputation in the past. Ji Luo must have certainly felt unbearable that there¡¯s a student like that among her students.

    Not long after Ji Luo came in, she immediately began her lesson. Mingyi Hall¡¯s¡¶Yan Kingdom¡¯s Rites¡·¡¶Rites and Ceremonies¡·¡¶Women¡¯s Book¡·¡¶ssic of Filial Piety¡· and other books, Jiang Li had read them earlier, she even knew them by heart. However, the Liu Xu beside her was listening very seriously and looked very focused.

    Midway through Ji Luo¡¯s lesson, she would ask some students to get up and recite the previous assignments. She should be regarded as strict since the students were also afraid of her. During ss, everyone was in ordance with the rules. However, from start to finish, Ji Luo never asked Jiang Li a word, not even so much as a nce towards Jiang Li.

    Generally speaking, when there¡¯s a new student studying at Mingyi Hall, the teachers would all specially say a few words to express their concern. However, Ji Luo looked as if she overlooked that there¡¯s this person, Jiang Li, without the meaning of caring about her.

    Jiang Li took it all in, not feeling that it was unexpected at all. Such a person who scrupulously abided by the rules, of course would be disgusted towards her presence. If Jiang Li wasn¡¯t Jiang Yuanbai¡¯s blood-rted daughter, perhaps Ji Luo would have the idea of telling Jiang Li to rush back home. Ji Luo couldn¡¯t treat Jiang Yuanbai¡¯s daughter this way and could only ignore her.

    Jiang You Yao also observed Ji Luo¡¯s conduct and her mood improved a lot. No matter how cunning Jiang Li was, also incapable of altering the previous ¡®harming mother and murdering younger brother¡¯ reputation. In the end, the people in Mingyi Hall did not wee Jiang Li. Even if Jiang Li attended Mingyi Hall, she would only suffer.

    At the end of the lesson, Ji Luo stood on the stage and spoke: ¡°In ten days is this year¡¯s examination. This year¡¯s examination will be conducted at the same time as the Imperial College¡¯s examination. Able to get a good rank in the examination, you can meet the Empress Dowager and be conferred a reward. For all of you, this is the greatest glory.¡± After pausing for a moment, she continued: ¡°As for those who cannot reach the requirement, each part will be individually reported and be expelled.¡±

    Suddenly the surroundings became noisy with discussions.

    Unable to reach the requirement would be expelled from Mingyi Hall.

    In fact, being expelled from Mingyi Hall was a small matter. After all, not everyone was talented. Those able to study at Mingyi Hall were all the young missed of the capital¡¯s nobility. But in the case the matter of their examination did not reach the target and was expelled came out, it would indeed be really shameful and they would not be able to show their faces.

    ¡°Hope everyone will strive hard.¡± Ji Luo said this closing sentence drily and expressionlessly brought her books out of the hall.

    After Ji Luo walked out, the study hall was immediately lively. Someonemented: ¡°Really will be expelled from Mingyi Hall? Teacher Ji wouldn¡¯t be messing with us right? My writing can be regarded as horrible.¡±

    ¡°My music makes other people have a headache.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s over, it¡¯s over, if I cannot defend, what¡¯s to be done?¡±

    Within the racket, suddenly there¡¯s a voice that was transmitted clearly: ¡°What are you afraid of? Jiang second miss cannot do anything. A person who just entered Mingyi Hall is not afraid, then aren¡¯t you afraid for nothing?¡±

    That voice belonged precisely to Meng Hong Jin.

 Chapter 48 Part 2 - Relatives

    <h4>Chapter 48 Part 2: Rtives</h4>

    The surrounding people were stunned hearing Meng Hongjing¡¯s words at this time. Immediately there were jokes around: ¡°Exactly, it¡¯s us who were muddled.¡±

    ¡°Jiang second miss is really unlucky. If she had known earlier, what is she entering Mingyi Hall for?¡± Within the words, there¡¯s joy from other people¡¯s misfortune.

    Apparently in the eyes of these people, there¡¯s not much difference between Jiang Li and amoner. At leastpared to Jiang Li, these precious girls had received teaching seven or eight years earlier. If anyone were to be expelled from Mingyi Hall, it¡¯s only right for Jiang Li to be the first one expelled.

    Jiang Li listened to these words in her ears but she merely smiled and didn¡¯t pay any attention.

    ¡°Teacher Ji¡¯s words may not be true.¡± Liu Xu at her side suddenly opened her mouth to speak. Jiang Li looked at her, Liu Xu was tidying up her books and lowered her head without looking at Jiang Li. But Jiang Li understood that this word was for her. Liu Xu said: ¡°Moreover, Lord Jiang will not let yound in these circumstances. When the timees, just need Mingyi Hall¡¯s Bao Fu1 to exin and that¡¯s it.¡±

    The corner of Jiang Li¡¯s mouth bent up and she said: ¡°I know, thank you.¡±

    Seemingly uneasy with Jiang Li¡¯s thanks, Liu Xu stiffened and no longer spoke.

    Not long after Ji Luo¡¯s lesson ended, another teacher came in. Jiang Li wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with this teacher. She was even very familiar with their assignments. Despite this, her attitude was still very earnest, as if she truly didn¡¯t understand anything.

    But these teachers were the same as Ji Luo. It was unknown whether it was intentional or idental, they all overlooked Jiang Li.

    Today could be considered as having passed by peacefully. Even though she kept being provoked by some people led by Meng Hongjin, Jiang Li had continuously confronted them with a smile. asionally she refuted with a few sentences and rendering the people speechless.

    After school, Baixue and Jiang Li together went out of Mingyi Hall to where the carriage waited. Both of them prepared to return to the residence in their carriage. It¡¯s impossible for Jiang You Yao and Jiang Yu¡¯e to ride in the same carriage together with Jiang Li. Jiang Li also disliked the trouble.

    They went out of Mingyi Hall and immediately met with the scene of a few people pulling at a person not too far away. Jiang Li only shot a nce and got ready to leave. The rtionships in Yanjing wereplicated, a bit of carelessness and one could be drawn into any kind of trouble. Then it would be very difficult to free oneself. Moreover, she was now the noble daughter of the Jiang family, she had to be even more careful when doing things.

    Right at this moment, one of the people pulling at a person suddenly spoke: ¡°Don¡¯t the Ye family from Xiangyang have a lot of money? Using the money to smash open the Imperial College gate.2 This painting of mine is an original ink painting from the previous dynasty¡¯s Zengzi3, it¡¯s invaluable. This young master¡¯s mood is good today, you just take out 32,000 gold and I won¡¯t bother you with this matter anymore.¡±

    Xiangyang¡¯s Ye family? Jiang Li¡¯s footstep paused.

    Jiang Li¡¯s mother, Ye Zhen Zhen was precisely the youngest daughter of Xiangyang¡¯s Ye family. The Ye¡¯s home in Xiangyang was Jiang Li¡¯s maternal family.

    This person was her rtive.

    Jiang Li looked over there.

    She saw a few youngsters circling a 17 ¨C 18 years old young man. That young man was dressed in a simple silver-colored silk gown. The style was not excessive orplicated at all, it could even be counted as in. This handsome young man had beautiful eyes, at present those gaze contained hard to conceal anger. In contrast, the people facing him were three pampered sons of wealthy families who were dressed expensively. Two people were pulling the young man¡¯s sleeves while the head of the group, who looked ugly and cunning, was holding a picture scroll in his hand, making things difficult and refusing to listen.

    ¡°How about it, are you going to do it or not?¡± Jiang Li knew the ugly looking person, he was the youngest son of Taichang Qing4, Liu Zimin. An ignorant and ipetent, hopeless bully.

    That elegant young man clenched his teeth and spoke: ¡°What if I don¡¯t?¡±

    Liu Zimin sized the young man up and down once andughed fiercely: ¡°Simple, this young master will send you to the government official!¡± Done speaking, he waved his hand and spoke to the other two people: ¡°Take him away!¡±

    They even went so far as going to detain the young man.

    The matter had already gone so far, Jiang Li had no alternative but to step up.

    ¡°Wait a moment.¡± She said.

    Footnotes:

    1: Bao Fu: is a good and able official in ancient times who was assigned as the people who raised their children. 1.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    2: This guy implied that the person used a lot of money to enter the Imperial College to study. 2.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    3: Zengzi: student of Confucius, presumed editor or author of Confucian ssic the Great Learning. 3.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    4: Taichang Qing or Taichang Siqing is a third grade official title in ancient China, responsible for sacrificial ceremonies 4.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 49 Part 1 - Genuine

    <h4>Chapter 49 Part 1: Genuine</h4>

    ¡°Wait a moment.¡± Jiang Li said.

    A lofty voice suddenly came through and filled the atmosphere. All the people in the surrounding who were watching the excitement turned their head and saw Jiang Liing over.

    At first Liu Zimin looked around before seeing a delicate girl walking through the crowd. His eyes became bright at once, his voice also carried a teasing tone as he asked: ¡°What is the meaning of this girl?¡±

    Bai Xue saw this scene and followed closely by Jiang Li¡¯s side. An idea formed in her mind, if this mouse-looking boy dared to touch Jiang Li, even just with his little finger; she would beat the crap out of him.

    Jiang Li said as she smiled: ¡°May I ask, what did this young master do?¡± Her finger pointed at the young man.

    ¡°What did he do?¡± Liu Zimin jeered loudly and grinned: ¡°This youngdy wishes to stand up for the truth in this matter, perhaps because we are bullying this brother. Then I will exin in a few words, we are not taking advantage and bullying people.¡± He said: ¡°This brother, Ye Shijie, ruined this family heirloom¡¯s ink treasure. Here, it¡¯s this ¡¶Bird Drinking in Spring ¡·.

    ¡¶Bird Drinking in Spring ¡·was a masterpiece painting from the previous dynasty¡¯s great master, Zeng Zimo1. After his death, people spent a lot of money to buy the works he left behind. Especially among the literate families, it was an honor to be able to collect Zeng Zimo¡¯s ink treasures. Supposing that Liu Zimin¡¯s painting was truly ¡¶Bird Drinking in Spring ¡·, Ye Shijie could be considered as falling into great trouble.

    ¡°This ¡¶Bird Drinking in Spring ¡· is priceless. Considering that brother Ye does not originate from the capital, I was willing topromise and let brother Yepensate me with 32,000 gold, which is not a loss at all. Unexpectedly, brother Ye, this person, was really too much and refused to even give a penny. Is this stilling from Xiangyang¡¯s Ye family¡¯s? So stingy, could this be the inherent quality of a merchant?¡± Talking up to here, Liu Zimin burst into loudughter.

    The surrounding people listened to what he said andughed as well. Everyone wasughing at Liu Zimin¡¯s words ¡°inherent quality of a merchant¡±.

    The Yan Dynasty was originally light on merchants. Within the four sses of ancient China of schrs, farmers, artisans and merchants, merchants were ced at the very bottom. Ye Shijie clenched his teeth. While restraining his anger, he said: ¡°I really didn¡¯t ruin that painting. You pounced on it yourself when I was writing!¡±

    ¡°Aiyaya,¡± Liu Zimin said: ¡°you are actually still maliciously ndering. Is this young master so idle to destroy this famous painting belonging to me?¡± After saying this, he seemed to recall there¡¯s Jiang Li at the side and said: ¡°This youngdy,e here and state the logic..¡±

    Jiang Liughed and said: ¡°Is it possible to let me look at the young master¡¯s painting? I have never seen the real ¡¶Bird Drinking in Spring ¡·, yet it has unexpectedly been ruined. What a pity.¡± She seemed to regret it very much.

    Liu Zimin looked at her appearance like this and generously handed the painting over: ¡°If the youngdy wishes to see, then take a look!¡± He noticed that Jiang Li¡¯s dressing style did not seem to be from an ordinary family. But when did such a moist and bright young miss from an official familye to Yanjing? He really wasn¡¯t aware of it. He thought of letting someone inquireter, if the family background was somewhat inferior, it was not too bad to take her back as a concubine.

    Not far from the crowd, Jiang You Yao and the other two people above the carriage were also watching this scene. Jiang You Yao asked: ¡°What is she doing?¡±

    ¡°Third sister,¡± Jiang Yu¡¯e warned: ¡°That Ye Shijie is a person from Xiangyang¡¯s Ye family. A person from second sister¡¯s maternal family.¡±

    Jiang You Yao understood immediately and took another look at Jiang Li: ¡°Let¡¯s continue watching.¡±

    Jiang Li took the painting ¡¶Bird Drinking in Spring ¡· into her hands and studied it carefully.

    ¡¶Bird Drinking in Spring ¡·, the picture was of theing of spring. A songbird in the valley stood on a branch of flowers that was drooping on the water surface, a picture of its own reflection drinking the creek water. The flowers in the valley were in full bloom, the songbird was brisk and lively, the water in the creek was so clear that the bottom could be seen. Each part was painted vividly.

    But now that painting had a long tear from the bottom, almost splitting the painting in two.

    Footnotes:

    1: My apology, I thought the author refers to an actual historical figure Zengzi, but after further research apparently this is a made up figure, Zeng Zimo. Do not expect to really find his <Bird Drinking in Spring> picture -_- I tried 1.

    Nigaria: Who cares I put one image nheless, chinese trad painting is so beautiful, why shouldn¡¯t we admire when we have the chance? :leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 49 Part 2 - Genuine

    <h4>Chapter 49 Part 2: Genuine</h4>

    Due to Jiang Li¡¯s presence, the people surrounding them to watch the y grew. Ye Shijie wrinkled his brows but on the contrary, Liu Zi Min was more patient.

    After looking at it for a while, Jiang Li put down the painting in her hand. Instead of returning the painting to Liu Zimin, she spoke: ¡°Master Zeng¡¯s ink treasures are indeed precious. It¡¯s really interesting, hard toe by and invaluable. But.......¡±

    She hadn¡¯tpleted her words yet but Liu Zimin¡¯s brows had risen an inch higher. Upon hearing Jiang Li¡¯s final words, he subconsciously asked: ¡°But what?¡±

    ¡°This painting is fake,¡± said Jiang Li.

    ¡°This painting is.......¡± Liu Zimin reacted suddenly and spoke loudly: ¡°How is it possible?¡± When he again looked at Jiang Li, the original amiable look was no longer there.

    Ye Shijie was stunned and also looked at Jiang Li.

    ¡°This painting was copied very well and resembled the original very much. However, it still cannot conceal the fact that it¡¯s a counterfeit. ording to the current market value of the closest resemnce counterfeit goods, this painting would at most fetch no more than 52 silvers. Young master Ye,¡± she looked at Ye Shijie: ¡°you only need to pay 52 silvers to this young master, that¡¯s it.¡±

    ¡°Little girl,¡± Liu Zimin sneered evilly: ¡°Red mouth white teeth1 , if you say that it¡¯s a fake then it¡¯s a fake? This painting is a genuine article! You must not speak recklessly.¡±

    ¡°Yes ah,¡± the surrounding crowd jeered: ¡°How are you going to prove it?¡±

    Jiang Li wasn¡¯t in a hurry and spoke steadily: ¡°Master Zeng was from the previous dynasty.The pen and ink from the previous dynasty used silk from back then. However, there wasn¡¯t any double-threaded silk fabric in the former dynasty.¡±

    ¡°Double-threaded silk?¡± Baixue asked doubtfully.

    ¡°The double-threaded silk fabric the previous dynasty produced was coarse and thin. But look at this painting scroll, it¡¯s spotlessly white, smooth and thick. It¡¯s clearly a double-threaded silk fabric. It¡¯s not possible for the former dynasty¡¯s Master Zeng to use the current double-threaded silk fabric to paint. This is the first point.¡±

    ¡°The second point, the stamp is incorrect. The former dynasty never used this stone stamp. If it was a stamp from the previous dynasty, it would have the marks specific to the previous dynasty: the ce where each character stops should appear thicker than the original writing. But it appears rtively light and rather yellowish. The stamp of this painting is smooth, the color is reddish. It¡¯s clearly wrong.¡±

    While talking, Jiang Li exined and showed the¡¶Bird Drinking in Spring ¡·picture in her hand for everyone to see. If nobody had said anything, they wouldn¡¯t think so but once the words were out, in the light of Jiang Li¡¯s words, sure enough, they felt something didn¡¯t seem right.

    Very soon Liu Zimin¡¯splexion became more and more ugly. On the contrary, Ye Shijie became more and more amazed. Jiang Li smiled: ¡°The most important point is, the idea in this painting of ¡¶Bird Drinking in Spring ¡·lies in Master Zeng¡¯s attention to details. While the songbird was pecking, in the water there¡¯s an inverted painting of the songbird. The same goes the other way, there¡¯s water reflected in the songbird¡¯s eye. There should also be a shadow of the songbird on the blossoming branch. However, in this ¡¶Bird Drinking in Spring ¡· painting, there isn¡¯t any reflection in the water or in the eye.¡±

    ¡°Therefore,¡± Jiang Li smiled: ¡°Young master¡¯s ¡¶Bird Drinking in Spring ¡·¡¯s painting is a counterfeit. A counterfeit painting of ¡¶Bird Drinking in Spring ¡·for 3,200 gold, this is just a fantasy.¡±

    [T/N: The author wrote 32,000 gold in the previous chapter and 3,200 in this chapter T-T.]

    Liu Zimin flew into a rage out of humiliation and reached his hand out to grab the painting in Jiang Li¡¯s hand. How could Jiang Li let him get away with it, Bai Xue had long ago smartly taken the painting passed to her and held it up high, disying it for everyone to examine.

    ¡°Do you know who I am?¡± Liu Zimin finally couldn¡¯t help it, exposed himself and said evilly: ¡°You dare to nder me so much, when my dad knows about it you¡¯ll get into big trouble!¡±

    Upon hearing him, Jiang Li put away the smile on her face and said indifferently: ¡°I don¡¯t know who you are. But you dare to be so insolent towards me, when my dad knows it, your trouble won¡¯t be small either.¡±

    ¡°I actually want to know which family you came from, report your name!¡± Liu Zimin spoke angrily.

    ¡°From the capital¡¯s Jiang family, the daughter of the chief assistant¡¯s di wife, Jiang second miss.¡± Jiang Li said.

    £­£­£­£­£­£­Off topic£­£­£­£­£­£­

    Ah Li: My father is Li Gang ¨q£¨¨s^¨t£©¨r

    ¡°My Dad is Li Gang!¡± (Chinese: ÎÒ°ÖÊÇÀî¸Õ!; Pinyin: w¨¯ b¨¤ sh¨¬ l¨« g¨¡ng) is a popr catchphrase used ironically among Chineseizens to avoid responsibility. The phrase stems from a fatal hit and run incident that ured near Hebei University in Baoding, China, in which a drunk driver named Li Qiming yelled at his pursuers, ¡°Go ahead, sue me if you dare. My dad is Li Gang!¡±, referring to the Deputy Director of Baoding Public Security Bureau.

    As a result, any reference to ¡°Li Gang¡± has be associated with acting recklessly above thew because of supposed connections to government officials.

    Footnotes:

    1: Red mouth white teeth: an idiom refers to the normal appearance of ordinary people, but this is a scolding if they say something abnormal. Perhaps something like, ¡°have eyes but can¡¯t see¡± 1.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 50 Part 1 - Relying on Power

    <strong>Chapter 50 Part 1: Relying on Power</strong>

    ¡°From the capital¡¯s Jiang family, the daughter of the chief assistant¡¯s di wife, Jiang second miss.¡± Jiang Li said.

    A faint sentence, but it created a mor of discussions among the previously quiet crowd.

    Originally, Liu Zimin was waiting for Jiang Li to open her mouth to ridicule her. But in a split second after hearing her, he stood stiffly in his original ce.

    The capital¡¯s Jiang family, the daughter of the chief assistant¡¯s wife, the noble daughter of Yanjing¡¯s chief assistant, everyone knew Jiang You Yao. The girl in front had already introduced herself as Jiang family¡¯s second miss, the one that left the capital eight years ago, Jiang Li.

    It was true that the youngest son of the Taichang Qing¡¯s family could walk sideways in the capital. But everyone knew it was more important not to offend Jiang Yuan Bai, the emperor¡¯s most respected teacher.

    It¡¯s just that at present, Liu Zimin had already ridden the tiger and it was hard to get off. If he admitted it now, in the future, how was he going to mingle in Yanjing? Moreover, if he admitted the usation and made other people know that he used a fake painting to extort Ye Shijie¡¯s silver, his fellow ssmates in the Imperial College wouldugh at him. Harming his own reputation, his father would beat him to death.

    His mind in a mess, Liu Zimin thought, in the entire Yanjing, it wasn¡¯t as if he had never fought against someone¡¯s son whose position was higher than his. The young masters of some families, although they were great, their temperament was soft. Jiang Li was just a young girl, perhaps by frightening her with a few words, she could softly obey.

    Liu Zimin sneered while looking at Jiang Li: ¡°Even if you are a member of the Jiang family, it doesn¡¯t mean that your father will protect you. Don¡¯t think that because you came out from Jiang family you can then talk rubbish. If I say this painting is genuine then it¡¯s genuine. This young man and you are in cahoots, don¡¯t draw disaster to yourself!¡± Done speaking, he waved his fists around.

    This was a threat through and through.

    In the carriage, Jiang You Yao¡¯s eyes brightened as she took in the scene from afar. She itched for Liu Zimin to immediately injure Jiang Li here. In this way, Jiang Li would have a conflict in the middle of the street with a man and her reputation would tumble. No matter how partial Jiang Yuan Bai was towards her, this time he would also get angry.

    Jiang You Yao alsoughed over Liu Zimin¡¯s nasty behaviour. If Lui Zimin moved his hands, he would certainly not care whether it was male or female, whether the injury was light or severe.

    ¡°Liu Zimin,¡± Ye Shijie frowned and leaned to cover Jiang Li: ¡°Our two people¡¯s grudges have nothing to do with other people, don¡¯t harm the innocent.¡±

    Liu Zimin burst into loudughter: ¡°I also have this meaning.¡± He looked at Jiang Li, his meaning was clear, It¡¯s best if Jiang Li doesn¡¯t get involved in this matter.

    If it were other people, the current Jiang Li would perhaps have restrained herself. But since young, she had inherited Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s rity of gratitude and grudges. Having an enmity towards nders, in addition, Ye Shijie was still her own rtive. The corner of Jiang Li¡¯s lips rose and she said: ¡°What a coincidence, I am most unafraid of inviting disaster. Perhaps this young master forgot the reason why I left Yanjing eight years ago.¡±

    Each and every one was startled!

    Eight years ago, the charge when Jiang Li left Yanjing was of harming of her mother and murdering her younger brother. Other people couldn¡¯t wait and hurriedly conceal their malicious deeds, yet Jiang Li seemed to be afraid that others weren¡¯t aware of it and took the initiative to say it out.

    Indeed it was touching a sore spot.

    Ye Shijie looked at Jiang Li in astonishment, seemingly not expecting Jiang Li to say such a sentence. However, Jiang Li actually looked undisturbed, peacefully looking at Liu Zimin.

    Suddenly Liu Zimin felt cold sweat breaking in his forehead.

    Probably others didn¡¯t know what Jiang Li meant by saying this, but Liu Zimin immediately understood. Jiang Li¡¯s meaning was, even the matter about her harming the mother and murdering the younger brother could be said out, what other matter couldn¡¯t she speak of? She really couldn¡¯t care less with the threat made by Liu Zimin.

    Towards this provocation, Liu Zimin originally ought to feel indignant. But looking at Jiang Li¡¯s eyes, he actually felt scared.

 Chapter 50 Part 2 - Relying on Power

    <h4>Chapter 50 Part 2: Relying on Power</h4>

    That¡¯s right, he was a tyrant. Although within the Yanjing city he seemed to not havemitted any imaginable crime, it was still close. There were even a few lives taken by his hands. It¡¯s just that the lives lost in his hands were allmoners whose status were much humbler than him. They were not from official households whose status was equal or higher than himself.

    Facing someone whose power was higher than his family¡¯s, Liu Zimin¡¯s ¡®deceiving the weak and afraid of the strong¡¯ personality would force him to have some scruples. However, when he was scrupulous the opposite person was not in the least bit afraid, even had a ruthless stance of having nothing to lose.

    As a result, the weak were even weaker and the stubborn was even more stubborn. In a sh, Liu Zimin was at a disadvantage.

    Jiang Li noticed Liu Zimin¡¯s evasive and undetermined gaze and knew that he was wavering.

    Xue Huaiyuan was the county deputy in Tongxiang County, an upright and honest, impartial and incorruptible government official. Sometimes, he even dared to expose other officials who ranked higher than him. His prestige among themon people was excellent, yet his colleagues thoroughly hated him.

    Fellow workers hated them, hated the house and its crows<sup>1 </sup>, the colleagues¡¯ children also hated them. From young until they grew up, she didn¡¯t know how many troubles those girls and boys from the government officials had brought to her and Xue Zhao.

    She was still fine, the fight among girls wouldn¡¯t move hands to punch. But Xue Zhao was miserable, without much verbal spar, those youngsters immediately punched and kicked. Xue Zhao always returned home with a bloody nose and a swollen face. Over time, Xue Zhao also gained some experience. Towards ruthless people, he had to be more ruthless than them. In any case, being imposing would not lose. With those hard things in the past, first arranged for people to see, then pressure the other side with momentum. If the other side showed weakness, must not give them any opportunity. Slowly let the momentum climb, then victory would certainly be in one¡¯s grasp.

    Xue Zhao relied on his imposing style and his martial arts and finally no one dared to provoke him in Tongxiang county.

    As soon as Jiang Li saw Liu Zimin¡¯s behavior, she immediately knew that Liu Zimin was someone who deceived the weak but was afraid of the strong. Moreover, she had the Jiang family as her backing, without spending much thought, she could effortlessly defeat Liu Zimin.

    The reputation of harming the mother and murdering the younger brother was bad. But after some time, this bad reputation was able to make people feel fear which in turn was able to avert a lot of troublesome things.

    ¡°Really shameless.¡± Jiang You Yao gnashed her teeth in anger: ¡°Still making this kind of scandal public, it¡¯s really throwing father¡¯s face away!¡±

    Seeing that Liu Zimin stood rooted in ce, Jiang Li said: ¡°This young master insisted on the opinion that I am talking rubbish. Then ording to this young master¡¯s words at the beginning, let¡¯s report this to the authorities. Since I am also involved in this matter, I better go together with you.¡±

    Liu Zimin was both angry and anxious.

    He did mention reporting to the authorities at that time, but it was to scare Ye Shijie. As long as they passed through the door, it would be very easy to pit Ye Shijie who had no rtion with Yanjing. However, it would be different if Jiang Li was involved. Jiang Li was the youngdy of the Jiang family. Even for the sake of Jiang family¡¯s face, they could only handle this case fairly. In the end, he would be trying to steal a chicken only to end up losing the rice used to lure it. Not only would he not earn Ye Shijie¡¯s silver, he would also dig a pit for himself and implicate his father¡¯s reputation.

    In a blink of an eye, Liu Zimin¡¯s cold sweat overflowed. He looked at Jiang Li, really didn¡¯t understand how a little girl who was spurned by her family and stayed in the nunnery for eight years had so much confidence. How could she be so unforgiving?

    ¡°However,¡± as Liu Zimin was trapped without any way to advance or retreat, Jiang Li suddenly smiled: ¡°I think this matter is probably just a simple misunderstanding. After all, this young master doesn¡¯t look like someone who would deliberately extort someone else under false pretense. Perhaps he thought this painting to be genuine and was also deceived. Since it is like this, it¡¯s better to make peace, let Young Master Yepensate 50 taels of silver and drop this matter. How is it?¡±

    In Liu Zimin¡¯s ears, the words spoken by Jiang Li sounded like heaven. This is giving him a way out from an embarrassing situation ah.

    So how was it? Of course it was good!

 Chapter 51 Part 1 - Complain

    <strong>Chapter 51 Part 1: Comin</strong>

    The people were watching the scene with excitement, waiting to see what kind of unclearwsuit would be pulled out. Unexpectedly, Jiang Li abruptly tossed out such a sentence.

    ¡°OK.¡± Liu Zimin was afraid that Jiang Li would back out and immediately epted. Although he had agreed, he still wanted to redeem some face and said to Ye Shijie: ¡°Young Master Ye, I was also deceived by this painting which brought about such a misunderstanding. Though you tore this painting, we should forgive anyone who has made mistakes when possible. I also won¡¯t argue with you on this matter anymore. Don¡¯t worry about those taels of silver. Today, for the sake of Jiang Second Miss, the truth of this matter was shown. I¡¯ll give this painting to you, I, this young master, doesn¡¯t want it anymore.¡±

    Hearing the booinging from the crowd, with a lot of effort Liu Zimin restrained the humiliation and unwillingness in his heart. He cupped his hands in salute towards Jiang Li then feigned to calmly leave.

    The two students following behind him also walked gloomily away together. Ye Shijie didn¡¯t stop them, perhaps he understood that there was no benefit in continuing the argument. Ye Shijie looked probingly at Jiang Li. As he was about to open his mouth, he saw Jiang Li nodding slightly at him and saying to Bai Xue, who was standing next to her: ¡°Bai Xue, bring this painting and give it to young master Ye. Then go back.¡±

    Bai Xue answered in a low voice, rolled the fake painting of ¡¶Bird Drinking in Spring¡·and passed it to Ye Shijie. Then she turned around and supported Jiang Li to walk to the carriage, without any meaning of talking to Ye Shijie.

    Ye Shijie stared nkly at the master and servant walking further towards their carriage. The crowd watching in a circle also gradually dispersed while shaking their heads, throwing the many thoughts in their heads aside and walking away in other directions.

    But nobody saw that in an alley not far from the street just now, there stood a sedan chair with a ck phoenix roof. Outside the sedan chair, an imperial bodyguard was talking. If someone happened to pass by at this moment, they would discover that the person was talking about the dispute between Ye Shijie and Liu Zimin just now.

    When the retelling was over, after a long time, a voice came from inside the sedan chair.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    The youngster inside the sedan chair leaned to the side in azy and leisurely manner, his red clothes spread on the soft cushion. In a subtle expression, he said: ¡°Jiang family.¡±

    Sitting opposite him, a schr dressed in green was stroking his goatee whileughing: ¡°Originally wanting to borrow Liu family¡¯s young son to trap Ye Shijie, pressuring the Ye family to show up. Unexpectedly, this Jiang Second Miss turned the situation around and helped Ye Shijie to solve it. In this way, Master¡¯s n was entirely messed up.¡±

    Although his speech had a regretful tone, yet there wasn¡¯t the slightest trace of regret on his face. On the contrary, he lookedpletely rxed.

    ¡°Ye Shijie is just a pawn,¡± Ji Heng brushed the dust on his sleeve and said: ¡°from the start he doesn¡¯t y a big role, if lost then it¡¯s lost, nothing to worry about.¡± His appearance was distinctly gorgeous, yet his voice carried a trace of strange and low huskiness, simr to an ambiguous desire, making people unable to stop themselves.

    ¡°Besides,pared to Liu Zimin,¡± he slowly raised his lips, ¡°Jiang Second Miss is much more interesting.¡±

    ......

    Bai Xue and Jiang Li returned to the Jiang residence.

    In Fang Fei Garden, Tong¡¯er had been waiting in the courtyard since earlier. Since Jiang Li wasn¡¯t there, Tong¡¯er always felt awkward when doing things. Seeing the two of them returning, she jumped a meter high and noisily asked Jiang Li if everything had gone well and if she met any troubles.

    Bai Xue was an honest and straightforward person, unlike the lively Tong¡¯er. For instance, regarding Ye Shijie¡¯s matter, she simply obeyed Jiang Li¡¯s order and didn¡¯t say more than needed.

    Through Bai Xue, Tong¡¯er heard about the dispute after school and nearly threw the cup down in fright. From time to time she cried out in rm: ¡°Goodness!¡±, ¡°So hateful!¡±, ¡°How could he bully people so much!¡±, ¡°Thankfully miss is okay.¡±

 Chapter 51 Part 2 - Complain

    <strong>Chapter 51 Part 2: Comin</strong>

    It was only after Bai Xue had finished going through the matter one by one that Tong¡¯er, who wished to hear more, suddenly thought of something and said: ¡°Miss, it was too thrilling this time. Although the intention was good, it¡¯s better not to show yourself at will next time. Today you didn¡¯t even bring a single guard from the residence. In case the young master from the Liu family really moved his hand, miss would be the one who suffers losses.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled but didn¡¯t reply. Tong¡¯er continued: ¡°But Bai Xue said that young master Ye is the person from the Ye family in Xiangyang. Could he be a person from miss¡¯s outer ancestor¡¯s family? It¡¯s a pity that miss didn¡¯t get to chat with him at that time, but it was also not the ce to chat. Otherwise, perhaps we would know if he was a person and from which branch of the Ye family. This time miss helped him, he would also be feeling grateful.¡±

    ¡°I helped him not for the purpose of reciprocation. If I demand payback, I may as well not help him.¡± Jiang Li smiled. Intervening when seeing an injustice was Xue Zhao¡¯s usual practice. Both the Xue family¡¯s son and daughter had bravery and righteousness in their blood. When meeting unfairness, they always wanted to step forward and lent a hand. Even though she had died once, she gave herself a lot of excuses for stepping out today. But she knew clearly in her heart that, without those reasons today, she probably would still have stepped forward.

    This was human nature.

    Right after she spoke, Qing Feng, who was outside, raised the curtain of the door and said: ¡°Miss, sister Fei Cui from Wan Feng Hall just let people came by to pass a message, Old Madam asked you to go there.¡±

    ¡°Now?¡± Jiang Li was surprised as this was not the time to pay respect.

    ¡°Third miss and the other few people are also at Wan Feng Hall, saying that today miss had a dispute with others after school.¡± Qing Feng spoke with unease.

    ¡°Oh, the speed ofining is really fast!¡± Tong¡¯er was feeling indignant, ¡°our miss found joy in helping others, what is this about quarreling with others. She really dares to speak!¡±

    Since returning to the Jiang residence, Tong¡¯er¡¯s temperament had be more and more bold and vigorous. But on the contrary, Jiang Li really liked this temper of hers. In the Jiang residence, the status of the people from Fang Fei Garden was very delicate. If they didn¡¯t say anything and there wasn¡¯t any bold person supporting in public, others would reallye over and bully them.

    Jiang Li stood up: ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. She took the initiative to inform the Old Madam, it just happens to make them aware of my matter.¡±

    Bai Xue rolled up her sleeves, looking as if she was ready to start a fight, and said aggressively: ¡°Miss, this servant will apany you.¡±

    ¡°You can.¡± Jiang Liughed: ¡°But do not fight, we are going to exin justifiedly.¡±

    It was calm in Wan Feng Hall.

    Jiang Bing Ji was sitting on Old Madam Jiang¡¯s soft couch, picking and eating dragon beard candy from a small dish. Yet old Madam Jiang did not coax andugh at him as usual. Instead, she was looking pensive.

    Jiang Yu Yan was sitting in one ce, carefully not opening her mouth. Jiang Yu¡¯e and Jiang You Yao were sitting in another ce. Jiang You Yao had a pleased expression on her while Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s eyeballs kept turning around.

    Ji Shuran was also present. She was sitting on the right side of Old Madam Jiang¡¯s seat. Her face carried a graceful smile, there also seemed to be a bit of worry. Her gaze constantly moved towards the direction of the door as if she was waiting for someone.

    Before long, the person she was waiting for arrived.

    When Jiang Li and Tong¡¯er arrived at Wan Feng Hall, Jiang Bing Ji took a quick look at her and was seemingly about to scold her loudly. However, he seemed to suddenly recall something and forcibly swallowed it down.

    Jiang Li merely pretended that she had not seen this and continued entering while smiling. Standing in the middle of the hall, her gaze settled on the Old Madam and she said softly: ¡°For what matter did grandmother ask someone to call Jiang Li over?¡±

    Old Madam Jiang opened her lids and looked at her.

 Chapter 52 Part 1 - Empathy

    <strong>Chapter 52 Part 1: Empathy</strong>

    ¡°I heard that you were quarrelling with someone on the street after school?¡± asked old madam Jiang.

    Jiang Li nced at Jiang You Yao and Jiang Yu¡¯e. These two people were trying their hardest to cover the delight upon seeing the misfortune of others in their gazes. Sure enough, Jiang You Yao and Jiang Yu¡¯e did their utmost toin and throw dirty water on her.

    Jiang Li smiled: ¡°I don¡¯t know where old madam heard from, but the truth is very different.¡±

    Old madam Jiang spoke: ¡°Oh? Then what¡¯s the truth,e and say it.¡±

    Jiang You Yao and Jiang Yu¡¯e wanted to speak but didn¡¯t dare to. Old madam Jiang was a strict madam who emphasized rules. When others spoke, they must not interrupt at will.

    Jiang Li smiled: ¡°I¡¯m afraid it would seem unfair if I say it myself. Let my servant girl say it. Baixue.¡± Jiang Li called Baixue toe in.

    When Baixue entered, she first walked over to old madam Jiang and paid her respect. Jiang Li spoke: ¡°Recount the matter that we encountered today after school to old madam Jiang.¡±

    Baixue received Jiang Li¡¯s order and immediately said everything from beginning to end in its entirety. Baixue¡¯s temper was straightforward and honest. When she spoke she also paid attention to details and never exaggerated. She viewed things from a spectator¡¯s point of view and told the matter as it was, without bias towards anybody.

    After old madam Jiang listened till the end, she looked thoughtful before asking Jiang Li: ¡°So to say, you are speaking out for justice, not just quarrelled recklessly.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t dare to speak out for justice, just tell the truth as it is.¡± Jiang Li was still smiling as before.

    At this time, Jiang You Yao finally couldn¡¯t bear it anymore and spoke: ¡°Grandmother, the person that second sister helped wasn¡¯t a stranger, it¡¯s someone from Xiangyang¡¯s Ye family.¡±

    Xiangyang¡¯s Ye family, old madam Jiang¡¯s expression all of a sudden turned solemn.

    It should be known that ever since Ye Zhen Zhen passed away, the Jiang family and Ye family, these inws, had less dealings with each other. Moreover, after Jiang Yuan Bai took Ji Shuran as his wife and became inws with the Ji family, the contacts with the Ye family was almost broken off. Originally the Ye family and the Jiang family still had an unbreakable connection, which was Jiang Li. But many years ago Jiang Li vowed, not willing to be associated with merchants. The Ye family was heart-broken and no longer had any dealings with the Jiang family.

    Ji Shuran opened her mouth to speak: ¡°You Yao, don¡¯t talk nonsense. You¡¯ve never met anybody from the Ye family. How do you know that the person is from Xiangyang¡¯s Ye family?¡±

    ¡°I heard it with my own ears, there¡¯s also fourth sister and fifth sister,¡± Jiang You Yao hurriedly exined, ¡°that young master was called Ye Shijie, Liu Zimin said that he was a person from Xiangyang¡¯s Ye family.¡±

    ¡°Ye shijie.....¡± old madam Jiang muttered to herself before looking at Jiang Li: ¡°He should be the Ye family¡¯s main branch¡¯s son. Your eldest cousin.¡±

    Only then did Jiang Li know, Ye shijie and her had the rtionship of cousins.

    ¡°Li-er, what¡¯s going on?¡± Ji Shuran spoke: ¡°it¡¯s only been a short while since you returned to Yanjing, how did you know this Ye cousin?¡±

    This sentence was filled with ulterior motives!

    As expected, old madam Jiang¡¯s eyes suddenly became sharp, looking straight at Jiang Li. Her gaze was like two knives trying to see through Jiang Li.

    Jiang Li had just returned slightly more than a month and wasn¡¯t familiar with the capital. Yet today by lucky coincidence she stood up for her elder cousin and solved his predicament. How could there be such a coincidence on this earth? After the Ye family and Jiang family severed their contacts, they hadn¡¯t entered the capital for many years. This made people hard to believe that it was a mere coincidence. Was it possible that Jiang Li and Ye shijie had already contacted each other from an earlier time, perhaps had even contacted each other for a long time already?

    This was an absolute taboo in old madam Jiang¡¯s eyes!

 Chapter 52 Part 2 - Empathy

    <h4>Chapter 52 Part 2: Empathy</h4>

    Jiang Li smiled and looked at Ji Shuran. Ji Shuran seemed to be totally unaware that her words would push Jiang Li towards an irretrievable situation. Moreover, it was like a joke.

    Jiang Li said: ¡°I don¡¯t know him, I also was not aware that he is my eldest cousin. If Old Madam didn¡¯t tell me, I wouldn¡¯t know the rtion between me and him. If it wasn¡¯t him today but any other person and I encountered this kind of scene, I would still step forward.¡± Jiang Li smiled and stated her mind: ¡°On this earth, although it¡¯s only right to put one¡¯s own safety before matters of principle, sometimes one also needs to stand up bravely for the truth. Especially since we are a clear and peaceful family, it¡¯s even more important to preserve the schr¡¯s vigorous style.¡±

    Old Madam Jiang was stumped.

    Old Madam Jiang¡¯s husband, that is, Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s father, Old Master Jiang, was a third-ranked literary advisor throughout his life; for 30 years until his passing. Although being a third rank-literary advisor was pretty good, to work for several decades without any promotion, there was certainly a reason behind it.

    The reason was precisely because Old Master Jiang was too straight and had done quite a bit of frank criticism. Even though the former emperor knew that Old Master Jiang was a good official, he was really hard to like. Due to his own temper, Old Master Jiang also let his official career be stuck here.

    With regards to her husband¡¯s temper, Old Madam Jiang seemed reproachful on the surface, yet her heart was proud. From all of the Jiang family¡¯s three sons, the eldest, Jiang Yuan Bai, was conservative and did things moderately. The second son, Jiang Yuan Ping was a man with a big smile and evil intentions. The third son, Jiang Yuan Xing, as the concubine-born son, was even more cowardly and didn¡¯t have his own opinion. Not one inherited Old Master Jiang¡¯s strength of character. Old Madam Jiang could be said to feel a sense of disappointment.

    So, even though Jiang Yuan Bai achieved being the first assistant by relying on ¡°mediocrity¡±, Old Madam Jiang wasn¡¯tpletely satisfied with him. Matters on earth, there are gains, there also must be losses. Having obtained a high post and generous sry, some things must be lost. For example, integrity and haughtiness.

    Jiang Li had discovered from an earlier time that Old Madam Jiang was a person with an air of arrogance. Beneath the surface, she was also somewhat noble and virtuous. This could be seen from Wan Feng Hall¡¯s decorations. Therefore, she deliberately said these high-sounding righteous words in order to evoke Old Madam Jiang¡¯s empathy.

    Letting Old Madam Jiang recall thete Old Master Jiang and see a shadow of him in Jiang Li¡¯s body.

    As expected, Old Madam Jiang¡¯s gaze when she looked at Jiang Li gradually turned gentle.

    Ji Shuran was startled, she didn¡¯t know how Jiang Li¡¯s few sentences could have eased Old Madam Jiang¡¯s tension. Although her ability was good, her consideration towards Jiang Yuan Bai was methodical, purely for her personal benefit. She was incapable ofprehending Old Madam Jiang¡¯s ¡°strength of character¡±. However, Jiang Li understood.

    Jiang Li added: ¡°At that time, I helped people on a whim without thinking of the consequences. But indeed as third sister said, Ye Shijie is eldest cousin, a person from Xiangyang¡¯s Ye family. Then my action this time is even more correct. Although my birth mother has passed away, the Ye family and our residence were inws once. Our own rtive was in deep trouble, supposing that I walked away from trouble at that time, when other people saw it, in the future there would be the possibility of people saying that the people from our Jiang family are cold and feeling with iron hearts. Father is currently serving as an official, every word and action are observed by others. If someone used this to impeach father, then what to do?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s necessary to do our own things properly, don¡¯t let other people pick our mistakes. Naturally then it will be possible to live together in harmony. Besides, this was originally not a big matter, young master Liu himself said that it was just a misunderstanding. Just talking a bit and was able to resolve a misunderstanding, isn¡¯t it a wonderful thing? There¡¯s not a need for gold or silver, merely a few words can help others and make one happy. If I¡¯m still being stingy with the effort of these few words, then I¡¯m certainly not deserving to be human.¡±

    Thest sentence was mocking Jiang You Yao and Jiang Yu¡¯e together.

 Chapter 53 Part 1 - Complain

    <strong>Chapter 53 Part 1: Comin</strong>

    Huff, the days are so hot in this part of the world, I¡¯m practically drenched while sitting aka melting. Added onto that, it¡¯s the closing report of the fiscal year. Really it¡¯s been heating up around here from the weather and work. Anyhow, it¡¯s already May! the goal is to have a 3x release... we can do it!!!!! .... one of these months XD. Enjoy!

    Jiang You Yao didn¡¯t foresee that Jiang Li¡¯sst word would draw herself. Naturally she could hear the implied meaning and nearly hopped in anger. However, she could only restraint herself with all her might.

    However, Jiang Yu¡¯e didn¡¯t keep her calm like Jiann You Yao. Originally, she was already dissatisfied with Jiang Li. She didn¡¯t perceive the approval in Old Madam Jiang¡¯s words and said: ¡°As youngdies, our words and deeds have to be cautious on weekdays. Second sister is chivalrous, but as a female, getting involved in a man¡¯s affair in the middle of the street, it¡¯s still not pretty and harmful to morality and conduct.¡±

    Ji Shuran¡¯s heart said ¡°bad¡±, and sure enough, after Jiang Yu¡¯e said this, Old Madam Jiang¡¯s face immediately changed color. She spoke while staring at Jiang Yu¡¯e: ¡°Oh? Don¡¯t tell me if you encounter death, you won¡¯t save? Being cold and detached means you don¡¯tck morality and conduct? I think your family precepts were written somewhere else!¡±

    Jiang Yu¡¯e nked, not anticipating Old Madam Jiang to suddenly cause her difficulty. She felt both shame and wronged in her heart but she didn¡¯t dare to dispute Old Madam Jiang. She merely lowered her head and didn¡¯t dare to utter a word, hating Jiang Li all over again.

    Ji Shuran was also annoyed. Old Madam Jiang spoke of not saving when encountering death, even though she was speaking to Jiang Yu¡¯e as being cold and detached as a human, but Jiang You Yao was scolded together with her. She felt displeased in her heart but on the surface she still said consolingly: ¡°Mother, don¡¯t be angry, the children are still young. It¡¯s normal not to know what to do the first time they meet this kind of matter. After all, Yu¡¯e and You Yao had never encountered this kind of thing. It¡¯s still Li-er who¡¯s brave and resourceful.¡± She smiled as she looked towards Jiang Li: ¡°She dares to step forward bravely.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled: ¡°It was nothing more than just following the heart.¡±

    A good ¡®nothing more than following the heart¡¯, it stepped on the others without leaving any trace, making her appear much nobler. Ji Shuran¡¯s smile had a bit of unnaturalness.

    Old Madam Jiang added: ¡°It¡¯s a rtive. I don¡¯t know when the Ye family¡¯s child arrived in Yanjing. Since you know where he lives, you may as well invite him toe to the residence to sit some other day.¡±

    Ji Shuran was somewhat surprised and was even more resentful. No matter what, Ye Zhen Zhen had passed away for many years. The Jiang family and Ye family no longer paid any visit to each other since an earlier time. Now, this coincidence with Jiang Li made Old Madam Jiang suddenly want to reconcile with the Ye family. What was the meaning of this? If the Jiang family and the Ye family established friendly rtions with each other, where did they want her to put her Ji family¡¯s face?

    ¡°It was urgent at that time and after the matter was resolved, we left soon after and didn¡¯t exchange many words with the eldest cousin from the Ye family. Thus I am also not clear.¡± Jiang Li said.

    Hearing her, Old Madam Jiang had some regrets. However, Ji Shuran let out her breath. But soon her brows knitted, how difficult was it if the Jiang family really wanted to find a person within Yanjing¡¯s city walls? If Old Madam Jiang was set with her idea of meeting Ye Shijie, even if Jiang Li didn¡¯t know Ye Shijie¡¯s circumstances, finding Ye Shijie was just a matter of time.

    Right at this moment, Jiang Bingji who was ying on the soft couch spoke while dragging his voice: ¡°Mother, I¡¯m hungry.¡±

    Old Madam Jiang snapped out of her thoughts and looked at Jiang Bingji. Then she said to Ji Shuran: ¡°Take Ji¡¯er to have dinner.¡± She then saidto Jiang Li and the others: ¡°Since you¡¯vee back from school up to now you still haven¡¯t eaten. Everybody go back, just treat this matter as already resolved. There¡¯s no need to mention this anymore in the future.¡± Done speaking, she closed her eyes to indicate that she was tired and needing rest.

    Fei Cui and Zhen Zhu busily saw the visitors out.

 Chapter 53 Part 2 - Visiting

    <h4>Chapter 53 Part 2: Visiting</h4>

    Exiting together from Wan Feng Hall, Ji Shuran brought Jiang Bingji and the unreconciled Jiang You Yao to leave. Jiang Li was ready to walk towards Fang Fei Garden but met with Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s stare. She coldly spoke: ¡°Second sister is really capable. Just a few words were able to make grandmother confused and no longer mention anything.¡±

    Without reducing her smile, Jiang Li replied: ¡°Many thanks for fourth sister¡¯s praise.¡± Her speech was iparably sincere, her smile was also very friendly, as if she didn¡¯t hear the mockery in Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s words. Adversely, it made Jiang Yu¡¯e very angry.

    Seeing that Jiang Yu¡¯e was choked and unable to speak, only then Jiang Li took Bai Xue to leave. Behind her, Jiang Yu Yan timidly pulled Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s sleeve. In a small voice she said: ¡°Don¡¯t always go and make trouble for second sister.¡±

    ¡°Go away!¡± Jiang Yu¡¯e swung her sleeve in anger, freeing herself from Jiang Yu Yan¡¯s hand. A trace of disdain shed in her eyes: ¡°How could I have such a chicken-hearted person as a sister, really stupid and cowardly!¡± She then left feeling extremely vexed.

    Jiang Yu Yan lowered her head, standing silently, it was unknown what she was thinking.

    ****

    The two people returned to Fang Fei Garden. Tong¡¯er didn¡¯t see a single mark on their body and put down her worries. In the yard, she scolded Jiang You Yao and the others for having a broken mouth to her heart¡¯s content. Her bottom just touched the chair and she asked: ¡°Miss, why did Old Madam suddenly mention the Ye family¡¯s young master? Does she want to reconcile with the Ye family?¡±

    Tong¡¯er didn¡¯t immediately follow Jiang Li from when she was born. Even before Jiang Li went to the temple, Tong¡¯er couldn¡¯t be considered as a second-ss servant girl. Therefore, Tong¡¯er didn¡¯t know much regarding the Ye family¡¯s matter. Including the reason why the Ye family and the Jiang family¡¯s rtionship was cold, why Jiang Li did not keep in contact with the Ye family, Tong¡¯er wasn¡¯t aware of all these.

    ¡°I also don¡¯t know.¡± Jiang Li shook her head, ¡°but I feel that old madam probably just opened her mouth to mention without thinking the matter through. If she really intended to, she would have asked someone to make some inquiries. But at the end, Old Madam clearly didn¡¯t have this meaning.¡±

    Tong¡¯er pondered for a while and eximed: ¡°It would be good if Old Madam really wanted to repair the rtionship with Ye family. In any case, Miss would also have the shelter of the outside family. Then that Madam Ji would also be more likely to restrain herself.¡±

    Ji Shuran¡¯s position in the main branch was as steady as Mount Tai. Besides giving birth to a pair of son and daughter, there was also the support of the Ji family behind. No need to mention Ji Shuran¡¯s father, Ji Yan Lin, just her elder sister born from the same mother was the current imperial concubine Li who was doted on by Hong Xiao Emperor.

    Moreover, Jiang Li only had this one already-passed birth mother and since earlier she didn¡¯t keep in touch with her outside family. In the Jiang family, apart from leaning on her own strength to block the knives and swords, there was no other source to draw support from. This only meant that she would be extremely exhausted.

    The difference between having or not having supporty here.

    ¡°It would be good if back then inquiry was made on where the Ye family¡¯s young master is residing.¡± Tong¡¯er was not reconciled, ¡°perhaps through Ye cousin young master, a good rtion could be built with those in Xiangyang.¡±

    ¡°No matter.¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°there is an opportunity now.¡±

    Bai Xue asked in a low voice: ¡°Didn¡¯t miss not ask the current situation of Ye cousin young master?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have to inquire,¡± Jiang Li smiled and shook her head, ¡°he himself wille to the door.¡±

    Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue looked at each other in dismay, apparently they were not really convinced with what Jiang Li said. However, nobody expected, on the second day, Jiang Li¡¯s words came true.

    Xiangyang¡¯s Ye family, that cousin young master, Jiang Li¡¯s nominal eldest cousin, Ye Shijie, took the initiative toe to the door.

 Chapter 54 Part 1 - Older cousin

    <strong>Chapter 54 Part 1: Older cousin</strong>

    Ye Shijie waited for Jiang Li in a small building in the tea house next door.

    Early in the morning, he had entrusted someone to wait outside the Jiang residence to give a letter to Jiang Li¡¯s servant girl. Ye Shijie invited her to meet in the tea house¡¯s small building. Although the words were passed, Jiang Li still might not necessarilye personally.

    However, in the end Jiang Li still came.

    It¡¯s not yet time for school, it¡¯s also not that far from here to Ming Yi Hall. A simple talk with Ye Shijie would not affect the school time. Jiang Li came to keep the appointment after she had properly organized her things.

    In the tea house. Ye Shijie was wearing an ash blue robe. Although the color was in, if one looked carefully, the material of the cloth was very fine. The obscured pattern on the cuff was also a rare double needle embroidery. This youngster was born with thick eyebrows and big eyes, considerably handsome and bright. It¡¯s just that his gaze as he sized up Jiang Li had a somewhat vignt look.

    ¡°Elder cousin Ye.¡± Jiang Li spoke as she sat down across from Ye Shijie.

    Apparently shocked by ¡°elder cousin Ye¡± these three words, Ye Shijie nked out for a moment and actually didn¡¯t know what to say for a while. Only after a long time did he open his mouth and spoke in a stiff voice: ¡°Why did you help me yesterday?¡±

    In the midst of the ruckuss yesterday, Jiang Li suddenly appeared and helped Ye Shijie. Towards this youngdy who showed up when encountering injustice, he was very grateful. But in the evening, as he was sitting under themp, he suddenly thought that something was wrong. The capital¡¯s Jiang second miss, isn¡¯t that histe aunt¡¯s daughter, his younger female cousin?

    If someone else showed up to counter the injustice, perhaps Ye Shijie wouldn¡¯t think so much. But when the righteous person turned out to be Jiang Li, no matter what, Ye Shijie wasn¡¯t convinced that it wasn¡¯t a plot. Tossing and turning for a night without any sleep, Ye Shijie decided to look for Jiang Li directly to have a chat and ask her clearly what¡¯s going on.

    ¡°I called you elder cousin Ye, don¡¯t tell me you want me to see my own rtive being ckmailed on the street while I look on without lifting a finger?¡± Jiang Li spoke very naturally as if she was astonished at the reason why Ye Shijie asked such a simple question.

    Ye Shijie was again choked by Jiang Li¡¯s righteous words. Half a dayter he spoke in a cold voice: ¡°Don¡¯t joke, aren¡¯t you looking down on us being merchants, so why talk about being rtives?¡±

    Jiang Li heard what was said and spoke in a weird tone: ¡°Can you exin these words?¡±

    Ye Shijie glowered at her: ¡°That year grandmother travelled to the capital to take you to Xiangyang. But in front of the entire Jiang family, you berated my Ye family as lowly merchants and wanted to break off all rtions!¡± Ye Shijie spoke till here and his chest violently moved up and down, seemingly very excited: ¡°When grandmother went back, she immediately contracted a serious illness, only got better after recuperating in bed for a year. Now you talk about rtives, are you joking?¡±

    Jiang Li stared at him, then blinking her eyes, she spoke with astonishment: ¡°Did I say all these things before?¡±

    Ye Shijie: ¡°.......¡±

    ¡°Perhaps elder cousin Ye remembered it wrong.¡± Jiang Li shook her head, ¡°I don¡¯t remember saying these.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t remember?¡± Ye Shijie sneered: ¡°But all the people from our Ye family who were present remember!¡±

    ¡°Ah, then it seems that I have indeed said these words.¡± Jiang Li secretly sighed. No wonder Ye family broke rtions with the Jiang family. If Jiang second miss had truly said these hurtful words towards old madam Ye, it would be strange if they could recover their rtionship. However, she wouldn¡¯t vainly ept this usation that originally didn¡¯t belong to her. Jiang Li asked: ¡°But now I simply don¡¯t remember anymore. Dare to ask elder cousin Ye, when I spoke these words at that time, how old was I?¡±

    Ye Shijie coldly said: ¡°Five years old.¡±

    ¡°Five years old.¡± Jiang Li frowned, ¡°ording to reason, this should be the age where one is aware of matters. But I alone don¡¯t remember this thing. Elder cousin Ye doesn¡¯t feel that there¡¯s something odd with this matter?¡±

    ¡°What excuse are you thinking of with these words?¡± Ye Shijie stared at her.

 Chapter 54 Part 2 - Older Cousin

    <strong>Chapter 54 Part 2: Older Cousin</strong>

    ¡°I want to say, my age was small at that time. Grandmother is also far away in Xiangyang. My mother left early, father was busy with government affairs, many things were looked after by stepmother. Whatever I said might be taught by someone, or someone threatened me to say these words.¡±

    Ye Shijie wanted to taunt her with a few sentences. But seeing how serious Jiang Li looked, he couldn¡¯t help being distracted.

    These words were actually just a guess in Jiang Li¡¯s heart. Jiang second miss¡¯s age was too small at that time, yet she was able to speak such hurtful words out. Moreover, merchants being lowly, this kind of thing, if it was what Jiang second miss really believed someone must have inevitably instilled this point of view to her. Based on Jiang Li¡¯s observation of Ji Shuran, Ji Shuran¡¯s ruthlessness may have been used on the young Jiang second miss.

    Whether Ji Shuran coaxed or threatened her, anyhow it certainly wasn¡¯t Jiang second miss¡¯s idea, but the influence of other people.

    Ye Shijie was silent. Jiang Li¡¯s words made him waver. Even though he med Jiang Li, but the current expression on Jiang Li¡¯s face didn¡¯t appear fake.

    ¡°Then what are you nning to do now?¡± After a while, Ye Shijie said: ¡°You want to renew the rtionship with the Ye family?¡±

    Jiang Li smiled: ¡°I only exerted a slight effort to help elder cousin Ye once. Elder cousin Ye immediately thought I wanted to amend the rtionship with the Ye family. There¡¯s no harm in telling elder cousin Ye, if I really wanted to restore the rtionship with the Ye family, I wouldn¡¯t use your matter.¡±

    ¡°Hmph.¡± Ye Shijie snorted lightly, but his expression wasn¡¯t as hostile as it was at the beginning. He said: ¡°You spoke eloquently, disying righteousness. Nobody knows how shrewd one is underneath the surface. Otherwise why wasn¡¯t Liu Zimin sent to the government officials instead of giving him a way out?¡±

    Jiang Li stepped in the dispute between Liu Zimin and Ye Shijie yesterday and turned things around using a few words. Originally, Liu Zimin had no chance to free himself, but Jiang Li took the initiative to give Liu Zimin a way out, letting Liu Zimin dodge the trouble.

    ¡°Within Yanjing ground, all parties¡¯ power are tangled andplicated as there are numerous official families. Even though the Ye family is very rich, nobody from the Ye family upies an official position. Just like a gold mine without any protection, anybody could readily take a bite. Elder cousin, isn¡¯t it due to your wealth that Liu Zimin took note?¡±

    Ye Shijie frowned.

    ¡°The Ye family is very rich, but also amoner. Small officials don¡¯t dare to fight with big officials, moreovermoners against high officials. Giving Liu Zimin a way out is actually for elder cousin¡¯s well-being. If elder cousin continued the entanglement, Taichang Qing¡¯s residence would certainly not let the matter go. The Liu family could afford it, but the Ye family couldn¡¯t.¡± said Jiang Li.

    Ye Shijie¡¯s expression calmed down when Jiang Li spoke of this reasoning, leaving just a small amount of bitterness.

    Citizens did not fight with officials, a sneer shed in Jiang Li¡¯s heart. Isn¡¯t it like that? Her Xue family was still an official family, yet due to the small official post, in Princess Yong Ning¡¯s eyes, a noble person, they were just grass, convenient to kill. There was fairness on earth. However, that depended on what one relied on. Relying on a tyrant, then unreasonableness would be reasonable.

    Ye Shijie said: ¡°Of course I am aware, otherwise I wouldn¡¯t have spared him.¡±

    Jiang Li saw Ye Shijie this way and she understood in her heart. The Ye family¡¯s eldest grandson was not a rude and impulsive person. She asked: ¡°I forgot to ask, why is elder cousin in the capital?¡±

    It coulfn¡¯t being to Yanjing from Xiangyang for no reason, there must be a cause.

    ¡°I am studying at the Imperial College.¡± Ye Shijie looked at Jiang Li, with a bit of provocation in his tone, ¡°Just like you said, nobody in the Ye family holds any official post, powerless to protect the family property. Therefore I came to the capital to study and be an official.¡±

    ¡°You want to be a government official?¡± Jiang Li suddenly understood.

 Chapter 55 Part 1:

    Chapter 55 Part 1:

    ¡°You want to be a government official?¡±

    Ye Shijie was momentarily speechless. The look as Jiang Li fixed her attention on him was too straight. So much so that it made him produce a clear illusion. Ye Shijie immediately avoided Jiang Li¡¯s sight and answered with a nasal sound as his response.

    Actually, he didn¡¯t need to talk about this kind of thing with her. After all, Jiang Li once regarded them, the Ye family, as enemies. By curious coincidence he felt that Jiang Li was a person that could be trusted.

    ¡°With an exceptional performance in the Imperial College¡¯s examination, it¡¯s possible to be assigned as an official.¡± Jiang Li said: ¡° It¡¯s just, you came over from Xiangyang to be a government official, could it be that maternal grandmother and the others are going to move here someday in the future?¡±

    Ye Shijie was surprised, Jiang Li was unexpectedly able to think up to this point. He said: ¡°After being stable here, perhaps they wille over.¡±

    ¡°There are advantages and disadvantages of moving over,¡± Jiang Li actively expressed her views: ¡°If you are able to establish a firm foothold in the capital, in the future the Ye family could be regarded as having prestige. If one or two of the Ye family¡¯s younger generation could serve as officials, the Ye family would be protected and be worry-free for a hundred years. However, moving to the capital would also incite some jealous people. The same way, the Ye family would also be in more danger.¡±

    Ye Shijie gazed at her strangely and said: ¡°You actually think so far ahead.¡± He was aware that it hadn¡¯t been long since Jiang Li returned to Yanjing. When Jiang Li was sent to the nunnery, Old Madam Ye was anxious and ill in bed. He still felt very happy. After all, Jiang Li really had no conscience.

    After eight years, she returned to the capital. Jiang Li appeared to be able to tell clearly the forces within Yanjing, and seemed as if she fully understood.

    Jiang Li smiled: ¡°In the end, I¡¯m a person from Yanjing.¡±

    Ye Shijie said disdainfully: ¡°Are the people from Yanjing more superior than others? Ridiculous.¡±

    Jiang Li knew that this elder cousin¡¯s hostility towards her wouldn¡¯t disappear so quickly and didn¡¯t take offense. She suddenly recalled something and asked: ¡°A rmendation is needed to enter the Imperial College, the Ye family doesn¡¯t have anyone sitting in a government official post. How did you enter?¡±

    Ye Shijie asked: ¡°What are you asking this for?¡±

    Jiang Li felt Ye Shijie¡¯s attitude was somewhat strange and immediately said: ¡°Merely curious.¡±

    ¡°The second son from the Right Minister¡¯s house gave the rmendation.¡± Ye Shijie finally still answered Jiang Li¡¯s question.

    ¡°Right Minister?¡± Jiang Li was puzzled, ¡°how does the Ye family have rtions with the Right Minister?¡±

    To say, the Right Minister was Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s sworn enemy in the imperial court. The Right Minister, Li Zhong Nan, suddenly emerged in the past few years. Supposedly, at that time, Li Zhong Nan was still someone that Jiang Yuan Bai promoted. But afterwards, unknown why, his power gradually grew bigger, nearly reaching the stage of being on par with Jiang Yuan Bai. It was toote for Jiang Yuan Bai to feel regret and could only stand opposite Li Zhong Nan.

    As a result, upon hearing Ye Shijie mentioned Li Zhong Nan, Jiang Li felt it was odd.

    ¡°Li Zhong Nan¡¯s second son, Li Lian, went to visit his family in the neighboring area of Xiangyang. He was schemed by people and got into awsuit. I inadvertently passed through and saved him in passing. Afterwards, he found out that I am a person from the Ye family and proposed to rmend me to attend the Imperial College.¡±

    For the Ye family, being able to enter the Imperial College was the same as having a meat pie falling from the sky. If Ye Shijie could take the opportunity while learning in the Imperial College to seek a government post, the significance of the Ye family would be very different. Thus Ye Shijie very frankly immediately epted Li Lian¡¯s proposal.

    Jiang Li listened to Ye Shijie and felt strange. Leaving other things aside, due to feeling grateful for Ye Shijie¡¯s help, Li Lian was determined to rmend Ye Shijie? Is Li Lian such a person who knows how to repay favor?

 Chapter 55 Part 2 - Received and Paid For

    <strong>Chapter 55 Part 2: Received and Paid For</strong>

    Jiang Li knew, at the beginning, when Shen Yu Rong became the proud top scorer, in order to understand the characters of his future colleague above him, he had exerted a bit of effort. The Right Minister, Li Zhong Nan, had two sons. The eldest son was a handsome and talented youth in everyone¡¯s mouth, but the second son, Li Lian, was clearly a hedonistic and evil son. Such a hedonistic son used paying a debt of gratitude as a cover, Jiang Li intuitively felt that something was fishy.

    Probably because she thought it was fishy, she tried to recall a bit deeper. Suddenly Jiang Li recalled, the person who was looking for trouble yesterday, Liu Zimin, was a part of Li Lian¡¯s pack of scoundrels. Moreover, he was on good terms with Li Lian.

    If Li Lian was really thinking of repaying Ye Shijie, it¡¯s not possible not to tell Ye Shijie¡¯s name to Liu Zimin. If Liu Zimin was aware that Ye Shijie and Li Lian had rtions, how would he dare to find trouble with Ye Shijie?

    Unless, Li Lian knew about Liu Zimin finding trouble with Ye Shijie, or even acquiesced, or perhaps it was him who incited the matter.

    But why did Li Lian want to do such a thing?

    Within a short time, Jiang Li had already guessed any possibilities she could think of.

    Ye Shijie didn¡¯t know what Jiang Li was thinking about. Seeing Jiang Li lost in thought, he asked: ¡°What are you thinking about?¡±

    ¡°Elder cousin,¡± Jiang Li said resolutely: ¡°Li Lian, this person¡¯s ways are not proper, his reputation in Yanjing is wrong. If you are thinking of bing an official, it¡¯s best for you not to have any rtion with him. Otherwise, you might be implicated in the future. If it¡¯s just you alone then consider it over, but if the Ye family is involved, the gains do not make up for the losses.¡±

    Ye Shijie had a solemn expression as he asked Jiang Li: ¡°Is there something that you know?¡±

    An intelligent youth, Jiang Li silently eximed in admiration. However, at present, she herself also wasn¡¯t clear on what Li Lian was trying to do, moreover it was not good to guess carelessly. She could only remind him tactfully: ¡°It¡¯s still unknown for now. But I think ording to Li Lian¡¯s temperament, he¡¯s absolutely not a person who knows how to repay favor. Therefore, him rmending you to enter the Imperial College may not necessarily be without other reasons. Elder cousin Ye, in the future, you are someone who has to take on the task of carrying the people of the Ye family. It¡¯s important for everything to be done cautiously. As for people like Li Lian, if you could keep away from them then keep away, okay?!¡±

    ¡°You.......¡±

    Not waiting for Ye Shijie to talk, Jiang Li spoke again: ¡°Liu Zimin and Li Lian are good friends. Yesterday you¡¯ve seen Liu Zimin¡¯s conduct. Birds of a feather flock together, think about it yourself.¡±

    Ye Shijie¡¯s eyes moved. Jiang Li knew he was listening to what she was implying.

    ¡°Then what about you?¡± Ye Shijie inquired: ¡°What are you trying to do? Although you said that yesterday you acted unintentionally, but our Ye family does business and pays most attention to not owing people. You helped me, what is the cost that you want me to pay? You want to repair the rtionship with the Ye family?¡±

    Tong¡¯er who was standing and serving by the side heard the entire conversation and couldn¡¯t wait to jump up. The Ye family¡¯s young master¡¯s words were really unpleasant to hear, as if Jiang Li was the same as those calcting merchants.

    ¡°How can I ask you to help me rebuild the rtionship with the Ye family?¡± Jiang Liughed carelessly and spread her hand out towards Ye Shijie.

    Ye Shijie looked at the jade-like lily-white outstretched hand in front of him, the fingers were pointed like scallions, tender and spotlessly white. However....... Ye Shijie could also see the calluses between her fingers.

    Ye Shijie stared nkly, he suddenly recalled that Jiang Li previously stayed in the nunnery for eight years. A period of eight years, after all she was a young girl, it was unknown how much suffering she had received. He originally had a sharp tongue but a soft heart, his speech was harsh but after seeing these, his heart unconsciously softened.

    He heard Jiang Li¡¯s not urgent or slow speech: ¡°Since elder cousin Ye said that I¡¯m trying to do something, if I insisted that I do not want anything, elder cousin Ye would feel uneasy. In that case, just give me.¡±

    ¡°Give what?¡± Ye Shijie frowned.

    ¡°¡±Silver ah.¡± Jiang Li spoke righteously: ¡°100 silver taels. The Ye family does business and should be familiar with this sentence, the goods are delivered and the bill is cleared.¡±

    Okay peopleee we¡¯reing with great news!! We are preparing a new novel for the blog and we are sooooo excited!! it¡¯s the one i wanted to do after finishing RP ( #unrealisticdreams) so you already know there¡¯s gonna be lots of fun; but also cuteness, Lime also liked it very much so you can be assured you¡¯ll enjoy it yes or yes! however, there¡¯s one issue...

    ...the title in the raws suck lmao (well it¡¯s a c-novel title so actually not that unexpected lol) so one crazy day we started to write many possible titles and we¡¯ve done a selection and now it¡¯s your turn to pick which title you¡¯d prefer for the novel (which catches the most your attention? the funniest? most romantic? most spoil-me-the-whole-novel-plot?) i hope you are just as much hyped for this as we are hehehehe ^_^

 Chapter 56 Part 1:

    Chapter 56 Part 1:

    When she came out of the teahouse, Jiang Li brought a banknote of 100 silver taels with her.

    Tong¡¯er followed closely by Jiang Li¡¯s side, wanting to say something but hesitated. Jiang Li saw her this way and said: ¡°Just say what you want to say.¡±

    ¡°Miss, even if youck silver, you can look for old madam, there¡¯s also master....... Why ask Young Master Ye? Although Young Master Ye is rted to you, he¡¯s after all still an outsider. If it¡¯s passed on outside.......¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not a person who speaks casually,¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°besides, taking his 100 taels can be considered as buying his peace of mind.¡±

    ¡°This servant doesn¡¯t understand.¡±

    ¡°Elder cousin Ye believed that my helping him yesterday was a conspiracy. Although we discussed it just now and the suspicion in his mind was somewhat dissolved, the previous misunderstanding is not that easy to disappear. As far as in regards to me, he wouldn¡¯tpletely be willing to ept, which is reasonable. Rather than causing his imagination to run wild, it¡¯s better to just take his silver and treat this thing as business. He would also feel much more relieved. At least he wouldn¡¯t carry a feeling of debt when interacting with me.¡±

    Tong¡¯er nodded thoughtfully. All of a sudden, she seemed to think of something and looked at Jiang Li: ¡°In the future, miss still wants to have further contact with the Ye family¡¯s young master?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°the difference of having a maternal family or not having a maternal family to rely on, you¡¯ve also seen how it was these days. Jiang You Yao is secure in the knowledge that she has a backing, but my power is very weak in the Jiang residence. Even though the Ye family is not an official family, it is not inferiorpared to the Ji family. On earth, silver is needed toe and go. The Ye family doesn¡¯tck these silver. Even if their position is somewhat weaker, Ye Shijie is currently preparing to enter officialdom. Just now, when I observed his speech and ability, he is not an ordinary person. When hees out, he would certainly lead the Ye family to prosperity.¡±

    ¡°So miss is thinking of renewing the rtionship with the Ye family,¡± Tong¡¯er understood after listening to Jiang Li. She then asked: ¡°Then why didn¡¯t miss mention this matter to Young Master Ye just now? Yesterday miss helped young master Ye, if today miss proposed for Young Master Ye to write a letter to Xiangyang and help to speak a few words for miss, Young Master Ye ought not refuse.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled: ¡°There¡¯s no need for me to mention, he would still talk about it.¡±

    Ye Shijie was still doubting her, so he would certainly write a letter to the Ye family in Xiangyang telling them the matter of running into her in Yanjing. Jiang Li wasn¡¯t worried that Ye Shijie would conceal this matter from the people in the Ye family. The tricky thing was, at that time the words the young Jiang second miss said towards the people of the Ye family was truly too hurtful. As long as they were still somewhat blood-rted, they wouldn¡¯t easily forget this matter. Wanting to rebuild their rtionship was actually really difficult.

    Jiang Li secretly sighed. The thing was already up to here, she could only walk step by step. If the rtionship with the Ye family could be reinstated like before, she could use the reason of visiting her rtives to return to Xiangyang.

    What happened to her father in the end, Xue Zhao¡¯s ashes still hadn¡¯t been taken back to their hometown, it wasn¡¯t just this matter. Who arranged things for her father afterwards?

    The distant water cannot quench the present thirst, she must return to Xiangyang as soon as possible.

    While thinking of these matters in her heart, Jiang Li arrived at Mingyi Hall.

 Chapter 56 Part 2 - Musician

    <strong>Chapter 56 Part 2: Musician</strong>

    The women at Mingyi Hall saw the master and servant arrive but didn¡¯t stop their discussions. Jiang Li faintly heard that they were talking about yesterday matter where she swept Liu Zimin¡¯s face in the middle of the street. Among the nobledies in Yanjing, the matter of taking initiatives in the middle of the street was hardly heard of. People usually would be in favor of the majority and wouldn¡¯t understand the minority. In their eyes, Jiang Li¡¯s action was shocking and going against the established practices. Therefore their gazes towards Jiang Li were as if they were looking at a strange kind and whether intentionally or otherwise, they isted Jiang Li.

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t mind in the slightest and walked towards her sitting position and sat down. Even today¡¯s Liu Xu was somewhat odd and actively greeted her.

    This was somewhat new. Jiang Li understood clearly in her heart that Liu Xu took care of her based on the task entrusted to her by Madam Liu. As for her inner self, Liu Xu might not necessarily like her. However today, for the first time Liu Xu took the initiative to acknowledge her, even her smile was sincere.

    Liu Xu blushed for a while then spoke to Jiang Li: ¡°Yesterday I saw the entire scene where you opposed Liu Zimin at the gate of the Imperial College.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Jiang Li smiled, ¡°I went a little overboard.¡± When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Since the nobledies here considered speaking out for justice was overstepping the bounds of what was proper, she wouldn¡¯t deliberately make her independence known.

    ¡°No, no, no,¡± Liu Xu spoke a few ¡°no¡¯s¡± in session then looked at Jiang Li earnestly while speaking: ¡°Liu Zimin¡¯s morality and conduct is wrong. In broad daylight he proceeded to ckmail and cheat. There were so many people in the crowd, only you dared to speak out the truth. Fearless, I truly admire you.¡±

    Jiang Li was a bit astonished.

    ¡°Previously I listened to the rumors outside and wasn¡¯t friendly with you. Now I already understood, it was me who was unclear in recognising people, nearly misunderstood a good person. Compared to those people who hid themselves among the crowd and enjoyed the scene, how much more brilliant were you since you dared to step forward and show your face.¡± She straightforwardly offered a simple salute to Jiang Li, ¡°I was wrong in the past, today I¡¯ll apologize. From now on, I won¡¯t act like that anymore.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled and said: ¡°You¡¯ve already treated me very well before.¡± Liu Xu was, in the end, Madam Liu¡¯s daughter. A very magnanimous girl with self awareness, a very good youngdy. Everyone likes a good girl, Jiang Li liked her very much.

    Seeing Jiang Li¡¯s smile which didn¡¯t mind in the slightest, Liu Xu couldn¡¯t help blushing. She said: ¡°Yesterday when you were discussing with Liu Zimin, you seemed to have researched how to appraise counterfeit articles. Can you teach me?¡±

    Jiang Li was a little dazed but immediately followed with: ¡°What¡¯s difficult about this, I can teach you.¡±

    There¡¯s once a time when Xue Huaiyuan was acting as the county deputy of Tongxiang that someone went to the yamen to file awsuit. It¡¯s a family buying painting and calligraphy in a shop selling authentic paintings and calligraphy. They told the government official that the items they bought were counterfeit articles. Those counterfeits,pared to the counterfeit brought by Liu Zimin yesterday, were much more superior, to the stage where it almost could be passed off as genuine articles. Both sides were at a standoff. Atst, someone invited a master who happened to be travelling to Tongxiang to help resolve this matter.

    At that time, Jiang Li was still young and just wanted to have fun. She hid within the ranks of the people in Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s team and went together with them. She was discovered afterwards and Xue Huaiyuan had to apologize but Jiang Li felt that it was fun. The master saw that she was adorable and lovely so taught her a few principles to distinguish the authenticity.

    A famous teacher trains a fine student. Jiang Li could be regarded as a half disciple of this master. Her level couldn¡¯t be said to be very good, but it couldn¡¯t be regarded as too bad. The counterfeit that Liu Zimin brought yesterday couldn¡¯t be regarded as superior. In addition, Jiang Li was fully aware of Liu Zimin¡¯s moral character. Thus, in a few words, she was able to make Liu Zimin give the game away.

    Right in the middle of discussing the keys to appreciating ancient paintings with Liu Xu, a teacher came in. Jiang Li raised her eyes and saw a slender woman in a lc long skirt with wide sleeves and narrow waist walking inside leisurely. This woman had delicate features, gentle and delightful. The young servant girl behind her held a guqin in her hands. It¡¯s the teacher teaching guqin.

    Compared to Ji Luo, this teacher seemed to have a much better temperament, extremely gentle.

    Jiang Li looked at her andughed in her heart. This woman could previously be considered her ¡°good friend¡±, the first female musician in the capital, Xiao De Yin.

 Chapter 57 Part 1 - Three Bets

    <strong>Chapter 57 Part 1: Three Bets</strong>

    Xiao De Yin entered Mingyi Hall and immediately started teaching. Jiang Li looked at her familiar figure and her train of thought flew far away.

    After Shen Yurong became the top scorer, Jiang Li also had several friendships with all the teachers at Mingyi Hall who taught the six arts. Beside Ji Luo who held a considerable hostility against her, the other teachers also had their own temperament. Among them, Xiao De Yin was actually the one who hit it off very well with Jiang Li.

    Because Xiao De Yin had the most gentle temperament, whenever Ji Luo targeted Jiang Li, Xiao De Yin would be the one who smoothed things over. Moreover, Jiang Li really appreciated Xiao De Yin¡¯s talent. Xiao De Yin, as the first musician in Yanjing, her skill in ying the seven note guqin was superb. Due to this skill, she was once nearly asked to enter the pce by the Empress Dowager. However, rather than bing a court musician, Xiao De Yin would rather be a minor teacher in Mingyi Hall.

    Jiang Li¡¯s skill in guqin was also extremely high. The two of them oftenpared notes, each one had the feeling of bosom friends of high mountain and running water.

    But it was precisely this intimate friend that never came even once to visit her after the matter of her engaging in illicit affair came out. Perhaps it was because Xiao De Yin cherished her reputation and wasn¡¯t willing to be associated with the she who didn¡¯t know honor and shame. However, by coincidence, Jiang Li recalled something. That day, mother Shen¡¯s birthday, Xiao De Yin was also among the ranks of people invited to dinner and was seated by Jiang Li¡¯s side. At that time, Xiao De Yin frequently urged her to drink and it was her who supported her to return to the room to rest. When she woke up, there¡¯s a major upheaval. Yet Xiao De Yin simply said that while she was supporting her halfway, her personal servant girl took over supporting her back.

    No other evidence could prove that Xiao De Yin was also participating in the matter during mother Shen¡¯s birthday, but Jiang Li¡¯s intuition informed her otherwise. Maybe Xiao De Yin was also involved. It¡¯s just that she truly couldn¡¯t understand what her reason was. Saying that she was bribed by Princess Yongning, Xiao De Yin even refused the opportunity to enter the pce and became the court¡¯s musician, proving that she really didn¡¯t covet riches and honor. But Xiao De Yin didn¡¯t have any grievances or animosity with her, so why did she take the side of the evildoer?

    It didn¡¯t matter if she currently couldn¡¯t think clearly. In any case, the present her was already in Mingyi Hall. If Xiao De Yin truly had a problem, she would expose clues.

    Furthermore, supposedly Xiao De Yi truly participated in the matter that happened during mother Shen¡¯s birthday, waiting for the day when the whole truth was revealed, she would be a superb witness.

    Jiang Li pondered slowly.

    From the beginning of ss, Jiang Li was pondering over other things. From other people¡¯s perspective, it was because she was ignorant and ipetent. On the contrary, Liu Xu had carefully reminded her with a few well-intentioned sentences. However, Jiang Li merely smiled and continued in her own way as before.

    When Xiao De Yin concluded her lesson, she also specially talked about the examination in a few days. Xiao De Yin spoke: ¡°The person who achieved the top score in the examination this year will attend the pce feast and receive the holy gift. For you, this was an excellent opportunity. If the emperor personally gifts something to you, your future prospects will be very favorable. I hope everyone can exert your utmost effort.¡±

    The emperor personally gave the gift! The females in Mingyi Hall immediately discussed excitedly.

    ¡°Simrly, if the performance of the examination was unreasonable, you won¡¯t see any light. I could be regarded to have a few years of teachers and students rtionships with everyone these few years, naturally I do not wish any one of you to be expelled from Mingyi Hall.¡± Xiao De Yin spoke: ¡°Therefore, everyone practices diligently in the remaining few days. These few days Mingyi Hall will have no sses, just wait for the next few days when the examination will take ce. Later, the detailed rules and regtions pertaining to the examinations will be pasted in front of the hall. Everyone remember to take a look.¡± Xiao De Yin had a smile on her face after she finished talking, immediately held her guqin and left without taking any look at Jiang Li.

    Jiang Li saw her being this way and a n formed in her heart.

    After Xiao De Yin left, the enthusiastic atmosphere in Mingyi Hall didn¡¯t disperse. Waiting until the children to finish pasting the rules and regtions of the examination, the females immediately went forward in twos or threes to take a look. Liu Xu pulled Jiang Li¡¯s sleeve, a hard to cover excitement in her eyes as she spoke: ¡°Let¡¯s go and see.¡±

    Jiang Li was unable to resist her and followed her to the front of the hall. Jiang You Yao and Meng Hong Jin were also already there. Liu Xu attentively looked at the rules and regtions and sighed: ¡°The top scorer of this year¡¯s examination will have really impressive scenery. If I could....... Even if just one, my father would inevitably be extremely happy.¡±

 Chapter 57 Part 2 - Three Bets

    <strong>Chapter 57 Part 2: Three Bets</strong>

    vitex nts / jingtiao nts

    Jiang Li looked at Liu Xu¡¯s lively chatter and also had a smile on her face as she said: ¡°Indeed, with the emperor¡¯s gift, the glory will be unlimited.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± A lofty voice suddenly interrupted, it was Meng Hong Jin. She nced at Jiang Li and said: ¡°Jiang second miss is also thinking of the fine gift given by the emperor? One really dares to wish. Look at this appearance, quite resembles that person whoes ahead to draw lots.¡±

    Liu Xu frowned: ¡°Meng Hong Jin, your speech is too mean.¡±

    Meng Hong Jin saw that it was Liu Xu and her eyebrows were immediately raised. Her father¡¯s position was lower than Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s, however, it was more than Liu Xu¡¯s. She immediately said: ¡°I thought who it was, as it turns out, it¡¯s Miss Liu. Why? Is this imitating Jiang second miss yesterday¡¯s ¡®speaking out for justice¡¯ on the street? Liu Xu, don¡¯t say that I dodn¡¯t remind you, you better think clearly with whom you y together with. Jiang second miss has a chief assistant father but you don¡¯t. It said that the Chengde Official, Mister Liu, has some troubles........¡±

    Liu Xu suddenly changed colors.

    Even though Jiang Li didn¡¯t know what happened to Liu Yuan Feng, she knew that Meng Hong Jing¡¯s words must not be empty talk. Otherwise Liu Xu wouldn¡¯t show such expression. Liu Xu clenched her teeth and said: ¡°Meng Hong Jin, you must not speak casually.......¡±

    ¡°If you want to say that I spoke casually, then so be it.¡± Meng Hong Jin smiledcently, ¡°I merely felt strange, why do you want to offend your fellow schoolmates for a person who¡¯s bound to leave Mingyi Hall?¡±

    ¡°Who said she¡¯s bound to leave Mingyi Hall?¡± Liu Xu¡¯s head was hot and she blurted out.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it so?¡± Meng Hong Jing opened her eyes wide and looked at the surrounding fellow students. Each and every girl that was there giggled while Jiang You Yao had an awkward look, as if she was really wishing to step forward to mediate but was utterly timid. Meng Hong Jing smiled tenderly and said: ¡°Do you dare to bet with me? Betting whether Jiang Li would leave Mingyi Hall after the examination. If you lose, kneel down in front of all the people in Mingyi Hall and apologize to me!¡±

    Liu Xu was stunned, followed by anger. She clenched her teeth without uttering a word. If she agreed, Jiang Li had just entered Mingyi Hall and would most likelyest. However, if she didn¡¯t agree, that was the same as hitting Jiang Li¡¯s face in pubic.

    There was no room to advance or retreat!

    Meng Hong Jin looked at her calctively. The surrounding people looked mockingly at Liu Xu, making it difficult for Liu Xu to move.

    Jiang Li looked at her and sighed in her heart. After all, Liu Xu was still a young girl and easy to enter other people¡¯s trap.

    Liu Xu struggled for a while, her eyes sweeping at Jiang Li. Seeing that Jiang Li just silently looked at her without any pleading in her eyes, she grinded her teeth. With a chaotic mind she immediately said: ¡°It¡¯s a bet then.......¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s bet.¡± Before she finished speaking, Jiang Li interrupted Liu Xu in the middle. She took over the conversation and said: ¡°No need of involving Liu Xu, I¡¯ll bet with you. If my examination resultse out and I have to leave Mingyi Hall, then I¡¯ll kneel down to apologize to you. On the other hand.......¡±

    ¡°Conversely, I¡¯ll apologize to you.¡± Meng Hong Jin was unable to contain her joy and spoke promptly.

    ¡°This can¡¯t be regarded as over like that.¡± Jiang Li faintlyughed: ¡°If I remain in Mingyi Hall, you kneel down to apologize to me. If my exam results are better than yours, you have to add one more thing, kneel down to apologize to me by the Imperial College¡¯s gate.¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Meng Hong Jin was angry.

    But Jiang Li was not done speaking yet and continued: ¡°If I not only have better results than you, but achieve the top score.......¡±

    ¡°You have to take your outer garment off at the gate of the Imperial College, carry a vitex nts and kneel as an apology to me!¡±

    [ ¾£Ìõ vitex/jingtiao nt . There¡¯s a story about a person carrying this nt on his naked back kneeling to apologize. In ancient China, this symbolized taking the initiative to admit mistake, apologize to others and ask for severe punishment.]

 Chapter 58 Part 1 - ccompany

    <strong>Chapter 58 Part 1: Apany</strong>

    Supposing that Jiang Li didn¡¯t scorest in the examination, Meng Hong Jing would have to kneel down and apologize to Jiang Li.

    Supposing that Jiang Li scored better than Meng Hong Jin in the examination, Meng Hong Jin would have to kneel down at the Imperial College¡¯s gate and apologize to Jiang Li.

    Supposing that Jiang Li not only scored better than Meng Hong Jin but better than the entire female students in Mingyi Hall, Meng Hong Jing had to bring vitex nts and kneel at the Imperial College¡¯s gate and apologize to Jiang Li.

    Three conditions, each one more shocking than the next. Three gambles, from one to the next, made the courage of others tremble!

    Mingyi Hall fell into a dreadful silence. Not only Meng Hong Jin who was dumbfounded, Jiang You Yao this passer-by, even Liu Xu were all dumbfounded. No one spoke, no one could say a word out.

    A momentter, Meng Hong Jin came out of her stupor and spoke with agitation: ¡°Jiang Li, you have such big guts!¡±

    ¡°My guts have always been big,¡± Jiang Li smiled indifferently, ¡°I just don¡¯t know what about your guts? Just now it looked really big, but now........ This gamble, can you afford the stake?¡±

    Meng Hong Jing gritted her teeth without saying a word. Jiang Li spoke so carefreely. Such a scary stake, but she said it without any fluctuation, as if it was just a piece of silver kind of gambling show. But unknowingly, their stake could be considered as very shocking. Whoever won, the losing party would have no face in the entire Yanjing, so much so that even the family¡¯s face would also be shamed.

    Jiang Li even went as far as mentioning the Imperial College.......

    The students attending the Imperial College were the handsome and talented youngsters in the whole of Yanjing. There was no shortage of noble children of the official families among them. Moreover, with nobledies such as them, perhaps their future husband was among this group. Losing face in front of the Imperial College was equal to losing face in front of their future husband. In the future, which youngster would marry someone who had been reduced to aughingstock. Jiang Li¡¯s intention was truly ruthless.

    Meng Hong Jin felt a short burst of coldness.

    ¡°If want to bet then just bet!¡± Each and every delicate youngdy standing behind Meng Hong Jin spoke disdainfully: ¡°Sister Hong Jin, quickly ept it. Jiang second miss is very confident in herself, but it¡¯s really too overconfident.¡±

    Liu Xu also came out of her daze and looked at Jiang Li with anxiety.

    Only then did Meng Hong Jin remember that when she to put this stake forward, naturally it was because from the start, she never thought that she would lose. It should be known that a female that had been staying in a nunnery for eight years, though there were scriptures that could help her practice writing, knowing how to read these scriptures was vastly different from the Confucian Six Arts. Calligraphy, Mathematics, Equestrian, Archery, Music, Rites and Etiquette, each one required long term practice. Without mentioning other things, it was very likely that this was the first time Jiang Li was in contact with these. Within such a short period of time, it was very difficult toprehend the basics of these subjects. In addition, the otherdies from Mingyi Hall had been studying for several years. If they really lost to Jiang Li, then it would be outrageous.

    Jiang Li was bound toest in the rankings. Those stakes she made were bound to be her own burial pit.

    With this thought, Meng Hong Jin raised her head and had a smile on her as she said: ¡°Since Jiang second miss has the spirit and courage, of course I would apany you till the end. Be as good as your word, today, all the sisters in Mingyi Hall are the witnesses. When the examination resultse out, Jiang second miss must not rely on your position as the youngdy of the chief assistant¡¯s house and say that it doesn¡¯t count ah.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± Jiang Liughed: ¡°I hope you also won¡¯t.¡±

    She had a calm expression, without any worry or fear. It dazzled Meng Hong Jin who immediately snorted coldly before she walked off.

 Chapter 58 Part 2 - Accompany

    <strong>Chapter 58 Part 2: Apany</strong>

    The audience all dispersed in groups of twos or threes while looking at Jiang Li with pity and contempt, as if they had already seen the ending where her face was lost. Jiang You Yao walked over, looked at Jiang Li and said: ¡°Second sister, why do you want topare with Miss Meng? Hong Jin is always in the top three in every examination in Mingyi Hall. This time you shing with her is really not a sensible act.¡±

    Jiang Li looked at her and said: ¡°ording to third sister¡¯s meaning, I should now find Meng Hong Jin and ask her to cancel the stake?¡±

    Jiang You Yao stiffened for a moment before she opened her mouth anxiously: ¡°But at present all the people at Mingyi Hall have witnessed it. Second sister, if you cancel the stake then other people would think that you are a sore loser and will implicate the reputation of our entire family.¡±

    Jiang Li spoke: ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, the stake must not be cancelled. Third sister also doesn¡¯t need to worry about me. I, this person, have always had excellent luck. If by any chance this time¡¯s luck is also good, then the bet will be won, right?¡±

    Jiang You Yao smiled: ¡°Then it¡¯s great.¡± Yet her tone waspletely unconvinced.

    After Jiang You Yao¡¯s departure, Liu Xu walked over. She looked at Jiang You Yao¡¯s back and spoke with contempt: ¡°Your third sister is clearly a person who hits a person that is down, waiting to look at you bing joke.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s somewhat stupid.¡± Jiang Liughed. Jiang You Yao wished to see her being thoroughly discredited and lost her face. But she never thought that both glory and loss were borne together. If she really lost and fulfilled the stake of kneeling down to Meng Hong Jin, the one losing face was the entire Jiang family. How could Jiang You Yao, as the daughter of the Jiang family, be singled out as still being good?

    Jiang You Yao didn¡¯t understand this principle, or perhaps, although she understood, she would rather suffer damage to herself as long as Jiang Li was humiliated. Just like Yun Shuang and Xiang Qiao.

    ¡°It¡¯s all because of me.¡± Liu Xu looked guiltily at Jiang Li, ¡°I was spurred by them just now. If it wasn¡¯t because of me, you wouldn¡¯t need to be this way.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not just for you.¡± Jiang Li appeased her, ¡°they are deliberately nitpicking. Even if it wasn¡¯t this matter, they would always make excuses to create trouble. Who has the mind to guard thieves for a thousand days? It¡¯s better to borrow this chance to deal with it once and for all.¡±

    ¡°But what should you do now?¡± Liu Xu said: ¡°I thought since you dare to agree to the bet, you ought to have some confidence. However, Mingyi Hall¡¯s 6 arts are really difficult. I won¡¯t conceal it from you, every year for the examination, I would have one or two subjects that fall behind. While you just returned to Yanjing.¡±

    ¡°Actually, I have a high retentive memory.¡± Jiang Li winked at her.

    Liu Xu stared nkly and nearly cried out in surprise: ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Of course it¡¯s a lie.¡± Jiang Liughed and patted her shoulder, ¡°but I¡¯m also not as hopeless as they thought. Don¡¯t worry about me, properly review your lessons. Just wait for the day after the examination when Meng Hong Jin kneels at the Imperial College¡¯s gate to apologize.¡±

    Liu Xu still wanted to say something but Jiang Li had changed the topic. Although she was still endlessly worried, seeing that Jiang Li still had a smile on her face, she didn¡¯t know why, but Liu Xu had an indescribable sense of relief. She was absolutely certain with Jiang Li¡¯s words.

    Perhaps she really had ways.

    Jiang Li smiled faintly inside. Nothing but a school examination. Meng Hong Jin¡¯s provocation had indeed made her somewhat impatient. However, there was another purpose attracting her. If she came first in the rankings, she could enter the pce to receive the emperor¡¯s gift.

    During the ce¡¯s night feast, the court¡¯s new upstart, the current official in the Ministry of Rites, Shen Yurong, should be present. There would also be Princess Yongning.

    She truly wanted to see these two people. Even if she couldn¡¯t do anything, even though at the moment she still couldn¡¯t kill the enemies with her own hands, even if she could only sit far away from them, it was okay to just see their faces.

    In this way, she was able to keep remembering the Xue family¡¯s miscarriage of justice at all times, the blood feud of close rtives.

    Could not forget, didn¡¯t dare to forget.

    Yess i¡¯m finally done with my exams, today i took what will probably be myst exams in many years! hehe i¡¯m so happy^^st week was hectic, i flied back home, studied like crazy and went to a concert i was dying for to go (yass it was super amazing zero regrets!) and now my life is a bit freer without exams so i hope to settle all the other things bit by bit and dedicate some more time to the blog, which i have left rather abandonated this past year...

    also, a reader asked if I could make the font size a bit bigger since it was a bit hard for them to read, so I increased it sincest week, thinking that this is actually for the benefit of all readers (im sure you all spend many hours a day in front of the phone and a bigger font size will make it easier on your eyes), did anyone notice? any feedback (hopefully positive)?

    good luck everyone writting their finals, you¡¯re almost there!

 Chapter 59 Part 1 - Watching A Play

    <strong>Chapter 59 Part 1: Watching A y</strong>

    Chengxuan envoy¡¯s noble miss, Meng Hong Jin¡¯s, and the Chief Assistant¡¯s daughter, Jiang Li¡¯s bet set off huge waves in Yanjing. Even in the most remote alley, in the crudest and tiniest tavern, every single person was discussing the recent novel affair. The people in the city discussed this matter enthusiastically.

    All the big and small gambling dens even started to set up bets. Whether young or old, they all want to bet.

    Inside Wang Xian Lou¡¯s usual ce, there were three people having tea.

    The schr wearing a green jacket looked at the continuous stream of people going through the doorway of the gambling alley across from them. He spoke with a smile: ¡°The bet is umon, attracting people to advance wave upon wave.¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s all one sided.¡± The soldier wearing armor, Kong Liu, shook his head and said: ¡°All these people are crazy. All of them bet that Chengxuan envoy¡¯s eldest miss will win. Not one person bet on Jiang second miss. Tsk tsk tsk, really unsightly.¡± He downed a cup of tea. Even the way he drank tea was free and easy, as if he was drinking wine. He patted the table and spoke grandly: ¡°I, this person, have the most pity for the fairer sex. I can¡¯t see other people bullying the weak. Wen Ji,¡± he beckoned to the bodyguard standing outside and fished out ten taels of silver from his bosom: ¡°Help me go downstairs and bet on Jiang second miss winning!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that as if you are upholding justice.¡± The schr in green rubbed his moustache. With all smiles he spoke: ¡°Half an hour ago you just spent 100 taels of silver to bet on Meng Hong Jin.¡±

    Hearing this, Wen Ji immediately looked on with contempt. He whispered, spent ten taels to bet on Jiang second miss, and spent 100 taels to bet on Miss Meng. Kong Liu was obviously ready to make profit and didn¡¯t want to suffer a loss. There¡¯s no difference between him and those people outside, yet he still wants to put on an act.

    Kong Liu was angered out of humiliation, looked at the green dressed schr and furiously said: ¡°The surname Lu, why are you so clear on my whereabouts?! Are you a mouse spirit?¡±

    Lu Ji, who was that schr in green, did not acknowledge Kong Liu¡¯s question. Instead, he looked at the person at the side and asked: ¡°What does the Duke think?¡±

    Ji Heng lifted his eyelidszily and swept a nce downstairs. He said: ¡°Not interested.¡±

    ¡°Not me saying,¡± Kong Liu said: ¡°Even though I admire Jiang second miss¡¯s courage in betting, that is still Ming Yi Hall¡¯s examination. Aiyo, at that time, my father also wanted to send me to Ming Yi Hall. Before touching the fricking great doorway, I was already driven out. Is Ming Yi Hall a ce where ordinary people could enter?¡± Kong Liu smacked his lips, ¡°in any case, that young miss of the Meng family has studied in Ming Yi Hall for a few years already, but Jiang second miss is just a neer. It¡¯s fine if she¡¯s just a neer, but the ce where Jiang second miss stayed before was a nunnery. No need to mention that the nunnery is a Buddhist nunnery, even if the incense burning in the temple was prosperous, can a Buddhist nun bepared to the teachersing out of the pce? If Jiang second miss could surpass the young miss of the Meng family, then it could be said to be meeting a ghost.¡±

    ¡°Beg to differ.¡± Lu Ji said: ¡°Since Jiang second miss dared to issue the stake, moreover three stakes, and the stake is raised one after another, then it must have substance and to some extent could be counted on Otherwise, why should she do more than is required and create trouble for herself.¡±

    ¡°You normally look smart, why do you be stupid at this time?¡± Kong Liu ridiculed: ¡°Jiang second miss said it like that, isn¡¯t the meaning the same as when we went to war and issued fierce words. Put out an imposing manner first before discussion! How could there be such deep ideas. All of you schrs, your thoughts are tooplicated!¡±

    Thest sentence made Lu Ji choke unnaturally. A long timeter, he spat a sentence: ¡°Cannot y music to a cow!¡±

    ¡°A rooster cannotmunicate with a duck.¡± Kong Liu retorted.

    Ji Heng supported his chin while feeling bored to death. Even if it¡¯s just a random posture, there¡¯s still a sense of beauty when he¡¯s the one making it.

    ¡°Master,¡± Lu Ji once again looked at Ji Heng, ¡°Ye Shijie¡¯s matter, because of Jiang second miss¡¯s interference, it ruined master¡¯s n. Although it¡¯s unknown if it was idental, Jiang second miss is not as brainless as the rumor says. This thing can be an opportunity. It¡¯s better to observe the changes quietly, the n for the Jiang family must not have any mistakes. Jiang second miss can be the starting point.¡±

 Chapter 59 Part 2 - Watching a Play

    <h4>Chapter 59 Part 2: Watching a y</h4>

    Kong Liu wondered: ¡°Jiang second miss isn¡¯t valued in the Jiang residence. How can this affect the Jiang family¡¯s decision?¡±

    Lu Ji calmly waited for the answer from the person opposite him.

    After some moments had passed, Ji Heng opened his mouth to speak: ¡°The Jiang family¡¯s drama hasn¡¯t started, no need to be anxious.¡± He waved his hand and Wen Ji stepped forward and bowed. Ji Heng said: ¡°Take 12,000 taels of silver, go to Yanjing¡¯s biggest gambling den.¡±

    Kong Liu¡¯s eyes brightened: ¡°You also n to take this opportunity to earn some money?¡±

    ¡°Have to see a y till the end,¡± Ji Heng softlyughed, ¡°Go, bet on Jiang second miss.¡±

    ......

    Yanjing was abuzz with the gamble between her and Meng Hong Jin, but Jiang Li didn¡¯t know at all. That¡¯s because from that day onwards, she stayed inside the Jiang residence ¡°peacefully preparing for examination¡±.

    However, as it concerned the reputation of the entire Jiang residence, this act of Jiang Li had be a major event when it was passed from outside to old madam Jiang and Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s ears.

    In Wan Feng Hall, old madam Jiang stared at Jiang Li. With a veryplicated gaze she asked: ¡°Girl Li, what do you actually want to do?¡±

    ¡°Mother, don¡¯t be angry.¡± Ji Shuran gently and cautiously spoke: ¡°After all, Li-er is still young and impulsive, only then could she have set up a bet with others.¡±

    ¡°Young,¡± Jiang Yuan Bai spoke coldly: ¡°Has already reached marriageable age. After a few days can talk about matchmaking already. But doing things still doesn¡¯t know how to advance or retreat!¡±

    Inside Wan Feng Hall, there¡¯s only the family from the main branch. Although this matter concerned the entire Jiang residence, the one who met with mishap was after all, Jiang Li.

    ¡°Perhaps second sister has a card up her sleeve.¡± Jiang You Yao unhesitatingly added oil to the fire, ¡°that¡¯s how she has the confidence to agree to Miss Meng¡¯s bet, even raising the stake.¡±

    It¡¯s fine if these words weren¡¯t said, but once it was mentioned, Jiang Yuan Bai was even more angry. In his entire life, he most despised the kind of person that were conceited and arrogant, especially those conceited and arrogant people with no strong points. The way he looked at Jiang Li turned even more condemning, ¡°I know that your writing is not bad, but if you think just because of this you could pass MingYi Hall¡¯s examination, you are gravely mistaken! Don¡¯t view the sky from the bottom of a well1. The people in the Jiang family attach importance to knowing oneself, you are not even aware of yourself but still dare to make the vain attempt of gambling. Do you know, the cost will not simply be your reputation for a lifetime, there¡¯s also my Jiang family¡¯s reputation. If you lose, the entire Jiang family will be criticized behind people¡¯s back!¡±

    Jiang Li looked extremely respectful with a suitable remorse on her face. However, she was actually absent-minded. Jiang Yuan Bai and the others believed that she was ignorant and didn¡¯t know the immensity of heaven and earth. After all they didn¡¯t know she was truly not the genuine Jiang second miss. In other ces, if a person was confronted with such a scene, would probably think this matter was iparably absurd.

    Jiang Li spoke submissively: ¡°Father, I made a mistake. I shouldn¡¯t have reacted in a moment of anger. But now the matter has already gone this far, the whole city is aware of it. It will make peopleugh if the bet is immediately cancelled. In any case, both scenarios will be other people¡¯s jokes, it will be better to strive hard to fight. There¡¯s still a trace of winning.¡±

    Everyone was stunned, nobody thought that Jiang Li would admit her mistake so readily. Moreover, the way she admitted her mistake was so good that Jiang Yuan Bai was unable to continue reprimanding her.

    Jiang Li was calm. She learned from Xue Zhao, ¡°admitting mistakes have to be frank and sincere, making mistakes have to move forward, not taking big steps back¡±. This kind of attitude was very useful.

    Anyway, a dead pig doesn¡¯t fear scalding water. In that case, they could only try as thest resort to save a hopeless situation.

 Chapter 60 Part 1 - Covering the Capital with Flowers

    <strong>Chapter 60 Part 1: Covering the Capital with Flowers</strong>

    The time she left Wan Feng Hall was earlier than what Jiang Li was anticipating.

    Tong¡¯er, who was burning with anxiety, was walking back and forth at the gate to Fang Fei Garden. Seeing the two, Jiang Li and Baixue, returning, she stared nkly for a while before speaking: ¡°Why is it so fast?¡±

    Jiang Li smiled: ¡°Yes ah, it¡¯s faster than I thought.¡±

    At first she thought the three branches would jointly nag for a while and didn¡¯t expect that it wouldn¡¯t take long. First, it¡¯s because Jiang Li acknowledged her mistake sincerely. Second, what¡¯s done couldn¡¯t be undone and the bet could not be cancelled now. Both old madam Jiang and Jiang Yuan Bai couldn¡¯te up with any solution, Ji Shuran and Jiang You Yao were looking forward to Jiang Li¡¯s scandal. In spite of everything, this matter was decided smoothly without a hitch.

    Jiang Yuan Bai was still thinking of looking for a teacher to properly teach Jiang Li in these few days, so as not to lose too ugly. But Jiang Li tactfully refused him. Jiang Li merely said that it¡¯s barely enough with only a few days and it¡¯s better for her to nurture her spirit.

    Jiang Yuan Bai probably felt that Jiang Li¡¯s head was blocked and gave a deep sigh before storming away in a huff. Jiang Li guess he probably went to think of other ways.

    After they entered the room, Tong¡¯er poured a cup of tea for Jiang Li and said: ¡°No matter what the result will be, even if miss loses, that is still an upright loss. It¡¯s more courageouspared with those who even dare not topete and retreat.¡±

    ¡°I think miss will not lose.¡± Baixue said seriously: ¡°Miss is a blessed person.¡±

    Jiang Li was amused by Baixue¡¯s words but felt sad afterughing. If she was a blessed person, she wouldn¡¯t have met Shen Yurong and caused harm to the Xue family and caused them to be ruined.

    She had only sat for a moment before Jiang Jing Rui turned up uninvited and full of joy. He should have just returned from outside and had not yet returned to his own courtyard as he was carrying a cage with a long-horned grasshopper inside. He immediately spoke when he saw Jiang Li: ¡°Jiang Li, you are so amazing. Now your bet is spread widely outside. My close pals all know that I have this cousin and really wanted to have a glimpse at your style.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not a famous courtesan from the brothel, what style is there to see?¡± Jiang Li said without any restraint.

    His tea had not yet gone down and Jiang Jing Rui almost coughed it out. He shouted: ¡°What words are you talking about! You are a girl, speak a bit more refinely! If eldest uncle heard these words, you¡¯d have to write 10,000 words of the family rules in the ancestral hall.¡±

    ¡°Okay, so what did youe here for?¡± Jiang Li asked.

    That strange feeling again rose up in Jiang Jing Rui¡¯s heart. He was clearly older than Jiang Li, but he often felt that he was like a younger brother. Jiang Li was like an adult who refused to amuse a child and endured with his willful temper.

    But today he wasn¡¯t here to make trouble. Jiang Jing Rui said: ¡°cough, cough, although the way you responded to the bet was very much like my style back then, this time, your deed was really too impetuous. A youngdy really kneels to apologize, in the future, do you still want to marry? You should have thought about it at that time. That Meng family¡¯s girl is not a good person, she was evidently waiting for you to fall into a pit.¡±

    ¡°Are you that certain that the one kneeling to apologize would be me?¡± asked Jiang Li.

    Jiang Jing Rui looked at her: ¡°I know you are unwilling to concede, unreconciled, but now is not the time to get peeved. I reckon eldest uncle is perhaps thinking of other ways so you won¡¯t lose too badly. I have some silver here.¡± Jiang Jing Rui took out three banknotes from his chest, ¡°Lend it to you. You use these silvers, go to Ming Yi Hall and take a look, see if anyone is willing to help you.¡±

    This was to let Jiang Li use silver to bribe her fellow students, to help her cheat.

    Jiang Li nced at the pitifully few banknotes in Jiang Jing Rui¡¯s hand and calmly opened her mouth: ¡°If you take out several tens of those banknotes, then perhaps that will be possible.¡±

 Chapter 60 Part 2 - Covering the Capital with Flowers

    <strong>Chapter 60 Part 2: Covering the Capital with Flowers</strong>

    ¡°Too little?¡± Jiang Jing Rui touched his nose. ¡°This is already everything that I possess. My mother doesn¡¯t usually give me much money, if you really need, I can still look for my older brother. But a few tens of banknotes is too difficult.¡±

    Jiang Li shook her head. The people who¡¯d entered Ming Yi Hall were daughters of government officials, how could theyck this bit of silver. Moreover, the current issue was not about silver. In Ming Yi Hall, apart from Liu Xu, practically all the people attending Ming Yi Hall were all enemies. Whoever helped Jiang Li would be the enemy of the entire Ming Yi hall. Except for Liu Xu, the silly girl, who would do such a thing?

    Furthermore, she would certainly lose very miserably. This was a fact that all the people in Yanjing had tacitly agreed to.

    ¡°Miss,¡± From the side, Tong¡¯er¡¯s eyes suddenly brightened: ¡°If talking about silver, young master Ye surely has a lot. How about we ask him?¡±

    Jiang Li was stumped for words while Jiang Jing Rui from the other side also reacted. He spoke excitedly, ¡°Not bad, that elder cousin of yours is a person from the Ye family, should not becking in silver. Didn¡¯t you just help him recently? If you look for him, he certainly won¡¯t refuse your request.¡±

    Tong¡¯er and Jiang Jing Rui simultaneously looked at Jiang Li. Jiang Li was silent for a while before she said: ¡°Let it go, he is also going to take part in the Imperial College¡¯s examination. At this time, being bothered with my affair is not a sensible thing to do.¡±

    If Jiang Li requested help from Ye Shijie at this time, Ye Shijie would look down on her. In addition, the matter between Ye Shijie and Li Lian had not been made clear. Jiang Li truly didn¡¯t wish to expose the good rtionship she had with Ye Shijie now.

    In fact, the best method was to pass the exam this time around. Ye Shijie amazed the world with a single brilliant feat while she equally became famous in one move. Whatever things happened afterwards, let nature take its course. When conditions are right, sess will follow naturally, it couldn¡¯t be better.

    Jiang Li said: ¡°The six arts, calligraphy, music, etiquette, mathematics, riding, and shooting. To get the top spot, it¡¯s best to be first in all of them.¡±

    Jiang Jing Rui said: ¡°What nonsense are you talking about?¡±

    Jiang Li calcted, calligraphy should be writing documents. It¡¯s something that she was good at since young. Music should be ying the guqin. In her previous life, her seven notes qin was about the same as Xiao Deyin, so it¡¯s not too difficult. Etiquette would be even simpler with her outstanding memory. Besides, she had gone through it before. Mathematics should be business calctions. There was no female in the house since she was young so she was the housekeeper and managed the household. Riding would be horse riding, she had also practiced this with Xue Zhao before and was apuded. Shooting would be archery, she had gone hunting, shot a sparrow and ate game.

    These things were once integrated into her life and became amon thing in everyday life. But at Ming Yi Hall, at Yanjing, these were ted with ayer of gold and became the nobledies¡¯ grand ¡°assignments¡±

    In her previous life, when she arrived at Yanjing she thought that she must not act ostentatiously and exercise restraint as much as possible. Still she received the reputation of the number one talented woman and the first beauty. In this lifetime, having the Jiang family¡¯s shield and an honorable identity, she was naturally secure in the knowledge that she had a backing.

    Covering the capital with flowers was just amon saying, but she nned to achieve that.

    This battle, she was sure to be famous in thisnd under heaven.

 Chapter 61 Part 1 - School Examination

    <strong>Chapter 61 Part 1: School Examination</strong>

    A period of ten days, to say it¡¯s fast, it¡¯s not that fast. To say it¡¯s slow, it¡¯s not that slow. It¡¯s actually a big matter to the people of Yanjing. First, it¡¯s the day of the Imperial College¡¯s examination, the moment when the talented and handsome youngsters revealed their outstanding talents. Second, it¡¯s also Ming Yi Hall¡¯s examination, where each official daughter revealed their remarkable ability.

    This event happens every year, however this year, apart from this, there¡¯s also a bigger amusement. It¡¯s precisely the bet between the chief assistant¡¯s noble daughter, Jiang second miss and Chengxuan envoy¡¯s di daughter, Miss Meng. Whoever loses, whoever needs to kneel down in public and apologizes. For many years, the capital had nevere across this kind of thing before, it¡¯s not a bit matter to watch the excitement, thus, from the official down to themoners, everyone waited to see the excitement.

    The majority of the crowd of people watching the excitement was inclined towards Meng Hong Jin. The cause was nothing else but whoever had any brain and eyes would not choose Jiang Li. Previously, Miss Meng¡¯s grades in Ming Yi Hall could be said to be exceptional. Also, Jiang second miss¡¯s sentence was unpleasant to hear, which was almost like a child that had just received instructions. Then what did she use to argue with people?

    There were also people going against the tide and insisted on supporting Jiang second miss. Everyone asked the cause and that person touched his chin and exposed a vulgar smile: ¡°If Jiang second miss obtained the top position, Miss Meng has to take off her outer garment and kneel to apologize at the door of the Imperial College. That Miss Meng is also someone from a noble family, able to see her taking off her outer garment is a treat to the eyes. Byparison, of course it¡¯s more worthwhile if Jiang second miss won. I¡¯ll pick Jiang second miss!¡±

    This reason was simply too low-ss and everyone readily spat, no longer taking any notice of him.

    Meng Hong Jing¡¯s carriage was steadily passing through the street and thements made of her by the people could be heard. She was extremely angry, but even more resentful at Jiang Li.

    Jiang Li¡¯s three bets, especially thest bet, were enthusiastically discussed by people. But unexpectedly, what was discussed in the mouths of the people was whether she, the honorable daughter, would take off her outer garment or not. Obviously it was something that would hurt the reputation. Old Master Meng was angry due to this and reprimanded her. When had Meng Hong Jing ever eaten such a big loss? The examination had not begun and she was already at a disadvantage.

    ¡°This time I must make her reputation hit rock bottom!¡± she swore.

    On the other side, Jiang family¡¯s carriage was also on the road towards Ming Yi Hall.

    This time around, for the first time, Jiang You Yao actually waited for Jiang Li. Although she still didn¡¯t ride on the same carriage together with Jiang Li, the two carriages were one after another. In the end, they left the residence together.

    Jiang Yuan Bai probably thought, what the eye didn¡¯t see, the heart didn¡¯t grieve over, he didn¡¯t even send them away. On the contrary, old madam Jiang sent a servant girl over to ry a few words to Jiang Li, telling Jiang Li to do their best and did not need to take things too heart, making Jiang Li somewhat astonished.

    Jiang Jing You and Jing Jing Rui would also be participating in the Imperial College¡¯s examination and had left the door early in the morning. Jiang Jing You and Jiang Li couldn¡¯t be said to be familiar with each other. With the style of Jiang Jing Rui, Jiang Li reckoned he merely went to the Imperial College¡¯s examination to show up and get the next position in the ranking.

    Jiang Li sat inside the carriage and thought of the kind of ranking Ye Shijie would achieve in this examination. If Ye shijie performed brilliantly, after the Imperial College¡¯s examination, it was possible that he would be promoted to a government official without needing to wait for next year¡¯s civil service examination. While being the top scorer was admittedly something to be proud of, however, going through the Imperial College¡¯s examination¡¯s path was even more steady. After all, in the past there were a lot of top scorers entering the court as officials, their careers were not necessarily broad.

    Except for Shen Yurong, he reaching his status today was not necessarily without the support of Princess Yongning.

    Thinking of Shen Yurong, Jiang Li¡¯s eyes turned somewhat gloomy.

    Tong¡¯er thought that Jiang Li was worried about today¡¯s examination and took out a block of honey dates with a flower pattern from inside the pastry box, broke it and handed it to Jiang Li. She consoled: ¡°Miss no need to worry, old madam already said not to take this time¡¯s examination seriously. What¡¯s more, old master will definitely arrange everything well. Remember, miss is the di daughter of the Jiang family, the honorable daughter of the chief assistant. Nobody dares to pressure you.¡±

    In other words, even if Jiang Li lost, she could refuse to acknowledge that she had lost and did not need to fulfill her part of the bet.

 Chapter 61 Part 2: - School Examination

    <strong>Chapter 61 Part 2: School Examination</strong>

    Jiang Li took the piece of broken date flower cake and smiled while rubbing Tong¡¯er¡¯s head. Tong¡¯er was still too naive. Leaving aside whether this matter would be able to be talked through, that Chengxuan official, Meng Hong Jin¡¯s father, Master Meng¡¯s rtionship with the Right Prime Minister Li family didn¡¯t seem to be shallow. The implication of having a rtionship with the Right Prime Minister meant that he was the Jiang family¡¯s enemy. How could the Meng family let go of such an opportunity? If Jiang Li lost, naturally Jiang Yuan Bai could use his power to press everything down. However, the Meng family would certainly use thister, cing Jiang Yuan Bai in a difficult position in the court.

    For either the Meng family or the Jiang family, this wasn¡¯t merely two misses ying a fierce war in a bet. The deep meaning and reputation behind this was more serious than the wager itself.

    ¡°I know.¡± Jiang Li bit the piece of broken date flower date. The sweet taste made her smile turn a little bit sweeter, ¡°I¡¯ll try my best.¡±

    By the time they reached the gate of Ming Yi Hall, many people had arrived outside the examination room. Seeing Jiang Lie, they all seized her up and down and broke out in bursts ofughter from time to time. Without thinking it¡¯s obvious that they were mocking her.

    Of the six arts that the school would test on, calligraphy, mathematics and etiquette were done through test papers in the examination room and the results would be published five dayster. Following that was archery, riding as well as music. They would all be carried out in the public examination ce at Ming Yi Hall. The results would be known on the spot.

    Therefore, the examinations held by Ming Yi Hall were considered to be totally fair and just, without the least bit of private concealment.

    Meng Hong Jin saw Jiang Li, smiled and stepped forward, then pretended to let out a relieved breath: ¡°Jiang second miss came sote, I still thought you didn¡¯t dare toe.¡±

    ¡°How is that possible?¡± Jiang Li chuckled, ¡°I didn¡¯t take the bet with Miss Meng to heart.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Meng Hong Jin smiled ferociously, ¡°I wish Jiang second miss would have good results and live up to expectation.¡±

    ¡°Live up to expectation¡± Meng Hong Jin emphasized these four words heavily. Everyone knew Jiang Li certainly did not ¡°enjoy the general support¡±.

    Jiang Li nodded her head with a smile, as if not taking Meng Hong Jin¡¯s words seriously. Together with Jiang Yu¡¯e, Jiang You Yao stepped forward and anxiously looked at Jiang Li and said: ¡°Second sister, these few days, you didn¡¯t practice at home. Today....... Don¡¯t bring difficulty to yourself.¡±

    Didn¡¯t even practice at home, the surrounding people sneered. Then Jiang Li even had no good face. So much so that someone impatiently wanted to see how miserable Jiang Li¡¯s condition would be when she lost.

    Jiang Li smiled: ¡°Third sister actually practiced everyday. I wish today¡¯s examination could live up to third sister¡¯s painstaking efforts these few days and could gain something back to some extent.¡±

    ¡°Thanks to second sister¡¯s beautiful words.¡± Jiang You Yao couldn¡¯t help producing a sweet smile. She was proud of herself, in the examination this time, Ji Shuran had spent a lot of energy and mind to nurture her.

    Precisely to be under a thousand eyes, using Jiang Li¡¯s vulgarity to set off her own talent. As far as she was concerned, she just needed to step on Jiang Li to pave a way for herself. Jiang You Yao felt that this was something to look forward to.

    Everyone exchanged a few sentences and soon the time arrived. Everyone entered the examination room and sat upright in their respective chairs, waiting for the supervisor toe in.

    It was like a war where they would be called kings if they won and bandits if they lost.

 Chapter 62 Part 1 - Top of The List

    <strong>Chapter 62 Part 1: Top of The List</strong>

    Sometimes I feel all these people insist on their own views. Not considering why others acted the way they did and just delude themselves into thinking what they want to think. This really lead to their own downfall *sigh*

    Calligraphy, Mathematics, Etiquette. ording to Jiang Li, they were very easy.

    The school in Tongxiang wasn¡¯t as wealthy and beautiful as Ming Yi Hall, but it was not at all shallow. On the contrary, Jiang Li believed that in terms of learning, the rich had their own noble way of learning, while themon people also had theirmoner way of learning. Although there wasn¡¯t any teacher from the pce personally instructing them, Jiang Li thought under Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s attentive teaching, she could be considered not too bad. Moreover, Xue Huaiyuan was never stingy and let her see the vast sky and freedom, causing her to be even more far-sighted than most men.

    Otherwise, when she was staying in Yanjing, aside from being the first beauty, she wouldn¡¯t have the name of the first talented girl.

    Pondered, put the pen to paper, finished writing, as if it was something that could be done in one go. Once more, taking off the chain of being ¡°madam of the top scorer¡±, perhaps due to being dead once, she was even more open-minded. Jiang Li wrote even more smoothly and easily. The supervisor patrolling inside the room was astonished upon seeing her put her pen to paper as if possessed, with hardly any pause.

    Time quickly passed by and the three exams were over. The supervisor carefully collected the scrolls of paper away, exhorted a few important matters repeatedly before immediately departed. What¡¯s left was to wait for the announcement five dayster to find out the results.

    Jiang Li left Ming Yi Hall¡¯s outer garden and Jiang You Yao immediately chased after her. From far away she asked: ¡°Second sister, what do you think?¡±

    ¡°Not bad.¡± Jiang Li replied with a smile.

    ¡°Second sister does not have to force it.¡± Jiang Yu¡¯e took the opportunity to taunt Jiang Li, ¡°second sister must be racking your brain in today¡¯s exam, extremely tired. Use these few days to have a good rest in the residence. Wait for the day the notice is put up, us younger sisters will together help you to take a look.¡±

    ¡°Then thank you for your trouble.¡± Jiang Li nodded.

    Seeing that Jiang Li wasn¡¯t angry at all and there wasn¡¯t any panic or weariness on her, both Jiang You Yao and Jiang Yu¡¯e were annoyed. But in a sh they thought, perhaps Jiang Li pretended to look happy and they were once again in a cheerful mood.

    Meng Hong Jin stood by the gate. After the examination was over, she felt that she had done pretty well. She looked at Jiang Li with a provocative smile and said: ¡°Jiang second miss, don¡¯t forget our wager. The day the notice is put up, all of us wille to Ming Yi Hall¡¯s gate. When the momentes, don¡¯t make excuses and be unwilling toe. Then it will be considered as going back on your word and will certainly be ridiculed by others.¡±

    ¡°Right back at you.¡± Jiang Li remained calm.

    ¡°Meng Hong Jing snorted coldly and walked away. Liu Lu looked worriedly at Jiang Li and asked: ¡°Just now... did you feel it was difficult?¡±

    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t believe me if I said it wasn¡¯t hard.¡± Jiang Li patted her hand, ¡°no need to worry, just rest easily in the following few days. I¡¯ll see you again in five days, okay?¡±

    She smiled and walked further away with Tong¡¯er and Baixue.

    When they came close to the carriage, Jiang Li saw Ye Shijie standing far away at the Imperial College¡¯s gate talking to the person beside him. Looking at his carefree appearance, he must have done pretty well. Baixue asked: ¡°Does miss want to go and greet elder master Ye?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need.¡± Jiang Li smiled slightly, ¡°there are many people and many different eyes looking. We¡¯ll meet on the day the notice is put up.¡±

    When Jiang Li returned to the Jiang residence, Jiang Jing Rui again came to Fang Fei Garden to bother and annoyingly asked Jiang Li how today¡¯s battle went. After sending him away with great difficulty, Ji Shuran also dispatched someone to send fruits, saying that they were to relieve tiredness.

    The following few days passed with tranquility within the Jiang residence. Old madam Jiang and Jiang Yuan Bai didn¡¯t ask Jiang Li anything about the examination, probably deliberately avoiding this subject. All day long, Jiang Jing Rui was anxious that Jiang Li was going to be thoroughly humiliated at the gate of Ming Yi Hall. Yet Jiang Li wasn¡¯t worried and passed her days leisurely and carefreely, appearing absolutely not anxious about the bet with Meng Hong Jin.

 Chapter 62 Part 2 - Top of The List

    <strong>Chapter 62 Part 2: Top of The List</strong>

    One day, two days, three days, four days, five days. Atst it was the morning of the fifth day. Surprisingly, all the gambling dens in the city opened their doors early in the morning to wee customers. The continuous stream of gamblers crowded the gambling dens¡¯ doors, making them imprable. In addition, the tea shops and restaurants were also exceptionally bustling with excitement today and every seat was taken by guests. Even those shabby, tiny taverns that usually had no visitors during the day were jam-packed with diners.

    What the people were discussing enthusiastically about was precisely the notice that would be put up today.

    ¡°In the Imperial College¡¯s notice of sessful examinees today, don¡¯t know how many handsome and talented youngsters will fill Yanjing this year.¡±

    ¡°Ming Yi Hall will also put out their notice today. Many of the noble misses are talented and good-looking. Who would carry the best reputation this year?¡±

    The most talked about were still ¡°Meng Hong Jin¡± and ¡°Jiang Li¡±, these two names.

    ¡°In my opinion, the best thing to see today is Ming Yi Hall¡¯s notice. Everyone, let¡¯s not forget, before the examination, the youngdy from Chengxuan envoy¡¯s residence and the noble daughter from the chief assistant¡¯s house have made a bet. Whoever loses has to kneel at Ming Yi Hall¡¯s gate and apologize. What Imperial College¡¯s gifted schrs and Ming Yi Hall¡¯s talented girls, they both don¡¯t have the excitement of this wager. Don¡¯t you think so?¡±

    Everyone toasted in agreement. Someone shook their head and said: ¡°The chief assistant is pitiful. This time, the peaceful house of the chief of the court official is implicated by this malicious daughter and reduced to aughingstock.¡±

    ¡°Sad, sad.¡± Another person followed with a sigh.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t there still a third miss in the chief assistant¡¯s house? That third miss is worthy of being a daughter of a noble house. Master Jiang couldn¡¯t be counted as totally embarrassed.¡±

    ¡°Let me state the difference, the birth mother of Jiang third miss is the youngdy from Vice Imperial Censor Ji¡¯s family, educated and intelligent. While the birth mother of Jiang second miss was just a merchant. So to speak, marry a virtuous wife from the same status. You see how a daughter from a merchant¡¯s family turned out to be, the daughter she gave birth to is also not proper to be seen.......¡±

    At this moment, Ye Shijie was sitting among the guests downstairs in Yanjing¡¯s biggest restaurant, Wang Xian Lou. His ears were buzzing with thements made by the people on this matter. Hearing ¡°a merchant¡±, Ye Shijie clenched his fists.

    A close friend beside him asked: ¡°Looking at the time, the notice should have been put out. Why is there still no movement?¡±

    He just finished speaking and immediately saw the crowd near the window suddenly made some noise. Someone said: ¡°Coming,ing!¡±

    The man who posted the long-awaited list came.

    The people waiting outside cheered and surrounded him at once but the imperial bodyguards kept the crowd back. After the red list of names were posted on a prominent wall and the man posting it had left, the impatient crowd immediately moved like the wind and encircled it.

    Some people couldn¡¯t squeeze in, their heads could be seen bouncing outside, trying in vain to see. From time to time they asked the people inside: ¡°Have you seen it? Who¡¯s at the top of the list?¡±

    There¡¯s an uproar outside, Ye Shijie, this name was too unfamiliar, apparently not belonging to any of the capital¡¯s official families.

    ¡°What about Ming Yi Hall?¡± In the middle of the chaos, some people were more concerned about other things and asked: ¡°Who upies Ming Yi Hall¡¯s top position?¡±

    A young man acting just like a microphone lengthened his voice and said: ¡°The top position at Ming Yi Hall is, is ¡ª¡ª¡± His voice abruptly stopped and was reced the sound of a long, cold breath sucked in.

    The surrounding crowd became increasingly anxious and their heart itched. They urged and scolded: ¡°Quickly ah, why the suspense, in the end who is it?¡±

    The young man was shoved a few times before he came out of his daze. He turned around in a bad mood and spat out a name.

    ¡°Jiang Li!¡±

    Jiang Li?!

    The crowd exploded.

 Chapter 63 Part 1 - Good News

    <strong>Chapter 63 Part 1: Good News</strong>

    In Wang Xian Lou, Ye Shijie waited for the news together with a friend. Though he tried his utmost to control himself, his face still showed a trace of anxiety in the end. Looking at the noisy scene outside, he had no choice but to wait for the crowd to disperse before the person bringing the news came.

    From inside the crowd of people surrounding the posted notice, a person bearing news took the lead and ran out. Right outside, he spoke to another person, it should be the results. The people near the windows in Wang Xian Lou immediately shouted and urged the person who had seen the results to quickly return.

    On the wine table close to Ye Shijie, a person left first. Soon afterwards, he ran in from outside so anxiously that he nearly tumbled. He hardly ran inside before he was surrounded by the people. Everyone asked: ¡°Who ah, who¡¯s at the top of the list in this examination?¡±

    ¡°The Imperial College¡¯s top of the list is Ye Shijie.¡± That person had barely stood firmly and he let out long breaths and said: ¡°Second ce is the eldest young master from the Right Minister residence, Li Jing. The third ce is Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s heir, Zhou Yan Bang!¡±

    The crowd was immediately bustling with noise.

    ¡°Who is Ye Shijie? Never heard of this name before, is it a new student of the Imperial College?¡±

    ¡°Unexpectedly, this time the eldest young master of the Right Minister isn¡¯t the best, really surprising.!

    ¡°I thought Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s heir would ce second this time, didn¡¯t expect him to be in third ce.¡±

    ¡°So in the end, who is Ye Shijie? Do you know this person?¡±

    While the people around were discussing spiritedly, Ye Shijie¡¯s friend was pressing Ye Shijie¡¯s shoulders excitedly: ¡°Shijie, did you hear? You are the first!¡±

    ¡°I heard.¡± Ye Shijie maintained his calm on the surface when in fact, his heart had long ago moved excitedly. Just like the people in the restaurants, in Yanjing city, even in the Imperial College, his name was unfamiliar. This time he brought the glorious Ye family¡¯s intention, came to the Imperial College and atst, good things came to those who waited. The Imperial College¡¯s first ce, could be directly conferred a government official title. As long as there¡¯s an official position, the Ye family was no longer amoner. They would no longer be bullied without the ability to defend themselves. The Ye family would be more prosperous.

    But, he was still concerned about another matter.

    Someone asked from the side: ¡°The rankings of the Imperial College are now known. How about Ming Yi Hall? Who is ced at the top of the list from Ming Yi Hall?¡±

    The person in the middle of the crowd was stunned for a while and suddenly turned silent.

    Being silent like this in the middle of the bustling noise of the restaurant really made the people bbergasted. The crowd also gradually calmed down, the people looked at each other in dismay, not knowing what¡¯s up with this person. Someone couldn¡¯t help opening his mouth: ¡°What¡¯s the result actually? Quickly say it ah!¡±

    That person hesitated for a moment before saying: ¡°Ming Yi Hall¡¯s rankings, the Jiang family¡¯s fifth miss, Jiang Yu¡¯e, is ranked third, Chengxuan envoy¡¯s daughter, Meng Hong Jin, is ranked second.¡±

    When he said ¡°Meng Hong Jin is ranked second¡±, the crowd sighed. The bet between Jiang Li and Meng Hong Jin was known by everyone. Since Meng Hong Jin got the second ce, Jiang Li¡¯s wager where she wanted Meng Hong Jin to kneel down and apologize at the gate of the Imperial College was impossible. Then they only needed to see whether Jiang second miss would rankst. If she did, then she would be totally lost.

    Ye Shijie secretly clenched his fists tightly. He didn¡¯t know why but he was actually worried about Jiang Li¡¯s fate.

    ¡°The top of the list is.......¡± The person who was listing the rankings suddenly paused for a moment. Under the pressure of the many eyes, he finally spoke the final name.

    ¡°Chief Assistant¡¯s daughter Jiang second miss, Jiang Li.¡±

    Jiang Li!

    Ye Shijie¡¯s friend was so shocked he almost overturned his ss. He picked his ears, ¡°Did I mishear, Shijie? He said Jiang Li is at the top of the list?!¡±

    Ye Shijie also suspected that there¡¯s a problem with his ears, or possibly he was in a dream.

    As soon as the man finished speaking, the crowd was suddenly aroused. They rained curses: ¡°Is there something wrong with your eyes or are you blind? Maybe you are illiterate, that¡¯s how you speak of such delusion?¡±

    That person argued justly. With a red face he bellowed, ¡°I didn¡¯t speak nonsense, Jiang second miss is at the top of the list!¡±

 Chapter 63 Part 2 - Good News

    <strong>Chapter 63 Part 2: Good News</strong>

    ¡°Pah,¡± a middle-aged man spat to the ground and said loudly: ¡°Supposed that Jiang second miss is really at the top of the list, I¡¯ll eat that pile-up horse dung at the door!¡±

    Everyone collectively looked towards the door. In the stable, a tall horse the color of red jujube was in the middle of swinging its tail. Sensing everyone¡¯s gazes, the horse doubtfully looked inside the restaurant and raised its front hooves.

    ¡°You don¡¯t believe it, then go ahead and see it yourself!¡± That person had kindly provided everyone with the list of rankings and didn¡¯t expect to be insulted in turn. He stood on a stool and spoke angrily.

    ¡°We¡¯ll see then!¡± A big man carrying a knife said: ¡°Look at your stupid and illiterate self.¡±

    He just finished speaking, and another diner ran inside the restaurant through the door. He was probably also a person from the restaurant who went to see the notice. Compared to the previous person, he was more straightforward and didn¡¯t pique the crowd¡¯s curiosity at all. Once he entered the door, as if he was bringing huge news, he roared: ¡°Amazing, Ming Yi Hall¡¯s examination rankings havee out. At the top of the list is the Jiang family¡¯s second miss, Jiang Li. This time the Meng family¡¯s miss has to humbly offer her apology and her reputation will fall to the bottom!¡±

    With this sentence, the crowd fell into absolute silence.

    The person who was doubted before jumped down from the stool he was standing at and snorted coldly: ¡°You should believe it now.¡± He straightened his clothes and walked away in a huff, leaving behind a pile of dumbstruck onlookers.

    Ye Shijie looked at the chaos in front of his eyes. Originally he should be frowning, but unknowingly, he couldn¡¯t help smiling.

    .......It was also quiet today inside the Jiang residence.

    Inside Wang Feng Hall, Ji Shuran was in the middle of having a chat with old madam Jiang. Jiang Bing Ji was sitting on one side eating pastries, Jiang You Yao and Jiang Yu¡¯e were sitting in another position while Jiang Yuyan was lowering her head to embroider a handkerchief.

    ¡°In a while the person who takes note of the examination list wille back.¡± Ji Shuran held her upper tummy and smiled: ¡°I¡¯m rather nervous.¡±

    ¡°Elder sister-inw has nothing to be nervous about.¡± Lu-shi immediately smiled after: ¡°Your You Yao has nothing to be worried about. Unlike our second branch, Jing You is not a study material, Jing Rui....... If he didn¡¯t give me a pile of troubles, the world would be peaceful already.¡±

    Jiang Jing Rui and Jiang Jing You also participated in the Imperial College¡¯s examination. However, in the examination year after year, the two brothers were just like that. Jiang Jing You¡¯s grades are mediocre, Jiang Jing Ruiesst in the rankings. Lu-shi no longer carries any hope.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e listened to their conversation and pursed her lips into a smile. Today she followed Jiang You Yao to Wan Feng Hall together precisely to wait for the person looking at the list to say the rankings so she could get old madam Jiang¡¯s praise. Let the people in the Jiang family see her talent and intelligence.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t the second sistere together?¡± Jiang Yu¡¯e said: ¡°When I came over, I let someone call her toe together.¡±

    ¡°I heard second sister is making tea in her courtyard, saying that she is not interested in the list.¡± Jiang You Yaoughed generously, ¡°second sister doesn¡¯t wish toe, in that case don¡¯t force her to.¡±

    In everyone¡¯s ears, naturally what was ringing was the wager between Jiang Li and Meng Hong Jin. Today three out of the six results came out, the overall situation was already half decided. It could be presumed that Jiang Li wouldest. If Jiang Li lost, she would have to pay a huge price. As far as Jiang Li was concerned, naturally she wasn¡¯t willing to see it with her own eyes.

    ¡°Wait for the result toe out, I¡¯ll go over to tell her.¡± Ji Shuran smiled gently.

    Old madam Jiang kept quiet.

    As she was speaking, Zhenzu lifted the screen and said: ¡°old madam, the person who went to check the results hase back.¡±

    ¡°Come in.¡±

    The person who went to see the result was the Jiang residence¡¯s young male servant. He first gave courtesy to the masters before speaking: ¡°From the four misses who went to participate in the examination, third miss is in fourth ce, fourth miss is in 17th ce and fifth miss is in third ce.¡±

    When Jiang You Yao first heard that she was in fourth ce, she was still pleased. But upon hearing that Jiang Yu¡¯e got third ce, she lowered her head, and her heart immediately felt extremely unhappy.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e restrained the ecstasy in her heart and looked at the young male servant to ask: ¡°Don¡¯t know which ce did my second sister get?¡±

    That young male servant took out a rolled transcript of the list of rankings from his bosom and handed it to old madam Jiang. The corners of his mouth drew back, exposing a wide smile, his mouth said.

    ¡°Second miss¡¯s name is first, the best in this examination. Congrattions old madam!¡±

 Chapter 64 Part 1:

    Chapter 64 Part 1:

    ¡°Second miss¡¯s name is first, the best in this examination. Congrattions old madam!¡±

    The smile on Ji Shuran¡¯s face stiffened.

    Jiang You Yao opened her mouth to speak, unable to endure and blurted out: ¡°What did you say?¡±

    Her voice was somewhat piercing and was panic-stricken.

    ¡°Probably misheard.¡± Jiang Yu¡¯e felt unbelievable from the bottom of her heart and shook her head. As if by doing this she could persuade herself and said: ¡°You¡¯ve certainly misheard.......¡±

    It¡¯s still Lu-shi who first reacted. Her smile immediately bloomed and she said: ¡°If I didn¡¯t hear wrongly just now, Li-er is ranked first?¡± She shot a nce at Ji Shuran¡¯s frozen smile, a slight glee shed in her heart.

    Since an earlier time, she was already rather dissatisfied with Ji Shuran. Ji Shuran relied on the Vice Imperial Censor, Ji Yan Lin¡¯s promotion the past years and her weight had increasingly be bigger. Lu-shi was originally a proud person and couldn¡¯t stand Ji Shuran. Moreover, in every year¡¯s examination, Jiang You Yao¡¯s achievements became better which in turn made the two sons from the second branch seem mediocre. Nowadays, a Jiang Li came out, covering the sky with her attack, ferociously pressing down Ji Shuran¡¯s might. Naturally Lu-shi was d to see it happen.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect Li-er to be someone with ability.¡± Without hesitation, Lu-shi inserted a knife into Ji Shuran, ¡°it¡¯s only been a while since she attends Ming Yi Hall and seemingly hasn¡¯t learned all these before. In my opinion, she deserves to be called elder brother¡¯s biological daughter, both have such remarkable literary talent, innately clever ah.....¡±

    Everytime she spoke a sentence, the bitter resentment in Jiang You Yao¡¯s heart increased. The anger from being surpassed by Jiang Yu¡¯e, had now beenpletely shifted to Jiang Li. Jiang Yu¡¯e is fine, but what could Jiang Li be considered as? She has just attended Ming Yi hall for a few days and couldn¡¯t bepared with the people. Might as well say she is no better than rubbish?

    At this moment, Jiang Yu¡¯e was also squeezing the handkerchief in her hand tightly. Just now her whole heart was still delighted, but now her head felt as if it had been poured with ice cold water. A bone chilling cold that prated her bone marrow in the middle of summer, making her fingertips feel slight chills. Aside from this, there¡¯s still a deep-rooted unwillingness.

    The only thing she was proud of, the only thing that put Jiang Li under her feet, now is no more! Why?!

    Old madam Jiang merely nced and understood, taking each person¡¯s appearance and manner in her sight. She said indifferently: ¡°You see the results clearly, whether the second girl is really at the top of the list?¡±

    ¡°Indeed,¡± that young servant said: ¡°Old madam, please see the transcribed red notice. Second miss¡¯s calligraphy, mathematics and etiquette, each onees first, there¡¯s no need to doubt her being at the top of the list!¡±

    Jiang You Yao¡¯s body became soft and almost slid down.

    ......

    In Fang Fei Garden, Jiang Li was in the middle of watching Li-er looking after the nts and flowers.

    ¡°You are really not going?¡± Jiang Jing Rui was sitting on a chair, drinking tea while couldn¡¯t help urging Jiang Li: ¡°You still have time to run away, at most people will mock you for going back on your words. If you really wait,ter when you want to escape, you won¡¯t be able to escape anymore. Kneeling down and apologizing to Meng Hong Jin, you could be said to be ruined in this lifetime. In my opinion, anyway you are not a gentleman. Moreover, being a gentleman would also need to look at the situation. While the green hillsst, there¡¯ll be wood to burn1, why should you make things difficult for yourself?¡±

    Don¡¯t be fooled by Jiang Jing Rui¡¯s hedonistic appearance, he was meticulous when talking about this principle to soothe people that Jiang Li was almost persuaded by him. However, she merely nced at him and said: ¡°That is silver needle tea from Hunan, I only boiled a pot today. You are like a cow chewing on a peony2, next time don¡¯te here to drink tea.¡±

    Jiang Jing Rui angrily mmed the tea cup: ¡°Listen to you, are you really the youngdying from our Jiang family? So thrifty, the daughters in our family indulge in drinking and live a life of luxury. Like this you are too boring!¡±

    Footnotes:

    1: Where there¡¯s life, there¡¯s hope 1.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    2: Cannot appreciate good things 2.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 64 Part 2 - Two First Positions

    <strong>Chapter 64 Part 2: Two First Positions</strong>

    The gap between a small and humble family and his precious family, Jiang Li was also toozy to have a dispute with him. Each person had their own way of living, no need to be insistent.

    While they were conversing, Qingfeng and Mingyue suddenly walked hastily from outside. The two people¡¯s faces were flushed with excitement. Once she entered the door, Qingfeng immediately said: ¡°Miss, Ming Yi Hall¡¯s red notice hase out!¡±

    Before Jiang Li could say anything, Jiang Jing Rui had put aside his cup of tea and said: ¡°How is it? Is your miss ced at the bottom?¡±

    Jiang Li saw him like this and felt that he was lying when he said he hoped she would win.

    Mingyue red at Jiang Jing Rui and said: ¡°What kind of nonsense, our youngdy is highly intelligent, naturally she has the making for studying.......¡±

    Before she had finished speaking, Jiang Jing Rui alreadyughed: ¡°That¡¯s not the way to tell lies.¡±

    Jiang Li calmly looked at him.

    Mingyue was anxious: ¡°It wasn¡¯t a lie, now up and down the entire residence knows already. This time our youngdy is Ming Yi Hall¡¯s top of the list, the first!¡±

    She heavily bit down on the word ¡°first¡±.

    Jiang Jing Rui said: ¡°This servant girl, why didn¡¯t you think when you speak. Even if you areforting your family¡¯s miss, you shouldn¡¯t speak nonsense like this.¡±

    Qingfeng said: ¡°It¡¯s true!¡±

    Jiang Jing Rui still wanted to say more, but upon seeing the few servants¡¯ red eyes, he finally realized something and slowly stoppedughing. He looked inquisitively at Jiang Li and asked: ¡°Is it true?¡±

    Jiang Li was toozy to respond to him and only asked: ¡°How about the Imperial College? Who¡¯s the Imperial College¡¯s top of the list?¡±

    ¡°It seems to be an unfamiliar name, the surname is Ye..... full name Ye Shijie!¡±

    The stone in Jiang Li¡¯s heart fell.

    Jiang Jing Rui finally reacted and shouted at the top of his voice: ¡°What¡¯s going on? You got the first position in Ming Yi Hall¡¯s examination, your cousin got first position in the Imperial College¡¯s examination.¡± He leaned close to Jiang Li, and in a low voice he spoke mysteriously: ¡°Be honest, did you two perhaps bribe the examiner? It¡¯s known that your elder cousin¡¯s house doesn¡¯tck silver, but is the top Imperial College nowadays easy to bribe.......¡±

    He muttered to himself.

    Qingfeng said: ¡°The old madam asked second miss to go to Wan Feng Hall without dy.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Jiang Li stood up: ¡°I¡¯ll go at once.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going too!¡± Jiang Jing Rui stood up following her and said: ¡°This time you¡¯ve acquired face for the Jiang family. Grandmother will definitely reward you handsomely.¡±

    Jiang Li saw his excitement, perhaps those who didn¡¯t know would think that Jiang Jing Rui was that person who won the top spot. She paused and said: ¡°Are you certain you want to go now?¡±

    ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t I go?¡± Jiang Jing Rui was baffled.

    Jiang Li sighed: ¡°You are not afraid your grades would be mentioned?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid.¡± Jiang Jing Rui didn¡¯t feel shame, on the contrary he seemed to be honored and said without any concern: ¡°everyone is used to it already.¡±

    Jiang Li was also toozy to speak anymore. Jiang Jing Rui didn¡¯t care, there¡¯s no need for her to be the bad person who speaks too much. Soon, she brought Tong¡¯er and Baixue over to Wan Feng Hall.

    When they arrived at Wan Feng Hall, without exception, the little servant girls standing outside showed polite smiles to her while seizing her up. Perhaps surprised with the matter of her getting the top position.

    Jiang Li pretended not to see all these and minding her own business, she raised her foot to walk inside. After she walked in, she discovered that Jiang Yuan Bai was unexpectedly also inside.

    It wasn¡¯t just Jiang Yuan Bai, Jiang Yuan Xing and Jiang Yuan Ping, these two brothers, were also present. Yang-shi was in the middle of talking with Lu-shi. All the people from all three branches were congregated together in the main hall.

    This was rarely seen.

 Chapter 65 Part 1

    Chapter 65 Part 1:

    Seeing that Jiang Li hade, Jiang Yuan Bai opened his mouth. Apparently not knowing what he should say, soon afterwards he coughed lightly and awkwardly.

    Jiang Li stepped forward and said: ¡°Second uncle, third uncle.¡±

    Jiang Yuan Ping was beaming and sized her up while saying:¡±Little Li has done well. Able to gain the top position in Ming Yi hall¡¯s examination is not an easy thing. I was just talking to your father to reward you well this time.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled and bowed: ¡°Many thanks second uncle.¡±

    Jiang Yuan Ping looked at her with affection. It seemed that this second uncle was someone with a good temperament. Compared with Jiang Yuan Bai, he could still pretend. Looking at Jiang Yuan Xing¡¯s cowardly form, Jiang Yuan Ping had the best outlook. However, Jiang Li wouldn¡¯t really think that Jiang Yuan Ping was just a simple affectionate elder. This was a man with a big smile and evil intentions. Though he liked to smile, he was a tiger. Provoked his anger and he would soon show his tiger tail.

    Jiang Yuan Xing stood at the very end. Looking at Jiang Li, heughed somewhat cautiously. He said: ¡°Congrattions Little Li.¡±

    As the Jiang family¡¯s concubine born son, despite being the third branch, he wasn¡¯t regarded as anything important. Especially when Jiang Yuan Bai and Jiang Yuan Ping¡¯s official careers shone brightly. Jiang Yuan Xing was even more forgotten in the corner.

    It was rather ipatible with the Jiang¡¯s family¡¯s prosperity.

    Seeing Jiang Yuan Xing praised Jiang Li with her own eyes, Yang-shi felt upset. In previous years¡¯ examinations, Jiang Yu¡¯e achieved the best results in the three courseworks among the Jiang family¡¯s misses. Jiang You Yao was good at ying the guqin because Ji Shuran had invited a famous master to instruct her from a young age. Jiang Yu¡¯e wasn¡¯t able to have such a good teacher. Calligraphy, mathematics, etiquette were truly based on their own ability.

    The only opportunity to shine in the Jiang residence was grabbed by someone else. How could Yang-shi¡¯s heart not be irritated?

    But her irritation was after all could not bepared with the irritation at the bottom of Ji Shuran¡¯s heart.

    Jiang You Yao watched how the three masters in the Jiang residence, including her own father, looked and praised Jiang Li. Feeling both wronged and angry, she couldn¡¯t help blurting out: ¡°Second sister, this time you came first, there would undoubtedly be many people who think that it¡¯s hard to believe.¡±

    The people in the room turned quiet. Jiang Li turned her head to look at Jiang You Yao and quietly said: ¡°Oh?¡±

    Sensing that everyone was looking at her, Jiang You Yao hesitated for a bit before looking worriedly at Jiang Li: ¡°Second sister, you returned to Yanjing not long before you entered Ming Yi Hall to study. It has not even been 10 days since you attended Ming Yi Hall. Without practice and study but able to be the first....... It was really somewhat shocking.¡± After speaking, without waiting for Jiang Li to reply, she actively persuaded: ¡°I know second sister and the Meng family¡¯s miss¡¯s wager is extremely important, certainly second sister is unwilling to lose. But we are the Jiang family, father is also watching. Don¡¯t damage the foundation due to trivial matters. Although reputation is important, quality and strength of a character also cannot be abandoned.¡±

    In her heart, Jiang Li wanted to apud Jiang You Yao.

    Look at this speech, sounded so dignified, so righteous and awe-inspiring. But at the same time, they contained such malicious intentions. Directly suspecting that Jiang Li was cheating to gain the top position.

    Jiang Jing Rui sneered: ¡°Why should we bother with what is in other people¡¯s minds? If they can¡¯t ept it then don¡¯t ept it. Could it be possible to drag Ming Yi Hall¡¯s examiner out for a beating and let other people change the rankings? There¡¯s a sentence in the casino, ¡®If you agree to bet you must ept to lose¡¯. Why? So only Meng Hong Jin can win while if Jiang Lin wins mean she cheated?¡±

    These words were not face-saving enough for Jiang You Yao and her face flushed with embarrassment. Jiang Jing Rui is a thoughtless person, you cannot reason with him. Jiang You Yao hated Jiang Jing Rui in her heart.

    Ji Shuran hurriedly said: ¡°You Yao was also worried.¡± While ncing at Jiang Yuan Bai.

 Chapter 66 Part 1 - Famous Reputation

    <strong>Chapter 66 Part 1: Famous Reputation</strong>

    Another extra~~, enjoy ^^. I really don¡¯t understand the exaggeration of the sentences sometimes. No one dares to contend with her due to her skill? In the entire city? Puh-leeze, then don¡¯t that city has really bad soldiers and males? Or this strictly applies to only females in a certain age group *rolls eyes*

    The matter of Jiang Li getting the top position in Ming Yi Hall¡¯s examination spread very quickly throughout Yanjing. Naturally it would also be transmitted to Ming Hong Jin¡¯s ears.

    At this moment, Chengxuan envoy¡¯s residence was quiet. Inside the house, Meng Hong Jin was lying on her side while sobbing softly. Mother Meng embraced her with distress and said: ¡°My child, don¡¯t cry anymore. This is just three tests, aren¡¯t there three more that are not yet tested? The situation is not yet at the end of the line.¡±

    ¡°Shameful!¡± Meng You De, Meng Hong Jin¡¯s father whoseplexion was truly ugly at this point, said: ¡°Making a wager with someone who has a card up her sleeve and now you¡¯ve lost a crushing defeat. I lost face as your father! Really a useless thing!¡±

    Hearing him, Meng Hong Jin felt so upset that she couldn¡¯t stop her cry even more.

    Mother Meng saw her daughter crying so broken-heartedly and her grievance soared. She said at once: ¡°How could you me Hong Jin in this matter? Didn¡¯t that Jiang Li just return to Yanjing? Staying in the nunnery for eight years, everyone thought that her belly is empty1 , who could have guessed that she would suddenly win? Could you foresee it?¡±

    Meng You De was blocked, he truly was incapable to foresee such a consequence. Precisely because of this, when he found out that his daughter set up a bet with Jiang Li, he merely reprimanded her lightly with a few sentences of being impulsive and nothing else. That was because Meng You De was confident that Jiang Li would definitely lose.

    As a result, reality ruthlessly gave him a p on the face. Recalling the way his colleagues looked at him with ridicule during court today, Meng You De felt very irritable.

    Mother Meng opened her mouth once again: ¡°When I think about it, there¡¯s something wrong with this matter. Did that Jiang Li probably use any trick? Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s position in court is extremely important, perhaps he bribed the examiner this time? Otherwise, how could my Jin-er lose to her?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Meng Hong Jin said while sniffling: ¡°I¡¯ve been studying with the sisters in Ming Yi Hall for five to six years. Jiang Li has just arrived in less than ten days. Is it possible for her to be studying in a ce simr to Ming Yi Hall while she was in the nunnery which enabled her to advance her learning?¡±

    Listening to both his wife and daughter saying the same thing, Meng You De immediately pondered about it. In the dark, nowadays he relied on the Right Minister and was the Right Minister¡¯s person. Jiang Yuan Bai and the Right Minister never mixed together, so he could be considered the Jiang family¡¯s enemy. Jiang Li¡¯s outstanding result in the examination was really strange. It would be wonderful if he could catch the evidence of Jiang Yuan Bai and Ming Yi Hall¡¯s examiner colluding together. What the current emperor most disliked was someone tampering with the literary officials. If he could resolutely strike Jiang Yuan Bai using this, he could be considered as doing a great service.

    It¡¯s a blessing in disguise, Meng You De was unexpectedly somewhat excited. He picked his robe up and draped it on his shoulder and said: ¡°I¡¯m going out for a while.¡± Then left in a hurry.

    Seeing his father leave, Meng Hong Jin felt even more wronged. Mother Mengforted her: ¡°What are you afraid of? Aren¡¯t there still three more tests? Tomorrow the three tests begin, guqin, riding, archery. Your archery skill is excellent, even if there¡¯s a teacher in the nunnery, there shouldn¡¯t be anyone who teaches riding and archery. Then Jiang Li would certainly lose under your hand.¡±

    In Ming Yi Hall, Meng Hong Jin was the rare fewdies who were very interested in riding and archery. She originally had a violent nature, but it turned out to be right for the quality required for riding and archery. At that time, her one handed riding shocked everybody in Yanjing, her shooting was also urate andparable to a man. In Ming Yi Hall, or perhaps in the entire Yanjing, with regards to riding and shooting, no one dared to contend with her.

 Chapter 66 Part 2 - Famous Reputation

    <strong>Chapter 66 Part 2: Famous Reputation</strong>

    Seriously, viins and cannon fodder always take the road downhill.... -_- A trip doesn¡¯t make you stumble if you step your foot in the right direction people!!! Aiyoo, why care so much about face ahh

    If talking about calligraphy, mathematics and etiquette, Meng Hong Jin could still be considered as outstanding; the following music, riding and archery, without mentioning music for the time being, riding and archery, these two, were actually her specialty.

    Thinking of this, Meng Hong Jin¡¯s heart was a bit settled. Even so, the feeling of disgrace given by Jiang Li didn¡¯t disappear. Because of Jiang Li, her bold words before seemed like a joke. Couldn¡¯t evenpare to an idiot who just entered Ming Yi Hall, she didn¡¯t know how many people were talking behind her back.

    As long as Meng Hong Jin thought of other people¡¯s sneering gazes, her hatred towards Jiang Li rose. She wished in the next examination she could trample Jiang Li under her horse¡¯s hooves.......

    Suddenly, an idea emerged in her mind.

    If Jiang Li was trampled under the horse¡¯s hooves....... On the examination field, the sword had no eyes.......

    Her heart that was like rolling in cold water had hot water poured into it. It warmed up and slowly boiled.

    ......

    On the other side, Meng You De who was looking around for Jiang Yuan Bai and the examiner¡¯s ¡°collusion¡±, was also bound to return without any result.

    To prove that Ming Yi Hall¡¯s examinations were fair, they intentionally posted the top three papers at the side of the hall¡¯s door. Momentarily, countless people viewing them.

    Meng You De was almost squeezed out by the people and could only hear the discussion of the people beside him: ¡°Whose mother1 said that Jiang second miss doesn¡¯t know any character? I simply must hit the person hard with a pole until his brain is broken. I see that Jiang second miss¡¯s characters are written much better than the schrs studying in vige school who¡¯ve passed the county level imperial examination. Although I can¡¯t recognize a single character, I know that it looks good!¡±

    This was probably amoner.

    Gentle schrs appeared to be there as well, their voices stood out from the crowd and were transmitted into Meng You De¡¯s ears: ¡°The literary work is still the most amazing, quoting the ssics and her unique insight. Jiang second miss must be a person who reads extensively. I¡¯ve studied painstakingly for 15 years, but no better than a young girl. Ashamed, ashamed!¡± He then covered his face and sighed deeply.

    ¡°Everyone says seeing characters as seeing the person, Jiang second miss¡¯s writing is just like a male. Considerable vision, open and bright, resembling a heroic youth.¡± A muffled voice that seemed to being from a rough bearded man with the style of a soldier was heard.

    ¡°This skill of ounting is good, it¡¯s a new method. This method is good, I¡¯ll copy it first and when I return I¡¯ll use it to bnce the ounts in the shop. It¡¯s actually much easier than the previous method.¡± There¡¯s also a merchant with a golden abacus hanging on his neck eyeing the paper with radiant eyes.

    In short, when the copy of Jiang second miss¡¯s paper came out, all the rumors disappeared. It¡¯s impossible to leak out Ming Yi Hall¡¯s exam papers, so Jiang second miss ought to be doing them on the spot. In contrast with the other two top positions, Jiang second miss¡¯s exam paper was evidently much more brilliant.

    This number one position was really worthy of its name.

    Ming You De walked out from the crowd in a daze. He no longer needed to spend money and attention to look for the evidence of Jiang Yuan Bai colluding with the examiner. Jiang Li¡¯s exam papers did not just distinguish herself, the Jiang family also received glory. And the more praise Jiang Li got, Meng Hong Jin would equally be less inparison. In fact, she would seem more inferior.

    It¡¯s not umon in the officialdom for one person to rise by stepping on another person¡¯s in a higher position. Meng Hong Jin also represented the Meng family. In this round, the first half of the bet, the Meng family had lost.

    Meng You De walked towards his own residence with empty steps. The surrounding excited discussions gradually blurred in his ears. Now, the gamble this time was no longer a game between children. It¡¯s influence was too big already, perhaps even the pce had already known. If Meng Hong Jin could not turn the table in the next three tests, the Meng family would no longer have a chance at sess.

    That would be troublesome.

 Chapter 67 Part 1 - Yongning

    Chapter 67 Part 1: Yongning

    Sorry for missing Sunday¡¯s update >.<. This is somehow a particrly trying and annoying chapter to trante...

    Just as Meng You De had thought, Jiang Li¡¯s exam paper was indeed passed into the pce.

    A young man walked out from the imperial study room. Eunuch Su, who was in front of the door, bowed and sent him out. Hemented as he looked at the departing back. Just a little over 20 years old, he crawled into this position in a period of one year. It was really smooth sailing, the younger generations would surpass in the years toe.

    This young man was no one else but the current assistant minister*, Shen Yurong. Emperor Hong Xiao was extremely fond of Shen Yurong at the moment and often discussed the present situation with him. So much so that someone said Emperor Hong Xiao intended to enter Shen Yurong into the cab to be the future chief assistant, fostering him to be Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s sessor.

    [T/L Note: Initially his post was tranted as an officer in the Ministry of Rites, my apology, the proper one would be a secretariat officer/assistant minister, dealing with affairs of the state. Yep, same division as Jiang Yuan Bai]

    Nobody could say for certain about future matters, but it didn¡¯t hinder anyone to curry favor with him at present.

    When Shen Yurong passed through the imperial garden on his way outside, he met a person in the long hallway.

    Princess Yongning was taking a rest in front of a stone table in the garden. Upon seeing him, she immediately showed a charming smile: ¡°Master Shen.¡±

    It was summertime, the trees in the imperial garden were dense and the wind was cool. The golden lines sprinkling through the gaps between the leaves happened to illuminate half of her cheek. After all she¡¯s honorable and beautiful, the skin was like the first-rate sheep fat jade, making people want to touch.

    Obviously her eyebrows were raised and appearance was haughty, but her small meaningful gestures were tender and her greeting was dignified and courteous.

    Shen Yurong cupped his hands in obeisance: ¡°Your highness.¡±

    ¡°You just came out from imperial older brother¡¯s ce, what were you talking about?¡± Princess Yongning held a thin muslin fan and lightly shook it. Her lips that were applied with crimson mouth fat looked moist and plump, tender and alluring.

    Shen Yurong moved his sight away and said: ¡°You Majesty heard the examination¡¯s red notice hase out. Your Majesty discussed the matter of the two families that upied the top positions in the Imperial College and Ming Yi Hall¡¯ list with this official.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Princess Yongning looked at him with astonishment, her tone carrying a natural and captivating coquettishness she said: ¡°This princess has heard about this matter as well. Heard that Ming Yi Hall¡¯s top position was upied by the Jiang family¡¯s Jiang second miss. She was expelled from the Jiang family that year and stayed in the nunnery for eight years. This time she has just returned for less than a month, joined Ming Yi Hall for only ten days. But this time she seized the top position.¡± She smiled sweetly, ¡°It showed that she is indeed a talented girl and heard that her handwriting is good. This princess hasn¡¯t seen it with her own eyes, what does Master Shen think?¡±

    Shen Yurong was startled, then lowered his head and said: ¡°This official hasn¡¯t seen it either.¡±

    ¡°Hmm,¡± Princess Yongningughed softly, ¡°so it was for this matter. At first, this pce thought Master Shen must have gone to see, but unexpectedly Master Shen is actually not so interested. Perhaps Master Shen is already used to seeing talented girls and is more fond of women with red lip rouge?¡± In thest sentence, frivolous seduction was contained in the words.

    Shen Yurong took a step back and said: ¡°Princess, speak cautiously.¡±

    ¡°Look at how scared you are.¡± A trace of annoyance shed in Princess Yongning¡¯s pupils but quickly disappeared. She said with a ming tone: ¡°My people are guarding outside, no one will be able to hear what we are talking about. Haven¡¯t seen you these days, do you miss me?¡±

    Became even more wanton.

    Shen Yurong lowered his head slightly, nodded invisibly.

    It was precisely this light nod that immediately made Princess Yongning beaming with happiness. She even reached her hand out and caressed Shen Yurong¡¯s hand. While smiling she said: ¡°I know you miss me too. However, recently there were too many trifling things, it¡¯s not good for me to look for you. Tomorrow is Ming Yi Hall¡¯s three tests, why don¡¯t the both of us go and watch them together. After it¡¯s over.......¡± her voice faded ambiguously.

    Shen Yurong let her pull his hand and his expression eased a bit. He spoke softly: ¡°Princess.......¡±

 Chapter 67 Part 2 - Yongning

    <strong>Chapter 67 Part 2: Yongning</strong>

    My apology!! >.< Things popped up one after another at work and I¡¯m dead by the end of the day. I¡¯ll try churning extra releases on top of the usual schedule this month. Enjoy~~~

    ¡°I¡¯ve said before, if there¡¯s no one around, just call me Yongning.¡± Princess Yongning looked at his handsome appearance infatuatedly. Ever since she firstid eyes on Shen Yurong, she immediately fell in love with him. Such a handsome and talented male, knew political affairs and made such a splendid movement. Uponying her eyes on him sitting high up on a horse and urging it to parade through the streets, her heart was lost right away and no longer able to return.

    Unfortunately the gentleman was married. But in the end, it was not a big deal. She was a noble imperial princess while his wife was just the daughter of a minor government official. Even if she was both talented and beautiful, she was as low as an ant.

    So she killed her.

    Princess Yongning knew there was Xue Fangfei in Shen Yurong¡¯s heart. Xue Fangfei was born with a good appearance and bore the name of a talenteddy. Moreover, her rtionship with Shen Yurong as husband and wife had been for many years. Shen Yurong still had a lot of feelings, but Princess Yongning was unable to tolerate his heart not belonging entirely to her. As for Xue Fangfei, she not only wanted her life; she also wanted her reputation and dignity. She wanted her to die without having anything at all, in the most disgraceful manner.

    Who let her possess things that did not belong to her?

    Finally, she was the winner.

    Shen Yurong didn¡¯t stay in the imperial garden for long. After all, there were numerous eyes and ears in the pce. Although Princess Yongning¡¯s people were guarding, he still feared that idents might happen. Xue Fangfei had only passed away less than six months ago, if it was known outside that he had an affair with Princess Yongning, he was afraid that he won¡¯t be able to block the numerous mouths of the crowd.

    Princess Yongning could only watch Shen Yurong¡¯s departing back with reluctance.

    There was no one else under the shade of the tree. Princess Yongning thought, every few days she entered the pce with the excuse of chatting with Concubine Liu. In fact, it was in order to take a glimpse of her sweetheart. It¡¯s so difficult. Xue Fangfei was already dead, yet she still couldn¡¯t have a close rtionship every day with him. Unable to be out in the open, instead it was like a couple carrying a ndestine affair. Thinking about it, she couldn¡¯t help feeling mncholy.

    ¡°It¡¯s so hard to stay together ah.......¡± She let out a long sigh.

    Suddenly recalling that she would have a short happy time with Shen Yurong after tomorrow¡¯s examination, ayer of happiness showed on Princess Yongning. Though she was never really fond of as far as these talented girls went, that was only because it reminded her of Xue Fang Fei.

    Talking about this, Xue Fangfei¡¯s writing was also unique in Yanjing. But Xue Fangfei¡¯s handwriting was small and fanciful while Jiang second miss¡¯s resembled a man¡¯s.

    A talented girl came out generation after generation, after all, Xue Fangfei was already dead.

    ......

    In Fang Fei Garden, Baixue was looking at Jiang Li who was in the middle of practicing writing. She pondered for a while before she said: ¡°Miss¡¯s writing is really imposing.¡±

    ¡°Imposing¡± was already the most verbose word Baixue could think of.

    ¡°Yes, yes,¡± Mingyue who wasing over and carrying tea swept a nce and smiled: ¡°it¡¯s unlike other youngdies¡¯ handwriting.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled.

    As Xue Fangfei, during the first half of her life in Tongxiang, her handwriting was bold, imitating Xue Zhao¡¯s heroic spirit. In thetter half of her life when she arrived in Yanjing, she started to revise her writing to be small and fanciful.

    It¡¯s due to no other reason but because the madams and young misses in Yanjing wrote this way. So as not to appear unconventional and able to quickly blend into the nobility circle, she abandoned what she liked, including her writing habit.

    Even Shen Yurong probably thought she was an expert in writing small fanciful characters. But times had changed, though it¡¯s true that small and fanciful characters were beautiful, yet as a woman in this world, it went without saying that going against the current was even more difficult than for males. Just because people were more tolerant towards males and harsh towards females.

    Since it¡¯s this way, not relying on heaven and earth, it¡¯s better to rely on herself. If she treated herself as a male, naturally she could take on the changeable facts.

 Chapter 68 Part 1 - Conclusion

    <strong>Chapter 68 Part 1: Conclusion</strong>

    Jiang Li and Meng Hong Jin¡¯s bet, the first three test results hade out. In the event where the gamble in the gambling dens were separated in two, Jiang Li won the first half of the game. If it was as simple as Jiang Li winning, then it¡¯s nothing much, Jiang Li was still the first in Ming Yi Hall. What made other people couldn¡¯t help thinking was the bet between Jiang Li and Meng Hong Jin. If Jiang Li in the end still resulted in being the first, Meng Hong Jin not only needed to kneel down and apologize, she also needed to take out her outer clothing at the gate of the Imperial College while carrying vitex nts and kneel to apologize.

    For a time, many of the sons from the rich families in the capital sat all day long in the tea houses and wine shops across from the Imperial College. Just waiting to see a good drama in theing days.

    However, in the final analysis there¡¯s still three more tests. What would be tested were music, riding and archery. Moreover, regardless of guqin ying, just with riding and archery, in these two things, Meng Hong Jin was well-known in the entire Yanjing. Looking at Jiang Li, her odds of sess were slim. Also, in the skill of ying guqin, attention should be fixed on Jiang Li¡¯s younger sister as the Jiang family¡¯s third miss was the most outstanding in this art. For a period of time, the results became confusing.

    The red notice was out, the music examination was set as the first one tomorrow morning.

    Inside the Warm and Courteous Courtyard, at this moment, Jiang You Yao was tearing the fan in her hands hatefully. The surface of the fan was spotlessly white and smooth, thin like cicada¡¯s wings. The embroidery was vivid as if the picture was alive. The handle also must have cost around ten taels of silver. Yet it was smashed to pieces by Jiang You Yao.

    ¡°Stop tearing already.¡± Ji Shuran forcibly took away the folding fan in Jiang You Yao¡¯s hand and said: ¡°For how long do you want to continue tearing this.¡±

    ¡°Mother, I¡¯m not reconciled.¡± Jiang You Yao¡¯s voice was filled with venom. ¡°For what reason was Jiang Li able to obtain father and grandmother¡¯s protection. It¡¯s only been a few days since she returned to the residence, father and grandmother immediately stood by her side. Don¡¯t tell me they have forgotten the matter of her causing mother to miscarry? I hate it so much. This time, Jiang Li became famous due to Ming Yi Hall¡¯s exams, isn¡¯t it about to fly to the sky? I feel suffocated thinking that she will be more and more arrogant in the future.¡±

    Ji Shuran stroked Jiang You Yao¡¯s long hair without any fluctuation in her expression. She merely said indifferently: ¡°Don¡¯t think that it¡¯s a good thing for a female to be famous. Jiang Li has just returned to Yanjing, the nobledies in Ming Yi Hall can be found anywhere. She being in the limelight, naturally there will be those who are unsatisfied to put her in her ce on your behalf. You only need to see the y well, there¡¯s no need to handle it personally. Besides, now she has just returned for a few days in Yanjing, it¡¯s not good for me to start something. Wait for a few more days when the rumors outside have settled, I, your mother, also have plenty of ways.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± After Jiang You Yao listened to her, her mind somewhat calmed down, but she still couldn¡¯t help asking.

    ¡°Of course.¡± Ji Shuran looked affectionately at her: ¡°But you are unable to remain calm like this, you really are still a child.¡±

    Jiang You Yao pouted: ¡°I am also distressed for mother.¡±

    ¡°No need to feel distressed for me,¡± Ji Shuran said: ¡°Tomorrow¡¯s exam is music. Your skill is always considerably on top. This year you even received Jinghong fairy¡¯s instructions and became even better thanst year. Every year, there are countless peopleing to observe in the second half of the exams. Although Jiang Li was first for the first three exams, there were no spectators. People have a more profound impression by what they see before their eyes. If you leave a deep impression on the people in the music exam, in theing three months, your high guqin skill would be the topic under discussions everywhere in the city. Who would then still remember Jiang Li?¡±

    Jiang You Yao¡¯s eyes brightened.

    The Jiang family¡¯s daughters naturally learned the four arts from a young age. Especially Jiang You Yao as the main branch¡¯s legal daughter. A pearl in Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s palm, she did notck anything at all from childhood. Ji Shuran paid very close attention to Jiang You Yao¡¯s learning. She knew that Jiang You Yao did not need to be proficient in everything, but she must be an expert in something. By lucky coincidence, Jiang You Yao had a natural talent in guqin.

    Thus from young, Jiang You Yao began to receive instructions from all kinds of famous masters. Leaving aside Ming Yi Hall¡¯s Xiao Deyin, many other great teachers had given directions to her. As a matter of fact, before the examination this year, Ji Shuran even invited Jinghong fairy who had retired for a long time to be Jiang You Yao¡¯s teacher.

 Chapter 68 Part 2 - Conclusion

    <strong>Chapter 68 Part 2: Conclusion</strong>

    Her natural talent coupled with having received advice from many experts over the years, Jiang You Yao¡¯s guqin¡¯s skill was not low. People even rumored that in a few years, Jiang You Yao might surpass Xiao Deyin.

    Ji Shuran had a lot of confidence in Jiang You Yao¡¯s guqin¡¯s skill.

    ¡°Many of the peopleing are from noble families with meritorious achievements. The scene when you are introduced will be magnificent and unrivalled. In the future, it will be advantageous when looking for a husband.¡± Ji Shuran calcted.

    Jiang You Yao¡¯s cheeks immediately turned scarlet. No idea what she was thinking about, she had a somewhat bashful appearance. She said: ¡°I¡¯m not the only daughter of our Jiang family.......¡±

    ¡°Jiang Yu¡¯e and Jiang Yu Yan should not be mentioned. Jiang Li has the past of attacking her mother and murdering her younger brother,¡± Ji Shuran spoke coldly: ¡°As long as it is a good family, they would never allow such a woman to enter the door. If seeking for marriage, they would certainly have a n to some extent and it also won¡¯t be a good match. Jiang Li has only herself to me. In the future, your father also won¡¯t be able to help her. Furthermore, the more dazzling you appear on the stage tomorrow, the more vulgar she would look. This is the difference between cloud and mud.¡±

    She looked at Jiang You Yao and smiled suddenly: ¡°The noble daughter of the Jiang family has always been only you.¡±

    ¡°I listen to mother.¡± said Jiang You Yao.

    ......

    In Fang Fei Garden, Jiang Li was also in the middle of bringing up the exam tomorrow with everyone.

    Jiang Jing Rui had againe uninvited. Since Jiang Li got the first position, his face also seemed to have a ray of light. He often came to Fang Fei Garden and found things to talk about. He said: ¡°Tomorrow is music, this time you are done for. What if you first learn some of the mostmon ones? It¡¯s fine as long as you don¡¯t make a fool of yourself in public.¡±

    Tong¡¯er poured tea from the side while feeling deeply worried. Before, when Jiang Li was seven years old, she was too young and had only received instructions not for long, no need to even mention any string instruments. Afterwards, she was banished to Mount Qingcheng. Tong¡¯er know those days were full of never ending work. Without mentioning ying any kind of string instruments, where would Jiang Li find a teacher to teach her to y the guqin? Jiang Li basically couldn¡¯t y the qin. Letting a person who couldn¡¯t y the guqin to take the music exam, Tong¡¯er could only imagine the scene at that time and was so anxious she couldn¡¯t say a word.

    Jiang Li asked: ¡°Are you also going?¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± Jiang Jing Rui replied without the slightest hesitation. ¡°Every year, many peoplee to see theter three exams. All thedies from Ming Yi Hall are beautiful and those wealthy sons are going to get a wife in the future. So they seize this opportunity to take a good look. The more magnificent and popr they are in the examinations, there would be more people seeking marriage in theing year.¡±

    Jiang Jing Rui spoke casually and matter of factly, saying whatever was in his mind. He also said: ¡°Therefore, if you wish to get married, you must work well and hard. If you do not wish to marry, just ying around casually will be fine.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± Jiang Liughed softly: ¡°Even if I topped the three exams and there¡¯s no other best in the examination, when the day arrives, nobody would take any interest.¡±

    Tong¡¯er this servant girl, plus Jiang Jing Rui looked nkly at her.

    Jiang Li said: ¡°Who wants to marry someone who attacked the mother and killed the brother?¡±

    Her voice was rxed without any self-mockery or distress. On the contrary, it was as if she was talking about good matters.

    This was of course a good thing. Jiang Li was very happy inside. In this way, she could seize the limelight without any scruples.

 Chapter 69 Part 1 - Enemies

    <strong>Chapter 69 Part 1: Enemies</strong>

    Phew, this marks the end of the chapters owed from 2 weeks ago. From now on we will resume our normal release of Thursday and Sunday ^^. Work has been pretty busy so at the moment my wish of having a 3x release per week has to be dyed.

    For those in Indonesia, Happy Independence Day!!

    The next day, Jiang Li got up a bit earlier than usual.

    First thing in the morning, Tong¡¯er startedparing which hairstyle tob and which clothes to wear. Because Baixue was from a farmer¡¯s house, she wasn¡¯t very good at these things. Hence everything was handed over to Tong¡¯er.

    Since returning to the Jiang family¡¯s house, Tong¡¯er had never been idle. In order to make Jiang Li notcking from Jiang You Yao, she had done painstaking work.

    Going out of the courtyard with ease, they ran into Jiang You Yao who was at the gate of Wan Feng Hall. She was saying something to Jiang Yuan Bai while pulling his sleeve, acting coquettishly, looking very tender and lovable.

    Jiang Yuan Bai also lowered his head and was looking at Jiang You Yao very affectionately and didn¡¯t see Jiang Li for a moment. Standing at one side, Ji Shuran had clearly nced at Jiang Li from the corner of her eyes but she waited until Jiang Li had stepped forward before pretending to have just seen her. She smiled and said: ¡°Li-er is here.¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai subconsciously looked over.

    Jiang Li also looked at Jiang You Yao.

    Today was a very important day. Even Tong¡¯er was aware to n well for Jiang Li, Ji Shuran had of course also nned well for Jiang You Yao. Jiang You Yao was wearing a dusk colored long skirt with flying birds and flowers. The outer covering was ayer of white plum cicada wing yarn which fluttered like an immortal. A pair of red jade drop earrings were hanging on her ears, the color was extremely vivid. It contrasted against her skin, making her more delicate than a flower and looked absolutely beautiful. Jiang You Yao was also seizing Jiang Li¡¯s clothing up and down.

    Nowadays, all Jiang Li¡¯s clothes were prepared based on Ji Shuran¡¯s instructions. After what happened at the doorway when she returned to the residence, the clothes that Ji Shuran prepared for Jiang Li, to say well-fitted they were very well-fitted, to say they were expensive, they were very expensive. But they were not suited for Jiang Li. Firstly, Jiang Li¡¯s figure was pretty and delicate. She couldn¡¯t support those superbly luxurious female clothes. Secondly, the head ornaments were also precious and veryplicated, wearing them seemed conspicuous and heavy.

    Though there wasn¡¯t any error in the attire, standing next to Jiang You Yao would immediately reduce her to the background.

    Supposed that she was the true Jiang second miss, in order to make her identity known, it¡¯s not impossible for her to put on all these precious apparel. It¡¯s a pity that Jiang Li wasn¡¯t. She never really paid much emphasis on these gorgeous clothes. Moreover, she absolutely refused to serve as Jiang You Yao¡¯s prop. As a result, she didn¡¯t wear the clothes that Ji Shuran had prepared for her.

    She only wore a green double breasted auspicious brocade short jacket and skirt. Her hair was rolled up into a bun and adorned with a single jasper hairpin. The simple attire was no longer simple, but it turned theplicated into simplicity. The eyebrows and eyes were elegant and refined, clear and exquisite. It was like an orchid deep in the valley of the mountain, quiet and uncontestedly beautiful.

    Standing together with Jiang You Yao, Jiang Li wasn¡¯t a bit inferior. On the contrary, due to Jiang You Yao looking excessively bright and beautiful, the contrasting Jiang Li¡¯s beauty was raised high.

    Jiang You Yao¡¯s expression was a bit ugly.

    Jiang Yuan Bai coughed lightly and asked Jiang Li: ¡°are you ready?¡±

    Jiang Li smiled and replied: ¡°Yes.¡±

    Everyone in the Jiang residence would go to today¡¯s exam, including old madam Jiang. Just after they finished talking, Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s voice could be heard. Jiang Yu¡¯e and Jiang Yu Yan walked over from the rear and smiled: ¡°Today second sister and third sister look beautiful.¡±

    Jiang Yu¡¯e and Jiang Yu Yan also dressed up splendidly today. It¡¯s just that due to third branch¡¯s circumstances, they couldn¡¯tpare to Jiang You Yao and Jiang Li. However, they could be considered to be dressed attentively. Jiang Yu¡¯e lookedpletely excited, as usual, she moved closer to fawn over Jiang You Yao. Jiang Yu Yan was still quiet in her cowardly appearance, lowering her head and stood at one side.

    ¡°Since everything is ready, let¡¯s set off.¡± With the support of Zhenzhu and Feicui, old madam Jiang spoke.

 Chapter 69 Part 2 - Enemies

    <h4>Chapter 69 Part 2: Enemies</h4>

    The group went into the carriages and proceeded to the examination ce.

    They finally arrived at the examination ce after three sticks of incense.

    The ce that Ming Yi Hall used as the examination ground was the previous dynasty¡¯s martial arts training area where they selected the martial top scorer. Later on, the former emperor, Zhong Ming emperor, seeded to the throne and moved the imperial pce and this training area was abandoned for many years. Until the time after Hong Xiao emperor seeded to the throne, did this ce be turned into an examination ce. Ming Yi Hall¡¯s three examinations were all conducted in this ce.

    A vast crowd had, for a long time, been all around the public square. The best positions were reserved for the nobles, many of those who came today were the rtives of the noble young misses. There were also those that Jiang Jing Rui had mentioned, officials ¡°taking a daughter-inw for the merit of the younger generation¡±, there were even the younger generation from the royal families.

    When Jiang Li arrived, many people had already arrived at the examination ground.

    Liu Xu who was beside Madam Liu saw Jiang Li and immediately came over to greet. Jiang Li pulled her hand and went over together to salute Madam Liu. Madam Liu was very happy and said towards Jiang Li: ¡°I know Jiang second miss achieved the top position in the first three tests, it¡¯s still not toote to congratte you. I hope today Jiang second miss can also be in first ce.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled and nodded: ¡°Many thanks madam.¡±

    Liu Xu whispered into Jiang Li¡¯s ear: ¡°Look, Meng Hong Jin.¡±

    Jiang Li followed the direction where Liu Xu¡¯s finger was pointing at and looked over. Sure enough, not too far away, she saw Meng Hong Jin was looking at her. If it was the previous Meng Hong Jin, she must havee over to give Jiang Li some cruel words. Yet today she didn¡¯te forward, merely gazing at her with bitter resentment. It seemed that the result of the first three tests had restrained Meng Hong Jin.

    ¡°How is your guqin?¡± Liu Xu spoke in a small voice: ¡°Today the examiners for the guqin music exam are Xiao Deyin, Jing Hong fairy, Shi Yan, Mian Ju, then there¡¯s Duke Su.¡±

    ¡°Duke Su?¡± Jiang Li was extremely astonished. Xiao Deyin, Jing Hong fairy, were reasonable. Shi Yan, Mian Ju, were also understandable. But why was there Duke Su, Ji Heng? She remembered hearing that Ji Heng loved watching ys, but guqin music was quite different from Chinese opera. What could Ji Heng do ining over?

    Jiang Li was puzzled.

    ¡°Who knows, the examiners were appointed by the current emperor.¡± Liu Xu shook her head, ¡°I have never heard you ying the guqin, how is your guqin skill exactly?¡±

    There¡¯s worries in her words.

    Jiang Liughed: ¡°Still okay.¡±

    Liu Xu¡¯s heart fell peacefully down: ¡°No matter what, it¡¯s fine as long as you can pass. Not everything needs toe first.¡± Sheforted Jiang Li.

    Jiang Li said: ¡°Just seeter.¡± While looking at the surroundings, suddenly, her sight locked onto a ce.

    At the ce where the nobles were sitting, there¡¯s a special small building. Not too far away, a youngdy wearing a gold gauze pleated skirt was in the middle of eating purple grapes from the ceramic ze jar in her hand. The grapes were sparkling and still carried water droplets; inside the jar, their luster was like purple gems. The gem contrasted against her skin, making the slim and slender jade fingers seem more exquisite and beautiful.

    The woman looked haughty, slightly raising her head, her eyes nced fluidly with a bit of charm.

    Liu Xu saw Jiang Li fixed her sight in one direction and looked over to follow her gaze. She absent-mindedly said: ¡°Princess Yongning? I didn¡¯t expect her to alsoe today.¡±

    Jiang Li looked at Princess Yongning, the murderer who caused harm to her family. Her chest undted fiercely, yet a three point smile still remained on her face, her eyes glistened coldly.

    Princess Yongning is here, no need to think more, Shen Yurong must be here too.

    Her enemies are all here, very good.

 Chapter 70 Part 1 - He Came

    <strong>Chapter 70 Part 1: He Came</strong>

    The female students taking the examination arrived at almost the same time.

    Jiang Li followed a teacher who guided them to one side to draw a number which would determine the order of the exam participants. The ballot¡¯s bamboo tubes were ced inside a long circr wooden pot. Jiang Li and Liu Xu took out a small piece of paper from inside, one after another.

    The person in charge of recording read out: ¡°Jiang Li, 13th. Liu Xu, 18th.¡±

    Altogether, there were 30 people taking the exams, Jiang Li was positioned neither in the upper or lower position. The words had just been read out when from another side, Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s exaggerated ¡°Aiyah¡± was heard. With a voice that could be heard by Jiang Li, she said: ¡°Second sister is number 13. Just nice, she is behind third sister. Third sister is number 12, this is too much of a coincidence!¡±

    Jiang You Yao is number 12?

    Jiang Li was taken aback and her heart immediately broke intoughter. This was indeed very coincidental.

    But Liu Xu wasn¡¯t as rxed as Jiang Li. Hearing Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s words, she shook her head and said: ¡°This time it¡¯s no good. Jiang You Yao¡¯s guqin has always been one of Ming Yi Hall¡¯s best. Last year, the song <<Butterfly>> stunned everybody. This year, her skill would in all likelihood have gone up a notch. The better she ys, you will suffer more losses. Even if it is still passable, it won¡¯t be good to be contrasted with her.¡±

    People were always ready topare. After experiencing a jade dish of valuable delicacies then in the blink of an eye looking at food waste. Consequently, the harder it was to procure the exotic delicacies, the harder it became to swallow in tea and simple food.

    This was really unfavorable for Jiang Li.

    ¡°How could it happen that second girl is behind third girl?¡± old madam Jiang frowned. Both were the Jiang family members, if Jiang Li fell too much behind, it¡¯s not a glorious thing for the Jiang family.

    Jiang You Yao was very happy, she totally didn¡¯t expect such a delightful coincidence to happen. She felt that heaven was standing on her side. This time, of course she had to make Jiang Li pale inparison, it¡¯s better if her face reached rock bottom.

    Meng Hong Jin snorted coldly upon seeing this. She also took joy in other people¡¯s misfortune. Her own guqin skill was iparable to Jiang You Yao, but she was very willing to see Jiang Li making a fool out of herself.

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t have the mind to bother about these things. She looked at Princess Yongning, but still didn¡¯t see Shen Yurong even after a long time. However, she was clear in her heart, Princess Yongninging today was out of character which meant that Shen Yurong would definitelye.

    As she was contemting, the surrounding girls suddenly got excited, even the nearby crowd separated by the partition also became restless. Liu Xu¡¯s startled voice sounded in her ear: ¡°Why is his majesty Cheng Wang also here?¡±

    ¡°His majesty Chen Wang?¡± Jiang Li looked over to where the noise came from. Sure enough, she saw a male in blue was in the middle of taking a seat beside Princess Yongning. Indeed it was his majesty Cheng Wang.

    Cheng Wang and Princess Yongning were brother and sisters from the same mother. Both were born from Imperial Concubine Liu. When jiang Li was still a member of the Shen family, through Shen Yurong, she would sometimes hear some court matters. When the former emperor was still alive, Imperial Consort Liu and Imperial Consort Xia fought for favor. It¡¯s just that after Imperial Consort Xia passed away due to illness, Emperor Hong Xiao was raised beside the empress and soon became the crown prince.

    At that time, Cheng Wang¡¯s distance from that position was very near, probably it was just a step away. However, it was unknown if it was because she was favored at that time, the current Imperial Concubine Liu was still as domineering as before. Even Cheng Wang didn¡¯t exercise any restraint and was too sharp. If it wasn¡¯t due to Emperor Hong Xiao¡¯s benevolence and instead was a suspicious king, it¡¯s unknown how much suffering Cheng Wang would have eaten.

    Immediately after Cheng Wang entered the venue, the crowd boiled. Jiang Li even heard the nobledies speak in a low voice and discussed shyly: ¡°His majesty Cheng Wang is really extraordinarily handsome.......¡±

 Chapter 70 Part 2 - He Came

    <strong>Chapter 70 Part 2: He Came</strong>

    Jiang Li suddenly recalled that at the moment, Cheng Wang only had a Zheng fei but didn¡¯t have a Ce fei. Among the nobledies present, there were some whose identities were a bit lower, it¡¯s not impossible for them to climb to be Cheng Wang¡¯s Ce fei. Perhaps Cheng Wang came over this time to pick a suitabledy? She recalled Jiang Jingrui¡¯s words of ¡°picking a wife¡± and Jiang Li couldn¡¯t help wanting tough.

    Before the smile managed to spread to her eyes, Jiang Li was stunned once again. Not far from Cheng Wang ¡ª¡ª perhaps it¡¯s better to say not far beside Princess Yongning, a familiar figure was in the middle of taking a seat. Wearing a simple and moon white long gown with a gentle and refined appearance, it could be seen that in his youth, he was a beautiful young man. However, that young man had matured nowadays and started bing steady and upright.

    Separated far away, Jiang Li could still recognize him with a nce. Perhaps, though separated by a thousand mountains and ten thousand water, ten and thousands of years, she would still be able to recognize him at a nce.

    Her husband, the half of a pair of innocent loving pairs immersed in conjugal bliss. Who was able to draw her eyebrows, able to grasp her hand and be together for a lifetime, the husband who would live together with her until their hair turned white.

    That was her husband, the person sharing her bed, also her enemy, who looked at her going to the underworld unfeelingly.

    Jiang Li suddenly closed her eyes.

    The past regret came and her mind surged violently, the fragmented pieces were almost assembled. But at the crucial time, it came to an end, just like the shattering of a copper mirror, the final thing that appeared before her eyes was that panicked shadow escaping outside the window as she struggled in the hands of others.

    That cold and weak, familiar but unfamiliar shadow.

    Jiang Li opened her eyes nkly.

    Even though it was just a nce from a distance, Jiang Li was sure that she saw Shen Yurong exchange a meaningful nce with Princess Yongning. Princess Yongning was sweet and charming like a flower, whispering, a lively woman. While Xue Fangfei was already dead, turned into a pile of bones, buried under the soil, ice-cold and rotting.

    She lowered her head, unable to cry orugh.

    Liu Xu didn¡¯t notice him and as before, she pulled Jiang Li and said: ¡°The examiners today have arrived, look, that¡¯s Jinghong fairy.......¡±

    At this moment, Jiang Li was feelingplicated and it was hard for her to understand. However, she had no choice but to raise her head to look at the direction Liu Xu was pointing at. She soon saw a woman dressed in a snow white dress, her head was adorned with a yellow ribbon. Her lips were red, her white teeth glistened, her eyebrows were long and slender, an outstanding beauty. As she walked, her wide sleeves slightly swayed, just like a flying immortal, making people enchanted.

    This was Jinghong fairy. Jinghong fairy was originally Wang Xian Lou¡¯s famous talent. She only sold her skill, not her body. Afterwards, due to her superb guqin, she attracted the pursuit of the noble sons in the entire Yanjing and became a bit higher than themon well-breddies. Untilter, Jinghong fairy fell in love with the son of a tea merchant and he redeemed Jinghong fairy. Soon afterwards, Jinghong fairy left Wang Xian Lou, washed her hands and made soup, and became a wife with ease.

    Everyone in the capital sighed in regret from not being able to hear another song yed by the Jinhong fairy. But up to now, nobody questioned Jinhong fairy¡¯s guqin skill. Her being the examiner today was not unexpected.

    There were also young men present today. Seeing the married woman yet more beautiful than the youngdies, each one of their faces turned red, not daring to look straight.

    Jiang Li was sighing how this Jinhong fairy was really beautiful like an immortal when she again heard Liu Xu cry out in surprise, ¡°Duke Su has also arrived.¡±

    As if to set off Liu Xu¡¯s words, the surrounding suddenly became quiet. The focus was mixed with some careful and indistinct breathing sound, as if afraid of rming something.

    After the snow-white dress, a deep splendid red followed closely after. The color was cold and rich.

    That was Duke Su, Ji Heng.

 Chapter 71 Part 1 - On Stage

    <strong>Chapter 71 Part 1: On Stage</strong>

    Thankfully, no over the top descriptions of ML XD. I was dreading descriptions of silken ck hair, sword like eyebrows, peach blossom eyes.......

    If Jinghong fairy was a fairy who descended from the world from the ninth heaven, whose nobility couldn¡¯t be vited, Duke Su, Ji Heng was like an enchanting demon spirit walking in the quiet night in his brocade clothes, seducing the soul within a blink of an eye.

    In the examination venue, the young man¡¯s red clothes instantly snatched everyone¡¯s sight. That beautiful, wless face had the magic power to make everyone be infatuated. Moreover, his gaze with a smile yet not a smile caused the slight smile hung at the corner of his lips to look somewhat wicked. This was a charming young man. Even the red mole in the corner of his eye looked flirtatious, like the dark gold swallowtail butterfly embroidered on his clothes. The people watching him approached were dazzled.

    He leisurely strolled into the hall, his walking posture wasnguid yet graceful, as if he was admiring the full moon in a courtyard. But in contrast, the crowd in the examination venue seemed frivolous, and the clean and matchless fairy in front appeared pretentious.

    Jiang Li sighed in her heart, heaven bestowed such a good look. She had seen good-looking males before, Shen Yurong, Xue Zhao, even Jiang Jingrui and Ye Shijie. But Ji Heng¡¯s handsomeness cruelly and directly pulled him and others apart. If not seen by own eyes, it was difficult to believe that there¡¯s such a beautiful male on earth, or perhaps, even such a beautiful person.

    All the surrounding people looked straight, including Meng Hong Jin and Jiang You Yao, they fixed their attention on Ji Heng from afar, unable to move their sight away. It seemed that everyone had forgotten that Ji Heng was a moody scoundrel. Even if he was a beauty, he was a moody and toxic beauty and it¡¯s better to provoke him less.

    Ji Heng didn¡¯t mind the onlookers¡¯ gazes in the slightest. Soon, just like Jinghong fairy, he immediately sat in the examiners¡¯ positions. Now, including Xiao Deyin and the others, there were altogether five examiners in their seats.

    Because Xiao Deyin was a teacher from Ming Yi Hall, naturally she would always be here from the beginning. She saw that Mian Ju had also arrived. He was the current Beiyan¡¯s court musician, specializing in performing for the emperor and the imperial concubines. He wore coarse hemp clothes, his style really looked like a hermit. He also looked really happy. There¡¯s also a thin middle-aged man. This was Shi Yan, the current music official in the highest position in charge of rites and music and looked somewhat haughty.

    But no matter what others thought in their heart, they wouldn¡¯t disy them on the outside. It was also unknown whether it was due to fear of angering Ji Heng or whether they were already fuddled by Ji Heng¡¯s appearance.

    Today, Jiang Li saw those she knew and didn¡¯t know get together, she even saw Zhou Yanbang. Her sight identally ran into Zhou Yanbang¡¯s and his eyes brightened. This provoked Jiang You Yao and made her look at Jiang Li cruelly, as if she was going to gouge her flesh out.

    The exam was about to start.

    The boy with a red scarf tied on his arm started to announce the examinee¡¯s order. Jiang Li only listened to the number of the person she knew. Meng Hong Jin was number eight, Jiang You Yao number 12, Jiang Li number 13, Liu Xu number 18, Jiang Yuyan number 20 and Jiang Yu¡¯e number 15.

    Because there was not much time for everyone, the exam almost had no other unnecessary steps. Very quickly they were called one by one to go on stage.

    Since the nobledies in Ming Yi Hall could enter Ming Yi Hall, they were naturally outstanding. Even those that were mediocre, when put in an ordinary family, they would still be praised.

 Chapter 71 Part 2 - On Stage

    <strong>Chapter 71 Part 2: On Stage</strong>

    I¡¯m dreading next chapter, what kind of words would be used by the author to describe Jiang You Yao¡¯s guqin ying..... viiness cannon fodders also have their deadly moves that needs to be highlighted T-T

    Jiang Li heard the guqin sound from the side, but her mind wasn¡¯t there. She was thinking, nowadays, Shen Yurong and Princess Yongning were probably even more deeply entangled with each other. Princess Yongning and Cheng Wang were brother and sister, Princess Yongning would have certainly rmended Shen Yurong to Cheng Wang. If Jiang Li¡¯s guess was correct, in the future, Shen Yurong would be Cheng Wang¡¯s person, without a doubt.

    Cheng Wang had the power, Shen Yurong had the brains; probably Cheng Wang treated him differently. Nowadays Shen Yurong was already a person in the secretariat department, also regarded as important by Hong Xiao Emperor. If he was supported by Cheng Wang, wouldn¡¯t his position be even higher in the future? Wanting to deal with Shen Yurong at that time would definitely be difficult.

    However, it¡¯s not as if there weren¡¯t any ways. Currently Cheng Wang and the Right Minister got along well. Coincidentally, the Right Minister, Ji Zhong Nan, was sworn enemy with Jiang Yuan Bai. In other words, the Jiang family and Cheng Wang were not in the same camp. In the event that the Jiang family was also involved, it would be logical and expected to deal with Shen Yurong who was in the same camp with Cheng Wang.

    Borrowing the Jiang family¡¯s power was much easier than acting alone.

    She just needed to think carefully on how to seize the opportunity.

    While nning all these in her mind, she didn¡¯t feel that time flew slowly. In a blink of an eye, sevendies had passed and now it¡¯s Meng Hong Jin¡¯s turn.

    Liu Xu made Jiang Li carefully observe, and saw Meng Hong Jin was already on the exam table.

    Today¡¯s Meng Hong Jin was much calmer than in the previous days. Perhaps it was also because guqin wasn¡¯t actually her expertise. She sat down, took a precious guqin, burned incense and washed her hand and yed ¡¶Xiaoxiang Mist¡·.

    ¡¶Xiaoxiang Mist¡·ced tourists onto a road to the South and saw the scene of mists rolling in waves, stirring the adoration of the mothend¡¯s mountains and rivers, carrying the sorrowful feeling of falling and withering, yearning to escape from theplexity of life. The scattered notes were heavy with a lot of chants. Jiang Li listened and felt Meng Hong Jin¡¯s ¡¶Xiaoxiang Mist¡· was weak. It didn¡¯t feel like the road to the South, instead it felt like a youngdy who came to appreciate the clouds.

    Though the vigor didn¡¯t reflect theposer¡¯s mood, Meng Hong Jing¡¯s technique was still very proficient. But aside from her finger technique in ying the guqin, in regards to it, Meng Hong Jin could be considered to be trying her best but could only be said to have no gift in guqin, that¡¯s all.

    Sure enough, Meng Hong Jin yed the entire song and except for the praise of some unidentified wealthy sons, the five examiners had no other expressions on their faces. That Ji Heng even absent mindedly yed with the gold threaded folding fan in his hand, closing and opening it, his postures were gorgeous.

    ¡°Meng Hong Jin¡¯s ying is still okay,¡± Liu Xu exhaled: ¡°You are also less burdened this way.¡±

    In the first three exams, Jiang Li was first. As long as she wasn¡¯t at the bottom in the next three exams, she wouldn¡¯t be expelled from Ming Yi Hall. Naturally she also did not need to kneel down and apologize to Meng Hong Jin. Despite this, in case she performed too badly in the next three exams, it¡¯s not impossible for the previous winning to be overthrown.

    At least Meng Hong Jin did not have a¡° stunning surprise¡±, Jiang Li could be relieved a little.

    ¡°But your sister is not simple.¡± Liu Xu spoke again: ¡°I think she has a card up her sleeve, it must be somewhat reliable. Luckily you are after her.......¡±

    But it¡¯s really too bad.

    Although it was too bad, what shoulde would alwayse. Meng Hong Jin finished her exam and three others passed by. Soon it was time for Jiang You Yao to go on stage.

    When she stepped forward, she even specially walked towards Jiang Li and smiled: ¡°Second sister, I¡¯ll go first.¡± Hearing it, it was as if a modest and courteous younger sister talking to her older sister. But Jiang Li didn¡¯t overlook the provocation in her tone.

    She also smiled back: ¡°Good luck.¡±

 Chapter 72 Part 1 - Stunning

    Chapter 72 Part 1: Stunning

    I think I jinxed this chapter with myment the other day. Got the shock of my life upon seeing the 45 pages disyed in the drive for this chapter. I thought something must be wrong, but of course not! *cry* This chapter is actually 7.33 x longer than usual. Be prepared to read this people.

    *PS: JYY hasn¡¯t even started ying in this first part!!! Well, she did pluck a string....... *cries*

    Jiang You Yao went up to the examination table leisurely.

    It was already the eighth month. Though it was midsummer, today¡¯s weather was actually good. It rainedst night but the weather had not cleared up. As the cool and refreshing wind blew, Jiang You Yao was like a budding flower in the early morning, like a pink lotus, attractive, tender and supple, blooming tremblingly.

    Ji Shuran had specially dressed her carefully today. The dusk colored clothes came out vivid and lovely on this particr morning. She was genuinely like the noble well-bred youngdy raised in an extravagant family, her every movement was delicate and exquisite.

    The surrounding noble madams cast envious nces at Ji Shuran and she nodded with a smile. Even the other head of the Ji family was proud, her family¡¯s granddaughter was this outstanding, no wonder Imperial Concubine Li was treated differently by Hong Xiao Emperor.

    Zhou Yan Bang was also within the crowd. After Jiang You Yao went on stage, whether intentional or idental, she especially looked in his direction, seemingly very shy, just giving a fleeting nce.

    However, those busybodies took all of these in and immediately made fun of Zhou Yan Bang, jeering: ¡°Jiang third miss has gone up!¡±

    Jiang You Yao and Marquis Ningyuan¡¯s heir, Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s marriage matter was known to all the officials in Yanjing. Zhou Yan Bang smiled but his smile was somewhat reluctant.

    The beautiful woman was still as lovely as always, but his heart had flown to another ce. He couldn¡¯t help looking to another ce, Jiang Li¡¯s direction. But he saw Jiang Li was leaning her head and talking to her good friend at the side, totally not discovering his sight.

    Suddenly, ayer of sweet and sourness bubbled forth in Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s heart. At this moment, he understood the happiness of loving but unable to obtain. It¡¯s more tormenting than anything else but it was also something to look forward to, more than anything else.

    As a matter of fact, Jiang Li really wasn¡¯t aware of Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s sight. She felt both exasperated and ridiculous. Jiang second miss jumped into the water and died at that time because of Zhou Yan Bang. As long as Ningyuan Marquis residence put their heart into this fianc¨¦e who hadn¡¯t passed through the door, even if it was just a sentence, the days in Jiang second miss¡¯s life would not be this difficult. It¡¯s a pity, they didn¡¯t. Now that Jiang second miss had long since passed away, this Zhou Yan Bang still acted like an infatuated person, making people sick for no reason.

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t want to pay attention to him.

    In the middle of her thought, Liu Xu abruptly spoke: ¡°Look, it¡¯s about to start.¡±

    On the stage, Jiang You Yao just bathed her hands. Her movements as she did all these were naturally graceful. To be honest, Jiang Li felt at least Jiang You Yao¡¯s guqin appearance was still very good.

    Shortly after, Jiang You Yao smiled sweetly and her jade fingers fell on the guqin, moved sideways and plucked the first string.

    Jiang Li said: ¡°It¡¯s ¡¶Wild Geese on the Shoal¡·.¡±

    Liu Xu stared nkly: ¡°How do you know?¡±

    As soon as she finished asking, Jiang You Yao¡¯s guqin sound came out, like running water, softly tilting up and down. The tone thumped repeatedly. It was indeed ¡¶Wild Geese on the Shoal¡·.

    Liu Xu was a little dumbstrucked and asked: ¡°Did you hear Jiang You Yao y this at home? So you know in advance that she is going to y this song?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°Then how did you know that she was going to y¡¶Wild Geese on the Shoal¡· when she¡¯s only plucked the first string?¡±

    ¡°Look at her movement and you¡¯ll know. Moreover, just a note is sufficient.¡± Jiang Li said lightly.

 Chapter 72 Part 2 - Stunning

    <strong>Chapter 72 Part 2: Stunning</strong>

    ¡°Then how did you know that she was going to y¡¶Wild Geese on the Shoal¡· when she¡¯s only plucked the first string?¡±

    ¡°Look at her movement and you¡¯ll know. Moreover, just a note is sufficient.¡± Jiang Li said lightly.

    But Liu Xu wasn¡¯t rxed after hearing her. She looked up and down at Jiang Li for a while and spoke in a low voice: ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me, you must have studied the guqin before, right? Maybe your guqin is pretty good? But is there a music teacher in Mount Qingcheng? Or could it be that you are a genius?¡±

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry and said: ¡°It¡¯s not so difficult.¡± As she was speaking, she sensed that someone was staring at her. She looked out and directly met Ye Shijie¡¯s gaze who was staring at her from a distance.

    Ye Shijie saw her looking his way and swiftly moved his sight away, which surprised Jiang Li.

    After Ye Shijie looked away, he felt that his action just now made it more conspicuous and was annoyed for a while. He felt he would burst from worrying that Jiang Li would be humiliated today. But the girl had quite a deep mind, and her hidden trump card emerged one after another. Who knew what outrageous thing she would pull out today which would astound the people. Why should he stay here and meddle in other people¡¯s business?

    ¡°Brother Ye, what are you looking at?¡± Someone spoke from the side. It was the Right Minister, Li Zhong Nan¡¯s son, Li Lian.

    Ye Shijie turned around and said: ¡°Just looking around.¡± After Jiang Li¡¯s reminder that Liu Zimin and Li Lian¡¯s rtionship was pretty good and that there might be an ulterior motive for Li Lian to lure him in, Ye Shijie had distanced himself from Li Lian.

    Li Lian sensed Ye Shijie¡¯s attitude and smiled without saying anything. But when Ye Shijie turned his head, his gaze turned inquisitive.

    On the stage, Jiang You Yao yed very well.

    ¡¶Wild Geese on the Shoal¡· describes wild geese flying in the sky in autumn. Sometimes hovering, sometimes looking at the surroundings. There¡¯s an old saying ¡°take the sparse quiet autumn, hear the wild geese sound of flying¡±, ¡°take clear and refreshing autumn weather, the wind is still, the sand is t, the clouds are thousands of miles away, the sound of flying birds in the horizon, borrowing the lofty ambition of people with noble aspirations, leisurely writes schrly aspirations.¡±

    The tune was melodious and flowing. Jiang Li also didn¡¯t expect Jiang You Yao to actually choose this song ¡¶Wild Geese on the Shoal¡·. She thought with Jiang You Yao, such a well-bred youngdy, she would pick an artistic and delicate song to y. It¡¯s not because females couldn¡¯t y such an imposing song, rather, it was because the sound reflects the frame of mind. How could Jiang You Yao¡¯s mental state be so clear and imposing.

    However, Jiang You Yao¡¯s ying was quite good.

    ¡°This music is very difficult. After so many years, very few people y this music, and those were not ordinary people. Jiang You Yao is the first one to y this well.¡± Liu Xu murmured: ¡°She could actually execute such difficult hand movements, it didn¡¯t seem unfamiliar to her at all.¡±

    Jiang Li felt strange hearing this and asked: ¡°Is this music so difficult to y?¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± Liu Xu promptly replied: ¡°Ming Yi Hall¡¯s top ten guqin songs, the simplest is ¡¶Flowing Water¡·, followed by ¡¶The Spring Snow¡·, ¡¶Three Stanzas of Plum-Blossoms¡·, ¡¶Drunk Fisherman Night Singing¡·, ¡¶Mist and Clouds over Xiao Xiang River¡·, ¡¶Question and Answer on the Fishing Reef¡·, ¡¶Yangguan Sandie¡·, ¡¶A Song of Guangling¡·, then ¡¶Wild Geese on the Shoal¡·. Mentioning it, at that time, Jinghong fairy became famous precisely because of this ¡¶Wild Geese on the Shoal¡·....... Aiya,¡± Liu Xu suddenly recalled something: ¡°I was just about to say that Jiang You Yao¡¯s movements were somewhat familiar. As it turns out, it was simr to Jinghong fairy¡¯s....... Could Jinghong fairy be giving pointers to her in private?¡±

    Jiang Li clearly understood the Jiang family¡¯s starting price. Ji Shuran was determined to let Jiang You Yao be in the limelight in this exam, so it¡¯s not possible to invite and move Jinghong fairy.

    She asked: ¡°There are only nine songs.¡±

    ¡°The hardest one is ¡¶Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute¡·. Some people still y ¡¶Wild Geese on the Shoal¡·, but just couldn¡¯t y it very well. But for many years, nobody ever yed¡¶Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute¡· in the exam. Even the most outstanding student in guqin, or even Teacher Xiao, have never yed this song.¡±

 Chapter 72 Part 3 - Stunning

    <strong>Chapter 72 Part 3: Stunning</strong>

    ¡°But for many years, nobody ever yed¡¶Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute¡· in the exam. Even the most outstanding student in guqin, or even Teacher Xiao, have never yed this song.¡±

    Teacher Xiao naturally referred to Xiao Deyin. Jiang Li thought, actually, Xiao Deyin could y it. It¡¯s just that she overly pursued wlessness. Moreover, her ¡¶Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute¡· was always a little bit worse. So she simply refused to show it to others. In order to y ¡¶Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute¡· well, Xiao Deyin had practiced hard for many years in private. She even consulted her before.

    But Xue Fang Fei was already dead. No one knew these matters anymore.

    Jiang You Yao was still ying and there¡¯s a feeling of the geese soaring forward and circling around. The flying form of ups and down, gliding and gathering, being startled and having their spirits back. In Jiang You Yao¡¯s guqin sound, the various moods of the geese were unexpectedly captured and slowly unfurled, making people feel as if it was that autumn day, where the vast sky was blue and the geese passed by without leaving any traces.

    In the examiners¡¯ ce, Xiao Deyin¡¯s expression changed slightly, Jinghong fairy looked at Jiang You Yao¡¯s movements and a trace of satisfaction shed in her eyes.

    Someone spoke from the side: ¡°Don¡¯t know when did fairy ept a disciple?¡±

    It was the court musician, Mian Ju. Mian Ju was now in his fifties, but he looked like a happy 20 years old young man,ughing happily all day long. He wore a white coarse hemp cloth and did not resemble the emperor¡¯s musician in the slightest. When he said this, there¡¯s ridicule in his tone, totally disapproving of Jinghong fairy¡¯s actions.

    When Jinghong fairy heard this, her ears turned red. Jiang You Yao¡¯s finger techniques couldn¡¯t be concealed from an expert like Mian Ju, she also knew since earlier. It¡¯s just that being pointed bluntly like this was still somewhat humiliating. But since she had been redeemed and taken as a wife, many things had changed. Her husband, the son of the tea merchant, was just an ordinary businessman, really wasn¡¯t a wealthy family. She couldn¡¯t show her face, but after all, they needed firewood, rice, oil and salt. The silver that Ji Shuran gave was enough to let the old and young in the family be worry free for a few years. Thus, she wasn¡¯t able to refuse and gave directions to Jiang You Yao in private.

    Fortunately, Jiang You Yao was quite a good seedling. Teaching a disciple with ingeniousness was always better than those with mediocre aptitude.

    She further heard Mian Ju continue saying: ¡°But your disciple.... Is really nothing great.¡±

    Although Jinghong fairy had a good temper, she also felt ufortable at the moment and asked: ¡°Mister, please advise.¡±

    ¡°Fairy don¡¯t me this old man for being polite,¡± Mian Ju grinned and said: ¡°This Jiang third miss only acquired fairy¡¯s form, but didn¡¯t acquire fairy¡¯s spirit. Your disciple was almost able to fully y the hundred forms of the group of wild geese in¡¶Wild Geese on the Shoal¡·. But this leisurely, bright and generous feeling still fell short by a lot.¡±

    Jinghong fairy was upset, but she knew Mian Ju was right. She was aware of this problem in Jiang You Yao, she had also exerted great effort to help her. However, the thing with music was, the teachers could only teach them the fingering and techniques, but the students had to understand the heart of guqin themselves, nobody could help them with this. There¡¯s no way around it if Jiang You Yao couldn¡¯tprehend the heart of guqin.

    ¡°Aftar all it¡¯s still a young girl, age is still small and has no worries. It¡¯s normal not toprehend this kind of artistic mood. Able to y like this is already very good. If there¡¯s nothing unexpected, perhaps this youngdy would be today¡¯s number one.¡± Mian Ju smiled and added.

    Jinghong fairy felt better upon hearing thesest sentences from Mian Ju. She had never received any disciple, nor gave directions to any other person. If Jiang You Yao, who¡¯d gotten her guidance, in the end was still unable toe first, when this spread out, it would be aughing matter.

    When the two of them were talking, neither Xiao Deyin nor Shi Yan, the music teacher, said a word. It¡¯s usual for Xiao Deyin to keep to herself and didn¡¯t speak much. Shi Yan had an arrogant nature and was toozy to pay attention to them.

    On the contrary, Ji Heng, who was on the side, supported his chin with his fan while narrowing his eyes slightly, as if he was dozing off from boredom.

 Chapter 72 Part 4 - Stunning

    <strong>Chapter 72 Part 4: Stunning</strong>

    Jiang You Yao¡¯s posture on the stage was graceful, the sound of guqin was fluent and pleasant to listen to. Moreover, she was ying the extremely difficult ¡¶Wild Geese on the Shoal¡· which had undoubtedly be the deciding point in the eyes of everyone in the examination field.

    ¡°That Jiang third miss was unexpectedly very beautiful.¡± Li Lian suddenly spoke.

    Ye Shijie felt quite disgusted. No matter what, discussing a young girl¡¯s appearance in a public ce like this really wasn¡¯t what a gentleman did. However, Li Lian¡¯s words promptly obtained other people¡¯s approval. It actually caused one person after another to start expressing their feelings of admiration towards Jiang You Yao.

    On another side, a young woman stared at Jiang You Yao who was still on the stage and said hatefully: ¡°Really flirtatious, extremely ugly!¡±

    This person was Shen Ruyun.

    Shen Ruyun admired Zhou Yan Bang, so naturally she didn¡¯t have a good opinion of Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s fiance, Jiang You Yao. Seeing Jiang You Yao was greatly in the limelight while on stage, she was even more unreconciled and jealous. Mother Shen, who was sitting by her side, heard her and immediately followed by saying: ¡°She doesn¡¯t resemble a good girling from a great family.¡±

    Yet she didn¡¯t think, Jiang You Yao was the noble daughter of the court¡¯s chief assistant. Talking about family background, the Shen family was the real small, poor and humble family. If it weren¡¯t for Shen Yurong bing the top schr, even if Shen Ruyun went to be Jiang You Yao¡¯s servant girl, she first had to undergo strict selection by others.

    ¡°Thought she ys very well, but not as good as elder sister inw at that time.¡± Shen Ruyun blurted.

    She had just finished speaking and was immediately and ferociously pinched by mother Shen. Shen Ruyun knew at once that she had made a mistake. Nowadays the Shen family never mentioned any matters regarding Xue Fang Fei. If it was known by that person and caused her to be angry, then what¡¯s to be done? It¡¯s better to be smart and be careful in everything.

    Shen Ruyun kept her mouth shut.

    In the Jiang family¡¯s seat, the always silent Jiang Yu Yan wasn¡¯t able to speak out at this moment: ¡°Third sister¡¯s ying is very nice.¡±

    Jiang Yu¡¯e was upset upon hearing that, thinking what Yu Yan was doing, ttering Jiang You Yao at this time. But Ji Shuran was by the side and so, she also squeezed out a smile and said: ¡°Of course, third sister is always intelligent. She has a lot of talent in this particr art. Today¡¯s first position will no doubt be third sister¡¯s. Nobody dared to choose this song, ¡¶Wild Geese on the Shoal¡·; only our third sister dares to. Moreover, there¡¯s no mistakes in her ying. If I may say, nobody will be third sister¡¯s opponent in a few years.¡±

    Ji Shuran said: ¡°Yu¡¯e, don¡¯t tter your third sister. If others heard this words, they wouldugh at your third sister for not knowing the immensity of heaven and earth. There are more people talented than oneself in this wide world, in the future, your third sister still needs to learn more.¡±

    Though spoken like this, Ji Shuran couldn¡¯t conceal her smiles. The pride in her eyes dazzled Jiang Yu¡¯e.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e thought, she is clearly not any worse than Jiang You Yao. Only because the main branch is rich and powerful are they able to invite the best teacher. If she could also be like Jiang You Yao, learning guqin from those famous teachers, naturally she will also be in the limelight during this examination.

    Why wasn¡¯t she born in the main room? Why were her parents shu born? It¡¯s fine if it¡¯s amoner¡¯s family, but the Jiang family¡¯s third branch, why is her family the most ordinary one?

    Jiang Yu¡¯e was extremely not reconciled.

    She was unreconciled but wasn¡¯t noticed by anyone. At this moment, Jiang Li was looking at Jiang You Yao.

    ¡°She ys....... really well.¡± Liu Xu opened her mouth with difficulty, seemingly unwilling to admit this fact. However, everyone¡¯s reactions had already shown everything. Compared withst year, the gap between this year¡¯s Jiang You Yao and other people was firmly pulled apart by a lot.

    Jiang Li said: ¡°But she doesn¡¯t have the heart of guqin.¡±

 Chapter 72 Part 5 - Stunning

    Chapter 72 Part 5: Stunning

    My apologies >.< I wanted so badly to move on for this chapter that the previous chapter was marked as 73.4 when it should be 72.4. As mentioned before in Chapter 72.1, this chapter¡¯s word count is 7x as much, while each chapter is usually split into 2. Thus making Chapter 72 to have 14 parts if going by usual word count. However, to speed it up and not going so crazy, the word count for each chapter part has been increased (notice the almost 1.5x increase in length?) and hopefully, this chapter can end in 10 parts instead of 14. I¡¯m trying to add more but it¡¯s simply not possible at the moment. With this chapter, I¡¯m also trying to speed up so consequent chapters (providing they go back to normal word count) could be published in full chapter instead of in parts.

    All in all, there¡¯re a helluva lot of info from many parties in this chapter... really.... and I personally find some to be soooo redundant.

    Jiang Li said: ¡°But she doesn¡¯t have the heart of guqin.¡±

    ¡°The heart of guqin?¡± Liu Xu nked.

    ¡°ying till the end of¡¶Wild Geese on the Shoal¡· , theposer showed the sinister things of the world, realizing it wasn¡¯t as good as the wild geese. When it fell, the sand was t and the water was far away, the mind was at ease, thepanion was unsuspecting, there¡¯s a narration of the male and female. The music sound was calm, beautifully stretched, long and unbroken. There¡¯s movement in the calmness, there¡¯s calm in the movement. Each stillness and movement should match and the posture rxes.¡± Jiang Li spoke quietly: ¡°But due to Jiang You Yao¡¯s heart of guqin, the ¡®simplicity¡¯ is missing quite a bit. Therefore, her qin soundcks ¡®lightheartedness¡¯.¡±

    Liu Xu listened carefully to Jiang Li.

    ¡°My third sister really ys this song¡¶Wild Geese on the Shoal¡· to perfection. But even if she ys 1,000 times or 10,000 times, as long as she hasn¡¯tprehend the mood and touched the heart of guqin, the sound of her ying will always becking something. Then she won¡¯t be the best.¡±

    ¡°What you said is reasonable.¡± Liu Xu listened and felt it. But she then shook her head and said: ¡°These two words, heart of guqin, it¡¯s easy for you to say but it¡¯s not so easy to touch. Some musicians, even towards the end of their lives, were still unable to get it. Afraid in our Ming Yi Hall, there¡¯s even more nobody who possesses it. This artistic mood, to understand it is too hard!¡±

    Jiang Li smiled, it was indeed so. Wanting to let the nobledies who were raised in the boudoir to understand the wild geese¡¯s distant rtions and openness, the simple and bold life of living in the vast expanse of heaven and earth, this was somewhat nonsensical. Not mentioning the noble daughters, even ordinary people who were older may not necessarily be exposed to it.

    During their talk, Jiang You Yao¡¯s song was nearing the end. Shepleted the final part beautifully and as thest qin tone stopped, very quickly the sound of cheering and pping rang out in the field.

    This didn¡¯t happen in the previous female students¡¯ performances.

    Jiang You Yao was also very happy to receive this special honor and her smile became even more brilliant. She walked towards the examiners and gave a courtesy, then neither hurriedly nor slowly walked down the stage.

    Sweat came out from Liu Xu¡¯s nervous palms. She spoke to Jiang Li: ¡°What to do? It¡¯s your turn.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Jiang Liforted her in turn: ¡°I¡¯ll soon return.¡± She spoke as she was leaving, but Liu Xu grabbed her sleeve.

    Liu Xu said: ¡°Wait! I haven¡¯t asked you, what are you going to y?¡±

    Jiang Li smiled at her: ¡°y something nobody has ever yed before.¡± Then she left.

    Liu Xu was rooted in ce and mumbled: ¡°y something nobody has ever yed before, nobody has ever yed before..... She.....¡± Her gaze abruptly froze and looked unbelievably at that rear figure who was going up the examination stage.

    ¡°It can¡¯t be.......¡±

    As Jiang Li went up, she happened to meet Jiang You Yao who was going down. When the two people passed each other, Jiang You Yao smiled very sweetly and said: ¡°Second sister, wish you all the best.¡±

    Without turning her head around, Jiang Li replied: ¡°Of course.¡±

    The young boy with the red scarf stood on the examination stage and yelled: ¡°Number 13, Jiang Li.¡±

    Everyone present was extremely quiet.

    Jiang Li walked towards the exam table.

    ¡°Quickly see, your younger sister is up.¡± Beside Jiang Jing Rui, a meddlesome young man shoved and jeered.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be noisy.¡± Jiang Jing Rui was a little bit angry.

    That person looked at hisplexion and weirdly spoke: ¡°Why, you are still waiting to hear your younger sister y heavenly music? Jiang second young master, you¡¯re not sick, are you?¡±

    The youngsters knew the matter that happened eight years ago, they were also aware that Jiang second miss stayed in the nunnery for eight years. All of them tacitly agreed that Jiang second miss was a good-for-nothing, ignorant and ipetent. Even after she got first position in Ming Yi Hall, for a time, it was hard to shake this deeply entrenched impression. Moreover, calligraphy, calction, etiquette, they could probably be learnt in the nunnery. But guqin, riding and archery weren¡¯t something that could be learnt in the nunnery.

 Chapter 72 Part 6 - Stunning

    <strong>Chapter 72 Part 6: Stunning</strong>

    Uh, I forgot to mention, some of the 10 guqin songs mentioned are actual, real pieces and can be found in YouTube. If interested, here the raw, just copy it onto YouTube to search.

    Fishermen¡¯s Song: ÓæÖÛ³ªÍí , The Spring Snow: Ñô´º°×Ñ© , Wild Geese on the Shoal: Æ½É³ÂäÑã , Three Stanzas of Plum-Blossoms: Ã·»¨ÈýÅª

    Jiang Jing Rui¡¯s face was ck like the bottom of a pot. Though he was unsure in his heart, he was still very dissatisfied hearing others talk about Jiang Li like such. He said with anger: ¡°Don¡¯t you guys have eyes? Take a look, won¡¯t you find out soon?¡±

    ¡°Just take a look.¡± The youngsters replied while grinning.

    They were still talking noisily and didn¡¯t discover the sight of Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s heir that was sitting next to them had been glued to Jiang Li on the stage, for a long time unwilling to leave.

    Jiang Li burned incense and bathed her hands.

    When she first started learning to y the qin, she didn¡¯t know that she had to burn incense and bathe her hand. Incenses were precious things, only used by those rich families. Tongxiang was poor, at that time, Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s official sry wasn¡¯t enough, let alone mentioning a slightly good guqin. Xue Huaiyuan carved a piece of wood to make a guqin for her. That guqin was Jiang Li¡¯s first qin when she started, when plucked, the tone was rough and unclear. After Jiang Li learned to y the qin, she wasn¡¯t willing to use it anymore.

    Her second guqin was a trophy from apetition between Xue Zhao and another person. At that time, Xue Zhao was provoked by someone whose family business was flourishing. Furthermore, they had a pretty good guqin. Xue Zhao knew that in her heart, she longed for a good guqin. Beating someone at their own game, he set up a gamble with the other person and if that person lost, he had to give him the guqin.

    For the Xue family, that guqin was worth a lot of money, but to the other party, it didn¡¯t count as anything. Jiang Li could still remember that day, Xue Zhao ran through the door full of joy, then ced the guqin he was carrying on his back onto the table. He proudly said to her: ¡°Sis, give you this guqin!¡±

    Afterwards, that guqin followed her for a very long time.

    She used that guqin to y¡¶Fishermen¡¯s song¡·£¬also¡¶The Spring Snow¡·£¬¡¶Wild Geese on the Shoal¡·£¬and¡¶Three Stanzas of Plum-Blossoms¡·.

    The sword matched the hero. When she first started learning, she felt only by using a good guqin, would the ability then be first-rate. Butter on, her mind became broader as there were so many exceptionally good guqin in the world. There would always be good guqin, but a good guqin yer wasn¡¯t always necessarily avable.

    Such a pity.......

    It¡¯s such a pity that afterwards she married and followed Shen Yurong to Yanjing. Mother Shen told her to conduct herself as a wife and take on the heavy responsibility of the family; must not be carefree like how she was before. And that guqin was locked up in the Shen family¡¯s storeroom to collect dust and regretfully left in the dark.

    She heard after Xue Fangfei passed away, the Shen family set fire to all Xue Fangfei¡¯s things. It could be assumed that fully loaded with memories, full of her father and younger brother¡¯s care and concern guqin had vanished in that fire.

    Jiang Li lowered her eyes, so strange, at this moment, she felt unexpectedly calm.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on with her? Why hasn¡¯t she started?¡± Someone saw that she was slow and didn¡¯t make any movement then asked impatiently.

    ¡°It couldn¡¯t be that Jiang second miss doesn¡¯t know how to y the qin and is now just being stupid, right?¡±

    Someone analyzed: ¡°It¡¯s possible, there¡¯s no ce to learn to y guqin in the nunnery.¡±

    ¡°If she really can¡¯t, then it¡¯s fine. There¡¯s no need to insist, on the contrary making oneself be embarrassed.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it for the sake of face, unable to say and instead losing a lot of face.¡±

    ¡°Hey hey, not moving while standing there, don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t feel embarrassed?¡±

    His ears was congested with all kinds of ridicule, satire, pity and sympathy, Ye Shijie looked at Jiang Li with anxiety. What¡¯s the matter with Jiang Li? Thest time he saw her, wasn¡¯t she very quick-witted and could n very quickly? Why does she look helpless now, where did all her intelligence go? With Jiang Li lingering on the examination stage and didn¡¯t say a word, Jiang You Yao and Jiang Yu¡¯e were both simultaneously happy. If Jiang Li didn¡¯t do anything on this examination stage, even if she came first in the previous three exams, it still couldn¡¯t cover up the fact that she was a joke.

    Ji Shuran opened her mouth worriedly: ¡°What happened to Li-er .......¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s impossible that second sister doesn¡¯t know how to, right?¡± Jiang You Yao shook her head and said to herself: ¡°How is it possible? Second sister is the most intelligent, she got first position in the first three exams, her guqin certainly won¡¯t be bad.¡±

    It¡¯s fine if she didn¡¯t say anything, but with her saying this, it stirred up everyone¡¯s doubt on Jiang Li¡¯s achieving first in the previous three exams, whether she was truly worthy of the name.

    Meng Hong Jin was full of joy upon seeing Jiang Li lingering on the stage without any movement. The haze that had been around for several days cleared off. She wished Jiang Li would stumble and on the examination stage, the more embarrassing, the better.

    Even Xiao Deyin who was off the stage, frowned and hinted to the young boy to step forward and remind her. If Jiang Li still didn¡¯t move, she would immediately be asked to get off the stage.

 Chapter 72 Part 7 - Stunning

    <strong>Chapter 72 Part 7: Stunning</strong>

    Aaaaannnnddd, nope, Jiang Li still hasn¡¯t yed in this part XD. She will in the next part, author can¡¯t drag it any longer.

    Just when the boy with the red scarf was about to step forward to remind Jiang Li, without any warning, Jiang Li suddenly opened her mouth.

    ¡°At the beginning of the month, glorious flowers unfolded in the young woods. Lovers ying in springtime, fairdy pulled a gauze garment.¡±

    This was a folk song, Jiang Li¡¯s singing voice wasn¡¯t the usual Yanjing ent. It was more like a dialect from some other ce, carrying a lively atmosphere.

    ¡°What is this?¡± Jiang You Yao asked Ji Shuran.

    Ji Shuran shook her head, she had never heard this before as well.

    ¡°It sounds like a folk song from somewhere,¡± Second branch¡¯s Lu-shi ¡®s eyes brightened: ¡°Probably Li girl learned this from the people in the mountain when she was at the nunnery?¡±

    It¡¯s actually possible.

    Jiang Li wasn¡¯t affected in the slightest and still didn¡¯t pluck the string to y, merely sat before the guqin, singing a totally unfamiliar folk song to the people present.

    ¡°Green lotus conceal the crystal-clear water, the hibiscus fresh and red. The youth see and wish to pick me, my heart wishes for the lotus.¡±

    Her voice was melodious and clear, soft and tender, limpid like the water in a creek that had not been discovered by men, serene yet brisk. Following the spring sun, the spread of snow began to flow in a gurgle, carrying sunlight and morning dew, the morning glow and evening wind.

    It was like a lotus picking girl meeting her sweetheart for the first time. The ignorant affection between a young boy and a young girl sprouted and was on the verge of rapidly growing into lush trees with fragrant flowers.

    ¡°Autumn wind enters through the window, gathering the fluttering screen. Raising one¡¯s head to look at the bright moon, sending feelings a thousand miles away.¡±

    That young girl was engrossed in her lover¡¯s smile, sending her joyful and gentle sentiments through the moonlight. She was indeed simple and cute. Although she was originally happy, love also made her worry.

    The feeling of love was really good; love made everything lovely, let people forget the brief springtime and summertime. Autumn wasing and soon it would be winter.

    She sang: ¡°In the past, the spring grass was green, but now it is full of snow. Who yearns for suffering, ck hair turning white.¡±1

    Her singing stopped abruptly.

    The seasons changed, the girl singing the song ultimately waited for nothing. However, the splendid years had passed. It was unknown whether the years were wasted away or whether the time slipped by.

    Jiang Li¡¯s voice was very pleasant, her singing voice was even more pleasant to listen to. Unwittingly, all the people in the examination venue had been attracted by this melodious folk song, absorbed in the sweet but distressing dreand.

    Someone murmured: ¡°What¡¯s the name of this folk song? Why haven¡¯t I heard of this before?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t know.¡± Others shook their heads: ¡°Doesn¡¯t seem like a Yanjing ent.¡±

    Not far from Princess Yongning, Shen Yurong suddenly raised his head, fixing his attention on the youngdy on the stage. This song, he had heard this before.......

    This was a folk song widely circted in Tongxiang called ¡¶The Four Season Midnight Song¡·. Probably each and every youngdy in Tongxiang was able to sing this song. There¡¯s a slight smile in the corner of Jiang Li¡¯s lips, she had also sung this before.

    Off stage, Xiao Deyin knitted her brows, her thoughts unknown. Jianghong fairy was somewhat astonished, Shi Yan remained serious, not showing any expression. But Mian Ju happily and animatedly moved his hands and feet. He unexpectedly said to Jinghong fairy: ¡°This youngdy is interesting, in this music exam, what¡¯s being shown was always guqin ying, but she sang a song. This song is still pretty good!¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t do.¡± Jinghong fairy exined patiently in a pleasant voice: ¡°Without ying the guqin, she could only be regarded as using a cheap trick, it¡¯s unfair to the other students.¡±

    Mian Ju pursed his lips. He was about to speak when he suddenly discovered something andughed: ¡°What cheap trick, you see, even the duke was woken up by her song.¡±

    The cause was Ji Heng, who nobody knew since when, had already opened his eyes. His fan was pressed against his lips and he had a subtle expression as he smiled while looking at the girl on stage.

    From the beginning up to now, this was the first time Ji Heng showed a ¡°listening¡± posture.

    On the other end, Jiang Yu¡¯e said: ¡°Second sister only nned to sing a song, not going to y the guqin?¡±

    Although the song was awfully unique, from the beginning the music tested was on ¡°guqin ying¡±, not ¡°songs¡±.

    It seemed that Jiang second miss had exhausted her limited abilities, thus thought of singing instead of ying the guqin. In the middle of everyone having this thought, they saw Jiang Li stretched both her hands out and stroked the string of the guqin before plucking.

    The first note flowed.

 Chapter 72 Part 8 - Stunning

    <strong>Chapter 72 Part 8: Stunning</strong>

    The first note flowed.

    ¡°Ke¡ª¡ª¡± the people watching on the sidelines almost choked, ¡°she¡¯s going to y.¡±

    ¡°Quickly listen to what she.......¡±

    The words hadn¡¯t fullye out from their mouths when a string of smooth guqin notes struck everyone¡¯s ears. It was more extremepared to Jiang You Yao¡¯s, as if someone used a knife to carve the bottom of everyone¡¯s heart bit by bit.

    ¡°She is ying ¡¶Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute¡·!¡±

    Someone heard and blurted out, there¡¯s excitement for a period of time, and the surrounding voices also changed their tunes.

    When this sentence came out, the faces of those hearing changed colors. ¡°Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute¡±, even Ming Yi Hall¡¯s teachers couldn¡¯t y this song. If not careful, it would turn into a joke, but Jiang Li actually dared to y this.

    How many years had nobody yed¡¶Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute¡·?!

    The examination field was quiet all of a sudden. A person suddenly burst out intoughter in the middle of the quietness. That was precisely Mian Ju, dancing about happily, where was there any style of a court musician? Superbly excited: ¡°It¡¯s ¡¶Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute¡·. This young girl¡¯s guts is big enough! Really bold and powerful!¡±

    Jinghong fairy helplessly said: ¡°Mister, be quiet.¡±

    Mian Ju immediately gave a mocking smile before keeping silent.

    As a result, only the sound of Jiang Li¡¯s guqin sounded in the examination venue.

    ¡¶Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute¡· was written of a woman¡¯s homesickness, of her parting sadness and overwhelming resentment. The most important aspect could be summed up in a word ¡°sorrowful¡±, yet without needing to mention the teachers, Ming Yi Hall¡¯s female students were all youngdies from noble families, passing their days innocently and without worries. Even if they had some worries, those were just for trivial matters. How can they y out this ¡°sorrowful¡± word? Even ¡°sad¡± would be very difficult to achieve.

    Although people around the world often talk of sympathy, but feeling as if it happened to oneself, how could this be so simple? Probably only those sage with the world in their hearts could understand it.

    Meng Hong Jin sneered: ¡°Really doesn¡¯t know the immensity of heaven and earth, just making oneself be the topic of everyone¡¯s joke.....¡±

    She naturally thought that Jiang Li wouldn¡¯t be able to y this music well. If Jiang Li could y well, wouldn¡¯t it be saying that Jiang Li was more outstanding than the smartest and talented girls from Ming Yi Hall these past few years? How was this possible.

    But her mocking smile gradually disappeared, herplexion also became more and more unsightly.

    Jiang Li¡¯s hand movements were very proficient, as if she had been learning guqin for a decade. Her motion was also extremely graceful, without the slightest deliberation or overy borated pose. Unimaginably lighthearted as she wished.

    The girl was sitting on the examination stage, the wind was clear and the sun was weak. Her sleeves were wide, the green colorpelling, her spirit elegant and lovely. For a moment, the examination venue felt to be inside a deep valley in the mountain. It wasn¡¯t fickle at all but it looked like it was ying for only herself to hear.

    It was ying for herself.

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t look at any particr ce, also seemed as if she had finished looking at everything before her.

    The song of her leaving the hometown, leaving, not just departing from the town, losing her son, her family broken and the person died.

    The person sharing her bed was a mountain wolf and nothing was left of her family after this unwarranted disaster. More hateful was that her enemy was steadily rising. Since she was reborn, finally seeing the enemy but couldn¡¯t immediately take revenge for father and brother, could only restrain.

    Restraining her emotion was mournful, deep seated blood animosity was mournful, the innocent suffering an unjust death was mournful, the whole family ran into misfortune was mournful. Oppressed by the power was mournful, the heaven had no eyes was mournful, cold and dismally mournful!

    The qin tone nged like sharp swords stabbing towards the vast sky. In that split second, the overwhelming resentment soared to heaven, making those listening felt their liver and guts being cut to pieces, their grief not just their own.

    Miserable! Resentment! The sorrow deeply prates the heart!

    After so many years, someone finally yed ¡¶Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute¡· at the examination venue for the first time. In the beginning, thinking that as long as this girl couldpletely remember theplete hand movements, it was already pretty good. But Jiang Li was not just able to remember theplete hand movements, she was very proficient. Looking at her manner, clearly it wasn¡¯t unfamiliar at all.

    It¡¯s fine if it¡¯s just that, but she was just a 15 years old girl, how was she able to produce ¡°mournful¡±!

    Two beats out of ten was like a funeral music, narrating two feelings, both happiness and distress. Three beats out of ten, the string was urgent, provoking sadness.

    Four beats out of ten, tears nearly fell, the river water flowed east, thinking of oneself. Fifteen beat¡¯s tune was hasty, the heart was filled with anger, who knew wrong.

    Sixteen beat, faraway thought, I and child, each in different ces. The sun in the east, the moon in the west, only able to look at each other, not allowed to be with one another, heart break. Like daylily, anxious, unable to forget. Plucking the guqin string, how wounded the feeling. Now separated from the child, going back to the hometown, heavy grievance, newints grew. Crying blood and raising the head,ining vigorously. Why make a living, to only suffer from this cmity.

    The always gentle appearance of Xiao Deyin at this moment looked somewhat stiff. With a careful look, her fingers could be seen shaking slightly. Jiang Li¡¯s guqin ying, at least in this song ¡¶Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute¡·, was already at a much much higher level than her! With this song, Jiang Li disyed excellent skill. So much so that she could be her teacher!

    Yanjing¡¯s first musician, at this moment seemed like a joke!

 Chapter 72 Part 9 - Stunning

    <strong>Chapter 72 Part 9: Stunning</strong>

    I want to cry... ( no, not due to the song, maybe I¡¯m not sensitive enough but I don¡¯t find any sorrow in the music? Have you guys heard? ) but because this is thest part of this chapter!!! Wohoooo!!!!! *pat self on the back* The beats drove me crazy to trante... thankfully it¡¯s over.

    Jinghong fairy was also astonished. She had long since conducted herself as a wife and mother, no longer caring about fame and profit. Thus, she didn¡¯t feel unbnced with the younger generation exceeding herself. She was merely feeling very apprehensive, how could a 14 years old young girl understand ¡¶Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute¡·¡¯s mournfulin in such a prating way? Even though Jiang Li lost her mother since young and was sent to the nunnery when she was only seven years old, even though she passed her life in destitute on the mountain for eight years, these sufferings,pared to the guqin tone of ¡°mournfulint¡± was notpletely the same ah.

    This was simply unbelievable.

    Mian Ju was the happiest, both his eyes were bright. The gaze he looked at Jiang Li was like a miser who unexpectedly discovered a huge lump of gold, drooling over and hated moving his sight away. He even so much as to mutter: ¡°This is a naturally talented musician!¡±

    Shi Yan was better than Mian Ju, but upon hearing Jiang Li¡¯s guqin tone, his previous arrogant look changed and gradually became somewhat emotional. He was the music official, unlike Mian Ju who had no worries. But as long as it was good music, the heart would appreciate.

    At the edge of these four people was Ji Heng.

    The people in the venue were all enticed by Jiang Li¡¯s guqin sound. That tone seemed to have the effect of confusing the people¡¯s heart, making the heart of each person feel sorrowful, seemingly seeing the burnt yellow soil where not even a de of grass grew. Then followed with recalling their own tragic matter, difficult to control themselves.

    The qin sound had such magic power. In the legend, a guqin ying demon could use the sound of the qin to bring humans into a fantasynd they created, making one lose their bearing. There was probably no guqin ying demon on earth, but there were superior musicians, able to use the guqin tone to transmit the heart and convey their feelings.

    When everyone was all captured by the sound, only one person was actually not moved by this sound.

    He wasn¡¯t like Jiang You Yao or Meng Hong Jin who were jealous because of the guqin tone. Also unlike Xiao Deyin who was frightened by the guqin skill. He was also unlike other people who were engrossed. He only looked at Jiang Li and the smile at the corner of his mouth didn¡¯t change in the slightest.

    Ji Heng just watched Jiang Li.

    His long eyshes lining his eyes were moving, as if intoxicated. But with careful look, it could be seen that he waspletely clear-headed. He was isting himself with the guqin sound, also as if isting himself from the rest of the crowd.

    He watched Jiang Li y the guqin as if he was looking at the drama troupe he invited into his residence. Looking at the engrossed crowd in the examination venue watching Jiang Li was like watching a y.

    All living things on and off the stage, the world bustling with activity, but he resembled a fickle beauty, standing outside the y with a detached point of view, being a good audience.

    He was soberly disengaged.

    Some people stepped away from involvement, some people were absorbed, then how about Jiang Li, the person ying the guqin?

    Her entire being was enveloped in immense sadness. The grief in the tune and the pain in her heart seemed to increasingly reflect and pull each other, striving to be first. She was seemingly split in two, one side was the frantic Xue Fang Fei mournfully recounting her own sorrow through the qin tone while the other side was Jiang Li, calmly looking at everyone¡¯s reaction below the stage.

    17th beat, the heart was stifled, the road home was long and arduous, difficult to travel. When leaving, the mind was clueless,ing back without children, the thought was boundless.

    18th beat, though the song ended, the sound lingered, the thought endless. It¡¯s knowing silk and bamboo, all the result of nature. Each happiness and sorrow can change following people¡¯s hearts. Hu and Han, differentnd, different customs, heaven and earth separated, child in the West, mother in the East. I felt bitter and resentment, oh the vast sky, though the six directions were wide, yet it¡¯s intolerable.

    There would inevitably be a limit to sorrow, the qin sound in any case and came to an end.

    Jiang Li finally plucked thest tune. After the huge noise sounded, there was an empty quiet.

    Not a person spoke, all things under heaven and earth seemed to be silent due to this qin sound.

    Liu Xu, who was off the stage, only felt a slight coolness on her face. Unaware since when, her face was dripping wet with tears. Looking at the surroundings, there wasn¡¯t a small number of people who shed tears after listening to the tune. Each and everyone seemed frustratingly lost.

    ¡¶Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute¡·, atst someone yed this song in the examination field. And that folk song before the 18 beats increased the grieving feelings in this sorrowful music.

    Everyone couldn¡¯t help looking at Jiang Li on the stage. Were it not for seeing with one¡¯s own eyes, no matter what, nobody would believe that the one who could soulfully y this song was just a 15 years old girl.

    The girl was standing on the examination stage, a breeze blew on her hair, making a fluttering sound. She hung her head slightly, causing people unable to see her expression clearly, yet feeling that this girl was alsopletely calm.

    Jiang Li sighed deeply inside. As she raised her head, she was stunned.

    She met a pair of long and beautiful phoenix eyes which were full of thoughts.

 Chapter 73 Part 1:

    Chapter 73 Part 1:

    *Bang head on keyboard* ....................... another close to 11K chapter. Ganbatte! Fighting!

    If this song was likened to a y, perhaps everyone would be angry and frightened due to the performance of the actors or due to the sorrow and happiness of the y itself. After all, it would involve people¡¯s state of mind. In the circumstances where everyone was all immersed in the drama then suddenly saw a sober person, it would make a person astonished.

    Jiang Li stared at that pair of beautiful phoenix eyes and for a moment, couldn¡¯t figure out the mood contained in those eyes. Only feeling slightly cold in her chest as if almost being seen through.

    That temperamental beauty, Duke Su, was sizing her up. Probably still trying to discover her secret.

    Jiang Li lowered her eyes, covering up the myriad emotions in her heart and saluted towards the audience. She had finished ying.

    Everyone was dumbstruck, looking at her.

    Momentarily, all those ridicules, sneers, disdain and even abuse came to an end. If Jiang Li getting first ce in the previous three exams was hard to convince the people, that was because it wasn¡¯t conducted in front of everyone. Now those people who were questioning her also had nothing to say.

    The one ying on the stage was precisely the genuine Jiang second miss.

    Among the examiners, that happy little old man Mian Ju called out first: ¡°Young girl, who taught you how to y the qin?¡±

    A noble daughter from the chief assistant¡¯s family was called ¡°young girl¡±, was somewhat rude. However, this person was precisely Hong Xiao emperor¡¯s most favorite court musician. Jiang Yuan Bai also gave him face and no one would actually say anything.

    Mian Ju¡¯s question broke everyone¡¯s daze. Indeed, everyone saw Jiang Li¡¯s guqin skill. The finger technique was proficient, unlike a person who just touched guqin for the first time. By her performance, it¡¯s very likely that she had learned for many years. But there wasn¡¯t a musician in the nunnery, could an expert havee from somewhere? One who hid from the secr world.

    Jiang Li took a nce at Mian Ju¡¯s glistening eyes and immediately understood what Mian Ju was thinking in his mind. She might as well took advantage of the situation and said: ¡°Master has already travelled the far distance.......¡±

    Ho, as expected, there¡¯s an expert giving direction!

    Mian Ju nearly unable to hold back and rushed forward, repeatedly asking: ¡°What¡¯s your teacher¡¯s name? Where does he live? Where did he go to? How to find him?¡±

    Jiang Li nced at him embarrassedly and vaguely said: ¡°This student also doesn¡¯t know.......¡±

    Hearing this, Mian Ju was at first feeling anxious. But suddenly recalled something and sighed: ¡°Never mind, never mind, probably this expert also does not wish to reveal their own whereabouts. A free life like the wind, how would he be willing to get tired because of the vulgar world.¡± He again looked at Jiang Li and opened his mouth with a bit of envy: ¡°You, this young girl actually have very good luck. Such a young age, yet was able to get directions from this kind of expert. It won¡¯t be exhausted in this lifetime. Why didn¡¯t I have such good luck? Ay!¡±

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry upon seeing his moaning and groaning. However, Mian Ju¡¯s words made the other people puzzled.

    All the people talked about this.

    ¡°As it turns out, Jiang second miss received the directions from an expert. No wonder she yed this well. I thinkpared to Jiang third miss just now, her skill is higher?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that so? Didn¡¯t teacher Mian Ju say, able to be admitted by teacher Mian Ju as an expert, naturally very good. Jiang second miss was taught by an expert, how could other peoplepare?¡±

    ¡°Jiang second miss is really lucky, perhaps in the future she could be a musician. Look at teacher Mian Ju¡¯s appearance, this has the mind of raising talented people ah.¡±

    ¡°Pooh, not being a proper chief assistant noble daughter but going to be a musician? Is Jiang second miss sick?¡±

    The discussion by his ear from then up till now seemed to be changed 180 degrees at once. Ye Shijie was stunned by this abrupt change. After thinking about it, he couldn¡¯t helpughing in spite of himself.

    From the beginning, he couldn¡¯t help worrying about Jiang Li. But he faintly feel, perhaps Jiang Li had her own method.

 Chapter 73 Part 2:

    <strong>Chapter 73 Part 2:</strong>

    From the beginning, he couldn¡¯t help worrying about Jiang Li. But he faintly had a feeling that perhaps Jiang Li had her own method. That powerful noble eldest miss who looked down on merchants had now grown up, turning into a vastly different person from before. The most obvious was that she had be much more intelligent than before.

    Jiang Yuan Bai listened to thepliments made by the surrounding colleagues and was momentarily feelingplicated. On one hand, no matter what, outsiders praising his own daughter was always a happy matter. On the other hand, looking at Jiang You Yao¡¯s wronged appearance, he felt somewhat heartbroken.

    After all, she was the little daughter who grew up like a pearl in his hand. In this particr skill, Jiang You Yao was always very good at. Now beingpared by Jiang Li, Jiang You Yao was certainly feeling sad and in despair.

    As a matter of fact, Jiang You Yao felt more jealous than sad, more hate than despair. When Jiang Li started ying ¡¶Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute¡·, Jiang You Yao immediately knew that today¡¯s situation afraid would once again be confused by Jiang Li. She looked at Ji Shuran and saw a heavy expression on her face. Her heart right away felt faintly at a loss.

    After the loss, she had a deep feeling of shame.

    To be defeated by Jiang Li, to be defeated by Jiang Li who was thrown into a nunnery and had nothing since an earlier time, this felt more difficult to bear than killing Jiang You Yao. Especially seeing the surrounding people praising Jiang Li¡¯s qin skill. It was the same as resolutely pping Jiang You Yao¡¯s face.

    Praising Jiang Li had yed well, then what was she?

    Just when Jiang You Yao was almost unable to suppress her feelings to show on her face, Ji Shuran, who was sitting by her side, lightly patted her hand and said: ¡°Don¡¯t panic, it¡¯s not the end yet, not necessarily will be losing.¡±

    Hearing Ji Shuran¡¯s words, Jiang You Yao gradually calmed down. Although she felt unreconciled, in the end it wasn¡¯t the right time.

    Jiang You Yao¡¯s changing expressions were taken in by Jiang Yu¡¯e. Though she was puzzled to what Ji Shuran finally said to Jiang You Yao, what she was even more puzzled with was, how was Jiang Li able to y the guqin so outstandingly?

    She originally thought the Jiang Li who just returned to the residence would be more pitiful than her....... But one after another, the facts proved otherwise. Jiang Li was still able to step on her head.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e stared at Jiang Li hatefully. Unknown whether it was because she wasn¡¯t reconciled to her father being a shu born, or because she was unable topare with Jiang Li that she was so unwilling.

    At this moment, Meng Hong Jin was also feelingpletely ufortable. Everytime Jiang Li received any praise, the people always nced at her with pity. Each person reminded her not to forget the bet made with Jiang Li. Looking at Meng You De¡¯s unsightlyplexion, Meng Hong Jin felt extremely afraid. If Jiang Li truly came first in all Ming Yi hall¡¯s exams, she had to take off her outer garment at the Imperial College¡¯s gate and kneel down to apologize.

    When that happened, she would be reduced to be the object of ridicule in the entire Yanjing and caused the Meng family to be unable to lift their heads. Father definitely would not forgive her.

    Suddenly there¡¯s a slight chill in Meng Hong Jin¡¯s back, as if she could already see that dreadful scene.

    Impossible, she consoled herself, Jiang You Yao also yed well, Jiang Li may not necessarily win, impossible.

    Jiang Li walked down the stage. She didn¡¯t return to the Jiang family¡¯s side, instead she walked towards Liu Xu who was waving at her.

    Liu Xu pulled her to sit down excitedly. This was still the first time Jiang Li saw this girl with so much emotion. Liu Xu said: ¡°Jiang Li, just now when you yed ¡¶Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute¡·, it¡¯s really too awesome! No wonder just before you went on the stage you said that you were going to y something that had never been yed before. ¡¶Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute¡·, this was still the first time for someone to y this during the examination. I think you yed much better than Jiang You Yao. Even I, this person whose guqin skill was average, could feel the mood of your gin tone. Using your words, the heart of guqin, it seems, on this stage, you¡¯lle first!¡±

 Chapter 73 Part 3

    Chapter 73 Part 3:

    She spoke very confidently, as if she was the examiner.

    Jiang Li smiled faintly: ¡°That may not be necessarily so.¡± She nced at the stage.

    On the examination stage, Mian Ju was directly facing Shi Yan as he said: ¡°Small Yan Yan, what do you think of the song from the Jiang family¡¯s daughter just now?¡±

    ¡°Small Yan Yan¡±, the music official Shi Yan, with a straight face and declined toment on the name Mian Ju called him, said: ¡°Pretty good.¡±

    Everyone knew that the music official Shi Yan was the most arrogant and picky. His evaluation for the majority of the people was nothing else but ¡°too unpleasant to listen to¡±, ¡°awful¡±, ¡°not good¡±. That single ¡°pretty good¡±indicated that Shi Yan acknowledged this person.

    Mian Ju obviously understood Shi Yan¡¯s personality very well and at once pped his hands. He said: ¡°I know that small Yan Yan has the same opinion as I do. Experts like us, both think like this!¡± Then he looked towards Jinghong fairy and Xiao Deyin to ask: ¡°Fairy and teacher Xiao, how do you see it?¡±

    Jinghong fairy felt somewhat awkward.

    She took Ji Shuran¡¯s silver. ¡°Bribing an examiner¡±, this matter, never ured in Ming Yi Hall before. Jinghong fairy did this due to originally thinking that inside the current Ming Yi Hall, there¡¯s nobody who couldpete against Jiang You Yao in guqin. Even if Jiang You Yao just relied on herself, she could obtain the first ce. Ji Shuran giving her those silver was as a thank you gift for giving directions to Jiang You Yao. But that gift was somewhat a bit too generous.

    Jinghong fairy also immediately epted it, thinking this was just a matter of pushing the boat with the current. In any case, it went without saying that Jiang You Yao could get first ce, not weakly giving personal affections towards the Ji family. Not only that, in the end Jiang You Yao could be considered half her disciple. Whether public or personal, she had to be a bit more partial towards Jiang You Yao.

    It was originally a definite matter, who would have imagined a Jiang Li came out attacking halfway. To be honest, Jiang Li¡¯s skill was above Jiang You Yao¡¯s . Especially since Jiang Li couldprehend ¡°the heart of guqin¡± at the age of 15. It was actually very rare.

    Jinghong fairy admired talented people and was also aloof from politics and material pursuits, but all year round, she was mixed in Fengyue ce. Even though she was just a hired hand, she understood the ways of the world. Jiang Li was admittedly very good, but she took Ji Shuran¡¯s silver. Between the two di daughters of Jiang Yuan Bai, Jiang Li was sent off at seven years old while Jiang You Yao grew up beside Jiang Yuan Bai. Jiang You Yao was more favored, Jiang You Yao still had Ji Shuran and the Ji family, but Jiang Li had nothing.

    ¡°Jiang Li is pretty good, equally matched with You Yao.¡± Jinghong fairy deliberated for a long time before finally speaking.

    When these words came out, she didn¡¯t think that Mian Ju would immediatelyugh and said: ¡°Perhaps fairy is biased because Jiang You Yao is your disciple? The way I look at it, Jiang Li, this little girl¡¯s skill level is much higher than Jiang You Yao. Leaving aside the fact that¡¶Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute¡· is more difficult to y than ¡¶Wild Geese on the Shoal¡·, in regards to understanding the artistic mood, Jiang You Yao was just outside the door while Jiang Li, this little girl, has already entered the door. Fairy, why are you bing more worldly now? In a few years, afraid including your ¡°heart of qin¡± will be lost!¡±

    These words were extremely rude, practically not giving Jinghong fairy any face at all. In Wang Xian Lou, Jinghong fairy started as a clear and pure hired hand. She was even constantly ttered by schrs and literati. When had she ever been reprimanded this rudely by anyone? Her face at once turned beet red from endless anger and humiliation.

    ¡°Never mind, how does teacher Xiao look at it?¡± Mian Ju also asked Xiao Deyin.

    Xiao Deyin pondered for a while and unexpectedly opened her mouth to say: ¡°I also think Jiang Li is equally matched with Jiang You Yao.¡±

    This was the same as not admitting that Jiang Li was better than Jiang You Yao.

    Mian Ju sneered, his gaze as he looked at Xiao Deyin also changed. He asked: ¡°Is it possible that teacher Xiao also epted Jiang You Yao as a disciple? How did one and two both talk while concealing their conscience.¡±

    Xiao Deyin said: ¡°That¡¯s not true. Although admittedly Jiang Li yed very well, the bleakness in ¡¶Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute¡· was too heavy, not as good as ¡¶Wild Geese on the Shoal¡·¡¯s open concept. ¡¶Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute¡· ¡®s hand movements are not the same as ¡¶Wild Geese on the Shoal¡·, the difficulty lies in the artistic mood. After all, it¡¯s hard for ordinary people to feel the mournful heart of the person ying the song. But still it¡¯s just Deyin that is not fond of mournful tones. The heart of the qin is like the human heart, I am actually more fond of the thought of vastness.¡±

 Chapter 73 Part 4:

    Chapter 73 Part 4:

    ¡°Really talking nonsense.¡± Mian Ju got angry by Xiao Deyin¡¯s remarks and said: ¡°I was only aware today that the heart of guqin is still divided into high and low. Forgive me for speaking bluntly, teacher Xiao, your kind of heart of guqin that is angled for fame, afraid you could no longer carry the name of Yanjing¡¯s number one female qin yer. Without mentioning Jinghong fairy, that top scorer¡¯s madam that had passed away, Madam Xue Fang Fei, was better than you. After a few more years, afraid this Jiang family¡¯s little girl, Jiang Li, would be a lot better than you.¡±

    This remark wasn¡¯t polite at all and Xiao Deyin¡¯s face changed color.

    She said: ¡°Mister Mian Ju, speak cautiously! Xue Fang Fei¡¯s moral was corrupted, but you unexpectedly put me together with her?¡±

    ¡°Talking as if teacher Xiao¡¯s moral character is very good.¡± Mian Ju mocked.

    ¡°You!¡±

    The examination had not ended but the two examiners had started quarrelling. Although Mian Ju seemed to be easy to talk to, he was actually a very stubborn old man. Jinghong fairy promptly came to smooth things over and spoke with a smile: ¡°Both of you don¡¯t need to get angry, there are still other students that have not yet gone on stage. It¡¯s not toote to wait for them to have all gone on stage. If there is still another one whose skill is even higher, there¡¯s no need to have a hard time choosing.¡±

    Mian Ju coldly snorted and let the matter drop. However, the few people were all aware that the following students basically couldn¡¯t surpass Jiang Li and Jiang You Yao.

    In the end, they would still need to argue.

    The dispute between Mian Ju and Xiao Deyin on the stage was observed by Jiang Li. Even though she couldn¡¯t hear what the two people were talking about, she could guess a bit. It must be about Jiang You Yao and her qin skills. Mian Ju could be assumed to be thinking highly of her. This was because prior to entering the pce, Mian Ju was just an ordinary folk musician. Jiang Li singing the folk song before ying ought to fit Mian Ju¡¯s temperament very well.

    As for Xiao Deyin, if it was before, Jiang Li believed she would definitely stand by her side. But at present....... She couldn¡¯t say for sure.

    Zhou Yan Bang fixed her attention on Jiang Li who was beside Liu Xu. Jiang Li¡¯s qin skill had once again shocked everyone present. He was even more determined in his heart that he must cancel the engagement with Jiang You Yao and be together with Jiang Li. Jiang Li was originally his fiancee, if it were not due to an unexpected turn of events, perhaps now they had already gotten married.

    Such a woman should of course belong to him!

    Zhou Yan Bang supposed since now Jiang Li had already washed away the ¡°good-for-nothing¡± reputation on the basis of her own ability, his parents¡¯ opposition would not be so vehement. Although she carried the reputation of poisoning her mother, Ningyuan Marquis always loved him dearly and should be willing topromise. But if this happened then he would let down Jiang You Yao. Thinking up to here, Zhou Yan Bang felt a twinge of guilt and felt obliged to make up for her in other ces.

    When Zhou Yan Bang was thinking about Jiang Li, not far from him, Shen Yurong¡¯s gaze was perplexed.

    When Jiang second miss was ying the qin on the stage, she had indescribably made him think of histe wife. To speak of, Xue Fang Fei¡¯s qin skill was also outstanding. At that time, when he was in Xiangyang Tongxiang, Xue Fang Fei frequently yed the guqin. He often stood outside the door of the Xue family and listened to the sound ofughter and qin sounding through over the wall.

    Afterwards, Xue Fang Fei came to Yanjing and no longer yed the guqin. He became the top scorer and was upied with various social engagements. In his memory, Xue Fang Fei¡¯s qin sound had also gradually turned vague. But today, Jiang second miss¡¯s qin tone had indescribably made him see his dead wife.

    Though Xue Fang Fei would not likely to y such a mournful tune, though Xue Fang Fei and Jiang Li were two totally different people.......

 Chapter 73 Part 5:

    <strong>Chapter 73 Part 5:</strong>

    Shen Yurong¡¯s peculiarity was all taken into Princess Yongning¡¯s eyes, who was sitting beside Cheng Wang. The smile at the corner of Princess Yongning¡¯s mouth remained the same, but a sh of bitter resentment shed in her eyes. Seeing Shen Yurong¡¯s look, he was obviously remembering Xue Fang Fei.

    Thinking that Shen Yurong was still constantly having Xue Fang Fei in his mind, Princess Yongning was immediately mad with jealousy. Even Jiang Li who was on the stage was also hated altogether. All deserve death! Who let Jiang Li resemble someone that¡¯s no good, actually resembling that slut!

    Jiang Li naturally wouldn¡¯t know what outsiders thought of. She was just wondering whether Duke Su, Ji Heng, discovered anything. She always felt Ji Heng¡¯s sight made people feelpletely uneasy. Was it possible that there¡¯s a deeper meaning? But aside from that first time at Mount Qingcheng, there was no other intersection between her and Ji Heng. Even if Ji Heng remembered her, it was merely fate.

    Shouldn¡¯t be....... Any rtion, right?

    Jiang Li hit on an idea, supposed that Ji Heng tore her stage open and exposed her calction on Master Jing An¡¯s matter while in Mount Qingcheng; she would never yield even in the face of death. Anyway, there¡¯s no other evidence.

    With this thought, she even didn¡¯t pay much attention as the students went on stage and continued with their music exam. Liu Xu had gone over, Jiang Yuyan had also yed and Jiang Yu¡¯epleted her turn. Until thest female student finished ying and the entire examination was over, it had already reached afternoon.

    Having Jiang You Yao, or perhaps more likely, Jiang Li performed outstandingly at the beginning, the other students¡¯ qin tunes always sounded dull, just as if moving their hands only, even then those movements didn¡¯t seem proficient. Actually, it was because the gap was too big, thus even ayman could immediately distinguish the skill level clearly.

    The music exam passing list had to be published immediately. Moreover, everyone¡¯s focus nowy on nothing else but Jiang Li and Jiang You Yao, these two people.

    Jiang You Yao stood in the audience and firmly grasped Ji Shuran¡¯s hand. At this moment, her expression couldn¡¯t help tensing up.

    If she lost the one aspect that she was an expert in to Jiang Li....... Jiang You Yao simply didn¡¯t dare to think how Zhou Yan Bang would look at her!

    The second branch¡¯s Lu-shi saw that Jiang You Yao was not as confident as before and immediatelyughed and said to Ji Shuran: ¡°Eldest sister inw is still the best, raising two daughters, both are highly intelligent. The way I see it, no matter whether it is You Yao or Li girl who bes the first, both are the people from your main branch. Eldest sister inw must be happy, truly deserve to be called elder brother¡¯s children.¡±

    Ji Shuran was distracted and anxious. Hearing Lu-shi talking about this gave rise to anger in her. However, no expression was visible on her face and she smiled and said: ¡°That¡¯s natural. I actually think that Li¡¯er¡¯s ying was slightly better.¡± She even took the initiative to praise Jiang Li.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e scoffed in her heart. It¡¯s very likely that this eldest aunt had already hated Jiang Li very much inside. However, Jiang Yu¡¯e also would rather have Jiang You Yaoe first and was unwilling for Jiang Li toe first. After all, Jiang Li had nothing. How could someone who had nothingpete with someone who had everything? It¡¯s only right for Jiang Li to obediently bow and grovel like herself.

    The five examiners were in discussion.

    There were no shes of opinions with the other students. Only when it came to Jiang Li and Jiang You Yao, these two people, the disagreement appeared.

    Jinghong fairy and Xiao Deyin believed that Jiang You Yao should be in first position while Mian Ju and Shi Yan believed that Jiang Li should be the first. Both sides were in a deadlocked and neither side was willing to concede.

    ¡°Anyone with eyes could see, Jiang Lies first. In the end, what¡¯s the matter with you guys?¡± Mian Ju bitterlymented, ¡°Can¡¯t both of you hear?¡±

    ¡°Mister Mian Ju,¡± Xiao Deyin said: ¡°Each person has their own opinion. Just like we are unable to control your opinion, you also can¡¯t control our opinion.¡±

    Jinghong fairy was slightly surprised.

    Her reason was because she received Ji Shuran¡¯s silver. Also, Jiang You Yao was someone she had personally taught. She had no choice but to choose Jiang You Yao. However, in regards to those whoprehend qin tunes, Jiang Li¡¯s qin skill was supposed to be above Jiang You Yao. It¡¯s impossible for Xiao Deyin to not hear.

 Chapter 73 Part 6

    <strong>Chapter 73 Part 6</strong>

    Then why does Xiao Deyin insist on choosing Jiang You Yao instead of Jiang Li? Is it possible that Xiao Deyin also received Ji Shuran¡¯s silver? That¡¯s not possible, Xiao Deyin is a teacher at Ming Yi Hall, leading a prosperous life. Moreover, at one time, she even declined being the court¡¯s musician. From there it could be seen that she¡¯s someone who is not greedy and seeking high position and great wealth. Her reason couldn¡¯t be because of money.

    Jinghong fairy had a hard time understanding.

    Nevertheless, Xiao Deyin had a rarely seen persistence.

    Tt was even more impossible for Mian Ju to give up, even Shi Jian didn¡¯t say a word. Jinghong fairy hesitated for a while before saying: ¡°Or what if this time we have two people for first position?¡±

    It¡¯s not that being tied in first position had never happened in the examinations before. It was also because both parties were equally matched and it was really difficult to decide and they were left with no other choice.

    Mian Ju smiled sarcastically: ¡°But Jiang Li was obviously much better than Jiang You Yao!¡± This meant he disagreed with the idea.

    This couldn¡¯t do, that also couldn¡¯t do. As a result, the situation came to a deadlock.

    The examiners were slow ining out with the result and gradually, all the people in the venue started to notice.

    ¡°What¡¯s happening? Why haven¡¯t they announced the names?¡±

    ¡°Just now I seemed to see Master Mian Ju pointed at Jiang second miss and Jiang third miss. Is it difficult to choose?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true, Jiang second miss and Jiang third miss were both fantastic. However, I prefer Jiang third miss, she¡¯s really beautiful! In the past, Jiang third miss always upied first ce in qin.¡±

    ¡°I actually prefer Jiang second miss. That¡¯s because nobody has ever yed the ¡¶Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute¡· before.¡±

    Jiang You Yao saw that side waste in announcing the results and a gleam of hope once again rose in her heart. Even if they were tied for first position, she would feel better than if Jiang Li was on top of her.

    ¡°We can¡¯t stay here until dark, right?¡± Mian Ju said somewhat impatiently: ¡°Anyway, an announcement must be made.¡±

    ¡°But at this moment, there¡¯s no other way.¡± Jinghong fairy said with a bitter smile. Xiao Deyin and her certainly wouldn¡¯t concede. And looking at Mian Ju and Shi Yan, both of them also had the same determination as them.

    There was no room to advance or retreat.

    Right at this moment, azy voice carrying deep meaning suddenly rang out. He asked: ¡°Why? Still hasn¡¯t concluded?¡±

    Turning their heads to see, it was Duke Su, Ji Heng, who had been dozing off all along. It was unknown since when he had woken up and looked at them with a smile on his face as he yed around with the folding fan in his hand.

    Evem Jinghong fairy, who was someone¡¯s wife, couldn¡¯t help being dazed when she saw Ji Heng¡¯s smile. When she snapped out of it, she said apologetically: ¡°A difference in opinion came up.......¡±

    Mian Ju¡¯s eyes brightened as he seemed to have thought of something. He said to Ji heng: ¡°Duke, you woke up just in time. Xiao Yan Yan and I think Jiang Li ought to upy first ce. Fairy and Teacher Xiao believe that Jiang You Yao should be first. Neither side refused to back down. Since you¡¯ve woken up and you are also an examiner today, what if you say something. Which side are you standing on?¡±

    Jinghong fairy didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry.

    It wasn¡¯t good for Mian Ju to look for someone, yet, against reason he called this Duke Su. Although it wasn¡¯t known how Duke Su became one of the music examiners, today, under the staring eyes of thousands, Duke Su had been dozing off from the beginning. Perhaps he woke up midway for two seconds, but he very quickly closed his eyes again.

    From judging the first student, Ji Heng had never said a word. As if today he happened toe and amuse himself with the bustle. Thus the four people tacitly agreed not to bother him and decided on the grades by themselves. If truly asked Ji Heng to manage it, he wasn¡¯t a music yer, so how could he understand the qin tune?

    But now, Mian Ju asked this Duke Su, who was even toozy to lift his eyelids to evaluate the result. To say either Jiang Li or Jiang You Yao to be in first position, Jinghong fairy even doubted whether Duke Su actually knew which was Jiang You Yao and which was Jiang Li? Judging without seriously listening to the qin tune, wasn¡¯t this blindly making trouble?

    The most important thing was Duke Su¡¯s attitude which was basically disdainful to participate in this matter. Who knew whether he would open his mouth or not, afraid he was toozy to say even a word.

 Chapter 73 Part 7

    <strong>Chapter 73 Part 7</strong>

    Nevertheless, Mian Ju stared at Ji Heng with bright shining eyes.

    Ji heng looked at the piece of red paper in front of him, his sight paused on ¡°Jiang Li¡± and ¡°Jiang You Yao¡±, these two names before saying in a low voice: ¡°Jiang Li.....¡±

    ¡°Right! Did you hear, Duke Su really has good taste and has already decided that it¡¯s Jiang Li!¡± Main Ju was so happy he nearly bounced.

    ¡°Mister Mian Ju, keep your calm first.¡± Xiao Deyin spoke indifferently: ¡°Duke Su hasn¡¯t finished speaking.¡±

    Xiao Deyin had a thought, Duke Su isn¡¯t that fond of qin music, he is rather fond of the opera. Today he hasn¡¯t been listening attentively, of course he wouldn¡¯t pick based on qin skills. But what Duke Su likes is beauties. Jiang You Yao was a lively and fragrant beauty....... Xiao Deyin¡¯s heart suddenly thumped, to speak of, Jiang second miss, Jiang Li is not that bad too ah.

    She turned her head to look at Jiang Li.

    Jiang Li¡¯s head was inclined sideways as she chatted with Liu Xu beside her, making her profile even more outstanding. Her light green dress was like a spring day, bringing out a young girl¡¯s grace and beauty, seemingly able to smell the fragrance she exuded.

    Jiang You Yao was indeed beautiful, but Jiang Li wasn¡¯t bad at all.

    Right in the middle of her thought, she saw the good looking young man in his red clothes abruptly raised his lips into a smile. Waving the folding fan in his hand randomly, he pointed in one ce and indifferently said: ¡°Just her.¡±

    Everyone promptly looked in the direction he was pointing!

    The folding fan with thin gold threads like cicada wings when folded together was very thin. It pointed to a name; astonishingly, there were only two characters.

    Jiang Li!

    Ji heng chose Jiang Li.

    Jinghong fairy rxed. She didn¡¯t know why but she felt much more relieved. With Ji Shuran¡¯s silver, she had helped Jiang You Yao. But Duke Su speaking personally was something out of her control. Moreover, Jiang Li was worthy of the name.

    However, Xiao Deyin still stubbornly spoke: ¡°Duke, don¡¯t y around, exams are not a trivial matter.......¡± All her words were suddenly swallowed back into her throat due to the nce Ji Heng shot at her.

    That nce was cold and somewhat mocking, as if he knew clearly the secret at the bottom of her heart, making her fall into an icehouse in a split second, unable to utter another word.

    Mian Ju made a prompt decision and waving a big brush, he immediately wrote down Jiang Li¡¯s name on the top position of the red notice.

    It¡¯s final!

    Xiao Deyin looked on helplessly at Jiang Li¡¯s name ced in the top position on the red notice with no room to change the situation. Duke Su, Ji Heng actuallyughed softly, then got up, seemingly not going to stay here any longer and going to leave.

    Prior to leaving, his sight seemed to inadvertently go in Jiang Li¡¯s direction.

    Jiang Li was also attentively staring at Ji Heng, still thinking of his purpose. Unexpectedly, Ji Heng nced at her before leaving and she was momentarily stumped, thinking this person truly deserved the two words ¡°impermanent¡±, unknown what he was thinking about.

    But, is he preparing to leave?

    While being stunned, the young boy with the red scarf had already held the written red notice and started to read the list of names one by one fromst to the first. Liu Xu was in the middle, Jiang Yu Yan and Jiang Yu¡¯e were a bit worse. Contrary to expectation, Meng Hong Jin was in sixth ce. The further forward it went, Jiang You Yao became more and more nervous.

    Can she get first ce?

    The young boy with the red scarf read her name: ¡°Jiang You Yao, second ce¡ª¡ª¡±

    Jiang You Yao only felt her mind turned stupid and both her legs turned soft, nearly tumbling to the ground. Fortunately Ji Shuran supported her. After she was able to stand firmly, her body shook slightly as she waited desperately for the young boy to speak out thest name, her heart crying out ¡°must not¡± countless times with all its might.

    Afterwards, things definitely turned out against her wishes.

    ¡°First ce, Jiang Li!¡±

    The straightforward two words shattered Jiang You Yao¡¯s unrealistic delusion, as if a sharp sword thrusting straight into Jiang You Yao¡¯s chest. It also simultaneously stabbed Meng Hong Jin.

    Meng Hong Jin shook her head and pinched her own hand ruthlessly, as if wanting to distinguish whether everything was a dream or a reality. A sharp pain was felt on her hand, reminding her that everything was real.

    With the addition of the previous three, Jiang Li had altogether ced first in four exams.

 Chapter 73 Part 8

    Chapter 73 Part 8:

    If this continued, she would lose her wager and be reduced to aughingstock in the entire Yanjing at the Imperial College gate. She would definitely lose!

    For a moment, there¡¯s only this thought in Meng Hong Jin¡¯s mind.

    Ye Shijie breathed a sigh of relief from afar. Seeing Jiang Li get first ce, he felt both unimaginable and a sure fire thing. Even he himself hadn¡¯t discovered when he heard Jiang Li got first ce, the corner of his mouth raised in a smile.

    In the end it¡¯s a victory.

    Jiang Li smiled warmly at Liu Xu¡¯s repeated congrattions, but she didn¡¯t feel excited at all. In actuality, using what she had learnt to participate in Ming Yi Hall¡¯s examination was really bullying these students. However, Jiang Li had a small happiness listening to the boiling voices of the people in the exam venue.

    In this battle, she could be considered a bit more famous. The road she walked on in the future would be a bit easier.

    Jiang Li turned her head around again, wanting to see Ji Heng. But she only caught sight of the back view of a red cloth at the door of the exam venue, gradually disappearing in the afterglow of the sunlight.

    No matter, Jiang Li thought, perhaps she was too suspicious. Duke Su had no association with the Jiang family, so why would he take note of a young girl like herself? It was nothing else buting across each other by lucky coincidence and took a second nce at her out of novelty. Thus he looked at her like watching those operas.

    Jiang Li felt relieved after she figured things out.

    Liu Xu was happier and more excited than her for getting first ce. She said: ¡°Jiang Li, you came first, did you hear?¡±

    ¡°I heard.¡± Jiang Li smiled.

    ¡°Why you don¡¯t appear excited?¡± Liu Xu was somewhat in doubt, ¡°aren¡¯t you happy?¡±

    ¡°How could I not be happy?¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°I just remember there are still two more exams left, archery and riding, and I feel worried, that¡¯s all.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Liu Xu also remembered, ¡°the two things, archery and driving, except for those daughters from general families, us, these daughters in the college are mostly not so good at them. You..... can you?¡± She asked Jiang Li cautiously. If it was before, Liu Xu would definitely think without the slightest hesitation, that Jiang Li would certainly not be able to. But after several times, Liu Xu also didn¡¯t know whether Jiang Li was able to or not. Time and time again, Jiang Li was always unexpected, making people wonder if there¡¯s anything that she couldn¡¯t do. For example, the three exams of calligraphy, mathematics and etiquette. Another example was the ability to distinguish a genuine and fake painting. Another example was the ability to y the ¡¶Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute¡· that nobody else was able to y well.

    Jiang Li replied vaguely: ¡°A little bit.¡±

    Although it was just ¡°a little bit¡±, Liu Xu was shocked by this reply. She nearly cried out ¡°as expected, you really can¡±.

    ¡°Ok,¡± Jiang Liughed: ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal, it¡¯s also only for the sake of coping with the exam. Maybe my luck today is good, I don¡¯t know if I will have this kind of luck in riding and archery.¡± She chatted with Liu Xu while walking towards the Jiang family¡¯s ce.

    Jiang Yuan Bai saw the disappointment in his little girl, Jiang You Yao¡¯s face and felt upset. He saw his elder daughtering towards this side and had aplicated expression on his face. Jiang Li stayed in the nunnery for eight years without anybody instructing her, yet she could mature like this. This showed that Jiang Li was more intelligent than Jiang You Yao, yet such a bright daughter had been dyed.

    On one hand, Jiang Yuan Bai felt guilty due to the many years of non-interaction with Jiang Li. On the other hand, he was unable to forget Jiang Li¡¯s wrongdoing towards Ji Shuran eight years ago. Even though it¡¯s a great virtue to stop recalling the mistake, the harm was already created. No matter what method was used, there¡¯s still a crack. It applied to both Jiang Li and him.

    Jiang Li ignored Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯splicated gaze and faced Lu-shi¡¯s friendly smile. She said: ¡°Li girl is truly courageous. You¡¯ve just entered Ming Yi Hall for a few days, yet you¡¯ve got first ce. I see that Li girl is the most outstanding one from Ming Yi Hall¡¯s previous years. The things others were unable to aplish, Li girl could do it in one go.¡±

 Chapter 73 Part 9

    <strong>Chapter 73 Part 9:</strong>

    Praising Jiang Li while stepping one foot onto Jiang You Yao without batting an eyelid. Saying that the things Jiang Li could do, Jiang You Yao was unable to and Jiang You Yao couldn¡¯tpare to Jiang Li.

    When Jiang You Yao heard this, she hated even more, but herplexion turned even more wronged and exceptionally pitiful.

    Jiang Yuan Bai coughed quietly and unable to bear seeing his little girl feeling sad he said: ¡°You Yao is also good.¡±

    On the contrary, Ji Shuran also said: ¡°You Yao is younger, not as skilled as Li-er. Today Li-er has truly let us open our eyes.¡± She smilingly looked at Jiang Li: ¡°In the future, You Yao has to learn with Li-er.¡±

    This generous appearance truly made Jiang Li exim in amazement. It seemed that Ji Shuran was also someone who had a flexible temper. But asking her to point out to Jiang You Yao, leaving aside whether she was willing or not, perhaps Jiang You Yao was also not willing. Besides, Jiang Li felt that Jiang You Yao wouldn¡¯t think that she was better than Jinghong fairy.

    But the surface should still look good, so Jiang Li immediately replied with a smile: ¡°Everything is taught well by the mother.¡±

    Jiang Yu¡¯e was watching from the side and sneered inside. At this time showing gentleness and filial piety, who knows there¡¯s an ulterior motive inside. Ji Shuran can put on a y, Jiang Li could also put on a y. In her heart, Jiang Yu¡¯e gradually began to guard against Jiang Li.

    ¡°There are still two more exams, riding and archery tomorrow.¡± Old madam Jiang said: ¡°Li girl, can you?¡±

    The two items, riding and shooting, were basically riding a horse and archery. These two things were merged together in this year¡¯s exam, namely, shooting arrows while riding a horse. This was due to the invasion by a dissident group a few years ago. The dissident group came from the grasnd and were experts at equestrian archery. Soon afterwards, the army started to practice equestrian archery for their troops. Ming Yi Hall also used the opportunity to imitate the army and let thedies put riding and shooting arrows together. By means of equestrian archery as the exam, it could be regarded as half the work, twice the effort.

    ¡°A little bit.¡± said Jiang Li.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e and Jiang You Yao heard a ¡°thump¡± at the same time in both their hearts. They looked at Jiang Li and thought, how does she even know this?

    Could there still be a Ming Yi Hall in Mount Qingcheng which teaches riding and archery?

    Jiang Yuan Bai was also astonished and asked: ¡°Where did you learn?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a pilgrim who once donated horses to the nunnery. I got curious when I was feeding the horses and secretly climbed on one to ride it. The horse was docile and wasn¡¯t hard to handle at all.¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°As for archery, Tong¡¯er and I made bows and arrows from the branches in the woods once to shoot birds to fill our stomachs.¡±

    Tong¡¯er was puzzled, why doesn¡¯t she know these things? However, she still nodded and went along with Jiang Li¡¯s exnation. Her face was like her master¡¯s, in deadly earnest and didn¡¯t change color as the lie was told.

    There¡¯s a bit of a feeling when these words passed into old madam Jiang and Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s ears. Feeding horses, shooting birds, filling their stomachs, those who didn¡¯t know would think they were poverty-stricken people living in the countryside. Who would think it was the youngdy of the chief assistant¡¯s house. These years, it was unknown how much suffering Jiang Li had undergone.

    Jiang Yuan Bai had soft ears1 and a person with a soft heart, especially when facing his own family members. He was at once extremely regretful of his method in handling things that year.

    Ji Shuran hated in her heart. Jiang Li had the cheek toment her misfortune in front of her face. Her age was still young, yet could think of such a method. If she didn¡¯t look for a way to put a stop, what then? It was unknown how much trouble she would bring to her in the Jiang residence in the future.

    Jiang Li can¡¯t stay. Ji Shuran thought, ordinary means is out of the question as well.

    When Ji Shuran was in the middle of her thought, she suddenly perceived something, nced randomly and was slightly stumped for words.

    Not too far away, Meng Hong Jin was standing among the crowd, staring at Jiang Li. Although it was very brief and very vague, the gloominess and calction in her eyes wasn¡¯t missed by Ji Shuran.

    Ji Shuran was somewhat suspicious at first, but in a sh something dawned on her and she rxed. She smiled while looking at Jiang Li, the haze she had just now was swept away in an instant. She even so much as following Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s kindly words and said: ¡°These years Li girl has truly undergone hardship. Since you¡¯ve returned home, let those days pass. From now on, the days will only get better and better.¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai was very satisfied by Ji Shuran¡¯s attentiveness. But after hearing this, Jiang Li was immediately alert.

    What changed, Ji Shuran seemed to suddenly rx.

    What has changed?

 Chapter 74 Part 1 - Riding and Archery

    <h4>Chapter 74 Part 1: Riding and Archery</h4>

    The day of the music examination ended with everyone¡¯s sighs.

    No matter what, the song that Jiang Li yed today, ¡¶Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute¡·, had be the hot topic everyone in Yanjing were discussing. As for the doubt from the previous three exams, it dissipated in a moment. In addition, Jiang Li¡¯s disy of qin skill made many people begin to re-examine the bet between Jiang second miss and the daughter of the Meng family. So much so that In the gambling den, a portion of the people started to bet on Jiang Li¡¯s victory.

    These changes were bit by bit but persistent. It seemed that overnight, everyone reached a consensus: Jiang Li wasn¡¯t worsepared to the other noble daughters in Yanjing.

    This was naturally a good transformation for Jiang Li, but not for some people. Not mentioning the other female students of Ming Yi Hall that were stepped on, even the other party making the wager, Meng Hong Jin, wasn¡¯t able to sit still at the moment.

    Meng family, Meng You De had not yet returned to the residence and mother Meng was sitting in the living room moaning and groaning. Meng Hong Jin shut herself in her boudoir, in a fit of anger she overthrew all the papers and pens on the table. Her face looked irritable, and with a careful look, there was a trace of fear inside.

    Without realizing, things had already reached this degree. As Meng Hong Jin remembered, she still felt everything was just like a dream. She still did not understand how a sure matter could now turn into the current situation. She heard the private chat of the people below, regarding the bet between her and Jiang Li, nowadays there were people in major gambling dens who started to bet on Jiang Li. What did this imply? This implied that at the very least, in the eyes of people outside, there¡¯s a probability that she would lose to Jiang Li.

    In fact, it¡¯s not just people outside that thought so, even Meng Hong Jin thought the same. The confidence at the beginning had long ago vanished. Meng Hong Jin realized that she was probably deceived by Jiang Li. The so-called inability to do anything, unable to understand a word, was nothing but false words Jiang Li weaved to deceive her. Probably Jiang Li had the thought of making her lose face from the start, then dug a trap and indirectly forced herself to jump in. When in actuality, Jiang Li knew everything.

    But the words were already spoken, the entire Yanjing already knew the bet between Jiang Li and her. Wanting to revoke the bet now was toote.

    The servant girl beside her consoled: ¡°Miss doesn¡¯t need to be too anxious. Tomorrow¡¯s exam is the two things miss is an expert in, equestrian archery. As long as the first position is grasped in these two things, the Jiang family¡¯s miss will no longer be the first.¡±

    ¡°Not being the first, I will still lose.¡± Meng Hong Jin said coldly. In Jiang Li¡¯s wager, if Jiang Li wasn¡¯t at the bottom of Ming Yi Hall¡¯s list, she had to kneel and apologize to her. If Jiang Li was more outstanding than her, she had to kneel and apologize to Jiang Li at the Imperial College¡¯s gate. If Jiang Li was not just more outstanding than her, but still ced first in the exams, she had to take off her outeryer of clothing and apologize to her in the Imperial College gate.

    Three gambles, each one was more malicious than the other. Currently Jiang Li was ced first in the four exams, she was naturally not ced at the bottom. Not only that, Jiang Li was clearly more outstanding than her. Even if she got first ce in equestrian archery, at most Jiang Li wouldn¡¯t be able to win first ce. ording to the bet, Meng Hong Jin still had to kneel and apologize to Jiang Li at the Imperial College¡¯s gate.

    No matter what, Meng Hong Jin was unable to ept that she would end up in that sort of circumstances.

    If she didn¡¯t want her reputation to reach the bottom, she had to quickly look for a reason to renege on the wager. If this happened, then she wouldn¡¯t be theughingstock in the entire Yanjing.

    She definitely must stop this from happening!

    Suddenly, the previous dark idea drilled into Meng Hong Jin¡¯s mind.

    In the riding and archery venue, the knife and arrow had no eyes. There was once a woman who was thrown down from the horse¡¯s back while riding in the exam venue. The injury wasn¡¯t too serious, she just received a bit of a fright and got better after recuperating in the house for a few days. But if Jiang Li¡¯s luck wasn¡¯t good and was thrown off the horse¡¯s back in the exam field, then no need to mention falling down and breaking her neck and dying, perhaps breaking her leg, being disabled throughout her life or perhaps getting disfigured by a cut from a sharp stone on the ground? There¡¯s also the arrow method, just in case someone ¡°identally¡± injured Jiang Li in the chaos by another¡¯s arrow, it was also a good thing ah.

    In this way, Jiang Li wouldn¡¯t be able to appear in front of everyone for a period of time. Then no one would mention the wager. The person was crippled already, who would still care about the bet?

 Chapter 74 Part 2 - Riding and Archery

    Chapter 74 Part 2: Riding and Archery

    The more she thought about it, the more excited Meng Hong Jin became. As if she could already see Jiang Li¡¯s painful appearance of living worse than death. A smile unexpectedly escaped from her mouth..Her talent in riding and archery was exceptional, it was very easy for her to move her hands and feet.

    The servant girl inside the room saw Meng Hong Jin¡¯s somewhat sinister smile and felt indescribably afraid. She couldn¡¯t help lowering her head and no longer dared to look at her Master.

    ......

    Just like Meng Hong Jin who was unhappy because Jiang Li got first ce in the music exam, there¡¯s also Jiang You Yao.

    Inside the Precious and Bright building, a servant girl was kneeling on the ground. Jiang third miss felt suffocated in her heart and thus searched for an excuse to punish the servants in the entire room.

    Just as Ji Shuran entered the room, she caught sight of Jiang You Yao in the middle of overturning a cdon base.

    The vase broke into pieces on the floor. Ji Shuran knitted her brows and carefully crossed over the broken pieces, then instructed the approaching servant girl to tidy up without dy. Jiang You Yao turned around and only then discovered Ji Shuran¡¯s arrival.

    Ji Shuran didn¡¯t say a word, merely stared at Jiang You Yao. When angry, this seemingly always amiable beautiful madam was very fierce. Jiang You Yao shrank and called out: ¡°Mother.¡±

    ¡°What are you doing again this time?¡± Ji Shuran pressed the center of her forehead and walked towards the middle of the room before sitting down. She shook her head and said: ¡°Your father will be unhappy if he sees your current appearance.¡±

    ¡°Father hasn¡¯t liked me since earlier,¡± Jiang You Yao bit her lip and said: ¡°Now he has been given a forgetful potion by Jiang Li, that slut, and listen to Jiang Li for everything!¡±

    ¡°How many times have I said, a female has to watch their words and actions,¡± Ji Shuran opened her mouth strictly, ¡°If outsiders heard these words you said, don¡¯t know how much trouble it would cause.¡±

    ¡°I know, mother. I just said this in front of you.¡± Jiang You Yao said with exasperation: ¡°I¡¯m truly very angry. You also saw it today, Jiang Li clearly set herself against me. From the beginning I¡¯m always good in guqin, but today, against reason, she surpassed me. Now the entire Yanjing knew that she, Jiang second miss¡¯s qin skill is outstanding and much better than me. What can I do in the future?¡±

    ¡°Calm down.......¡±

    ¡°Now it¡¯s surpassing my guqin skill, in the future, what else will she surpass me with? She deliberately wants to make me her stepping stone. Mother, today you didn¡¯t see the heir of Zhou continuously looking at her. This slut, she wants to seduce the heir of Zhou, she still hasn¡¯t given up!¡± Mentioning thest part, Jiang You Yao gnashed her teeth in anger, making people suspect if Jiang Li was standing in front of her now, Jiang You Yao must certainly tear and smash her,

    Ji Shuran was slightly startled and didn¡¯t have the mind to bother about Jiang You Yao¡¯s insolent manners of speaking. She said: ¡°What you said is true?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s true.¡± Jiang You Yao spoke with grief: ¡°She wants to rece me, wants to once again turn into Jiang family¡¯s main official daughter. Mother, didn¡¯t you say, there¡¯s only one official daughter in the main branch, that is me. No one could snatch my things, but nowadays my fiance is going to be snatched by Jiang Li already. Mother, how can I not mind?¡±

    Ji Shuran was ferociously stabbed in her heart. Jiang You Yao¡¯s sentence ¡°no one could snatch my things¡±, hit her heart with a piercing blow.

    Turning her head to look and as expected, saw Jiang You Yao¡¯spletely broken-hearted appearance with red eyes, Ji Shuran¡¯s heart inevitably softened. She sighed and said: ¡°Nonsense, how could Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s heir be snatched away by people. Leaving that aside, previously the Zhou family had already changed the first wedding contract. Wedding contract is not a child¡¯s y, how could it be altered over and over again? Moreover, this reputation of Jiang Li, how could it bepared to yours? I¡¯ve met Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s madam and the people in their family take fancy to you. If it¡¯s changed again, this would be cing our Jiang family at the bottom and your father will also not allow this. You Yao, don¡¯t worry, no one could snatch Zhou Yan Bang.¡±

    ¡°But the heir of Zhou is already confused by Jiang Li.......¡± Jiang You Yao was still not reconciled.

    ¡°How can she even reach a strand of your hair? You think too much.¡± Ji Shuran smiled and said: ¡°If there¡¯s Jiang Li in his heart, then it¡¯s impossible for him not to mention Jiang Li in the past eight years. This kind of indifference, does it look like he has the other person in his heart?¡±

    Jiang You Yao felt better after hearing this.

 Chapter 74 Part 3 - Riding and Archery

    Chapter 74 Part 3: Riding and Archery

    Ji Shuran turned it over in her mind. Sheforted Jiang You Yao but supposed that what Jiang You Yao said was true and Zhou Yan Bang truly had intention towards Jiang Li, then she certainly needed to be alert. Although it¡¯smon for a man to have three wives and four concubines, to have Zhou Yan Bang wishing to take Jiang Li as a wife rather than her own daughter, Ji Shuran felt her throat was blocked.

    ¡°But what you said is correct, Jiang Li indeed cannot remain.¡± Ji Shuran said: ¡°At first I thought if she was obedient and did what she was told, we can still use her in the future. But now it seems that she doesn¡¯t know her ce at all. She hasn¡¯t returned for long yet has stirred greatmotion. Letting her remain would be a disaster.¡±

    ¡°Mother, are you going to deal with her?¡±Jiang You Yao¡¯s eyes brightened when she heard what her mother said and asked immediately.

    ¡°I¡¯ve said already,¡± Ji Shuran smiled and stroked Jiang You Yao¡¯s hair, ¡°Jiang Li is too ostentatious and draws other people¡¯s hatred. Don¡¯t worry, this time she¡¯s in the limelight and already offends some people. There¡¯s someone who wishes for her to disappear even more than us. You just need to wait and see tomorrow¡¯s riding and archery.¡±

    Jiang You Yao was puzzled: ¡°Someone also wants to deal with Jiang Li?¡±

    ¡°You Yao, you have to remember.¡± Ji Shuran didn¡¯t answer Jiang You Yao¡¯s question and instead said: ¡°The best method is not to draw blood, but to sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight.¡±

    Jiang You Yao nodded, not quite understanding.

    ......

    In the Jiang residence, Jiang You Yao was unhappy but it was joyous in the Fang Fei Garden.

    Jiang Jing Rui had already be a frequent visitor of Fang Fei Garden, even Baixue knew that he loved to drink tea that¡¯s not bitter and poured a big spoonful of honey in his cup.

    ¡°Let me say, eldest uncle and eldest aunt are really not proper at all.¡± Jiang Jing Rui said: ¡°You got first ce in music, but there¡¯s not even a congrattory gift.¡± He spread both his hands out, ¡°Year after year, whenever Jiang You Yao received first ce, all kinds of rewards are not missing.¡± He carefully watched Jiang Li: ¡°Both are eldest uncle¡¯s daughters, why is the difference so big? Could it be....... You are actually not a Jiang family member?¡±

    This person¡¯s words were truly unpleasant to hear, it was as if he especially rushed over to stab people in the heart. Tong¡¯er was so angry she almost cursed at him and Baixue frowned.

    Jiang Li calmly looked at him and said: ¡°Maybe.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Jiang Jing Rui was astonished, ¡°Why are you not angry at all?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be angry about.¡± She was originally not a Jiang family member.

    ¡°Your self-restraint is really good.¡± Jiang Jing Rui shrugged. Suddenly, he recalled something and bluntlyughed aloud, ¡°I want tough when I recall Jiang You Yao¡¯s expression today¡ª¡ª¡±

    Jiang Li was suspicious whether Jiang You Yao had ruthlessly offended Jiang Jing Rui before. Otherwise, why would Jiang Jing Rui not wish for her to be well?

    ¡°Nevertheless, what are you preparing to do tomorrow?¡± Jiang Jing Rui asked: ¡°Tomorrow is riding and archery, you.......¡± He seized Jiang Li up and down once and shook his head: ¡°In any case, it¡¯s not possible to also get first ce, right?¡±

    For the matter of Jiang Li receiving first ce in music and surpassed Jiang You Yao, although Jiang Jing Rui was surprised, it wasn¡¯t to an unimaginable degree. The reason was because Jiang Jing Rui had noprehension of music. He simply didn¡¯t understand what Jiang Li¡¯s ability to y aplete and wonderful tune of the ¡¶Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute¡·signified. However, Jiang Jing Rui with his group of friends liked topare riding and archery. Because his learning was so-so, he knew how difficult it was. Thus he came over to advise Jiang Li.

    ¡°When you mount the horse, take two steps first then pretend you are unable to and concede. Or maybe you shouldn¡¯t take part in thepetition. I saw every year many of thosedies from Ming Yi Hall were also like this. Sometimes they got on the horse but didn¡¯t run, just walking slowly until it ended and still didn¡¯t pass the finish line.¡± He shook his head and wondered,¡± Youdies do not need to be too adventurous, it¡¯s most important to protect yourself. The examination field is so big, in the case you fall down and sustain injuries, the gains do not make up for the losses.¡±

    Jiang Li listened to his saying and knew that Jiang Jing Rui¡¯s intention was good. She thought in her heart, in the end, Jiang Jing Rui and Xue Zhao are different.

    If it was Xue Zhao, he would certainly have said: ¡°Since you want topete with others, you should naturally learn well. It¡¯s not a joke to get thrown down and injured by chance, so you must grasp how to ride and shoot well. In case something happened, you could only deal with it yourself. So what if it¡¯s ady? Youngdies also needs to be adventurous!¡±

    Jiang Li couldn¡¯t helpughing.

 Chapter 74 Part 4 - Riding and Archery

    C<strong>hapter 74 Part 4: Riding and Archery</strong>

    Hello~~ I cannot believe it¡¯s December already! I woke up on December 1st and got the shock of my life. I wondered, what have I done this year? Why is it December already? How about you? Do you also feel time flew so fast and in a blink of an eye it¡¯s already the end of the year?

    This is supposed to be yesterday¡¯s release, I apologize for the dy.

    ¡°Why are youughing?¡± Jiang Jing Rui said, feeling weird. ¡°Was what I said veryughable? Did you actually listen to what I said just now? Jiang Li, I kindly came and reminded you because we are rted. You are being obstinate like this, when the timees, don¡¯te crying to me.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I definitely won¡¯t look for you,¡± said Jiang Li.

    ¡°You!¡± Jiang Jing Rui swung his sleeve in anger, ¡°I can¡¯t get through to you, just up to you!¡± He stood up furiously and walked out. He stopped halfway and said: ¡°My equestrian master is in the residence. Wait for a moment, if you want to look for him, just go directly. I¡¯ve already informed him before. At least you could mount the horse and won¡¯t be thrown off, okay?¡± After he finished exining all these, Jiang Jing Rui truly left.

    ¡°Miss,¡± Tong¡¯er anxiously asked: ¡°Is equestrian archery really that dangerous? Or else, just no need to go.¡± Jiang Li and she were at the nunnery for eight years, she naturally knew Jiang Li had never learned riding and archery before. Although Jiang Li also had never learned to y guqin, calligraphy, calction and etiquette, those were not dangerous. Ifpeting, thenpete, but in any case, Tong¡¯er didn¡¯t feel relieved if there¡¯s anything dangerous.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°I have my own thoughts.¡± She faintly guessed why Ji Shuran was so out of character towards her in the afternoon. Since knives and arrows had no eyes in the examination field, danger could happen at any time. At the time when danger ured, it would only be treated as an ident.

    ¡°ident¡± could happen anytime.

    But she wasn¡¯t afraid of idents, because she could handle them well.

    This was precisely ¡°confidence¡±.

    ......

    In the west part of Yanjing, it was quiet inside Duke Su¡¯s residence at the moment.

    Duke Su liked gorgeous and intricate things, thus, his official residence was winding andplicated. The decoration was extremely borate and extravagant. The An Ding River was right in front of the door. There were countless magnificent buildings at the bank of the river, but none of these small buildings with flying eaves1 were as good as that conspicuous,rge, vermillion mansion.

    Today, there wasn¡¯t the familiar sound of ying through from the residence. The peace was somewhat weird.

    The old general ¡ª¡ª Duke Su, Ji Heng¡¯s paternal grandfather, Ji Da Chuan, was practicing sword inside the courtyard. The courtyard was very spacious, fragrant flowers and nts were arranged disorderly all around, of which many were precious breeds. However, with the wind from Ji Da Chuan¡¯s sword going ¡°whoosh whoosh whoosh¡±, many were cut off. Falling on the ground, the frail look made people give birth to grief.

    Several bodyguards who were hiding on the eaves immediatelyined. This batch of Persian chrysanthemum was an imported good bought from the hand of the sea merchant at a high price. It was raised meticulously for a few months before finally bearing several flower buds, but it was abused by the old general like this. When Duke Su saw this, he would look at them and properly ¡°appreciate¡± them.

    Truly too frightful.

    Ji Da Chuan was now in his sixties, but his body was still strong. He had a baby face, it could vaguely be seen that he was a handsome man in his younger years. So even though he had aged, he still remained as a handsome older male. There were wrinkles on his face but his pair of eyes were bright and expressive. It was summer and he was bare from his waist up with a piece of red brocade bound around his waist. Each of his hands held a sword and he was in the middle of practicing double swords.

    If this continued, this batch of Persian chrysanthemums would surely die in battle. An imperial bodyguard that looked honest couldn¡¯t bear it anymore and finally stood up to put a stop to Ji Da Chuan¡¯s action. He said: ¡°General, it¡¯s alreadyte, please have your meal first.¡±

    Ji Da Chuan stopped after he heard the bodyguard and with a brush, he retracted both the des in his hands. He asked: ¡°How about that bastard Ji Heng?¡±

    The imperial bodyguard said: ¡°....... Master has just returned.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t he go to listen to people ying qin? Which one ys well?¡± Ji Da Chuan¡¯s voice was loud and clear, but when he said these it was as if Ji Heng went to visit the brothel to listen to songs today. Returning home as if to tell whichdy sang well and which one looked beautiful.

    The imperial bodyguard restrained himself: ¡°The chief assistant¡¯s second miss got first ce.¡±

    ¡°Second miss?¡± Ji Da Chuan walked out while draping clothes on his shoulder and said: ¡°Don¡¯t know her, it¡¯s the chief assistant¡¯s residence, tortoise Jiang oh.......¡±

    The imperial bodyguard looked at the destroyed flowers on the ground and sighed helplessly.

    Inside the room, Ji Heng was leaning on a recliner2, ying absent-mindedly with a fan.

 Chapter 74 Part 5 - Riding and Archery

    Chapter 74 Part 5: Riding and Archery

    If someone could enter Ji Heng¡¯s room, they would surely be startled. Duke Su was fond of extravagance and beauty, but his study was unexpectedly in, even could be said as somber. The entire study was spacious and empty, everything was in ck and white pear wood without any superfluous decorations, making people feel empty.

    But when the sight fell on his beautiful face, immediately the feeling of a deste building disappeared and turned to contentment.

    The fire burning in themp gave out a subtle light. Inside the room there¡¯s still another person sitting.

    Lu Ji was still wearing the same blue attire from head to toe. His goatee moved and he smiled and said: ¡°How was the music when Master went to the exam venue today?¡±

    ¡°Very boring.¡± Ji Heng saidzily.

    ¡°But tomorrow have to continue troubling Master to watch equestrian archery.¡±

    Ji Heng raised his eyelids, appearing somewhat impatient.

    He was not just the examiner for music, he was also the examiner for equestrian riding. Therefore, tomorrow he still needed to go to the examination field.

    ¡°Why did the Majesty ask Master to be the examiner?¡± Lu Ji wondered.

    Ji Heng said: ¡°Liu Ji, I recruited you not for you to raise questions at me.¡±

    Liu Ji¡¯s heart trembled, then he heard the careless reply of the person in front of him: ¡°Because Your Majesty wants me to stare at Cheng Wang.¡±

    Cheng Wang? Liu Ji was stunned before understanding dawned quickly on him.

    Although Hong Xiao emperor was the current emperor, his crown prince was still young. Unless Cheng Wang was eliminated, he would always be the thorn in Hong Xiao Emperor¡¯s eyes. However, there¡¯s Liu imperial concubine behind Cheng Wang. Hong Xiao Emperor operated on ¡°benevolent policy¡± and couldn¡¯t catch Cheng Wang¡¯s handle. He could only let Cheng Wang stay alive for the time being. But after all, it¡¯s hard for a monarch to feel at ease. Since Cheng Wang would be going to the exam venue, Hong Xiao Emperor simply asked Ji Heng to also go over.

    However, Lu Ji couldn¡¯t help ncing at the young man in front of him, Hong Xiao Emperor probably wasn¡¯t aware that Ji Heng had a hand in Cheng Wang¡¯s growing power.

    Let Ji Heng stare at Cheng Wang? It¡¯s good if Ji Heng didn¡¯t take the opportunity to help Cheng Wang expand his influence

    ¡°The Right Prime Minister and Cheng Wang are very close.¡± Ji Heng said indifferently: ¡°I think the Assistant Minister will soon be.¡±

    ¡°Shen Yurong?¡± Lu Ji said: ¡°Princess Yongning and he are apparently.......¡± Lu Ji became speechless as long as he recalled the inside information. In the final analysis, she was the country¡¯s princess, making such a scandal truly made people feel incredible.

    ¡°This is also a good show, but it¡¯s a little tiring after seeing too much. Just go along with them.¡± Ji Heng unfolded the fan in his hand. There were hand drawn huge peonies on the fan, the petals curled up vividly as if alife, the golden threads glistened brightly.

    ¡°Then tomorrow.......¡±

    ¡°Cheng Wang won¡¯t be so foolish as to make his move in the exam venue, the emperor is too suspicious.¡± Ji Heng said: ¡°I¡¯ve gone and there¡¯s nothing. But,¡± he said: ¡°You pay more attention to Ye Shijie¡¯s movement.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Ye Shijie?¡± Lu Ji said: ¡°At present, he¡¯s got first ce in the Imperial College examination, very quickly will enter officialdom. Perhaps in the future he¡¯d have a lot of use.¡±

    ¡°Regardless of the future, to suddenly drift apart from Li Lian,¡± Ji Heng pondered with a smile, ¡°I really want to know who reminded him at the back.¡±

    Lu Ji was stumped for words and unable to speak.

    ......

    Jiang Li slept veryfortably tonight.

    She even dreamt. In her dream, Xue Zhao and she rode a horse each and rushed towards the woods. Xue Zhao didn¡¯t have enough arrows in his quiver and asked for a few from her. Her saddle bag was filled with preys.

    As they were about to return, a fierce tiger suddenly rushed out from the woods. In order to protect her, Xue Zhao rode his horse to lure the tiger away. Jiang Li couldn¡¯t catch up to him and could only look as Xue Zhao¡¯s rear view gradually faded away from her line of sight.

    When she woke up she felt her brows beaded with sweat. Even Tong¡¯er suffered a fright and hurriedly went to stir up the ice cube in the copper ox while grumbling: ¡°The ice cubes that the kitchen gave to our courtyard is too little.......¡±

    The people in the kitchen belonged to Ji Shuran. It¡¯s amon urrence to hinder Jiang Li on these small matters, Jiang Li also didn¡¯t care much. She was just thinking of the dreamst night and faintly felt an omen. It was said that when a dead rtive showed up in the dream, it¡¯s sending a message to their family member. Could it be that Xue Zhao wanted to tell her something through the dream?

    Will there be danger today?

 Chapter 74 Part 6 - Riding and Archery

    Chapter 74 Part 6: Riding and Archery

    Jiang Li turned it over in her mind but had no thoughts. Since she came back to Yanjing, there were countless people in the dark who regarded Jiang second miss as the thorn in their eyes. If she wanted to achieve her purpose, it¡¯s inevitable for her to obstruct the road of many people. It¡¯s no surprise to want to remove her, this rock blocking their paths.

    Bai Xue came over with brand new riding clothes in her hand and said: ¡°Miss, the outfit is ready.¡±

    Jiang Li swept her eyes over the clothes in Bai Xue¡¯s hands and said: ¡°Okay, just ce it on the table.¡±

    The equestrian archery required riding a horse, so it¡¯s necessary to wear a riding outfit. Jiang Li didn¡¯t have one, this was old madam Jiang who asked someone to make a new one for her. To show fairness, all four daughters in the family would also get one. All the materials were chosen by themselves. Naturally, Jiang You Yao would get the best one.

    Tong¡¯er thought Jiang Li would need to exert a lot of effort as she put on the riding outfit for the first time. She didn¡¯t think that Jiang Li was very proficient and didn¡¯t even need anyone¡¯s help. She could wear them in two, three steps. Tong¡¯er bound her hair into a bundle, looking both vigorous and agile, exhibiting a bit of heroic spirit that she didn¡¯t normally carry. This attracted the several servant girls in the courtyard to praise her.

    The equestrian riding would begin in the early morning so Jiang Li also got up early. Then she went towards Wan Feng Hall to join the others. Her timing was right as the others had just arrived. Jiang Yu¡¯e and Jiang You Yao immediately sized her up upon her arrival.

    Jiang You Yao wore a pink riding outfit. She was originally dainty and bright, depicting the characteristics of Yanjing¡¯s lively youngdies. Jiang Yu¡¯e was in a light blue riding outfit, looking lovely with her pretty smile. Jiang Yu Yan was wearing a goose yellow riding outfit. Her skin color wasn¡¯t white and the color of the cloth set her skin to appear slightly darker. She wouldn¡¯t be noticed among a crowd of people.

    Jiang Li¡¯s riding outfit was cyan. She really liked the color cyan and picked this color for her riding outfit. The originally pretty and clear facial features appeared elegant and watery, seemingly unsuitable with this kind of ardent attire. But it was unknown why, when she stood there with her orderly sleeves and her light smile, she was like a perfectly straight green bamboo. The branches and leaves carried the morning dew, the heroic spirit flourished, full of vitality.

    Even old madam Jiang couldn¡¯t help showing her appreciation.

    Jiang You Yao felt uneasy again. But after recalling the words Ji Shuran spoke to her yesterday, she looked towards Jiang Li and said with a smile: ¡°Today second sister looks different from the before, truly good looking. Don¡¯t know whether everyone present would again be surprised by the equestrian riding skillter.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled indifferently: ¡°Third sister overpraised.¡±

    Jiang You Yao despised Jiang Li¡¯s smile. Jiang Li¡¯s smile looked too sincere, making Jiang You Yao, who knew Jiang Li¡¯s insidiousness, disgusted with her. She turned her head and stopped looking at Jiang Li. Instead, she said to Ji Shuran: ¡°Mother. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Contrary to expectation, Jiang Yuan Bai fell behind and paused to say to Jiang Li: ¡°You don¡¯t have to force yourself if you are unable to.¡± Then he walked away.

    Jiang Li was slightly startled and shook her head. Without thinking more, she immediately boarded the carriage and headed towards the examination field.

    Today, Yanjing was almost empty as the people crowded outside the examination field. Probably yesterday¡¯s music exam attracted a lot of people and the audience doubled for today¡¯s equestrian riding.

    Jiang Li got off the carriage and walked over to the exam tform.

    Liu Xu saw hering and greeted her cheerfully. She said: ¡°Looking at how good your spirits are today, there should be no problem?¡± There¡¯s probing in her words.

    Jiang Li said: ¡°Not bad.¡±

    Liu Xu was satisfied and taking a quick look around, she saw Meng Hong Jin in the crowd. Today Meng Hong Jin looked exceptionally conspicuous, her whole body was wrapped in a fiery red riding outfit, making the whole person look enthusiastic and passionate. Seeing that Jiang Li had arrived, Meng Hong Jin nced before quickly moving her sight away.

    Jiang Li was a bit puzzled.

    The people ridiculing Jiang Li were not as many as yesterday. Perhaps the disy Jiang Li presented yesterday intimidated the whole audience. Even the female students from Ming Yi Hall merely gathered together on one side and sized Jiang Li stealthily. They also didn¡¯t dare to discuss in front of Jiang Li.

    Liu Xu softly snorted: ¡°Only know to feel afraid now.¡±

    It¡¯s the first time Jiang Li saw Liu Xu looking like this and felt novel. She said: ¡°What to be afraid of?¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t be the person at the bottom of Ming Yi Hall anymore. You won¡¯t lose the gamble between you and Meng Hong Jin. You know, many people went to the wine shop in Yanjing yesterday to buy liquor and drank till drunk. It was no other than because they¡¯ve bet a lot on Meng Hong Jin and now grieving after losing everything that they¡¯ve invested. Saying up to here, Liu Xu took joy in the cmity and said: ¡°I also heard that the Meng family bet a lot of silver, this time they lost miserably. If not my father didn¡¯t let me gamble, I would have also ced a bet, don¡¯t know how many times my profit would have been right now.¡±

 Chapter 74 Part 7 - Riding and Archery

    Chapter 74 Part 7: Riding and Archery

    Jiang Li broke intoughter: ¡°I¡¯m not a gaming chip.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about other things, today you can take it easy a bit.¡± Liu Xu grimly said: ¡°Equestrian riding has always been Meng Hong Jin¡¯s strong suit. Don¡¯t force it if you can¡¯tpete with her. If you happen to fall down by chance, the gains won¡¯t make up for the losses. Anyway it¡¯s determined that you¡¯ve won and won¡¯t lose anymore. No need to bother so much about these minor details.

    How many people had reminded her like this, Jiang Li still replied sincerely: ¡°I understand, thanks for the reminder.¡±

    This year¡¯s riding and archery werebined together. Different from the music exam, the students were divided into groups. There were altogether 30 students, just right to be divided into five groups. The people in each group were decided by drawing lots. Then the groups would draw lots to decide which one to go first.

    The lot drawing went without a hitch. Jiang Li took a wooden stick from the wooden tube and gave it to a youngster. Liu Xu saw and said: ¡°I¡¯m in the 2nd group, you are in the fifth group. We are not together.¡± She looked somewhat regretful.

    Jiang Li actually didn¡¯t care about this very much. She heard the noise over at Meng Hong Jin¡¯s side, it should be a good friend of hers. She said: ¡°Hong Jin, you are in thest group.¡±

    She was actually in the same group as Meng Hong Jin, the road was truly narrow for enemies. As Jiang Li was thinking like this, she saw Jiang You Yao approached her and said: ¡°Second sister, I didn¡¯t expect you to be in the fifth group as well. Fifth sister and I are also in the fifth group.¡±

    Jiang Li simply wanted toment in her heart. What kind of ill-fated rtionship is this? There were six people in a group, against reason, Meng Hong Jin, Jiang You Yao, Jiang Yu¡¯e and her were all in a group. Without mentioning who the remaining two people were, there were already three people in the group that regarded her as a thorn in their side. It would be strange if these people in the same group didn¡¯t trip her.

    Liu Xu also thought a bit about this and couldn¡¯t help bing slightly angry.

    In the middle of her thoughts, she saw the nearby crowd bing restless. Liu Xu turned around to see and said: ¡°Today¡¯s examiners have arrived.¡±

    There were not as many examiners todaypared to yesterday. There were only three people. One of them was a soldier in armor, around 27 ¨C 28 years old. With a majestic gait and valiant bearing, he was the current military rank captain Kong Wei. Because he ranked sixth in his family, he was known as Kong Liu1.

    The other person was the former martial top scorer, now the military cavalry¡¯smander called Zheng Hu Chen. His age was almost the same as Jiang Yuan Bai. He had tanned skin and a mighty, robust build.

    A nce could tell that these two people practiced martial arts, with unusual spirits. Just by standing in ce, they gave birth to fear in people¡¯s hearts. However, thest person was really beyond expectation.

    Duke Su stood there, dressed entirely in red, holding a folding fan with golden thread, with a light smile and prominent appearance. But he wasn¡¯t weakened by Kong Liu and Zheng Hu Chen¡¯s martial appearance. On the contrary, he was magnificent, making Kong Liu and Zheng Hu Chen seem to be his bodyguards.

    Still, always ipatible with the ce.

    In her heart, Jiang Li was astounded, what is Ji Heng doing here? In yesterday¡¯s music examination, he surprised people by being the examiner. Could he alsoe today with a role?

    It wasn¡¯t just Jiang Li that was clearly confused. In the audience seat, Cheng Wang also frowned. He said: ¡°What is imperial brother¡¯s meaning with this. Why did he make Duke Sue again today?¡±

    Cheng Wang had a restraining fear against Duke Su. Everyone knew, nowadays, Hong Xiao Emperor hadplete trust in Ji Heng. Cheng Wang had tried to rope in Ji Heng, yet Ji Heng, this person, wasn¡¯t moved. Moreover, his means were exceptional. Aftering across several sabotages, Cheng Wang no longer provoked Ji Heng. Still, he continued to pay attention to Ji Heng in the dark. He was aware of the work Ji Heng did for Hong Xiao Emperor so as not to be killed without knowing what happened.

    Princess Yongning didn¡¯t reply, her mind had long flown onto Shen Yurong. Yesterday afternoon, after the music exam, Shen Yurong was supposed to meet her. But Shen Yurong evaded. Princess Yongning saw him avoiding and knew that Shen Yurong recalled his dead wife Xue Fangfei after listening to the music yed by the female student and feltplicated. Thinking of this, Princess Yongning became more furious and unable to endure. Xue Fangfei had died, could she notpete with a dead person? She must get married to Shen Yurong as soon as possible. Shen Yurong was to keep up his infatuated appearance and observe mourning for three years, but she couldn¡¯t wait that long.

    She would raise this matter to her mother concubine, Liu tai fei, after the examination ended, Princess Yongning thought inwardly.

    On one side, Jiang Li was staring nkly at the slip of paper in her hand.

    A total of six people, aside from Meng Hong Jin, Jiang Yu¡¯e, Jiang You Yao. There were still two more noble daughters from Ming Yi Hall, Nie Xiao Shuang and Zhu Xin¡¯er.

    These two people gave the impression of spoiled daughters of government officials. Their temperaments also didn¡¯t seem to be particrly good. Compared to Jiang Li, they were on better terms with Jiang You yao. Jiang Li wasn¡¯t surprised, most of the noble daughters in Yanjing preferred Jiang You Yao over her.

    Of all things, it¡¯s thest group....... Jiang Li muttered to herself.

    No one noticed Meng Hong Jin, who was standing in the corner, ncing very quickly at Jiang Li. Her gaze was filled with a hard to cover hatred and satisfaction. This made her facial expression appear somewhat distorted. When people passed by her, Meng Hong Jin withdrew her sight and secretly grasped the wooden stick tightly.

 Chapter 74 Part 8 - Riding and Archery

    Chapter 74 Part 8: Riding and Archery

    Hii, sorry for thete post. I¡¯ve been trying to trante more for each part so this chapter will only have eight parts! Wohoo!

    Even God was helping her, letting Jiang Li and her be in the same group. Unexpectedly, there¡¯s still Jiang You Yao and Jiang Yu¡¯e, these two people who were also not on good terms with Jiang Li. Thus, to make Jiang Li suffer would be extremely easy.

    Meng Hong Jin¡¯s palm shivered slightly. This was the first time she did this kind of thing. It¡¯s strange, even though she was afraid, she actually became more determined. She knew, if she didn¡¯t do so, tomorrow she would have to kneel in front of Jiang Li, in front of everyone from the Imperial College, she had to apologize to Jiang Li. If that happened, her reputation would entirely be destroyed!

    If you don¡¯t die then I¡¯ll die. This was a fiercerpetitionpared to Ming Yi Hall¡¯s examination. And she was bound to be the final winner.

    The exam started.

    The examination field was very huge. The six people in the group got on the horses together and ran towards the finishing line. The first position wasn¡¯t just decided based on who reached the finishing line first, it also depended on the student¡¯s riding ability. After all, riding a horse attached importance to ¡°equestrian¡±, not just ¡°fast¡±. When it almost reached the end, there would be a row of targets. Everybody¡¯s arrows had their own mark, it¡¯s unlikely to be mistaken. Using the arrows that were shot onto the targets to distinguish, this was ¡°archery¡±.

    It was even more difficult to hit the target when a person was on horseback, as they were rocked while the horse ran. This year¡¯s Ming Yi Hall¡¯s examination, no need to talk about hitting the bull¡¯s eye, if thedies were able to not miss the target was considered a good oue already.

    The first group started.

    Jiang Li looked carefully at Ming Yi hall¡¯s examination rules. Thanks to her previous rtionship with Xiao Deyin, she knew a few things but it wasn¡¯t detailed. Today she herself would participate, which was different from watching as in the past. Jiang Li nned to watch carefully so she wouldn¡¯t make any mistakes when it¡¯s her turn.

    Thinking of Xiao Deyin, today Jiang Li didn¡¯t see her figure. However, this was the equestrian archery examination, it was indeed unnecessary for Xiao Deyin to be present.

    Jiang Yu Yan and Liu Xu were in the second group. The first group turn was done quickly. Although the examination field was huge, perhaps because the equestrian archery skills of the female students in the first group weren¡¯t too good, they just got onto the horse, trotted a little, and shot the arrows. The arrows were shot messily, not even one hit the target. Even the equestrian technique was unsurprisingly mediocre. However, at the end, these students were not disappointed at all, seemingly already content being able to mount and dismount the horse.

    In the end, the Beiyandies didn¡¯t think highly of swordsmanship at all. Although a general¡¯s miss was admired by others, when it came to their own turn, they couldn¡¯t eat these sufferings.

    Jiang Li took the attitudes all in and was a bit concerned with the equestrian riding level of Ming Yi Hall.

    The second group that Liu Xu and Jiang Yu Yan belonged to were somewhat better than the first group. At least their riding was really ¡°running¡± and they were even trying topete to arrive at the finish line first. Unexpectedly, Liu Xu was the best archer in the first group. The reason was because her arrows didn¡¯t fall outside the target. Rather, it was stuck in a nt on the verge of the target.

    That was also the best one in the group.

    When Liu Xu was done, she was still slightly panting, apparently tired. However, there¡¯s excitement on her face and she said to Jiang Li: ¡°This year, the riding and the archery are put together. It¡¯s actually really difficult. It¡¯s really hard to imagine how those cavalry train in the army. Still needs to hit the bull¡¯s eye while on horseback, only extraordinary people could aplish.......¡±

    ¡°You are the best in this group.¡± Jiang Li smiled and congratted her.

    ¡°From the start, I¡¯m not that good at equestrian riding. Today was also due to good luck. But I also didn¡¯t think that I would be very good.¡± Liu Xu said: ¡°But you, this time, you and Meng Hong Jin are in a group. There must be a lot of people waiting to see your good show. You must take it easy and don¡¯t be anxious.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not anxious.¡± Jiang Li smiled.

    Liu Xu thought about it, that was really the case. Since the first time she met Jiang Li, she had indeed never seen Jiang Li¡¯s anxious appearance. Jiang Li¡¯s temperament was warm and gentle, neither fast nor slow. Perhaps Jiang Li didn¡¯t regard thispetition as that important.

    Her heart rxed.

    Jiang Li still seriously watched the followingpetition. It was unknown whether the not-so-good students in the first and second group turned out to be grouped together. The following two groups weren¡¯t that bad. There were a few youngdies who even made several beautiful movements on horseback, truly eye-catching. The targets were also gradually covered with arrows, there were also some arrows that fell outside the targets. There were also some that were near the bull¡¯s eye.

    Thepetition gradually became more intense.

    Very soon, after an hour passed, the time for thest group had arrived.

    It¡¯s time for Jiang Li¡¯s turn.

 Chapter 75 Part 1 - Thrilling

    Chapter 75 Part 1: Thrilling

    The racecourse was big, enough for six people on horseback to be side by side.

    The racecourse was circr and the starting point was also considered as the finish point. A row of targets were lined up neatly at the finishing point. On the surface, there were already some arrows sticking disorderly. Many of the arrows fell on the ground. The young boy in charge of keeping records noted each result in a booklet.

    Each of the six female students would have a horse. These horses were moved and arranged by Kong Liu; each one that entered was new. Moreover, their temperament was docile. This was to guarantee the safety of the nobledies. After all, a fierce horse was hard to tame, it¡¯s not a trivial matter if one of thesedies got thrown off.

    Jiang Li¡¯s horse was dark brown, there was nothing special to look at. Its head was lowered as it nibbled on the grass on the ground. Jiang Li couldn¡¯t help reaching out her hand to touch the horse¡¯s neck. This reminded her of the time she and Xue Zhao went horse racing in Tongxiang.

    When her action fell into the others eyes, it made them feel puzzled. Someone said: ¡°What is Jiang second miss doing? Is it because she doesn¡¯t know how to ride a horse so she thought she could get close to it?¡±

    ¡°What a joke, these horses are all from the light cavalry team. It¡¯s the same whether you are close to it or not. But perhaps Jiang second miss is truly ayman, her action seems very out of practice.¡±

    Jiang Li couldn¡¯t hear the discussion made by the people outside, she simply caressed the horse¡¯s head lightly. On the contrary, the horse seemed stunned and didn¡¯t move closer to Jiang Li.

    Jiang You Yao saw this scene from the side and was disdainful. She thought Jiang Li simply didn¡¯t understand horsemanship and had not yet installed the arrow tube.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e also stared at Jiang Li. Seeing that this time Jiang Li didn¡¯t disy the previous proficient appearance, she rxed. If Jiang Li once again came first in equestrian archery, Jiang Yu¡¯e was afraid she would be unable to bear her jealousy and destroy her immediately.

    A big man with a bronze hammer firmly beat the drum in the examination field. With a ¡°nk¡ª¡ª¡±, everyone got ready and started to mount the horse.

    Meng Hong Jin was the fastest to get on the horse. One of her feet stepped on the stirrup and her body flipped over. Everyone only saw a flurry of red before their eyes and soon saw her already sitting upright on the horse. They couldn¡¯t help cheering.

    Most of the nobledies in Yanjing were delicate and they weren¡¯t very good at equestrian archery. Very few could be like Meng Hong Jin. As a result, everyone naturally wouldn¡¯t be stingy in praising such a beautiful move made by Meng Hong Jin. The sights of everyone casting admiration towards her made Meng Hong Jin proud and the haze that emerged because Jiang Li excelled over her from a few days ago was scattered.

    The second one to mount the horse was Jiang Yu¡¯e. Her motion wasn¡¯t as good and efficient as Meng Hong Jin, it was a lot more restrained by rules. However, due to her delicate and pitiful appearance, her movement made the people¡¯s hearts give birth to pity.

    The next one was Nie Xiao Shuang. Zhu Xin Er and she could be considered to get on their horses simultaneously. The two people¡¯s rtionship was usually pretty good and their movements in mounting the horses were more or less the same. Although there was nothing unusual, there wasn¡¯t any error.

    Afterwards it was Jiang You Yao. Jiang You Yao raised her head and smiled, then turned to get on the horse. Because her looks were too magnificent and her smile was like a flower, nobody took note of her movement when she mounted the horse. But the young masters ate this set very much, each and every one of them looked stunned.

    Kong Liu was very unhappy with this and muttered a sentence to Zheng Hu Chen: ¡°Embroidered pillow.¡±1

    Zheng Hu Chen didn¡¯t say anything while Ji Heng at the side leaned back while absent-mindedly looking at the movements of these nobledies.

    Thest one was Jiang Li.

    All of a sudden Kong Liu became energetic and sat up straighter. Ji Heng shot him a nce, his gaze looked extremely cold.

    ¡°Don¡¯t know whether Jiang Li could mount a horse. Is there a horse in the nunnery?¡± Ye Shijie thought inwardly. He then saw Jiang Li neither hurriedly nor slowly raised her foot to get on the stirrup. She pulled the reins and jumped gracefully onto the horse¡¯s back.

    It was very smooth and natural. She wasn¡¯t as ardent and nimble as Meng Hong Jin, also not lovely and pitiful like Jiang Yu¡¯e, even more unlike Jiang You Yao who had to ¡°smile sweetly¡± before mounting the horse. She just peacefully pulled the reins and sat serenely on the horse¡¯s back, very casually just like eating and drinking.

    Liu Xu stared nkly.

    Ever since she got acquainted with Jiang Li, she knew that Jiang Li was someone calm and she had never seen her in a flurry, anxious or thrown into disorder. But she didn¡¯t expect that even her movement could be this gentle. It wasn¡¯t breathtaking like Meng Hong Jin¡¯s, yet exceptionallyfortable. On second thought, it was very in line with Jiang Li¡¯s temperament. Jiang Li should be like this.

 Chapter 75 Part 2 - Thrilling

    Chapter 75 Part 2: Thrilling

    Theymen only joined the crowd and were naturally unable to see anything. They only knew that the Jiang family¡¯s second miss wasn¡¯t ignorant of equestrianism, at least she knew how to get on the horse. The experts could point out the method and Kong Liu saw something more than meets the eye. He whispered in Zheng Hu Chen¡¯s ear: ¡°Jiang second miss is pretty good.¡±

    Zheng Hu Chen frowned slightly.

    Jiang Li had mounted the horse, the heavy arrow tube was carried on her back. She pulled the reins, the summer wind blew on her face; it was very warm. She remembered Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s instructions and Xue Zhao¡¯s smile.

    Suddenly there¡¯s tears in Jiang Li¡¯s eyes.

    The tears quickly disappeared because the drumbeat that indicated the start had sounded. With a ¡°woosh¡±, six horses rushed out wildly at the same time.

    To say ¡°rushed out wildly¡± wasn¡¯t actually the case. Nie Xiao Shuang and Zhu Xin Er were just trotting, they didn¡¯t even brandish their whips and merely cautiously maintained the posture of ¡°running¡±. Kong Liu wiped his face, and said with frustration: ¡°Truly a waste of this father¡¯s good horses.¡±

    Jiang You Yao and Jiang Yu¡¯e were better than these twodies. At least their actions of brandishing the whip were still very valiant. However, the horsemanship they disyed while on horseback was very simple, it was more for the disy of beauty, making people take note of the person on the horseback and not on the horse.

    Zheng Hu Chen also secretly shook his head, clearly very dissatisfied with the conduct of thesedies. But there was no way, equestrian archery was not the strong point of Ming Yi Hall. So to say, it was very rare to finddies who were willing to bear hardship and learned this kind of skill that was not usually used.

    In the entire examination field, Meng Hong Jin took the lead.

    She was like a ball of fire; her attire zing on the mounted horse, making her appear both proud and beautiful. The clear outline of a slender figure of a woman made the heart thump. Along with the jolt of the horse, her long hair undted, creating a very beautiful picture. Although Meng Hong Jin¡¯s looks couldn¡¯t bepared to Jiang You Yao, the Meng Hong Jin on horseback was indeed more eye-catching than Jiang You Yao.

    ¡°The Meng family¡¯s youngdy is amazing,¡± someone said: ¡°at least on horsemanship, no one could surpass her.¡±

    ¡°Then what about Jiang second miss?¡± Someone made fun from the side: ¡°In the previous four exams, didn¡¯t Jiang second miss wasn¡¯t behind anyone and turned defeat into victory?¡±

    ¡°Mm, but look, currently Jiang second miss isgging behind.¡± The person who spoke before replied: ¡°Besides, Jiang second miss doesn¡¯t seem to be rushing forward, Miss Meng is way ahead of her, so it should not be possible to overtake Miss Meng.¡±

    On the examination field, Jiang Li¡¯s dark brown horse was also running.

    Seemingly surprising, but after thinking carefully, it also seemed to be expected. Jiang Li didn¡¯t seem unfamiliar with horse racing, she looked as if she had done it before. Butpared with the previous three exams where she came first and her stunning qin tune ¡¶Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute¡·, her riding skill looked average.

    She didn¡¯t disy any skill while on horseback and it couldn¡¯t be seen how good she was at horsemanship. However, one thing could be proven, that she was certainly serious in horse racing. Because after Meng Hong Jin, the second position belonged to Jiang Li.

    It wasn¡¯t difficult toprehend. Nie Xiao Shuang and Zhu Xin Er were originally a bit afraid of riding horses at a fast pace, thus their movements were cautious. Jiang You Yao and Jiang Yu¡¯e were both upied with showing off their own beauty. Byparison, there were only Jiang Li and Meng Hong Jin that were trulypeting.

    The distance between Jiang Li and Meng Hong Jin wasn¡¯t very far. Probably, as long as Jiang Li powerfully brandished her whip, she ought to be able to overtake Meng Hong Jin. But unexpectedly, Jiang Li didn¡¯t seem to have the intention to exert more force and even her running style made people feel somewhat leisurely.

    Kong Liu scratched his cheek anxiously: ¡°What¡¯s the matter with Jiang second miss? As long as she exerted a bit of force, she could overtake that Meng girl, but why didn¡¯t she? Ay, it¡¯s killing me.¡±

    Zheng Hu Chen: ¡°Calm down.....¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t calm down. Say, this is annoying or not, actually can overtake.......¡±

    ¡°Pa¡±, with this sound, the person at the side closed his fan.

    Kong Liu stiffened and immediately kept quiet. He turned his head and saw Ji Heng spoke in a cold tone without looking at him: ¡°Too noisy.¡±

    Kong Liu no longer spoke.

    Even though Kong Liu was very anxious because Jiang Li didn¡¯t overtake Meng Hong Jin, the person who felt worry for Jiang Li was, on the other hand, relieved. For instance, Liu Xu, Ye Shijie and Jiang Jing Rui. Jiang Li should be able to ride a horse. Seeing that she rode very steadily, no problems should ur. Today¡¯s exam was also the final two exams, riding and archery in one. As long as Jiang Li maintained her pace, Meng Hong Jin would lose the bet, also, Jiang Li didn¡¯t need to be expelled from Ming Yi Hall. The oue was favorable.

 Chapter 75 Part 3 - Thrilling

    Chapter 75 Part 3: Thrilling

    Merry Christmas for those who celebrate it! ^^ I¡¯m craving those Christmas fare, leg of ham, roast pork loin with gravy... Somehow when I searched for roast pork loin in my area, what came up is that Chinese style roast pork belly T^T.

    Jiang Li wasn¡¯t aware of everyone¡¯s thoughts. The reason why she kept a distance from Meng Hong Jin was merely because she saw that Meng Hong Jin might do something. Perhaps dying once caused her sense towards conspiracy to be especially keen. Earlier today, she had found Meng Hong Jin¡¯s abnormality. After thinking about it, most probably Meng Hong Jin was about to move her hand and foot; or perhaps she might have done something. At this time, Jiang Li still didn¡¯t know what it was, so all she could do was just stay away from Meng Hong Jin for the time being. If Meng Hong Jin didn¡¯t seed, she would deliberately approach her.

    Sure enough, after running for a stick of incense, Meng Hong Jin gradually slowed down. Jiang Li was vignt and immediately reduced her pace, maintaining the same distance with Meng Hong Jin as it was before. This made the situation somewhat weird, so much so that Jiang You Yao and the others who were originallygging behind caught up, nearly running neck to neck with them.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± The people watching didn¡¯t understand: ¡°Are the military horses unable to do it anymore? Did they not feed them in the morning?¡±

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± Kong Liu heard what was said and disregarding his position as the examiner, he stood up and turned his head around to scold the crowd: ¡°Last night, I, your father, added several tufts of grass during the night, how could they be hungry?¡±

    ¡°Then it¡¯s because they¡¯re so full that they can¡¯t run?¡± Everyone roared withughter.

    Kong Liu was rendered speechless from anger. He blinked and unknown since when, Ji Heng who was beside him had opened his eyes and was staring thoughtfully at the several rear views of the people in the racecourse.

    Kong Liu¡¯s heart thumped and after a while faintly aware of something.

    Even if Jiang Li reduced her pace, her distance with Meng Hong Jin gradually shortened. It seemed that at the beginning, Meng Hong Jin was too vigorous and now was somewhat tired and thus slowed down.

    It¡¯s finally the second half of the racecourse. Very soon they would approach the ce where the targets were.

    Consequently, the racecourse¡¯s passage became extremely narrow. Jiang Li and Meng Hong Jin almost reached the entrance of the passage.

    Jiang Li pulled the reins with one hand while her other hand stretched towards the arrow tube. From inside, she took out an arrow and prepared her bow to shoot. The most difficult part of equestrian archery was shooting while on horseback. Both the hands were needed to hold the bow and arrow, there¡¯s simply no way to hold the reins. It was even more difficult to steer the horse. When it¡¯s time to shoot the arrow, many of the nobledies continued to hold the reins with one hand. As a result, there¡¯s no way to aim urately at the target and everything became disorderly. Or else, not daring to put the reins away and directly gave up shooting the target. Some had a bit more courage and without holding the reins, grabbed the bow and arrow with both hands, shot the arrows with lightning speed before quickly grabbing their reins again.

    It went without saying that a bit of time was needed to take aim. With such great rush, how could they hit a bull¡¯s eye? Therefore, up until now, there weren¡¯t any bull¡¯s eyes.

    Jiang Li actually put the reins aside, both her hands held the bow and arrow and took aim.

    ¡°Big courage.¡± Zheng Hu Chen gave a rare praise.

    The brave troops in the surrounding crowd cried out in surprise: ¡°She¡¯s really not afraid. You see how long she has put the reins aside? She¡¯s the longest one up till now, right?!¡±

    ¡°Indeed. Take a look at how stable her riding skill is, she is sitting so steadily. The way I see it, Jiang second miss is also an expert in horsemanship. The person doesn¡¯t panic easily.¡±

    There really was no trace of rush in Jiang Li¡¯s riding and shooting. It could even be considered confident and calm. Such an urgent matter was made to be more rxed by her, making many people¡¯s impatient hearts slow down.

    Her movements were very stable as she rode astride her horse. Both her legs pressed the stirrup tightly. Her hands holding the bow and arrow were also very steady. Although Jiang second miss¡¯s body wasn¡¯t as fit as her previous body, she had strived very hard to nurse it these days and it had be much better.

    Her gaze was fixed on the center of the target. In her eyes, the target had already transformed into a bouncing hare, a yellow fox, or a bird, just like the many times she went hunting with Xue Zhao.

    Take aim, shoot!

    With a woosh, the arrow shot out from her hands, eagerly piercing through the sky, producing a hissing sound.

    Afterwards, the arrow with the red mark settled in the heart of the target!

    È«ÖÐ£¡

    Bull¡¯s eye!

    There was a short silence in the examination field, nobody could believe their own eyes.

    Kong Liu patted his thigh and shouted: ¡°Beautiful!¡±

    Before he finished speaking, he saw Jiang Li rapidly took out another arrow, aimed at the center of the target and shot!

    Bull¡¯s eye!

    Without stopping, Jiang Li took out another arrow from the tube.

    It¡¯s still another bull¡¯s eye!

    In a short moment, Jiang Li had shot three arrows in session, all of them hitting the bull¡¯s eyes!

    The silence turned into an uproar, the uproar turned into cheers.

 Chapter 75 Part 4 - Thrilling

    Chapter 75 Part 4: Thrilling

    Jiang Jing Rui murmured: ¡°Heavens.......¡±

    This was not music, this was equestrian archery. It was also important to learn equestrian archery in the Imperial College. Jiang Jing Rui was also learning equestrian archery and knew its difficulty. Precisely due to this, seeing Jiang Li hitting three bull¡¯s eyes, he felt it was utterly inconceivable.

    Is this good luck? There¡¯s no way this is luck!

    Kong Liu was dumbfounded. Very quickly he threw down the table and kicked the stool while groaning.

    Zheng Hu Chen asked him: ¡°What¡¯s the matter with you?¡±

    ¡°Damn, did you not see?¡± Kong Liu pointed at Jiang Li: ¡°All three arrows hit bull¡¯s eyes! There aren¡¯t that many good ones in my squadron. Damn it, why is she a miss from the chief assistant¡¯s house. If she was a male, no, if she was the daughter of an ordinary family, I would insist on getting her in my team!¡±

    Zheng Hu Chen: ¡°..... Shut up!¡±

    When Ji Shuran saw Jiang LI¡¯s three bull¡¯s eyes, she was nearly unable to cover her ugly expression. She knew these three arrows of Jiang Li would totally cover Meng Hong Jin¡¯s previous grand scenery. No need to mention Jiang You Yao who was originally not good at equestrian archery. The rest of the people in this group would seem to be serving as Jiang Li¡¯s background.

    She knitted her brows and spoke to Jiang Yuan Bai: ¡°Where did Li-er learn equestrian archery? I think our family¡¯s Jing Rui and Jing You, who are taught by a specialized military master, are not as outstanding as Li-er. Could you learn so many things in the nunnery? When Li-ere back this time, there doesn¡¯t seem to be anything that she couldn¡¯t do.¡±

    However, there wasn¡¯t any trace and made Jiang Yuan Bai doubt.

    ¡°Eldest sister-inw, that¡¯s because Li girl has been intelligent since she was young. People say, if an orchid seed grows in the mountain, it will also bloom orchid flowers..... .¡± The second branch¡¯s Lu-shi was about to stab Ji Shuran with a few sentences when ¡°aiya¡±, she cried out abruptly.

    Everyone looked towards the racecourse.

    In the narrow passage, Jiang Li was in front of Meng Hong Jin. After Jiang Li hit three bull¡¯s eyes, Meng Hong Jin was also about to shoot. However, as Meng Hong Jin was touching the quiver behind her, Jiang Li¡¯s horse suddenly hissed and raised his front hooves.

    ¡°Not good!¡± Kong Liu stood up at once.

    Something happened to the dark brown horse Jiang Li was riding. Didn¡¯t know why, but it suddenly ran wildly.

    Meng Hong Jin was frightened, stopped her movement of reaching for the arrow and immediately reined her horse.

    The field boiled all of a sudden.

    In the past, there were students who got thrown off while riding, but they merely got some scratches. A horse being startled had never urred because all the horses were transferred from the light chariot squadron. Their nature was very docile and they were not like those fierce horses that were difficult to tame. There¡¯s no way such horses would suddenly go crazy if nothing happened. However, Jiang Li¡¯s horse indeed went crazy suddenly under everyone¡¯s eyes. Nobody had touched it, nor was there any external influence.

    What¡¯s going on?

    ¡°Quickly save people!¡± Zheng Hu Chen promptly instructed the surrounding soldiers.

    ¡°Heavens ah.¡± Liu Xu covered her mouth and went forward, tears about toe out. She couldn¡¯t do anything and could only feel worried for Jiang Li.

    Ye Shijie also didn¡¯t expect that an ident would suddenly ur. Those present on the scene couldn¡¯t do anything and could only look on as the horse madly ran forward with Jiang Li on top. His heart mmed messily. Afterwards, he saw the dark brown horse suddenly flung its head back and threw Jiang Li from its back.

    ¡°Jiang Li!¡± Jiang Jing Rui shouted.

    A momentter, Jiang Li was seen pulling the reins firmly, half of her body was flying, nted on the horse¡¯s body, nearly dragged forward by the horse.

    But she wasn¡¯t thrown off.

    Everyone¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡°She has the riding skill?¡± Kong Liu was shocked and subconsciously looked at Ji Heng.

    Ji Heng supported his chin with his hands and fix his attention on the thrilling scene on one horse and one person, declining toment.

    Meng Hong Jin, who was following behind Jiang Li, first thought that she would see Jiang Li being thrown to the ground. But she didn¡¯t expect Jiang Li to actually pull the horse and flew on the side dangerously like this.

 Chapter 75 Part 5 - Thrilling

    Chapter 75 Part 5: Thrilling

    Meng Hong Jin felt disappointed. In her sleeve, there¡¯s something like a tiny pipe for holding a writing brush. It¡¯s something her elder brother gavest year for her to y with. At the slender as a writing brush¡¯s pipe¡¯s bottom, there¡¯s a protruding mechanism. As long as it was pressed, a silver needle would shoot out from inside.

    Meng Hong Jin applied medicine on the silver needle. In the narrow passageway, when Jiang Li had just shot her three arrows, Meng Hong Jin took the opportunity when she was pulling an arrow to mask her sleeve and pressed the mechanism.

    The silver needle firmly shot towards the horse¡¯s buttocks and startled it, naturally causing the horse to go mad. If this happened, Jiang Li would definitely be thrown off the horse, perhaps she would lose an arm or a leg. The silver needle was very fine, it would be difficult to investigate afterwards. In the case when it was found out, who would have thought that it was her doing?

    Meng Hong Jing observed that Jiang Li didn¡¯t disy any skill in horsemanship before and thought that Jiang Li only knew the most basic skill of riding a horse. What she absolutely didn¡¯t expect was, when the horse went mad, Jiang Li not only didn¡¯t get thrown off, but under the thousand eyes she revealed her mastery. Such movements couldn¡¯t be made by a person who didn¡¯t know horsemanship!

    She was deceived by Jiang Li!

    Meng Hong Jin was both shocked and angry.

    The people who were supposed to lead Jiang Li hurriedly came over. Jiang Yuan Bai was even more nervous. A crazy horse was too terrible, the only way was to cut the horse¡¯s head. But when the horse fell to the ground, Jiang Li would also sustain injury. Or else, they could use qinggong to move her out of the way. However, these were all males, if Jiang Li was hugged by a male, no matter what, she would attract criticism.

    During deliberation, the dark brown horse speeded up. Everyone cried out in rm. One of Jiang Li¡¯s hands didn¡¯t grip the rein tightly and it was released, only one hand left holding the rein!

    Meng Hong Jin was overjoyed, Jiang You Yao and Jiang Yu¡¯e were also overjoyed at the turn of events, Jiang Li is over!

    But before they couldugh, they saw Jiang Li raise her hand and grab the horse¡¯s mane.

    The dark brown horse felt pain on its neck and neighed while raising half of its body. Jiang Li took the opportunity to move her body back and turned over, in one step she once again sat astride the horse.

    Back to the original position!

    This iparably thrilling scene took ce merely within a few breaths. The people watching felt as if their throat were being gripped forcefully, so tense that they couldn¡¯t say a word out. Only when Jiang Li had sat on top of the horse were they able to release their breaths.

    ¡°This girl.....¡± Zheng Hu Chen was speechless. Ordinary females, even the males that they knew, rarely had such courage. Moreover, without mentioning Jiang Li¡¯s horsemanship that was more excellent than was imagined, the most important was her calmness and fearlessness in the face of death, her unchanging color even when Taishan copsed. This was the reason she could do well, whether it was equestrian archery or other things.

    She truly didn¡¯t resemble an official¡¯s daughter, furthermore, she was only 15 years old.

    After just releasing their breaths, the crowd once again burst into cries of rm. Zheng Hu Chen moved his eyes to see and this time, he really was unable to say a word.

    To their surprise, after Jiang Li managed to once again sit on the horse¡¯s back, instead of trying to cooperate with the person leading her, she seized the opportunity to steer the already mad horse towards the finish line.

    In spite of everything, she was still thinking ofpleting thepetition by relying on this crazy horse!

    Too willful! Too impulsive! Too....... damn energetic!

    Only seeing Jiang Li crawling on the horse¡¯s back, her cyan clothes was like cyan lightning in the wind. It was clearly a fresh and elegant, gentle and soft color, yet it appeared simr to the green bamboo, full of vitality after the rain. Making people difficult to believe how such a delicate body was able to contain such huge courage. A gentle creek water yet was able to roll up the toughest rock.

    ¡°See, quickly see.......¡± Kong Liu excitedly pulled Ji Heng¡¯s sleeve.

    Ji Heng stared at the corner of his sleeve and calmly said: ¡°I saw.¡±

    Meng Hong Jin, who was following behind, paled. She didn¡¯t expect Jiang Li to be so lucky. The mad horse didn¡¯t throw her away and Jiang Li still rushed ahead of her. This won¡¯t do! Meng Hong Jin panicked and saw the surrounding people were all cheering for Jiang Li. Who still took note of her.

    This is equestrian archery! It¡¯s something she is an expert in! If she even lost to Jiang Li in this, she would be nothing!

    Meng Hong Jin abruptly exerted force and ferociously raised her horsewhip, tightly going towards Jiang Li.

    Because of the disorder just now, Jiang You Yao and Jiang Yu¡¯e, the few people who were behind, had also followed. Seeing Meng Hong Jin suddenly exerting force, they were not to be outdone. As it was the final stretch of road, one after another raised their whip to urge their horses, each one showing remarkable ability.

 Chapter 75 Part 6 - Thrilling

    Chapter 75 Part 6: Thrilling

    Happy New Year!!! ^^ Let¡¯s have a wonderful year ahead. May all of us stay safe and healthy, made headways in our study and/or work, and may this novel bepleted quickly!! (one of my new year resolution?) Thank you so much for being with usst year and looking forward to seeing all of you in 2022!

    At this time, this group of examinees seemed to be in a ¡°you die, I live¡± situation. However, what shocked everyone was still Jiang Li. The dark brown horse was an animal, not a person. When in pain, it wanted to throw Jiang Li off even more badly. Yet no matter how the dark brown horse swayed, Jiang Li¡¯s hands holding the reins continued to remain steady. It was as if aside from the horse being mad, everything was still the same as the beginning and nothing had changed.

    Including her calmness.

    When it neared thest section of the road, a row of targets appeared once again. Jiang Li crept on the horse¡¯s back, her one hand tightly pulled the reins while the other hand started to feel around the quiver.

    ¡°Look! She still wants to shoot!¡±

    ¡°My goodness, she doesn¡¯t want to live!¡±

    Jiang Li¡¯s previous wonderful three arrows that had hit bull¡¯s eyes were already the only achievement in today¡¯s examination. It truly wasn¡¯t necessary for her to continue shooting arrows. Besides, the horse she was riding on at present was crazy, both hands were needed for archery, it was much more dangerous than before.

    ¡°This girl has a lot of energy,¡± Kong Liu eximed in admiration: ¡°I admire her!¡±

    No one cared whether he admired Jiang Li or not. Meng Hong Jin who was closely following Jiang Li saw this scene and her heart abruptly constricted. She recalled as she was about to shoot her arrows in the halfway point before, she was upied in using the mechanism to scheme Jiang Li and didn¡¯t shoot at all. So back then, Jiang Li shot three bull¡¯s eyes and now she already had three bull¡¯s eyes while she had nothing.

    If she didn¡¯t hit three bull¡¯s eyes at the finishing line, then she would lose to Jiang Li. Then it would be toote!

    Meng Hong Jin was momentarily unable to think too much and promptly took out an arrow from the quiver, then she pointed at a target.

    Right at this moment, Jiang Li suddenly raised her lips into a smile and followed in nocking the arrow. She shot the arrow in her hand immediately behind Meng Hong Jin¡¯s.

    Jiang Li¡¯s arrow had a red mark, Meng Hong Jin¡¯s arrow had a blue mark. By coincidence, the two arrows were both shot towards the center of the target, one in front and one behind, one blue and one red, looking exceptionally slow-moving in the empty air.

    Perhaps the strength when Jiang Li pulled the arrow was a big more, or perhaps Meng Hong Jin was a bit too anxious, in short, between the two arrows, Jiang Li¡¯s arrow which was behind, overtook Meng Hong Jin¡¯s arrow in midair. Jiang Li¡¯s arrow feathers came in contact with Meng Hong Jin¡¯s arrow and caused them to bump into each other.

    A brush, also seemed as if they didn¡¯t touch at all, Jiang Li¡¯s arrow still continued to rush towards the center of the target, but Meng Hong Jin¡¯s arrow subtly changed direction after the contact. In addition, due to the force injected by the red arrow, it shot quickly into another direction¡ª¡ª

    ¡°Your highness!¡± Someone opened their mouth in panic.

    A huge mor suddenly erupted.

    Meng Hong Jin subconsciously took a look and soon saw nearest to the finishing line, beside Cheng Wang, Princess Yongning was covering her shoulder with her hand, blood was flowing out.

    That was....... Meng Hong Jin was somewhat nk.

    ¡°Shameless! Arrest her for this princess!¡± Princess Yongning shrieked.

    ¡°Is it me?¡± Meng Hong Jin thought vaguely, but she still wasn¡¯t able to think clearly what happened. Soon Princess Yongning¡¯s imperial bodyguard suddenly advanced and captured her regardless of it still being the middle of apetition.

    Meanwhile, Jiang Li finally passed the finishing line. One of her hands held the dark brown horse¡¯s mane while the other hand extended. When they were passing by a nearby locust tree, she let go of her grip and jumped towards the tree.

    She was suspended on the locust tree.

    Although her posture wasn¡¯t especially elegant, it could be regarded as graceful and free.

    The crazy dark brown horse rushed out and someone already went to block it¡¯s path. The final arrow that Jiang Li and Meng Hong Jin both shot out, an arrow had fallen steadily on the bull¡¯s eye. The arrow¡¯s feather was smeared with red cinnabar.

    She won.

    Jiang Li was silent, then quietly looked at the other side. Princess Yongning was being escorted away, a trace of coldness shed in her heart.

    Princess Yongning managed to escape. If it was a bit closer, Meng Hong Jin¡¯s arrow was a bit sharper, then that blue arrow wouldn¡¯t simply enter Princess Yongning¡¯s shoulder, rather it would be Princess Yongning¡¯s chest.

    The difference was just a little bit.

 Chapter 75 Part 7 - Thrilling

    Chapter 75 Part 7: Thrilling

    Kong Liu finally sat down and patted his chest. At this moment, he was also perspiring profusely. Zheng Hu Chen who was beside him wasn¡¯t much better. Seeing such a thrilling examination, he felt it was more tiring than the usual practice drill. However, Kong Liu was still very happy. He spoke to Ji Heng: ¡°Did you see? Jiang second miss was so powerful. Today was really an eye opened for everyone, this would let her be in the limelight. I suppose she¡¯s very happy.¡±

    ¡°I think she is a little disappointed.¡± Ji Heng said.

    ¡°Disappointed?¡± Kong Liu doubted: ¡°Why disappointed? She got first ce. These damn six artspetitions are over, she¡¯s number one in each and every one of them. What is to be disappointed about?¡±

    ¡°Unable to borrow a knife to kill somebody, naturally is disappointed.¡± Ji Hengughed lightly and stood up: ¡°Today¡¯s drama is also not bad, just there¡¯s no blood, a bit simpler, let¡¯s see another day.¡±

    Then he walked away.

    ¡°Truly a pervert.¡± Kong Liu muttered. He thought of something and said: ¡°You still haven¡¯t judged!¡±

    Ji Heng walked so swaggeringly. However, it went without saying that today¡¯s equestrian archery was better judgedpared to the music yesterday; because the contrast was too big. There¡¯s no importance, whether Ji Heng took part or not. Everybody could see that Jiang second miss¡¯s equestrian archery was close to perfection.

    But that Meng family¡¯s miss was certainly out of luck. If her shooting skill wasn¡¯t good that¡¯s fine, instead she hit Liu tai fei¡¯s most doted Princess Yongning. It wasn¡¯t a good matter for a female body to have a scar, let alone Princess Yongning. Even an ordinary official¡¯s daughter would be unwilling to forgive. To say it was small, it was an ident; to say it was big, it was plotting against the rtives of the imperial household.

    Meng Hong Jin¡¯s face was ashen; she was shivering in fright. The current her also understood that the matter was grave. She couldn¡¯t help struggling and said: ¡°It¡¯s not me! I had no intention to injure the Princess, it¡¯s....... it¡¯s Jiang Li! Jiang Li harmed me!¡±

    Some people in the crowd looked on with contempt: ¡°Why is this Miss Meng lie so much, the arrow on your highness the princess¡¯s body has a blue mark. It was obviously her arrow, but still want to implicate Jiang second miss, really ridiculous.¡±

    All the arrows had marks on them, the mark on the arrow that hit Princess Yongning was blue, naturally it belonged to Meng Hong Jin. Jiang Li¡¯s arrow bumped into Meng Hong Jin¡¯s too quickly, moreover, the distance was too far so nobody could see clearly. Although Meng Hong Jin said it herself, afraid nobody would believe her. Firstly, Jiang Li¡¯s archery skill was too exquisite. Secondly, without rhyme or reason, why would Jiang Li conspire to murder Princess Yongning?

    Liu Xu trotted over and pulled Jiang Li¡¯s hand with lingering fear. She said: ¡°You have really scared me. Just now when the horse got frightened, why did you still continue to run forward? It was just apetition, how is it worth exchanging your life with?¡±

    ¡°Am I not fine?¡± Jiang Li smiled andforted her, but she felt regretful. In the final moment, she deliberately shot and made Meng Hong Jin¡¯s arrow deviate; believing it would be good if she could injure Princess Yongning. It¡¯s a pity that the chess piece was poor.

    ¡°Meng Hong Jin is in big trouble this time.......¡± Liu Xu spoke in a low voice: ¡°Look at Princess Yongning¡¯s situation, afraid she won¡¯t let it go easily.¡±

    Jiang Li sneered in her heart. Princess Yongning had always been aloof, not looking at people whose positions were lower than her as people. Even if Meng You De was a Cheng Xuan envoy, in Princess Yongning¡¯s eyes, he wasn¡¯t worth mentioning. But Jiang Li didn¡¯t have the slightest sympathy towards Meng Hong Jin. Although she didn¡¯t know what Meng Hong Jin had done, certainly her own dark brown horse going mad didn¡¯t escape Meng Hong Jin¡¯s responsibility. Jiang Li remembered clearly the moment before the horse went mad, Meng Hong Jin was right behind her.

    Meng Hong Jin wanted her life because of apetition, she could be considered vicious and merciless. She could only have herself to me now that she had offended the equally vicious and merciless Princess Yongning.

    ¡°To speak of, it was really cheap for her,¡± Liu Xu also didn¡¯t sympathize with Meng Hong Jin. Instead she said: ¡°This time Princess Yongning made things difficult for her, her bet with you could be considered as forgotten.¡±

    ¡°Who said to let it pass?¡± Jiang Li asked back a question: ¡°Wait for her to finish dealing with Princess Yongning, she naturally still needs to fulfill her bet with me. I¡¯ll be waiting.¡±

    Liu Xu was astounded. At the beginning, she thought Jiang Li was a person with a magnanimous temper who didn¡¯t like to argue with others and believed that Jiang Li was entirely different from the rumor. It¡¯s the first time she saw Jiang Li being so overbearing. But she couldn¡¯t helpughing after her initial surprise. She said: ¡°It should be like this, after all, the bet was won with painstaking effort, how could it be let go like this? All the owners of the gambling den in Yanjing would be outraged by the injustice. Regardless of the oue, Meng Hong Jin still has toply with the bet. I¡¯ll be your witness.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled and nodded.

 Chapter 75 Part 8 - Thrilling

    Chapter 75 Part 8: Thrilling

    Hello~~ I¡¯m back! My apology for missingst week. New year does not equate to holiday at all T^T, work piled up like crazy. On that note, this is thest part of this chapter and we can move on to chapter 76. Wohoo!

    At this time, Jiang You Yao and the several other people had also dismounted from their horses and returned to their family¡¯s side. As soon as Jiang You Yao saw Ji Shuran, she shouted ¡°mother¡± with lingering fright.

    Jiang You Yao also didn¡¯t know what happened. Initially, she saw Jiang Li¡¯s horse startled and was secretly delighted. Unexpectedly, a disastersting for a thousand years, yet Jiang Li didn¡¯t fall to her death and was even in the limelight, her archery skill was outstanding while on horseback. Even Meng Hong Jin, who was the best at archery riding, wasn¡¯t able topete with her. Moreover, Meng Hong Jin had inexplicably shot at Princess Yongning. Seeing how Meng Hong Jin was seized by Princess Yongning¡¯s people, Jiang You Yao felt a burst of lingering fear for no reason.

    ¡°Mother¡ª¡ª¡± She stared at Ji Shuran with anger and panic in her eyes. Meng Hong Jin was the person who set herself against Jiang Li, how was Meng Hong Jin suddenly thrown into prison?

    Ji Shuran was also annoyed. Starting from yesterday, when she glimpsed Meng Hong Jin¡¯s gaze when she looked at Jiang Li, she faintly guessed that Meng Hong Jin would do something to Jiang Li. Without doubt, Jiang Li¡¯s horse abruptly went crazy today must have Meng Hong Jin¡¯s hand in it. But the ending didn¡¯t damage Jiang Li in the slightest, instead, Meng Hong Jin was taken down.

    Although it wasn¡¯t clear what Jiang Li had done, today¡¯s matter caused Ji Shuran to re-assess Jiang Li. One by one, the huge change in temperament after Jiang Li returned to Yanjing, in addition her sudden qin and horseback archery skills, these two made Ji Shuran feel strange and danger.

    If previously Ji Shuran still intended to use other people¡¯s hand to remove Jiang Li, this thorn in her side, now the threat Jiang Li gave to Ji Shuran had increased. This made Ji Shuran think, even if she used her own hands, she had to make Jiang Li disappear as soon as possible.

    She couldn¡¯t afford to wait anymore.

    The announcement was made at the time but the crowd was already in chaos due to Princess Yongning¡¯s injury and nobody cared about the names that were read out.

    But even if they weren¡¯t listening, probably everybody knew that Jiang Li received first ce today.

    Jiang Li herself had no intention to listen to the person announcing the list. Her sight crossed the crowd and fell on Shen Yurong who was near Cheng Wang and at a distance from Princess Yongning.

    Princess Yongning was protected by the imperial bodyguards and was waited upon by her personal maid to leave the examination field to heal her injuries. Jiang Li estimated that although the arrow wasn¡¯t able to take Princess Yongning¡¯s life, it didn¡¯t merely cause a light scratch. She probably needed to take care of it for half a month, it¡¯s also difficult to tell whether it wouldn¡¯t leave a scar. Princess Yongning was in such a rage precisely due to this.

    However, Princess Yongning at the moment, apart from flying into a rage, her rather weak and pitiful gaze still lingered on Shen Yurong.

    Jiang Li had never seen such a Princess Yongning. In herst memory, Princess Yongning had a carefree andcent smile on her sinister and venomous face. This kind of in love and coquettish look made her seem to have turned into a different person.

    Jiang Li looked over at Shen Yurong. Shen Yurong slightly evaded Princess Yongning¡¯s gaze, but at the moment Princess Yongning was about to get angry, he timely cast a concerned nce. As a result, the anger of the arrogant and willful princess immediately ceased and she returned to the previous tenderness.

    Jiang Li was disgusted and couldn¡¯t help sneering in her heart. Unexpectedly, Shen Yurong had such good luck with women. Princess Yongning was actually head over heels for him.

    However, being his wife for three years, Jiang Li clearly understood, as long as Shen Yurong wanted to ¡°love¡± a person, nobody could doubt his sincerity. Very few people could resist.

    It was no surprise to Jiang Li that Princess Yongning would fall. But seeing this pair of adulterous couple exchanging flirting nces in front of her eyes, Jiang Li still felt angry and ugly.

    She turned her head quickly, fearing if she looked a bit longer, she might not be able to mask the entrenched hatred in her eyes.

    Now is not the time yet, withoutplete assurance, have to wait, still have to wait a bit longer.......

    In the alley outside the race course, two people were walking deeper inside. The person in the front wore splendid crimson red clothes, his rear view looked outstanding.

    ¡°Wen Ji.¡± The person walking in front opened his mouth, in the night, his voice was spread like the gxy, cool like a dream. He said: ¡° Is there animosity between Princess Yongning and the Jiang family?¡±

    Wen Ji paused and said: ¡°This subordinate doesn¡¯t know.¡±

    The person in front didn¡¯t stop and walked just like before. After a long time had passed, a voice was heard.

    ¡°I¡¯m not aware either.¡±

 Chapter 76 Part 1 - Breaking Marriage Contract

    Chapter 76 Part 1: Breaking Marriage Contract

    Ming Yi Hall¡¯s examination, indoor and outdoor, finally ended.

    This time, the examination came vigorously and concluded vigorously as well. The one name that became known to everyone in this exam was precisely the Jiang second miss, Jiang Li.

    Calligraphy, arithmetic, rites, music, horsemanship and archery; single-handedly winning all parts. This was the first for Ming Yi Hall since it opened. If this Jiang second miss was someone whose reputation as a child prodigy had been spread far and wide since childhood, then it didn¡¯t matter. On the contrary, this Jiang second miss was sent off when it was just time for her to receive learning; a little girl who stayed alone at a nunnery for eight years. Compared to a child prodigy, this awed the people very much.

    The gambling dens in the streets and alleys of Yanjing made a huge profit. Reason being, for the wager made with Meng Hong Jin, most people ced their bet on Meng Hong Jin, only a small number of people ced their bet on Jiang Li. Even if they bet on Jiang Li, they only bought a little bit. As such, the profits went to the banker; therefore the gambling owners of the gambling dens loved Jiang Li very much. Every time they met people, they would say some good things about Jiang Li¡ª¡ªjust treat it as giving dividends, they had to give back a bit. As a result, Jiang second miss¡¯s reputation had, unexpectedly, be very good due to this exam.

    In the same way, there were gains and there were losses. Jiang second miss made such a big move during the examination, especially in music and equestrian archery. Many pairs of eyes witnessed Jiang second miss¡¯s true ability, the otherdies could notpare at all. As a result, in this year¡¯s exam, only Jiang second miss stood out alone. There wasn¡¯t the situation where a hundred colorful flowers were vying like in the past.

    People remembered Jiang Li, while the formerly stunning Jiang You Yao was already tossed to the back of the head by the people. Even if the people remembered Meng Hong Jin, that was because her arrow injured Princess Yongning during equestrian archery. In addition, there was thatughable wager between her and Jiang Li which didn¡¯t disy her elegant manner.

    Some people remembered the Jiang family¡¯s third miss as a sweet and pleasant girl, beautiful and lovely. Some people also remembered Jiang second miss as iparably elegant and attractive, witty and graceful. ¡°There are 3,000 scoops of water on earth¡±1, each has their own favorite scoop. But whether they could acquire the scoop of water they fancied entirely depended on fate.

    In Ning Yuan Marquis¡¯s residence, Zhou Yan Bang was sitting in a daze. The pages of the book on the table were blown by the wind, yet Zhou Yan bang didn¡¯t take note.

    Appearing before his eyes was a youngdy in the racecourse, her cyan clothes flew like the wind.

    Zhou Yan Bang was somewhat crazy. The past few years, he had never set his heart on a female like this. Even with the fiancee he was very satisfied with previously, Jiang You Yao, in Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s heart, women weren¡¯t the most important thing. Taking a youngdy as a wife, giving her a life of luxury, handing the residence over for her to manage; this was called a wife.

    But now, Zhou Yan Bang understood that Jiang Li was the only wife he fancied.

    The girl was like a riddle, the more she dismissed Zhou Yan Bang, the more Zhou Yan Bang clung to her. Especially since Jiang Li used to be his fiancee, so she should be his. If it were not because an unforeseen event happened in the Jiang family, how would it be so troublesome like now? Today, in the racecourse, seeing that there were many people looking at Jiang Li apart from himself, Zhou Yan Bang wasn¡¯t happy as he saw their gazes.

    That is his person, how could she be seen at will by others?

    Previously, Jiang Li¡¯s reputation wasn¡¯t good, there¡¯s a concern that she would have difficulty in finding a potential husband. But through this examination, everyone knew Jiang Li¡¯s talented reputation. She was born with a beautiful countenance, moreover, she was Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s legitimate daughter. Jiang Li had also reached marriageable age. It was very likely that soon there would be peopleing to propose marriage....... With Jiang Li¡¯s qualification, afraid the number of people who were interested in her wouldn¡¯t be small.

    Zhou Yan Bang felt upset and restless. When he thought of Jiang Li marrying other people, he felt as if his own wife was being taken away, feeling utterly angry and regretful.

    As he was feeling distressed, his servant boy came into the room and said: ¡°Heir, madam is here.¡±

    Ning Yuan Marchioness walked inside.

    Zhou yan Bang stood up hurriedly and greeted: ¡°Mother.¡±

    Ning Yuan Marchioness smiled and said: ¡°I asked the kitchen to make plum cake for you. The weather has been hot in the past few days, eating some will cool you down a bit.¡± The marchioness paused upon seeing the messy books on Zhou Yan bang¡¯s table. She looked inquisitively at Zhou Yan Bang and asked: ¡°Yan Bang, have you been worrying about something recently?¡±

    Footnotes:

    1: ¡°Three thousand weak water, I only take a scoop to drink¡±: this saying came from a Buddhist scripture. The Buddha asked an unhappy person why he was unhappy and the man replied that he had too many things so he didn¡¯t know what to choose. The Buddha told the man a story of a person who was dying of thirst. The Buddha took him to ake but the man didn¡¯t drink a single sip. When inquired why, the man said that theke is so big while his stomach is so small, so he must not be able to hold so much water. The Buddha told the moral of the story: that there were many beautiful things in the world, but as long as you grasp one thing with your heart, it would be enough. Too greedy will easily lead to nothing and will lose more things. On another note, in ancient times, weak water usually refers to dangerous and difficult-to-cross rivers.1.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 76 Part 2 - Breaking Marriage Contract

    Chapter 76 Part 2: Breaking Marriage Contract

    Recently, Zhu yan Bang was often in a trance while doing his work. He was also absent-minded when exining matters. The marchioness wondered if it was the results put up by the Imperial College where Zhou Yan Bang got third ce and felt sad. So she consoled him: ¡°Is it because of the Imperial College thing? Yan Bang, your father already said, you are not to me for this. We¡¯ve never heard of the name Ye Shijie before. Since he was able to surpass the Li family¡¯s eldest son, Li Jing, in all likelihood, he is a very capable person. You don¡¯t have to worry about it so much, getting third ce is already very good.¡±

    When the Imperial College¡¯s results came out, Zhou Yan Bang first thought that he would get second ce. There¡¯s only the Right Minister¡¯s eldest son, Li Jing, who could surpass him in the entire Imperial College. However, this time Li Jing got second ce and he got third ce. The first ce belonged to Ye Shijie, a person whose name was never heard before. It shouldn¡¯t be from an official family in Yanjing.

    ¡°Mother, it¡¯s not due to this matter.......¡± Zhou Yan Bang found it difficult to express. The Ning Yuan Marquis¡¯s residence only had him, this sole son. Both the marquis and marchioness loved him dearly. But raising this request at this time, Zhou Yan Bang himself thought it was absurd.

    ¡°Then what is it?¡± The marchioness asked with bafflement.

    ¡°I.......¡± Zhou Yan Bang gritted his teeth and said: ¡°I don¡¯t wish to marry the Chief Assistant¡¯s Jiang third miss. The one this son takes fancy to is Jiang second miss!¡±

    The saucer with desserts in the marchioness hand fell onto the ground with a ¡°plop¡±.

    ......

    ¡°Master sent some silvers.¡±

    In Fang Fei Garden, Tong¡¯er held a small wooden box in high spirits and ced it on the table.

    Jiang Li opened the small box and was immediately met with neatly stacked silver ingots. Before, she heard that when Jiang You Yao scored well in the exam, Jiang Yuan Bai would reward her with silver. Him sending silver this time, whether it was for the sake of fairness was unknown.

    However, Jiang Li understood. If Jiang You Yao came on top in the examination this time around, aside from giving silvers, Jiang Yuan Bai would still congratte her warmly, not just saying a few simplepliments before walking away.

    Jiang Li wasn¡¯t surprised at all. Jiang Yuan Bai, and a daughter who was away from home for eight years, aside from feeling guilty, it¡¯s really very difficult to have profound sentiments. Naturally he would love Jiang You Yao, the one who was raised by his side, more dearly. Jiang You Yao losing at this time, without a doubt, Jiang Yuan Bai would not congratte Jiang Li with great fanfare as a parent.

    The difference between being close and distant could be seen at a nce.

    She said: ¡°Put the silvers away, it will be useful in the future.¡±

    Tong¡¯er listened to her and put the money away. Mingyue knocked on the door from outside.

    Jiang Li said: ¡°Come in.¡±

    Mingyue closed the door after she entered. She then stepped forward and said in a low voice: ¡°Miss, this servant has made some inquiries. Until now, the Meng family¡¯s youngdy hasn¡¯t returned to the residence. The Meng family¡¯s madam is still waiting in the residence while Master Meng is appearing personally to deal with it. It seems this time around Princess Yongning isn¡¯t willing to let it go.¡±

    Jiang Li nodded: ¡°Got it.¡± This was something she had guessed. Meng Hong Jin should not be fine. Jiang Li had first hand knowledge on the methods Princess Yongning used to torture people. This time, it¡¯s possible that Meng Hong Jin had left a scar on Princess Yongning, it would be weird if Meng Hong Jin had an easy time.

    If it was within her prediction, tomorrow Meng Hong Jin would be released. However, what Meng Hong Jin would sustain during this time would certainly be unknown. Perhaps she would receive a huge fright, or perhaps, Princess Yongning would leave a few scars on Meng Hong Jin¡¯s body.

    The Meng family would be forced to suffer in silence, unable to speak of their bitter suffering.

    Bai Xue heard the conversation and asked Jiang Li: ¡°Then, is the wager between Miss Meng and miss still counted?¡±

    ¡°I wish, but what a pity, it can¡¯t be counted. Tomorrow, Meng Hong Jin definitely won¡¯te out. At that time, you look for a few people to dere at the gate of the Imperial College that I empathize with the frightened Miss Meng and that the wager was just a joke. From now on it¡¯s resolved and not to be mentioned in the future.¡±

    Tong¡¯er said with disappointment: ¡°It¡¯s truly letting her off cheaply.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled: ¡°Even if I didn¡¯t say anything, Meng You De will look for a reason to nullify this wager. Perhaps giving me an apology, but in short, he wouldn¡¯t let Meng Hong Jin¡¯s face reach rock bottom. On the other hand, if I had lost, father would also think of a way to evade this wager. The ending is already foreordained, by saying it like this at this time, it will gain a good reputation for me. Then why not do so?¡±

 Chapter 76 Part 3:

    Chapter 76 Part 3:

    When others saw, they would only say that she was kind hearted and generous, having good morality and conduct on top of her talents. Being aggressive always appeared too calctive. Saying a sentence was not a hassle, it also wouldn¡¯t change the conclusion. So why not?

    In her previous life, she didn¡¯t pay too much attention to reputation, thus letting people use her reputation as a de. Now she wanted to be well-known. It would be much simpler while wearing a mask to handle things.

    ¡°This time Miss got first ce; one heard that the person who gets first ce will enter the pce and receive an award from the emperor in person.¡± Tong¡¯er thought of something, ¡°Miss should soon be entering the pce and face the emperor? This is the emperor¡¯s reward, a supreme honor. In the future, no one would dare to bully Miss anymore.¡±

    Jiang Li¡¯s smile disappeared. She recalled the first time she saw Hong Xiao Emperor, it was after Shen Yurong became the top scorer. At a night feast in the pce, she went together as Shen Yurong¡¯s wife. Countless people envied her as the madam of the new top scorer. After all, Shen Yurong was outstanding and elegant with boundless prospects. At that time, Princess Yongning still drank a cup of wine together with her.

    She lowered her sight, perhaps at that time, Princess Yongning had already looked upon Shen Yurong and started to have ideas about him. Treating her as a stumbling block, however, she was still foolishly unaware.

    Entering the ce now, she¡¯s bound to see Princess Yongning. If it was a pce feast, perhaps Shen Yurong would also be there. But this time around, she would no longer be Madam Shen, but the Jiang family¡¯s daughter.

    Who¡¯s going to deal with whom?

    Again, she¡¯s one step closer to the two people.

    ......

    Inside a courtyard not too far away from the Imperial College, thenterns were lit up inside the room as it was night time.

    Ye Shijie sat in front of a table, writing a letter.

    He ced first in the Imperial College¡¯s examination and in a few days going to enter the pce to receive a reward from the emperor. Soon after, he would be able to be an official. He should inform this good news to the Ye family in Xiangyang.

    He had already written everything about himself with a few brief sentences. The remaining, Ye Shijie lifted his brush and hesitated.

    Jiang Li also got first ce in Ming Yi Hall¡¯s examination.

    Ye Shijie didn¡¯t know whether he should also write about Jiang Li. For many years, not a single person in the Ye family had ever mentioned Jiang Li¡¯s name. Many years ago, Jiang second miss¡¯s words had thoroughly chilled the hearts of the people in the Ye family and even made old madam Ye seriously ill. From then onwards, the Ye family acted as if there wasn¡¯t any rtion with this youngdy; including Ye Zhen Zhen, no one dared to mention her name.

    In this sort of situation, suddenly mentioning Jiang Li¡¯s recent development should be very abrupt. Ye Shijie nned not to write, but as he was about to put his brush down, he recalled the words Jiang Li had spoken to him.

    ¡°I was young then, maternal grandmother was also far away in Xiangyang. Mother had left early, father was busy with government affairs, many things were looked after by stepmother. Whatever I said might have been taught by someone. Perhaps, someone had even threatened me to say these words.¡±

    Jiang Li said that the Ye family was a merchant and wanted to sever the rtionship with the Ye family. Was it possible that someone truly incited from behind? So as to make Jiang Li and the Ye family separated and have no more contact.

    Ye Shijie discovered that he had already involuntarily inclined to believe in Jiang Li. In fact, he had not met Jiang Li many times; he even only exchanged words with her twice. With the causes from both sides, how could he have such trust in her?

    Ye Shijie felt somewhat unfathomable.

    But he also felt that Jiang Li was incredible. In her current circumstances where she was neglected in the Jiang residence, she had forcibly let the entire people in Yanjing to remember her name. Not only that, this name wasn¡¯t a bad name. The name made people think that the Jiang second miss was pretty talented.

    This was the female who topped all six subjects in MingYi Hall, without any exception.

    He lifted the brush, then put it down again, lifted it, then put it down again; this happened several times. Just as Ye Shijie was about to lose his patience, his personal servant boy, Yuan Bao, came in.

    Yuan Bao took out a letter from his bosom and spoke joyfully: ¡°Eldest young master, a letter came from Xiangyang.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a letter?¡± Ye Shijie was stunned: ¡°It¡¯s not yet the time for the letter to arrive.¡± He corresponded with the Ye family through letters every half a month and it usually took a month to arrive. This was usually not the time for the letter to arrive yet.

    ¡°It should be Madam and the others who remember eldest young master¡¯s examination time,¡± Yuan Bao saidcently: ¡°If old madam knew that eldest young master got first ce, she would most definitely arrange a huge banquet for three days and three nights in Xiangyang.¡±

    Ye Shijie didn¡¯t pay attention to him, opened the letter personally and read the content rapidly.

 Chapter 76 Part 4 - Breaking Marriage Contract

    <strong>Chapter 76 Part 4: Breaking Marriage Contract</strong>

    Yuan Bao saw Ye Shijie¡¯s surprised expression and asked: ¡°Eldest young master, what happened?¡±

    Father and second uncle are going to deliver goods to Yanjing.¡± Ye Shijie said: ¡°They are already on the road, probably they¡¯ll arrive in about seven days.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Yuan Bao was stunned and foolishly opened his mouth to say, ¡°then, do we still write a letter back?¡±

    ¡°Write.¡± Ye Shijie said. However, just writing about his situation would do. He thought inwardly, since father and second uncle Ye wereing to Yanjing, he could be considered having one¡¯s family present to consult on Jiang Li¡¯s suspicions. At that time, they could naturally talk it over instead of him having a headache over it by himself.

    With this thought, Ye Shijie felt rxed at once. In two three moves, he folded the first letter and sealed it inside an envelope before handing it to Yuan Bao. ¡°Send it.¡± He said.

    Yuan Bao received it happily: ¡°Okay!¡±

    ......

    After the examination ended, there¡¯s no need for the students to go to Ming Yi Hall for the time being and they could rest at home for a few days.

    On the second day, Jiang Li¡¯s people stood at the gate of the Imperial College and following Jiang Li¡¯s words, they dered that the wager with Meng Hong Jin was null and there was no need to brood over it.

    As soon as these words came out, Jiang Li¡¯s value in the eyes of the people in Yanjing rose again. She had put in a lot of effort for this bet, yet after her sess, she didn¡¯t hold on to it and refused to let go. Her heart was wide and she had benevolence, it was extremely hard toe by.

    Consequently, Meng Hong Jin had, in contrast, be a joke.

    Not only that, because Jiang Li showed an extremely gentle appearance, people started to doubt whether there¡¯s something hidden in the matter of Jiang Li harming the stepmother and murdering her brother. On the ount of such a gentle and lovelydy, no matter how they looked at her, she didn¡¯t resemble someone who could do such a ruthless thing.

    Moreover, Ji Shuran was a stepmother. This rtionship was subtle and the guesses also differed.

    These words made their way into Ji Shuran¡¯s ears and her anger wasn¡¯t small. However, as a result, her treatment towards Jiang Li became even more virtuous and devoted, which made Jiang Li feel somewhat ill at ease.

    Inwarm and virtuous garden, the servant girls inside and outside were working earnestly. Everyone knew that Ji Shuran¡¯s mood wasn¡¯t too good these days. The servants were in fear that a mistake in their work would be made into a scapegoat and they worked even more carefullypared to ordinary days.

    Two servant girls stood on guard by the door. Inside the house, the ice cubes inside the copper ox couldn¡¯t seem to solve the summer heat. The summer days wereing to an end and the days had be stifling hot, provoking people¡¯s mood to be impatient and restless.

    Ji Shuran was in the middle of chatting with her sister, Ji Chen-shi.

    Ji Chen-shi came over first thing in the morning looking for Ji Shuran. Jiang Yuan Bai wasn¡¯t in the residence, Ji Chen-shi said: ¡°What have you been doing these past few days? Do you know what the people outside are talking about you now? Even I¡¯ve heard those gossips, saying that the matter where Jiang Li harmed the mother and murdered the brother perhaps was something that you pretended to do.¡±

    It was still okay if this matter wasn¡¯t mentioned, once this matter was raised, Ji Shuran was thoroughly angry and said: ¡°Older sister, why are you ming me? This was spread by the people outside, up and down in my courtyard, no one dares to mention this.¡±

    ¡°No matter who brought it up, more rumors have spread. It¡¯s not a good thing for you.¡± Ji Chen-shi said: ¡°This was the matter that came out because of the involvement with that girl. Why couldn¡¯t you even handle a little girl?¡±

    Before Ji Chen-shi and Ji Shuran got married, their rtionship was very close. Compared with Ji Shuran¡¯s generally graceful and subdued stance when doing things, Ji Chen-shi was much tougher.

    Ji Shuran spoke in a bad mood: ¡°That girl is slippery and too clever. Don¡¯t say me, perhaps if it¡¯s you against her would also need strenuous effort. Did you thoroughly see how the Meng family is now? Meng Hong Jin has clearly suffered a double loss.At first I thought since Meng Hong Jin was going to deal with her, I¡¯d be the fisherman and just reap the benefits. Who would have thought Meng Hong Jin was of no use. She not only didn¡¯t seed, but still managed to get herself thrown inside.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Ji Chen-shi was startled: ¡°Meng Hong Jin¡¯s matter also had something to do with her?¡±

    Ji Shuran proceeded to carefully inform Ji Chen-shi about Meng Hong Jin and Jiang Li¡¯s matter. She concluded: ¡°Ever since Jiang Li returned to Yanjing, she hasn¡¯t suffered any losses. Her age and You Yao¡¯s age weren¡¯t much different, but you see, her tolerance and ingenuity was much better than You Yao. Leaving her in the residence, in the future, how would You Yao be her opponent?¡±

    ¡°Listening to you,¡± Ji Chen-shi muttered to herself before saying: ¡°Jiang Li cannot stay, afraid in theing days, she will be more outstanding. It¡¯s better for you to make arrangements for her to leave as soon as possible.¡±

    ¡°You mean....... give her a marriage?¡± Ji Shuran said: ¡°It is doable, it¡¯s just that Master will definitely ask about it.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that simple?¡± Ji Chen-shi sneered: ¡°there are countless pampered sons of wealthy families that have gilded exterior but ruined on the inside, just find one that seems pretty good. Just someone who¡¯s not very outstanding, you marry her over and in two three years the person would disappear. Outsiders also wouldn¡¯t search for it, isn¡¯t it such a simple matter?¡±

    ¡°Older sister, you help me pay attention.¡± Ji Shuran said: ¡°If there¡¯s such a person, I¡¯ll find a way to tell Master, let him set the marriage.¡±

 Chapter 76 Part 5 - Breaking Marriage Contract

    <h4>Chapter 76 Part 5: Breaking Marriage Contract</h4>

    Ji Chen-shi nodded. In the middle of their conversation, they unexpectedly saw Jiang You Yao run in from outside. She ran so anxiously that she didn¡¯t even notice Ji Chen-shi. She only called out ¡°mother¡±, her voice was choked with sobs.

    Ji Shuran jumped in fright and at once stepped forward to pull Jiang You Yao¡¯s hand. Seeing the tear stains on her face, she asked worriedly: ¡°You Yao, what happened to you?¡± She also angrily rebuked Jiang You Yao¡¯s servant girls, Jin Hua and Yin Hua: ¡°How do the two of you take care of your mistress¡ª¡ª¡±

    ¡°Mother,¡± before Ji Shuran could continue talking, Jiang You Yao had first thrown herself into her embrace. She sobbed: ¡°Heir Zhou, heir Zhou wants to break the engagement with me.......¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Ji Chen-shi who was at the side, pped the table and stood up, ¡°You Yao, what did you say?¡±

    Only then did Jiang You Yao discover that Ji Chen-shi was also there. She called out ¡°aunt¡±, then continued to cry incessantly.

    Ji Shuran told the servant girls guarding the door to close it before asking Jiang You Yao: ¡°You Yao, what nonsense are you talking about. How could Zhou Yan Bang cancel his engagement with you? Perhaps you heard this rumor from somewhere.......¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s true, Jin Hua¡¯s older sister was in Ning Yuan Marquis¡¯s residence on an errand. Last night, the marchioness and the heir quarreled and that servant girl bribed the servant boy in the heir¡¯s courtyard to ask clearly. The heir said... the heir said that he wants to cancel his engagement with me and marry Jiang Li!¡±

    ¡°Jin Hua!¡± Ji Shuran asked: ¡°Is what You Yao said true?¡±

    Jin Hua immediately knelt down and said: ¡°This servant said the truth, this matter is real.¡± Jin Hua¡¯s heart was also endlessly in a panic. The entire Yanjing already knew that Jiang You Yao and Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s marriage was already a done deal. Even if Jiang Li returned, it was unable to be changed. But at this juncture, heir Zhou had unexpectedly mentioned wanting to marry Jiang Li. This was nothing but a dispute between close people who failed to recognize each other, own rtives hitting their own rtives.

    ¡°Truly preposterous!¡± Ji Shuran said indignantly: ¡°What does Zhou Yan Bang take our Jiang family as? Coming and going as he wishes?¡±

    Jiang You Yao had already cried and ruined her make-up. She persistently gripped Ji Shuran¡¯s sleeve: ¡°Mother, what should I do? Heir Zhou doesn¡¯t want me. He wants to marry Jiang Li....... I¡¯ll be Yanjing¡¯sughingstock. Mother, I don¡¯t want.......¡±

    Looking at her crying like raindrops on a pear blossom, Ji Shuran felt broken-hearted and was endlessly distressed. She grabbed Jiang You Yao¡¯s hand and said: ¡°Rest assured, mother will make a statement for you. That Zhou Yan Bang is indecisive, our Jiang family is not for picking and choosing; wanting to cancel the engagement is not so simple. Mother will make whoever wants to make you theughingstock in Yanjing to regret their whole life.

    Ji Shuran almost broke her teeth at the end of her words.

    ¡°You Yao should first stop worrying,¡± Ji Chen-shi was more cool-headed than Ji Shuran. She merely said: ¡°Since Zhou Yan Bang quarreled with the marchionessst night, it means that the marchioness doesn¡¯t approve Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s idea. Moreover, Zhou Yan Bang has already broken the engagement once, how could he break it for a second time? The older sister changed to the younger sister, then the younger sister changed to the older sister, this is the first time it¡¯s heard in Beiyan. If Zhou Yan Bang still wants to be promoted to a nobility in the future, he shouldn¡¯t put out such an absurd affair. Ning Yuan Marquis will not let him do so, your father will also not agree.¡±

    Jiang You Yao heard this and felt a bit calmer. She asked: ¡°Heir Zhou wouldn¡¯t break his engagement with me?¡±

    ¡°Of course not.¡± Ji Chen-shi smiled: ¡°You are the di daughter of the Jiang family, your father is the imperial court¡¯s chief assistant. Who dares to treat you like this.¡±

    ¡°But Jiang Li is also a youngdy of the Jiang family,¡± Jiang You Yao was unreconciled, ¡°it¡¯s good if she isn¡¯t a member of the Jiang family. If she was just amoner, there wouldn¡¯t be so much trouble.¡± If Jiang Li was just an ordinary person, with Ji Shuran¡¯s family background, she naturally could let the other party back out of the situation. Perhaps even be eliminated and ¡°disappear¡± without any noise.

    ¡°Precisely because she is a member of the Jiang family that it¡¯s not so troublesome.¡± Ji Chen-shi patted Jiang You Yao¡¯s shoulder and said: ¡°You Yao, go back first. I still have some matters to discuss with your mother.¡±

    Jiang You Yao originally still wanted Ji Shuran to stay. But looking at Ji Chen-shi, she knew that Ji Chen-shi had important matters to discuss with Ji Shuran. In the end, she didn¡¯t say much and with her undried tears brought Jin Hua and Yin Hua back to her Bright and Precious Courtyard.

 Chapter 76 Part 6 - Breaking Marriage Contract

    <h4>Chapter 76 Part 6: Breaking Marriage Contract</h4>

    After Jiang You Yao left, Ji Shuran spoke coldly: ¡°Sister, now you¡¯ve seen it. Jiang Li, that slut, has the means. She¡¯s only returned for how long, yet she could already entice Zhou Yan Bang. Really has no shame!¡±

    ¡°Zhou Yan bang is still young. Men, all are the same seeds,¡± Ji Chen-shi said: ¡°A wife is not as good as a concubine, a concubine is not as good as those snatched, those snatched are not as good as those unable to snatch. When Jiang Li and Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s engagement was still there, did Zhou Yan Bang ever ask about her, even a sentence? Now that Jiang Li was back, he suddenly remembered this marriage engagement. It¡¯s nothing but three words, ¡®not allowed to ask¡¯. If he got Jiang Li, he would miss the goodness of You Yao.¡±

    Ji Chen-shi¡¯s words had actually analyzed men¡¯s inferior nature extremely unrestrainedly. Ji Shuran said: ¡°Though it is so, thinking that the person that my daughter¡¯s husband is missing is Jiang Li, I feel nauseated.¡±

    ¡°So to say, you have to find a way.¡± Ji Chen-shi said: ¡°At first I thought of fussing over Jiang Li¡¯s marriage. But thinking about it now, with Jiang Li marrying other people, instead of making Zhou Yan Bang rest his thoughts, I feel that it will be even more ¡®not allowed to ask¡¯ and will make his obsession towards Jiang Li even worse. Inevitably, the me will be ced on You Yao. I watched You Yao grow up, I treat You Yao like my own daughter, how can I have the heart to see her feel wronged?¡±

    Ji Shuran said: ¡°I think the same way too. But sister, to move our hands within Yanjing is not easy at all.......¡±

    ¡°Move our hands to do what?¡± Ji Chen-shi shook her head, ¡°We, the members of Ji family, never move our own hands. Moreover, what¡¯s good about wanting her life?¡±

    Ji Shuran was puzzled: ¡°Sister¡¯s meaning is?¡±

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t it said that the person who ced first in Ming Yi Hall¡¯s examination will enter the pce in a few days and face the emperor? His Majesty would then personally reward her with a gift? Many people will being into the pce, all will be Yanjing¡¯s aristocratic families. Supposedly some messy activities happened in the pce, then the reputation would certainly hit rock bottom.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s to make her.......¡± Ji Shuran suddenly saw the light.

    ¡°Do you still remember Madam Shen, at that time she was the wife of Master Shen, the Assistant Minister? Such a nice and beautiful child. Talking about appearance and talent, she could even enter the pce. But in the end, wasn¡¯t she still spurned by ten thousand people? You see after her death, there¡¯s not even a single person who spoke well about her. That¡¯s because the scandal was done in the presence of the nobles. Jiang Li is also the same, her talent and appearance still falls short, in addition, she has the reputation of harming the mother and murdering the brother, as long as she made a mistake during the pce feast, there¡¯s no way to extricate herself.¡± Ji Chen-shi said slowly.

    She said lightly, but was able to make Ji Shuran understand in a split second. She seemed to see the scene where people pointed their fingers at Jiang Li appeared in front of her eyes, making her feel both excited and pleased.

    ¡°I will arrange this thing. During the pce feast, I¡¯ll carefully arrange a ¡®secret lover¡¯ for her.¡±

    Ji Chen-shi nced at Ji Shuran and said: ¡°Stupid, isn¡¯t there one right now?¡±

    Ji Shuran was puzzled.

    ¡°I heard the receiver of the top spot in the Imperial College is Ye Shijie, from Ye Zhen Zhen¡¯s parents¡¯ home. In any case, Jiang Li and that Ye Shijie are cousins. With this rtionship, it¡¯s most likely to give birth to some things. Didn¡¯t Jiang Li previously stand up and help Ye Shijie out on the street? My guess is, they definitely have something going on.¡±

    Ji Shuran¡¯s face darkened: ¡°You mean Ye Shijie? Why let her have the advantage?¡± In Ji Shuran¡¯s view, Ye Shijie could reluctantly be regarded as a young and handsome talent. Now he was even the top scorer in the Imperial College. Jiang Li marrying Ye Shijie was truly giving Ye Shijie an advantage. It¡¯s better to let Jiang Li marry someone who had nothing at all, an ugly and repulsive fellow whom nobody could look at at all. Only this would let her anger out.

    ¡°My dear sister, you must think a bit for the long term. Is it really good for Jiang Li to marry Ye Shijie?¡± Ji Chen-shi neither slowly nor urgently said: ¡°At present, Ye Shijie got the top position, in the future he is going to be an official. Even though the Ji family does not take importance of him, he would eventually be an annoying presence. If the Ye family relies on Ye Shijie to rise up, Jiang Li would have her outside grandparents family to rely on. At that time, it would be even more difficult for you if you want to do something to Jiang Li.¡±

    ¡°During the pce feast, if Jiang Li and Ye Shijie were to mix up and were revealed in front of everybody, the minister¡¯s anger would certainly be taken out on Ye Shijie. He would then have no chance of getting promoted and might even be criticized while Jiang Li would have a bad reputation. These two people would then have no other alternative but to get married. But after they get married, can they really have mutual respect as husband and wife with this condition?¡± Ji Chen-shi continued: ¡°Because Jiang Li destroyed his future prospects, Ye Shijie would inevitably me her. The Ye family would consequently hold Jiang Li responsible too. When husband and wife have animosity.......¡± Ji Chen-shiughed, ¡°Wanting to live a good life must certainly be as difficult as ascending to the sky. At that time, you just need to look for a few pretty girls from outside, or perhaps bribe the person beside Jiang Li to say a few sentences to incite disharmony from time to time. No need to be afraid that Ye Shijie and Jiang Li¡¯s animosity would end.¡±

    ¡°Bound in marriage with your enemy, the female would always suffer more.¡± Ji Chen-shi continued: ¡°Wait until Jiang Li in Xiangyang, if you¡¯ve thought of a way to deal with her, it would be much easier thenpared to now.¡±

    Ji Shuran had a sh of insight and all became clear to her.

 Chapter 76 Part 7 - Breaking Marriage Contract

    <strong>Chapter 76 Part 7: Breaking Marriage Contract</strong>

    Making Jiang Li and Ye Shijie ¡°be in love¡±, not only would ruin Ye Shijie¡¯s future, it would also smash the Ye family¡¯s hope, rendering the Ye family incapable of turning over. It would also make Jiang Li marry a husband who held resentments towards her, everything would be unfavorable.

    As long as she married to Xiangyang, Ji Shuran believed that she has ten thousand ways to make Jiang Li suffer life worse than death.

    ¡°Thank you elder sister, for pointing this out.¡± This time, Ji Shuran waspletely convinced by Ji Chen-shi and said: ¡°Elder sister¡¯s method is much moreprehensive than mine.¡±

    ¡°Compared to Li-pin in the pce, the two of us still have a long way to go.¡± Ji Chen-shi said: ¡°Now, quickly go and console You Yao. She¡¯s been pampered since young. With the way Zhou Yan Bang humiliated her, she must be feeling extremely sad. You must not let her be impulsive in a moment and cause something foolish, breaking your n.¡±

    Ji Shuran shivered in apprehension and said: ¡°I got it, I¡¯ll go immediately.¡±

    Ji Chen-shi nodded with satisfaction.

    ......

    At the other end, Tong¡¯er was telling Jiang Li the news she was inquiring about.

    ¡°Said that the third miss¡¯s mood was very bad, the people in Precious Courtyard were all being punished. However, someone saw that third miss was also crying.......¡±

    Jiang Li put down the book in her hand and feeling strange, she said: ¡°Crying?¡± Jiang You Yao got angry, the reason for the most part was probably because of her. But Jiang Li didn¡¯t believe that she could make Jiang You Yao so angry that she cried. However, she just stayed in the residence and didn¡¯t go anywhere, and didn¡¯t even offend Jiang You Yao.

    ¡°Yes ah, it¡¯s not known what¡¯s the matter. Afterwards, heard that she was better after Ji-shiforted her for a while; but then, the master got angry.¡±

    Jiang Li was even more puzzled. However, she had only arrived in the Jiang residence for a short period of time and had no way of arranging her own people in the residence. Aside from Fang Fei Garden, other matters in the other courtyards could only rely on Tong¡¯er to make some inquiries. The news gotten from this method wasn¡¯t always thorough.

    Only a few sentences had been exchanged when a shout calling her name was heard outside: ¡°Jiang Li! Jiang Li!¡±

    It¡¯s Jiang Jing Rui¡¯s voice.

    ¡°Second young master came again.¡± Tong¡¯er¡¯s mouth twitched. Jiang Jing Rui came so frequently, the tea in Fang Fei Garden was almost wiped out. The new tea would only be sent in another half a month.

    Jiang Jing Rui noticed Tong¡¯er¡¯s expression and shouted: ¡°Jiang Li, take good care of your servant girl. I am the second young master of the residence, others seek me but I refuse toe. Meing here bring light to your humble dwelling, but look at her expression?¡±

    Jiang Li was toozy to correct his random excuse and simply asked: ¡°Why did youe here?¡± Originally, she was a very patient person and treated people amiably. But this person, Jiang Jing Rui, no matter how, was truly a troublesome person and his speech was too unpleasant to hear. Therefore, Jiang Li didn¡¯t really wee him.

    Jiang Jing Rui looked at the surroundings and pulled Jiang Li inside the house before closing the door. Jiang Li felt helpless, if there¡¯s a spy in Fang Fei Garden, afraid they would know with a nce that they were going to discuss things secretly based on Jiang Jing Rui¡¯s attitude. It was as if he was afraid that she didn¡¯t realize he wanted to talk.

    Jiang Li waited until he fully closed the door then she sat down on one of the wooden chairs. She saw Jiang Jing Rui ask Baixue to give him a cup of tea with familiarity.

    Jiang Li said: ¡°I¡¯ll go out if you don¡¯t speak.¡±

    ¡°Hey! No no no, This time I brought a huge secret for you.¡± Jiang Jing Rui winked at her.

    ¡°Speak¡±

    ¡°Cough cough.¡± Jiang Jing Rui cleared his throat and deliberately lowered his voice to speak: ¡°Do you know? Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s heir Zhou Yan Bang want to remove the marriage contract with Jiang You Yao!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Even though Jiang Li had prepared herself from early on, she was still very startled by Jiang Jing Rui¡¯s words. If her memory serves her correctly, Zhou Yan Bang had previously dissolved one marriage agreement, that was, the one with Jiang second miss. Afterwards, the marriage agreement was changed to Jiang third miss. Now the same thing happened again, rescind the marriage contract with Jiang third miss, which drama is he ying, making so much noise?

    ¡°You know you must not be aware of this.¡± Jiang Jing Rui seemed very proud when he learned that Jiang Li didn¡¯t know of this secret. He said: ¡°Guess, in the end, why did Zhou Yan Bang want to break this engagement?¡± He smiled teasingly at Jiang Li.

    Jiang Li vaguely guessed a bit, but she felt that it was absurd and unimaginable. No matter how willful Zhou Yan Bang was, it was unlikely for him to go as far as this. She said: ¡°I can¡¯t figure it out.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s because of you!¡± Jiang Jing Rui burst intoughter: ¡°Nowadays Zhou Yan Bang regretted, perhaps due to seeing you in the limelight during Ming Yi Hall¡¯s examination, he felt that you are much better than Jiang You Yao. Only then he decided that he wants to break his current marriage contract and once again take you as his wife!¡±

 Chapter 76 Part 8 - Breaking Marriage Contract

    <strong>Chapter 76 Part 8: Breaking Marriage Contract</strong>

    ¡°Ridiculous!¡± Tong¡¯er spoke. She put the teapot in her hand onto the table furiously, ¡°My family¡¯s miss is not their Zhou family¡¯s servant girl, going as they wish? Previously, their Zhou family had the final say and rescinded the marriage contract, now wanting to once again marry miss, did they ask miss¡¯s opinion? Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s house is simply bullying!¡±

    Even Tong¡¯er was outraged on behalf of Jiang Li.

    Feeling odd, Jiang Jing Rui asked: ¡°Why are you taking offense at this? Although there¡¯s nothing great about Zhou Yan Bang, in any case, within Yanjing¡¯s city walls, he is considered a handsome and talented young man, well-matched with the Jiang family. His background isn¡¯t bad, a lot of youngdies admired him greatly. It¡¯s not a loss for your family¡¯s girl. Moreover, Jiang Li,¡± he looked at Jiang Li, ¡°If you were to be together with Zhou Yan Bang, Jiang You Yao would most certainly be angry. It¡¯s proof that you are more superior than Jiang You Yao, that she¡¯s not as good as you.¡±

    Jiang Li simply found Jiang Jing Rui¡¯s argumentsughable. She had figured it out, Jiang Jing Rui evidently didn¡¯t think too far. She said: ¡°I¡¯ve defeated her, why do I still need evidence, for whom do I show the proof to? In order to anger Jiang You Yao, I throw myself in, am I crazy? Furthermore,¡± sheughed coldly, ¡°even if Zhou Yan Bang is better, the things that others have used, I, Jiang Li, am not willing to pick up.¡± She¡¯s not Princess Yongning, specially fond of picking up the things that other people had used.

    Jiang Jing Rui was dumbstruck as he stared at Jiang Li. Jiang Li¡¯s speech, saying Zhou Yan Bang was the same as something that had been thrown on the street. In addition, looking at Jiang Li¡¯s expression as she spoke, she truly disdained Zhou Yan Bang and wasn¡¯t pretending.

    Jiang You Yao regarded him as a treasure, on the contrary, he was abandoned by Jiang Li like a worn out shoe.

    Jiang Jing Rui said: ¡°Why are you angry with me? Zhou Yan Bang was the one raising the matter.¡±

    ¡°After that?¡± Tong¡¯er hastily got to the heart of the matter: ¡°Did Master agree to this matter?¡±

    ¡°How is it possible?¡± Jiang Jing Rui spoke with disdain: ¡°Previously, Zhou Yan Bang rescinded the marriage contract with your family¡¯s miss, that¡¯s because....... Cough, something came up and your family¡¯s miss went to the nunnery. Currently, Zhou Yan Bang mentioned breaking the contract, but Jiang You Yao didn¡¯t make any mistake. How could eldest uncle agree? It¡¯s already benevolent for him not to visit the Zhou family¡¯s house and say a few words.¡±

    Jiang Li grasped the important points in Jiang Jing Rui¡¯s speech and said: ¡°Why? The Zhou family didn¡¯t send people over?¡±

    ¡°Huh, how would the Zhou family dare toe ah. Zhou Yan Bang is crazy, but his parents aren¡¯t. This was said by Zhou Yan Bang alone and Ningyuan Marquis and Ningyuan Marchioness don¡¯t agree. The servant boy serving Zhou Yan Bang heard their quarrel and secretly told the person from our residence. That person told the eldest aunt. I heard Jiang You Yao cried badly. While eldest aunt wasforting her, eldest uncle was very angry and nearly went for a trip to Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s residence.¡±

    Jiang Li suddenly understood, no wonder while asking around, Tong¡¯er heard that Jiang You Yao was crying, as it turned out, it was due to this matter.

    ¡°How did you find out?¡± asked Jiang Li.

    ¡°I overheard my mother gossiping with her wet nurse.¡± Jiang Jing Rui spoke offhandedly: ¡°All day long, my mother concerns herself with the matters rting to the main branch. Just a slight stir and she would know about it faster than you would.¡±

    Jiang Li was left speechless.

    ¡°This Zhou Yan Bang,¡± Jiang Jing Rui continued to say: ¡°actually said that he wants to break the marriage contract at this juncture. It can be clearly seen that he is thoroughly fascinated by you. Wants to marry you as his wife..... Jiang You Yao likes him so much, I reckon she must be furious. But she only has herself to me. At that time when you were sent to the nunnery, eldest aunt soon came up with the n to make Jiang You Yao rece you in marrying into Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s residence. From this it¡¯s clear that some things cannot be snatched away.¡±

    The way Jiang Jing Rui said this appeared as if he was still proud of Jiang Li.

    However, Jiang Li didn¡¯t have the same good mood as Jiang Jing Rui. She understood clearly that the matter of Zhou Yan Bang wanting to rescind his engagement and marry her wasn¡¯t a good thing for her. At least in the mind of Ji Shuran mother and daughter, at the moment they must have hated her a hundredfold, more than before, perhaps even a thousand times more.

    In light of the narrow mindedness and vicious disposition of these two mother and daughter, Jiang Li felt that Jiang You Yao absolutely wouldn¡¯t let her off easily. In order to make Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s idea disappearpletely, they would even cut weeds and eliminate the roots.

    Come to think of it, the pce banquet in the near future would be an exceptionally good opportunity.

    Jiang Li lowered her eyes, the crisis is gradually approaching.

 Chapter 77 Part 1 - Feast

    <strong>Chapter 77 Part 1: Feast</strong>

    Not long after Ming Yi Hall¡¯s examination ended, the Jiang residence very soon received an invitation for a night feast in the pce.

    Hong Xiao Emperor was fond of simplicity since young and didn¡¯t like extravagance; however, the current Empress Dowager loved excitement. Although Hong Xiao Emperor and the Empress Dowager weren¡¯t rted by blood, the two people got along harmoniously. Hong Xiao Emperor¡¯s birth mother, Xia guifei, passed away early. With no children born under the Empress Dowager, thete Emperor let Hong Xiao Emperor grow up under the knees of the Empress Dowager. With so many years of friendship, it could be regarded as filial piety.

    This time, aside from inviting the courtiers to a banquet, everyone knew that Hong Xiao Emperor was going to reward the top scorers of the examinations. No matter towards the student themselves or their family, this was the greatest honor. Thus, even though old madam Jiang wasn¡¯t very fond of Jiang Li, she still instructed the person by her side to put in their effort to prepare clothes and jewelry for Jiang Li to be worn on the pce feast and to be sure not to have the slightest mistake.

    Jiang Li¡¯s life had been morefortablepared to before. At least, after the examination, when the people working in the Jiang residence discussed her, they wouldn¡¯t talk carelessly and publicly; instead they talked behind her back. Although their hearts were sour, Jiang Li¡¯s status had gone up bit by bit from before. This was a fact that couldn¡¯t be disputed.

    For the pce feast, many of the Yan dynasty¡¯s officials in Yanjing city would attend. But the Chengxuan envoy, Meng You De, would not be going.

    In the Meng residence,pared to the lively scenery of previous days, the past few days had been deste. Even the flowers in the garden seemed to be unattended and many had withered. The dried yellow leaves fell outside of their pots and the scorching summertime also felt somewhat harsh.

    In the dim light at night, the faint voice of someone speaking was heard from inside a room. They were seemingly in a dispute as a momentter, the sound of a ¡°bang¡±, something seemed to fall down and break. Someone mmed the door and came out.

    It was Meng You De.

    Within a few days, Meng You De had undergone great changes and became haggard, no longer carrying the former days¡¯ appearance of sess. Someone chased after him from behind, it was Meng You De¡¯s wife, Madam Meng.

    ¡°Master, master¡ª¡ª¡± Madam Meng pleaded while running in small steps.

    ¡°No need to speak anymore, send her to the vige manor to recuperate tomorrow. If she continues this way, sooner orter something big will happen!¡± Meng You De spoke without turning his head.

    ¡°She¡¯s your daughter, how could you be this heartless!¡± Madam Meng shrieked.

    ¡°I¡¯m heartless?¡± Meng You De¡¯s stopped, suddenly turned around. Finger pointing at the tightly shut doors of a distant room, ¡°Look at her current appearance; will leaving her in the residence make it better? Now I¡¯ve offended Princess Yongning, the Right Minister also no longer pays attention to me. My official career ends here! All of these are disasters provoked by your good daughter! If she had originally known the immensity of heaven and earth and didn¡¯t make whatever wager with Jiang Li, if while on horseback she didn¡¯t shoot the arrow and injure Princess Yongning, I, Meng You De, need to go this far?¡±

    ¡°But.......¡± What else could Madam Meng say?

    ¡°She¡¯s already be crazy now! My own daughter, don¡¯t I feel heartache? But she¡¯s insane! Letting her stay in the Meng residence may not necessarily be a good thing. If newses out and other people know that she¡¯s crazy, who would dare to marry her in the future? If she stays in the vige manor for some time andes back when she¡¯s somewhat better, no one would know that she¡¯s gone mad. Isn¡¯t this better?¡±

    Hearing him, Madam Meng calmed down. She looked at Meng You De and asked sorrowfully: ¡°What actually happened to Hong Jin while she was at Princess Yongning¡¯s? Do we really have no way to avenge her?¡±

    ¡°Revenge?¡± Meng You De humphed coldly. Unknown whether the anger was directed towards Princess Yongning or himself, he said: ¡°Cheng Wang is backing Princess Yongning. At the moment, even His Majesty has a restraining fear of Cheng Wang¡¯s power. In the future.......¡± He let out a breath, ¡°the people do not participate in the official¡¯s fight. The officials do not participate in the monarch¡¯s fight!¡±

    The frustration and grief in his tone made Madam Meng silent in a sh.

    Inside a room, in a corner of a bed, Meng Hong Jin was grabbing the quilt tightly into the nook. She was looking vigntly at the iing person and said: ¡°Go away..... Go away!¡±

    There were broken pieces of a bowl containing medicine along with the medicine thrown and spilled on the ground. A servant girl bent down as she tidied the aftermath. Another servant girl was directly facing Meng Hong Jin and softlyforted: ¡°Miss, it¡¯s all right, ve servant will not harm you.¡±

    ¡°Go away!¡± Meng Hong Jin shrieked and said: ¡°I didn¡¯t do it, I didn¡¯t do it!¡±

    Since Meng Hong Jin was sent back by Princess Yongning three days ago, she had been like this when she woke up.

    Meng You De and Madam Meng were afraid that Princess Yongning had tortured Meng Hong Jin and the first thing they did when she returned was to let someone examine Meng Hong Jin¡¯s body to see if there were any bruises or scars. After inspection, there were no bruises whatsoever, yet when Meng Hong Jin woke up, she looked like this, hiding whenever she saw a person. It was as if she had received a huge fright and no longer recognized people around her, perhaps she had even forgotten herself.

    Nobody knew what happened to Meng Hong Jin in Princess Yongning¡¯s ce. All of these were only known to the mad Meng Hong Jin and Princess Yongning. No one dared to criticize Princess Yongning publicly. Even if it was Meng You De, as long as he still cared about his future, Meng Hong Jin was bound to suffer a meaningless sacrifice.

    ......

 Chapter 77 Part 2 - Feast

    <strong>Chapter 77 Part 2: Feast</strong>

    Is it just me? I think Princess Yongning is sick, she¡¯s an absolute madman. A psychopath and a masochist at the same time.....

    The princess mansion was brightly lit, entirely different from the Meng residence.

    The thinly dressed young girls dancing in the reception hall were dancing gracefully, veils covering half of their faces, only exposing a pair of watery eyes full of tenderness, each and every one flung towards the person in the center of the hall.

    That man in the center had a tall nose, deep eyes, thin lips and strong eyebrows. His facial features were handsome, yet because his face was long and narrow, he looked a bit detached and hard to get close to.

    This was exactly Cheng Wang.

    ¡°Whichever one elder brother thinks is good, just take it from me.¡± Princess Yongning said weakly.

    Cheng Wang nced at her and said: ¡°Why are you in low spirits?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing interesting, of course low spirit.¡± Princess Yongning supported her head, her gaze was charming. Unknown what she was thinking about, she suddenly became restless.

    Cheng Wang said: ¡°A few days ago, didn¡¯t you bring back the youngdy from Chenxuan envoy¡¯s residence to y with? Why do you still think it¡¯s not interesting?¡±

    Princess Yongning was a bit surprised when she heard this and said: ¡°Bother you to actually pay attention to this matter.¡± She picked her nails and said: ¡°Don¡¯t talk about it, that Meng Hong Jin looks amazing, but she¡¯s someone who looks strong outside but actually weak. I merely brought her into the torture prison in the princess mansion for a walk, before I do anything to her, she¡¯s already been so scared she peed her pants.¡± Princess Yongning showed loathing, ¡°looking at her like that, my joy in torturing her was also gone, so I immediately sent the person back.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps even a man couldn¡¯t take in the miserable condition in your torture prison,¡± Cheng Wangughed, ¡°you took her there to look around, no wonder she was scared senseless.¡±

    The torture prison of the princess mansion contained all those people who caused Princess Yongning unhappiness. The people that Princess Yongning extremely hated and she was unwilling to let them die immediately. Therefore they were left here and she came up with ways to torture them. For example, peeling their skin halfway, or perhaps digging their knees, copying the method of torture by boiling someone alive. In short, it¡¯s not an exaggeration to say that this was a purgatory on earth. Although Meng Hong Jin was arrogant on weekdays, inside the Meng residence, the most she had seen was the killing of one or two servant girls. Such living devastation was sufficient to scare her out of her wits and turned into her eternal nightmare.

    ¡°Boring.¡± Princess Yongning smiled sarcastically, ¡°naturally, it¡¯s only interesting to torture people right in front of your eyes. It¡¯s best to struggle before death. Seeing her strived to survive and when it seemed that there¡¯s a gleam of hope, she, ¡°puff¡±, breathed herst breath. Just like the smallmp in front, its me extinguished, I feel it¡¯s very fun,¡± she chuckled and continued: ¡°Just like this, extinguishing herst trace of hope, made her desperate, that is called enjoyable. A prey who knows to resist and struggle can be called the best prey.......¡±

    Cheng Wang smiled faintly: ¡°You must be talking about Xue Fang Fei.¡±

    Princess Yongning curled her lips and was about to answer when someone announced from outside: ¡°Assistant Secretary, Master Shen, is here.¡±

    Princess Yongning heard him and her eyes brightened. The tiredness in her eyes was immediately swept clean. She opened her mouth happily: ¡°Quick, let him in!¡±

    Cheng Wang remained calm and collected, lifted the teacup in front of him and took a sip without saying a word.

    Soon, Shen Yurong followed someone in and first saluted Cheng Wang. After that he looked at Princess Yongning and called: ¡°Her highness.¡±

    Princess Yongning was overjoyed upon seeing him and her expression turned much more amiable than before. She said to Cheng Wang: ¡°I invited Master Shen here. Elder brother, didn¡¯t a few days ago you say that Wen Chang Pavilioncks people.......¡±

    Cheng Wang frowned slightly, appearing somewhat dissatisfied with Princess Yongning¡¯s impatience. Fortunately, only Princess Yongning alone who neglected her appearance. Shen Yurong still stood in the middle of the hall honestly and cautiously without ncing sideways. Cheng Wang was a bit satisfied with him.

    Princess Yongning and Cheng Wang had a very good rtionship, naturally she could tell that Cheng Wang was satisfied with Shen Yurong. She felt very happy, and somewhat proud, as if he was proud of Shen Yurong. Since the day she was injured by Meng Hongjin¡¯s arrow on the racecourse, many people came to the Princess Mansion to inquire about her body, but Shen Yurong didn¡¯t.

    Shen Yurong was the current Assistant Secretary, also someone Hong Xiao Emperor ced importance in. His wife hadn¡¯t passed away for long, so it wasn¡¯t a good thing for other people to see him walk too close with the princess. It¡¯s not that Princess Yongning didn¡¯t understand this reason, but she couldn¡¯t help not missing him. Actually, Shen Yurong couldn¡¯t be said to be currying favor with her, unlike other men. On the contrary, he was more cold and indifferent towards Princess Yongning which made Princess Yongning loved his style even more.

    Princess Yongning felt that Shen Yurong was born precisely to conquer her. For Shen Yurong, she abandoned her self-respect as a princess, put her face down, even so much as killing his wife and child. In front of him, she showed a smile which had never been revealed to others. All of these were done simply to make Shen Yurong reciprocate her affection.

    She loved Shen Yurong very much.

    Cheng Wang started to ask Shen Yurong some affairs. Shen Yurong stood straight, his bearing was neither servile nor overbearing, with the elegant manner of a very capable person. The satisfaction in Cheng Wang¡¯s eyes became thicker. Even though there¡¯s a rtionship between Shen Yurong and Princess Yongning, Cheng Wang didn¡¯t think this was a big mistake.

    Aplishing a big matter wouldn¡¯t bother about trifles, besides, it was merely a woman without any usefulness.

    People on earth were either stepping stones or stumbling blocks. Stepping stones needed to be stepped on, stumbling blocks needed to be thrown aside.

    Shen Yurong only discarded a stumbling block, his road in future days would only be broader, a smooth and straight road.

 Chapter 77 Part 3 - Feast

    <h4>Chapter 77 Part 3: Feast</h4>

    ¡°Shen Yurong has arrived at the princess mansion, Cheng Wang was also present.¡± A ck clothed imperial bodyguard came to report.

    In the ducal residence¡¯s study room, Ji Heng ced the book he just took, back to the wooden rack.

    The guard then disappeared quietly.

    ¡°It seems that Shen Yurong and Cheng Wang have connected.¡± Lu Ji sipped his tea and looked with a beaming smile towards Ji Heng.

    ¡°It¡¯s something that will happen sooner orter.¡± Ji Heng put the book back, yet didn¡¯t leave. He stood in front of the pear wood rack as if he was looking for another book.

    ¡°Congrattions, Lord¡¯s n goes forward a step without any hitch.¡± Lu Ji said: ¡°Shen Yurong joined Cheng Wang, Cheng Wang added another person from the new appointees, his influence would rise a lot more.¡±

    Ji Heng replied absent-mindedly: ¡°Shen Yurong has ambition, Cheng Wang has ambition. The bodies of people with ambition emitted the same smell. Just like wolves wouldn¡¯t associate with dogs, in the imperial court, Shen Yurong is unlikely to choose the emperor.He would only choose Cheng Wang since only Cheng Wang has the ability to satisfy his ambition.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s still the lord who can see people urately.¡± Lu Ji sighed. Suddenly remembering something, he said: ¡°It¡¯s a pity about the Chengxuan envoy. Meng You De was previously the person of the Right Minister, now aftermitting the offense against Princess Yongning, it¡¯s the same asmitting an offense against Cheng Wang. The Right Minister is Cheng Wang¡¯s person, he naturally will no longer use Meng You De. This person, Meng You De, is actually still very capable ¡ª¡ª¡±

    The Meng family originally handled affairs for the Right Minister, he was also Cheng Wang¡¯s subordinate. Nowadays, due to the unexpected incident in the racecourse between Meng Hong Jin and Princess Yongning, the Meng family was destined to be abandoned by Cheng Wang. Actually, Cheng Wang really didn¡¯t take his anger on them, rather, since Meng You De¡¯s daughter was harmed to this point, even if Meng You De said that he didn¡¯t mind and continued to handle Cheng Wang¡¯s affairs, there would inevitably still beints in his heart.

    If there¡¯sints, perhaps there would be a day that he would bite back. Cheng Wang was cautious and suspicious, he absolutely wouldn¡¯t use Meng You De anymore. In fact, speaking of Meng You De¡¯s ability, when he grew in the future, it would perhaps be a good help. As a person standing in a position outside, he felt sorry for Cheng Wang.

    It¡¯s a pity the matter had gone so far and there¡¯s no way to redeem.

    ¡°This time, again it was because of Jiang second miss.¡± Lu Ji said with a smile: ¡°Before it was Ye Shijie, because Jiang second miss helped him out, the n was altered. The current Meng Hong Jin is also due to Jiang second miss, causing the Meng family to separate from Cheng Wang. Twice because of Jiang second miss, the lord¡¯s ns were hindered. This Jiang second miss and the lord really have an ill-fated rtionship.¡±

    ¡°You want to say that Jiang second miss wasn¡¯t idental?¡± Ji Heng asked.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t the lord think the same way?¡± Lu Ji replied while smiling: ¡°Otherwise lord wouldn¡¯t ask Wen Ji to interrogate and get to the bottom of the matter as to who reminded Ye Shijie from behind.¡±

    Ji Heng finally found the book he was looking for in the wood rack. He took the scroll out and turned around, the golden butterfly embroidered in the corner of his splendid red gown fluttered behind him.

    He said: ¡°It¡¯s Jiang second miss.¡±

    Lu Ji stopped smiling and looked at Ji Heng: ¡°Jiang family.....¡±

    ¡°Not the Jiang family.¡± The corner of Ji Heng¡¯s lips slowly raised, exposing a mysterious smile: ¡°It¡¯s Jiang second miss.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it interesting?¡± Ji Heng leaned back and saidzily: ¡°I suspect that this Jiang second miss came precisely to restrain me.¡±

    ......

    The summer days were long and soon it¡¯s almost time to enter autumn. Yet, there was still no inkling of the cool autumn toe. The days continued to be extremely hot and the flowers in the garden withered from too much sun.

    Therefore, when the overdue rain came, it especially received much appreciation.

    It rained at night and didn¡¯t stop when morning came. It only changed from a downpour to the patter of a drizzle. The rain water flowed along and dripped down the eaves like a close beaded curtain, ticking onto the courtyard¡¯s bluestone bricks. It washed them especially clean, resembling an unadorned cyan stone and the fragrance of earth seemed to be emitted.

    Tong¡¯er brought breakfast in. Seeing that Jiang Li had not yet woken up, she was somewhat surprised. In the past, Jiang Li woke up very early and she didn¡¯t have the habit of waking upte. Whenever Tong¡¯er brought breakfast in, Jiang Li would have finished dressing up by herself.

    ¡°Miss.¡± Tong¡¯er called out softly.

    Jiang Li who was fast asleep on the bed, opened her eyes suddenly. Seeing that it was Tong¡¯er, she hesitated for a short time before she realized the time. She sat up and pressed her forehead. Tong¡¯er saw cold sweats covering Jiang Li¡¯s forehead and was stumped before she promptly looked for a handkerchief and promptly and carefully came over to dry them. She said: ¡°Did miss have a nightmare? So much sweat came out.¡±

    Baixue was walking in from outside and hearing Tong¡¯er, she immediately walked towards the windows and pushed them open. All at once, the cool air from outside came rushing in and the air inside the room wasn¡¯t as sultry as before. Jiang Li also seemed to be much more awake.

    She said: ¡°I had a dream.¡±

 Chapter 77 Part 4 - Feast

    <h4>Chapter 77 Part 4: Feast</h4>

    ¡°It¡¯s a nightmare,¡± Baixue said: ¡°It¡¯s okay, there¡¯s a saying in our vige, when you have a nightmare and feel ufortable, just bask under the sun and everything will be okay. If miss feels afraid, let¡¯s go bask in the sun¡ª¡ª¡±

    ¡°What nonsense are you spouting,¡± before Baixue finished talking, Tong¡¯er interrupted her, ¡°it¡¯s now raining outside, where¡¯s the sun?¡±

    Baixue was stumped and then said: ¡°Oh, then wait for a few days to bask under the sun.¡±

    Tong¡¯er asked Jiang Li: ¡°What did Miss dream about that makes you so scared?¡±

    Although Jiang Li tried her hardest to cover it, the fear and dread in her eyes was still visible. Every day she always did her work with a smile, as if nothing could worry her. As a result, once she lost herself, it appeared particrly obvious.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Jiang Li lowered her eyes and said: ¡°just dreaming of an old friend.¡±

    Last night, again she dreamt of Xue Zhao.

    This dream was different from the dream she had of Xue Zhao before the horse riding exam. This time, Jiang Li saw Xue Zhao being detained in a prison-like ce. The ce was guarded by many people and each and every one¡¯s life inside was like monsters. Xue Zhao was covered with blood all over and was suspended in the middle of the prison. Jiang Li wanted to approach him, but she was obstructed by the metal fence. She also called out Xue Zhao¡¯s name but he didn¡¯t budge even a bit, his life or death was unknown.

    Shortly after, from out of nowhere, some people came and started to torture Xue Zhao. They used a branding iron that was heated until it glowed red to burn on Xue Zhao¡¯s body. They also used salt water mixed with chili pepper to pour on him. Xue Zhao started to shout loudly and Jiang Li felt extremely heartbroken. However, she was unable to touch Xue Zhao.

    It wasn¡¯t until Tong¡¯er woke her up that Jiang Li became aware that she was dreaming.

    She couldn¡¯t help feeling anxious, why is she dreaming of Xue Zhao? People said that close rtives who¡¯d passed away might enter their family¡¯s dream, but why does Xue Zhao let her see those things in her dream? What kind of ce was that? Was it hell? But Xue Zhao, his age was still young, he had never done any bit of misdeeds. He was thoroughly sincere, warm, with an upright and brave conduct. In any case he shouldn¡¯t go to hell?

    And feeling powerless as she looked at Xue Zhao really made her suffer more than death.

    Though it was just a dream, Jiang Li was unable to forget. In addition, today¡¯s weather was overcast with continuous rain. Unknown whether that had any influence, but Jiang Li refused to say anything and was taciturn.

    Jiang Li¡¯s silence was taken in by the servant girls in Fang Fei Garden. Tong¡¯er and Baixue didn¡¯t know the reason, but seeing that Jiang Li appeared didn¡¯t want to be disturbed, each of them also did their job silently.

    In the afternoon, Feicui from old madam Jiang¡¯s side, came to Fang Fei Garden to invite Jiang Li to Wan Feng Hall. There¡¯s an important matter that old madam Jiang wanted to exin.

    After responding, Jiang Li returned inside the room to change her clothes. During this interval, Baixue asked: ¡°I wonder why old madam is looking for miss?¡±

    ¡°You still need to ask this,¡± Tong¡¯er said while handing a skirt ovey to Jiang Li: ¡°It should be about the pce feast. Tomorrow is the pce feast, our youngdy doesn¡¯t just have to go, she is also going to receive His Majesty¡¯s gift. Such a huge honor, old madam must carefully remind the youngdy so as to avoid any mistakes. But,¡± Tong er snorted in a low voice: ¡°since following the youngdy to return to the capital, I¡¯ve never seen Miss make any mistakes, it¡¯s better to be worried about the third youngdy and the others.......¡±

    Tong¡¯er¡¯s temperament was somewhat impertinent, perhaps because she grew up in the mountains for a long time. These words fell into Jiang Li¡¯s ears and made her break intoughter. The haze from the morning also scattered a bit.

    Seeing Jiang Li finally smile, Tong¡¯er and Baixue also felt relieved. They heard Jiang Li say: ¡°That¡¯s right, old mada called me over certainty because of the pce feast. Let¡¯s go quickly now.¡±

    At this moment, in Wan Feng Hall, apart from Jiang Li, the females from the main branch, the second branch and the third branch were all present.

    Jiang Yuan Bai was the dynasty¡¯s chief assistant, Jiang Yuan Ping was a third ranked government administrator Although Jiang Yuan Xing was just a school secretary in charge of collecting books, due to his two elder brothers, he was able to attend the pce feast. The pce feast was a major event, representing the Jiang family¡¯s face, so naturally old madam Jiang needed to remind some things.

    These matters had probably been more or less said, it was like this year after year. Because Jiang Li was also going this year, she was going to tell once again, especially for Jiang Li.

    While waiting for Jiang Li to arrive, perhaps Lu-shi felt somewhat bored and asked Ji Shuran: ¡°Eldest sister inw, I hear the time for You Yao and Zhou heir¡¯s marriage has been set?¡±

    When this question came up, the expressions of several people in the room changed.

    Old madam Jiang¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change but the few people in the third branch looked astonished, clearly they¡¯d just heard it today.

    Ji Shuran smiled gently: ¡°Younger sibling¡¯s news is very urate. That¡¯s right, A few days ago, Ningyuan marchioness and I had a discussion. The marchioness thought since You Yao has reached marriageable age, they can get married a bit earlier. Next winter is best.¡±

    Next winter, Jiang You Yao would soon be sixteen.

 Chapter 77 Part 5 - Feast

    <h4>Chapter 77 Part 5: Feast</h4>

    Jiang You Yao heard and two red clouds flew up her cheeks. Since everyone was now aware of her and Zhou¡¯s heir¡¯s matter, she did not have to avoid and only shyly lowered her head without saying anything.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e however, was totally shocked. She already knew early on that Jiang You Yao and Zhou Yan Bang would sooner orter be fulfilled. But she didn¡¯t expect it to be this quick. Zhou Yan Bang was Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s heir; Ningyuan Marquis only had this one heir. In the future, the entire Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s mansion would all be his. Jiang You Yao married over and would be the one managing the household and would immediately be the marchioness. Moreover, the Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s heir, Zhou Yan Bang, was known as the beautiful man of Yanjing city, multi-talented with a gentle temperament. Her life after Jiang You Yao married over would definitely be very good.

    Jiang You Yao was about to marry a good man; Jiang Yu¡¯e couldn¡¯t help thinking of herself. Her father was just a school secretary, no need to mention how humble his official rank was. In the Jiang family, he was just a concubine-born son who did not have a close rtionship with the eldest uncle or the second uncle. Even though she put great effort in fawning over Ji Shuran, Ji Shuran certainly wouldn¡¯t care too much about her marriage. There were very few people who could help her with her marriage. In any case, she couldn¡¯t expect to have such an ideal husband like the one Jiang You Yao was going to marry.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e thought of her future destiny and couldn¡¯t help sighing in her heart. There¡¯s resentment as well as unwillingness.

    Lu-shi said with a smile: ¡°You Yao really has good fortune, Zhou heir is someone that everyone in Yanjing wants to marry into their family. But eldest sister inw, ¡° she asked, looking deeply concerned: ¡°don¡¯t forget that Li-er is also a member of our Jiang family. Li-er is the elder sister, her marriage is not yet decided but You Yao¡¯s marriage has been decided earlier. It will unavoidably incur some gossip.¡±

    This sentence was a bit subtle. Everyone knew that Jiang You Yao¡¯s marriage originally belonged to Jiang Li. Jiang You Yao was just a turtledove upying the magpie¡¯s nest, she just seized other people¡¯s opportunity.

    Old madam Jiang closed her eyes slightly, turning a deaf ear towards the two daughter inws¡¯s fight. She had long been familiar with the scene currently ying before her eyes. Ji Shuran looked gentle and soft on the outside, but she actually had iron hands. Lu-shi was both vain and ambitious. It¡¯s unavoidable for these two people to block each other when they gather. When all was said and done, it¡¯s merely harmless little fights and it¡¯s fine as long as it didn¡¯t affect the overall situation.

    ¡°Thank you for younger sibling¡¯s concern.¡± Ji Shuran appeared as if she didn¡¯t hear the sarcasm in Lu-shi¡¯s words. She replied politely: ¡°Master also asked me to pay attention to Li-er¡¯s marriage, it¡¯s also the worry in my heart. With Li-er¡¯s age, it should be the time for her to have a marriage agreement. It¡¯s just that at the moment, there¡¯s no one proposing marriage yet; I also haven¡¯t found a good one and am reluctant to marry Li-er in a hurry. If younger sibling has a good candidate, please let me know. I will let master to personally look him over. After all, it¡¯s Li-er¡¯s major affair, I don¡¯t dare to lightly decide. It¡¯s better to let mother and master to look over it.¡±

    Ji Shuran deftly avoided the words of Jiang You Yao forcibly taking someone¡¯s marriage away while disparaging Jiang Li seamlessly. She said that there were many females in the family; Jiang Li had returned to Yanjing for so long yet nobody hade to the door to propose marriage to Jiang Li. Other people look down on Jiang Li, it¡¯s impossible for the Jiang family to take the initiative and send their daughter over. Afterwards, she mentioned that Jiang Li¡¯s marriage was entirely pushed onto old madam Jiang and Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s hand, removing herself cleanly.

    As luck would have it, Jiang Li had just walked through Wan Feng Hall¡¯s doorway and couldn¡¯t help smiling upon hearing Ji Shuran¡¯s words.

    Tong¡¯er was so angry her head emitted ck smoke. Seeing Jiang Li was still able to smile, she was somewhat puzzled. Ji Shuran spoke of her like so, Jiang Li not only didn¡¯t get angry, she still smiled. What¡¯s so funny about this?

    Jiang Li stepped into Wan Feng Hall and said: ¡°Old madam.¡±

    Old madam Jiang¡¯s eyes darkened. Nowadays, Jiang Li called her ¡°old madam¡± and not ¡°grandmother¡±. She seemed to deliberately distancing the rtionship with her, or to say, perhaps the rtionship with the Jiang family. Naturally old madam Jiang could see that she couldn¡¯t regard the current Jiang Li and the previous Jiang second miss as the same person. Jiang Li had changed so much and old madam Jiang didn¡¯t know whether it was a good thing or a bad thing.

    Lu-shi opened her eyes, delighting in other¡¯s misfortune. Thinking that Jiang Li heard the words Ji Shuran said just now, it¡¯s inevitable for her to return with a few sentences and made Ji Shuran unhappy. She¡¯s always d when that happened.

    But Jiang Li didn¡¯t seem to hear the nder Ji Shuran spouted just now and after greeting old madam Jiang, she performed courtesy to each one of them without having the slightest me towards Ji Shuran in her words.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e looked at the new pleated skirt with scattered flowers that Jiang Li had changed into, the rewards sent by old madam Jiang after the examination. Her eyes turned red from jealousy.

    Jiang You Yao was staring at Jiang Li. Recalling what she had heard from the servant girl¡¯s mouth that Zhou Yan Bang wanted to rescind the wedding arrangement with her and change it to Jiang Li, she couldn¡¯t stop the bitter resentment in her eyes.

    Jiang Li stood calmly, turning a blind eye to their gazes.

    She didn¡¯t care at all.

 Chapter 78 Part 1 - Entering the Palace

    <strong>Chapter 78 Part 1: Entering the Pce</strong>

    Hello~~ I¡¯m sorry for missing three weeks of updates! I¡¯m back!

    So did anyone go for tomb-sweeping day? I went two weeks in a row, one for my father¡¯s side, then to my mother¡¯s side. Both are out of town so it took a while to travel. It¡¯s fun but dead tiring. I¡¯m d we could do it this year as we couldn¡¯t do it for the previous 2 years.

    Thankfully the chapter is slightly shorter now, so the parts are also less, yay!

    ¡°Li girl, tomorrow you are going to follow us and enter the pce together.¡± Old madam Jiang opened her mouth and said: ¡°What you arecking, what you need, just tell your mother. Your mother will prepare everything properly for you.¡±

    Jiang Li nodded and replied agreeably.

    ¡°This is the first time you enter the pce since your return to Yanjing, you must not break the rules. If you don¡¯t understand, just ask. If you don¡¯t know what to do, just follow how You Yao acts.¡± Old madam Jiang instructed carefully, ¡°The clothes and jewelry to be worn have been prepared for you. Tomorrow you will be representing the Jiang family¡¯s face, I believe you can do very well.¡±

    Old madam Jiang had unexpectedly praised her for the first time. Jiang Li smiled and nodded, yet her appearance didn¡¯t show any excitement.

    Her looking like this fell on Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s eyes at the side and made her feel totally upset. Soon after Jiang Li returned to the residence, her position started to improve little by little. Nock of people had hated andughed at her, yet Jiang Li passed her days well. In Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s eyes, she was extremely unsightly, wishing Jiang Li would fall into hell overnight and pass her days worse than herself.

    ¡°Li girl is truly amazing. This time His Majesty is going to personally award her. Among the younger generation in our residence, only Li girl alone could aplish this.¡± Lu-shi said with all smiles: ¡°One heard that this year¡¯s Imperial College¡¯s top position is Ye Shijie. Ye Shijie is a member of Xiangyang¡¯s Ye family. That¡¯s to say, with our Jiang family, it¡¯s also a rtive. He¡¯s also Jiang Li¡¯s elder cousin.¡±

    Ye Zhen Zhen had passed away for many years, the Jiang family also didn¡¯t have any contact with Ye Zhen Zhen¡¯s parent¡¯s home. Lu-shi mentioning Ye Shijie at this time was naturally to annoy Ji Shuran. It was known that the nephew in Ji Shuran¡¯s parents¡¯ home didn¡¯t make the Imperial College¡¯s list of sessful candidates. There wasn¡¯t a need to even mention being the first.

    When Jiang Li heard Lu-shi mention Ye Shijie, she sighed in her heart. She didn¡¯t wish to involve the Ye family in the Jiang family¡¯s muddy water. The Ye family was in Xiangyang, she wanted to return to Xiangyang someday in the future and offer sacrifice to Xue Huaiyuan. For that, she still needed to rely on the Ye family. Mixing the Jiang family and the Ye family together might not necessarily be a good thing for the Ye family.

    She hoped that the Ye family would stay clean.

    Ji Shuran smiled and looked at Jiang Li: ¡°Yes, I also think that Li girl should move around with the Ye family¡¯s young master. Although sister Zhen Zhen had already gone, in the final say, the two families are inws. If the Ye family¡¯s young master enters the official career, our family¡¯s master could also help once in a while. All are family, helping our own family is better than helping outsiders.¡±

    Jiang Li heard and her eyes moved slightly.

    Ji Shuran¡¯s words could be said as very sincere. But could Ji Shuran really have this kindness? Even letting Jiang Yuan Bai to help Ye Shijie? This was absolutely impossible. Ji Shuran would only let people secretly suppress Ye Shijie. It¡¯s not that Jiang Li deliberately assumed that people¡¯s mind was dark, rather, after being in the Jiang residence for so many days, she was well aware of what kind of person Ji Shuran was.

    At this moment, Zhou Yan Bang even brought up rescinding his engagement with Jiang You Yao and wanted to be with her. With all these thingsbined together, it would be weird if Ji Shuran mother and daughter didn¡¯t hate and poison her.

    But up to now, Ji Shuran mother and daughter were awfully quiet and hadn¡¯t done any evil.

    Jiang Li thought of this and looked at Ji Shuran.

    Ji Shuran smiled virtuously like a truly affectionate mother. However, Jiang Li felt her sight resembled a poisonous python going around a branch, squinting its eyes and calmly sizing the prey, showing a cruel and dark smile while its fangs were dripping with poison juice.

    She¡¯s in the middle of nning something.

    Jiang Li¡¯s sight fell on Jiang You Yao.

    In the end, Jiang You Yao was still young and not as good as Ji Shuran¡¯s wless expression. She also tried her hardest to show a genuine smile, but in her eyes, the hatred she had towards Jiang Li could not be concealed. In addition, there was somehow a trace of excitement.

    That greasy and mmy sight was seemingly familiar to Jiang Li, yet within this short time, she couldn¡¯t remember when she had seen this. However, one thing she could confirm was that the sight made herpletely unwell. Her back cooled, letting her be alert within a split second.

    Yang-shi didn¡¯t have much weight in the Jiang family. Her shrewd eyes merely moved incessantly between Jiang Li and Ji Shuran.

    Old madam Jiang didn¡¯t say anything else, just exining some matters when entering the pce. Actually, Jiang Li knew these already. At that time, she, as the wife of Shen Yurong, also followed in entering the pce. While the Jiang family, as the official assigned by the court, the rules were instead much more rxed.

    When old madam Jiang had finished exining one by one, a long time had already passed. Thinking that they still had to go back and prepare, everyone immediately dispersed from Wan Feng Hall.

    Jiang Li came out of the doors of Wan Feng Hall and directly walked towards her own courtyard. Fang Fei Garden was located in the corner of the Jiang residence, not in the same direction as Jiang You Yao and the others¡¯ courtyards, so naturally they did not have to walk together.

    But unexpectedly, she had only walked for a while when a person called from behind: ¡°Second sister.¡±

    Turning her head to look, it was actually Jiang Yu¡¯e and Jiang Yu Yan, the two sisters.

 Chapter 78 Part 2 - Entering the Palace

    <h4>Chapter 78 Part 2: Entering the Pce</h4>

    To speak of these two people, Jiang Yu Yan was a silent girl, but Jiang Yu¡¯e had never shown a good look at Jiang Li. A nce at Jiang Yu¡¯e and Jiang Li immediately knew that the other person was plotting something.

    ¡°Second sister, you walked so fast, I couldn¡¯t catch up to you.¡± Jiang Yu¡¯e opened her mouth and spoke warmly and amiably.

    Jiang Li stood where she was, not even willing to feign civility. She only politely said: ¡°Is there something, fifth sister?¡±

    Jiang Yu¡¯e didn¡¯t expect that Jiang Li wouldn¡¯t even bother to pretend to give face. Her expression almost changed, but within a moment, she quickly adjusted herself and smilingly said: ¡°In Wan Feng Hall today, before second sister came, there¡¯s something spoken.¡± Up to here, Jiang Yu¡¯e paused intentionally before continuing: ¡°it¡¯s third sister¡¯s marriage. Eldest aunt said that third sister and Zhou heir¡¯s marriage is already set at the end of winter, beginning of spring next year. I believe perhaps second sister is not yet aware of this and so especially came over to tell.¡±

    Just for this?

    Tong¡¯er was a bit angry, Jiang Liughed slightly and said: ¡°Thank you for the information, fifth sister. I got it.¡±

    Seemingly dissatisfied with Jiang Li¡¯s t tone, Jiang Yu¡¯e observed Jiang Li¡¯splexion carefully. Seeing that Jiang Li didn¡¯t show any pain or disappointment, she spoke again: ¡°Actually, second sister¡¯s and Zhou heir¡¯s marriage agreement at that time was also very good. If second sister didn¡¯t meet with mishap at that time, the one marrying into Ningyuan Marquis¡¯ s residence would be second sister. In the entire Yanjing, Zhou heir is considered one of the best match. Now third sister is going to marry into the Zhou residence effortlessly; second sister is more senior than third sister, but the marriage is not yet settled. From the bottom of my heart, I feel unfairness towards second sister.¡±

    Jiang Yu Yan was somewhat terrified as she nced at Jiang Li, wishing to stop Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s words. In the end, she just reached her hand out and pulled the corner of Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s sleeve and didn¡¯t say a word.

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t immediately reply to Jiang Yu¡¯e and simply stared at her with a smile. Her smile was gentle and soft, without any intention inside. However, for no reason at all, Jiang Yu¡¯e, who was being stared at, felt nervous.

    In order to break away from this oppressive feeling, Jiang Yu¡¯e asked Jiang Li: ¡°Why is second sister staring at me?¡±

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Jiang Li said lightly: ¡°I just felt moved that fifth sister is so concerned like this for me. But.......¡± She indifferently said: ¡°Fifth sister¡¯s intention, do mother and third sister know?¡±

    Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s face changed all of a sudden.

    She was eager to stab Jiang Li¡¯s feelings, but unknowingly, if that sentence ¡°feel unfairness towards second sister¡± fell on Ji Shuran, mother and daughter¡¯s ears, what kind of situation would it be.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e reluctantly smiled and said: ¡°These are confidential words between second sister and I.......¡±

    Jiang Li looked at Jiang Yu¡¯e and smiled: ¡°In fact, fifth sister doesn¡¯t need to be overly worried about my marriage. My father is the current court chief assistant. No matter how bad, still able to look for an official family in Yanjing. Even if mother isn¡¯t worried about me, there¡¯s still father and old madam. I am the biological daughter from the main branch, can I still marry low?¡± She looked meaningfully at Jiang Yu¡¯e: ¡°Although fifth sister hasn¡¯t reached marriageable age, it would be better to take care of your own things. Third uncle¡¯s official career prospect doesn¡¯t appear to bright. Based on third uncle and third aunt¡¯s tendency, in the future, it¡¯s hard to say what kind of family fifth sister would marry into.¡±

    Seeing Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯splexion turned ashen in an instant, Jiang Li¡¯s mood turned good. She went on neither slowly nor hurriedly: ¡°In the world, it should be known that although talent, appearance, temperament, moral characters are all important, without family background, everything was futile. Why don¡¯t you look at those youngdies in the capital¡¯s Yi Hong Lou? Which of thosedies doesn¡¯t look like a one in a thousand immortal beauty? Beautiful and intelligent, yet they will only be a girl in their lifetime.¡±

    After speaking, she didn¡¯t wait for Jiang Yu¡¯e to reply and immediately took Tong¡¯er away.

    Naturally she didn¡¯t see Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s expression behind.

    On the way back, Tong¡¯er rolled over inughter the whole way. When they reached Fang Fei Garden, she told this matter to Baixue and the other few people without missing any words. After she finished recounting, sheughed heartily and said: ¡°You didn¡¯t see fifth miss¡¯s expression at that time. Aiyah our youngdy is truly capable,paring the fifth miss and thedies at Yi Hong Lou, fifth miss must be bursting with anger. Ptui, who told her to have bad intentions and to deliberately provoke.

    ¡°Why does fifth miss always want to make life difficult for our youngdy?¡± Mingyue was still young and asked curiously: ¡°If the third miss makes life difficult for our youngdy, that¡¯s because third miss and miss are both the biological daughters of the main branch and third miss is jealous of miss as her love rival. But fifth miss belongs to the third room. Miss does not hinder her at all.¡±

    ¡°Shameless people are like that.¡± Tong¡¯er blurted out, ¡°absolutely insisted for every person to have resentments like her. What for? Our youngdy is of golden branch and jade leaves, why on earth would she oftenpare with our youngdy. Miss is better than her, isn¡¯t that proper and to be expected?¡±

    Jiang Li listened to her servant girls¡¯ discussion and smiled while shaking her head.

    What Jiang Yu¡¯e was seeking was nothing more than her being not reconciled. Jiang Yu¡¯e wished to see Jiang Li down and depressed. In this way, Jiang Yu¡¯e would feel superior to her. Jiang Yu¡¯e even hoped to use Zhou Yan Bang to irritate her. But what Jiang Yu¡¯e didn¡¯t understand was that Jiang Li really didn¡¯t have the slightest interest towards Zhou Yan Bang.

 Chapter 78 Part 3 - Entering the Palace

    <strong>Chapter 78 Part 3: Entering the Pce</strong>

    Jiang Li said: ¡°There are people like these, whose family background isn¡¯t good but still restless. All day long thinking of jumping onto a higher branch, thinking that everything on earth is unfair and feeling unreconciled in their hearts. These kinds of people could do everything.¡±

    Several servant girls nodded, half understood.

    Jiang Li thought, it seems that in reality, Jiang Yu¡¯e and Shen Yurong are the same kind of people. The lower the identity of the person, after tasting the feeling of being in a high ce, they yearn to climb even higher. Growing an obsession of wanting to climb even higher by hook or by crook. However, Jiang Yu¡¯e still doesn¡¯t know how to conceal her own unwillingness while Shen Yurong knows how to cover up very well.

    His mask covered himself so well that even his own wife couldn¡¯t detect it and thought that he was full of passion and ambition.

    Trulyughable.

    Jiang Li¡¯s smile slowly receded as she recalled the way Jiang You Yao looked at her while they were in Wan Feng Hall. That familiar sight still made her uneasy even until now.

    She had to be vignt.

    Jiang Li pondered for a while before she spoke: ¡°Tong¡¯er, bring my box over.¡±

    ......

    The disputes on the first day didn¡¯t affect everyone¡¯s joy of entering the pce on the second day.

    When Jiang Yu¡¯e saw Jiang Li, she wasn¡¯t being cold or frowned at Jiang Li due to yesterday¡¯s thing and remained as she was before, a smile hanging on her face. She evenplimented Jiang Li¡¯s skirt for looking very nice.

    Jiang Li replied: ¡°Fifth sister also looks very good.¡±

    Jiang Yu¡¯e almost reached marriageable age. Though she was younger than Jiang You Yao and was the youngest girl in the Jiang residence, she was tall and was only a bit shorter than Jiang Li, her childishness wasn¡¯t visible at all. She was wearing a honey colored eight pleated skirt with embroidery of crab-w chrysanthemums. Her long hair was pulled into a hanging cloud bun, adorned with a crab apple green pearl jasper hairpin.

    Actually, this style of dressing emanating riches and honor had instead drowned Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s bearing of a pretty daughter in a humble family. However, Jiang Yu¡¯e herself was very happy. Probably because the clothes and jewelry for entering the pce was all prepared by the old madam and it was seldom for Jiang Yu¡¯e to be able to dress in these precious clothes and jewelry, she not only felt it wasn¡¯t good. On the contrary, she was very satisfied.

    Ji Shuran was evidently d to see this scene. Jiang Yu Yan looked ordinary, Jiang Yu¡¯e was dressed too heavily, naturally, in contrast, only Jiang You Yao looked outstanding.

    Jiang You Yao had indeed spent a lot of thoughts. Without mentioning anything else, that rose red gown with double tailed golden mythical bird was enough to attract the sight of any person. The gold sparrow hairpin, eight jewels bracelet, cherry red waist twisted belt, and a specially applied make-up. Usually, Jiang You Yao rarely applied heavy make-up. This time entering the pce, her eyebrows were drawn and she put on powder and a bit of rouge. Her facial features were dainty and exquisite and was able to wear such heavy make-up. Standing in the middle of the clusters of flowers, she appeared more delicate than flowers with colorful lights all around.

    Entering the pce like this, she was indeed able to attract the attention of noble sons. But Jiang Li was puzzled, since Jiang You Yao already had a marriage arrangement with Zhou Yan Bang, why did she still want to dress herself so splendidly?

    It should be known that other people didn¡¯t enter Jiang You Yao¡¯s eyes at all, much less for her to take the initiative to attract other people.

    When Jiang Li was sizing up Jiang You Yao, Ji Shuran was also sizing Jiang Li up. Lu-shi exaggeratingly covered her mouth andughed as she said: ¡°If I didn¡¯t know these two girls, I really couldn¡¯t recognize Li girl.¡±

    Jiang Li wasn¡¯t fond of rich attire. Perhaps old madam Jiang had perceived her habits, the clothes she asked the tailor to make this time around were not red colored. But since they were going to enter the pce, the color couldn¡¯t be too in and required a bit of brighter color. Jiang Li wore a clear cyan green magnolia double embroidered skirt with a jasper cloud brocade skirt inside. Her hoisted up hair made her seem especially fresh and neat. There weren¡¯t any essories adorning her hair, just a pair of white round jade hanging on her ears, looking refined against her skin, making her face look spotlessly white as jade.

    She didn¡¯t smear heavy make-up like Jiang You Yao, just lightly traced her eyebrows. Her eyebrows were dark brown like snails, her eyes like drops of paint, and her lips were faintly colored. However, there¡¯s an immortal feeling.

    Standing together with Jiang You Yao, it was simr to green bamboo and safflower, deep valley and fireworks. Though thetter admittedly made people fond of, yet the former was easy to be remembered.

    Ji Shuran turned and lightly pressed Jiang You Yao¡¯s shoulders. Then Jiang You Yao put away the hatred in her eyes.

    On the contrary, old madam Jiang who was at the side couldn¡¯t help looking more at Jiang Li. Among these few daughters in the Jiang residence, the third branch was concubine born and their daughters couldn¡¯t enter her eyes. The second branch had no daughters. While with the two daughters in the main branch, at first she thought Jiang You Yao was a pearl in the palm of the hand and made people fond of. Nowadays, it seemed that Jiang Li, who had always been raised outside, was like an unpolished jade that washed ashore, possessing graceful and elegant manners.

    Which was good, which was bad, at the moment, it was really difficult to distinguish.

    Jiang Yuan Bai saw his two slender and elegant daughters and felt satisfied. He immediately said: ¡°You can set off now.¡±

    Each branch rode in a carriage. In the carriage Jiang Li rode on, Jiang You Yao acted like a spoiled child towards Jiang Yuan Bai. Perhaps it was to provoke Jiang Li.

 Chapter 78 Part 4 - Entering the Palace

    <strong>Chapter 78 Part 4: Entering the Pce</strong>

    Jiang Li merely smiled as she took in the scene before her eyes indifferently, making Jiang Yuan Bai feel somewhat ill at ease. Jiang Li could tell that Jiang You Yao acted spoiled towards Jiang Yuan Bai frequently. Perhaps Jiang Yuan Bai felt ill at ease now due to feeling guilty towards her, this other daughter.

    However, she didn¡¯t have any sad expression. Seeing this, Jiang You Yao felt as if she was punching cotton, her heart was terribly stuffy. The always virtuous Ji Shuran also didn¡¯t put a stop to Jiang You Yao¡¯s provocative conduct. It was assumed that her daughter and father acting spoiled and noisy was a regr urrence. Why did it need to be stopped?

    Jiang Yuan Bai saw Jiang Li was unmoved and felt slightly disappointed. This daughter had turned out beautiful, outstanding and he as a father was proud. It appeared that Jiang Li had noint of the way he handled things that year, she also never grumbled. Perhaps this was due to Jiang Li¡¯s generosity, yet Jiang Yuan Bai thought that it was due more to Jiang Li not caring about it.

    Jiang Li was spectating like a stranger.

    At this moment, as she was sitting inside the carriage, Jiang Li was actually recalling the time when she entered the pce.

    At that time, she was sincerely and deeply happy because of Shen Yurong¡¯s aplishment and felt d that she was his wife. She was afraid of making mistakes and caused Shen Yurong to lose face, therefore, she practiced nervously while in the residence. Shen Yurongughed looking at her rare nervous moments and said to her: ¡°No need to be afraid, if Ah Li made a mistake and angered His Majesty, at most this husband would not be a government official. Then I¡¯ll go back to Tongxiang to farm with Ah Li.¡±

    She feigned anger and acted as if she was going to beat Shen Yurong, causing him to burst intoughter. Recalling this now, it was as if it was a lifetime ago. As a matter of fact, she didn¡¯t make a fool of herself at the pce. Instead, she did very well and the empress praised her intelligence. Shen Yurong also basically wouldn¡¯t lose his official title due to her. On the contrary, to climb up to nobility, he killed her.

    Thinking real was unreal, thinking a lie was not a lie, truly real or fake. This time around, walking this road she had taken before, she would no longer be deceived.

    She would also slowly walk towards the ce she wanted to go. Bit by bit she would aplish the matters she wanted toplete.

    Taking revenge on behalf of her father and Xue Zhao, on behalf of herself that had suffered unjust death to demand justice.

    Later, as the carriage traveled along, Jiang You Yao also no longer spoke and turned silent. Each person of the family was lost in their own thoughts. Time seemed to pass by very fast.

    Approximately half an hourter, the carriage stopped.

    The groom spoke from outside: ¡°Madam, Master, we¡¯ve arrived.¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai got off the carriage first, then a female servant came to support Ji Shuran. Jiang Li got off the carriage and stood on thend that was separated from the pce gate by a wall. She gazed deeply at the pce wall and for a moment, her mood wasplicated.

    It¡¯s this pce that a person such a malicious and domineering Princess Yongning was raised. Bullying themon people using her power, and Shen Yurong, in order to strive for a ce in the splendid pce, sacrificed her without the slightest hesitation.

    This pce looked magnificent, however, the people living inside, how many were like walking corpses? They dripped with gold and silver as if they had everything. But in fact, they had nothing. Jiang Li pitied and looked down on them. But she even more wasn¡¯t willing to associate with them.

    ¡°Second sister, this is the pce gate.¡± Jiang Yu¡¯e spoke from behind as she got off from the carriage.

    Jiang Li smiled, Jiang Jing Rui rolled his neck around ufortably. Today he had to dress formally and must not be as wanton as he usually was in the residence. For Jiang Jing Rui, this was simply asking for his life. On the contrary, Jiang Jing You beside him was as awfully polite as always. With Jiang Yuan Ping, these father and son practically look like they were cut from the same mold.

    Outside the pce gate, government carriages came one after another. Those lower in grades came over to fawn and greet Jiang Yuan Bai. However, the Jiang family came a bitte and Jiang Yuan Bai had to first see Hong Xiao emperor. Thus they didn¡¯t stay at the pce gate for long and directly followed the person showing the way to go in.

    At first Jiang You Yao thought that since it was the first time Jiang Li entered the pce, she would certainly be at a loss on what to do and be overly nervous. It would be even better if she could see Jiang Li making a fool of herself. Who would have imagined, when she turned her head, she instead saw Jiang Li lift her skirt slightly as she walked particrly leisurely.

    It was as if the pce was her own backyard.

    Jiang You Yao couldn¡¯t help feeling annoyed. When she first entered the pce, she was trembling with fear, afraid of making mistakes. But Jiang Li didn¡¯t seem to have any fear. Jiang You Yao was waiting to point out Jiang Li¡¯s fault but soon they arrived at their destination and Jiang Li didn¡¯t make any careless mistakes.

    Old madam Jiang was very satisfied. After all, among the younger generation going today, Jiang Li was the only one who was most unfamiliar with the pce. She was afraid Jiang Li would make a mistake first. Now, it seemed that Jiang Li did very well and there shouldn¡¯t be any problem.

 Chapter 78 Part 5 - Entering the Palace

    <h4>Chapter 78 Part 5: Entering the Pce</h4>

    I seem to be owing you guys a lot of chapters and kept on apologizingtely^^! I will make it up as soon as I can free up the schedule, promise!

    Anyway, I¡¯m supposed to have a week long holidayst week, and did n on tranting plenty to make up the missing ones. The first two days of that said holiday was spent updating thest few days of ounting, then spending time with family during the day and updating the inventory at night for 3 days. Then lo and behold, we have to meet with work rted person out of town (still within the country), so the next day we set off (my first flight after 2.5 years!), went back the next day, so... which day is it now? Day no 7? Yep, then the night of the same day (2 days ago), tickets were booked to Vietnam T^T for work. I have a conflicting emotion by this time, not sure if I¡¯m happy to be travelling, too tired and many work aren¡¯t done, or just simply stunned beyond words. And, due to theck of direct flights, I¡¯ve only just arrived at my destination today, after 2 stopovers, within 2 days. Imagine that, taking 5 ne flights in 4 days. Ha..ha... I guess today¡¯s trantion is a kind of a break

    PS: My first time in Vietnam, anyone knows what to get as souvenirs and how much? Or anything I should try aside from pho, spring roll, banh mi and broken rice?

    At this moment, many official wives and children had arrived in the main hall of Yu Ming Pce Hall. These madams were the noble wives and daughters from third ranked government officials in Yanjing and their identities were precious. Because the night feast had not yet started, most of them looked for familiar acquaintances to chat with. In this type of pce feast, the daughters strived hard to dress themselves well. Some of these females had reached marriageable age while some had not, but both wished to leave a good impression in this pce feast as there would be many ranked government heirs and young talents entering the pce today. Northern Yan¡¯s general practice was more open than the previous dynasty. As long as the young male and female didn¡¯t overstep the boundary and were mutually in love, in most cases, they could go to the door and propose forming a marriage.

    And in a ce such as the pce feast, most of the peopleing had the same social status and were perfect matches, which was a great convenience.

    There¡¯s a mother daughter pair sitting in the East. The female was around 16-17 years old, wearing a crepe dress sprinkled with green flowers. A butterfly patterned jade dangling ornament was adorning her head. She could be considered as a beautiful girl. The madam by her side was also dressed gorgeously. However, in view, her manner wasn¡¯t as natural as the surrounding madams and carried a bit of pettiness.

    This mother daughter pair was no one else but Shen Yurong¡¯s mother and sister, Shen Ruyun.

    Now that Shen Yurong was a person in the secretariat, naturally Shen Ruyun and mother Shen could participate in the pce feast. Although Shen Yurong was a widow, everyone in Yanjing knew that Shen Yurong¡¯s wife, Xue Fang Fei, had an affair. The death of this kind of wife was truly the heavens opening their eyes. Shen Yurong himself was young and promising, having boundless prospects. He was even born handsome and gentle. Many families also observed Shen Yurong and considered marrying their daughters into the Shen family.

    They knew that the poption in the Shen family was simple with only Shen Ruyun and mother Shen. In the future, Shen Ruyun would get married and whichever daughter married into the Shen family would be the one in charge of the household. There¡¯s no need to get along with the husband¡¯s younger sister, they only needed to get along harmoniously with the mother inw. For the many pampered and spoiled daughters, this condition was already very good.

    Precisely due to this condition, in the face of the current Shen Yurong, many nobledies wanted to have friendly rtions with mother Shen. They had, unexpectedly, also didn¡¯t disdain mother Shen¡¯s small household origin. They, very enthusiastically, ttered mother Shen and praised Shen Ruyun to high heavens, making Shen Ruyun feel smug and conceited.

    Nie Xiao Shuang, Zhu Xin¡¯er, both were in the same group as Jiang Li in the archery riding examination held by Ming Yi Hall, were also crowding around Shen Ruyun to chat.

    Upon seeing this, Liu Xu who was standing by the side, snorted lightly. In a voice which only Madam Liu could hear, she whispered: ¡°Really the first time I see people rushing to be a second wife.¡±

    Madam Liu poked Liu Xu¡¯s forehead and spoke in a low voice: ¡°You talk too much!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the truth.¡± Liu Xu mumbled to herself. She truly couldn¡¯t see eye to eye with her ssmates¡¯ conduct. Nevertheless, they could be considered Yanjing city¡¯s best noble daughters. While that top scorer Shen had just lost his wife. No need to mention Xue Fang Fei¡¯s moral character, in any case, what top scorer Shen showed was his deep attachment to his departed wife. Those youngdies didn¡¯t think clearly, since he was deeply attached to his wife, how would he quickly remarry? If he remarried soon after, then top scorer Shen showing such a deep affection implied that he was someone whose outside appearance and inner reality were different.

    Afterwards, she heard someone beside her say: ¡°Heard that Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s heir and Chief Assistant Jiang¡¯s family¡¯s third miss¡¯s marriage is set at the end of winter next year.¡±

    When this sentence came out, Shen Ruyun¡¯s, who was on the other side,plexion changed. She asked: ¡°Is it true?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s true.¡± Nie Xiao Shuang said: ¡°I also heard my mother mention it a few days ago. You Yao and heir Zhou¡¯s marriage was already set since earlier, now they only need to decide on the date. It makes sense to do so.¡±

    Shen Ruyun couldn¡¯t help feeling resentment inside and ridiculed: ¡°I remember that heir Zhou¡¯s marriage was first set with Jiang second miss.¡±

    The people in the surrounding looked at each other.

    Shen Ruyun¡¯s words were unpleasant to hear but no one dared toment. If they were toment, they would be offending the Jiang family. Jiang Yuan Bai was the court¡¯s Chief Assistant. Who dared to say half a word ofint about his daughter? But it¡¯s equally not good for anyone to offend this assistant secretary¡¯s sister. So they just kept silent.

    However, with the silence, they tacitly recalled Shen Ruyun¡¯s words. It was indeed true, Zhou Yan Bang was originally betrothed to Jiang Li. So to speak, in any case, this matter of the younger sister recing the elder sister¡¯s marriage was nothing great. Everyone turned to look at Ningyuan Marchioness¡¯s expression.

    Ningyuan Marchioness seemed to be turning a deaf ear to all these. She was in the middle of chatting andughing with the senior councellor¡¯s madam, Ji Chen-shi, who was Ji Shuran¡¯s biological elder sister. They didn¡¯t seem to hear the surrounding people¡¯s discussion.

    But whether they heard it or not, only they, themselves knew.

    Liu Xin had the mind to protest on behalf of Jiang Li, yet she didn¡¯t know how to say it properly. She could only look towards the doorway repeatedly, thinking why Jiang Li had not yet arrived.

    Right at this moment, the pce maid in charge of notifying the new arrivals, announced that the female members of the Jiang family had arrived.

    Everyone looked at the door and saw old madam Jiang leading at the front, followed by Ji Shuran, Lu-shi immediately behind then followed by Yang-shi and the Jiang family girls walking leisurely behind.

 Chapter 79 Part 1

    Chapter 79 Part 1:

    The madams and youngdies inside the pce hall weren¡¯t unfamiliar with the female members of the Jiang family. The Jiang family was considered an outstanding official family in Yanjing. Whichever madam was going to entertain guests in their residence, no one would forget to invite the Jiang family¡¯s madam. Aside from Yang-shi, Ji Shuran and Lu-shi often gathered together with these madams. The second branch had no daughter, and in the main branch, there had only been Jiang You Yao in the eight years since Jiang Li left. Many had forgotten that there was still a Jiang Li. They had seen Jiang You Yao here many times, but the number of times they had seen Jiang Li was very few.

    The deepest impression they had was of Jiang Li¡¯s two sessive examinations, one being music, and the other being equestrian riding.

    Without any noise, but soon amazed the world with a single brilliant feat. That was outsiders¡¯ impression of Jiang Li. However, those who didn¡¯t personally watch the examinations declined toment, thinking that it was nothing more than rumors. Jiang Li didn¡¯t seem to be as good as said. Thus, the pce feast became an opportunity to confirm these hearsays.

    Everyone stared at the people behind Ji Shuran.

    Behind the old madam, there were Ji Shuran and Lu-shi, then Yang-shi, followed by the girls. The girl walking at the very front was Jiang You Yao.

    Jiang You Yao had a smile on her face, totally sweet and refined. At a nce, her dress and bearing reflected her good life, a youngdy who had never eaten human¡¯s suffering. Apart from this, Ji Shuran also put effort into making Jiang You Yao appear upright and steady. It should be known that when a male looked at a female, he looked for beauty and intelligence, which were on the female¡¯s own body. But the household of a great family chose their daughter-inw, apart from these qualities, also depended on the daughter-inw¡¯s temperament and ability. Whether they could manage the peace in the backyard.

    In particr, Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s attempt to break the marriage arrangement a few days ago had made Ji Shuran very angry. If it were not because Ningyuan Marchioness personally visited to apologize soon after, plus Jiang You Yao truly adored Zhou Yan Bang, Ji Shuran certainly wouldn¡¯t have let the Zhou family have such an easy time.

    The more outstanding Jiang You Yao was, the more it proved that in this marriage, Jiang You Yao deserved Zhou Yan Bang and was in no way trying to climb up, rather, she was more than enough.

    Jiang You Yao was like a blooming flower bud, wavering gently and gracefully as she entered. Her looks were magnificent and somewhat enhanced the beauty of Yu Ming pce hall. Some youngdies whose looks were mediocre looked at Jiang You Yao and couldn¡¯t help feeling inferior.

    Growing in an enviable official family, having an iparable appearance, doted by the family, innocent and unaffected, her marriage was just as she wished, her future husband was gentle and handsome, families were well-matched, wasn¡¯t this the envy of everybody? Even though most of the youngdies present came from wealthy families, every family had their own problems. Wealthy families¡¯ daughters¡¯ lives were not as well off as seen on the surface, the hardship was in their hearts.

    Jiang You Yao saw everyone¡¯s envious gazes and was proud of herself, her steps became much more lively.

    Walking behind Jiang You Yao was Jiang Li.

    Actually, in regard to rankings, Jiang Li ought to walk in front of Jiang You Yao. But no one told Jiang Li and Jiang You Yao used her own initiative to walk in front. Jiang Li also didn¡¯t mind these. As she saw it, whoever went first or after was not important.

    Everyone stared wide as behind the flower-like Jiang You Yao, a girl like water walked out.

    Compared with Jiang You Yao¡¯s splendid attire, she appeared extremely simple, too simple. But in the midst of her simplicity, her clear features resembled prominent colors inndscape paintings, giving people an infinite charm.

    Jiang second miss¡¯s steps were gentle, calm and unhurried. Compared with Jiang You Yao¡¯s briskness, she appeared even more gentle and steady. If Jiang You Yao was Yanjing¡¯s brightly colored official youngdy, this girl was like the mountain¡¯s delicate, spirited and intelligent little fairy. The former was likened to splendid beauty while thetter was an indifferent immortal.

    Some people with good eyes saw there wasn¡¯t any jade bracelet or jewelry on Jiang Li¡¯s slim wrist, rather a string of ck Buddhist prayer beads was hung. The gentle and sleek prayer beads lined her skin, making her wrist appear bright as jade.

    Some people recalled that Jiang Li had stayed in the nunnery in the mountain for eight years. Though that nunnery was now known as a ce concealing wicked deeds, it seemed that it didn¡¯t affect Jiang Li. Among the pollution, she still had a Buddhist nature and rity.

    She was very ¡°spiritual¡±.

    The corner of the girl¡¯s lips were also raised into a smile. Different from Jiang You Yao¡¯s smile, Jiang Li¡¯s smile seemed toe from the bottom of her heart, very gentle andfortable. It was as if she had no worries and made those who saw her feel their heart and mind soothed.

    Ningyuan Marchioness, who was chatting with Ji Chen-shi, raised her eyebrows.

    Ever since Zhou Yan Bang mentioned rescinding the marriage agreement with Jiang You Yao, Ningyuan Marchioness was sore in her heart. Although she was good friends with Ye Zhen Zhen at that time, Ye Zhen Zhen had passed away for so many years. As the daughter left behind by Ye Zhen Zhen, naturally she wasn¡¯t as doted on as Ji Shuran¡¯s biological daughter. In addition, afterwards, Jiang Li harmed Ji Shuran and caused her to miscarry. With a bad reputation, Ningyuan Marchioness also stopped thinking of having family ties with the Jiang family.

    Even if the Jiang family had a big business, such a vicious and merciless youngdy, whose reputation had swept rock bottom, no other family dared to ept.

 Chapter 79 Part 2

    Chapter 79 Part 2:

    Unexpectedly, Ji Shuran took the initiative to look for her.

    Ji Shuran seemed topletely understand her thoughts and only said that she hated to part with this marriage arrangement. Even more reluctant with such inws like Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s family. After thinking about it, though Jiang Li would not do, the Jiang family did not just have Jiang Li, this daughter, right?

    Ningyuan Marchioness was overjoyed at the turn of events. In her opinion, there wasn¡¯t any other family better than the Jiang family to be inws in Yanjing. Moreover,pared to Jiang Li, Jiang You Yao was not bad. First, she was also Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s biological daughter. Second, Jiang You Yao was satisfactory in regards to her appearance, talent or temperament. Zhou Yan Bang also saw herter on and had no objection to the marriage. Ningyuan Marchioness thought that this marriage was already settled.

    Who knew that not long after Jiang Li returned to Yanjing, Zhou Yan Bang would suddenly put forward such an absurd thing.

    Ningyuan Marchioness was shocked. The matter of Zhou Yan Bang wanting to break the marriage agreement was somehow known to Ji Shuran. Afraid of Ji Shuran¡¯s me, Ningyuan Marchionesshad no choice but toe for a visit and apologized. Also let Ji Chen-shie over to help her speak. Using emotion at first to then tell with reasons, Zhou Yan Bang no longer mentioned this shameful request. Ningyuan Marchioness was aware of her son¡¯s character and knew that Zhou Yan Bang never stopped thinking about this.

    Angry and annoyed, Ningyuan Marchioness was afraid that Zhou Yan Bang would attract disaster. In the pce feast today, she nned to see the appearance of the initial betrothed Jiang Li. Ningyuan Marchioness didn¡¯t go to either of the two examinations, thus she didn¡¯t know Jiang Li¡¯s limelight. Even though she¡¯d heard many praises from the people around her about Jiang Li¡¯s examinations, Ningyuan Marchioness snorted disdainfully.

    Now she finally saw what the girl who had made her son head over heels in love looked like.

    To be honest, Jiang Li¡¯s eyes and brows were like Jiang Yuan Bai, clear and delicate. However, her outline was like Ye Zhen Zhen, courageous, honest and innocent. But her expression and her smile, both neither resemble Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s unrestrained and rigorousness nor Ye Zhen Zhen¡¯s simplicity and liveliness.

    That gentleness made people defenseless, yet also made people feel she knew everything.

    Ningyuan Marchioness¡¯s heart felt heavy. With this appearance, it could be totally expected that it could steal Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s heart.

    But she couldn¡¯t let this matter happen. Supposed that Zhou Yan Bang didn¡¯t give up, sooner orter Jiang Li would be an obstruction in Zhou Yan Bang and Jiang You Yao¡¯s two people¡¯s world. Animosity must not be forged in a marriage. It¡¯s better not to have this marriage rather than truly forging hatred with the Jiang family.

    Ningyuan Marchioness only felt a headache.

    Nobody knew Ningyuan Marchioness¡¯s thoughts and was preupied looking at the Jiang family¡¯s girls. Jiang You Yao was beautiful and charming, Jiang Li was pure and spiritual, then Jiang Yu¡¯e , on the contrary, looked too tacky, Jiang Yu¡¯e looked mediocre, absolutely didn¡¯t arouse anyone¡¯s attention.

    As a result, the two daughters in the Jiang family¡¯s main branch each had her own merit. At least based on appearance, they were all equally excellent. This was a fact that entered deeply into the people¡¯s hearts.

    Once the Jiang family¡¯s female members showed up, due to their identities, many people came over to actively greet them. Ji Shuran naturally wanted to sit together with Ji Chen-shi. Lu-shi also stayed with the madams she was familiar with. Since Yang-shi had no good friends, and no one came over to praise her, she could only sit by old madam Jiang¡¯s side together with Jiang Yu¡¯e and Jiang Yu Yan, looking somewhat deste.

    Without consulting anyone, Jiang Li straightaway went to look for Liu Xu.

    She only had this close friend, and Liu Xu had long since been extremely gloomy being alone from earlier. She couldn¡¯t contain her joy seeing Jiang Lie over. Waiting until Jiang Li finished greeting Madam Liu, she then pulled Jiang Li to her side and said: ¡°I heard Zhou Yan Bang and Jiang You Yao¡¯s marriage has been set?¡±

    Jiang Li was astounded for a moment, didn¡¯t expect the news to spread this fast. She smiled and nodded.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Liu Xu held back for half a day and no longer held back her words offort. She finally pped her hands: ¡°There are many males better than Zhou Yan Bang in the capital. In the future, the person you¡¯ll find will certainly be 10,000 times better than Zhou Yan Bang. If you had truly married Zhou Yan bang, you¡¯d be at a loss.¡±

    Jiang Li almost broke intoughter. She sensitively perceived a gaze sizing her up and down from another ce. She raised her eyes to see and was stunned as the person who was staring at herself was no other than the previous sister-inw, Shen Ruyun.

    Shen Ruyun¡¯s gaze was as mean as ever, carrying pickiness, making Jiang Li a bit distracted. Simr to the first time she followed Shen Yurong to the Shen family in the capital. The Shen Ruyun at that time was sitting in the room, and also used the same gaze, as if seeing goods, to size her up and down. Jiang Li still didn¡¯t understand at that time, but today Jiang Li understood. That gaze was pondering what kind of advantage could be taken from her, and how much benefit could the Shen family get.

    Actually, Shen Ruyun and Xue Fang Fei weren¡¯t in the same situation. Jiang Li remembered, when Shen Yurong had not yet taken office as the top scorer, Shen Ruyun, despite her reluctance, she still kept up appearances on the surface. Also affectionately called her ¡°elder sister-inw¡±.

    But ever since Shen Yurong became the top scorer, Shen Ruyun no longer put her in her eyes.

 Chapter 79 Part 3

    Chapter 79 Part 3:

    Seeing Jiang Li had her attention on Shen Ruyun, Liu Xu was puzzled: ¡°Do you have any problem with her? Before you came, Shen Ruyun brought up the matter of Jiang You Yao robbing your marriage with Zhou Yan Bang. Wasn¡¯t that creating trouble using you as a raft? Where did youmit offense to her?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve never offended her.¡± Jiang Li shook her head. She was clear in her heart, the reason why Shen Ruyun used this matter was, naturally, on ount of Zhou Yan Bang. Others didn¡¯t know, but she, as the elder sister-inw, found out that Shen Ruyun had greatly admired Zhou Yan Bang for many years. Nowadays, with great difficulty, she could have the confidence to discuss marriage with Zhou Yan Bang, yet she was preceded by Jiang You Yao. How would her heart not be angry?

    Perhaps she even hated herself too. If it were not due to the former marriage agreement between Jiang second miss and Zhou Yan Bang, how could Jiang third miss upy the magpie¡¯s nest and set Zhou Yan Bang since earlier.

    Jiang Li thought to herself, how would Shen Ruyun react if she knew that her own sister-inw hindered her marriage? Thinking of this, she couldn¡¯t help feeling funny.

    Jiang Li¡¯s smile fell into Shen Ruyun¡¯s eyes and she found it even more offensive. Moreover, Shen Ruyun always felt that Jiang Li¡¯s demeanor seemed very familiar. However, Shen Ruyun was sure that this was the first time that she saw Jiang Li. This feeling of familiarity made Shen Ruyun feel not particrly pleasant. She snorted and turned her head, no longer looking at Jiang Li.

    After chatting andughing for a while, a pce maid came from outside to announce the arrival of the Empress Dowager.

    All thedies got up at the same time to greet the Empress Dowager.

    The current Empress Dowager was not Hong Xiao Emperor¡¯s birth mother. She had a benevolent temper and frequently made merits by paying respects to Buddha and disregarding the affairs of the world. Precisely due to this, at that time, Xia guifei and Liu shufei contended in the harem. In addition, there¡¯s a rumor that the empress was childless and her position as the empress could not be kept. But afterwards, Xia guifei¡¯s health wasn¡¯t good and she passed away early. Then Hong Xiao Emperor was raised under the Empress Dowager¡¯s knee. Thete Emperor intended to support Hong Xiao Emperor to be the crown prince and only then Liu shufei restrained herself a bit..

    Afterwards, thete Emperor passed away, the empress became the Empress Dowager and Liu shufei became Liu taifei. Liu taifei¡¯s son and daughter was precisely the current Cheng Wang and Princess Yongning. Cheng Wang was a bit older than Hong Xiao Emperor thus the force supporting Cheng Wang was restless. The road for Hong Xiao Emperor to sit in the emperor seat was not smooth at all.

    This was also why one third of the people in the current court were respectful towards Cheng Wang.

    Hong Xiao Emperor didn¡¯t have support from any outer rtives. What he had was just his own, but those supporting him weren¡¯t many. Perhaps one day, this royal seat had to be handed over, what Cheng Wang possessed seemed to be much more than Hong Xiao Emperor.

    The Empress Dowager wore a dark purple gold satin pce dress and cloud crown. To speak, the Empress Dowager was also advanced in age, but probably due to good maintenance, standing beside the Empress, she didn¡¯t seem that much older. It could be seen that she was charming when young. Her lips carried a smile and she looked very amiable.

    Following immediately behind the Empress Dowager was Cheng Wang¡¯s consort mother, Liu taifei. Standing together with the Empress Dowager, Liu taifei appeared much older. Despite this, it didn¡¯t affect her disposition. She actually wore bright colored clothes and her haughty looks was precisely the same as Princess Yongning.

    The moment Jiang Li saw Princess Yongning, her blood instantly turned cold.

    Princess Yongning was dressed from head to foot in a gold picked muslin with brilliant lights and vibrant colors. That thin piece of clothes was precisely made from the blood of countless weaving girls. She was also a delicate flower. Comparing her with Jiang You Yao¡¯s girly tenderness, Princess Yongning was much more charming. Standing in the middle of the hall, she had the posture of the heaven¡¯s arrogant female, aloof and remote, not paying attention to anybody.

    It¡¯s rumored that Liu taifei was proud and the Empress Dowager didn¡¯t want to bicker with her. In the entire harem, Liu taifei practically had the final say. Hong Xiao Emperor¡¯s power was weak, no need to even mention the Empress. As a result, nobody dared to refute whatever Princess Yongning said.

    When the Empress Dowager saw everyone get up, she smiled and told them not to stand on ceremony and told everyone to sit down. Soon the pce feast began.

    Jiang Li saw Princess Yongning nced left and right as if searching for someone and she sneered in her heart. Princess Yongning being like this was certainly looking for Shen Yurong.

    Contrary to what one might expect, she treated Shen Yurong with clear adoration.

    The womenfolk came early, and the feast was held in Yu Ming Hall. There¡¯s a long flower pond pavilion outside of Yu Ming Hall. After the night feast, one could admire the full moon and the flowers, very sophisticated.

    After a while, the male counterparts also came in session.

    Males and females did not sit at the same table, but still in the same hall. Northern Yan was not like the previous dynasty, in the case of a public ce with numerous people, the females did not need to evade when seeing males. However, in the end they were still a bit embarrassed, some thin-skinned youngdies would turn their body around to hide and save the embarrassment.

    Jiang Yuan Bai followed by Jiang Yuan Ping; the two brothers walked in together. Due to the not-so-close rtionship with the two brothers, Jiang Yuan Xing looked a bit awkward.

    Jiang Li saw Ye Shijie. Ye Shijie amazed the world with a single brilliant feat and was bound to soon enter officialdom. Some noble young sons used the opportunity to make friends with him. There were many people walking by his side, Ye Shijie seemed to interact with them pretty well.

    Jiang Li breathed a sigh of relief in her heart.

 Chapter 79 Part 4

    Chapter 79 Part 4: Swagger

    If Jiang second miss had a powerful outer grandparents¡¯ family, it would be great in regards to her future.

    Ye Shijie was flushed with sess. Following behind him was the runner up in this year¡¯s Imperial College¡¯s examination. That was the one who ought to be the first but was reced by Ye Shijie to be number one, the Right Minister¡¯s eldest young master, Li Jing.

    Li Jing was born with an average appearance. Compared to his younger brother, Li Lian, he really wasn¡¯t popr among thedies. But the heavens were fair, Li Jing wasn¡¯t handsome enough but his talent was not shallow. Li Lian was handsome and charming, but the fact was, he was someone without learning or skills, a hedonistic son of rich parents, ignorant and ipetent.

    The two brothers, Li Jing and Li Lian, came in together with the Right Minister, Li Zhong Nan. Many bold youngdies followed and sized up both brothers.

    After all, nowadays, the Right Minister¡¯s power was getting bigger and bigger, almost on par with the Jiang family¡¯s. If previously the Jiang family was the head of the court official, now this Jiang family¡¯s position of the head of the court official was also in danger because of the strengthening of the Right Minister¡¯s power. Li Jing and Li Lian, these two brothers, were naturally in high demand.

    Jiang Li¡¯s eyes only stayed on the two brothers for a very short time before she moved her sight away. She didn¡¯t have the intention to have any dealings with the Li family at all. What she must remind Ye Shijie had been expressed to him. Also, it seemed that Ye Shijie did very well and did not have any interaction with Li Jiang and Li Lian. Clearly he had listened to her reminder.

    No matter what the Li family was nning, Ye Shijie didn¡¯t care. In any case, it¡¯s important for him to be safe.

    In the Imperial College¡¯s red notice, the first was Ye Shijie, the second was Li Jing, and the third was naturally Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s heir, Zhou Yan Bang.

    Very soon Jiang Li saw Zhou Yang Bang.

    It wasn¡¯t because she wanted to take note of Zhou Yan Bang, rather, Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s sight on her was really undisguised and too ardent. If there were less people, afraid that everyone would find the clues. Jiang Li was a bit annoyed, Zhou Yan Bang being this way was really making people feel disgusted, extremely difficult to bear.

    Others did not pay attention to Zhou Yan Bang. Although Zhou Yan Bang was a handsome and talented young man, he was already betrothed. However, Ningyuan Marchioness and Ji Shuran mother and daughter pair, kept their gazes on Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s each and every move from the moment he came in.

    Seeing Zhou Yan Bang immediately searched for Jiang Li¡¯s figure the moment he came in, the few people felt anxious.

    Ningyuan Marchioness¡¯s mind buzzed and she immediately felt unwell. Like this, Zhou Yan Bang wasn¡¯t afraid of being seen by people, his disy was too obvious and would inevitably provoke Jiang You Yao and block her heart, making Ji Shuran unhappy.

    Ji Shuran mother and daughter pair felt extreme hate. On one hand, they hated Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s weak temperament, easy to be pulled by others. On the other hand, they hated Jiang Li, the originator, even more. If Jiang Li didn¡¯t seduce him, how would Zhou Yan Bang be this obsessed!

    Jiang Li got up decisively and changed her position, concealing where she was from Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s sight. She truly didn¡¯t want to have any unclear interaction with Zhou Yan Bang. Her reputation had just gotten better after Ming Yi Hall¡¯s examination, she absolutely didn¡¯t wish for her reputation to go up in smoke because of Zhou Yan Bang.

    Zhou Yan Bang couldn¡¯t find Jiang Li¡¯s silhouette and was a bit disappointed. He recovered in a twinkling of an eye and resumed his elegant, noble son style, chatting and smiling with others.

    Jiang Li passed through theyers of people and eventually saw Shen Yurong.

    Today Shen Yurong was wearing an official uniform, Jiang Li had never seen this kind of Shen Yurong. When they were still husband and wife, Shen Yurong was a warm, gentle and tolerant person. After mother Shen¡¯s birthday feast, the number of times she saw Shen Yurong was only a few. She was feeling ashamed at that time and Shen Yurong was simply keeping quiet.

    But the current Shen Yurong was totally different from that time.

    He was wearing a third ranked official government uniform. From previously being amoner, he became famous in one stroke. The official gown worn on his body seemed to add unlimited brilliance to him. He appeared to be as gentle and cultivated as before, but in his eyes, there¡¯s maturity and sophistication.

    Jiang Li saw him conversing with his colleagues who were fawning on him while he remained aloof. In a split second, Jiang Li felt that this Shen Yurong resembled Princess Yongning a lot.

    The same thoughts that they were above others, the same in not taking others in their eyes.

    Jiang Li moved her sight to look the other way towards Princess Yongning.

    Princess Yongning didn¡¯t mask her admiring gaze at Shen Yurong, practically following Shen Yurong¡¯s movement. However, when seen like this, it was like falling flowers and flowing water was not as affectionate as imagined. Shen Yurong didn¡¯t even nce even once at Princess Yongning.

    Jiang Liughed grimly in her heart. Naturally, under the staring eyes of the crowd, of course he would cover up. Princess Yongning had her princess identity, but Shen Yurong was a cautious person. He wouldn¡¯t let anyone grab his handle. He was used to doing things cautiously, just like that time when he fooled her.

    But, Xue Fang Fei had passed away. Princess Yongning used every possible means to make her, the original mate, to vacate her position. Why, up until now she remained unable to enter the Shen family? A trace of tion shed in Jiang Li¡¯s mind. However, it disappeared in a sh. Truthfully, the current Jiang Li really wanted to see how Princess Yongning was after she married into the Shen family. It¡¯s unknown whether they would be happy and delighted as they had expected or the two people would haveints.

 Chapter 79 Part 5

    Chapter 79 Part 5: Ostentatious

    Shortly after, Jiang Li saw the people of the Ji family, including Ji Shuran¡¯s father, Ji Yan Lin, there¡¯s also Liu Xu¡¯s father, Liu Yuan Feng/ Cheng Wang came a bitter. When he arrived he immediately paid respect to the Empress Dowager.

    Thest to arrive was Hong Xiao Emperor.

    In the two lifetimes, this was the second time Jiang Li saw Hong Xiao Emperor. Hong Xiao Emperor was now 27 years old, a very young age for a monarch. Since he ascended the throne seven years ago, there had not been any major turmoil in the Yan Dynasty. Though it was so, his position as the emperor was still unstable, not as smooth and steady as what it seemed on the surface.

    Every single person in the imperial court knew that Chen Wang was Hong XIao Emperor¡¯s greatest threat. Seven years ago, Hong Xiao Emperor seeded the throne in a haste and Cheng Wang¡¯s soldiers were defeated. In these seven years, had Hong Xiao Emperor caught up with Chen Wang?

    No one knew.

    A young woman stood beside Hong Xiao Emperor. This woman was born extremely beautiful and delicate, lovely and moving. However, her clothes were not gorgeous at all, it could even be said as simple and clean. She kept smiling from the beginning. Liu Xu whispered in Jiang Li¡¯s ears: ¡°That¡¯s Li pin, Jiang You Yao¡¯s maternal aunt.¡±

    Jiang Li suddenly understood, as it turned out, this was Ji Yan Lin¡¯s eldest di daughter, Ji Shuran¡¯s eldest sister, Li pin.

    Thest time she entered the pce to follow Shen Yurong, she didn¡¯t see Li pin, but she was aware of this person. Some people said that Li pin was akin to Xia guifei to thete emperor, the beloved woman of thete emperor. However, Li pin and Xia guifei were not the same as there¡¯s the Ji family behind Li pin while there was no one backing Xia guifei.

    Jiang Li looked at Li pin, Li pin even looked a bit younger than Ji Shuran. No idea how she maintained herself usually, she looked the same as a youngdy in the prime of youth. Very tender, also very amiable, nothing to pick about her. It¡¯s simply modest and easygoingpared to Princess Yongning¡¯s aloofness. However, Jiang Li knew clearly, if Li pin was truly as weak and unambitious, she wouldn¡¯t attack and cut a bloody path in the harem, bing Hong Xiao Emperor¡¯s favored imperial concubine.

    Without the ability, she would have earlier be a sacrificial victim in thew of the jungle. How would she be able to stand calmly beside Hong Xiao Emperor, with a winner¡¯s attitude pretending to be humble, those were all acts in a y.

    Li pin said something to Hong Xiao Emperor and Hong XIao Emperor waved his hands. Then Li pin came to greet Ji Chen shi and Ji Shuran.

    Jiang You Yao obviously should meet this aunt and the surrounding nobledies, without exception, looked enviously at Jiang You Yao. Having an aunt like Li pin was more well-regarded than having an aunt like the empress. Although the empress gave birth to the crown prince, the crown prince was still young, had not yet reached five years old. If Li pin also gave birth to a young prince, in view of the way Hong Xiao Emperor doted on Li pin, nobody could tell for sure in which family the position of the crown prince would fall into.

    After all, the matter of changing the established crown prince was not something unheard of from previous dynasties.

    It was unknown what Ji Shuran said to Li pin, Li pin smiled and nced at Jiang Li. There was no emotion indication in that nce, but Jiang Li felt an indescribable feeling of extreme unease.

    Liu Xu asked: ¡°You are not going there to give a courtesy?¡±

    ¡°They didn¡¯t call me.¡± Jiang Li didn¡¯t pay much attention and said: ¡°No need to go.¡±

    Liu Xu was stunned, after a while something seemed to dawn on her and she said happily: ¡°Your temperament is really.¡±

    Jiang Li broke intoughter. She wasn¡¯t like Jiang Yu¡¯e, who rushed to fawn over Ji Shuran to win favors. She also wasn¡¯t like Jiang You Yao who had blood rtions with Li pin. She and Li pin only have the titr name of aunt and niece. Perhaps this was the first time the former Jiang second miss saw this Li pin.

    In the end, Li pin was Ji Shuran¡¯s older sister, naturally she would side with Ji Shuran. Li pin was bound to treat her as an enemy. In this hostile standpoint, it¡¯s impossible to change anything just because Jiang Li came up and offered her courtesy.

    No need to do unnecessary things, especially this was something you were actually unwilling to do. Xue Huaiyuan said this before, Jiang Li also remembered it in her heart.

    Just as the emperor was in the middle of chatting with the empress dowager, a eunuch came to inform that someone wasing.

    Able toeter than His Majesty, this person¡¯s courage could be considered too big. It should be made aware that even Cheng Wang, this kind of person, still abided by etiquette. Jiang Li lifted her eyes and saw in the corridor outside the pce door, a person walking neither slowly nor hastily.

    The youngster wore a crimson robe weaved with gold. The corner of the gown waved, cutting a radiance under the bright lights, more dazzling than the gems iid in the big halls pirs.

    Suchplicated and gorgeous clothes, as long as the appearance was insufficient, the clothes would press the person down and make it seem that ¡°the clothes was wearing the person¡±. Only if it was an exceptional beauty whose five features were exquisite that not a single w could be picked, whose style was unmatched, could the clothes barely go well together.

    But the clothes worn on the youngster¡¯s body could not only be said to barely go well with one another, it actuallyplemented each other well. The people couldn¡¯t help gasping seeing him in these clothes with no other choice but to admit that on this earth, he was the only one who could wear it. Definitely lived up to the name splendid clothes.

    The splendid clothes were brighter than the gems, while his good looks were more ostentatious than the splendid clothes.

    This was precisely Duke Su, Ji Heng.

 Chapter 80

    Chapter 80 Part 1: Trick

    Ji Heng came veryte.

    Even so, Hong Xiao Emperor wasn¡¯t the least bit displeased, seemingly ustomed to it. Not only him, even Cheng Wang didn¡¯t dare toment.

    Jiang Li took everything in. Though it was said that many people were afraid of Duke Su because of his sinister and fierce, moody nature, Jiang Li felt that in the imperial court, Duke Su daring to do as he pleased must be relying on something else. So many people were insolent and went on a rampage, but as long as they provoked someone of a higher status, naturally the other party would give them a bitter lesson and made the insolent people firmly eat sufferings.

    Yet, it seemed that the person who could give Duke Su a bitter lesson had not yet appeared. No matter how arrogant and despotic Liu taifei¡¯s group of people were, they wouldn¡¯t speak disrespectfully towards Duke Su. Including Princess Yongning, whenever she met Duke Su, she didn¡¯t speak much.

    People on earth, those in a lower position fear those in a high position. Those in a high position fear those in an even higher position. Although Hong Xiao Emperor was the precious son of heaven, probably his life wasn¡¯t as carefree as Duke Su.

    Jiang Li thought, to be able to do what Duke Su aplished could be considered satisfying. At least no one dared to take unfair advantage and no one dared to insult.

    Thinking like this, she felt her thought was really ridiculous and shook her head, dispelling these indescribable thoughts.

    After Ji Heng paid obeisance to Hong Xiao Emperor, he looked for his position and sat down. In the pce feast, his position was actually not far from Cheng Wang¡¯s position, practically on equal footing.

    Jiang Li noted that arge part of the many youngdies in the hall that were casting their eyes either on Cheng Wang or Shen Yurong turned their sights towards Ji Heng.

    After all, based on appearance, all of the males in the hall were iparable to Ji Heng. Handsome faces such as Shen Yurong and Ye Shijie seemed to be covered in dust in the face of Ji Heng.

    Such a person naturally was like the moon surrounded by stars, superior to everybody.

    But the current Jiang Li couldn¡¯t be happy as far as appearance is concerned. Originally, Xue Fang Fei was Yanjing¡¯s number one beauty. Ultimately, it couldn¡¯t resist high position and great wealth. Having visible good looks in the bright light was also not good.

    ¡°Duke Su is very much valued by His Majesty.¡± Liu Xu told Jiang Li in a low voice.

    ¡°His Majesty doesn¡¯t have a trusted aid,¡± Jiang Li smiled: ¡°could only rely on Duke Su to settle the court.¡± Hong Xiao Emperor¡¯s position was unstable, with Cheng Wang¡¯s faction eyeing like a prey. Previously, Cheng Wang still exercised restraint, but nowadays, the Right Minister and Cheng Wang supported each other. Cheng Wang¡¯s faction became increasingly more stable. On the other hand, Jiang Li¡¯s father, Jiang Yuan Bai, had extensive influence as the chief assistant in court. Perhaps the Jiang family didn¡¯t have the mind to rebel, but in the eyes of a monarch whose power was weak, the Jiang family¡¯s strength was a threat.

    On one side was the first assistant¡¯s faction, on the other side was Cheng Wang¡¯s faction, on top of that there¡¯s Hong Xiao Emperor alone. The current Norther Yan was like the three legs of a tripod. Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s influence was widespread; if Jiang Yuan Bai wasn¡¯t around, perhaps many affairs in the court couldn¡¯t be operated. On the one hand, Hong Xiao Emperor wanted to count on Jiang Yuan Bai to keep the stability of the court. But on the other hand, he must be on guard against Cheng Wang¡¯s cold arrow on his back. Among the three powers, Hong Xiao Emperor was instead, the weakest faction. Jiang Li felt it was tough for Hong Xiao Emperor.

    Also, for the most part, the cab ministers of the court were divided into two factions. One faction supported Jiang Yuan Bai, which was the conservative faction. While the other faction supported Cheng Wang, which was the faction with wolf ambitions. The people Hong Xiao Emperor could use were not many at all. Even though Hong Xiao Emperor had established some of his own trusted aides in the seven years since he ascended the throne, seven years were far from enough time to grow and sufficient topete with the other two factions. Under these circumstances, Duke Su, Ji Heng, was an exceptionally good choice.

    First, there was the force from Ji Heng¡¯s father, General Jin Wu, Ji Ming Han, whose former subordinate had troops and horses under hismand and whose power was not weak. Second, Ji Heng¡¯s paternal grandfather, the old general, who grew up on horseback and firmly believed in being loyal and dedicated himself to the monarch, there¡¯s no need to doubt his character. Hong Xiao Emperor could employ him with ease. Third, Ji Heng, this person, was moody, vicious and merciless. This kind of person was very hard to bribe. Moreover, his whereabouts were usually a mystery. He did not intersect with the Jiang family¡¯s faction, nor was he involved in Cheng Wang¡¯s faction, clean and neat, clear and innocent.

    Thus, Hong Xiao Emperor would naturally regard Ji Heng as an important confidant.

    However, was Ji Heng willing to be Hong Xiao Emperor¡¯s confidant? Jiang Li couldn¡¯t help ncing at the red d youth. She always felt that Ji Heng didn¡¯t have the moody temperament as everyone said. The reason why he was hard to figure out was not because he had no traces, but because he hid too deeply.

    Jiang Li vaguely found something a bit strange, but she couldn¡¯t clearly tell where it was strange. In short, in the rtionship between Hong Xiao Emperor, Cheng Wang and Ji Heng, Jiang Li sensed something different, not as simple as what was seen from outside.

    Before she could figure it out, Liu Xu had already pulled the corner of Jiang Li¡¯s jacket lightly and said: ¡°The pce feast is about to begin.¡±

    The pce feast was about to begin and everyone had to sit in their respective ces.

 Chapter 80 Part 2

    Chapter 80 Part 2: Trick

    Jiang Li had to sit together with the Jiang family¡¯s womenfolk and soon separated from Liu Xu. When she took her seat, it was between Jiang You Yao and Jiang Yu¡¯e. The smile Jiang You Yao squeezed out for her was full of malice, Jiang Li simply couldn¡¯t bear to see.

    If you don¡¯t want to smile then don¡¯t smile. There¡¯s no need to wrong herself under everyone¡¯s sight?

    Hong Xiao Emperor had not yet sat down. The Empress was standing beside him and Li pin was standing slightly behind. In the end, it could also be considered standing by Hong Xiao Emperor¡¯s side. Jiang Li¡¯s eyes shed, the affection Hong Xiao Emperor had towards Li pin was more than what she had thought.

    Hong Xiao Emperor said: ¡°I heard this year¡¯s school¡¯s red notice hase out. The upants of the first position of the Imperial College and from Ming Yi Hall are both here in the pce hall. Where are they? Come out and let me see what kind of good youngster and gooddy you are.¡±

    Jiang Li and Ye Shijie got up at the same time.

    Jiang You Yao¡¯s hands that were under the table tightly wrung the handkerchief. Jiang Yu¡¯e stared nkly at Jiang Li as she stood up, almost unable to cover the envy in her heart.

    Ye Shijie got up and walked towards the middle of the pce hall. Jiang Li also followed forward closely.

    Perhaps because it¡¯s the first time he faced the holy, Ye Shijie exerted a lot of effort to maintain his calm, yet a trace of nervousness still leaked out, his pace was visibly stiff as he walked. However, nobody here wouldment on his nervousness. A person who could pass the Imperial College¡¯s examination and get first ce was, in any case, worthy of respect.

    What people didn¡¯t expect was Jiang Li, with Ye Shijie¡¯s contrast, her bearing appeared even more quiet and calm. As if she wasn¡¯t confronting the honor of the ny five, rather as if she was just facing an ordinary family.

    Hong Xiao Emperor¡¯s gaze showed some interest.

    The Shang chariot¡¯s captain, Kong Liu, also came in attendance today. He was wearing familiar armor and immediately sat beside Ji Heng. He spoke in a low voice: ¡°The little girl is not timid, quite impressive.¡±

    Ji heng shot him a nce and mildly smiled: ¡°No kidding.¡±

    Jiang Li and Ye Shijie performed their courtesy and Hong Xiao Emperor ordered the two of them to get up. He first looked at Ye Shijie and asked: ¡°Are you Ye Shijie?¡±

    ¡°Return to Your Majesty, it¡¯s precisely themon person.¡± Ye Shijie said deferentially.

    ¡°Heard you came from a merchant family background, actually able to have such learning and came first in the Imperial College¡¯s examination. Not bad.¡± Hong Xiao Emperor smiled: ¡°I very much value your ambition to improve yourself and must properly bestow a reward. Recently, there¡¯s been an empty post in the Ministry of Revenue, I¡¯ll let you serve as the foreign official in the Ministry of Revenue. Take office immediately after the pce feast!¡±

    Hearing the emperor, Ye Shijie was both surprised and delighted. He hurriedly kowtowed to thank the emperor: ¡°This servant received the purpose, thank Your Majesty for the grace!¡±

    Jiang Li was also very surprised, she absolutely didn¡¯t expect Hong Xiao Emperor to actually go as far as directly sealed Ye Shijie as the foreign official of the Ministry of Revenue. To speak of, this position didn¡¯t seem remarkable, nevertheless in Yanjing city, many people also broke their heads wishing to enter. First, this was a government official of the capital. There were many youngsters graduating from the Imperial College and for the first year, they had to be ced outside. Yet Ye Shijie was able to stay in Yanjing. Second, this official post was five ranked. The Jiang family¡¯s third branch, Jiang Yuan Xing had mingled in his official career for many years, relying on the Jiang family¡¯s reputation. Even so, he was only a seven ranked official in charge of the ancient books.

    Ye Shijie had just entered his official career and soon walked ahead of many people!

    The cup Li Lian was clenching slightly trembled. From the beginning, he could already see that Ye Shijie¡¯s official career would go far. He was thinking of roping him in and everything had originally gone smoothly. However, somewhere in the middle, he didn¡¯t know why, Ye Shijie suddenly alienated him. Now, Ye Shijie had really turned out as what he had expected, right away having good results once he entered officialdom. But his rtionship with Ye Shijie had be further away, not like what he first thought, which was difficult to handle.

    On the male seats, the corner of Jiang Yuan Xing¡¯s mouth showed bitterness. A youngster who had just entered officialdom had a higher position than him. When they returned to the residence, Yang shi would presumably quarrel with him.

    Jiang Yuan Ping and Jiang Yuan Bai looked at each other. Each of them understood the meaning in the other¡¯s eyes. So to speak, Ye Shijie could be regarded as a rtive of the main branch. As officials, they liked to appoint people they favored to sit in particr positions. If Ye Shijie was a material that could be made, with many promotionster, perhaps he would reciprocate in the future.

    Ji Shuran frowned slightly. Ye Shijie could be a foreign official of the Ministry of Revenue in one step was something that she didn¡¯t expect. She naturally couldn¡¯t let the Ye family to do well, it¡¯s best if the Ye family was declining. In this way, no one would recall Ye Zhen Zhen and she could be the only madam of the chief assistant. However, thinking of the matter that would happen tonight, Ji Shuran¡¯s frown unfurled. Regardless how Ye Shijie was, how Jiang Li was, after tonight, this lucrative post of the foreign official of the Ministry of Revenue, Ye Shijie would not have the good fortune to enjoy. The two people with bad reputations might not be able to live past this summer. Why should she care about the present difort?

    After Ye Shijie finished thanking the emperor, Hong Xiao Emperor smiled and looked towards Jiang Li: ¡°I have, since earlier, been aware that there¡¯s another di daughter in the taifu¡¯s residence, but never seen all along. You are the Jiang second miss?¡±

    Jiang Li lifted her head and smiled: ¡°This female servant has seen Your Majesty.¡±

    Compared with Ye Shijie¡¯s tenseness, she was indeed much more tranquil and unhurried, also much at ease.

    There wasn¡¯t even the slightest excitement upon meeting the Heavenly face.

    The originally somewhat nervous Jiang Yuan Bai, who was afraid Jiang Li would make a mistake, rxed his breath upon seeing this scene.

    Jiang Yuan Ping said: ¡°Elder brother, Li girl¡¯s temper was surprisingly steady.¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai was also baffled.

 Chapter 80 Part 3

    Chapter 80 Part 3: Trick

    Hold your horses, the trick is noting yet >D. It will be probably the next chapter or the next one. Btw, I¡¯m listening to the Heart Sutra while tranting this. It¡¯s very soothing.

    Hong Xiao Emperor looked at the little girl facing him whose gaze held no fear of heaven, yet didn¡¯t let others feel rude and offensive. Rather, her gaze was extraordinarily gentle. Jiang Li¡¯s eyes were very clear and limpid, more like the gaze of a young child. Hong Xiao Emperor wasn¡¯t angry and upon spotting the prayer beads around her wrist, he recalled that Jiang Li used to stay in the nunnery for eight years. He soon asked: ¡°Do you read the scripture on weekdays? Which one do you read?¡±

    Please, read this at BloomingTrantion blog. We spend a lot of time and effort to bring you the best quality trantions we can provide, so please show us respect by reading from our site instead of aggregators that steal our work.

    ¡°Returning to Your Majesty, when the servant girl was idle, fond of copying the scriptures, usually read ¡¶Prajnaparamita Sutra¡·¡¶Avatamsaka Sutra¡·¡¶Golden Light Sutra¡·¡¶Lotus Sutra¡·on weekdays.¡± She replied.

    Hong Xiao Emperor smiled: ¡°No wonder I1 see that you have a serene temperament. With your temper, you would hit it off with the Empress Dowager.¡±

    The present Empress Dowager was keen on Buddhism. These words of Hong Xiao Emperor could be considered as highly elevating Jiang Li.

    Jiang Li smiled fittingly and sized Hong Xiao Emperor. This year, Hong Xiao Emperor was only 27 years old, but he appeared somewhat older than other people of the same age, looking especially steady. Probably due to his capacity as the emperor, with many matters for him to worry about. In addition, the current Northern Yan wasn¡¯t as peaceful and prosperous as what it seemed on the surface. Jiang Li was able to understand Hong Xiao Emperor a bit.

    Hong Xiao Emperor also felt surprised. He had heard many rumors about Jiang Li, including harming her mother and murdering her younger brother. However, perhaps because Jiang Li lost her mother when she was young, Hong Xiao Emperor had the feeling of ¡°fellow sufferers empathize with each other¡±. Hong Xiao Emperor did not have much disgust towards Jiang Li. Nowadays, Jiang Li turned up first in Ming Yi Hall¡¯s examination and based on his own eyes, Jiang Li was gentle and pure, unlike the evil person heard in the rumor. So a feeling of appreciation also roused.

    Hong Xiao Emperor said: ¡°Jiang aiqing2, You¡¯ve raised a very good daughter. Deserved to be held like a pearl in the palm, came first in Ming Yi Hall¡¯s exam, I also have a reward.¡± He casually waved his hand and soon someone that looked like a pce eunuch came forward, held up a cloth with both hands, and read out a long list of names.

    It was nothing else but jewelry and treasures. Jiang Li had a headache listening to it. After all, Hong Xiao Emperor could not confer her with an official post. If he bestowed her with a princess title or other thing now, it would be too abrupt. Jiang Li had no love for jewelry and treasures and was calm as she listened. On the contrary, Jiang Yu¡¯e had sour water of jealousy bubbling in her as she listened to the entire list.

    Kong Liu said: ¡°Doesn¡¯t seem so, Jiang second miss isn¡¯t a bit moved. Absolutely a person who¡¯s not eating the food ofmon mortals, a good female who isn¡¯t moved by splendor, wealth and rank.¡±

    The corner of Ji Heng¡¯s lips was raised, with a tease contained in his smile, he said: ¡°There are endless conspiracies in her mind, naturally she¡¯d remain unmoved.¡± He familiarly nced at Kong Liu, ¡°not everybody is as short sighted as you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m short sighted?¡± Kong Liu said: ¡°I could damn shoot with great precision!¡±

    Ji Heng was toozy to respond to him.

    After Jiang Li thanked the emperor for his favor, she returned to her seat with everyone¡¯s sights following her. Ji Shuran smiled and praised her: ¡°Li-er is truly giving face to our home.¡±

    ¡°Second sister is much better than me.¡± Jiang You Yao alsoplimented.

    It¡¯s okay for Ji Shuran to be like this, Jiang Li knew that Ji Shuran liked doing these kinds of acts. But even Jiang You Yao endured her displeasure on the surface, which made Jiang Li bbergasted.

    Jiang You Yao should be feeling the same as Jiang Yu¡¯e, not saying a word, but hated her in her heart.

    She carefully looked at Jiang You Yao beside her and discovered a bit of anticipation and excitement hidden in her gaze and couldn¡¯t help being alert.

    Nevertheless, the pce feast was about to begin.

    The dishes were sumptuous, but Jiang Li was not in the mood to try them. In a unting way, Jiang Yu¡¯e exined the many different types of dishes to Jiang Li, as if to prove that she had seen a wider world than Jiang Li. Or she deliberately didn¡¯t remind her how to eat certain dishes, waiting to see Jiang Li make a fool of herself. Who would have thought Jiang Li would pass unscathed, she would either simply not have picked those dishes, making Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s n to fall through.

    Afterwards, Jiang Yu¡¯e no longer cared about Jiang Li. She was engrossed in showing her best aspects and intentionally faced sideways towards the male seats. Perhaps she¡¯s trying to be eye-catching.

    Jiang Li only felt Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s conduct was ridiculous. She didn¡¯t know what Yang-shi thought but if everyone in the third branch had Jiang Yu¡¯e conduct, Jiang Li could understand the reason why after so many years, Jiang Yuan Xin was only a school secretary.

    Really stupid, turning into a joke without knowing it.

    In the male seating area, Zhou Yan Bang looked towards the direction where Jiang Li was from time to time.

    Because Jiang Li was seated in the same ce as Jiang You Yao, when others saw, they thought Zhou Yan Bang was looking at his fiancee, Jiang You Yao. The people beside him made fun of him and Zhou Yan Bang smiled in response, yet his mind wasn¡¯t there.

    Breaking off his marriage agreement with Jiang You Yao and once again turning Jiang Li into his wife had be Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s obsession. It¡¯s a pity that Ningyuan Marchioness didn¡¯t agree to this matter, and when Ningyuan Marquis heard of this, he was furious. Zhou Yan Bang was also aware that his thinking was absurd; after all, the Jiang family wasn¡¯t a weak and small household, how could the marriage be destroyed over and over again?

    But Jiang Li was truly different.

    Footnotes:

    1: The emperor address himself as zhen or in this novel, gu. I¡¯ll post an exnation in another chapter 1.

 Chapter 80 Part 4

    Chapter 80 Part 4: Trick

    I don¡¯t know why they call apricot blossom as fruit wine and not flower wine...

    Talking about blossoms, recently I¡¯m in love with cold brewed tea. It¡¯s also very easy to make, just put the leaves or blossoms in a ss tumbler and leave it overnight. Very refreshing to drink especially in hot weather. Normal tea is okay, I guess it¡¯smon. So far I especially love White Peony Tea cold brew, it smells sweet and so so refreshing. I just tried peach blossom cold brew but don¡¯t care much about it. Perhaps due to it being flowers, the petals sort of fall all over the ce and it¡¯s quite erm... . Currently brewing apple blossom in the fridge to taste tomorrow ^^

    Everytime Zhou Yan Bang saw Jiang Li, he appreciated the beauty of Jiang Li even more. She was different from the nobledies in Yanjing, the more she alienated him, Zhou Yan Bang became even more unwilling. Zhou Yan bang knew that after the examination, Jiang second miss¡¯s reputation had turned for the better and many sons from noble families started to eye Jiang Li. Furthermore, now, when Hong Xiao Emperor gave the rewards, Zhou Yan Bang also clearly sensed that many of the young noble sons in the surrounding were unable to take their eyes off Jiang Li.

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    Talented, gentle, born beautiful and pure, family background wasn¡¯t weak as the daughter of the chief assistant, and now even received His Majesty¡¯s favor. In the circle of the noble youngdies in Yanjing, she could be considered as one of the best youngdies.

    Inside, Zhou Yan Bang felt anxiety grasping his heart and scratching his liver, afraid that him being like this would drive Jiang Li away. But his marriage with Jiang You Yao was already set at the end of winter next year. If there was no ident, he would miss Jiang Li.

    Zhou Yan Bang was very unreconciled.

    As he repeatedly looked at Jiang Li, naturally he didn¡¯t discover that his action had fallen into another person¡¯s eyes. This person was no one else but Shen Ruyun.

    Shen Ruyun saw that she could finally meet her sweetheart and felt happy. However, her joy soon disappeared as if flushed with water. Although she was in the same ce as Zhou Yan Bang, from the beginning, he had never looked towards her, but in Jiang You Yao¡¯s direction.

    Shen Ruyun was heart broken. She loved Zhou Yan Bang but her status didn¡¯t match him before. Now that she was the sister of the top scorer, and her brother was the court official, she could stand together with Zhou Yan Bang. But Zhou Yan Bang was already engaged.

    Supposed that this was just a marriage, then it¡¯s fine. But Shen Ruyun could clearly see that Zhou Yan Bang looked at Jiang You Yao with love in his eyes. That meant that Jiang You Yao was in Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s heart.

    In a split second, She Ruyun¡¯s heart fell to the bottom. Aside from feeling heartbroken, she also felt unwilling and jealous. She wished for twists and turns toe up in the marriage between Zhou Yan Bang and Jiang You Yao, so this marriage could not bepleted well.

    Jiang Li ate the dishes and felt as if she was chewing wax. Due to seeing Shen Yurong and Princess Yongning these two people, she felt nauseous and was unable to eat the meal. But the pce feast still had to go on and she could only restrain her difort and reluctantly continue.

    This pce feast actuallysted for a long time. Each of the officials exchanged cups of wine and discussed officialdom. The madams chatted about daily affairs, exchanging interesting stories about each other¡¯s homes. The youngdies and the young sons were separated by a long curtain, stealthily and asionally peeked at each other. If they weren¡¯t careful and happened to meet the other person¡¯s gaze, they quickly retracted their sights and pretended there was nothing. In fact, they secretly remembered the movements and looks of the other party, nning to make discreet inquiries when they returned to their residences.

    Actually each has their own shape, all living things have their own unique appearance.

    Between Cheng Wang and Hong Xiao Emperor, there¡¯s respect between brothers. But the turbulent undercurrent hidden beneath the surface was not known to anyone. As before, the Empress Dowager was serene, Liu taifei1 and the empress chatted, Li pin2 gently sat on one side, from time to time poured wine for the emperor. This was not something that she should do, but she did this naturally and familiarly.

    There¡¯s apricot blossom wine in the white jade slender porcin bottle on the table. Because the female members couldn¡¯t stand alcohol, the drink prepared in the night pce feast was sweet, fermented fruit wine, not intoxicating at all. A cup of tea was in front of Jiang Li, she didn¡¯t touch the wine cup at all. Following the matter during mother Shen¡¯s birthday, Jiang Li often recalled and felt if she didn¡¯t drink that cup of wine in front of her at that time, probably the scene would be different now.

    Drinking would make things go wrong, since then, she had never touched a drop of alcohol. Especially in such a big situation as the pce feast. She even more didn¡¯t want to make a tiny bit of mistake.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e didn¡¯t know this and seemed very fond of the sweet taste of the fermented fruit wine. She drank until she looked tipsy, her face turned bright red, unlike the sweet and charming expression on ordinary days.

    At this time, Ji Shuran smiled and was heard asking: ¡°Why doesn¡¯t Li-er taste the apricot blossom wine?¡±

    Jiang Li lifted her eyes and saw Ji Shuran picked up the wine cup in front of Jiang Li naturally, then poured it to the brim. She smiled, put it in front of Jiang Li and said: ¡°The pce¡¯s apricot blossom wine and the one that our residence brewed are not the same, the vor is purer and sweeter, also not intoxicating. There¡¯s also benefits in drinking more for girls.¡±

    Jiang Li nced at Ji Shuran. Ji Shuran¡¯s smile was gentle and soft, but unknown why, Jiang Li suddenly had an uneasy feeling. A voice seemed to be saying in her mind, reminding her that she absolutely must not drink this cup of wine.

    Jiang Li believed her own intuition and said: ¡°Many thanks mother, but I don¡¯t have the capacity for alcohol.¡±

    ¡°How can this be considered as wine, it¡¯s in fact just sweet sugar water.¡± Ji Shuranughed and said: ¡°I noticed Li-er didn¡¯t eat much tonight. It¡¯s easy to be tired and listless in summer, drinking a bit of the apricot blossom wine would dissolve the heat.¡±

    Footnotes:

    1: taife: concubine of thete emperor 1.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    2: pin: rank of concubine of the current emperor 2.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 80 Part 5

    Chapter 80 Part 5: Tricks

    Jiang Li¡¯s heart suddenly beat quicker. Incidentally, she caught sight of Shen Ruyun and mother Shen chatting not far from her. She was rmed and within a split second, several scenes flitted through her mind. Suddenly, she knew where she had seen Ji Shuran¡¯s meaningful gaze and why her gaze made her feel very familiar.

    Ji Shuran¡¯s expression, that sort of exerting effort to restrain anticipation but still feigned nonchnce, like the gaze of a poisonous snakeying in wait, was just like the time at mother Shen¡¯s birthday feast. Mother Shen¡¯s gaze, and also the smile when Xiao Deyin urged her to drink!

    Jiang Li¡¯splexion nearly changed in an instant.

    Although the suspicion couldn¡¯t be described, Jiang Li could almost be sure that Ji Shuran, this mother and daughter¡¯s n, was the same as those people¡¯s n at mother Shen¡¯s birthday feast. That was to make her lose her reputation!

    From being the daughter of a small official to being the noble daughter of a chief assistant and reborn, she was unexpectedly faced with the same scenario.

    Jiang Li couldn¡¯t tell if she felt more angry or ridiculous. In the end, she only wanted to sneer.

    It was due to this matter that her previous life was tragic. Now the person had been changed, yet the same trick was repeated. Since it was so, she would deviate from the wishes of these people.

    Jiang Li looked at Jiang You Yao and smilingly said: ¡°Third younger sister also does not drink this wine.¡±

    ¡°You Yao cannot stand anything made with apricot blossoms,¡± Ji Shuran said: ¡°As long as she touches them, her whole body will have rashes. Don¡¯t be deceived by the fact that she doesn¡¯t touch them, perhaps she¡¯s craving it very much in her heart.¡±

    Jiang You Yao pursed her lips and didn¡¯t speak.

    However, Jiang Li was well aware that Ji Shuran was being safe. She¡¯s probably afraid that an unforeseen event might ur midway, let Jiang You Yao mistakenly drink the wine and cause a disturbance. So she made up this excuse.

    But, could Ji Shuran maybe think that everything is fine as long as Jiang You Yao doesn¡¯t drink and everything will follow her wishes?

    Then she was gravely mistaken.

    Jiang Li smiled slightly and said indifferently: ¡°Is that so? It¡¯s the first time I heard that third younger sister couldn¡¯t touch apricot blossoms. As it is, many thanks mother.¡± She picked up the wine cup and brought it over, using her sleeve to cover her mouth as she sipped. Then she put the cup back.

    More than half still remained.

    Ji Shuran saw but didn¡¯t urge Jiang Li to drink the remaining wine in the cup. She then clipped dishes for Jiang Li, totally like a caring mother, not a single fault could be picked up.

    Jiang Li¡¯s heart was cold. She lifted her sight towards the male seating area and immediately saw Ye Shijie in the middle of being urged to drink by others. After all, Ye Shijie had just been appointed as an official today and many people toasted him. So Ye Shijie also had to drink a bit. Normally, this was understandable; but Jiang Li noticed that the pce eunuch pouring the wine was somewhat too overly eager.

    There were many noble sons, but against reason, that pce eunuch stood by Ye Shijie alone. Li Lian, Li Jiang were clearly at one side; Zhou Yan Bang was also on another side; Shen Yurong was also on the other side. The pce eunuch had to more or less cater to the surrounding people, yet he attentively stared at Ye Shijie alone.

    Actually, in the many years of pce banquets, nobody took notice of the mannerism of a pce eunuch as they happily drank inrge groups. On the contrary, Jiang Li immediately paid attention because when she was young, she followed Xue Huaiyuan to handle official business and he taught her some things asionally. The moreplicated the situation was, one had to be more mindful of the particrs.

    This insignificant detail was observed by Jiang Li at this moment and everything became clear to her atst.

    As it turned out, the ¡°male adulterer¡± that Ji Shuran mother daughter had arranged for her was Ye Shijie.

    From emotion to reason, it all seemed very fitting. She and Ye Shijie had a cousin rtionship, so they had things to do with each other. She once helped Ye Shijie out of trouble on the street, which signified that their rtionship could be considered as personal rtionship. Naturally, a young male and female showing interest in one another could not be considered as something major. But if a scandal was exposed to the people during the pce feast, then it would be a huge fault.

    As a female, her reputation would be totally destroyed and all of her effort during Ming Yi Hall¡¯s examination would bepletely wasted. As well as Ye Shijie who had just been conferred a post as an official but did something so disgusting, it¡¯s indeterminate how the furious Hong Xiao Emperor would punish him but at the very least, Ye Shijie¡¯s official career would end right then and there.

    The hatred between the Ye family and her would be deeper. Being married would be with grudges, not being married would also bear grudges. In short, in this lifetime, Ye Shijie and she could be considered as ruined.

    It was a very thorough calction!

    Jiang Li¡¯s eyes were stricken, and she promptly lowered her head. When she lifted her head again, her smile was pure and simple as it was before.

    Jiang You Yao turned around and saw the wine cup in front of Jiang Li. It was unknown since when, but the cup was already empty. She stared nkly and subconsciously asked: ¡°When did you finish it?¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Jiang Li replied: ¡°it¡¯s sweet and very tasty, I¡¯ve finished it. But one shouldn¡¯t drink excessively, it¡¯s enough to drink just one cup.¡± She smiled.

    Ji Shuran let go of her heart.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e on the other side put down the wine cup in front of her.

 Chapter 81 Part 1

    Chapter 81 Part 1:

    After the hustle and bustle of the pce feast, the Empress Dowager proposed going outside Yu Ming Pce Hall to appreciate the lotus pond.

    The pce¡¯s pond was created by an artisan, imitating the Yongning river of Yanjing city; thus the vastness. When it¡¯s summertime, a spread of green jade color of ten miles of lotus pond, the bright moon up in the sky, starlight dotting the sky; it was extremely beautiful.

    The sultry heat from thest several days was swept away, making people rxed and full of vitality.

    Appreciating flowers after a feast ended was perhaps something that the nobles always liked.

    Jiang Li followed the Jiang family members and arrived at the area surrounding the lotus pond with Ji Shuran and Jiang You Yao following her closely. Jiang Li was fully aware that this naturally wasn¡¯t for Ji Shuran to show the intimacy between her and this stepdaughter. But she didn¡¯t care much about this.

    The madams and youngdies sat down conveniently on the promenade and fruit and light refreshments were arranged well on tables. Jiang Li was about to head there when she felt something was suddenly stuffed in her palm. When she turned around, she saw an unfamiliar pce maid brushing past her.

    She pinched the thing in her palm tightly, vaguely noticing that it was a slip of paper. She couldn¡¯t help ncing at Ji Shuran and Jiang You Yao, thinking that it was the arrangement made by Ji Shuran. However, she saw that Ji Shuran didn¡¯t seem to be abnormal, as if she didn¡¯t take notice of it in the slightest and for a time, Jiang Li felt puzzled.

    When she finally walked into the pavilion in the middle of theke, Jiang Li deliberately fell behind. Taking the opportunity when Ji Shuran and Jiang You Yao weren¡¯t around, she opened her palm and as expected, it was a brief note. Borrowing the faint ray from thentern light, a line of small characters was visible.

    See you at the East gate of the garden behind Yu Xiu Pavilion. The name written was: Zhou Yan Bang.

    Jiang Li was stumped. Ji Shuran was already calling her, so she immediately crumpled the note into a ball and was about to throw it into the pond. Recalling something, she once again concealed the note and tucked it in her sleeve.

    As she arrived by Ji Shuran¡¯s side, Ji Shuran smiled and said: ¡°Li-er walked a bit slow.¡±

    Jiang Li put on a proper smile, on the contrary she was furious at the note given by Zhou Yan Bang. Zhou Yan Bang should not be the person Ji Shuran arranged. Since he was someone Jiang You Yao cared about, she absolutely would not let anything, no matter how small, to involve Zhou Yan Bang. This should be Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s own idea.

    Jiang Li truly didn¡¯t expect Zhou Yan Bang to also stick his foot in. She didn¡¯t know how this Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s heir had so much confidence that she wouldply with the note to have a rendezvous. Maybe Zhou Yan Bang believed that Jiang second miss has lingering feelings for him? But Jiang Li carefully thought back, since she returned to Yanjing, she had only met Zhou Yan Bang face to face a handful of times and in all those times, she didn¡¯t show even a tiny bit of interest in Zhou Yan Bang.

    Generally speaking, passionate people, no matter how cold they were treated, could find proof that the other party admired them.

    Jiang Li calcted in her heart, today she and Ye Shijie would not end up as Ji Shuran wishes. But just ending like that seems too cheap for Ji Shuran.

    Ever since arriving in the Jiang residence, Jiang Li had looked at each member of the Jiang family as an outsider. She sympathized with the real Jiang second miss, but before her family¡¯s vengeance was repaid, she did not wish to be overly involved in the Jiang family¡¯s disputes to prevent many mishaps from urring.

    Thus, holding to the idea that ¡°as long as people don¡¯t offend me, I will not offend people¡±, when Ji Shuran harmed her and Jiang immediately struck back, she didn¡¯t think that it was a big deal. But this time, Ji Shuran had really provoked Jiang Li¡¯s anger.

    Ji Shuran¡¯s means were too disgusting, making her recall her former self, the previous scene recurring. At this time, the new hatred and old hatred made Jiang Li very much wished to retaliate.

    People said, a genuine revenge would be to take away a person¡¯s most cherished item and humiliate them, tearing them to shreds. Ji Shuran loved Jiang You Yao and Jiang Bing Ji the most. Jiang Bing Ji was too small and had nothing to lose. But Jiang You Yao was different.

    The one thing Jiang You Yao was most obsessed with at the moment was nothing else but the heir of Ningyuan Marquis, Zhou Yan Bang. Ji Shuran mother and daughter exhausted their brain to think of a method to snatch the marriage from Jiang second miss and constantly guarded this marriage so it wouldn¡¯t be robbed back. Now, because of Zhou Yan Bang, Jiang You Yao hated Jiang Li even more. Zhou Yan Bang was precisely Jiang You Yao¡¯s weak point.

    Jiang Li rubbed the slip of paper tucked in her sleeve and smiled suddenly.

    Since Zhou Yan Bang himself wanted to wade into this muddy water, then she couldn¡¯t be med as the source of cmity. Jiang You Yao was vignt of her all the time, but she didn¡¯t know that Zhou Yan Bang was Yanjing¡¯s beautiful male and the females who wanted to marry him weren¡¯t just her alone. For example, her former sister inw Shen Ruyun, another example, the Jiang family¡¯s third branch¡¯s daughter, Jiang Yu¡¯e.

    Supposed that Jiang Yu¡¯e had the chance to marry into Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s family, how would Jiang Yu¡¯e choose? On one hand it was the sister who she warmly called out on weekdays and had a friendly rtionship with. On the other hand, it was a good family that she might not encounter anymore in the future. Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s choice, Jiang Lipletely looked forward to it.

    From time to time, Ji Shuran lifted her eyes to look at Jiang Li. Time slowly passed, Jiang Li reached her hand out to touch her forehead and said softly: ¡°Mother, I feel a bit dizzy.......¡±

 Chapter 81 Part 2

    Chapter 81 Part 2: Future Prospects

    How could it be so fast? Ji Shuran thought doubtfully. She thought the medicine would only take effect slowlyter on. Now that Jiang Li had said so, she had no option but to respond. She¡¯s afraid others would be able to see some clues if Jiang Li stayed a bit longer and something might inevitably happen. There¡¯s no other way but to make Jiang Li leave in advance.

    Ji Shuran spoke to the pce maid who had been standing beside her: ¡°Help the second miss to a room to properly take a rest first, I¡¯ll take over in a while.¡±

    Jiang You Yao asked tentatively: ¡°Second sister?¡±

    Jiang Li frowned slightly and waved her hand. But she wasn¡¯t careful and hit a cup full of tea on the side, the content sshed all over Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s skirt.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e cried out with an ¡°ah¡± and got up at once.

    Jiang Li¡¯s eyes widened slightly, appearing a bit more sober. She quickly said: ¡°I¡¯m sorry fifth sister, I didn¡¯t mean to dirty your clothes.¡± She looked at the stain on Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s body very apologetically: ¡°What to do now? Why don¡¯t you go with me to change clothes, just right as I am about to rest for a while.¡±

    ¡°No need.......¡± Ji Shuran was about to stop her.

    ¡°Mother, this is a feast in the pce. It¡¯s not pretty if fifth sister¡¯s clothes are dirty. There should be emergency clothes in the pce. If not, there should be some in Ji Li-pin¡¯s ce. It¡¯s better if fifth sister could change her clothes.¡±

    Jiang Yu¡¯e was annoyed as this was the first time she wore this attire and because it was the materials that old madam asked someone to cut. Otherwise how would she be able to wear such good clothes normally? This time it¡¯s destroyed by Jiang Li. Unexpectedly, she heard Jiang Li brought up Li-pin and her heart moved. If Li-pin gave her a change of clothes, wouldn¡¯t it be material from the pce? Perhaps it would be better than the one old madam gave. She stood up at once and smiled: ¡°Eldest aunt, it¡¯s okay, I¡¯ll go together with second sister. What second sister said is correct, wearing dirty clothes, afraid other people would say that we, the Jiang family, are being disrespectful to His Majesty. I can also take care of second sister along the way.¡±

    Ji Shuran¡¯s palms were slightly sweaty. Jiang Yu¡¯e didn¡¯t know her n, Ji Shuran truly didn¡¯t want Jiang Yu¡¯e to break up the matter. But after thinking, she felt relieved. After they¡¯ve walked halfway, she could ask someone to draw Jiang Yu¡¯e away while Jiang Li could still go as nned. Moreover, the effect brought out by the medicine acted this fast on Jiang Li, it¡¯s better to leave the banquet early, there would also be more time to put things in order. Ji Shuran immediately signaled the pce maid next to her with a nce and said: ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, the two of you go first then.¡±

    Yang-shi didn¡¯t say anything. Although Jiang Yu¡¯e was her daughter, Jiang Yu¡¯e curried favor with the main branch all day long. She¡¯s closer to Ji Shuran, this eldest aunt,pared to her, the biological mother. Yang-shi was already used to it.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e and Jiang Li promptly followed this unfamiliar pce maid and left.

    Not far from the pavilion, on the boundary of the promenade, there were a lot of empty tea rooms. They were used for the noble people in the pce temporarily if they had headache or dizziness, prepared for them to rest or change clothes. Normally, there would be no people there, and it¡¯s very quiet.

    Jiang Li walked together with Jiang Yu¡¯e. Perhaps due to drinking a lot during the pce feast, Jiang Yu¡¯e also felt dizzy as she walked. While walking, Jiang Li brought up Jiang You Yao¡¯s marriage.

    ¡°....... today when I heard mother mention the marriage between third sister and heir Zhou, third sister had such a happy look. I noticed that Ningyuan Marchioness is also very satisfied with third sister.¡±

    ¡°....... Speaking of, third sister¡¯s marriage is indeed very good. Heir Zhou could be considered one in a hundred in Yanjing. It¡¯s just the I have no fate with heir Zhou, maybe in the future could only look for another family.¡±

    ¡°....... fifth sister will also reach marriageable age soon. I heard the servant boy in father¡¯s courtyard mentioned that third uncle asked father to take a good look if there¡¯s any suitable family for fifth sister. I don¡¯t know which official family will fifth sister enter in the future.¡±

    Jiang Li suddenly bringing these up made Jiang Yu¡¯e suspected that Jiang Li was taking revenge on her. She told Jiang Li the matter about Jiang You Yao and Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s bethrotal before and Jiang Li must have been heartbroken. At this moment, Jiang Li stabbed a knife into her heart, bringing up her own marriage, Jiang Yu¡¯e couldn¡¯t help feeling resentful.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e said: ¡°Second sister actually cares about my marriage. But I¡¯m still young,pared to second sister, my age is smaller. Second sister also said, my father is not like eldest uncle, searching for someone naturally must not beparable to second and third sister.¡± When saying this, Jiang Yu¡¯e carried a bit of anger. If it was normally, of course she would not speak out such words. But she might be a bit intoxicated today and her speech was much bolder.

    Jiang Li nced at her seemingly with a bit of pity in her eyes. ¡°Talking about people, why can¡¯t they pick their own origin? In my opinion,pared to third sister, fifth sister¡¯s appearance is not bad, talent and learning is also not low, just losing in terms of family background. Suppose that you are the main room¡¯s daughter, you will be well-matched with heir Zhou.¡±

    It¡¯s fine if not spoken, but talking about this, Jiang Yu¡¯e recalled all kinds of unfairness she suffered between her and Jiang You Yao and in the Jiang residence. She felt injustice at once, her heart turning sour and unexpectedly didn¡¯t reply to Jiang Li.

 Chapter 81 Part 3

    Chapter 81 Part 3: Future Prospects

    Jiang Li spoke to herself: ¡°It¡¯s a pity, fifth sister has both the appearance and talent, but in the future, probably could only be matched with an unknown man. Let alone being on par with heir Zhou, maybe he couldn¡¯t even bepared with an ordinary official son. That¡¯s right, being an ordinary person¡¯s wife perhaps couldn¡¯t bepared with being heir Zhou¡¯s concubine. What a pity,¡± she hesitated as she was about to continue speaking and shook her head. With a sigh, ¡°Comparing one person to another, but still inferior, it¡¯s all due to fate.¡±

    Jiang Yu¡¯e felt even more ufortable. What she hated most in her life was to bepared to others. But in the Jiang family, she felt as if anyone coulde up and trample her. There¡¯s hatred in her heart and unwilling to concede, Jiang Yu¡¯e said: ¡°My life is like this, of course not as good as third sister. But second sister is generous. Originally, heir Zhou was supposed to be tied together with second sister, now he bes second sister¡¯s brother-inw. Second sister could actually be so calm. No wonder people say staying in the nunnery for some time would make one have a clear mind without any desire.¡±

    Jiang Yu¡¯e thought Jiang Li¡¯s light as cloud, gentle as wind, carefree appearance was undoubtedly just pretending. If it was her, it was impossible for her to be so rxed. But Jiang Yu¡¯e often happily stabbed Jiang Li with a knife but she always returned without any achievements. It was as if Jiang Li didn¡¯t know how to be angry.

    Sure enough, this time, Jiang Li listened to Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s provocation until the end and merely smiled with indifference. She said: ¡°So what does it matter whether one is willing or unwilling? After all, it¡¯s already like this. Moreover, in the future I still have a chance. Though notparable with heir Zhou, it¡¯s still a chosen one, while fifth sister.......¡± She nced at Jiang Yu¡¯e meaningfully and didn¡¯t continue.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e understood the words Jiang Li didn¡¯t say out loud. The person Jiang Yu¡¯e could pick would forever be iparable to the one for Jiang Li.

    Probably because her heart was full of anger and resentment, Jiang Yu¡¯e was unable to think clearly and felt dizzy. She momentarily didn¡¯t know what to say.

    While speaking, from the corner of her eye, Jiang Li paid attention to the expression of the pce maid that was showing them the way. Noticing that the pce maid seemed to be listening to the conversation between her and Jiang Yu¡¯e but remained unmoved, Jiang Li became more alert.

    After walking for a while, suddenly they came face to face with another pce maid. She smiled at Jiang Yu¡¯e and said: ¡°Her Highness Li-pin asked ve servant to bring Jiang fifth miss to pick clothes first in the side room.¡± Then she turned to Jiang Li and smiled: ¡°Jiang second miss first go to the room in front to sit and have a rest. After Jiang fifth miss has picked a dress, ve servant would send miss back.¡±

    Jiang Li sneered inside, Ji Shuran¡¯s people were really impatient to take Jiang Yu¡¯e away. A y must be acted in its entirety; she smiled faintly, her hands pressing onto the middle of her forehead. Jiang Li spoke to Jiang Yu¡¯e: ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, then fifth sister go first. I have a terrible headache and will take a rest first. I¡¯ll just wait for you in the room.¡±

    Along the way, Jiang Yu¡¯e had eaten a bellyful of anger from Jiang Li and naturally wouldn¡¯t say anything abnormal. Furthermore, she could go to pick the clothes prepared for her by Li-pin, which made Jiang Yu¡¯e very excited. Jiang Yu¡¯e agreed and saw Jiang Li turned around, following the original pce maid to continue moving ahead.

    But in the split second Jiang Li turned around, something suddenly fell out of Jiang Li¡¯s sleeve.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e was close to her and subconsciously bent down to pick it up. It was a strip of paper. Jiang Yu¡¯e was about to call out to Jiang Li when for a moment, the light emitted from thenterns hanging at the side of the promenade fell on the slip of paper and she could clearly read the handwritten message on it.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s voice was immediately swallowed back into the throat.

    She gripped the slip of paper and straightened up, then watched Jiang Li¡¯s figure from the back as she walked farther and farther away, her heart beat very fast.

    On the note, it¡¯s written that Zhou Yan Bang had unexpectedly wanted to meet Jiang Li in private. Looking at it, it should happen tonight. Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s first reaction was to give this slip of paper to Ji Shuran and let Jiang Li¡¯s scandal be exposed in front of all the people. With this thought, her dizziness seemed to subside a lot.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e tucked the slip of paper in her sleeve. Jiang Li and the pce maid¡¯s figures had already turned the corner of the promenade, no longer visible. Only then did Jiang Yu¡¯e turn around, looked at the pce maid that was going to bring her to pick clothes and was looking at her, smiled and said: ¡°My second sister was careless, she didn¡¯t even know that she had dropped her stuff. Could only wait while I think of a way to return this to her. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Jiang Yu¡¯e also followed the pce maid who had shown up halfway and turned around to head in another direction.

    On the other side, Jiang Li, who was following the pce maid towards the tea room, calmly lifted the corners of her lips.

    When she dropped that slip of paper but there¡¯s no sound at all from behind her, she immediately knew that Jiang Yu¡¯e had taken the bait.

    In that kind of situation, when Jiang Li discarded the piece of paper, it¡¯s impossible for Jiang Yu¡¯e not to have seen it. But Jiang Yu¡¯e didn¡¯t call her, naturally it¡¯s because she had seen the handwriting on it.

    What Jiang Yu¡¯e was going to do was nothing else but to look for Ji Shuran to take credit for herself. But taking this slip of paper and showing it to Ji Shuran would not indicate anything. That¡¯s because in the end, Jiang Li didn¡¯t go to keep the appointment. However, if Jiang Yu¡¯e had taken what Jiang Li had been talking about along the road to heart, the oue, her choice, would be different.

 Chapter 81 Part 4

    Chapter 81 Part 4: Future Prospects

    With Jiang Yu¡¯espetitiveness, her temper of unwillingness to bend down and submit to others, it¡¯s very easy to be blinded by the benefits in front of her eyes. Jiang Li¡¯s words of ¡°being Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s concubine is better than being an ordinary family¡¯s wife¡±, as long as it was a female with brains and dignity, they wouldn¡¯t approve of this. But Jiang Yu¡¯e might not necessarily think so.

    For now, it¡¯s better to just solve this one problem.

    Jiang Li, following the pce maid guiding her, turned a corner once again before finally arriving at a tea room at the very end of the promenade. The pce maid said: ¡°Jiang second miss please go in and rest first, there¡¯s tea and light refreshment inside. ve servant will move some copper ice over to disperse the heat.¡±

    Jiang Li said: ¡°Go.¡±

    Jiang Li calmly sat down. After the pce maid walked away, Jiang Li stood up in a sh and walked to the front of the incense burner in the room. The corner of her mouth was raised and soon snapped the fragrance stick in two.

    Probably due to having experienced this kind of matter once, this time, Jiang Li felt surprisingly and exceptionally calm. Her hand touched the tiny cuss inside her sleeve, which was the one Jiang Jing Rui gave her before, when he heard that she wanted to study at Ming Yi Hall. At this time, the cuss was hidden inside Jiang Li¡¯s sleeve. No one in the pce would think that Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s daughter would bring this type of sharp weapon into the pce. Otherwise, though Jiang Li had a mouth, she would never be able to exin.

    She also wasn¡¯t in a hurry and once again sat down by the small table. Using her hand to support her face, seemingly taking a nap, yet her other hand lightly knocked on the tabletop. The knocking fell on the light from the oilmp, creating dazzling patterns.

    The pce maid outside would not leave, Jiang Li pondered, at least until Ye Shijie has also gone inside, but it¡¯s unknown to what degree Ye Shijie¡¯s confusion be. However, supposed that Ye Shijie was truly delirious to a serious degree, Jiang Li didn¡¯t mind drawing blood in order to let him be sober. Again, she stroked the cuss in her sleeve.

    It¡¯s unknown how much time had passed, the oil in themp in front of her had reduced to almost halfway when the sound of people talking were suddenly heard from outside. After a while, the door creaked open and a person entered.

    Jiang Li still supported her chin as before as if asleep.

    ¡°Young master Ye, rest here first for a while. ve servant would get more tea and some refreshments.¡± A female voice sounded.

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t move and the door was softly closed. Abruptly, there¡¯s a sound of staggering footsteps.

    Jiang Li¡¯s heart tightened and soon found the smell of wine assailed and lingered on the tip of her nose. She endured, wondering whether the pce maid outside was still there when she felt someone shoved her.

    At this moment, the memory from her previous life all of a sudden poured into her brain.

    Even though the Xue Fang Fei at the time couldn¡¯t remember anything, she remembered that she was drunk. After she woke up, she received countless people¡¯s loathful and criticizing gazes. But in her heart, the things that might have taken ce repeated again and again in her mind. The more she thought about it, the more disgusted she felt. The more she thought about it, the more terrified she became.

    Even if atst it was proven to just be a conspiracy, the she at that time who was weak, powerless and taken advantage of made her unable to forever forgive.

    Jiang Li swiftly took out the cuss from her sleeve and urately pressed it against the other person. Her voice was slightly cool, restrained, with a ruthlessness that she herself couldn¡¯t imagine. She said: ¡°Ye Shijie.¡±

    All of a sudden, the other party¡¯s breathing became calmer.

    She opened her eyes to see the tip of her de was pressed against Ye Shijie¡¯s throat. Ye Shijie¡¯s cheeks were blushing red, the wine stench was overpowering, undoubtedly the appearance of someone drunk. He was stunned when he looked at her.

    Jiang Li frowned slightly.

    Ye Shijie wasn¡¯t drunk, he was sober.

    ......

    Jiang Yu¡¯e was taken by the pce maid and showed the way to another side room to change her clothes.

    Actually, she was somewhat impatient, wanting to go and show Ji Shuran the slip of paper tucked in her sleeve. Thus, she didn¡¯t even have the patience to even wait for the person to deliver clothes. When she was feeling fidgety, she couldn¡¯t help taking out the thin slip of paper that Jiang Li dropped to examine it closely.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e thought, on the surface, unexpectedly Jiang Li said that she no longer cared about Zhou Yan Bang, but it was unforeseeable that in the dark, she and Zhou Yan Bang are still longing for one another. To be honest, Jiang Li was also Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s daughter. If this matter came out, ¡°both the palm and the back of the hand are made of flesh¡±, the Zhou family couldn¡¯t afford to offend both di daughters. In the final result, who would Zhou Yan Bang take as a wife?

    He should still be marrying Jiang You Yao. After all, Jiang You Yao is the person who is now betrothed to Zhou Yan Bang.

    Anyway, Zhou Yan Bang would still be bing inws with the person in the main branch.

    For some reason, what Jiang Li said just now abruptly floated into Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s mind.

    ¡°Fifth sister has both the appearance and talent, but in the future, probably could only be matched with an unknown man. Let alone being on par with heir Zhou, maybe he couldn¡¯t even bepared with an ordinary official son. That¡¯s right, being an ordinary person¡¯s wife perhaps couldn¡¯t bepared with being heir Zhou¡¯s concubine.¡±

 Chapter 81 Part 5

    Chapter 81 Part 5: Future Prospects

    Jiang Yu¡¯e thought hatefully, why is the person Zhou Yan Bang nned to meet isn¡¯t her? She was clearly not much worse off than Jiang Li or Jiang You Yao. Is it just because of her family background that she doesn¡¯t have the qualification to enter Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s eyes?

    Thinking that the person entangled with Jiang Li and Jiang You Yao was Zhou Yan Bang, the heir of Ningyuan Marquis, while she didn¡¯t know whether her future husband could even bepared to Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s toe, made Jiang Yu¡¯e suddenly feel worried. As if she was no longer interested to tattle, even the thought of seeing Jiang Li be humiliated grew faint.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s head was dizzy from time to time and her heart gradually warmed up. Suddenly, a bold idea shed through her mind.

    What if the person keeping the appointment with Zhou Yan Bang was herself?

    If she used Jiang Li¡¯s name and borrowed this slip of paper to be together with Zhou Yan Bang, would Zhou Yan Bang take pity on her and give birth to a trace of love, thus thinking of a way to include her in entering Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s residence?

    Actually, Jiang Yu¡¯e didn¡¯t have the pipe dream of immediately bing Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s wife. She was aware that with her identity, it was absolutely impossible to be Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s main wife. However, bing a concubine, bing a noble concubine, isn¡¯t it also good? There¡¯s one thing Jiang Li said that was right, rather than being an ordinary person¡¯s wife, it¡¯s better to be Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s concubine. At least Zhou Yan Bang was someone that everyone in Yanjing praised as being a handsome and talented youth. The family business was big, he was also popr and handsome. If she married, it¡¯s truly not a loss.

    The more she pondered, the more she thought that this was feasible. Jiang Yu¡¯e looked at the slip of paper in her palm and sped it tightly.

    She had decided.

    At this moment, the pce maid who carried the clothes came back from outside. Upon seeing this, Jiang Yu¡¯e hurriedly stood up.

    She was impatient to change into clean clothes and go to fulfill the appointment with Zhou Yan Bang. Her anxious appearance made the pce maid suspicious. Jiang Yu¡¯e wanted to deliberately draw the person away and smiled as she said: ¡°I want to go to the toilet all of a sudden, will go right after changing clothes. Elder sister, no need to apany me here, just point the direction for me.¡±

    The pce maid was probably just someone Ji Shuran called at random. After the matter was done, there shouldn¡¯t be any other matters to attend to. As a result, she didn¡¯t doubt Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s words. She soon pointed the directions to Jiang Yu¡¯e and said: ¡°It¡¯s not far, youngdy just need to walk straight ahead until the end then turn right. You¡¯ll see it.¡±

    Jiang Yu¡¯e changed her clothes and pushed the door to go out. She first walked in the direction of the toilet, when she reached the end, before turning to the right, she turned around to see that no one was following her. She immediately changed direction and walked towards another path.

    It was precisely like what Zhou Yan Bang said in the slip of paper, Yu Xiu Pavilion on the east door behind the garden.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e walked very quickly, in the end, she actually trotted for the rest of the way.

    As she was running, the cool night wind blew against her face. The ice cold was veryfortable, yet it didn¡¯t blow out the me in Jiang Yu¡¯e heart in the slightest. Instead, the me in her heart became more fervent.

    She had thought it well, when she met Zhou Yan Bang, she would confess her feelings to him, and how much she admired him. Then she would tell him the sufferings she went through living in the Jiang residence. In between, she would drop a few tears. No men didn¡¯t feel proud of themselves in regards to beauties who admired them greatly. Posing as upright gentlemen, they would not bear to me the youngdies full of love. Moreover, all men loved to pity the weak. She was born lovely and pitiful, when the time to shed a few tears came, even if Zhou Yan Bang didn¡¯t take note of her before, his heart couldn¡¯t help but soften.

    As long as she received Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s heart, as long as she could build a rtionship with Zhou Yan Bang....... Jiang Yu¡¯e bit her lip, she would be able to break away from her destiny, the future of marrying amoner¡¯s child who had no status.

    At this moment, she recalled Jiang Li¡¯s words just now. In those words, there¡¯s sarcasm and a fairly discernible contempt, which made Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s heartbusted.

    So what if it¡¯s the Jiang family¡¯s main branch? Between Jiang Li and Jiang You Yao, only one person was bound to marry Zhou Yan Bang. Regardless whether it was Jiang Li or Jiang You Yao, inevitably, one of them would lose.

    If she could enter Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s residence, there would only be one, there would inevitably be one daughter from the main branch who would lose to her. Marrying over to be a concubine, it¡¯s no big deal to look at the main wife¡¯s face. Jiang Yu¡¯e thought, Jiang Li was used to fake being noble and virtuous, Jiang You Yao was made to be arrogant and willful by Ji Shuran. Naturally they did not know how to please a man.

    But Jiang Yu¡¯e, she¡¯s confident that she could win over Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s heart.

    As she was indulging in her wild imagination, she had already entered the east garden where Yu Xiu Pavilion was.

    The water pavilion was pitch-ck, not a singlentern was lit inside. It could be seen that no one came here usually. For Zhou Yan Bang to actually mention this ce, perhaps he had kept an eye on this ce since earlier. Just waiting for today to have a rendezvous with Jiang Li.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e smiled softly and raised her foot to walk inside.

    Her heart was even more ardent. It¡¯s hard to say whether it was due to her mood, Jiang Yu¡¯e even felt her forehead start to perspire and her breathing became somewhat stagnant, very much wanting something ice cold to stick to her to relieve this heat.

    She stopped, exhaled one long breath, and stopped right in front of Yu Xiu Pavilion.

    As long as she entered this door, she could transform from a sparrow into a phoenix, getting rid of her possibly mediocre future. This was the reward she strived to acquire herself, nothing to do with the third branch.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e opened the door and walked inside.

 Chapter 82 Part 1

    Chapter 82 Part 1:

    Surprise! XD, this is to make up forst Sunday. Enjoy and have a good weekend!

    In the tea room, the lights were faint and it was extremely quiet outside.

    Jiang Li and Ye Shijie sat facing each other, her hand holding the cuss was already withdrawn. Nevertheless, Ye Shijie¡¯s sight fell on the cuss on the table, lingering for a moment, seemingly incredulous. Finally, he set his sight on Jiang Li and said: ¡°You even brought a knife into the pce?¡±

    At this time, Jiang Li really didn¡¯t have the time to exin to him why she had brought the knife into the pce. She asked him: ¡°Why aren¡¯t you drunk?¡±

    The youngster snorted and said: ¡°How many people have I met in our Ye family business. Today those people came over to toast and express their congrattions. Some people were to toast, some people were clearly thinking of fishing in troubled water.¡± He continued: ¡°I didn¡¯t drink that much wine, but pretended to be drunk to see the intention of the other party. Unexpectedly, there was really a move behind. Taken into this room, I was still thinking of what they nned to do. I didn¡¯t expect you to be here either.¡± Atst he frowned and asked: ¡°What does this mean?¡±

    Jiang Li simply wanted to be angry at Ye Shijie, yet also found itughable. To say he was stupid, Ye Shijie clearly still had cleverness. Otherwise, how could he tell that those people were harboring malicious intentions? Even so much so as to beat them at their own game and pretend to be intoxicated. But saying that he¡¯s smart, in the present situation, he still couldn¡¯t make out what the other party was nning.

    She calmly opened her mouth: ¡°A single man and a single woman together, naturally bing confused and disorderly after drinking.¡±

    Ye Shijie nearly fell off the stool. After getting his soul back, his face turned red. He pointed at Jiang Li and said with a stammer: ¡°You, how could you be so shameless?¡±

    ¡°Can this be called shameless?¡± Jiang Li replied carelessly: ¡°I merely told you the idea that other people had, that¡¯s all.¡±

    ¡°Why do they want to do this?¡± Ye Shijie appeared ufortable. He still controlled his difort and sternly said to Jiang Li: ¡°In order to destroy your reputation?¡±In his opinion, the Jiang family had a room of messy things in their mind. Jiang Li¡¯s identity had probably be a thorn in many people¡¯s side. These people did this thing, for Jiang Li, a girl, was naturally a method of ruining her reputation.

    Jiang Li coldly said: ¡°Young master Ye, don¡¯t speak so happily so quickly, as if I¡¯m implicating you. Don¡¯t you think, if you had a scandal with me, could the position you had just taken up as the personnel of the Ministry of Revenue still be held? Can the Ye family still enter officialdom?¡±

    Ye Shijie was silent. With Jiang Li¡¯s words, he was able to think straight away and cold sweat came out of his whole body. Everyone said that bureaucracy was ruthless. Previously, he was still unaware as he was outside of officialdom. Now he finally understood. He had just got appointed, not yet taking office, yet was already stabbed from behind. He had no idea which deity¡¯s road he had obstructed.

    He was angry on the spot and said: ¡°This is wanting to kill two birds with one stone!¡±

    ¡°Right.¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°Fortunately, you are not fooled, and neither do I.¡±

    Only then did Ye Shijie look up and down at Jiang Li and suddenly ask: ¡°They also drugged you?¡±

    Jiang Li nodded: ¡°Correct, but I didn¡¯t drink.¡± Seeing that Ye Shijie had rxed his breath, Jiang Li raised her lips: ¡°I sent the drink to someone else.¡±

    ¡°You?¡± Ye Sjijie said furiously: ¡°How can you harm people?¡±

    ¡°I gave it to the person who wanted to drink it,¡± Jiang Li was nomittal, ¡°wait until after drinking, they would also understand what is called harming others, in the end harming themselves.¡±

    Ye Shijie felt that the Jiang Li this evening was somewhat strange. She was usually smiling and leisurely. Tonight, she looked as if she was irritated by something and became fierce. Moreover, she didn¡¯t bother to conceal this fierceness. On the contrary, she seemed to look forward to what¡¯s going to happen.

    Ye Shijie swallowed his saliva and asked: ¡°If I was really drunk tonight, how were you going to act?¡± He perceived something off in advance, thus more aware of the impending danger. But Ye Shijie was also curious, if tonight he didn¡¯t sense that something was amiss and fell into the n, how would Jiang Li react? Since those people gave them medicine, it¡¯s obvious what was the effect of those medicines. If he couldn¡¯t control himself....... Ye Shijie blushed deeply. How would Jiang Li solve the situation.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Jiang Li mildly said: ¡°If that truly happens, I will stab you with the knife and leave. Let others discover after and thought that there¡¯s an assassin in the pce. Since you¡¯ve been stabbed, naturally you would be sober. After you¡¯ve realized what happened, you could act in concert with me. When this came out, ¡®a single man and a single woman having a tryst in the pce¡¯ would turn into, ¡®the newly appointed official was attacked by an assassin in the tea room¡¯.¡±

    She spoke tly, her tone was level with no nonsense. Ye Shijie didn¡¯t know which expression he should make. He was so unbearably angry as he said: ¡°You nned to stab me, can you really move your hand?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s no big deal to move the hand.¡± Jiang Li stood up, ¡°though it¡¯s not good to sustain injury, it¡¯s always better to be alive than dead.¡±

    As she said this, her tone was extremely cold, making Ye Shijie couldn¡¯t help but shiver. In his heart, he understood, Jiang Li could really move her hand.

    As long as she could protect herself, would not suffer any harm, and not fall into the enemy¡¯s trap, Jiang Li coulde out with any methods. She¡¯s too rational and her heart would not be soft.

 Chapter 82 Part 2

    Chapter 82 Part 2: Attracting Disaster

    I feel many people in this pce feast are drunk...

    Seeing Jiang Li get up and walk away, Ye Shijie subconsciously asked: ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    ¡°The people guarding outside should not be there anymore. After a while, the people who are going to ¡®catch a couple in the act¡¯ should arrive. I must leave so when they finally arrive, they will only find you by yourself. Only then will they believe after seeing with their own eyes.¡±

    ¡°Where do you want to go?¡± Ye Shijie was also smart and immediately asked, ¡°if you appear in front of those people at this time, you would immediately let them know that there¡¯s something wrong in their n.¡±

    ¡°Of course I will not appear in front of them at this time,¡± Jiang Li smiled, ¡°I want to go and make sure the other y is carried out smoothly.¡± She pushed the door open and walked lightly outside.

    Ye Shijie stared nkly at his original ce. The outside was too dark, not a trace of a single person could be seen. The words Jiang Li spoke at the end however, made him tremble in fear. He firmly believed that Jiang Li was going to do something, also believed that the thing Jiang Li was going to do would make the people who were going to harm them today eat their retribution.

    Although the Ye family was very rich, they would inevitably see many fighting and scheming in the business field. Deceit and treachery, ording to reason, he shouldn¡¯t be emotionally moved by these things.

    But Ye shijie still couldn¡¯t help shaking his head and spoke to himself.

    ¡°Really huge courage.¡±

    ......

    Unlike Jiang Li where everything went smoothly with Ye Shijie, at this moment, Jiang Yu¡¯e was embarrassed and at aplete loss.

    When she reached Yu Xiu Pavilion, Jiang Yu¡¯e groped around in the dark as she went inside the pavilion. Yu Xiu Pavilion wasn¡¯t very big. Since what she was doing wasn¡¯t a very morous thing, Jiang Yu¡¯e didn¡¯t dare to light a single light, fearing it would arouse other people¡¯s attention. She could only borrow the light from the distantntern to faintly distinguish the general idea of the inside of the room.

    Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s figure wasn¡¯t inside the room.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e was somewhat flustered, perhaps it was because she was anxious, her body became more feverish. She had to restrain it so as not to be discovered, while on the other hand, there was a strange heat bubbling forth continuously in her body. Jiang Yu¡¯e wanted to quickly take off her outside garment and use a fan to vigorously fan herself to subdue the heat and make it better.

    It wasn¡¯t that cold in the pce, plus it was in the evening. She didn¡¯t know how it was so hot.

    Just as Jiang Yu¡¯e was at the point of unable to control the fervent heat inside her, suddenly, a shadow of a person appeared outside the door of Yu Xiu Pavilion. Her heart moved. As she was about to move from the small chair she was sitting on, she saw the door opened. A familiar silhouette shed inside.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e looked heatedly.

    Even though there was no light in the room, she could recognize Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s heir, Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s shadow. Jiang Yu¡¯e had to admit that she had, in fact, paid attention to Zhou Yan Bang since earlier. So to say, having such a charming, handsome and talented brother inw, how could Jiang Yu¡¯e not be jealous of Jiang You Yao and Jiang Li. She too, in her heart, in her dream, secretly desired to trace Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s features many times over. What¡¯s different now was, the previous Zhou Yan Bang was imaginary, but the Zhou Yan Bang now was trulying out in front of her eyes.

    Zhou Yan Bang entered the room, he probably also did not adapt to the darkness inside, walked two steps forwards and upon seeing Jiang Yu¡¯e get up, he hesitated for a while. Suddenly he spoke, sounding pleasantly surprised: ¡°Second miss.¡±

    Jiang Yu¡¯e was about to reply that she wasn¡¯t Jiang Li. The words were already on her lips but at the end, she stopped.

    Perhaps the heat in her body caused her minds to be unable to think clearly, an idea shed in Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s mind. If she doesn¡¯t say her own identity, from this point, would she have an intimate rtionship with Zhou Yan Bang?

    If this happens, then the rice is cooked, the wood has turned into a boat, exactly the method that Ji Shuran wanted to use. How would the Zhou family shrink their responsibility in the circumstances where Zhou Yan Bang had upied her body. Zhou Yan Bang could only marry her and she would enter the Zhou family¡¯s door.!

    It¡¯s not as if Jiang Yu¡¯e had never seen this kind of thing. She had heard many times in the past, how youngdies and young masters met by ident and engaged in illicit rtionships. If it was a member of a big family, they didn¡¯t wish their child to have a hard time and simply tie the two families together by marriage. Although they would be gossipped on in the short term, after a long time, people would no longer remember this trifling thing.

    Besides, even if they were discussed for a lifetime, as long as she lived her life well, what did it matter to those people. All were just jealous and resentful.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e calcted quickly in her mind.

    Zhou Yan Bang saw the girl of his dream standing still in her ce, not speaking, and thought that she was shy. He soon approached with another step, and spoke excitedly: ¡°I thought you wouldn¡¯te, didn¡¯t expect.......¡± He took the initiative to hold Jiang Li¡¯s hand, ¡°Sure enough, your heart still cannot let go of me.¡±

    Zhou Yan Bang had a hard time covering his excitement. These days, Jiang Li had never given him a good look. Even in the few times they ran into each other, Jiang Li only greeted him politely and was detached. No matter how Zhou Yan Bang showed his intention, Jiang Li merely treated him as a stranger.

    The more he couldn¡¯t get, the more he wished to obtain. Zhou Yan Bang was attracted to Jiang Li and thought about her day and night. Afterwards, he built up a huge courage and asked Ningyuan Marchioness to withdraw the marriage agreement with Jiang You Yao and let Jiang Li be together with him. Yet unexpectedly, Ningyuan Marchioness refused without thinking it over. Ningyuan Marchioness brought up the advantages and disadvantages of this marriage to let Zhou Yan Bang see clearly, the Jiang family would absolutely not allow Jiang You Yao to suffer grievance.

 Chapter 82 Part 3

    Chapter 82 Part 3: Attracting Disaster

    Zhou Yan Bang and Ji Shuran are selfish, self-serving pricks.

    After reading many novels like these, where they dissect the motives of each character, I found that people do normally have hidden motive in their deeds and thoughts, though asionally they are sincere or oblivious. It¡¯s just that we never really think much about this, even sometimes unaware that our deeds also have underlying motives.

    Knowing that it¡¯s impossible for this marriage to be destroyed, and the wish at the bottom of his heart, no matter what, wouldn¡¯te to realization, Zhou Yan Bang was utterly dejected. He told himself to dispel this thought, yet when he once again saw Jiang Li at the pce feast, his heart immediately became restless.

    To him, Jiang Li was like an unreachable flower, blooming high up. He loved the pure and perfect appearance of said flower and was afraid that other people would climb and pluck the flower first. Thus, he wished he could pick the flower for himself at this moment. But he never thought, if this flower was picked, its life would not be for long.

    For instance, Zhou Yan Bang obviously knew that making a private appointment in the pce was dangerous for Jiang Li. Also, it¡¯s not conforming to etiquette. Especially when Jiang Li was still Jiang You Yao¡¯s older sister. If it was discovered, Jiang Li would be pointed at by many people. Even with this danger, Zhou Yan Bang still delivered that slip of paper.

    Zhou Yan Bang thought Jiang Li wouldn¡¯te, but he kept a flicker of expectation in his heart. After all, due to his matter and Jiang You Yao, Jiang Li once flung herself into theke while in Mount Qingcheng. This indicated that Jiang Li was not totally without feelings for him. Perhaps Jiang Li still had a bit of old affection.

    Now that Jiang Li had really appeared before his eyes, Zhou Yan Bang felt so happy he was rendered speechless, incapable of expressing his joy. There¡¯s also a trace of secretly being proud of himself, for being the first to get the beautiful woman¡¯s heart.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s hand was suddenly grasped by Zhou Yan Bang and she nked out. She didn¡¯t dare to speak, fearing Zhou Yan Bang would discover her identity. However, as Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s hands held her hands, Jiang Yu¡¯e only felt that her own hands became scalded and burned more and more. A nice fragrant suffused from Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s body, Jiang Yu¡¯e head was dizzy and confused and she couldn¡¯t stand properly. Her soft body falling towards Zhou Yan Bang.

    Zhou Yan Bang became aware of Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s boiling body and spoke in surprise: ¡°Why is your body burning? Second miss, you.......¡±

    A sigh escaped from Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s throat and her feet were wobbling unsteadily.

    Zhou Yan Bang subconsciously reached his hands out to support her, both hands was ced right on Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s waist. The warm and fragrant nephrite was in his arms, the aroma of the beautifuldy lingered on the tip of his nose, Zhou Yan Bang couldn¡¯t stop the rippling of his mind.

    He originally had feelings for Jiang Li, in addition, he drank a lot of wine today. In the end, all men were the same, unable to control their own waistband. In Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s mind, were it not for the ident at that time, Jiang Li would have been his person. In this matter where both parties were willing, he naturally didn¡¯t have to care so much.

    He took the opportunity and held the other person into his embrace as he spoke with deep emotion: ¡°Li-er.......¡±

    Even such an intimate appetion also came out.

    But Jiang Yu¡¯e only felt the areas where Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s big hands ran through were itchy. At the beginning, she initially wanted to calcte Zhou Yan Bang; now her mind was not very sober and she only wanted to follow her instinct to stick closer to ease the dry heat in her inner being. Thus Jiang Yu¡¯e fitted herself snugly into Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s body. Afortable sigh came out of her throat.

    Zhou Yan Bang was stunned. When he saw the other party¡¯s unstable posture, he understood. It seemed that Jiang Li had also drank a lot of wine tonight and should be intoxicated; she simply wasn¡¯t aware of what she was doing. Zhou Yan Bang waspletely delighted, luckily he was the one who ran into Jiang Li. If Jiang Li fell onto another man¡¯s sight with this appearance, it¡¯s hard to avoid for the other person to give birth to errant thoughts.

    Seeing Jiang Li arched indiscriminately in his embrace, Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s evil fire was also raised. He wasn¡¯t a young man who didn¡¯t know anything. In his home, from early on, there was already a servant girl serving as a bed warmer who taught him the ways of male and female rtionship. So, without hesitation, he pushed down the ¡°Jiang Li¡± in his embrace onto the small bed behind the screen in the pitch-ck room.

    The sound of creaking from the swaying bed in the room, asionally mixed together with other sounds, made people blush.

    ......

    In the pce¡¯s water pavilion, Ji Shuran and Jiang You Yao were still appreciating the lotus peacefully.

    Madam Liu looked at the four corners and didn¡¯t see Jiang Li¡¯s figure. She asked Liu Xu: ¡°Why don¡¯t I see Jiang second miss?¡±

    Liu Xu said: ¡°Said she¡¯s dizzy, went to rest at the tea room for a while.¡± After her speech, she shook her head, in an iprehensible manner, ¡°I didn¡¯t see her drink a lot, how is her alcohol capacity so light?¡±

    Madam Liu frowned. She didn¡¯t know why but she felt somewhat uneasy in her heart. But there was nothing happening on her left and right, so she had no other alternative but to continue chatting with others.

    Ji Shuran was smiling as she listened to the madams praising Jiang You Yao. Suddenly, Sun momo by her side came forward and bent down to say something in Ji Shuran¡¯s ears. Ji Shuran nodded and joy shed through her eyes.

    Ji Chen-shi also looked over at Ji Shuran. Seeing Ji Shuran smiling contentedly, she also smiled and nodded.

    Lu-shi who was at the side observed all these exchanges and nced at Jiang Li¡¯s empty seat. She somewhat understood and deliberately approached Ji Shuran and said: ¡°Eldest sister-inw, why hasn¡¯t Li girl returned?¡±

    ¡°Li-er said that her head was very dizzy,¡± Ji Shuran smiled as she continued: ¡°I didn¡¯t expect her tolerance to alcohol to be this shallow. That¡¯s right, she used to stay at Mount Qingcheng for eight years. You must not drink wine in the nunnery. She hasn¡¯t drunk many wines, so just a little fruit wine makes her intoxicated.¡±

 Chapter 82 Part 4

    Chapter 82 Part 4: Attracting Disaster

    Nevertheless, she mentioned the matter of Jiang Li being driven away for harming her mother and killing her brother.

    The surrounding madams spoke in low voices.

    Lu-shi sneered inside, but she wasn¡¯t willing to look at Ji Shuran¡¯s proud appearance. So she said: ¡°I think it¡¯s still better to look for a few people to guard Li girl. The pce is so big, in addition, this is the first time for her to enter the pce. She must not be lost.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Ji Shuran smiled wider, ¡°Yu¡¯e is staying with her. Moreover, there¡¯s also a pce maid leading the way. Younger sister is worried that it¡¯s not safe in the pce. There are imperial guards, it won¡¯t be unsafe.¡±

    Lu-shi was rendered speechless. No matter what, she could not doubt the safety in the pce. The Empress Dowager was present, besides, with these few sentences, Lu-shi saw that Li-pin, who was further away, was also looking at her. Her heart trembled, and a smile was immediately shown on her face. She politely replied: ¡°I was just worried about the children. What eldest sister-inw said was right, it¡¯s nothing.¡±

    Although Lu-shi¡¯s maternal family was also good, it was not on the same level with the current Ji family. Not mentioning other things, this Li-pin from the Ji family received abundant favor from Hong Xiao Emperor. Who canpare? Who dares topare?

    A wise man submits to circumstances.

    At this moment, Ji Shuran was very happy, so happy that she did not mind Lu-shi¡¯s deliberate provocation. She received news just now that Jiang Li and Ye Shijie had both gone inside the tea room. Ye Shijie and Jiang Li were both drugged, an aphrodisiac incense was also lit inside the room. It could be assumed that now is the time to linger.

    After a while, with human testimony and material evidence, they could logically look for an excuse ¡°to discover¡± Jiang Li and Ye Shijie¡¯s adultery. Let this scandal be exposed in front of the people.

    Jiang Li¡¯s death had finally arrived. The smile on Ji Shuran¡¯s lips turned particrly gentle. She softly stroked Jiang You Yao¡¯s jet-ck hair, her heart full of a winner¡¯s happiness.

    Of course the Jiang family should not have two di daughters. Her daughter could only be the only noble daughter of the Jiang family. No matter what, Jiang Li was incapable of vying with Jiang You Yao. Whether it was Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s love, the identity of the main branch¡¯s di daughter, or the future husband.

    Jiang Li must be left out of everything.

    ......

    It was extremely quiet in the pce¡¯s long corridor.

    Ceramic zenterns hung from the roof, the lights slightly swaying caressed by the night wind. The quivering shadows brought a charming fragrance.

    The imperial pce is huge, Jiang Li walked very slowly.

    She was not at all eager to see whether Jiang Yu¡¯e and Zhou Yan Bang could be ¡°together¡± because she was well aware of the situation. Such as Jiang Yu¡¯e who was born from a humble background yet restless, her mind was the most active. As long as she was pushed a bit more, there¡¯s no need to be afraid that Jiang Yu¡¯e wouldn¡¯t think about it.

    Jiang Li sighed slightly.

    Night in this gorgeous pce concealed too many dirty matters. How was one to know whether there were innumerable skeletons in the flower mud under the flower beds of beautiful flowers

    She was not worried that she would walk through the wrong road. Since she was a child, she had a highly retentive memory and could recognize this kind of road once she had walked over. The cool evening breeze blew onto her face. Strangely, Jiang Li didn¡¯t have the excitement and joy of revenge, different from Ji Shuran¡¯s hard to containcency. At this moment, she was actually calm.

    In the end, Ji Shuran, mother and daughter, were strangers to Jiang Li. The love and hate between strangers naturally didn¡¯t set much waves in her heart. The reason why she did what she did was nothing more than crying out the injustice suffered by the pitiful Jiang second miss. Furthermore, people with good tempers would strike back when enraged.

    But who she hated most in her heart was still Shen Yurong and Princess Yongning.

    Without thinking, Jiang Li knew at this time, Shen Yurong and Princess Yongning must certainly be borrowing the opportunity of the pce feast to secretly have their tryst. Shen Yurong was not like Jiang Yu¡¯e, naturally vignt and worked cautiously. And Princess Yongning would have countless people to guard and cover them. Therefore, in the meantime, their scandal could not be unmasked.

    Jiang Li felt regret.

    Patiently endure and get closer to the enemy could only by nning it slowly. But it¡¯s really too hard to smile and restrain this sea-deep blood enmity.

    She was pondering when all of a sudden, across the flower bed, she saw two familiar figures.

    It should be an official¡¯s young miss and her personal servant girl. The official¡¯s young miss was dressed extremely luxuriously. Just that one multicolored enamel hairpin on her head alone would be worth several hundreds silver taels. Among the youngdiesing into the pce today, this person could at least be arranged as inferior.

    But this young miss decorated with riches and honor didn¡¯t seem to be in a good mood at this moment. She said: ¡°Those people¡¯s speeches are very dull. I¡¯m fed up hearing their praises for me. It¡¯s nothing more than wanting to use me to inquire about big brother¡¯s affair. They didn¡¯t look at themselves, how is my brother someone they can climb up to?¡±

    Jiang Li was originally smiling as she listened to the female¡¯s grumbling. Hearing this, the smile at the corner or her lips gradually disappeared.

    That woman was none other than Shen Yurong¡¯s sister, her sister-inw, Shen Ruyun.

    At this time, Shen Ruyun must have run out by herself to take in some air and didn¡¯t take mother Shen along with her. Jiang Li recalled the words Shen Ruyun said just now, and couldn¡¯t help sneering inwardly.

 Chapter 82 Part 5

    Chapter 82 Part 5: Attracting Disaster

    Those who came today were important court officials, no matter what, they were all young misses from government officials. Shen Ruyun used such a big tone, with Shen Yurong¡¯s identity, without any nobility title, and without the protection of a parent¡¯s official seal, although he was a talented youth, in the end, his power was still a bit weak. There were innumerable children of nobility in Yanjing whose family background was much better than Shen Yurong. However, Shen Ruyun actually felt that they were all inferior to Shen Yurong.

    Jiang Li knew in her heart that Shen Ruyun was saying so not because she truly thought that Shen Yurong was terrific. It was rather because in her heart, there was only the royal Princess Yongning that was qualified to be her sister-inw. How could those cab ministers¡¯ daughterspare with Princess Yongning? She unexpectedly naturally assumed that the person who would match her older brother could onlye from the imperial household.

    In this split second, a wonderful idea suddenly appeared in Jiang Li¡¯s mind.

    She was aware of Shen Ruyun¡¯s hidden thoughts. Just like this instance, Jiang Li was certain that the reason Shen Yurong went out to take a breath of fresh air at this time was because she couldn¡¯t find Zhou Yan Bang. Since she was aware of Shen Ruyun¡¯s secret, if she didn¡¯t take advantage of this, wasn¡¯t it the same as letting down their previous life¡¯s rtionship as her sister-inw?

    Thinking of this, Jiang Li smiled slightly and came out unhurriedly. She called out: ¡°Miss Shen.¡±

    Shen Ruyun was feeling stuffy and jumped in fright when she suddenly heard someone calling out to her. She turned her head and saw Jiang Li. While frowning, she reluctantly replied: ¡°Jiang second miss.¡±

    Shen Ruyun knew this Jiang second miss and didn¡¯t like Jiang Li both publicly or privately. Jiang Li was Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s former fianc¨¦e. This was enough to make Shen Ruyun refuse to deal with Jiang Li. Moreover, at that time Jiang Li still attacked her mother and murdered her brother, it¡¯s best not to have any contact with such a person with a horrible reputation. If it was before, Shen Ruyun would definitely ridicule Jiang Li with a few sentences upon contact. But ever since Jiang Li returned to the capital and was in the limelight after the examinations, her position in the Jiang residence was not as low as what other people thought. Gradually, no one dared to look down on this Jiang second miss.

    Even though Shen Ruyun borrowed Shen Yurong¡¯s power to be arrogant, Jiang Yuan Bai was still the Chief Assistant of the court. Shen Yurong was still far behind.

    Jiang Li smiled at Shen Ruyun and said: ¡°Why did Miss Shene out?¡±

    Shen Ruyun replied arrogantly: ¡°Didn¡¯t youe out too?¡±

    Jiang Li was slightly astonished inside. Though she knew that this younger sister-inw was extremely arrogant and willful, at that time, it was merely her treatment towards Xue Fang Fei. On the outside, Shen Ruyun was very lovable.

    There¡¯s a saying ¡°a dog threatens based on its master¡¯s power¡±. The current Jiang Li could be considered as having experienced it. It seemed that along with Shen Yurong¡¯s promotion, Shen Ruyun¡¯s temper had also grown a lot.

    Jiang Li shook her head: ¡°For me, it¡¯s because I drank too much fruit wine and my head was a bit dizzy. Coming out for the wind to blow to dissipate the effect and sober up, that¡¯s all.¡± She seemed to recall something after, burst out with a ¡°puff¡± and said: ¡°Tonight is indeed fateful, meeting acquaintances over and over again. I just caught sight of heir Zhou just now. Unexpectedly, now I met with Miss Shen.¡±

    ¡°Heir Zhou?¡± At first, Shen Ruyun was impatient listening to Jiang Li. Upon hearing ¡°heir Zhou¡±, these two words, she promptly paid attention and hurriedly asked: ¡°Was it Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s heir?¡±

    ¡°Precisely.¡±

    Shen Ruyun looked Jiang Li up and down suspiciously. Thinking of Jiang Li and Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s former rtionship, she spoke sourly: ¡°Your rtionship with heir Zhou is not shallow.¡±

    Jiang Li broke intoughter: ¡°That¡¯s not true, nothing else but random encounters. Heir Zhou was about to go to Yu Xiu Pavilion in the East Garden to rest for a while. We just met by ident.¡± She pointed to a direction, ¡°Yes, it¡¯s over there.¡±

    ¡° Yu Xiu Pavilion in the East Garden?¡± Shen Ruyun asked.

    ¡°Correct, I see heir Zhou has also drunk a lot of wine. Perhaps he really feels unwell.¡± Jiang Li smiled and said: ¡°But now I have to return to mother¡¯s side. Miss Shen should also return soon, the wind outside is cold.¡± After speaking, she bid farewell to Shen Ruyun, turned around and left.

    Shen Ruyun was rooted in her original ce, looking uncertain, biting her lips all along, seemingly hard to choose.

    The servant girl beside her was somewhat afraid, she whispered: ¡°Miss, now.......¡±

    ¡°Go, let¡¯s go to Yu Xiu Pavilion in the east garden.¡± Shen Ruyun made a firm resolution.

    ¡°Miss, it¡¯s not good like this.¡± The servant girl still spoke somewhat appropriately.

    ¡°What¡¯s not good! I¡¯ll merely go over by coincidence and meet him by ident!¡± Shen Ruyun shouted in a stern voice and immediately brought the servant girl to walk in the direction of the east garden¡¯s Yu Xiu Pavilion.

    After the master and servant walked away, inside the garden, Jiang Li came out from the cluster of Chinese roses.

    Shen Ruyun was really infatuated.

 Chapter 83 Part 1

    Chapter 83 Part 1: Encountering Beauty

    *cough* surprise? (????-)?

    (Jan: 2/2 ¨C Cleared)

    After settling Shen Ruyun, Jiang Li was in a better mood.

    Even her pace became lively, in a trance she seemed to have returned to the small countryne in Tongxiang, Xiangyang. She couldn¡¯t help wanting to sing songs.

    Atst, Shen Ruyun was also drawn into this chaos.

    She was worrying about which method to use to draw everyone to Yu Xiu Pavilion when Shen Ruyun coincidentally came up and met her. Based on Shen Ruyun¡¯s infatuation with Zhou Yan Bang, to see helplessly as her beloved man was engaged in illicit rtionship with another woman, Shen Ruyun must be feeling unbearable. Knowing this younger sister-inw¡¯s impulsive and brainless nature, Jiang Li believed the moment Shen Ruyun ran into the affair, Shen Ruyun would certainly think of a way to make a lot of noise so that everyone in the pce feast would be aware of the scandal.

    In this way, everyone would know that the Jiang fifth miss slept together with Jiang third miss¡¯s fianc¨¦e. A younger sister snatching the older sister¡¯s man was a betrayal, but Zhou Yan Bang as the fianc¨¦e would also be despised. Jiang Li thought, Jiang Yuan Bai, who regarded reputation highly, would surely not let Jiang You Yao marry Zhou Yan Bang. No matter how, Jiang You Yao was deeply attached to Zhou Yan Bang, as such, it was the same as gouging a piece of Jiang You Yao¡¯s heart alive. Jiang You Yao must not be able to keep the pain off.

    And what about Jiang Yu¡¯e? At most she would be married with Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s heir as a concubine. But, is it really good to be a concubine? Ningyuan Marquis husband and wife would not regard this woman who had ruined their son¡¯s reputation well. Regardless of who Zhou Yan Bang would marry in the future, the future mistress would also not think twice to torture Jiang Yu¡¯e, this woman who had used seduction.

    As for Shen Ruyun, this matter was discovered and exposed due to her. Without a doubt, it would start a feud with Ningyuan marquis¡¯s residence. It would be even more impossible for Zhou Yan Bang to have any feelings of admiration towards Shen Ruyun. In this life, it¡¯s not possible for Shen Ruyun to get Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s heart.

    In this y, everyone had their own ce, Jiang Li was very satisfied.

    In the middle of her thought, she suddenly saw two people talking ahead of her. One of the people was extremely eye-catching, even in the darkness, that person was like a gathering of the most dazzling moonlight, attracting people, unable to resist looking at him.

    The youth wore splendid red clothes, like a stunning demon in the night. His head was lowered as he spoke to the other person. Because only one side of his face faced Jiang Li, and the light was dim, she couldn¡¯t make out his expression.

    She didn¡¯t expect to meet Duke Su here.

    Jiang Li was apprehensive. Her good mood after she pitted Shen Ruyun was immediately cleared off.

    Every time she saw Duke Su, Jiang Li had an uneasy feeling all over. Perhaps it¡¯s due to Duke Su¡¯s too gorgeous appearance, too aggressive, or perhaps it¡¯s due to his pair of eyes, clearly appearing slightly smiling and indolent, yet those eyes made people feel as if he was observing you with rity.

    Jiang Li stopped her footsteps, the two people also sensed that there was someone else, turned their heads and saw her. In her heart, Jiang Li screamed ¡°bad¡±, but there was no anxiety visible on her face. She calmly sent a courtesy to Duke Su, turned around and walked in another direction.

    It appeared as if she had unintentionally walked here and had a chance encounter with Duke Su. Since there was no interaction, it¡¯s normal to just leave like this.

    But in the end, her heart was still not at ease.

    She always felt the person talking to Ji Heng looked very familiar. When the person turned his head around to face her, that familiar feeling turned more intense. Even though she didn¡¯t know where she had seen him before, Jiang Li was sure she must have seen this person.

    She didn¡¯t understand, Ji Heng was aplete stranger to her, merely meeting a few times and didn¡¯t have too many interactions, like in her previous life, they were estranged from each other. There was no way that she would know the people by Ji Heng¡¯s side. That person must not be Ji Heng¡¯s person, then who is he?

    She racked her brain but couldn¡¯t think of why Ji Heng would be here; attending the pce feast and walking all over the ce. Only Duke Su could do something like this. This was also because the current Hong Xiao Emperor was especially tolerant towards Duke Su. That was natural, on one side was the Jiang family, while the other side was the Right Minister and Cheng Wang in a faction. In order topete with these two, Hong Xiao Emperor could only count on Ji Heng alone.

    Eh, Right Minister?

    Jiang Li¡¯s mind stirred and suddenly recalled, the person who was talking to Ji Heng just now, wasn¡¯t he the Right Minister¡¯s eldest son, Li Jing¡¯s subordinate?

    The eldest young master of the Li family had both integrity and talent, and was also fond of making a lot of friends. When Shen Yurong passed brilliantly and became the top scorer, Li Jing had, surprisingly, not cared about his identity as the Right Minister¡¯s son and proactively congratted Shen Yurong. At that time, Jiang Li treated the guest together with Shen Yurong and remembered there was this person among the imperial bodyguards that Li Jing brought with him.

    If it was a bystander, even if they¡¯de across Li Jing¡¯s bodyguards, with such a long period of separation, in addition, it was merely a passing meeting, even if they met again, perhaps there would be no recognition. But Jiang Li¡¯s memory was outstanding, that person¡¯s appearance was as clear as if they had just met yesterday, she absolutely would not be mistaken.

    He was the Right Minister¡¯s person!

 Chapter 83 Part 2

    Chapter 83 Part 2: Encountering Beauty

    A huge realization dawned on Jiang Li, as if she had discovered a major secret. Ji Heng was Hong Xiao Emperor¡¯s person, yet he chatted in private with Li Jing¡¯s person. Is it possible that Ji Heng and the Right Minister have been in touch since long ago? If that was so, then wouldn¡¯t it be ¡°building a passageway in the open while passing granary in the dark¡±, Ji Heng had already been bribed by the Right Minister?

    No, no, no, it¡¯s not possible for the Right Minister to be able to bribe Ji Heng. Then....... Ji Heng has chosen the Right Minister, he chose Chen Wang?

    He defected?!

    As if peeping the tip of the iceberg, Jiang Li had a thrilling cognition and her steps stopped at once, her heart jumping incessantly in anxiety.

    Right at this moment, a leisurely voice suddenly sounded from behind her, seemingly having been waiting for a long time. He said: ¡°What did Jiang second miss discover, why do you look so afraid?¡±

    Jiang Li turned abruptly!

    Ji Heng was standing behind her, she was actually unaware since when had Ji Heng been following her. There was only a fist size distance between Ji Heng and her. Perhaps because he was too tall, he bent down slightly as he talked to her. Moreover, Jiang Li turned around too hastily, nearly bumping into his embrace. She was pulled by her back cor by Ji Heng, half lifting her to look face to face.

    He had a pair of extremely beautiful eyes.

    Their shapes were gorgeous, long and sleek. The outer corners of the eyes were slightly raised, bringing out a flirtatious charm. Their colors were also very beautiful, appearing slightly amber, prating like colored ss. She could see her own inverted image in his eyes. His bearing was also pleasing, when he looked askance at people with a slight smile, he appeared sentimental, but also unfeeling. Yet there¡¯s a fragrance like poppy, spreading into all five viscera and six bowels1, making the heart itch.

    However, he was extremely cold.

    Even with this gentleness and mannerism which confused people, and this face which turned all living things upside down, through his face, Jiang Li could still make out that deep in the bone marrow¡¯s coldness.

    He was a monster who could see people¡¯s hearts clearly .

    Since turning into Jiang second miss, they¡¯d met repeatedly by chance. However, this was their first time confronting each other.

    Jiang Li looked straight into his eyes and exerted her utmost effort to make herself appear undisturbed. She said: ¡°Duke Su is joking.¡±

    Ji Heng released his hand in disbelief and Jiang Li¡¯s neck was let go. Ji heng said: ¡°You can¡¯t see your own eyes, are you very nervous?¡±

    Jiang Li subconsciously took a step back, pulling more distance between them. As if feeling this was a bit safer. She said: ¡°Duke Su was mistaken, I¡¯m not nervous.¡±

    In fact, ording tomon sense, Jiang Li was too calm. But if she acted like other nobledies and lost her head out of fear, Jiang Li felt that she would definitely be found out by Ji Heng.

    Ji heng¡¯s eyes were too poisonous.

    Ji Heng lowered his head to look at her, pondered for a while before suddenly opening his mouth: ¡°Did you perhaps know the person just now?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t know.¡± Jiang Li blurted out without thinking. Xue Zhao said before, ¡°a lie must be told in one go for it to sound like the truth. Yet Jiang Li couldn¡¯t help having lingering fear in her heart. Ji Heng¡¯s sense of smell, could he actually also guess this far?

    Sure enough he was truly terrible, a beauty whose mind was hidden very deeply.

    Finally, Ji Heng no longer persisted on this topic. He merely looked at Jiang Li and somewhat pointed out: ¡°Every time I meet Jiang second miss, I can watch a good y. Such wonderful ys were never seen at the ducal residence.¡± He feigned stroking the palm of his hands, the light from the gold thread fan in his hand glimmered in the night, ¡°truly regretful.¡±

    ¡°Duke Su spoke incorrectly,¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°I¡¯m not an actor, this ce is also not a stage.¡±

    ¡°Is it?¡± Ji Heng raised his lips, ¡°But the things you did just now, helping to arrange Jiang fifth miss and Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s heir to be an item, was indeed very clever.¡±

    Jiang Li¡¯s heart jumped, Ji Heng even knew about this!

    ¡°It seems that you really have no intention towards Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s heir, it¡¯s a pity Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s heir¡¯s sincerity was handed over wrongly.¡± Ji Heng sighed, ¡°even the Shen family¡¯s youngdy is also implicated.¡± He lowered his voice, ¡°The y that Jiang second miss produced is not simple.¡±

    Hearing such words from the mouth of such a beautiful youngster, even if his voice was low and husky, with seduction to confuse people, Jiang Li still felt ayer of goosebumps rise on her back.

    From setting up Zhou Yan Bang and Jiang Yu¡¯e to running into Shen Ruyun not long ago, the matters merely took a few moments. The pce was so big, it was not at all easy to clearly know what was happening in every nook and corner. Yet Ji Heng practically knew everything inside and out. What did this imply? This implied that Ji Heng had eyes and ears throughout the entire pce.

    The things happening inside the pce, which of those did he not know? Perhaps he was even aware of the private tryst between Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong!

    Jiang Li¡¯splexion was gloomy and unclear. On the contrary, this aroused Ji Heng¡¯s interest. He asked: ¡°What is Jiang second miss thinking about?¡±

    Jiang Li lifted her head and looked at him. She instantly made up her mind and said to Ji Heng: ¡°Duke Su likes watching ys. Watching ys then just watch the ys, but presumably, Duke Su also understands the rules of not speaking while watching a y since ancient times.¡±

    Footnotes:

    1: Five viscera and six bowels: fancy talk for internal organs -_- 1.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 83 Part 3

    Chapter 83 Part 3: Encountering Beauty

    Twin Lotus on a Stalk

    Listening to her, Ji Heng seemed to have heard a joke. He moved his body sideways slightly and his tone became more ambiguous, ¡°If I speak, what will you do to me?¡±

    Jiang Li¡¯s heart was immediately blocked. To be honest, she really couldn¡¯t grasp Ji Heng. Ji Heng was Duke Su, even her, as Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s daughter, couldn¡¯t do anything to Ji Heng. Not only that, this person was moody and didn¡¯t handle things normally. Jiang Li had just glimpsed his treacherous ambition not long ago, would he use this matter to tell on her, that was still uncertain.

    ¡°Then I can only admit defeat.¡± Jiang Li replied indifferently.

    People had no choice but to bow their head under the eaves, there¡¯s nothing advantageous with acting tough towards Ji Heng at this time. Besides, apart from being troublesome in her current situation, there¡¯s no other effect. At least, she had done what she could do this evening. If this was also unsessful, that meant her luck wasn¡¯t good enough.

    There were times when the luck was bad, but not every time would encounter bad luck.

    Ji Heng shot Jiang Li a nce andughed suddenly. He said: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t tell.¡± He flicked the folding fanzily to brush the non-existent dust on his sleeve and said: ¡°If I said it out, there won¡¯t be any other ys to watch in the future. Then that will be..... Too unfortunate.¡±

    Jiang Li rxed after hearing what he said.

    Although it was just a careless sentence spoken by Ji Heng, ording to his temperament, his words could be counted on. She said: ¡°Then I have to say many thanks to Duke Su.¡±

    ¡°You and Ye Shijie seem to have a good rtionship,¡± Ji Heng abruptly mentioned Ye Shijie, ¡°the two of you have a tacit exchange in tonight¡¯s matter. The trick to put on a y was done coincidentally in the same way.¡± Ji Heng continued: ¡°Do you and Ye Shijie walk very closely?¡±

    Without rhyme or reason, why did he suddenly mention Ye Shijie. But Jiang Li immediately recalled that the person who was talking to Ji Heng just now was Li Jing¡¯s subordinate. The Right Minister¡¯s residence previously intended to rope in Ye Shijie, but nowadays Ye Shijie alienated them....... Did Ji Henge due to this matter?

    After quickly deliberating in her mind, Jiang Li said: ¡°My rtionship with cousin Ye is just so so, we have only conversed a few times and I am not too clear about cousin Ye¡¯s matter. Tonight¡¯s affair was just a mere coincidence.¡±

    Ji Heng listened and smiled while looking pensive. He didn¡¯t say anything more but looking at his eyes, Jiang Li felt ill at ease. Fortunately, this person didn¡¯t continue staying with Jiang Li and said: ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Jiang Li said: ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to watch a y?¡± He spoke justly, ¡°I¡¯m going as well.¡±

    Jiang Li: ¡°.......¡±

    She didn¡¯t wish to stand together with Ji Heng at all. Leaving aside what the Jiang family would think, solely being watched by Ji Heng¡¯s probing eyes made the feeling of being examined too intense.

    Although she was married in her previous life, wasn¡¯t a naive and clueless young girl, and could deal with all kinds of people, the feeling Ji Heng gave off was too dangerous. He resembled a poisonous beast who had not revealed his ws. Only seeing its beautiful feathers and the graceful figure but unable to see the sharp ws and hunting posture buried underneath the beautiful outward appearance.

    But in any case, she had no way of refusing his request.

    Jiang Li had no other choice but to go forward with Ji Heng.

    ......

    At the water pavilion, the tea on the table had been replenished plenty of times.

    Appreciating the lotus after the pce feast, the Empress Dowager was old and only sat for a while before returning to the pce to rest. Liu taifei was used to annoying the Empress Dowager, when the Empress Dowager left, she felt bored and also left soon after.

    Hong Xiao Emperor wanted to discuss the current politics with his subjects, but the madams in the water pavilion gradually grew tired.

    Even though the apricot flower wine during the feast wasn¡¯t intoxicating at all, after drinking a lot of it, with the night wind blowing at present, it was sofortable thedies simply wanted to close their eyes to nap for a moment.

    Upon seeing this, Ji Chen-shi smiled and proposed: ¡°It¡¯s a bit tiring to always sit like this, it would be better to walk around a bit. I heard that the lotus at the end of the water pavilion¡¯s promenade has blossomed and they are the most colorful. Li-pin said that a few days ago a twin lotus on one stalk bloomed. This is a rarely seen event. Let us go and take a look to broaden our views.¡±

    When these words came out, the drowsy madams and youngdies stood up excitedly in unison.

    Someone asked: ¡°Twin lotus flowers on one stalk? I really haven¡¯t seen this before. Before it¡¯s heard that there were twin lotus flowers on one stalk at the pond behind White Cloud temple. Many people saw it and it was said after seeing it, they received good fortune and protection, and there¡¯s harmony in the family.¡±

    Harmony in the family, in addition there¡¯s another sentence that was probably too embarrassing to be spoken aloud. That was, the feelings of husband and wife were smooth. The females present, as wives, which one didn¡¯t wish for peaceful rtions between husband and wife. Even the unmarried youngdies also longed to one day marry an ideal husband, being in perfect harmony for a whole lifetime. Such good omen, who didn¡¯t want to go and see.

    ¡°There¡¯s truly this thing.¡± Li-pin also smiled and said: ¡°If the madams want to see, you can go and take a look.¡±

 Chapter 83 Part 4

    Chapter 83 Part 4: Encountering Beauty

    Late post! This is supposed to be Thursday release.

    The madams anddies present were immediately in a cheerful mood, one after another went along with Ji Chen-shi¡¯s words wanting to go see the twin lotus flowers.

    Liu Xu didn¡¯t want to go; it was really difficult for her and those noble girls to integrate with each other. However, Madam Liu still had to socialize with the colleagues of Chengde Minister. She patted Liu Xu¡¯s head to signal her to go together.

    Ji Shuran also smiled and stood up: ¡°Li-er is also in the tea room at the end of the promenade. She seems to have rested for a while and should not be so dizzy anymore. Just in time for me to also fetch her, wait a while and we can leave the pce together.¡±

    Jiang Yuyan opened her mouth timidly: ¡°Fourth sister also hasn¡¯t returned.¡±

    Jiang Li went to rest, Jiang Yu¡¯e merely went to change her clothes, yet she hadn¡¯t returned at this moment. Yang-shi noted and grumbled: ¡°This girl, did she walk around blindly? Why hasn¡¯t shee back up till now?¡±

    ¡°No need to worry,¡± Jiang You Yao said: ¡°Fourth sister and second sister left together, perhaps fourth sister is staying with second sister at this time. We will be able to see them when we go to the tea room in a while.¡±

    Yang-shi didn¡¯t dare to refute Jiang You Yao¡¯s words. However, her heart wasn¡¯t convinced. She understood her own daughter clearly, Jiang Yu¡¯e and Jiang Li always disagreed with each other, how could she stay together with Jiang Li? Moreover, today was the pce feast, how would Jiang Yu¡¯e be willing not to show her face and hide in the tea room. Based on Jiang Yu¡¯e nature, she should havee out and made other people take note of her from long ago.

    Even though anxious, she couldn¡¯t show it. Besides, Yang-shi truly didn¡¯t know where Jiang Yu¡¯e had gone. So she thought to first follow and go together to the tea room, to see whether Jiang Yu¡¯e was there or not.

    The group of people soon headed towards the tea room at the end of the promenade.

    It was not known when the moon disappeared and burrowed itself under the clouds, only spilling a small amount of rays. The lotus leaves and the lotus on the water were blown by the wind and made slight rustling sounds. The swimming fish saw people passing by and one after another hid under the lotus leaf.

    Sparkling water and turbulent undercurrent.

    The promenade looked very long, as they walked and chatted, they arrived in a sh. When they reached the end of the promenade, sure enough, they caught sight of the twin lotus on one stalk. Just, this twin lotus was not as fresh, beautiful and dazzling as the other blooming lotus. There were merely two small flowers, not eye-catching at all.

    Everyone was somewhat disappointed.

    But perhaps because of the legend that it could bless ¡°harmony at home¡±, thedies took a couple more look at it. However, after looking at it, they instead felt that it was not as good looking as the water pavilion¡¯sndscape.

    Ji Shuran smiled and said: ¡°Li-er is inside this tea room. I¡¯ll go in first to look at her. Whoever is thirsty and wants to drink a cup of tea can also go in together.¡±

    After walking for a while, there were some madams who felt thirsty and wanted to drink tea. At once they followed Ji Shuran and walked in together.

    Ji Shuran walked to the tea room.

    There was only a faint light inside the tea room, in the night, it appeared especially ambiguous and lingering. Separated by the window, not a shadow of anyone inside could be seen, it was just exceptionally quiet.

    Jiang You Yao smiled and said: ¡°Is second sister asleep? Why is it so quiet inside? Not even a slightest noise could be heard.¡±

    ¡°Most likely,¡± Ji Shuran opened her mouth in concern: ¡°She said she was dizzy just now, this time falling asleep, hope she didn¡¯t catch a cold.¡± However, she was extremely proud of herself in her heart. Presumably, at this time, Jiang Li and Ye Shijie had just done what husband and wife do, extremely tired and fell asleep. How could they hear the sound from outside? When the effect of the drug was the most potent at this time, along with the many ¡°witnesses¡± behind her, tonight was destined to be Jiang Li and Ye Shijie¡¯s unforgettable night.

    As a result, Ji Shuran didn¡¯t hesitate at all. While softly calling out ¡°Li-er¡±, she reached her hands out and pushed the door open.

    The doors of the tea room didn¡¯t seem to be locked and opened with a light push.

    The lights flickered all of a sudden.

    Ji Shuran strode inside.

    When she entered, Ji Shuran¡¯s heart stirred, feeling there was something wrong. Yet she didn¡¯t have time to reflect upon it and immediately saw, in front of the table in the tea room, under the lights, Ye Shijie was supporting his face with his hands as he frowned while looking at her.

    His clothes were neat and tidy, there was tea and snacks on the small table, there was no reflection of Jiang Li in the room.

    This waspletely different from Ji Shuran¡¯s imagination of messy ecstasy.

    There¡¯s darkness in front of Ji Shuran¡¯s eyes. The other madams behind Ji Shuran had also caught up, among them was Jiang You Yao who deliberately raised her voice and called out: ¡°Second sister¡ª¡ª¡±

    The sound stopped abruptly.

    The madams outside suddenly saw Ye Shijie, a male, appearing here and were surprised. But soon someone recognized him as young master Ye, the top scorer of this year¡¯s Imperial College¡¯s examinations who had just been assigned as a minister in the Ministry of Revenue. Someone asked: ¡°Why is young master Ye here?¡±

    Jiang You Yao was delighted from the bottom of her heart and stepped forwards, wanting to watch Jiang Li¡¯s devastation. Seeing Ye Shijie sitting properly over there, she at once spoke loudly and sharply: ¡°Why are you sitting here? What about my second sister¡ª¡ª¡±

 Chapter 83 Part 5

    Chapter 83 Part 5: Encountering Beauty

    ¡°Your second sister?¡± Ye Shijie knitted his brows and said: ¡°Jiang second miss? I didn¡¯t see any Jiang second miss. I drank too much wine at the banquet and the pce maid showed the way here for me to rest for a while. I haven¡¯t arrived for long, but didn¡¯t see your second sister.¡± He looked at Jiang You Yao: ¡°Maybe Jiang second miss has left long ago.¡±

    ¡°Impossible¡ª¡ª¡± Jiang You Yao went crazy and said: ¡°She must be hiding, where is she?¡± Just like this, she went all over the ce, flipping things over, trying to find her.

    The madams around immediately held a peculiar gaze as they looked at Jiang You Yao. Jiang You Yao¡¯s appearance at this time showed that she was certain Jiang Li must be here. It was honestly a bit obsessive.

    Seeing the expressions in the other madams, Ji Shuran¡¯s heart thumped. Fearing that Jiang You Yao would let the cat out of the bag, she reached out and held Jiang You Yao¡¯s arm, then smiled while looking at Ye Shijie and said: ¡°You Yao is also too worried about Li-er. You see, it¡¯s alreadyte at night, yet Li-er is nowhere to be seen. Could something happen to her?¡± Showing the appearance of a worried mother.

    Ye Shijie had understood long ago that this evening¡¯s matter was from the hand of this poisonous woman in front of him. He also knew under Ji Shuran¡¯s affectionate face, there was a snake and scorpion heart. He sneered inwardly, yet on the surface, he still respectfully waved his hands and said: ¡°It¡¯s understandable that Madam is confused out of concern. It¡¯s just.......¡± He spoke while giving courtesy: ¡°next time, when entering a room, please knock on the door first.¡±

    At once, Ji Shuran¡¯s face was flushed with embarrassment.

    She was thinking of letting everyone see Jiang Li¡¯s disgraceful situation. How could she deliberately knock on the door? However, what happened in the end? Ji Shuran had a doubt. The tea room was so small, Jiang Li definitely wouldn¡¯t hide inside. In addition, Ye Shijie¡¯s clothes were orderly, and there weren¡¯t any traces inside the room. There wasn¡¯t even a different fragrance. Everything indicated that Ye Shijie and Jiang Li didn¡¯t even start at all.

    The person reporting clearly said that she saw both Jiang Li and Ye Shijie enter this tea room. Ye Shijie¡¯s current appearance didn¡¯t seem to be under the influence of drugs. Then what about Jiang Li? Where is Jiang Li?

    Ji Shuran was rmed. Not able to see Jiang Li, she always felt that something else was overlooked, as if something was about to happen.

    After Ye Shijie and Ji Shuran finished exchanging words, he stood up to leave. He cupped his hands to salute all the madams. He, as a man, standing in the ce where everyone else was female, was somewhat inconvenient. It¡¯s better to avoid.

    He suddenly stopped when he reached the door.

    ¡°Madam, Jiang second miss ising.¡± Ye Shijie spoke from inside the door.

    Ji Shuran was stunned and hurriedly walked to the door. She saw a person walking leisurely from the distant promenade. Who else is it if not Jiang Li?

    Beside Jiang Li, there¡¯s a red-clothed, beautiful youth. It was actually Duke Su, Ji Heng.

    When Jiang Li saw the group of people, she waspletely puzzled. She stepped forward and said: ¡°Mother..... How did all of youe here?¡±

    ¡°Li-er,¡± Ji Shuran asked: ¡°Weren¡¯t you resting inside the tea room? Just now, why didn¡¯t I see your shadow, there¡¯s only young master Ye?¡±

    Jiang Li smiled in embarrassment: ¡°I was in the tea room for a short while before wanting to go to the clean room. When I went out, I didn¡¯t know the way. Walking back and forth and unexpectedly got lost. From the beginning I kept going around the garden in circles.¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°I didn¡¯t know the way and nobody passed by, so I was held up in the garden for a long time. Fortunately I ran into Duke Su.¡± Jiang Li smiled and said: ¡°Duke Su saw it was difficult for me and brought me out from the garden. I was originally thinking of waiting for mother in the tea room, thus going back to the tea room. Didn¡¯t expect all of you toe over. Why?¡± Jiang Li looked at Ji Shuran, ¡°Is there something wrong?¡±

    Ji Shuran was speechless.

    Duke Su, Ji Heng, just stood by Jiang Li. It¡¯s unknown which sentence was the truth spoken by Jiang Li but Ji Shuran couldn¡¯t express her suspicion. Because if she doubted Jiang Li, that was the same as doubting Ji heng. Since Ji Heng didn¡¯t say a word, then he tacitly agreed that Jiang Li was speaking facts.

    Ji Shuran nearly broke her teeth.

    Jiang Li leaned her head to the side, seemingly just noticed Ye Shijie. She was a bit puzzled: ¡°Young master Ye, why are you here in this tea room? There are many tea rooms in the pce, and the tea rooms for male is not on this side.....¡± She did not continue speaking, but the idea behind her sentence made the other madams think deeply.

    If Jiang Li didn¡¯t go to the clean room, didn¡¯t lose her way and was dyed, Jiang Li and Ye Shijie would be staying in the same room. In an outsider¡¯s eyes, even though there was nothing, more or less it would be vague. It wasn¡¯t a good thing for this minister of the Ministry of Revenue who had just been appointed. Naturally, in regards to Jiang second miss, it was also a blow to her reputation.

    However, Jiang second miss was very lucky to have avoided it.

    Recalling the unusual action of Jiang third miss just now when she entered the room, it seemed that she had known from earlier that Jiang second miss would be inside the tea room. And Ji Shuran didn¡¯t even knock on the door and directly pushed the door to enter....... It¡¯s really worth thinking about.

    Ji Shuran saw Jiang Li turn the spearhead towards herself with just a few words and felt extreme hate. But at this time, she couldn¡¯t think of any words to counter. She had no choice but to look at Li-pin and Ji Chen-shi, requesting for help.

    Li-pin was about to speak when she suddenly saw a person running and staggering from outside. The person actually went straight to Ningyuan Marchioness , it should be Ningyuan Marchioness¡¯s servant girl.

    The servant girl yelled in panic: ¡°Madam, young master got into an ident!¡±

 Chapter 84 Part 1

    Chapter 84 Part 1: Chaos

    February: 1 out of 6

    ¡°Madam, young master got into an ident!¡±

    Ningyuan Marchioness was startled and asked sternly: ¡°What happened? Why are you this panicked?¡±

    The servant girl was about to speak, but upon seeing the Ningyuan Marchioness was surrounded by the surprised eyes of a group of madams, she was immediately blocked, unable to speak out. She merely stammered with a flushed face, seemingly finding it difficult to say.

    When Ningyuan Marchioness saw the servant girl¡¯s attitude, her heart went ¡®thump¡¯, as if a heavy stone fell and sank down.

    As it concerned her fiance, Jiang You Yao couldn¡¯t help stepping forward to ask: ¡°What happened to heir Zhou?¡±

    The servant girl seemed to have just noticed Jiang You Yao and became even more panicked. She dodged Jiang You Yao¡¯s question, but her sight faintly fell on Yang-shi.

    Yang-shi was somewhat confused, but Ji Shuran abruptly nced at Jiang Li. When she saw Jiang Li standing uprightly with a smile on the corner of her mouth, a terrible idea flooded her brain.

    ¡°No matter what,¡± Ningyuan marchioness couldn¡¯t care less and just looked at the servant girl to say: ¡°Where is the young master? Take me there!¡±

    There¡¯s a sob in the servant girl¡¯s voice as she said: ¡°Master and the others are all in Yu Xiu Pavilion....... There are still a lot of other respectable adults with them. Madam..... This time the young master is not good!¡±

    She spoke vaguely, but everyone saw the look and movements on the servant girl¡¯s face and they understood a bit. If it was a simple ¡®not good¡¯, why was she so secretive? Saying that it wasn¡¯t good, it was clearly scandalous. Since there were many respectable adults following and watching, it¡¯s fine if it¡¯s not yet known for a while. When they returned to the residence and asked the master, they would naturally know what happened.

    Hearing so, in an instant, Ningyuan marchioness¡¯s body shook and she almost fell. She was the main mistress of the Ningyuan residence and had been managing the household for many years. Based on the servant girl¡¯s manner, she could roughly guess what had taken ce. But listening that there were many people, she at once knew it wasn¡¯t good. Since it was a scandal, naturally it was best for less people to know about it. The more people who saw it, wanting to cover it up in the future would be impossible.

    Jiang Li stood beside Ji Heng, a mild smile hung on her face. To say so, Zhou Yan Bang was stupid, or perhaps he was bold and lusty. Hong Xiao Emperor and the court officials were chatting about the current politics at the side pce hall, not far from Yu Xiu Pavilion. The two rooms were so close, once Shen Ruyun made noise, these respected adults would of course arrive in the shortest time and would be able to clearly figure things out.

    As such, Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s matter could be considered as known to each and every member of the court. Her painstaking effort was not in vain.

    Ji Heng looked at the smile at the corner of Jiang Li¡¯s mouth and found it amusing. He also imitated her, remaining calm and collected as he stood, and he used the handle of his fan to press against his lips to cover the smile at the corner of his mouth.

    On the other hand, Jiang You Yao didn¡¯t think to that extent. She wasn¡¯t concerned about chaos, but about Zhou Yan Bang. She didn¡¯t care about anything else and merely said: ¡°Yu Xiu Pavilion? Madam, I¡¯ll go with you. Mother,¡± she pulled Ji Shuran¡¯s sleeve,¡± let¡¯s go and see together, okay?!¡±

    Ji Shuran wished she could cover Jiang You Yao the most. With the words Jiang You Yao said, other people wouldn¡¯t think like that. In the Yan dynasty, it¡¯s understandable for a male and female who were betrothed to be a bit close. But those madams were guessing sentiments best kept secret. Their sights as they looked at Jiang You Yao contained a bit of sympathy.

    Ji Shuran was made unable to decide by Jiang You Yao¡¯s words. It¡¯s not right to go, yet it¡¯s also not right not to go. Madam Liu opened her mouth slowly and said: ¡°How is it regardless? Staying here is also not a solution. After a while, when the feast is over, everyone also has to return home. It¡¯s better for us to first go out from the water promenade. It¡¯s no longer early, let¡¯s go back home.¡±

    She¡¯s actually giving the Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s heir a step down.

    Liu Xu flung her head to the side. If it were her, she would never give these people a step down and must insist on seeing for herself what had actually happened.

    Ningyuan marchioness smiled gratefully at Madam Liu and said: ¡°Indeed, it¡¯s better to go back first.¡± When walking, her steps were somewhat floating.

    Jiang Li took everything in but didn¡¯t say a word. On the contrary, Ji Shuran walked over to her, looked into Jiang Li¡¯s eyes and asked quietly: ¡°Li-er, do you know what happened?¡±

    In the end, the suspicion fell on her.

    Jiang Li timely showed astonishment. She shook her head: ¡°I have always been with Duke Su, how would I know Zhou heir¡¯s matter? Mother¡¯s words are strange.¡±

    Ji Shuran looked at Ji Heng. He was clearly born extremely good looking. Yet when those amber eyes nced at her, it made Ji Shuran feel a burst of coolness.

    She no longer said anything else, and merely smiled with reluctance. Then she walked forward to Ji Chen-shi, nning to consult with her.

    Ye Shijie fell to the back, facing Jiang Li¡¯s eyes, he wanted to say something but hesitated. Probably he saw Ji Heng on one side and felt it was inconvenient to speak. He just moved his lips, lowered his head and left following the crowd.

    Ji Heng and Jiang Li walked at the very back.

 Chapter 84 Part 2

    Chapter 84 Part 2: Chaos

    Jiang Li took quicker steps, intending to pull the distance with Ji Heng, walking with her eyes looking at the ground. Perhaps Ji Heng¡¯s legs were too long, he walked leisurely yet always kept up with Jiang Li¡¯s pace, not knowing his own ce.

    He unhurriedly spoke: ¡°Jiang second miss¡¯s ability to put on a y is more brilliantpared to Liu Shen from the Xiang Si group.¡±

    Jiang Li only felt her heart trembling. The mentioned Liu Sheng from the Xiang Si group was known for having his leg broken and thrown out by this master in front of her for wanting to climb on his bed.

    Could Ji Heng be hinting something?

    Jiang Li racked her brain, but her mouth wasn¡¯t idle as she said: ¡°The duke has misunderstood, I am not interested in putting on a y.¡±

    ¡°People putting on a y are not required to have the interest,¡± Ji Heng said with a smile: ¡°It¡¯s enough to do well.¡±

    Jiang Li truly had no idea the intention of this Duke Su. But she had no choice but to raise her alertness to cope with Ji Heng. Simply because Ji Heng didn¡¯t seem to be a good person.

    Who knew what he was nning in his heart? Even Hong Xiao Emperor was calcted by him.

    Thinking that Ji Heng might have already changed his stance and sided with Cheng Wang, Jiang Li was immediately terrified.

    Ji Heng did not have the righteousness of the ruler and the ministers. This was no longer vicious and merciless, but the arrogance that nothing could enter his eyes.

    Jiang Li felt, this kind of person, though he was a beauty, it¡¯s better to stay far away from him.

    Ji Heng no longer spoke, just walking along with Jiang Li leisurely. The rear views of the two of them, one thin, quiet and exquisite, one sumptuous and flirtatious, were clearly unmatched. But the shadows on the ground cast by lights fell together, showing touching postures, werepletely harmonious.

    After walking through the promenade, to go towards the direction of the pce, the womenfolk had to wait for their husbands.

    The group ofdies were walking when they heard a female¡¯s voice suddenly ring out: ¡°Mother!¡±

    The voice sounded extremely mournful. When everyone looked over, outside the pavilion, there¡¯s actually a female whose appearance cut a sorry figure, staggering toe over, running towards Shen Yurong¡¯s mother, mother Shen¡¯s side.

    That female was Shen Ruyun.

    Even Jiang Li felt a bit astonished. Her original intention was merely to let Shen Ruyun run into Jiang Yu¡¯e and Zhou Yan Bang engaging in illicit affairs, felt jealous and drew other people toe. However currently, the dress on Shen Ruyun was not orderly, her hair was messy, it¡¯s not known what she had encountered.

    Is there an ident in between?

    A smile shed on Madam Liu who was holding Liu Xu¡¯s hand.

    Just now, the bystanders were only paying attention to the servant girl who came to inform Ningyuan Marchioness and heard the three words Yu Xiu Pavilion from the servant girl¡¯s mouth. Aware that it was necessary to pass through Yu Xiu Pavilion on the path to go out of the pce, Madam Liu immediately mentioned to go out of the pce. Ningyuan Marchioness was also in a confused state of mind and didn¡¯t care, absolutely didn¡¯t take note of the tact inside. Even the people waiting around Li-pin who were familiar with the pce had a bearing of holding the matter as not a concern to themselves and didn¡¯t remind them.

    Madam Liu had no enmity with Ningyuan Marchioness, she merely cried out against injustice for Jiang Li. Her good friend, Ye Zhen Zhen¡¯s daughter, was clearly a sensible and clever youngdy. Yet without any good reason, she suffered a lot of me. Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s residence was also treacherous; how could they change the marriage midway? Now hearing that Zhou Yan Bang had met with mishap, Madam Liu did not feel sympathetic at all. On the contrary, she was a bit ted and felt that the heavens had opened their eyes. Since it was so, not personally bring everyone to look at how Zhou Yan Bang met with ¡°an ident¡±, wasn¡¯t it failing to meet the expectation of heaven¡¯s good intention?

    She definitely wasn¡¯t kind enough to give Ningyuan Marchioness a step down.

    At once, Shen Ruyun threw herself in front of mother Shen, nearly fainting. Only then was everyone able to see clearly, Shen Ruyun had already cried for some time and looked totally pitiful.

    ¡°Mother, mother.......¡±

    ¡°Ruyun, what happened to you?¡± mother Shen asked urgently.

    ¡°Mother, Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s heir, he..... He..... was disrespectful to me!¡±

    ¡°Puff¡±, a burst of uncontainableughter actually sounded from one of the youngdies from the official families. When a female suffered frivolity, although they were angry, they wouldn¡¯t take the initiative to say it out loud. No matter what, girls were thin-skinned. It was not pretty to say this in the presence of a lot of people under their gazes. But Shen Ruyun actually said this loudly, as if afraid other people could not hear her. Possibly because she came from a small door and a small family, thus didn¡¯t know any rules.

    Mother Shen immediately nced gloomily at the youngdy. Right away that youngdy who burst out was silent, frightened into drilling into her mother¡¯s embrace.

    Shen Ruyun was still crying and gasping for air.

    Jiang Li was surprised, this matter was unexpected for her. In her spection, although Zhou Yan Bang was a fake nobleman, no matter what, he wouldn¡¯t be frivolous towards Shen Ruyun because for him, Shen Ruyun was merely a stranger. Moreover, at that time, Jiang Yu¡¯e should still be present, Zhou Yan Bang....... How would he have free time?

    Right at this moment, she suddenly glimpsed Shen Ruyun who was wrapped in mother Shen¡¯s embrace. Her eyes blinked, not appearing to be grieving. Instead it looked like she was feeling proud of herself for getting her way with her scheme.

 Chapter 84 Part 3

    Chapter 84 Part 3: Chaos

    Do you guys realize themon plots in novels/dramas?

    K-drama = amnesia while c-drama = whenever there¡¯s a banquet/gathering, someone will either fall in ake/pond or a couple caught in a tryst. Is it like a must have for it to be authentic? XD

    Jiang Li suspected that she had seen wrongly and looked at her again. This time around, she didn¡¯t see the expression shown in Shen Ruyun before. However, she discovered Shen Ruyun¡¯s entire messy clothes, her disheveled hair, all seemed deliberate. Furthermore, which person, after being harassed, had her whole body cut a sorry figure, but her shoes were not touched by any bit of dirt, her hair clip was also proper and her earrings were intact.

    It¡¯s very strange indeed.

    Jiang Li suddenly thought of a possibility.

    She looked unbelievably at Shen Ruyun. Supposed that her guess was right, even if she was Shen Ruyun¡¯s older sister-inw, she would also be shocked by Shen Ruyun¡¯s boldness.

    Shen Ruyun kept on saying that Zhou Yan Bang was being disrespectful towards herself. Jiang You Yao burst with rage after hearing her, without waiting for Ningyuan Marchioness to open her mouth, she stood up and said: ¡°Nonsense, how could Zhou heir be disrespectful to you! Zhou heir is straightforward and upright, it must be you ndering Zhou heir!¡±

    In everyone¡¯s eyes, it was truly impossible. Although Shen Ruyun could be regarded as having above average features,pared with Jiang You Yao, she was much more inferior. Not caring about such a beautiful and tender youngdy but being frivolous towards Shen Ruyun whose looks were not as good, in other people¡¯s eyes, unless Zhou Yan Bang was a fool, it could not beprehended.

    Shen Ruyun saw Jiang You Yao behaving as Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s primary wife and was irritated. Jealousy bubbled forth and without a second thought, she coldly said: ¡°Hmph, he wasn¡¯t just being disrespectful towards me, your family¡¯s fifth miss too!¡±

    Jiang Yu¡¯e!

    Ji Shuran¡¯s brain froze, she subconsciously looked towards Yang-shi. Yang-shi was also frozen.She was originally anxious when she couldn¡¯t find Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s silhouette. Now hearing Shen Ruyun¡¯s words, it was as if being struck by lightning.

    It¡¯s different with outsiders, if what Shen Ruyun said was true, using the identity of top scorer Shen Yunrong¡¯s sister, it¡¯s not difficult to marry Zhou Yan Bang. But how can Jiang Yu¡¯e bepared with Shen Ruyun? Could it be that she has to be Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s concubine? Even if she became one, how could the main branch forgive her?

    Yang-shi muttered: ¡°Impossible.......¡±

    ¡°How is it impossible?¡± Shen Ruyun promptly said: ¡°The emperor and all the cab ministers have seen it with their own eyes. Jiang fourth miss has been....... has been.......¡± She didn¡¯t continue.

    Ningyuan Marchioness only felt the sky spin. Heavens! What is actually Zhou Yan Bang doing! Why suddenly getting involved with two strangedies, why must be seen by the emperor!

    Zhou Yan Bang was ruined!

    Jiang You Yao retreated two steps back, feeling her whole body losing strength. Even though her mouth still shouted ¡°impossible¡±, she already believed seven points in her heart.

    Since Shen Ruyun had said that the emperor and all the ministers had seen it with their own eyes, it¡¯s clear that it wasn¡¯t a lie. Instantly, Jiang You Yao felt her heart ache terribly. She didn¡¯t understand why Zhou Yan Bang would do this. Okay, no need to mention Shen Ruyun; but Jiang Yu¡¯e was a member of the Jiang family. This time, Zhou Yan Bang really hit her face! How is she going to live in the future! Do they want to let Jiang Yu¡¯e also marry as a concubine, sisters serving the same husband? Even if she is the main wife, Jiang You Yao will not allow it!

    At this time, Jiang You Yao still believed herself to be Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s primary wife. Perhaps Jiang You Yao also thought after this matter passed, Zhou Yan Bang would still take her as his wife.

    But Jiang Li could clearly see that it¡¯s impossible for Jiang You Yao to marry Zhou Yan Bang.

    Solely because Shen Ruyun had also stuck her foot in.

    If Shen Ruyun wasn¡¯t mixed inside, it would only be Zhou Yan Bang and Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s scandal known to everyone. In the final analysis, Jiang Yu¡¯e was just the daughter of a shu branch in the family. With the difference in identities, it¡¯s a verymon matter for Jiang You Yao to press Jiang Yu¡¯e down. It¡¯s just that it¡¯s impossible for Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s career to rise up in the future. Zhou Yan Bang and Jiang You Yao¡¯s days were long, there would always be disagreements. In addition, with Jiang Yu¡¯e thrown in, the two sisters would fight each other. It¡¯s a lucky coincidence, saving Jiang Li from troubles.

    But Shen Ruyun was ¡°disrespected¡± by Zhou Yan Bang.

    Shen Ruyun was an upstart in the dynasty, Shen Yurong¡¯s blood rted younger sister. Hong Xiao emperor regarded Shen Yurong highly and would definitely take care of him. There¡¯s only Zhou Yan Bang in Shen Ruyun¡¯s heart, naturally she couldn¡¯t bear to punish Zhou Yan Bang. The best solution was for Shen Ruyun to marry Zhou Yan Bang.

    Shen Ruyun got what she wished for.

    Jiang Li was almost certain the so-called ¡°disrespected¡± by Zhou Yan Bang was a matter made up by Shen Ruyun herself. Perhaps, Zhou Yan Bang was delirious at that time, thus the opportunity was grabbed by Shen Ruyun and she found an excuse to me Zhou Yan Bang.

    Jiang Li had no idea how Shen Ruyun coulde up with this move, but she had to admire Shen Ruyun. Shen Ruyun wholeheartedly wanted to marry Zhou Yan Bang; before, she thought that this sister-inw could only make stupid disturbance but now she used this method to achieve her purpose. She discovered that Shen Ruyun still had a brain at some point.

    For instance, the current moment.

    At this time, a noise was heard from ahead. All the madams tacitly looked towards the sound and saw many people looking like officials were crowding at the gate of an attic. They had no idea what they were doing.

    Upon seeing this, Shen Ruyun was immediately choked with sobs and said: ¡°You see, that¡¯s them.¡±

 Chapter 84 Part 4

    Chapter 84 Part 4: Chaos

    Jiang You Yao¡¯s heart had long since fluctuated violently. Hearing that Zhou Yan Bang was ahead, regardless of Ji Shuran¡¯s obstruction, she ran straight forward. Some cab ministers were standing at the door of Yu Xiu Pavilion, each and every one of them was out of the way, unwilling to dirty their eyes. Jiang Yuan Bai was also here. Upon seeing Jiang You Yao, he immediately spoke: ¡°You Yao.¡±

    Jiang You Yao ran to the door.

    She saw the inside of Yu Xiu Pavilion was in a mess and emitting some kind of smell. Zhou Yan Bang and Jiang Yu¡¯e have woken up, but their clothes were disheveled, it should have been put on in a hurry. Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s face was flushed, appearing thoroughly embarrassed. However, Jiang Yu¡¯e looked towards Jiang You Yao and called out pitifully, ¡°third sister.¡±

    Jiang You Yao stepped forward in two three steps and without thinking, she raised her hand and ¡°smack¡±, she pped Jiang Yu¡¯e.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s body was ruthlessly nted sideways by the p, but she didn¡¯t budge. She merely covered her face with her hand, tears streamed down: ¡°Third sister, I....... I¡¯m sorry to you1.¡±

    Jiang You Yao then turned to look at Zhou Yan Bang and asked sorrowfully: ¡°Heir Zhou, you..... How could you do this?¡±

    ¡°I, I don¡¯t know.¡± Zhou Yan Bang was also totally anxious and confused. He truly didn¡¯t know what happened. He only remembered that he arranged a meeting with Jiang Li, afterwards, Jiang Li came and the two people had a very close rtionship. Later on, his memory was a bit fuzzy until a female¡¯s fearful cry woke him up. It was an unfamiliar woman, but she kept on saying that he had harassed her. Following that, the emperor and his father, plus some cab ministers, came over, but the person sleeping by his side turned to Jiang Yu¡¯e.

    Zhou Yan Bang couldn¡¯t recall anything, but upon seeing Jiang You Yao beating Jiang Yu¡¯e, and Jiang Yu¡¯e covering her face to resist, looking wronged, he felt that Jiang Yu¡¯e was extremely pitiful and hispassion stirred. Moreover, in front of him, Jiang You Yao had always looked naive, when did he ever see her so barbaric?

    Jiang Li, who was standing in the middle of the crowd, saw Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s behavior and was puzzled. ording to reason, Jiang Yu¡¯e was the only one who drank the wineced with medicine, why would Zhou Yan Bang also have a dizzy and confused look on him?

    ¡°What is in second miss¡¯s thoughts?¡± Ji Heng suddenly asked.

    ¡°Wondering why heir Zhou doesn¡¯t seem to remember anything, whether it was just him making excuses.¡±

    Ji Hengughed lightly.

    Jiang Li lifted her head and doubtfully nced at him. Yet, she saw him shake his fan meaningfully and suddenly realized.

    This person liked watching a y so much, enjoyed the bustling scene, and liked seeing the matter be big. Since the beginning, he knew her n, did he perhaps add firewood in the middle to make this y bing more wonderful?

    Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s conduct, could it actually be because of him?

    Jiang Li feltplicated, she truly didn¡¯t know the proper thing to say. This person, Ji Heng, was nothing good, but in this matter, he did very well. Actually achieved an unexpected result.

    Shen Ruyun had presumably seen Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s unaware appearance and was quickly struck with inspiration and thought of such a shady method.

    Can this be regarded as an ident?

    Thinking that Ji Heng had done a good thing, the way Jiang Li looked at him turned milder. But Ji Heng didn¡¯t seem to notice and remained smiling as he watched the not-yet-finished y.

    Jiang Yuan Bai could no longer bear it and pulled Jiang You Yao out to hand her over to Ji Shuran. Jiang You Yao personally saw everything and her heart was totally broken. She was unable to deal with other things at this time and silently cried while being held in Ji Shuran¡¯s arms.

    Hong Xiao Emperor had left, reportedly must not see this sordid scene.

    But how will this y end? Jiang Li was also very curious. Zhou Yan Bang would certainly be brought back to his residence for now. Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s residence would have a discussion and give an answer. But how would Jiang Yu¡¯e deal with the main branch¡¯s fury? Jiang Yu¡¯e grabbed Jiang You Yao¡¯s fiancee, Jiang Li didn¡¯t believe that Jiang You Yao would leave the matter just like that.

    Moreover, Jiang Li carelessly nced around, Shen Yurong had not yet showed up.

    She was just thinking about this when she saw a person hurriedlye over from outside the crowd. Shen Ruyun saw this person and called out: ¡°Big brother!¡±

    Shen Yurong had arrived.

    Ningyuan Marquis was in the middle of worrying about what step to take next when he saw Shen Yuronge. His head immediately felt twice as big2. Their Ningyuan Marquis family could be considered a great family. However, this minister was currently the emperor¡¯s favorite person. Shen Yurong had only one younger sister, Shen Ruyun. His own younger sister being bullied, how could he not ask for justice.

    Ningyuan Marquis was in a dilemma.

    No need to talk about Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s identity for now, but Zhou Yan Bang and Jiang You Yao were already engaged. The other was the daughter of the court¡¯s chief assistant, while the other was the younger sister of the court¡¯s secretary3, both couldn¡¯t be offended. But looking at the current situation, both parties were already offended.

    ¡°Yurong, why did you just arrive?¡± Mother Shen wept as she called out: ¡°your younger sister was bullied!¡±

    Jiang Li sneered inside. Why did he just arrive? Naturally he was using this precious time to meet with Princess Yongning.

    f

    Footnotes:

    1: This is not just a simple, straight forward apology, more like saying that she has done something to disappoint? wrong? and felt sorry towards the other party 1.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    2: Head twice as big = super headache iing 2.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

    3: I forgot his title T-T, he¡¯s in the department drafting edicts and arranging the documentation for the imperial court. He¡¯s part of Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s department but for the life of me I can¡¯t remember his title!! Help!! 1.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 84 Part 5

    Chapter 84 Part 5: Chaos

    Sure enough, not long after Shen Yurong showed up, Jiang Li soon saw a woman¡¯s silhouettee over leisurely in the dark night. Who else was it if not Princess Yongning?

    Truly not a long time had passed, and the man sings and the woman follows.

    Jiang Li stared at Princess Yongning, trying her best to conceal her ice-cold expression. However, Ji Heng took in the entire scene and as he held the handle of his fan thoughtfully, a strange light shed in his eyes.

    Princess Yongning took her time before gathering with the crowd, just asking with a surprised face what had happened.

    Shen Yurong hurriedlyforted Shen Ruyun in a few words then stood up and walked towards the awkward Zhou Yan Bang who was standing together with Jiang Yu¡¯e.

    Zhou Yan Bang didn¡¯t know if it was due to the drug, but he wasn¡¯tpletely sober yet. He looked as if he didn¡¯t know fear, also not understanding how grave the matter was, he remained somewhat dizzy.

    Shen Yurong saw him like that and directly walked to face Ningyuan Maquis. He said: ¡°Master Zhou, you should give an answer to my sister.¡±

    Ningyuan Marquis was ashamed and angry at being spoken to by a younger generation with a tough stance like this in front of so many colleagues. However, he understood clearly that the matter today was Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s fault. Although annoyed at heart, his face showed remorse, suitable for the situation. He said: ¡°All due to this old man being unable to educate properly and let this inferior son cause a great disaster. Young master Shen, no need to speak much, I will certainly let this inferior son give an ount to your younger sister!¡±

    Shen Yurong standing up for his younger sister like this had made the surrounding noble daughters who saw it had envy in their eyes. In addition, Shen Yurong had good looks, many people looked at him with admiration in their eyes.

    Jiang Li snorted disdainfully. Putting up the front of a righteous noble person by speaking like that, who knew of his undertaking of killing his wife and exterminating his sessor, all done to climb up? Really shameless.

    Unfortunately, he was born with a deceptive good look, tricking females to be fond of him.

    Ji Heng said: ¡°Young master Shen is quite responsible.¡±

    Jiang Li originally wanted to ignore him, but hearing other people praising Shen Yurong, she couldn¡¯t help retorting. At once she replied, not salty but not mildly: ¡°Duke Su¡¯s requirements of people are very low.¡±

    ¡°Second miss doesn¡¯t like young master Shen?¡± Ji Heng asked, ¡°strange, young master Shen is handsome, gentle and refined, why don¡¯t you like him?¡±

    Jiang Liughed sarcastically: ¡°After death, only a pile of bones left, why should one like?¡±

    ¡°Second miss has a Buddha nature, free from vulgarity,¡± Ji Heng said: ¡°so you don¡¯t look at the external appearance.¡±

    Only then Jiang Li recalled that this person in front of her, Duke Su, loved beauty and hated ugliness. Doesn¡¯t he look at a person¡¯s exterior the most? She didn¡¯t know why she wanted to argue with Ji Heng and said: ¡°Then, since young master Shen looks this good, Duke Su might as well consider receiving him into the residence, it will be more fragrant.¡±

    She was saying that Shen Yurong was the same as a young male pet.

    For quite some time, there was no reply from Ji Heng. Perhaps he was choked by Jiang Li¡¯s words. As Jiang Li was about to lift her head to look at him, she heard Ji Heng¡¯s voice. He sighed and said: ¡°Didn¡¯t expect second miss to be experienced and knowledgeable, making people surprised.¡±

    He¡¯s saying that she had seen these kinds of things before, basically not a decent, well-bred youngdy at all!

    Jiang Li was toozy to speak. She wasn¡¯t originally a noble daughter native of Yanjing, also not a girl from a wealthy family. She basically disliked being bound and loved freedom. How others saw her, she didn¡¯t care. Now, she only wished to see Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s ending.

    But on the other side, Princess Yongning had finally finished listening to the whole sequence of events from a pce maid. Her eyes turned and she walked forward.

    This was Cheng Wang¡¯s younger sister. Facing Liu taifei¡¯s most doted daughter, everyone had to lowered themselves three points. Princess Yongning opened her mouth with a smile: ¡°How are you going to exin? A young girl¡¯s reputation is the most important. Miss Shen is also an honorable miss; she was disrespected in vain. In the future, how is she going to get married?¡± Her sight swept over the stunned Zhou Yan Bang, smiled slightly, and said: ¡°Luckily your two families are well-matched. It¡¯s not difficult to talk about this matter. Just let Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s heir marry Miss Shen, wouldn¡¯t it be to everyone¡¯s joy and satisfaction?¡±

    Jiang You Yao¡¯s body stiffened and she looked at Princess Yongning in disbelief.

    Shen Ruyun crawled in mother Shen¡¯s embrace, trying her best to cover up the delight in her eyes.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e was anxious and frightened. Princess Yongning speaking up was only talking about Shen Ruyun, without mentioning her. Could it be because she was a shu born daughter that she wasn¡¯t worthy to be discussed in the same sentence with Shen Ruyun? Jiang Yu¡¯e felt deeply humiliated but she could only lower her head and unwillingly looked at her skirt.

    Jiang Li pulled her hands back into her sleeves, couldn¡¯t help clenching them into fists. The smile at the corner of her mouth also appeared mocking.

    Princess Yongning yed a good hand, she had clearly seen Shen Ruyun¡¯s thoughts. She just came to push the boat with the current to please the little sister-inw. Perhaps, it wasn¡¯t that she wanted to please the little sister-inw, because ording to Princess Yongning¡¯s temperament, she definitely would not hold Shen Ruyun in her eyes. It was nothing more than to help Shen Ruyun so that Shen Yurong would be grateful to her to some extent.

    If before it was just a suspicion that the Shen family had known the rtionship between Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong early on, with the current sentence, Jiang Li was certain.

    They had indeed known it from long ago.

 Chapter 85 Part 1

    Chapter 85 Part 1: Vying For a Husband

    Jiang Li stared unwaveringly at Shen Yurong.

    As Shen Ruyun¡¯s older brother, it¡¯s impossible for Shen Yurong not to know his own sister¡¯s thoughts. Princess Yongning remembering this feeling discreetly, helping his own sister to settle her lifelong affair with Shen Yurong personally saw it, would he not be moved?

    Shen Yurong¡¯s eyelids moved slightly, but he didn¡¯t speak.

    Jiang Li ridiculed him in her heart, actually being so indifferent. She still thought Shen Yurong would give thanks joyfully.

    On the other hand, Ji Shuran could clearly feel Jiang You Yao¡¯s excitement from her embrace. For a time, she felt it was difficult.

    If they were talking about Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s request to break the marriage contract with Jiang You Yao a few days ago, Ji Shuran was simply angry, but wasn¡¯t very worried. After all, as long as Ningyuan Marquis had a bit of brain, he would not put out this matter which might ruin his future career. But the current matter had greatly exceeded the range of Ji Shuran¡¯s capability.

    If it was only Jiang Yu¡¯e alone, Ji Shuran could find a way and n slowly. However, this still involved the younger sister of Shen Yurong, the assistant minister. Shen Ruyun wasn¡¯t someone who could easily be dispatched. This time, Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s heir was also helpless. Ji Shuran nced at Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s uglyplexion and knew Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s thought, this marriage would not bepleted.

    Ji Shuran also didn¡¯t wish for Jiang You Yao to marry Zhou Yan Bang. Once this matter passed, Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s official career was no longer possible.

    No matter what, Jiang You Yao liked Zhou Yan Bang.

    Ji Shuran only felt her head ache. This was truly a sudden and unexpected disaster. Although Zhou Yan Bang was the one out of luck, wasn¡¯t the most broken-hearted still Jiang You Yao? Thinking of this, Ji Shuran couldn¡¯t help ncing over once again at Jiang Li.

    Jiang Li was standing beside Ji Heng who had a tall stature. By coincidence, Jiang Li was covered by Ji Heng, thus Jiang Li¡¯s expression was unable to be seen clearly. But Ji Shuran assumed, at this moment, Jiang Li must have that annoying smile hung on her face. The smile that looked as if nothing could move her.

    Jiang Li must have something to do with this matter, Ji Shuran thought hatefully. Tonight, she originally thought of letting Jiang Li and Ye Shijie¡¯s reputation to fall. She didn¡¯t expect that the one who met with mishap to be Zhou Yan Bang. Moreover, without mentioning Shen Ruyun, how Jiang Yu¡¯e and Zhou Yan Bang got mixed together made Ji Shuran angry. But that made her convinced that Jiang Li must have a hand in it.

    But then, what is the rtionship between Jiang Li and Ji Heng? Ji Shuran didn¡¯t dare toe over and ask Jiang Li. She was actually afraid of Duke Su, that youth with a pretty face was like a beautiful viper, epassing Jiang Li. Incidentally, he brought Jiang Li in his protection.

    Ji Shuran was unable to do anything about it.

    For a while, the people couldn¡¯t grasp Princess Yongning¡¯s speech.

    Actually, Shen Yurong also had no room to advance or retreat. If he epted Princess Yongning¡¯s words, even if the matter would be settled easily, the Shen family¡¯s daughter would appear cheap, as if she was in a hurry to be married to Zhou Yan Bang. If he declined in front of Shen Ruyun....... Shen Ruyun definitely would not understand.

    Princess Yongning naturally thought that she understand his thoughts, but she was too stupid. This kind of thing, it¡¯s only right to first discuss this in private. There¡¯s no need to mention this right at this moment, in front of all the people, making it difficult to answer. If Xue Fang Fei was around, she definitely would not do so....... Shen Yurong thought in frustration.

    In the end, he didn¡¯t take advantage of Princess Yongning¡¯s words and merely said to Ningyuan Marquis: ¡°Today has startled my younger sister, this official will first take her home to rest and see the physician. Everyone present has seen this matter, in the future, still need to ask master to give our Shen family an exnation!¡± After speaking, he didn¡¯t dwell much and looking very concerned with Shen Ruyun, he walked to mother Shen¡¯s side and took Shen Ruyun to leave.

    Shen Ruyun was greatly disappointed and was very puzzled why Shen Yurong didn¡¯t take the opportunity given by Princess Yongning¡¯s words. She still wanted to make noise by saying a few sentences without listening to excuses but when she raised her head, she met Shen Yurong¡¯s strict eyes and immediately did not dare to say anything. Although Shen Yurong treated her very well, when Shen Yurong got angry, even mother Shen didn¡¯t dare to provoke him.

    Shen Ruyun had no choice but left very unwillingly with Shen Yurong.

    Princess Yongning¡¯s good intention, she never thought Shen Yurong would not ept her words so simply, and was put in an awkward position. On one hand, she scolded Shen Yurong for not having conscience and was unable to tell good from bad while on the other hand, she hatefully med Zhou Yan Bang for causing trouble. For a moment, she hated Zhou Yan Bang so much, she sneered at Ningyuan Marquis and said: ¡°Truly disgraceful!¡± Then she turned and walked off.

    Today, Ningyuan Marquis had lost all his face in front of his colleagues. Standing there, his face burned.

    A slight smile spilled from Jiang Li¡¯s lips.

    Ji Heng asked: ¡°Why is Jiang second miss smiling?¡±

    ¡°The pot calls the kettle ck,¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°Isn¡¯t it funny?¡±

    Princess Yongning scolded Ningyuan Marquis as disgraceful, but she didn¡¯t see whether she had the qualification to say this word. In Jiang Li¡¯s eyes, Princess Yongning and Zhou Yan Bang were as bad as each other. Besides, Zhou Yan Bang had never killed anybody, but Princess Yongning, a turtledove upying the magpie¡¯s nest, was even more shameless.

    Ningyuan Marchioness seemed to havee out of her daze. She resisted the panic and anger in her heart with great difficulty, walked to Yu Xiu Pavilion¡¯s door, first pretended to beat Zhou Yan Bang a couple of times before looking at Jiang Yu¡¯e. She said: ¡°Jiang fifth miss was also startled today. First go back home and take a rest. After a few days, we, the Zhou family, would definitely give an exnation to Jiang fifth miss.¡±

    The insincere smile made Jiang Yu¡¯e a bit afraid.

    Shen Ruyun kept saying that she was disgraced by Zhou Yan Bang. But when Jiang Yu¡¯e and Zhou Yan Bang were discovered by everyone, she didn¡¯t appear to be disrespected. Instead, it was like a youngster¡¯s passion towards a concubine. In Ningyuan Marchioness¡¯s eyes, it must be Jiang Yu¡¯e who seduced Zhou Yan Bang first.

    And Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s identity was not enough to intimidate Ningyuan Marchioness. Even if they had to give Jiang Yu¡¯e an identity, at most she would be a concubine of the Zhou family¡¯s. Everybody¡¯s aware that the third master of the Jiang family, Jiang Yuan Xing, and Jiang Yuan Bai, Jiang Yuan Ping were not blood rted brothers. So there¡¯s no need to look at the faces of the other people of the Jiang family and give more courtesy to Jiang Yuan Xing. Giving Jiang Yuan Xing an exnation would be much easier.

 Chapter 85 Part 2

    Chapter 85 Part 2: Vying for a Husband

    It¡¯s not that Jiang Yu¡¯e didn¡¯t hear the ridicule and carelessness in Ningyuan Marchioness¡¯s tone, she was half humiliated and half ashamed. But she didn¡¯t have any other way and could only use her eyes to request help from Yang-shi.

    Both Yang-shi and Jiang Yuan Xing were bitter at the moment. Although usually Yang-shi didn¡¯t like her daughter to fawn over Ji Shuran mother and daughter, as a Jiang family member, she also understood the pros and cons. Jiang Yu¡¯e existence as Jiang You Yao¡¯s attendant was the result of Yang-shi¡¯s plotting. Now that Jiang Yu¡¯e had done so, it had undoubtedly offended the main branch. Even if they wanted to speak for Jiang Yu¡¯e, in this situation, the third branch really had no position to speak up.

    Most of all, Jiang Yu¡¯e and Zhou Yan Bang seemed to both be willing. Since it was mutual consent, there shouldn¡¯t be any ¡°exnation¡± or ¡°no exnation.

    It¡¯s not good for Yang-shi to say anything, she could only resolutely step forward and supported Jiang Yu¡¯e from one side, then hurriedly spoke a few sentences to Jiang Yuan Bai. She even didn¡¯t dare to look at Ji Shuran¡¯s expression before leaving in a rush.

    The people present saw that the two female protagonists of the scene had departed, leaving Zhou Yan Bang alone by himself. Ningyuan Marquis also wanted to immediately take Zhou Yan Bang back. The spectators saw and knew there was no more wonderful scene to enjoy. Soon, one by one took their leave and went home. Actually, they were preparing to continue discussing this earth-shaking love affair when they returned to their residences.

    The Jiang family also had to return home.

    Jiang You Yao most likely still wanted to question Zhou Yan Bang as to why he wanted to treat her like so. But Ji Shuran had continuously and firmly pulled her. Besides, there were still a lot of people watching around and she could only drop it. It¡¯s just that her heart was extremely dejected and she looked more haggardpared to Zhou Yan Bang who was caught in the affair.

    Jiang Li was also following behind the Jiang family¡¯s members, preparing to return to the residence together. As she was about to leave, she suddenly thought of something, stopped her steps and turned around.

    Ji Heng was still standing in his original ce and was surprised to see her turning around.

    Jiang Li lightly performed a courtesy to him and said: ¡°Today¡¯s matter totally relied on Duke Suing to give a hand. Jiang Li feels extremely thankful.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± In the night, Ji Heng¡¯s fan emitted a ray of dark splendor. He said carelessly: ¡°The one performing a y is you, the one watching a y is me, second miss don¡¯t be mistaken,¡± Ji Hengughed strangely, ¡°I¡¯m just watching a y, not performing.¡±

    Jiang Li was slightly stumped, her heart a bit discouraged. She deliberately spoke this way, precisely to let Ji Heng think that the matter today was done by the two of them. In the future, if Ji Heng thought of betraying her, he would have a bit of apprehension. Who knew this person wasn¡¯t even willing to do this and was actually very alert.

    Truly extremely devious.

    Jiang Li¡¯s smile faded a little. She nodded and drifted away with the Jiang family¡¯s group.

    ¡°Oh, females are indeed frightful,¡± Ji Hengughed lowly from behind. He then spoke to himself: ¡°A little girl is also a female.¡±

    ......

    When they went back, Jiang Li didn¡¯t ride on the same carriage as Jiang You You and the others.

    Perhaps Jiang You Yao wanted toin tearfully to Ji Shuran, this broken-hearted look absolutely must not be seen by others, especially Jiang Li. So Jiang Li rode in the same carriage as the second branch.

    Along the way, Jiang Jing Rui had a weird expression on him, seemingly making a supreme effort to restrain his urge to gossip with Jiang Li. Thinking about it, he must be eager to carefully discuss today¡¯s secret affair between Jiang Yu¡¯e and Zhou Yan Bang with Jiang Li. It¡¯s just that his parents and elder brother were all in the same carriage. It¡¯s not good for Jiang Jing Rui to start talking. So throughout the journey, he kept winking at Jiang Li. Without asking, Jiang Li knew what he wanted to say¡ª¡ªwhen they arrive home, he will talk in detail in Fang Fei Garden.

    Jiang Li was toozy to deal with him.

    Today, Ji Shuran mother and daughter wanted to harm her and Ye Shijie. As a result, Zhou Yan Bang and Jiang Yu¡¯e were tangled together, even Shen Ruyun exploited the gap. The water in this pond was stirred til it couldn¡¯t get any muddier. Honestly, even Jiang Li could not foresee the result of this effect. Who would have known Shen Ruyun could produce such a stroke?

    It looked like what Princess Yongning said, ¡®it was to everyone¡¯s delight and satisfaction¡¯. But in fact, this had just begun.

    Sooner orter, Ji Shuran would find out that Jiang Yu¡¯e and Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s matter was due to Jiang Li. And after this, it¡¯s impossible for Jiang You Yao and Zhou Yan Bang to be together. Jiang You Yao would hate Jiang Yu¡¯e, and would hate Jiang Li, the initiator, even more.

    And on Ye Shijie¡¯s side, Ji Shuran¡¯s wish to harm Ye Shijie was not fulfilled. Now Ye Shijie had be the foreign official in the Ministry of Revenue, which attracted people¡¯s eyes. Who knew how much resentment he¡¯d provoke publicly and secretly? No need to mention other people first, most possibly, Ji Shuran would let her mother¡¯s family and the Ji family members to trip Ye Shijie. Although Ye Shijie had received a bit of Hong Xiao Emperor¡¯s admiration, he had just entered officialdom, without any rtionship to rely on. The Ye family had never served as an official before, there were really few people who could shelter Ye Shijie.

    Her and Ye Shijie¡¯s road was bound to be even more difficult to walk after this.

    But that¡¯s fine. Jiang Li thought joyfully. In any case, being able to let the enemy in front of her suffer losses could be considered as not treating her unfairly. No matter how many difficulties in the future, it would be like tonight, just resolve them one by one.

    Her path would get smoother as she walked.

    ......

    After returning to the residence, Jiang Li didn¡¯t greet Jiang Yuan Bai and the others and directly returned to Fang Fei Garden as it¡¯s already veryte. Bai Xue and Tong¡¯er saw here back safe without any worries and loosened their breaths. Jiang Li didn¡¯t tell the two of them what urred in the pce feast today. She had been busy for the evening plus dealing with Duke Su, now she just wanted to take a good rest. No matter what happens, it¡¯s not toote to put it off until tomorrow.

    As for Jiang Yuan Bai and old madam Jiang, Jiang Li smiled slightly, this evening they would naturally not attend to her. There¡¯s still a more important matter to take care of.

 Chapter 85 Part 3

    Chapter 85 Part 3: Vying for a Husband

    Inside Wan Feng Hall.

    Old madam Jiang looked solemnly at Jiang Yuan Bai.

    She had lived for so long, seen so many things, heard many times of a couple caught in affairs under the public eyes, and it¡¯s not as if she had never seen them personally. For instance, the previous top scorer, Shen Yurong¡¯s wife, Xue Fang Fei. At that time, when she was caught engaging in an illicit affair at mother Shen¡¯s birthday feast, old madam Jiang was also on the scene.

    She despised people who didn¡¯t have self-respect, loathed children who destroyed their family¡¯s reputation, yet she never expected that one day, this kind of thing would ur in their Jiang family.

    ¡°Indeed the morality and conduct of a bastard!¡± Old madam Jiang spoke coldly: ¡°The daughter taught is also the same!¡± The one who got into an ident was the third branch, who wasn¡¯t her own son. Old madam Jiang also didn¡¯t know whether she should rejoice or be angry.

    It¡¯s very rare for Jiang Yuan Bai to see his mother this angry. He also stayed silent and didn¡¯t say a word.

    ¡°What is your n?¡± Old madam Jiang asked.

    ¡°Son ns to immediately dismiss You Yao and Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s marriage.¡± Jiang Yuan Bai said grimly: ¡°This thing happened, You Yao cannot marry into the Zhou family. No matter how Yu¡¯e and Zhou Yan Bang are, You Yao is the daughter of my wife. Marrying into the Zhou family, she will be reduced to aughingstock in the entire Yanjing.¡± Jiang Yuan Bai sighed: ¡°Moreover, Zhou Yan Bang, this child, his intentions are not right. He was obviously betrothed to my child, but had an unclear rtionship with other members of the Jiang family, his character is dubious. I don¡¯t believe these people will treat You Yao well in the future.¡±

    ¡°I think so too.¡± Perhaps upon seeing that Jiang Yuan Bai and she had the same thought, old madam Jiang¡¯splexion eased up. She said: ¡°This time, the Zhou family will not have any face to mention the marriage with You Yao anymore. Anyway, You Yao is still young, theseing days, pay closer attention to any suitable families. No matter how our Jiang family¡¯s daughter is, finding a better husband than the Zhou family¡¯s boy is also an effortless matter!¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai nodded in agreement.

    The mother and son had just talked to this point when the sound of a girl crying came through from outside. Jiang Yuan Bai turned his head to see it was actually Jiang You Yao charging in, despite Ji Shuran¡¯s prohibition.

    Once Jiang You Yao entered, she immediately pulled Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s sleeve. While crying she said: ¡°Father, I cannot cancel the marriage with heir Zhou!¡±

    Receiving the news, Ji Shuran rushed over without dy and pulled her up. Old madam Jiang¡¯s brows wrinkled: ¡°Ji-shi, how did you raise You Yao, how could you let her in?¡±

    Ji Shuran had no other way and could only say: ¡°Mother, master, You Yao is too broken-hearted. She had fainted a few times....... You Yao is also too pitiful. Everything was perfectly all right, heir Zhou did this kind of thing, isn¡¯t that sticking a needle into our You Yao¡¯s heart?¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai lowered his head to look at his young daughter. Jiang You Yao was evidently genuinely heart-broken. Her usual nature was to cherish her appearance, but now her tears fell like flowers, not caring about her looks. Her lips were even paler than paper. Jiang Yuan Bai also inevitably felt distressed. To him, the person who was most injured in this matter was Jiang You Yao. After all, Jiang You Yao did not do anything wrong, yet suffered her sweetheart¡¯s betrayal.

    Jiang Yuan Bai spoke patiently: ¡°You Yao, don¡¯t be willful. Zhou Yan Bang did such a thing, how could he be my Jiang family¡¯s son-inw.¡± He looked at her again and saw Jiang You Yao¡¯s unwilling appearance. He hardened his heart and continued speaking ruthlessly, ¡°Since Zhou Yan Bang could be together with Jiang Yu¡¯e, he clearly doesn¡¯t have you in his heart. If he had you in his mind, even a little bit, he wouldn¡¯t do the kind of thing that will humiliate you. As a father, I must not let you marry such a man who has no responsibility and no you in his heart!¡±

    ¡°No¡ª¡ª¡±beyond expectation, after Jiang You Yao heard Jiang Yuan Bai, not only was she not convinced, she instead became even more stubborn. She refuted: ¡°Heir Zhou has me in his heart, the reason why he was with Jiang Yu¡¯e was, was because....... was because Jiang Yu¡¯e seduced him! It¡¯s Jiang Yu¡¯e who harmed him. Right, it¡¯s Jiang Yu¡¯e ying tricks. Jiang Yu¡¯e wanted to snatch heir Zhou for a long time and could only use this disgusting trick. It¡¯s not heir Zhuo¡¯s fault. Father, it¡¯s Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s fault. What you should do is not to dismiss the engagement between heir Zhou and I, but to severely punish Jiang Yu¡¯e, that cheap person!¡±

    When these words came out, Ji Shuran secretly screamed ¡°not good¡±. Jiang Yuan Bai looked at Jiang You Yao in shock.

    In Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s heart, Jiang You Yao was always an innocent and naive little girl. But this person in front of him, whose condition seemed insane, the girl who opened her mouth full of obscenities, was really too unfamiliar.

    Ji Shuran smiled and hurriedly said: ¡°You Yao, she¡¯s too angry. She heard some rumors before, saying that Yu¡¯e.......¡± She intentionally wanted to pour dirty water on Jiang Yu¡¯e body. Perhaps it could be regarded as not pouring dirty water as the way Ji Shuran looked at it, in the end, Jiang Yu¡¯e might not have necessarily resisted when she was together with Zhou Yan Bang. Or she might have even simply colluded with Jiang Li.

    ¡°Troublesome!¡± Old madam Jiang, who had been watching coldly, reprimanded sternly. She said: ¡°Jiang Yu¡¯e took the initiative to seduce Zhou Yan Bang, then what about Shen Ruyun? The secretary¡¯s younger sister, she wouldn¡¯t actively seduce Zhou Yan Bang!¡±

    If Jiang Li was here, she would have certainly been unable to stop herughter after hearing old madam Jiang¡¯s words. Because just like the absurd theory of old madam Jiang, hadn¡¯t the secretary¡¯s sister had exactly actively seduced Zhou Yan Bang? She even didn¡¯t hesitate to sacrifice her own reputation and released words that Zhou Yan Bang had ¡°disrespected¡± her so as to marry into the Zhou family.

    Jiang You Yao froze.

    Indeed, Jiang Yu¡¯e could be used of seducing Zhou Yan Bang, then what about Shen Ruyun? Shen Ruyun and Zhou Yan Bang could previously be said as strangers. Moreover, Shen Ruyun was not Jiang Yu¡¯e, if the Shen family stated that they wanted Zhou Yan Bang to take responsibility, without a doubt, as Princess Yongning said, Zhou Yan Bang must marry Shen Ruyun.

    Although she was precious as the chief assistant¡¯s daughter, what can she do? Unless she was also being disrespected by Zhou Yan Bang on that day, perhaps she could stillpete with Shen Ruyun and see which one would Zhou Yan Bang choose in the end.

    Seeing that Jiang You Yao seemed to be moved, old madam Jiang said again in a cold tone: ¡°Furthermore, no matter how Jiang Yu¡¯e ends up with Zhou Yan Bang, our Jiang family will never allow any cases of siblings serving one husband to happen. It¡¯s impossible for Zhou Yan Bang to be your husband.¡±

    Jiang You Yao¡¯s body was limp and directly slumped on the ground. She couldn¡¯t say anything and could only weep.

    She knew that what old madam Jiang said was true. There nothing could be done for Zhou Yan Bang and her!

 Chapter 85 Part 4

    Chapter 85 Part 4: Vying for a Husband

    Tranted more characters so only 4 parts for this chapter ^^, enjoy!

    Painstakingly came up with a strategy to snatch this marriage from Jiang Li¡¯s hand. Waiting joyfully for the husband to escort her and enter the husband¡¯s house. Just need to wait for next winter, just need to wait until that time, she would be the justified madam of the heir.

    But everything was ruined when it was almostplete. The result of her painstaking effort was to make wedding clothes for other people!

    In Jiang You Yao¡¯s heart, there was a murky despair.

    Right at this time, there was the sound of women crying far and near from the outside. Some people entered Wan Feng Hall and they were actually the people from the third branch.

    After he went in, without saying anything, Jiang Yuan Xing immediately knelt down towards old madam Jiang. Behind him, Yang-shi and Jiang Yu¡¯e also knelt down following him.

    Jiang Yuan Xing turned his head towards Jiang Yuan Bai and mmed his head twice onto the ground. He said: ¡°Eldest brother, third younger brother has let you down. It¡¯s the father¡¯s fault for raising a child without education. This time, Yu¡¯e rushed into disaster, all because I didn¡¯t teach her well. It¡¯s better if you beat me to death!¡±

    Yang-shi also cried while facing Ji Shuran: ¡°Eldest sister-inw, I really don¡¯t have the face to meet you. I know, this time, Yu¡¯e¡¯s mistake is really too big, but Yu¡¯e is the meat that fell from my body. You are also a mother, I have no other way but to beg you to give Yu¡¯e a way out. In the next life, I will be a cow and a horse to repay you!¡±

    With misty eyes, Jiang Yu¡¯e also cried towards Jiang You Yao and kowtowed. Unlike Jiang Yuan Xing and Yang-shi, she didn¡¯t say so many words, just merely sobbed: ¡°Third sister....... I¡¯m wrong.......¡±

    All the people in this family had gone as far as toe and apologized. For a time, Wan Feng Hall was filled with sorrowful crying, not at all lively.

    Jiang Yuan Bai was a little awkward. This half-brother and he were not very close. It wasn¡¯t due to their rtionship as half-brothers, rather, it was due to Jiang Yuan Xing having no ability and a cowardly temper. Jiang Yuan Bai looked down on him. This time as well, there¡¯s gold on a real man¡¯s knees. Jiang Yuan Xing kneeling down to him, for Jiang Yuan Bai, this was not a disy of Jiang Yuan Xing¡¯s sincerity. On the contrary, he felt that Jiang Yuan Xing treated kneeling as a light matter.

    Ji Shuran avoided Yang-shi¡¯s hand that was trying to grab her skirt. She forced a smile and said:

    ¡°Younger sister-inw, what are you talking about? Why ask me to give Yu¡¯e a way out? I didn¡¯t do anything to Yu¡¯e. If you are talking about the marriage between the Zhou family and You Yao, you don¡¯t have to worry. It¡¯s no longer possible between our family¡¯s You Yao and Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s heir. Whatever n Yu¡¯e ns to do next, it will not have the least bit of concern with You Yao. So there¡¯s no need for your speech about being a cow and a horse to repay.¡±

    Yang-shi didn¡¯t expect Ji Shuran to talk so frankly and straightforwardly. When she heard that Jiang You Yao and Zhou Yan Bang were no longer possible, then probably the marriage would not bepleted and her heart sank even more. All the people in the Jiang family were aware of Jiang You Yao¡¯s deep feelings towards Zhou Yan Bang. Now that Jiang You Yao was unable to enter the Zhou family¡¯s door but Jiang Yu¡¯e could, it would be a wonder if Jiang You Yao didn¡¯t put it on Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s head.

    Yang-shi¡¯s mind was like duckweed floating on water, unable to distinguish left and right, up and down. She was at a loss, unable to take any action, totally flustered.

    On the other hand, Jiang Yu¡¯e who was listening felt very happy.

    To be honest, if she were to choose between Shen Ruyun and Jiang You Yao to be Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s main wife, Jiang Yu¡¯e would rather pick Shen Ruyun. Staying with Jiang You Yao everyday would make Jiang Yu¡¯e recall the days she spent being worthless in the Jiang family. It would also remind her of the fact that she was just a shu daughter.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e was not at all willing to stay together with Jiang You Yao. Jiang You Yao wanted her to admit defeat, she also had to give tea and pay respect to Jiang You Yao, waiting to serve dishes, just like the time she needed topliment Jiang You Yao usually. There was no difference with how she used to pass her days before. Thus, she might as well wait upon a stranger.

    The joy in Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s gaze fell clearly on Jiang You Yao¡¯s eyes. Jiang You Yao only felt the fire in her heart ¡°buzz¡±, and it soared high in an instant. The offensive joy made Jiang You Yao lose her reason, suddenly jumped up and pounced on Jiang Yu¡¯e.

    ¡°Slut!¡± She screamed.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e, who was cowering and kneeling pitifully, was caught off guard by Jiang You Yao¡¯s abrupt move to injure her. In a short while, she fell down, the pearl hairpin hair holding her hair in a bun flung away and she was pounced by Jiang You Yao to the ground.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e let out a blood-curdling screech.

    ......

    The sunzily shone on the window¡¯s decorative pattern and a yellow oriole stopped on the crab-apple branch by the door, chirping cheerfully.

    When Jiang Li passed by, the yellow oriole was startled, pped its wings and flew higher up in a blink of an eye.

    Jiang Li looked at the sky outside, it¡¯s a good weather.

    ¡°Miss¡ª¡ª miss¡ª¡ª¡± Tong¡¯er trotted from outside.

    Bai Xue was sweeping the floor. When Tong¡¯er entered, she ran too fast and slipped, almost falling onto the ground. Bai Xue hurriedly extended her arms to support her. She deserved to be known for her great strength, just one hand was able to support Tong¡¯er steadily. Only then was Tong¡¯er able to stand firmly and straight. More scared than hurt, she gratefully said to Bai Xue: ¡°Thank you, Bai Xue.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s so urgent?¡± Bai Xue asked curiously: ¡°Can¡¯t you speak slowly?¡±

    ¡°Cannot, it¡¯s a first-ss major event, telling it slowly will make it old news. Miss¡ª¡ª¡± Finally, she found Jiang Li who was standing in front of the window, soaking in the sun. She said: ¡°I found you atst, miss, today ve servant went outside the courtyard and heard something. Do you know what it is, miss?¡±

    Before Jiang Li opened her mouth, Bai Xue had interjected: ¡°You have not said, how is miss to know what it is?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense.¡± Tong¡¯er said: ¡°ve servant heard something happened in Wan Feng Hallst night. It¡¯s unknown for what reason, the third miss and the fifth miss fought with each other.¡±

    ¡°Fought with each other?¡± Jiang Li didn¡¯t expect it, but was relieved after thinking about it. Jiang Yu¡¯e and Jiang You Yao, these two people, were originally not someone who could hold their anger, so it¡¯s normal for them to fight. It¡¯s just unexpected for them to fight in Wan Feng Hall. No idea how much face they¡¯d lost in the presence of old madam Jiang, their courage was not small.

    ¡°Who won the fight?¡± Bai Xue only cared about this.

    ¡°Hehehe, third miss is so violent, of course third miss won the fight. Heard that the third miss still injured fifth miss¡¯s face until bloody. This could cause scarring. But the strange thing was, third madam and third master didn¡¯t say anything. Yesterday night they called a physician toe and take a look. Even if this matter was exposed, surprisingly no one med the third miss. This is too strange.¡±

    Tong¡¯er shrugged: ¡°I also don¡¯t know why they started fighting.¡±

    Jiang Liughed, she knew why.

    It¡¯s for Zhou Yan Bang.

 Chapter 86 Part 1

    Chapter 86 Part 1: Resentment

    Jiang Li saw Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue¡¯s confused looks, then told the two of them what happened yesterday evening.

    The two servant girls did not follow her to the pce feast, thus weren¡¯t aware of what took ce. After they finished listening to Jiang Li¡¯s narration of the entire course of events, each one of them was totally astonished. Actually, Jiang Li didn¡¯t tell them how she tricked Jiang Yu¡¯e and just told them that due to an unexpected turn of events, the drugged wine that was meant for her was drank by Jiang Yu¡¯e.

    Tong¡¯er was extremely frightened and said rmingly: ¡°Luckily that drug was drunk by the fifth miss. If it was drunk by miss.......¡± Tong¡¯er simply didn¡¯t dare to imagine what Jiang Li would experience then. She put her palms together and prayed towards the heaven, ¡°All these were due to madam¡¯s blessing from heaven, continuously and secretly protecting the youngdy from harm. Amitabha.....¡±

    ¡°Madam¡¯s heart is too ruthless,¡± Bai Xue actually frowned and said: ¡°Doing so will not leave the youngdy with a way to survive. Looks so gentle and affectionate, but in fact has a snake and scorpion heart. Miss, can¡¯t we tell master and let master see her true colors clearly?¡±

    Jiang Li shook her head.

    ¡°I have no evidence, it was solely a one-sided statement from my side. Naturally, they will be able to refute. Moreover, for no reason at all, Jiang You Yao¡¯s marriage was ruined, father of course would feel ashamed towards her. If his heart is already partial towards her, nobody will believe whatever I say. No matter,¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°Just this turnaround of having her marriage with Zhou Yan Bang cancelled will be sufficient to cause a great injury to the mother and daughter¡¯s vitality. Anyhow it doesn¡¯t harm me. As for their true colors,¡± Jiang Li smiled slightly, ¡°as long as I still stay in the residence for a day, there will always be an opportunity.¡±

    Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue looked at each other in dismay.

    Since Jiang Li had said so, they could only drop the subject. Tong¡¯er asked: ¡°Then, what is heir Zhou going to do now? Is he going to marry the fifth miss? I think, master will definitely not let the third miss marry heir Zhou anymore.¡±

    Even Tong¡¯er could tell, after going through such a thing, it¡¯s impossible for Jiang You Yao to enter Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s door. Jiang Yuan Bai will definitely forbid Jiang You Yao to humble herself and insult the Jiang family¡¯s reputation.

    ¡°It¡¯s also impossible for the fifth miss to be the proper wife,¡± Bai Xue picked up: ¡°isn¡¯t there still a youngdy from the Shen family who was involved with heir Zhou? The status of the Shen family¡¯s young miss is much higher than the fifth miss. If they are giving an exnation to the fifth miss, it¡¯s even more important for them to give an exnation to the Shen family. Between the Shen family¡¯s young miss and the fifth miss, they will certainly amodate the Shen family¡¯s youngdy first.¡±

    Tong¡¯er nodded vigorously, then immediately looked at Jiang Li and patted her chest. With lingering fears she said: ¡°Heir Zhou had ambiguous rtionships with so manydies, and this happened before he got married....... It seems that this person is really not a good match. It¡¯s good that miss and he had cleared the rtionships long ago. It¡¯s better to just let him be a scourge to other people.¡± Tong¡¯er was extremely d, thankfully, Jiang Li and Zhou Yan Bang had resolved their engagement long ago. Otherwise, the one who was grieving would not be Jiang You Yao, but the Jiang Li in front of her.

    ¡°However,¡± Tong¡¯er recalled something suddenly and asked doubtfully: ¡°It¡¯s never been heard that heir Zhou has any rtions with the Shen family¡¯s young miss before, right? How did they get mixed up together? Is this really an ident?¡±

    The drunk Zhou Yan Bang saw Shen Ruyun by chance, his heart stirred, and it abruptly gave birth to an indecent act, was it like this?

    Jiang Li¡¯s smile turned a bit colder.

    The husband had no feeling, but the concubine had the intention. This wasn¡¯t an ident, rather, Shen Ruyun had meticulously arranged this ¡°magnificent feat¡±.

    ......

    The Shen family.

    The family¡¯s servants lowered their heads and worked earnestly.

    Even though the current master served as the secretary and appeared very lenient and benevolent, his mother and his younger sister did not speak as well as Shen Yurong. The two females had a bit of meanness in their nature, especially now that Shen Yurong¡¯s official path had be increasingly smooth. The two women¡¯s temperament had also grown, as if to make up for the past sufferings, they wanted to vent all the bitterness they¡¯d received.

    And the way of venting was naturally by tormenting the people below.

    The servants in the Shen residence were all aware of the two female masters¡¯ harsh treatment. As a result, they didn¡¯t dare to get distracted even when doing tiny teeny little things, and were a hundred percent attentive.

    In the house, Shen Ruyun was confronted by Shen Yurong.

    ¡°You¡¯ve gone too far!¡± Shen Yurong said.

    Shen Ruyun objected and replied: ¡°Elder brother, I¡¯m not the one making the mistake, it was Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s Zhou Yan Bang. Why are you ming me, are you truly my elder brother?¡±

    Shen Yurong, who instead of being angry was actually smiling, looked at Shen Ruyun and asked: ¡°Oh? Did he really make a mistake?¡±

    His gaze was sharp, as if directly piercing into one¡¯s mind and thoroughly peering into one¡¯s heart. Shen Ruyun shrank all of a sudden, but she hardened her scalp and said: ¡°Correct!¡±

    Shen Yurong fixedly looked at her.

    Shen Ruyun had a bit of a guilty conscience.

    That evening at the pce feast, everyone saw what happened. Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s heir, Zhou Yan Bang, and his fiance¡¯s younger sister, Jiang Yu¡¯e, had a private meeting in the pce and had an illicit affair. In addition, he intended to disrespect the secretary¡¯s younger sister, Shen Ruyun. Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s heir was not at all the elegant nobleman he looked like from the outside. Rather, his lust seemed to cover the sky.

    Everyone saw the end, but no one knew the specifics of that evening. To get to the bottom of the matter as to what had actually urred, even Zhou Yan Bang and Jiang Yu¡¯e were probably not very clear. The one who understood most thoroughly was none other than Shen Ruyun.

 Chapter 86 Part 2

    Chapter 86 Part 2: Resentment

    That night, she had a chance encounter with Jiang Li while in the garden and found out Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s whereabouts. After struggling for a while, in the end, she couldn¡¯t help her longing and also headed towards Yu Xiu Pavilion. She nned to ¡°identally run into¡± Zhou Yan Bang and exchange a few sentences with him so he would remember her, to know that here¡¯s such a person and no longer be strangers.

    Even now, Shen Ruyun was even more rejoicing that she had made this decision.

    When she pushed the door of Yu Xiu Pavilion and saw Jiang Yu¡¯e and Zhou Yan Bang pressed against each other in a lingering, shameful situation, she nearly screamed. Anger and envy instantly flooded her. Shen Ruyun almost didn¡¯t hesitate to run out and make the scandal known to the world, to ruthlessly retaliate against this man who had broken her heart and this woman who had no honour and shame.

    Just before she left, not knowing due to which state of mind, Shen Ruyun retreated. She wanted to ask Zhou Yan Bang why he would do something like this. Previously, she had no choice but to give up and could only look at this man she deeply loved from afar because Zhou Yan Bang and Jiang You Yao were already engaged. But why did the engaged Zhou Yan Bang want to be together with Jiang Yu¡¯e? Could it be that the one he liked was actually Jiang Yu¡¯e?

    Shen Ruyun could recognize Jiang Yu¡¯e at a nce. Jiang You Yao¡¯s younger sister, a dog had always annoyingly fawned on Jiang You Yao.

    Shen Ruyun summoned her courage to question Zhou Yan Bang, but he didn¡¯t reply. He seemed to have heard Shen Ruyun speaking, lifted his head and looked in Shen Ruyun¡¯s direction. Yet he had a dazed expression on his face, as if he was drunk, carrying an abnormal flush.

    Shen Ruyun immediately recalled what Jiang Li said, that Zhou Yan Bang was going to take a rest because he was drunk. Thinking that Zhou Yan Bang was perhaps drunk, her heart gave birth to a fluke feeling. Is it because Zhou Yan Bang is drunk that he unconsciously did this?

    She boldly drew nearer, resisting the disgust in her heart and looked at Jiang Yu¡¯e. She then discovered that Jiang Yu¡¯e was just like Zhou Yan Bang, not sober and was in a daze.

    But even someone who¡¯s drunk should not look like this.

    Shen Ruyun faintly had a sense of familiarity, feeling that she had seen this kind of scene before. She caught sight of the half burning incense in the corner of the room, the other half had already turned to ashes and fell to the ground.

    Shen Ruyun suddenly realised!

    She understood why the scene before her was so familiar, making her think back whether she had seen it somewhere. She finally knew atst, this was exactly the scene when her elder sister-inw was caught together with a ¡°male adulterer¡±.

    Almost an exact copy!

    The Xue Fang Fei at that time was also like this, in a daze and not sober, not realising what situation she was in. She was woken up with great difficulty, while the madams simrly stood outside in a circle, wanting to see the scenery.

    It was the same sleepy, not sober, two people. Also the same incense, the same thought-provoking smell.

    The longer Shen Ruyun stayed in the room, the drier her mouth and tongue felt. A wave of unfamiliar dry heat from inside her body rushed forth.

    If she hadn¡¯t gone through Xue Fang Fei¡¯s experience, ording to Shen Ruyun¡¯s not so smart mind, naturally she wouldn¡¯t be able to figure out what happened. But since she had gone through this before, this time Shen Ruyun was smart and immediately guessed what happened.

    Zhou Yan Bang and Jiang Yu¡¯e were schemed by someone!

    The matter was already up to this point, yet Shen Ruyun hesitated.

    If Zhou Yan Bang was calcted against, it wasn¡¯t his original intention so she naturally didn¡¯t need to retaliate. There¡¯s no need to call people toe over and watch the scandal. But if she didn¡¯t call anyone toe over, after they woke up, would Jiang Yu¡¯e seize the opportunity and use this matter to me Zhou Yan Bang? The more she pondered about it, the more she thought it was possible. Shen Ruyun even thought, perhaps Jiang Yu¡¯e was the one calcting Zhou Yan Bang.

    With this conjecture, Shen Ruyun increasingly felt that her thinking was right. It should be known that with Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s status, it¡¯s impossible for her to marry the son of an official. Moreover if it was with Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s heir, who every female in the entire Yanjing adore. Even if she married Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s heir as a concubine, Jiang Yu¡¯e could be considered as climbing up.

    Thinking as such, Shen Ruyun immediately felt stuffy inside and found Jiang Yu¡¯e to be even more unsightly. If she left at this point, wasn¡¯t it as Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s wish? Letting Jiang Yu¡¯e pick things up in vain, letting her off lightly. That¡¯s something Shen Ruyun wasn¡¯t willing to see.

    Thinking back and forth, Shen Ruyun couldn¡¯t think of a good method and became extremely angry. Why wasn¡¯t she the one entangled with Zhou Yan Bang? If the oneying on the bed together with Zhou Yan Bang at this time was her, this thing would be much easier to manage. With her identity as the secretary¡¯s younger sister, Zhou Yan Bang could just marry her. Both families were well-matched in terms of social status, an extremely appropriate match. Since they had done what a married couple do, no matter how unwilling Jiang You Yao was, her engagement with Zhou Yan Bang would definitely be broken.

    The Jiang family would not allow Jiang You Yao to be a t wife.

    Originally it was a random thought, but after thinking back, Shen Ruyun was stunned.

    That¡¯s right, since if she was entangled together with Zhou Yan Bang, Jiang You Yao would not be able to y any drama, then why not do this?

    Anyway, the current Zhou Yan Bang was drugged and unable to recognize people. Even if there¡¯s one more person ¡°entangled¡±, Zhou Yan Bang also would not know.

    Shen Ruyun was also clear that her current identity was unlike the past. There¡¯s also her elder brother as the secretary. What she did was too unsightly. Shen Ruyun¡¯s face dimmed, perhaps this might affect Shen Yurong¡¯s official career. She couldn¡¯t be like Jiang Yu¡¯e, sleeping beside Zhou Yan Bang with her clothes notplete. She¡¯s a female and had to worry about her own reputation.

    In this matter, Shen Ruyun has probably exhausted all her intelligence in her life toe up with this story of ¡°being disrespected¡±. So, first, she became the victim everyone pitied, but she had skin contact with Zhou Yan Bang which made Zhou Yan Bang responsible for her.

    Things progressed very smoothly, even Princess Yongning was standing on her side and speaking up for her. Based on Ningyuan marquis¡¯s tone, he was bound to give her an exnation.

    Shen Ruyun fell asleep and had a beautiful dream of marrying Zhou Yan Bang and bing the heir¡¯s madam.

    What she didn¡¯t expect was that her own elder brother, Shen Yurong, would not stand by her side. On the contrary, he criticised her for doing such a thing.

 Chapter 86 Part 3

    Chapter 86 Part 3: Resentment

    Shen Ruyun was scared by the gaze Shen Yurong fixed on her. She changed the topic and said: ¡°Brother! What do you mean by asking these things now? Ningyuan Marquis already said that he is going to give us an exnation. Now Ningyuan marquis¡¯s heir and I are already in this kind of rtionship, no other would dare to marry me anymore. Aside from him, I don¡¯t have any other way!¡±

    ¡°No other way?¡± Shen Yurong snorted, ¡°At the time you did this, why didn¡¯t you think you won¡¯t have a way now!¡±

    Shen Ruyun was shocked. Shen Yurong had guessed it. That¡¯s right, based on Shen Yurong¡¯s thinking, it would be strange if he couldn¡¯t guess.

    ¡°I know you like him, but he is the son-inw of the Jiang family!¡± Shen Yurong said: ¡°Now the Jiang family could only break off the engagement and you¡¯ve caused animosity between the Jiang family and Zhou family. Do you think the people in Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s residence won¡¯t hate you? The Jiang family will also put this on your head!¡±

    Shen Ruyun most hated to be reminded of the Jiang family. Although now she was currently the younger sister of the secretary, whenpared, she was not as noble as the daughter of the chief assistant. She couldn¡¯t help ridiculing: ¡°Jiang family, Jiang family, you only know the Jiang family. In the final analysis, you only care about your official career. Now Her Majesty the princess is siding our Shen family, there¡¯s no need for you to fear the Jiang family, you¡ª¡ª¡±

    ¡°Pa¡±, when that sounded, Shen Ruyun¡¯s voice stopped with a halt.

    The reason was because Shen Yurong pped her.

    Shen Ruyun¡¯s body nted from the p, nearly tumbling down. Shen Yurong¡¯s eyes were red, his palms trembled. Looking at Shen Ruyun, his gaze gloomy as he said: ¡°Pay attention to your words.¡±

    Shen Ruyun was so scared she couldn¡¯t even cry.

    She knew this elder brother of hers was clever and he had been studying well since childhood. The teachers in the private school all said that sooner orter, their Shen family would produce a top scorer. Afterwards, Shen Yurong really became the top scorer.

    Shen Yurong treated mother Shen and Shen Ruyun very well, but if Shen Ruyun truly offended him, when Shen Yurong got angry, Shen Ruyun was also afraid. It was unknown since when, perhaps after Xue Fang Fei died, Shen Ruyun felt that her older brother had increasingly turned gloomier and be more unfamiliar. Such as now, she was extremely afraid and didn¡¯t know what Shen Yurong would do.

    Mother Shen, who heard themotion inside, rushed in, opening the door and entering the room. Once she entered, she immediately saw Shen Ruyun covering her face, her eyes teary. She hastily went over and pushed Shen Ruyun¡¯s hand aside. Seeing the bruise on her face, she immediately said with anger: ¡°Yurong, how could you hit your younger sister!¡±

    When Shen Yurong saw mother Shen entering, he immediately pressed his forehead helplessly and said: ¡°Mother, don¡¯t get involved in this matter.¡±

    ¡°How can I not get involved!¡± Mother Shen said: ¡°I¡¯m your mother! Ruyun was subjected to such a huge grievancest night, what did she do wrong? She is your younger sister! I know you have great ability and I can¡¯t control you now. If you feel that Ruyun and I are a burden and dislike us,ashamed that we are your family, tell me now. Ruyun and I will pack up our stuff and return to the countryside, not daring to provoke you, this master top scorer!¡± When she finally finished speaking, she directly sat on the ground and cried loudly: ¡°All me the master for passing away early, leaving behind such a terrible mess. With great difficulty raised the son until big, but now he didn¡¯t want to recognize his mother, truly a sin.......¡±

    Shen Ruyun at once followed her mother and crouched on the ground. Both the mother and daughter cried on each other¡¯s shoulders.

    The servants outside were even more frightened by the atmosphere and didn¡¯t dare toe out, pretending not to have seen anything, staying far away. This kind of scene was not strange in the Shen residence. Whenever mother Shen couldn¡¯t deal with Shen Yurong, she would always use this vulgar move of crying and bawling to force Shen Yurong topromise.

    As expected, Shen Yurong was defeated at once. He said: ¡°Mother, when did I say that I don¡¯t care about the two of you. It¡¯s this son that¡¯s not good, this son is unfilial, this son¡¯s mistake. Ruyun, I¡¯ll take a trip to Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s residence in the afternoon. In this matter, you shouldn¡¯t be wronged, Zhou Yan Bang....... Just wait at home with ease.¡±

    Shen Ruyun was secretly happy but she still sobbed as she said: ¡°Don¡¯t cheat me, elder brother; also don¡¯t think that younger sister is unwilling to forgive. At this time, if Ningyuan Marquis residence doesn¡¯t give an exnation, I really don¡¯t have any other ce and could only hang my hair and be a Buddhist nun. How the people in Yanjing treat unclean women, you are also aware.......¡± She abruptly held her tongue, and anxiously nced at Shen Yurong.

    Shen Yurong didn¡¯t allow anyone to mention any sentence about Xue Fang Fei in the residence. Everyone surmised that it was as if admitting that he wore a green hat. In the final analysis, having his wife engaged in an illicit affair with other people, was a humiliating matter as a husband.

    Shen Yurong¡¯s be jumped slightly. He didn¡¯t get angry, merely quieted down suddenly. His expression also turned indifferent and he said: ¡°I understand. Just wait at home, I¡¯ll go out first.¡± After speaking, he no longer paid attention to Shen Ruyun and mother Shen before directly going out.

    This time, mother Shen didn¡¯t cry out anymore. After Shen Yurong walked out, she raised her palm and pped Shen Ruyun¡¯s back, grumbling: ¡°Everything was perfectly fine, but why did you mention that matter? You look at your elder brother, feeling ufortable again.¡±

    Shen Ruyun also regretted. This knot, she also didn¡¯t wish to provoke Shen Yurong¡¯s anger. But her mouth was still relentless. She said: ¡°What¡¯s actually wrong with elder brother? Still putting on that kind of attitude when that person is mentioned. He would not still have the person constantly in his mind right?¡±

    ¡°What nonsense are you talking about?¡± Mother Shen promptly said: ¡°Your elder brother and that woman already had no rtionships since earlier! She made your elder brother be the joke in the entire Yanjing. In the whole world, which man could tolerate other people stealing his wife. It¡¯s good that she died, if she was still here, she would implicate your elder brother. How would your elder brother have the current good prospects?!¡±

    Listening to mother Shen¡¯s strict voice, Shen Ruyun also didn¡¯t dare to retort. After a while, she said: ¡°Mother, will elder brother really go to Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s residence for my matter?¡±

    ¡°Of course he will!¡± Mother Shen held Shen Ruyun¡¯s hand, a trace of sharpness shed in her eyes. ¡°Even if your elder brother didn¡¯t step in, in front of so many people, Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s residence had insulted your innocence. Naturally they have to give you an answer. If it¡¯s not possible, just let the princess lend a hand....... In short, absolutely must not let you suffer this grievance!¡±

    Shen Ruyun was a littlecking in confidence. This matter of her scheming Zhou Yan Bang, apart from Shen Yurong having guessed it, even mother Shen was not aware. If the Ningyuan Marquis¡¯ residence found out the truth, they certainly would not leave the matter at that. However, after looking at Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s circumstances, it¡¯s unlikely for them to find out.

    In this way, the matter should be wless and she could smoothly marry into Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s residence.

    She finally got her desire fulfilled.

 Chapter 86 Part 4

    Chapter 86 Part 4: Resentment

    At this time, in the Ningyuan Marquis residence, the sound of a woman¡¯s weeping could be heard from the main hall.

    ¡°Master, stop hitting, stop hitting! Yan Bang cannot bear so many beatings, quickly stop!¡± With lightning speed, Ningyuan Marchioness was about to forcibly take away the whip in Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s hand, but was pushed onto the ground by Ningyuan Marquis. She looked on helplessly as the jet-ck, glossy whip fell on Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s back. Zhou Yan Bang immediately let out a blood-curdling scream.

    The servants in the hall, the other members of Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s residence, all didn¡¯t dare to plead for leniency for Zhou Yan Bang. Zhou Yan Bang knelt on the ground, intending to evade his father¡¯s beating, but he was whipped even more fiercely.

    His back was right away filled with red scars that swelled up. Because normally he was raised well, he had smooth and tender skin, thus the scars lookedpletely frightening.

    While beating, Ningyuan Marquis severely reprimanded: ¡°Preposterous son!¡±

    No matter how, Ningyuan Marchioness was unable to dissuade Ningyuan Marquis. She could only stare nkly until Ningyuan Marquis was tired, threw the whip in his hand away, snorted, and left without turning back.

    Ningyuan Marchioness pounced forward at once. Seeing Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s dying appearance, her tears flowed down continuously, unable to stop. The servant beside her worriedly shouted: ¡°Quickly invite the doctor!¡±

    The doctor arrived very quickly and wrote several herbs for a concoction for Zhou Yan Bang. Ningyuan Marchioness immediately called someone to get the herbal medicine and pan fry it in the kitchen. Then she personally applied ointment on Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s back.

    After a while, Zhou Yan Bang, who had slowly regained his consciousness, turned around and called out: ¡°Mother.¡±

    Ningyuan Marchioness¡¯s tears fell on the back of her hand, her heart mourning for his misfortune, unable to get angry. She wished she could beat Zhou Yan Bang a few times, yet she couldn¡¯t. So she merely said: ¡°What are you actually doing?¡±

    Zhou Yan Bang couldn¡¯t exin it either.

    What was he doing? Fromst night until now, he was dizzy and wasn¡¯t clear about anything.

    Ningyuan Marchioness continued: ¡°Forget about Jiang Yu¡¯e and you mixing together, anyway she is just a shu daughter. If it really won¡¯t do, bringing her in as a noble concubine is already too much. But you are really, why did you go and provoke Shen Ruyun? That¡¯s the secretary¡¯s younger sister, nowadays, the emperor regards Shen Yurong as someone important. You provoked the Shen family, the emperor is bound to be unhappy with you and also giving birth to discontent with our Ningyuan Marquis residence. That¡¯s why your father is this angry.¡±

    Zhou Yan Bang had a headache after listening. When did he provoke Shen Ruyun? He wasn¡¯t even clear what Shen Ruyun looked like. The secretary¡¯s younger sister met with a mishapst night. When she was using while shedding tears, it was the first time Zhou Yan Bang saw this person¡¯s appearance clearly. Towards this unfamiliar woman, how could he be frivolous? Zhou Yan Bang himself was puzzled.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you are fond of Jiang family¡¯s second miss, Jiang Li, before? Since you like her, why did you look for Jiang fifth miss and Shen Ruyun? Yan Bang? What is actually in your mind? How could you do such a muddled thing?¡±

    Jiang Li? Zhou Yan Bang was stunned; the pain left behind by the flogging was ignored for a split second. Zhou Yan Bang recalled,st night, the person he clearly arranged a meeting with at Yu Xiu Pavilion was Jiang Li. How did it change to Jiang Yu¡¯e? At that time, he personally saw the personing to Yu Xiu Pavilion and thought it was Jiang Li who kept the appointment. He couldn¡¯t contain his joy and was unable to restrain his emotion. Could it be, the person who came was actually Jiang Yu¡¯e?

    Seeing Zhou Yan Bang looking dumbstruck and not saying a word, Ningyuan Marchioness asked: ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±

    Zhou Yan Bang came out of his daze and said perfunctorily: ¡°Nothing.¡± Yet his mind was chaotic and he wasn¡¯t at peace at all.

    Jiang Li turning into Jiang Yu¡¯e, what happened here? He asked someone to deliver the slip of paper into Jiang Li¡¯s hand. The returning person also said clearly that Jiang Li had received the paper. Such an important thing, Jiang Li definitely would not carelessly throw it away and let other people pick it up.

    Zhou Yan Bang also remembered, after Shen Ruyun attracted the crowdst night, Jiang Li was also there, standing within the crowd. Her gaze as she looked at him didn¡¯t have any trace of surprise, calm and chilling.

    She already knew.

    Just like a basin of cold water poured onto him, Zhou Yan Bang felt he was shaking from head to toe from the cold. The colder his body was, the me of hate and anger in his heart and his head actually grew bigger, more and more flourishing.

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t wish to go to his invitation and simply set up a trap for him with Jiang Yu¡¯e. A Jiang Yu¡¯e wanted to marry into the Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s residence by every possible means. Jiang Li must have known about this matter since earlier and gave the slip of paper to Jiang Yu¡¯e.

    In this way, she could stand in the crowd and coldly looked at his disgraceful situation.

    Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s heart produced a beastly wrath.

    Even if he was foolish, he was also aware that afterst night¡¯s matter, his official career could be considered to be destroyed. As a student of the Imperial College, the first important thing was precisely morality and conduct. His morality and conduct was inspected under many people and had be a joke. Hong Xiao emperor was not happy, he wouldn¡¯t have an opportunity in his official career to show his hands and feet.

    All of this was given by Jiang Yu¡¯e and Jiang Li.

    Zhou Yan Bang hated Jiang Yu¡¯e, but hated Jiang Li even more. It¡¯s fine if Jiang Li didn¡¯t keep the appointment, yet she still used such a way that brought dishonour to a person. She ignored his sincere heart and still discarded it like a worn out shoe. Using such a method, destroying his whole life.

    This is a vicious woman!

    Seeing Zhou Yan Bang seemed to be trembling all over, Ningyuan Marchioness was a bit anxious and asked: ¡°Is there any difort? Let the doctore and take a look?¡±

    ¡°No need.¡± Zhou Yan Bang resisted the pain on his back and the ice in his heart as he said: ¡°Mother, what should be done next? The current me and Jiang fifth miss, Shen family¡¯s miss, are all implicated. What should I do?¡± He pulled the corner of his mouth, ¡°and the marriage with Jiang You Yao should be impossible, right?!¡±

    Ningyuan Marchioness was silent for a while. She shook her head, ¡°Early this morning, the Jiang family dispatched someone toe over.¡± Her tone was unknown, angry or regretful, ¡°the marriage with Jiang You Yao, just treat it as if it never happened.¡±

    Zhou Yan bang said: ¡°No matter, my marriage with Jiang You Yao was originally something that should not happen.¡±

    Ningyuan Marchioness felt that there¡¯s something strange in his speech and couldn¡¯t help looking at him.

    However, he thought in his heart, originally, her marriage with Jiang You Yao was a recement of his and Jiang Li¡¯s. Now that Jiang You Yao had left. It could be considered as returning to the beginning.

    But his rtionship with the Jiang family didn¡¯t appear to be totally severed.

    ¡°What about Jiang Yu¡¯e?¡± Zhou Yan Bang asked: ¡°Seems I have to arrange a status for her. Mother, how about making her a concubine?¡±

    ¡°This is the best.¡± Ningyuan Marchioness snorted: ¡°Not taking a look at her own identity. If she wasn¡¯t satisfied with this, she better dispel the idea of entering the Ningyuan Marquis residence.¡±

 Chapter 87 Part 1

    Chapter 87 Part 1: Mid Autumn Festival

    While the Ningyuan Marquis residence was discussing how to handle Jiang Yu¡¯e, in the Jiang residence, the third branch courtyard, Yang-shi was also quarrelling with Jiang Yuan Xing for Jiang Yu¡¯e.

    ¡°Yu¡¯e is already together with Zhou Yan Bang, she could only marry into Ningyuan Marquis residence!¡± Yang-shi red with wide eyes, probably because of Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s matter. Overnight, she actually appeared to have be much thinner, her face appearing even more sharp and unkind. Her high cheek bones made her look shrewish.

    ¡°I will not allow my daughter to be a concubine!¡± Jiang Yuan Xing transformed from his normal cowardly temper and was as angry as Yang-shi. He said: ¡°Go to Ningyuan Marquis residence and be a concubine, in the future, her son would be just like me, could only be a shu born!¡±

    This time, even Yang-shi was dumbstruck and she looked at her husband. When she married Jiang Yuan Xing, it¡¯s not that she didn¡¯t like it. Although Jiang Yuan Xing was merely the shu son, the third branch, but she was also merely the shu daughter of the minister of the agricultural department. Wanting to marry into a more prosperous family was also impossible. Moreover, Jiang Yuan Xing looked gentle, literary, and not hateful.

    But the days of one¡¯s life are lived with daily necessities. People¡¯s hearts always like topare. Compared with the honor and riches of the main branch and the second branch, the third branch lived their days hard pressed for money, causing Yang-shi to be endlessly annoyed. In her heart, there¡¯s unreconciliation and me, so Yang-shi frequently quarrelled with Jiang Yuan Xing. Jiang Yuan Xing never retorted and simply bore, which made Yang-shi see clearly that this man wasn¡¯t gentle and literary, but actually had a cowardly temper. In his lifetime, he could only be a document checker.

    They¡¯d been married for many years, but this was the first time Jiang Yuan Xing had a dispute with her. Plus, his ¡°just like me, could only be a shu son¡±, this kind of speech came out, Jiang Yuan Xing was obviously angered.

    Jiang Yuan Xing was indeed very angry.

    Only he himself knew how lowly it was as a shu son. Though it seemed that he normally didn¡¯tpare and take these things into ount, but in front of his two elder brothers, he always had a low self-esteem and couldn¡¯t lift his head. When he was young, he had a fantasy, if his birth mother was old madam Jiang, then it would be great. Just like his elder brothers, possessing all that he could possess and receiving respect whenever he walked. Later, when he grew up, he understood, everything was based on a person¡¯s fate. God wanted him to be born from a concubine¡¯s belly, thus his whole life was destined to could only be under the foot of his two elder brothers.

    His fate could not be altered anymore, but his daughter¡¯s could. It¡¯s possible for Jiang Yu¡¯e not to walk this path. She could choose not to marry Zhou Yan Bang. If this was the case, her children also would not turn into this kind of miserable fate of a shu born.

    ¡°Then say, how to handle this?¡± Yang-shi unexpectedly became calm. She no longer quarrelled incessantly with Jiang Yuan Xing like before; rather she desperately said: ¡°With Yu¡¯e¡¯s identity, she can only marry into Ningyuan Marquis residence as a concubine. Could they possibly take Yu¡¯e as the main wife? Now everyone in Yanjing already knows that Yu¡¯e and Zhou Yan Bang were already together and no one else will marry Yu¡¯e. Don¡¯t tell me that you want her to stay in the residence all her life and be a spinster? Or to directly let her cut her hair and go to the temple, spending her lifetime in the nunnery?¡± Yang-shi mumbled: ¡°I didn¡¯t instruct my daughter well, but if you are not just a document checker, if the one meeting with a mishap wasn¡¯t Yu¡¯e, but the daughter from the main branch, the result definitely would not be like this.¡±

    As if hit by lightning, Jiang Yuan Xing staggered two steps backward.

    At this time, Jiang Yu¡¯e ran in from outside. Once she came, she directly knelt down, and while crying, said to Jiang Yuan Xing: ¡°Father, I don¡¯t want to be a nun, I also don¡¯t want to stay in the residence for a lifetime. It¡¯s already like this, if I don¡¯t marry Zhou Yan Bang, I won¡¯t have any other way. Father, are you forcing your daughter to die?¡±

    Seeing his wife and daughter like this, then thinking about his current identity, Jiang Yuan Xing¡¯splexion was grey. He no longer had the strength to resist, squirmed his lips, and in the end, closed his eyes. After a long time he finally said a word, ¡°okay¡±.

    Thus, the dust settled.

    ......

    The days passed leisurely and the summer atst ended. Autumn, along with the fragrance of osmanthus flowers, rushed over together from the distant sky.

    This summer was exceptionally long, many unconceivable things seemed to have happened in Yanjing. When thinking carefully, except for life and death, they were all trivial matters. However these trivial matters were also discussed by the people incessantly for several months.

    One of these was the romance of Zhou Yan Bang from the Ningyuan Marquis residence.

    Speaking of, since the pce feast where in front of the guests, Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s heir got entangled with two females from famous families, each and every one of the male poption envied Zhou Yan Bang for enjoying the joy of having several partners while the female poption tacitly sympathized with Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s original fiancee, Jiang You Yao.

    To speak of, it was an unexpected disaster. As long as the year passed, Jiang third miss would have married Zhou Yan Bang. Who would have known that such a thing would happen midway? Clearly didn¡¯t do anything, but got her fiancee snatched away. The people who were jealous of Jiang You Yao pping their hands and said that everything was retribution. Wasn¡¯t Jiang third miss¡¯s marriage snatched from Jiang second miss? It could be seen that if it¡¯s not her thing, no matter how they grab it, they wouldn¡¯t get it.

    No matter what people said, the end of this romance was still Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s marriage that was resolved.

    Zhou Yan Bang would marry the Shen family¡¯s daughter, Shen Ruyun as the wife, and at the same time, take the Jiang family¡¯s fifth miss as the concubine.

    Zhou Yan Bang was ¡°disrespectful¡± to Shen Ruyun, and she was the secretary¡¯s younger sister. A daughter¡¯s innocent reputation was most important, so there was no other alternative but to take Shen Ruyun to enter the door. While Jiang Yu¡¯e, most of the rumors circting in Yanjing was that Jiang fifth miss and her about-to-be brother inw had long ago had a secret rtionship. In order to mask this scandal, they had no choice but to bring her into the door. It¡¯s just that the Jiang family¡¯s third branch¡¯s status was too low, so she could only enter as a concubine. Naturally, the Jiang family¡¯s third branch agreed, invisibly reflecting that Jiang Yu¡¯e and Zhou Yan Bang truly had a private affair since earlier.

    Outsiders saw that Zhou Yan Bang had a tender wife and beautiful concubine in his arms, and also became the current emperor¡¯s favorite, the secretary¡¯s brother inw. This could be considered to everyone¡¯s delight and satisfaction. However, among these, only Zhou Yan Bang himself understood the feelings clearly.

 Chapter 87 Part 2

    Chapter 87 Part 2: Mid-Autumn Festival

    In Fang Fei Garden, Tong¡¯er sat on a small stool in front of the room while ying together with Bai Xue.

    ¡°Third miss is not here, the weather in the past few days has been much better.¡± Tong¡¯er stuck her nose out and inhaled deeply, the osmanthus fragrance in the air was especially strong.

    Bai Xue nodded her head seriously: ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Just don¡¯t know how long third miss will be grounded,¡± Ming Yue and Qing Feng had just finished sweeping, hearing her, they smiled and said: ¡°It will be good to ground her for three to five days.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled and looked at the servant girls in the courtyard. These days, they were also much more rxed. No idea whether it was because Ji Shuran mother and daughter didn¡¯t have the time to pay attention to Fang Fei Garden.

    Jiang You Yao was forbidden to go out.

    That day, Jiang You Yao and Jiang Yu¡¯e fought in Wan Feng Hall. From what people were saying, Jiang You Yao scratched Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s face. Jiang Li didn¡¯t see it, but a servant girl said that at that time, Jiang Yu¡¯e was bleeding like a current. With Jiang Yuan Xing¡¯s identity, he naturally couldn¡¯t request anything from Jiang Yuan Bai as well as unable to hold Jiang You Yao responsible. However, old madam Jiang was very angry and confined Jiang You Yao.

    Jiang Li felt that old madam Jiang confined Jiang You Yao not for the matter of hurting Jiang Yu¡¯e. Probably she was afraid Jiang You Yao was still unwilling to give up Zhou Yan Bang. After knowing that Zhou Yan Bang was about to marry Shen Ruyun and Jiang Yu¡¯e, if she were to put out any folly, she would directly sever her path.

    Old madam Jiang doing so had truly saved Jiang Li¡¯s strength. Without Jiang You Yao¡¯s provoking disgust in the Jiang residence, Ji Shuran was probably alsocking in strength. Without the strength to deal with her, these days, the Jiang residence was extremely tranquil.

    Heard that Jiang Yu¡¯e was sent to the vi to recuperate and the marriage in the Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s residence had been set. Jiang Li quite admired Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s family¡¯s resolution. Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s marriage was decided so easily. If calcted, Zhou Yan Bang could be considered as a person who had experienced three marriage affairs. It¡¯s just that thest one could be assumed as the most unsatisfying for Zhou Yan Bang.

    Zhou Yan Bang was dissatisfied, but Shen Ruyun and Jiang Yu¡¯e were most certainly satisfied.

    Shen Ruyun got what she wished for, married to Zhou Yan Bang who she had long admired in her heart. Jiang Li felt that Shen Ruyun would not have an easy time in theing days. She was narrow-minded with a domineering temperament, yet there¡¯s Jiang Yu¡¯e who¡¯s good at scheming and ttering topete with. Moreover, Zhou Yan Bang himself really didn¡¯t admire Shen Ruyun, in the long run, he would definitely me Shen Ruyun. Afraid, with these few people together, the Ningyuan Marquis residence would be in chaos.

    Evil people only had evil people pestering. It¡¯s really perfect to have Shen Ruyun and Jiang Yu¡¯e gathered together.

    Thinking of the farce in the Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s family in the future, Jiang Li couldn¡¯t help wanting tough. As she was thinking, a young man¡¯s voice came over from her side: ¡°Are you in love? Or in love?¡±

    Jiang Li raised her eyes and saw Jiang Jing Rui was in the middle of mischievously looking at her as if he had caught Jiang Li¡¯s little secret. As if not enough, he moved closer and said: ¡°Say it, which family¡¯s son has our residence¡¯s second miss showed interest in? This young master will help you to scout his situation.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s this nonsense?¡± Tong¡¯er stood up all of a sudden and said: ¡°Our miss is pure and innocent and hasn¡¯t met many males. What¡¯s with being in love, second master talked randomly, be careful second madam would lecture you!¡±

    ¡°Still threatening to tell my mother,¡± Jiang Jing Rui spread his mouth widely, ¡°Jiang Li, the servant girl you raised is too fierce.¡±

    Jiang Li was toozy to bother with him. All day long, Jiang Jing Rui seemed to not be doing anything, yet he mysteriously passed his time wandering over here. Lu-shi was also strange, Jiang Jing You was taken care of very well, but why was Jiang Jing Rui be indulged so much. Could it really be the case of ¡®the child who cries gets the candy¡¯? Jiang Jing Rui was increasingly undisciplined and out of control, but the more people didn¡¯t dare to worry about him? This was also not right, if Xue Zhao dared to do so, Xue Huaiyuan would have punished him long ago.

    ¡°Why did youe?¡± Jiang Li asked.

    ¡°Three dayster is the mid-autumn festival. There will be a carnival at night, do you want to go and see?¡±

    Jiang Li: ¡°Don¡¯t want to see.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t want to see?¡± Jiang Jing Rui widened his eyes, looking at Jiang Li as if looking at a monster, ¡°Why don¡¯t you want to go? There are many delicious food and many interesting things to see in the Mid-Autumn night¡¯s carnival. You¡¯ve never been there before....... cough, you¡¯ve only gone there many years ago. Now it is even more lively than before, why don¡¯t you want to go?¡±

    Jiang Li said: ¡°Don¡¯t feel like going.¡± She then got up, about to go inside the room. She didn¡¯t anticipate that Jiang Jing Rui would follow like a rascal. He also promptly stood up straight and going in while entangling her, he asked: ¡°Jiang Li, you really have a problem! Other misses all long for the bustling noise during the Mid-Autumn carnival every year. You are actually good but don¡¯t want to go. In the end, what happened? That¡¯s the one day that all the people in our family are looking forward to going out to. If you don¡¯t go, what will you be doing in the residence? ying leaf card with the grounded Jiang You Yao? Or apany grandmother in copying Buddhist scripture?¡±

    Even the good tempered Jiang Li was somewhat impatient with him. She said: ¡°No reason, just don¡¯t want to go.¡±

    Jiang Jing Rui stood rooted in ce. Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue also looked at Jiang Li together.

    Only then did Jiang Li feel that her tone was a bit too heavy. She slowly adjusted her frame of mind before speaking to Jiang Jing Rui warmly: ¡°I don¡¯t like noise and it¡¯s hard to avoid bumping with so many people around. I¡¯m really afraid. If you want to go, just go by yourself. It¡¯s okay for me not to go.¡± Though her tone was gentle, it was firm and didn¡¯t allow any rebuttal.

    Jiang Jing Rui dilly dallied for a while before finally discovering with frustration that Jiang Li didn¡¯t seem to want to change her mind. So he could only leave dejectedly.

    After he left, Jiang Li no longer basking under the sun in the yard and entered the room by herself.

    After Jiang Li entered the room, Bai Xue asked Tong¡¯er doubtfully: ¡°Why is miss unhappy?¡±

    Tong¡¯er shook her head: ¡°I don¡¯t know, maybe second young master was too annoying.¡±

    Inside the room, Jiang Li sat by the windows.

    There were tiny yellow flower buds blooming on the emerald green leaves of the osmanthus tree. Although they looked unremarkable, they were more fragrant than other blooming flowers. Many flowers falling under the tree, from light yellow to golden yellow, before finally changing into a fragrant flower pulp. Dust to dust, soil returning to earth.

    It¡¯s the Mid-Autumn festival again, Jiang Li thought silently.

    She recalled the time when she first followed Shen Yurong to Yanjing. The first time spending the Mid-Autumn festival in Yanjing. Mid-Autumn festival was a time of reunion; she missed her father and Xue Zhao who were far away in their hometown and was especially frustrated. At that time, Shen Yurong pulled her hand and said to her: ¡°From now onwards, this is your home. You must have not seen Yanjing¡¯s Mid-Autumn carnival. It¡¯s very different from Tongxiang¡¯s, I¡¯ll take you to see it. In the future, I¡¯ll take you to see it every year. You will like it here.¡±

    Shen Yurong then took her to see thentern festival.

 Chapter 87 Part 3

    Chapter 87 Part 3: Mid Autumn Festival

    It¡¯s different from a small ce like Tongxiang. Tongxiang was naturally ¡°warm and adorable¡±, But Yanjing was ¡°lively and crowded¡±. That was the first time she saw so many colorfulnterns. Those riddles the hawkers wrote on thenterns for the guessing game were exceptionally simple; everytime she and Shen Yurong guessed, they were always correct. Thus thenterns they won weren¡¯t few, which in turn they gave out to the young children they would met by the roadside.

    She also recalled there was a riddle that said ¡°Searching for him a hundred thousand times in the crowd¡±, that she guessed the answer as ¡°longing¡±. Shen Yurong softly said by her ear: ¡°This word reflects how I am towards you.¡±

    He ¡°longed¡± for her. The her at that time thought it was true and really believed him. But she didn¡¯t know, after the ¡°longing¡±, there was still a ¡°death¡±.

    He was longing for her death so no one could block his path.

    Jiang Li¡¯s hands were clenched into fists, she took a deep breath before slowly rxing her hands.

    She didn¡¯t wish to wallow in past memories. But after the cruelty, those past memories appeared more distinct. Jiang Jing Rui said he wanted her to go out and enjoy the Mid Autumn festival. However, Jiang Li was afraid, she was afraid to go out the doors. There were memories everywhere, the past was everywhere.

    That would be too unbearable, she would rather not see, forever remembering the other person¡¯s ugly appearance. Such beautiful warmth would also seem to be intact, sealed up underground, as if it never happened from the start.

    She would never ask for trouble.

    ......

    In a guest house in Yanjing, the lights burning in one room were especially bright.

    Ye Shijie was sitting in the room, carefully stirring the center of the candle when a noise was suddenly heard from the door behind him. Someone pushed the door open and came in.

    Ye Shijie stood up and turned his head around to see, his face showing excitement: ¡°Second uncle!¡±

    The person who came in was a middle age man with a thin figure. His appearance, however, was gentle. He was wearing a feathered headgear, white clothes with two silver ribbons hanging, resembling a schr. But his eyes contained a trace of shrewdness. He shut the door and moved forward in quick steps, his mouth calling: ¡°Shijie, you have matured indeed!¡±

    He stopped in front of Ye Shijie and patted Ye Shijie¡¯s shoulder heartily: ¡°I¡¯ve heard about your matter, heard not just a few people boasting about you. Not bad, giving our old Ye family some face!¡±

    This man was Ye Shijie¡¯s second uncle, Xiangyang¡¯s Ye¡¯s family¡¯s second master, Ye Ming Xuan.

    Ye Shijie looked behind Ye Ming Xuan but did not see anyone else. He asked puzzledly: ¡°Second uncle, why are you alone? What about my father?¡±

    Talking about this, Ye Ming Xuan wrinkled his brows, the joy just now dispersed a little. He said: ¡°Your grandmother¡¯s health is not very good. A few months ago, she fainted while she was at home. Now she has to have someone by her side at all times. The business in Xiangyang also encountered some problems. Not just your father, your third uncle has also returned to Xiangyang.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Ye Shijie was stunned, ¡°what happened?¡±

    ¡°Not something particrly big.¡± Ye Ming Xuan came back to his senses. He patted Ye Shijie¡¯s head, ¡°This time I came to send some banknotes over to you and to take care of the business in Yanjing. You are now an official, many ces need silver. Although it¡¯s said that wealth should not be revealed, it still needs to be used in ces where it should be used. Our family also doesn¡¯tck this little money.¡±

    Ye Shijie was still a bit worried and asked: ¡°Second uncle, really nothing? I want to return home and look at grandmother.¡±

    ¡°You have just taken office, you can¡¯t take so many days off to return to Xiangyang. It¡¯s fine, your grandmother doesn¡¯t have a major illness. For the time being, stay with ease at Yanjing. Wait until you are a bit more stable, it will not be a difficult thing for our whole family to move here. Yes, I guess have to wait until you are promoted to a third ranked official. Actually, three to five years will do.¡± He pondered while stroking his chin.

    Ye Shijie was a little speechless. He thought for a bit and said to Ye Ming Xuan: ¡°Second uncle, do you still remember aunt?¡±

    Ye Ming Xuan was slightly stumped as he looked at Ye Shijie.

    Their Ye family had three sons and one daughter, the only daughter being Ye Zhen Zhen, who was his younger sister. But this younger sister was unlucky and passed away too early, making people sighed when mentioned.

    Ye Shijie observed Ye Ming Xuan¡¯s expression before cautiously saying: ¡°The other day, I saw aunt¡¯s daughter....... cousin.¡±

    ¡°Jiang Li?¡± Ye Ming Xuan reacted extremely quickly and spoke Jiang Li¡¯s name.

    Ye Shijie was relieved, fortunately, Ye Ming Xuan didn¡¯t forget that there¡¯s still this person existing, Jiang Li. Since he still remembered, it would be much easier to deal with. Then Ye Shijie told Ye Ming Xuan one by one, the matters on the days he ran into Jiang Li, the words Jiang Li said to him, and the rumors pertaining to Jiang Li circting in Yanjing, regardless of their importance. Towards Jiang Li, he also felt very perplexed and could not understand. Now that he had someone to consult it over with, he wanted to have a discussion.

    After everything was said with great difficulty, Ye Shijie¡¯s mouth was already dry. He picked up the tea on the table and poured it into his mouth. He then said: ¡°Second uncle, tell me, what do you think Jiang Li meant? Does she want to repair the rtionship with our Ye family? But at that time, she said that she disdained associating with merchants. The more I think about it, the more I don¡¯t understand.¡±

    After all, Ye Ming Xuan was older than Ye Shijie. After he finished listening to Ye Shijie, he didn¡¯t immediately replied and carefully thought about it instead before saying: ¡°I understand what you said. Naturally, we must not believe everything that¡¯s heard only from one side. It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t believe Jiang Li, but rather, suspicious of the Jiang family. Although the Jiang family is an official family, an official family is sometimes not as magnanimous as a merchant. I¡¯m afraid this wasn¡¯t Jiang Li¡¯s original intention, rather the direction given by the Jiang family from behind. Even though our Ye family had nothing to conspire with, we must still guard against people.¡± Ye Ming Xuan tapped the table and continued: ¡°Why don¡¯t we do it like this, find an opportunity, I would like to meet with Jiang Li. There might be hypocrisy between the sincerity, we need to test it to know.¡±

    ¡°Second uncle,¡± Ye Shijie asked with hesitation: ¡°Jiang Li said the words she said to humiliate merchants were not actually the words she meant to say. Do you think this is true?¡±

    Ye Ming Xuan smiled and the merchant¡¯s shrewdness shown before diluted a lot, reced by a schrly aura. He said: ¡°It¡¯s possible. It¡¯s just that even if someone had incited her from behind to say so, as long as she believed us at that time, speaking out the truth in front of us, we would have found a way to take her away. But she didn¡¯t believe in the Ye family.¡±

 Chapter 87 Part 4

    Chapter 87 Part 4: Mid-Autumn Festival

    ¡°Perhaps she was too young at that time. WIth her age being too young, it¡¯s very likely for her to be frightened by people.¡± Ye Shijie couldn¡¯t help saying.

    Ye Ming Xuan didn¡¯t reply, merely looking at Ye Shijie while beaming. Ye Shijie that was being looked at felt ill at ease and asked: ¡°What, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Ye Ming Xuan said: ¡°Correct, children can indeed be easily led astray. Therefore, if it¡¯s really like this, we also cannot me her. Instead, we have to me ourselves because we didn¡¯t discover this matter before. But now, the current her is no longer a child. Based on what you said, she is someone with her own thoughts, a youngdy with quite a huge courage. This time, she can say what she truly thinks and can also choose whether she wants to believe us or not.¡±

    ¡°Wait for us to meet and everything will be revealed.¡± He said.

    ......

    Duke Su¡¯s official residence.

    It was a harsh day in autumn, but the flowers in the garden of Duke Su residence were still splendid.

    Duke Su residence didn¡¯t seem to have the deste scene of autumn and winter days. Duke Su would raise different flowers that would naturally bloom during four different seasons. The peach blossoms would not bloom in autumn, but there¡¯s chrysanthemum in autumn. Lotus flowers wouldn¡¯t bloom in winter, but there¡¯s plum blossoms in winter.

    Of course,mon peach, plum, or chrysanthemum couldn¡¯t enter Duke Su¡¯s eyes. The flowers that the Duke Su residence raised were more delicate than most people. They couldn¡¯t stand too cold or too hot weather. Too much water also wouldn¡¯t do, buried too shallow in the soil also wouldn¡¯t do. Also still needed to be constantly pruned, catch the insects, and look for afortable ce for it. Must not be too cramped or too spacious, must not be able to be grabbed by cats or pecked by birds.

    People in the ducal residence, from the housekeeper and the imperial guards above to the person pouring the night incense below, each and everyone was an expert in growing flowers. If an ordinary person did not raise a flower well and went to squat in Duke Su residence¡¯s gate, waiting in the morning for a servant boy to leave the gate and conveniently ask him a question or two, the answer would definitely be clear and logical.

    Thus, when others asked whichndscape within the walls of Yanjing had the best scenery? It wasn¡¯t the White Cloud Mountain, wasn¡¯t the Qing Daoist temple, wasn¡¯t the inside of the pce, nor was it the decorated pleasure boats. Rather, it was the ducal residence. That was where all the best colors in the human world gathered in one ce. Gorgeous, ipatible with the outside world. Someone said, if it wasn¡¯t due to Duke Su¡¯s moody temperament which no one dared to stir up, afraid the people who wanted to peek at the garden everyday would have trampled the gate.

    It¡¯s truly too beautiful.

    Moreover, it¡¯s unknown whether the ce was so beautiful that the people raising were also beautiful. In the entire ducal residence, from the man servants to the bodyguards, each one looked as good as a flower. Though they weren¡¯t as gorgeous as Duke Su, when they went outside, more often, they would fascinate people.

    It was honestly puzzling.

    At this moment, inside the study room of the ducal residence, a person was talking.

    Kong Liu¡¯s fist banged the table and in a coarse voice he said: ¡°Tomorrow¡¯s mid-autumn festival, are you going or not?¡±

    ¡°Not going.¡± Ji Heng replied directly.

    ¡°Why?¡± asked Kong Liu: ¡°Don¡¯t you want to see what Cheng Wang is up to?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not time for him to act yet, it¡¯s useless to go.¡± Ji Heng said absent-mindedly: ¡°Every year is the same, boring.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s Jin Man Tang this year.¡± Lu Ji, who was sitting at the side, gently opened his mouth, not forgetting to stroke his goatee: ¡°Doesn¡¯t master like to watch the y?¡±

    ¡°Right right right,¡± Kong Liu followed up: ¡°Jin Man Tang, heard that it¡¯s much better than that annoying Hong Bian Tian from Xiangsi team.¡±

    Ji Heng nced at him. As information, the previously famous Xiangsi team in Yanjing was popr because of Liu Sheng. Just that little Liu, who always sang female roles in the ys, gave birth to thoughts he shouldn¡¯t have. He actually took advantage during the old general¡¯s birthday to attempt crawling into Ji Heng¡¯s bed. It made Ji Heng extremely disgusted so he broke Liu Sheng¡¯s legs and threw him out. The rted Xiangsi team also fled Yanjing on the very same night.

    Offending Duke Su, losing a life was considered light.

    From this point on, the Xiangsi team vanished from Yanjing and no other theatrical group had risen up. Not long ago, a Jin Man Tang came out and was deemed as not too bad.

    Seeing Ji Heng not replying, Kong Liu shouted: ¡°If you don¡¯t go out, both small beard Liu and I have to stay in the ducal residence to handle work rted matters the whole evening. Tomorrow is the mid-autumn, Mid-Autumn festival! Ji Heng, duke, master! Can you be a bit more human? Even beggars get to celebrate the festivals!¡±

    Liu Ji didn¡¯t speak, looked beamingly, yet very much agreed to Kong Liu¡¯s speech. Ji heng lifted his eyes and nced at the two of them. After a long time, he said: ¡°No.¡±

    Kong Liu was discouraged all at once. As he was about to retort, the doors suddenly opened. Ji Heng¡¯s grandfather, the old general, walked in.

    It¡¯ste September, but the old general was still bare to his waist, ought to have juste back from practicing his swords in the garden; beads of sweat still glistening on his forehead. But his sword aura, as how it was always, should have wrecked quite a lot of the flowers that Ji Heng was raising. A few flower petals remnants could be seen floating above the old general¡¯s head. Liu Ji¡¯s eyelids couldn¡¯t help jumping. He could recognize those petals, which seemingly looked like the flower ¡°Xiang Xue Hai¡± Ji Heng bought from a foreign businessman for a thousand silver taels. These few petals should also be worth a hundred taels.

    No wonder the servants always said that the most extravagant person in the ducal residence wasn¡¯t Ji Heng, but the old general. Such a grandfather with no tender feelings, really no idea how he got along with Ji Heng.

    ¡°You are all going to the Mid-autumn carnival tomorrow?¡± The old general was very energetic, his voice loud and clear. Looking at Ji Heng, some regrets could be seen in his eyes, ¡°at first I was thinking of letting you stay in the residence to apany me in practice. But I just heard you from outside, saying what festival, what a pity.¡±

    As Kong Liu was about to say ¡°not a pity, Ji Heng is not going¡±, he heard Ji Heng¡¯s regretful voice sounded: ¡°Indeed a pity.¡±

    Kong Liu looked at Ji Heng with amazement. Ji Heng smiled and calmly said: ¡°Grandfather, stay in the residence to practice by yourself, it¡¯s better to do it in an open space. It will be veryte when we return to the residence.¡±

 Chapter 88 Part 1

    Chapter 88 Part 1:

    The fifteenth of the eight month in the Lunar calendar is the Mid-Autumn Festival.

    This day was no different from the usual, at most, it was eating a reunion dinner together in the Jiang family residence. It¡¯s just this reunion dinner, to say ¡°together¡± was not really urate. Reason being Jiang Yu¡¯e was sent to the vige to ¡°recuperate¡±. At the beginning of spring next year, Jiang Yu¡¯e would go to Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s residence. Actually, her age was still small, just that Yang-shi was afraid it would be dragged for too long and be disadvantageous for Jiang Yu¡¯e, so she had no alternative but the marry Jiang Yu¡¯e early.

    Probably Jiang You Yao realized in the end that there was no way for this matter to turn around. Even if she was unwilling to give up, she couldn¡¯t do anything as she was grounded by old madam Jiang and lost a lot of weight in less than a month. The formerly tender and lovely person now unexpectedly looked as if she would copse when being blown by the wind, charmingly pitiful.

    But as such, Jiang Yuan Bai was instead felt more distressed. During the meal, Jiang Li noted that towards Ji Shuran mother and daughter, Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s attitude was extremely gentle. It should be because he felt the matter with Zhou Yan Bang was wronging Jiang You Yao, therebypensating Jiang You Yao.

    Jiang Li saw their family¡¯s happy and harmonious appearance but had no other feelings. However, Lu-shi couldn¡¯t stand by and watch any longer and seemed to deliberately block Ji Shuran as she said: ¡°Everyone should go to tonight¡¯s Mid-Autumn carnival.¡±

    ¡°You Yao is not going,¡± Ji Shuran said: ¡°You Yao has a cold and has not recovered, it will be troublesome if she goes out and gets blown by the wind. All of you go, I¡¯ll stay home to apany You Yao.¡±

    Old madam Jiang had not yet removed Jiang You Yao¡¯s confinement. Because of Jiang You Yao¡¯s temper and her feelings towards Zhou Yan Bang, she would inevitably look for Zhou Yan Bang if she was let out. Old madam Jiang wished that Jiang You Yao could give up. If Jiang You Yao blindly tangled with Zhou Yan Bang, it would let the people in the Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s residence to look down on the Jiang family.

    Jiang You Yao herself also didn¡¯t want to go out. Though she was annoyed for being grounded, as long as she thought how everyone would look at her with sympathy once she stepped outside, Jiang You Yao would feel extremely humiliated. Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s matter, though it had nothing to do with her, she had also be a joke in this love affair, as the pitiful fiancee. Rather than being vexed when seeing others¡¯ expressions, she might as well stay in the residence; what the eyes couldn¡¯t see will be clean.

    ¡°I am not going too.¡± Jiang Yuan Bai said: ¡°I still have the court¡¯s affairs to handle.¡± Since he currently felt that he had wronged Jiang You Yao, he wholeheartedly wanted to make up this little daughter. Ji Shuran mother and daughter were not going, Jiang Yuan Bai resolutely not going alone and abandoned his wife and daughter.

    Lu-shi¡¯s eyes turned around and said: ¡°All of you are not going, what about Li-er? You can¡¯t let Li-er go by herself, right?¡±

    Jiang Yuan Ping coughed lightly from the side.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Jiang Li smiled: ¡°I also don¡¯t really want to go.¡±

    ¡°Li girl, go together with your second aunt.¡± Old madam Jiang suddenly spoke up. She continued: ¡°You¡¯ve just returned to Yanjing this year, the Mid-autumn carnival is very good. You¡¯ve also worked hard these past few days, just nicely rest and rx.¡±

    Old madam Jiang had spoken, naturally it¡¯s not good for Jiang Li to evade. Even though her heart was totally unwilling, she could only agree. At this time, Jiang Yuan Bai fell into a dilemma. On one side was his eldest daughter that had just returned to the capital, while on the other side was his younger daughter that was just subjected to grievance. The palm and back of one¡¯s hand were all meat. However, in the end, he still decided to stay in the residence. Jiang Li appeared to be already sensible and magnanimous yet Jiang You Yao had never eaten sufferings. It¡¯s okay topensate Jiang Li in theing days.

    Seeing that her eldest son was still solely upied with Ji Shuran mother and daughter, appearing pigheaded, old madam Jiang sighed in her heart and shook her head, immediately returning after the meal. On the contrary, Jiang Jing Rui was the happiest. After all the elders walked away, he incessantly winked at Jiang Li. At the end, he stillgged behind on purpose and said to Jiang Li: ¡°Still said that you didn¡¯t want to go. One word from old madam, don¡¯t you still obediently agree?¡±

    Jiang Li¡¯s thoughts were distraught at this moment and was toozy to pay attention to him. Jiang Jing Rui talked to himself: ¡°At that time, you will certainly look wide eyed, the food along the way, the sugar people, also riddles written onnterns, heard that Jin Man Tang will also sing tonight. When the momentes, I¡¯ll bring you to widen your horizon. Hey, don¡¯t walk away ¡ª¡ª¡±

    Jiang Li tossed Jiang Jing Rui far behind, her steps bing faster as she walked. Really cannot hide, she thought by not going out tonight she would avoid seeing things that would evoke mixed feelings. Against reason, old madam Jiang had spoken, if she evaded, it would seem too deliberate. But going out didn¡¯t mean that there¡¯s no benefit. When the people outside saw her going out to see the carnival, yet Jiang Yuan Bai, Ji Shuran and Jiang You Yao weren¡¯t present, those people would probably censure a few lines.

    In front of outsiders, Jiang Yuan Bai had to have a bit of scruples, striving to be impartial.

    Had to take one step at a time.

    Due to old madam Jiang¡¯s order, after the evening meal, as the sky darkened, Jiang Li was forced to set off together with the people from the second branch.

    Old madam Jiang was not present as her legs and feet were not convenient to walk, thus she stayed at the residence together with Jiang Bing Ji. From the main branch, only Jiang Li went out. The people of the second branch were all together, the third branch Yang-shi and Jiang Yuan Xing also didn¡¯t go out. Aside from Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s matter, nowadays when Jiang Yuan Xing went out the door and met with his colleagues, he must walk with his head lowered. Naturally he wouldn¡¯t go out to be humiliated. It¡¯s even more impossible for Jiang Yuyan to go out.

    Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue were following Jiang Li. It was the first time for both servant girls to go to the carnival and from time to time, they let out exmations in admiration or gasps of surprise. Jiang Jing Rui deliberately fell back to walk together with Jiang Li. He said: ¡°You are not curious at all? I see that your two servant girls seem to be happier than you.¡±

    Jiang Li¡¯s expression was very ordinary, yet different from the usual. Jiang Jing Rui discovered that she could even be said to be indifferent. Although the corner of her lips were carrying the usual smile, the warm light of the colorfulnterns couldn¡¯t light up her smile.

    However, this beauty bearing clear silence attracted many pampered sons who were sightseeing. All the way, Jiang Jing Rui found no less than seven or eight young masters peeping at Jiang Li.

    Big streets and small alleys of Yanjing, restaurant tea shops, all had colorednterns spread out; which were personally tied by themon people. Each ce¡¯s tradition was virtually the same, for example, Yanjing¡¯s colorednterns, which were the same as the river lights in Tongxiang. It¡¯s just that colorednterns were suspended by a rope, while the river lights floated on the water.

 Chapter 88 Part 2

    Chapter 88 Part 2:

    Big streets and small alleys of Yanjing, restaurant tea shops, all had colorednterns spread out; which were personally tied by themon people. Each ce¡¯s tradition was virtually the same, for example, Yanjing¡¯s colorednterns, which were the same as the river lights in Tongxiang. It¡¯s just that colorednterns were suspended by a rope, while the river lights floated on the water.

    There were hexagonal ones, as well as some others that were made to look like ampstand. The number of dexterous people were not few. Don¡¯t be fooled by Jiang Jing Rui¡¯s usual carefree look, towards these beautiful things, he unexpectedly was very interested. From time to time, he would pull Jiang Li to say ¡°this one is pretty¡±, or ¡°that one is pretty¡±. Jiang Li was quite speechless, only feeling,pared to her, Jiang Jing Rui more resembled a genuine budding youngdy. The whole face was innocent, tenderly longing.

    When seeing a rabbit shapedntern, Jiang Jing Rui refused to move, no matter what. Not keeping pace with the people from the second branch who¡¯d walked ahead and insisted on purchasing thentern. However, thisntern seller also had a stubborn temper and insisted that thentern was not for sale. Unless someone could guess the riddles written on top, only then would thentern be gifted.

    Jiang Jing Rui immediately had a headache looking at literature. Jiang Jing You and the others had since earlier walked ahead. He grasped Jiang Li¡¯s sleeve tightly and said: ¡°Aren¡¯t you the number one in the examination? Come! Guess this! Help me win this rabbitntern and I¡¯ll give you 50 taels!¡±

    Jiang Li totally disdained this act of Jiang Jing Rui. She originally wanted to refuse, but upon hearing his final sentence, she changed her mind. 50 taels was not a small number, Jiang Jing Rui deserved to be called a hedonistic son of rich parents, really squandering money like dirt. Willing to spend 50 taels of silver to exchange for antern that had no use. It¡¯s a pity, a penny stumped the hero. Jiang Li also didn¡¯t expect there¡¯s a day that she would exchange her talent and learning for money.

    But it¡¯s better to have silver than none at all. One couldn¡¯t see how many schrs in the world were of great talent yet penniless.

    She stopped, then carefully looked at thentern that Jiang Jing Rui was very interested in.

    The person tying thentern had a bit of craftsmanship. Lanterns shaped like animals were originally hard to tie, yet this person tied it very realistically. The body was wrapped with snow white cloth while the inside framework was done well using bamboo. There¡¯s a pair of long pink ears and the eyes used two red beans to decorate. Along with the swaying of the light inside, the rabbit¡¯s eyes appeared moving a bit, as if going to hop in the next moment.

    It was indeed a very beautifulntern.

    Once again looking at riddles written on the wooden board above thentern, the original smile Jiang Li had suddenly froze and her expression changed greatly.

    To her shock, the riddle written in a row of small characters was a riddle she was familiar with: ¡°Searching for him a hundred thousand times in the crowd¡±

    In an instant, by Jiang Li¡¯s ear, she seemed to hear the voice speaking with deep feelings. He said: ¡°This word reflects how I am towards you.¡±

    The past events set into the present, Jiang Li pulled her hand back as if burnt.

    Jiang Jing Rui urged her: ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Quickly guess!¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t guess what it is.¡± Jiang Li coldly said.

    ¡°How is that possible?¡± Jiang Jing Rui said: ¡°You are the first one in Ming Yi Hall, this riddle is not famous and not the hardest to guess. How could you not be able to guess it?¡±

    Jiang Li said: ¡°Can¡¯t guess means can¡¯t guess. It¡¯s better for you to find someone more qualified than me.¡± She turned her head and immediately walked away as if disgusted with thentern. So much so that she wasn¡¯t willing to give thentern another nce.

    Jiang Jing Rui was surprised by what happened. But he was reluctant to part with thentern and didn¡¯t catch up to Jiang Li for a while. When he finally chased after her, Jiang Li¡¯s shadow could no longer be seen among the crowd. Jiang Jing Rui¡¯s heart at once said: ¡°Bad!¡±

    Jiang Li was walking slowly, following the crowd.

    Lu-shi and the others had already walked towards the very front while Jiang Jing Rui was at the back. The crowd was densely packed, very soon forcing people to scatter. Since not a ce one was familiar with, it¡¯s very easy to get lost.

    Jiang Li was not afraid at all. She recognized the roads in Yanjing. From the corner of her eyes, she glimpsed the position of the nearest city guard. In case there¡¯s really a problem, she could call for help from the nearest city guard as soon as possible.

    She also didn¡¯t want to look for Lu-shi or Jiang Jing Rui and felt that this was a rare time to be alone. Ever since returning, she became Jiang Li. Though already getting used to this identity, asionally she would recollect that her original name was Xue Fang Fei.

    Afraid that living the days as Jiang Li for a long time, she would forget her original name and the things she had to do. Indulging in this identity would produce an easy andfortable life, which was not what she wanted. Tonight¡¯s riddle was like a dose of strong, bitter medicine, the astringency made her heart numb, yet also made one momentarily sober.

    Therefore, a time where she was able to throw away being ¡°Jiang Li¡± and be herself was very good.

    Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue didn¡¯t know what Jiang Li was thinking. Finding that they could no longer see Jiang Jing Rui¡¯s silhouette among the crowd, Tong¡¯er said: ¡°Miss, let¡¯s go and look for second master and the others, okay? Nothing could be seen, what to do if I couldn¡¯t find the way back to the residence?¡±

    ¡°No matter.¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°I remember the road.¡±

    ¡°There are too many people.¡± Bai Xue also advised: ¡°We don¡¯t even bring a single bodyguard, what to do if we meet with an ident?¡±

    Jiang Li looked at herself. Currently, Jiang second miss¡¯s most ruthless enemy was none other than Ji Shuran mother and daughter. However, if Ji Shuran mother and daughter wanted to start with her, they wouldn¡¯t pick a ce with multiple eyes staring. No need to mention Jiang You Yao, but Ji Shuran was extremely meticulous and wouldn¡¯t leave behind the slightest handle for others. But everything had an external factor which could not be inferred based onmon sense. Supposedly these mother and daughter went berserk, then everything was possible.

    She stopped thinking of taking a walk alone and said: ¡°Your words make sense.¡±

    Bai Xue and Tong¡¯er let out their breaths. Jiang Li was about to move forward to look for Lu-shi¡¯s figure but inadvertently nced at someone not too far away: ¡°Ye Shijie?¡±

    After the pce banquet, Jiang Li didn¡¯t go to Ming Yi Hall much. In the end, Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s matter still affected the Jiang family¡¯s young misses¡¯ reputations. Old madam Jiang told them to go out as little as possible if there¡¯s no matter, waiting for a period of time for the wind to blow in another direction. Thus Jiang Li had no chance to run into Ye Shijie.

    At this time, in front of a small peddler sellingnterns not too far away, Ye Shijie and a middle aged man seemed to be picking outnterns as they were chatting, seemingly quite familiar with each other.

    Jiang Li guessed that he was someone Ye Shijie knew. She wanted to ask about Ye Shijie¡¯s recent situation, especially whether Li Lian tried to rope him in again. So she nned to go through the crowd and walk towards Ye Shijie¡¯s side.

    But she wasn¡¯t aware that her own movement was all seen by another person.

 Chapter 88 Part 3

    Chapter 88 Part 3:

    In the upstairs of Wang Xian Lou, Kong Liu was in the middle of staring entranced at the crowding and going downstair. Actually, he was not very fond of looking at these flowers ornterns, the gleaming eyes of the people wandering. Butpared with staying in the ducal residence and boringly looking at court affairs, naturally the bustling noise was a bit better. Besides, within the hustle, there were still a lot of young women who warmed the heart and delighted the eyes, able to add radiance to the dreary night.

    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s Jiang second miss!¡± Kong Liu stood up, excitedly said to Ji Heng: ¡°Quicklye and see, it¡¯s Jiang second miss. Didn¡¯t expect her toe out tonight to watch thenterns too. Something¡¯s wrong, why is she by herself? There¡¯s not a single member of the Jiang family by her side. Did she sneak out?¡±

    Lu Ji, who was sipping his tea, followed his sight and nced down. He said: ¡°Who sneaked out and still brought their servants. There are so many people outside, she probably got separated from her family.¡±

    ¡°Lost?¡± Kong Liu frowned: ¡°There are so many people outside, a lot of evildoers. Every year, there are females abducted by evildoers. Such a little girl, delicate as a flower, will inevitably attract people. It¡¯s not good if she met with a mishap.¡±

    ¡°Then what are you nning to do?¡± Lu Ji inquisitively looked at him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll send her to look for her family!¡± Kong Liu spoke righteously.

    ¡°Kong Liu,¡± Lu Ji said: ¡°don¡¯t have wishful thinking. Don¡¯t mention that she¡¯s the daughter of the chief assistant, even amon family¡¯s daughter could see that you are old like this.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m old?¡± Kong Liu immediately flew into a rage, ¡°I¡¯m at the best age, what do you know? What¡¯s wrong with my age? You are old, your d*mn beard is so long!¡±

    However, Lu Ji wasn¡¯t angry in the slightest. He reached out and pointed his finger outside while beaming for Kong Liu to see: ¡°Didn¡¯t I say already, how can youpare to a youngster. You see, this Jiang second miss, wasn¡¯t she looking for young master Ye?¡±

    As soon as these words came out, not just Kong Liu, even Ji Heng who was sitting at the side and ying with his fan couldn¡¯t help shooting a quick look downstairs.

    Sure enough, among the drifting crowd, Jiang Li and the two servant girls by her side were in the middle of crossing the street. Due to the high number of people, it was very difficult to cross that nearby street. However, the rare thing was that her directional movement was superb, all the way advancing in one direction, not scattered by the stream of people walking in session.

    And her goal in moving forward was undoubtedly the handsome and out of the ordinary youth, Ye Shijie.

    She was walking towards Ye Shijie.

    Lu Ji said with a smile: ¡°The rtionship between these cousins is excellent.¡±

    ¡°Nonsense, they are rtives.¡± At this time, Kong Liu forgot the matter of Lu Ji mocking his age and focused on looking at Jiang Li and Ye Shijie, these two people.

    Ji Heng was also standing in front of the window, pensively looking for a while. He abruptly closed his fan and said: ¡°Wen Ji.¡±

    A ck clothed imperial bodyguard quietly appeared before his eyes.

    ¡°Invite Jiang second miss up.¡±

    Both Lu Ji and Kong Liu didn¡¯t expect Ji Heng to suddenly issue such an order and simultaneously looked at him, astonishment apparent in their eyes.

    ¡°Just say that I¡¯m inviting Jiang second miss to watch Jin Man Tang together, arranging the front position for her.¡±

    Kong Liu¡¯s chin almost dropped to the floor.

    ......

    The crowd was so congested.

    Yanjing was much bigger than Tongxiang, there were also many more people. The most lively time in Tongxiang was also not half as Yanjing at present. It¡¯s hard to imagine how the usual narrow streets became so challenging to pass through today.

    They finally reached the opposite street.

    Just when Jiang Li secretly rxed her breath and going to take her two servant girls to walk towards Ye Shijie, a person in ck suddenly blocked them.

    Tong¡¯er was so scared she almost screamed. Bai Xue also raised her fists. However, that person in ck seemed to have no expression on his face and said a sentence: ¡°Jiang second miss, the duke invites you to watch Jin Man Tang¡¯s singing together and have arranged the front seats in Wang Xian Lou.¡±

    ¡°Duke?¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°Ji Heng?¡±

    Wen Ji was a bit bbergasted, to his surprise, Jiang second miss directly called master¡¯s name without changing her face. He nodded.

    Jiang Li frowned, in a low voice Tong¡¯er said: ¡°Miss, this person suddenly showed up, what duke, perhaps deceiving.....¡±

    ¡°Not deceiving,¡± Jiang Li answered, ¡°he¡¯s a person from Duke Su.¡±

    This time, Wen Ji was even more astonished. He was certain that Jiang Li had never seen him before, yet how did Jiang Li speak with so much certainty. A momentter, he heard Jiang Li¡¯s indifferent voice: ¡°Duke Su loves beauty and hates ugliness. This dark guard is so beautiful, he is undoubtedly Duke Su¡¯s person.¡±

    Obviously, Wen Ji was standing steadily. After clearly hearing Jiang Li¡¯s words, he nearly stumbled in an instant.

    On the contrary, it was Tong¡¯er, who at this moment, seriously lifted her head to look Wen Ji up and down. After seeing Wen Ji¡¯s face clearly, she couldn¡¯t help sucking in the cold air and said: ¡°Truly! Miss, he¡¯s much better looking than the guards at our house! Almost as good looking as the second young master!¡±

    Wen Ji: ¡°.......¡±

    Bai Xue pulled Jiang Li¡¯s sleeve and whispered: ¡°Then, miss, do we still go?¡±

    Jiang Li looked at Wen Ji but couldn¡¯t make out anything. She pondered for a while before letting out a sigh in the end. She said: ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Tong¡¯er was still a little bit afraid but Jiang Li was helpless. She knew, even if she said she didn¡¯t want to go, refusing Duke Su, Ji Heng would still find other ways to make her go. The reason why this courtesy was nothing but him wanting to appear to be a bit courteous. However, in this person¡¯s bone flowed the blood of arbitrarily taking actions.

    Nobody could refuse him, because he had his own methods.

    A wise man submitted to circumstances, Jiang Li had no other alternative but to say: ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    She walked together with Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue, following Wen Ji to Wang Xian Lou.

 Chapter 88 Part 4

    Chapter 88 Part 4:

    Ye Shijie was in the middle of chatting and picking outnterns with Ye Ming Xuan. He turned his head by chance and suddenly glimpsed a familiar back. He nearly blurted Jiang Li¡¯s name out, but before he could open his mouth, that figure was drowned out by the crowd and could no longer be seen.

    Ye Shijie suspected that he had seen wrongly and was in a daze. Ye Ming Xuan handed the money over, then turned around to see Ye Shijie looking at the crowd while lost in thought. He asked: ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Ye Shijie retracted his gaze and shook his head; his heart saying that it was probably a mistake. Even if Jiang Li went out tonight, she wouldn¡¯t be alone and would have members of the Jiang family following along.

    He was truly thoroughly bewitched.

    ......

    Wang Xian Lou was thergest restaurant in Yanjing.

    When Jiang Li was the Shen family¡¯s madam, she once passed by this restaurant together with mother Shen and Shen Ruyun. At that time, mother Shen and Shen Ruyun were both very envious. She, however, didn¡¯t care much about it. Compared with the members of the Shen family, her desires had always been extremely light. But since that time, she became aware that Wang Xian Lou was a ce where the top-notch peoplee to squander their money.

    She wasn¡¯t able to step foot inside this ce in her previous life. But in this life, she could swagger inside and was still called ¡°distinguished guest¡±, and ¡°invited¡± to go in. Though this invite was not like that invite, in the end it was still justifiable.

    Some people were already on the first floor of the hall. However, the ce where Jiang Li was invited to was the second floor.

    In the tea room on the second floor.

    The chief assistant¡¯s government residence was already very luxurious, but Wang Xian Lou was still more carefully selected for qualitypared to the Jiang family. Just the nket spread on the floor was a Persian velvet embroidered rug with precious stones at the top. Jiang Li couldn¡¯t smell the incense lit inside the room, nevertheless, it was extremelyfortable and extremely fragrant. Borrowing Xue Zhao¡¯s mouth, it would be, ¡°expensive at a nce¡±.

    In the ¡°expensive at a nce¡± second room tea room of Wang Xian Lou, Wen Ji helped Jiang Li to push the curtain aside to enter.

    Jiang Li saw the people inside.

    To her surprise, aside from Ji Heng, there were two other people inside. One of them was a schr in green clothes with a goatee who smiled slightly at Jiang Li. Jiang Li didn¡¯t know this person and simply smiled in return. Jiang Li knew the other person. He was the examiner during the riding archery examination, captain of the chariots, Kong Wei, also known as Kong Liu.

    Kong Liu seemed very happy to see Jiang Li and called out in his rough voice: ¡°Jiang second miss.¡± He apparently intended to chat with Jiang Li, yet after pondering, he couldn¡¯te up with suitable words. Therefore, he could only praise: ¡°Jiang second miss¡¯s horsemanship is not bad, your archery is also very good!¡±

    It looked exactly like he was praising the soldiers he epted.

    Lu Ji and Ji Heng both gave him peculiar looks.

    Kong Liu scratched his head,ughed awkwardly, and no longer spoke.

    Afterwards, Jiang Li looked at Ji Heng. Today, this young man wore a pale red robe. Despite the pale color, against his skin, his appearance actually appeared even richer. His skin was fairer than females with make-up on and his lips were rosier than the peach blossoms in the fourth month. As a result, the fair became fairer and the rosy became rosier. The pair of eyes he was born with was clear amber, the whole person seemed to be unaffected by human¡¯s fireworks. Where he stood, the scenery in that ce seemed like a painting. Even if he was currentlyzily ying with the gold rimmed fan in his hand, the scene was so beautiful it could mysteriously turn into a painting at any time.

    ¡°Is there some matter for the duke to call me?¡± Jiang Li asked. She truly was not clear on the reason why Ji Heng called her.

    Ji Heng nced at her andughed unexpectedly. He said: ¡°In any case, we can be regarded as having a bit of friendship. Jiang second miss no need to be a stranger. Today is the Mid-Autumn festival, there¡¯s fated meeting on the road. Jin Man Tang is going to sing in Wang Xian Lou¡¯s hall, simply inviting Jiang second miss to appreciate together.¡±

    Jiang Li was bewildered, how can they be regarded as having a bit of friendship? If talking about friendship, that can only be a bit of an ill-fated rtionship. Ji Heng was aware of her scheme of Master Jing An at Mount Qingcheng, also saw her previously edging Shen Ruyun and stirring a pool of muddy spring water for Zhou Yan Bang and Jiang Yu¡¯e. Moreover, she identally ran into a secret dealing between Ji Heng and a person from the Li family. Each knowing of the other person¡¯s secret, after some time, it¡¯s not exaggerated to say that they wanted each other dead. Ji Heng spoke lightheartedly as if they had been friends for many years.

    It¡¯s truly unimaginable.

    In addition, there were no ¡°fated meeting on the road¡±, clearly it was Ji Heng dispatching someone over, didn¡¯t give her a second option to choose the ¡°invite¡± to go up.

    Jiang Li said: ¡°Many thanks for duke¡¯s kindness, but I don¡¯t like watching ys.¡±

    ¡°If second miss is thinking of singing in a y better in the future, might as well learn from famous actresses.¡± Ji Heng faced her smilingly.

    Jiang Li nearly could no longer smile. This words spoken by Ji Heng seemed to remind her of the matter happening during the pce feast. Indeed, she made a mistake in one matter, that was not supposed to let Ji Heng grab her handle, being threatened like this all the time.

    Kong Liu looked left and right, absolutely puzzled by the subtle atmosphere between Ji Heng and Jiang Li. However, he could still be considered polite and said to Jiang Li: ¡°Jiang second miss, just now saw you from upstairs without a single bodyguard nor were there any family members by your side, perhaps separated from your family. There¡¯s quite many females lost every year during thentern festival; there are also many bad people. Even if the city guards are prepared, it isn¡¯t absolutely safe. There¡¯s no harm in watching the group in the hall until it¡¯s finished before we find someone to escort you back to your residence so you can go back to your family and avoid any idents.¡±

    Stretching a hand, don¡¯t hit a smiling person. Besides, Kong Liu appeared to be much simpler and more sincere than Ji Heng. it¡¯s very difficult for Jiang Li to give birth to ill will towards him. Furthermore, what Kong Liu said makes sense. Seeing the night scenery got darker, thenterns along the streets were brighter, the crowding out to admire the full moon also grew more and more in number. Shuttling alone in the crowd at this time was truly not a sensible thing. She saw Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue also showed worry on their faces and soon set her mind. For the time being, she would follow Kong Liu¡¯s arrangements.

    In an instant, she raised her head and stered a smile on her face, looking very pure and tender and said: ¡°Many thanks Master Kong.¡±

    Kong Liu was somewhat ttered and couldn¡¯t help proudly ncing at Lu Ji. How? He didn¡¯t scare the littledy. His age is not that old, right?

    Lu Ji moved his head, toozy to look at his stupid look.

    As they were talking, the unique opening sound of the theatrical troupe was heard from downstairs.

    Jin Man Tang¡¯s group was about to begin, this was the start of the first y.

 Chapter 89 Part 1

    Chapter 89 Part 1: Watching a y

    Jin Man Tang had recently reced Xiang Si group, an outstanding and prosperous theatrical troupe in Yanjing.

    Every time there¡¯s a popr theatrical troupe, they all seemed eager to receive Duke Su¡¯s approval and felt it necessary to first perform for Duke Su to watch. As long as Ji Heng affirmed that the singing was not bad, the theatrical troupe would certainly be pretty good. Just like the Xiang Xi group at that time, Ji Heng seemed to have the power over the life and death of theatrical troupes in Yanjing. He could bring a theatrical troupe to fame, and could equally make a theatrical troupe disappear quickly.

    Though in Jiang Li¡¯s opinion this was really inconceivable, a majestic duke, the descendant of a highly respected old general, yet unexpectedly rather like a manager of theatrical troupes. But there were also times she felt she probably could understand how a person like Ji Heng had some rtionships with ys.

    He was born very beautiful, even more so than the actors on stage. From birth, he deserved to stand in front of people, radiating brilliant rays. However, he was not suitable to perform on stage in person because he was too clear-headed and cold, unable to enter the mortal world and be involved in their predicaments. Such a proud heavenly child was probably only suitable to stand under the stage, watching other people¡¯s deception of joys and sorrows, even felt it was beneath his dignity to drop a tear or two.

    He merely looked at them like a joke, only a mocking smile at the corner of his lips.

    The entire second floor had perhaps been booked by Ji Heng as there were no other people. Jiang Li could go out of the tea room, walk towards the railings and look down to immediately see the stage.

    Able to see the people on the stage clearly, but one floor higher than the audience on the first floor. Jiang Li surmised this was the angle Ji Heng liked, being in a high location, overlooking the scene below. She couldn¡¯t help saying, watching a y like this had a feeling of detachmentpared to directly watching in the audience. How to say it, suppose a person sat too close to the actors, it¡¯s very easy for said person to enter the y. But a person that was nearby to the actors yet stood higher could more clearly perceive that it was just a y. No matter how wonderful the y was, it was difficult for the person to enter, thus would not be led along by the mood of the y.

    The famous actor in Jin Man Tang was called Little Peach, a young woman. Because her face was always fully applied with cosmetics, her appearance wasn¡¯t very clear. But looking at her graceful figure and her soft voice, she should be a rare wonderful person. No wonder the audience rooted for her so much and cheered for her one after another.

    This y was called: ¡°Jiu¡¯er¡¯s record¡±.

    ¡°Jiu¡¯er¡¯s record¡± was a very famous tale, the story of a woman from the previous dynasty. The young woman was called Jiu¡¯er, who was married to a schr in the countryside. They were in perfect harmony, the husband and wife had loving affections for each other. Afterwards, the schr entered the capital to take the imperial examination, became the top scorer, was appointed as a big government official and attracted the attention of a wealthy youngdy. The master of the wealthy youngdy wanted to take him as the son-inw, thus the schr concealed the matter of having a wife in his hometown and married the wealthy family¡¯s daughter.

    Jiu¡¯er, who was far away in the countryside with their young son, wasn¡¯t aware that her husband had be other people¡¯s husband. A day came where the schr no longer sent letters home. Rain fell on the leaking house that night, Jiu¡¯er¡¯s young son fell into serious illness. The family was poor and had no money to treat the illness. With no other alternative, Jiu¡¯er had to bring the young son to the capital to search for her husband. After going through difficulties and suffering other¡¯s indifference, she arrived at the capital atst. However, while on the streets of the capital, she saw her husband and another woman were behaving intimately.

    The schr wasn¡¯t willing to recognize Jiu¡¯er and further asked people to beat and drive her away. Only then did Jiu¡¯er find out that he already had a wife and children for a long time and had from earlier thrown the wife and child at home to the back of his head. In the capital, Jiu¡¯er¡¯s son couldn¡¯t obtain silver to see the doctor, in addition, the toll from traveling from a distance, so not long after, he died of illness.

    Jiu¡¯er lost both her husband and her son, feeling unreconciled and heart-broken, she flung herself into the river in front of the schr¡¯s door. After death, she turned into a blue bird, all day long screaming on the schr¡¯s door, attracting everyone to stop. This matter rmed the emperor whomanded the matter to be investigated thoroughly. Discovering that the schr was a fickle and heartless person, the emperor removed him from his official position and that wealthy youngdy also divorced him. Finally, the schr ended up with nothing at all and froze to death in winter, unable to withstand the severe weather.

    This was a story made up by a storyteller in the previous dynasty. However, because it¡¯s so brilliant, and Jiu¡¯er¡¯s bitter experience roused the sympathy of others, it was picked up to be yed on stage by theatrical troupes, consequently bing a very well-known y. Females loved watching such mellow, mournful stories and would feel sad and tears following Jiu¡¯er in the story. The male counterparts would sigh; though it was normal for men to have three wives and four concubines, there¡¯s also the saying ¡°a wife who¡¯s gone through the hardships of poverty with her husband must not be cast away¡±. Such a person with no virtue, no wonder the heavens finally couldn¡¯t stand.

    When Jiang Li first heard this story, she was still a little girl in Tongxiang. She was still young at that time, unable to shed tears but was indignant for Jiu¡¯er to meet with such injustice. She still told Xue Zhao, if it was her, knowing that the person who shared the bed was such a cruel and unscrupulous person, she absolutely wouldn¡¯tmit suicide in front of the schr¡¯s door, but rather take a knife and perish together with the schr. At that time Xue Zhao said: ¡°When that timees, you will certainly feel reluctant.¡±

    She scoffed, why would she be reluctant, he¡¯s nothing more than an ingrate that¡¯s not as good as an animal.

    Jiu¡¯er in the story unexpectedly still recalled the good things of the past. It¡¯s unknown whether the person making up this tale was unable to realize and produced this mistake.

    But there was something from start to finish that still didn¡¯t change, just like at this time, if she was to be asked again, she could still say that there¡¯s nothing to be reluctant about.

    When the other party chose to betray, then it was just like a sword cutting all the previous rtionships, without any exception, neatly. The things others did not care about yet she preserved very carefully, that¡¯s not called kindhearted, but frivolous and lowly.

    She would never let people look down on herself.

 Chapter 89 Part 2

    Chapter 89 Part 2: Watching a y

    On the stage, Little Peach, who¡¯s ying Jiu¡¯er, finally found her husband. However, her husband avoided knowing her and sang out: ¡°It¡¯s really not because I don¡¯t want to recognize you, but afraid of taking the wrong step and having misfortune falling on oneself.¡±

    Jiu¡¯er sang: ¡°Saying taking the wrong step and having misfortune falling on oneself. Clearly you¡¯ve got a new person, forgetting the former kindness.

    At that time wanted to learn and study in Junzhou, on behalf of you, as filial piety, wife went forward to wait upon the parents,

    In the third year, saw you off to the capital to take the imperial examination, before parting, urging thousands of words to husband

    Telling you to return early whether sessful or not, bearing in mind the heart of old parents and young child

    Who would have thought that you left for three years without any message, the widespread drought starved the parents

    With difficulty carried funerals out for father and mother, then brought the child to look for you

    You don¡¯t remember the affection of husband and wife at all, and not in favor of your own child

    Think with your hand ced on your heart, can it be said you are someone with an iron heart?¡±

    The people on stage sang with tears streaming on their faces, Jiang Li listened while feeling a pain like a knife being twisted in her heart. With the lyrics, it¡¯s truly too difficult for her not to think of herself. Just like how Jiu¡¯er failed to understand, she didn¡¯t do anything wrong and did everything well, but why did her husband treat her like so. Jiang Li also very much wanted to ask Shen Yurong whether high position and great wealth was really that good. So good that even humanity could be discarded and anything else wasn¡¯t necessary?

    Moreover, there¡¯s his child.

    Her child, before he was born into the world, died from this dirty plot. When Shen Yurong sacrificed him, was there any hesitation, knowing that his blood flowed in this child¡¯s body?

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t dare to think in this direction.

    On the other side, Lu Ji who had been watching the y, suddenly spoke: ¡°Oh, Jiang second miss is watching very attentively.¡±

    All three people looked towards Jiang Li.

    Jiang Li stood sideways from them, her eyes hanging very low. She fixed her gaze onto the audience, obviously watching very attentively. With careful look, one could see her holding the second floor¡¯s engraved railings very tightly. The joints on her hand had gone white as she powerfully clutched on it.

    She was absorbed in the y.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Kong Liu objected, ¡°Jiang second miss hates evil, clear between right and wrong. This y makes people extremely sullen, the people listening to it are all angry. Jiang second miss was affected by the y and was engrossed inside while listening, it¡¯s very normal.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s very normal to be fascinated by this y and affected to some extent.¡± Lu Ji smilingly said: ¡°But this is Jiang second miss.¡±

    What kind of person Jiang second miss was, seemingly smiling all the time. Even when she wasn¡¯t smiling, she looked gentle like a stream of water, tranquil and serene, practically never seeing her furious or anxious. On some people, this kind of temper was lukewarm, but on Jiang second miss, people with a little eyesight could majority see that Jiang second miss was indifferent.

    Perhaps in her eyes, many things were not important. Unimportant things thus unnecessary to care about. This attitude could only be possessed by someone who had experienced a huge change in their life, usually found in the elderly who had gone through many things in their life.

    Even if Jiang second miss once ¡°harm her mother and kill her younger brother¡± and was sent off to stay alone in the nunnery for eight years, she wouldn¡¯t be like now, simple and warm after going through a kind of stormy experience.

    In short, Jiang Li would not take trivial matters to heart, and didn¡¯t even care of the people who could possibly harm her reputation. So could her heart move because of a minor y?

    Others might, but certainly not Jiang second miss. If due to this y Jiang second miss showed such a different act, that could only mean that this y stirred her. Some things in her life coincided with the things in the y.

    This was precisely empathy.

    Ji Heng¡¯s fingertips ran through the pure white fan handle. He suddenly stood up, his gaze as he looked at Jiang Li carried a bit of interest as he leisurely approached Jiang Li.

    ¡°He.....¡± Kong Liu was about to speak but was pulled back by Lu Ji. Lu Ji gestured for him to stay silent and said: ¡°Watch the y properly.¡±

    Little Peach was still singing: ¡°In the capital, husband was recruited as the emperor¡¯s son-inw, I¡¯m stranded in the pce courtyard holding a pipa.

    Hating that he seeded in obtaining riches and honor, forgetting the kindness and turning his back. He..... he abandoned the hair knot1

    I am hiswfully wedded wife, remembering that year going to the government

    He said whether sessful or not, still his hometown

    Unexpectedly the drought and famine in Hubei, starved the impoverished families to death

    Both parents inw starved to death on the straw hall, without money to buy coffins for the two

    Two locks of fine ck hair were cut, exchanged on the main street for two sheets of woven mats.

    The neighbor on the east and the residence on the west, each one said, husband was the top scorer

    I carried the child to visit, begging from door to door

    The pce guard Mu Chi charged and kicked me with his leg

    Fell by the pce gate.....¡±

    Wedded wife2..... Jiang Li thought vaguely. This was actually a touching appetion. Just like the gentleness Shen Yurong treated her at that time. Like this mid-Autumn festival night, she had experienced many night scenes, each time was joyous and satisfying. Who knew there would be a day when recalling the many things of the past would be like a sword piercing the abdomen. de cutting to the bone, making people be in so much pain they wished they were dead.

    She almost couldn¡¯t distinguish whether it was merely the y called ¡°Jiu¡¯er¡¯s record¡± or her real self. She seemed to have be Jiu¡¯er, and also seemed to be more tragic than Jiu¡¯er.

    At this time, a silk handkerchief was suddenly handed to her from the side.

    Pure white without any embroidery. Silk¡¯s nature was smooth, under the lights, it produced a subtle flowy luster. A nce and you could tell it was light and very soft.

    ¡°Wipe it, okay?¡± Ji Heng¡¯s voice soundedposed yet still leisurely. He said: ¡°Second miss¡¯s appearance of pear blossom rain is honestly not good.¡±

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t bother with his unpleasant words and hastily reached her hand to touch her cheek. Feeling the dampness in her cheek, she wasn¡¯t even aware when she started to cry.

    She actually cried.

    Subconsciously, Jiang Li was about to take Ji Heng¡¯s handkerchief, yet became sober in a moment and smilingly said: ¡°Many thanks, duke. But I have.¡± From her bosom, she fished out a light green handkerchief. Though it wasn¡¯t as expensive as Ji Heng¡¯s, it was quite simple yet elegant. She promptly used it to wipe the tears from her face.

    Her movement was calm, as if just brushing off dust.

    But didn¡¯t think that she would subconsciously smile. Inexplicably odd when matched with the tear at the corner of her eyes. Ji Heng paused, not saying a word and withdrew his handkerchief. He said to Jiang Li: ¡°Didn¡¯t expect Jiang second miss, such a hard-hearteddy, to be able to cry.¡± He continued unhurriedly: ¡°I have to suspect that Jiang second miss is also a drama enthusiast.¡±

 Chapter 89 Part 3

    Chapter 89 Part 3: Watching a y

    ¡°Watch if the y is brilliant, and don¡¯t watch if it¡¯s not.¡± Jiang Li smiled, ¡°everyone says Jin Man Tang is the most popr theatrical troupe in the entire Yanjing, today can be considered as gaining first hand knowledge. The vocal of Little Peach is very easy to move a person.¡±

    ¡°What moves people is not Little Peach¡¯s vocal, but the y itself.¡± Ji Heng said: ¡°Just now Jiang second miss entered the y.¡±

    ¡°Me?¡± Jiang Li gave Ji Heng an astonished nce and smilingly said: ¡°I¡¯m not a person in the y, how could I enter the y? The duke is joking.¡±

    ¡°Second miss¡¯s ability in putting on a y is very good, but the ability to lie is just so-so.¡± Ji Heng sighed with a smile on his face: ¡°Your lie is really too clumsy.¡±

    Jiang Li slightly knitted her brows. As she was about to speak, she was caught off guard by Ji Heng¡¯s sudden movement of hooking her chin, forcing her to raise her head to look at him.

    This posture was extremely frivolous. Kong Liu who was by the side almost screamed out in surprise, his mouth was covered by Lu Ji.

    Jiang Li was startled, for a split second, she didn¡¯t know whether she was ashamed or astonished, and was obliged to stare at Ji Heng.

    Seeing Ji Heng at close proximity over and over again, no matter how many times, every time, it¡¯s as breathtaking as seeing him for the first time. His pale red robe was loose, the peony embroidered on his cor was neat and exquisite. Among the mournful, tragic vocal, he appeared more touching. Like a red lotus blooming on a deathly white winter day, the burning color dazzled the eyes of the people. Also resembled looking at the inverted image of a bright moon from the abyss, beautiful but terrifying.

    The color of his eyes were light, a translucent amber. The outlines of his eyes were naturally deep, thus looking like natural eyebrow drawings, equally attractive. The shape of the bridge of his nose was beautiful, his lips red and thin. Even if it was mocking, it made people want to throw themselves towards him for a kiss despite the dangers.

    The corner of his lips that was smirking slowly, bit by bit, leaned forward. The closer it went, the more indifferent it was. His pair of eyes was rippling, making people couldn¡¯t help hold their breath. His voice, however, was ambiguously low and husky as he said: ¡°Eyes are the windows of your emotion. Your eyes betray your heart.¡±

    Jiang Li said: ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s someone in your heart.¡± He said.

    Jiang Li said: ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°In your heart, you don¡¯t love this person, but hate very much.¡± He chuckled.

    Jiang Li was stunned, and no matter what, she could no longer say that word, ¡°no¡±.

    The young man was like a demon proficient in thoroughly knowing people¡¯s mind. Everything under the heavens couldn¡¯t be hidden from his eyes. Jiang Li couldn¡¯t stop her suspicion whether this person was capable of seeing through all kinds of lies, and understood all the betrayals. Because his enchanting eyes could sink people, except himself.

    He lived with too much soberness, also bound unlikely to be too happy.

    In this split second, to one¡¯s surprise, Jiang Li was ineffably rxed. Several times she had crossed swords with Duke Su, Ji Heng, and she had never once standing as the victor. Although she wasn¡¯t falling to a disadvantageous position, Jiang Li was clear in her heart that the kind of pressure thatpels people really made her very ufortable. But at this moment, she realized, a person such as Duke Su, Ji Heng could indeed possibly understand everything just by looking. But living life too clearly, for the most part, was too exhausting for a person who understood too thoroughly.

    It¡¯s hard to be muddled.

    It looked like finally there¡¯s one thing, Ji Heng was doomed to have no way to surpass her. Jiang Li suddenly bent her brows, her tense body seemingly rxed in a split second. She looked at Ji Heng and smiled: ¡°The duke said so, then just treat it as so.¡±

    Didn¡¯t anticipate that Jiang Li would suddenlypromise and said so lightly, a sh of surprise shed through Ji Heng¡¯s eyes.

    Jiang Li slightly struggled free from Ji Heng¡¯s hand. Ji Heng released the fingers holding her chin and once again caressed his folding fan. He resumed his polite and courteous appearance, draped in his sheepskin.

    ¡°The duke loves ys so much, aren¡¯t you afraid that there will be a day that you will also enter the y and be watched with amusement by others?¡±

    The pupils of Ji Heng¡¯s eyes slightly deepened. He didn¡¯t expect Jiang Li not only didn¡¯t retreat a step, but also said such provocative words.

    ¡° Jiang second miss thinks I¡¯m a person who can enter the y?¡± He shook his fan neither lightly nor strongly and said: ¡°I¡¯m not as kind as second miss.¡±

    Meaning, he was not as kind as Jiang Li and would not shed tears for insignificant people, shedding tears for the joys and sorrows of other people.

    ¡°ys are ys, it cannot be real.¡± He almost lingeringly spat out this cruel sentence.

    ¡°People who are in the y are not aware that they are in the middle of a y.¡± Jiang Li said quietly: ¡°Just like me encountering a story that moved me here, perhaps there will be a day that you will too.¡±

    The words she spoke was gentle, but the gaze she used as she looked at Ji Heng carried a trace of stubbornness. This made her look like a ¡°little girl¡±, but her manner of speaking was still so euphemistic and meaningful.

    ¡°Then it¡¯s going to ruin the y,¡± Ji Hengughed very amiably, ¡°I¡¯m not suitable to be an actor in a y.¡±

    These simple and rough words were indeed Ji Heng¡¯s style! Jiang Li felt somewhat stuffy. In his bones, Ji Heng was a dictator, he didn¡¯t have to consider other people¡¯s opinion, and also paid no attention to others¡¯ suggestions. He already had a bnce in his heart and he only needed to increase the weights.

    No one could turn into his standard weight so it was destined that nobody would be his weak spot. No one could threaten him and he had no weak points, therefore people were afraid of him.

    Jiang Li said coldly: ¡°Then wishing the duke to forever be a spectator like today!¡± She also didn¡¯t know which of her veins was wrong, running here against reason to fight with Ji Heng. It¡¯s best not to have much association with a person like Ji Heng, if possible to hide further away then far away.

    This person could easily arouse the anger in her bones and made her unable to stop saying a few more words. He¡¯s really an expert in toying with people¡¯s hearts.

    However, on earth, using an eagle to peck an eagle¡¯s eyes was also amon urrence.

    Jiang Li said: ¡°What¡¯s concentrated will dry up, but what¡¯s weak will be rich.¡± She snorted in her heart, turned around to walk towards where Kong Liu was.

    Ji Heng stood rooted in ce with a stump. After thinking clearly, he nearly couldn¡¯t stop himself fromughing out loud.

    Jiang Li was warning him, the weaker something was, perhaps in the end it would be deeper. He doing things excessively was difficult to escape from retribution in the future.

 Chapter 89 Part 4

    Chapter 89 Part 4: Watching a y

    Kong Liu was in the middle of muttering to Lu Ji how Ji Heng and Jiang Li seemed to be about to quarrel when surprisingly, he saw Jiang Li walking over to him. He squeezed out what could still be regarded as a nice smile and said to her: ¡°Why is Jiang second missing over? Not continue watching?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing nice to see.¡± Jiang Li¡¯s smile was gentle and modest, unable to see the equal harshness shown while bantering with Ji Heng just now in the slightest. She said: ¡°Have seen this y many times before, and it¡¯s too tragic. Today is the Mid-Autumn festival, don¡¯t want to be full of sorrow.¡±

    Kong Liu suddenly realized and nodded repeatedly: ¡°Right, right, right.¡±

    Ji Heng had his hands folded on his chest as he stood by the carved banister, looking fascinatingly at Jiang Li exchanging pleasantries with Kong Liu skillfully and easily. A little girl who could dramatically change her attitude, and her skill at face changing was not bad.

    He swept a nce at Little Peach who was still singing incessantly on the stage. He pondered, the person she loves and hates, who is it?

    It should not be Zhou Yan Bang.

    ......

    Dealing with a person with a straight temper like Kong Liu was much easier than dealing with Ji Heng. Even that person on the side who was all smiles and with a goatee who was always fishing in Jiang Li¡¯s sentences was still easy to deal withpared to Ji Heng.

    Dealing with Ji Heng, he was never stingy to let people see the other side of his sentimental good looks. For example, cruelty and his cold indifference.

    Kong Liu even so much as asking Jiang Li whether she had any thought of going to his light chariot troupe to be an archer, or be a cavalry was also fine. Her archery and horsemanship was very outstanding, no lesspared to a man. Moreover, even before going through training she was able to be this way, after going through the army training, presumably she would be even more outstanding. Although there was no female in their cavalry team, she could be a precedent.

    Jiang Li very much had a headache.

    This person, Kong Liu¡¯s heart was also too big. He seemed to forget that Jiang Li was Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s daughter, the present chief assistant¡¯s daughter. How could she not be a noble daughter and run off to be in the cavalry. Even if Jiang Li herself was willing, Jiang Yuan Bai would never agree. He would probably send a folding notebook up to the top, stating that Kong Liu, this person, had abducted the chief assistant¡¯s family¡¯s daughter.

    Jiang Li tactfully and politely declined.

    Kong Liu was very regretful.

    Lu Ji continued to chat smilingly with Jiang Li, asionally asking a few questions about the matters in the Jiang family. Though his questions were all trivial matters, Jiang Li could still sense Lu Ji trying to cover his words. Jiang Li was not familiar with this person, Lu Ji, and also not aware of his intentions. Even if Lu Ji was Ji Heng¡¯s person, Jiang Li also would not rx her vignce. To speak of, Ji Heng was also not a good person, what if by chance he wanted to set up the Jiang family from behind? At present, she was leaning against the Jiang family, this big tree. If the Jiang family was to copse, she, as a Jiang family¡¯s youngdy, undoubtedly would have no road to walk.

    Jiang Li answered Lu Ji with a smile, but avoided the important question one by one. After several rounds, Lu Ji also realized that Jiang Li had noticed and no longer asked any questions and merelyughed before continuing his bickering with Kong Liu.

    Ji Heng didn¡¯t do anything, simply leaning against the carved banister and watched. He watched ¡°Jiu¡¯er record¡± absent-mindedly, making people doubt whether or not he was really watching.

    Making people confused whether he was just putting on a y.

    Didn¡¯t know how long she¡¯d sat down, Jiang Li¡¯s intuition said that the time of a pir of incense had passed. She then got up and said: ¡°Few misters, I should go back, second uncle and the others would be worried if they couldn¡¯t find me. This time, time is also no longer early.....¡±

    ¡°Then will send you back!¡± Kong Liu waved hisrge hand.

    ¡°Hold on.¡± Lu Ji stopped him and said: ¡°After all, we are the people under the duke. Although it can be exined clearly, it¡¯s hard to avoid misunderstanding by sending the second miss like this. Naturally we will be fine, but Jiang second miss is a youngdy. So as not to add more trouble for Jiang second miss, it¡¯s better to send Jiang second miss to her older brother¡¯s side. In any case, it¡¯s better to exin to her older brother.¡±

    Jiang Li understood,

    Ji Heng said: ¡°Wen Ji.¡±

    Wen Ji was being incessantly surrounded by Bai Xue and Tong¡¯er¡¯s weird nces. After all, there wasn¡¯t a bodyguard who was born like this in the Jiang residence. Tong¡¯er had beenparing Wen Ji and Jiang Jing Rui, who was born a bit better looking. Shepared the eyebrows, eyes, nose, mouth, but in the end she still couldn¡¯t decide. On the contrary, it made Wen Ji so embarrassed his whole face turned red as he did not know what to do.

    Hearing Ji Heng¡¯smand, Wen Ji could finally break away from the two servant girls and immediately said: ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Send Jiang second miss back.¡± Ji Heng said.

    Wen Ji nodded, Jiang Li saluted Ji Heng: ¡°Thank you duke, for the hospitality.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡± Ji Hengughed lightly, ¡°I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll meet again someday.¡±

    Jiang Li: ¡°.......¡±

    Really hope that ¡°someday¡± would be a hundred yearster. No, better make it a millenniumter.

    Atst exiting Wang Xian Lou, Jiang Li faintly rxed her breath. Turning her head to take a look, Wang Xian Lou stood in the heart of Yanjing¡¯s crowded street where peoplee and go. The lights flickering, it truly resembled a beautiful dream.

    Today¡¯s Mid-Autumn, she originally thought when she went out, she would see things that would make her reminisce, yet she discovered that it was being disturbed by Ji Heng.

    Though she had the thought at the beginning, the argument with Ji Heng had unexpectedly made those unwillingness and pain to disperse for a period of time. And now, her whole body was actually rxed.

    Could be considered as hitting the mark by a fluke.

    She said: ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    After they found Jiang Jing Rui, Wen Ji conveniently disappeared among the crowd. When Jiang Jing Rui saw her, he immediately said: ¡°Where did you go just now? I looked for you everywhere but couldn¡¯t find you, almost going to tell mother to ask her to find a way!¡±

    ¡°I was pressed by the crowd to a remote ce and came back with great difficulty.¡± Jiang Li lied without changing expression, ¡°now it¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Jiang Jing Rui looked at her doubtfully: ¡°Why is it so long? Your makeup is a bit.......¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s too hot, the sweat is messing it.¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°Now let¡¯s first go find second aunt, it¡¯s already this time, should be time to go back.¡±

    Jiang Jing Rui was a bit dejected. He still had not gotten the white rabbitntern but could only let it go.

    Jiang Li sighed, no wonder Lu Ji said so, Jiang Jing Rui was sure enough, very easy to fool.

 Chapter 90 Part 1

    Chapter 90 Part 1: Uncle

    After Jiang Li left, Jin Man Tang still had not finished singing inside Wang Xian Lou¡¯s meeting hall. Amidst the tune of the singing, Ji Hengzily sat down and asked: ¡°How?¡±

    ¡°Jiang second miss is very smart.¡± Lu Ji smiled slightly: ¡°After asking around for so long, her reply was watertight, a very sharpdy.¡±

    ¡°What were you asking?¡± Kong Liu doubtfully looked at him.

    ¡°After all, she¡¯s Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s daughter.¡± Ji Heng replied carelessly.

    On the other hand, the bodyguard who came to report also said: ¡°Already examined carefully, Ye Shijie and Jiang second miss did not make an appointment in advance. It should just be a chance encounter on the street. However, Ye family¡¯s second master, Ye Ming Xuan, came to Yanjing yesterday.¡±

    ¡°Ye Ming Xuan is here?¡± Kong Liu frowned, ¡°The Ye family¡¯s business is not in Yanjing, what are they doing here? To congratte his nephew for bing an official? Personallying, really not dislike being tired.¡±

    ¡°Some problemse up with the Ye family¡¯s business,¡± Lu Ji said: ¡°This time, Ye Ming Xuan probably came to Yanjing to first look for ways, see whether or not there would be assistance.¡±

    Ji Hengughed: ¡°When people leave, the tea cools1. It¡¯s impossible for people to help.¡±

    ¡°Then why didn¡¯t he look for Ye Shijie to lend a hand? Now Ye Shijie is an official, there is no shortage of people currying favor with Ye Shijie. Isn¡¯t it easy to look for a breakthrough from here?!¡± Kong Liu spoke righteously.

    Lu Ji shook his head: ¡°The Ye family has been a merchant family for many generations. Ye Shijie is the first person from the Ye family to enter officialdom. It wasn¡¯t easy to have such a turn for the better, the Ye family is not bold enough to use Ye Shijie¡¯s officialdom as a bargaining chip to help them. So they would not do such a thing.¡±

    Kong Liu nced at Ji Heng who was turning the fan in his hand around and muttered: ¡°All the same kind of people, yet the difference is so big.¡± He thought of something and said: ¡°Then why didn¡¯t he go to the Jiang family? In any case, they were once inws. Although Madam Ye had passed away, there¡¯s still the rtionship with Jiang second miss. Ye Ming Xuan making a trip to the Jiang family, with Jiang Yuan Bai valuing his reputation so much, naturally he would feel embarrassed to not help.¡±

    Lu Ji sighed: ¡°You usually listen to the new things happening in the capital. Jiang second miss and the Jiang family have no contact with the Ye family for ten years already. How could Ye Ming Xuan go to the Jiang family?¡±

    The few people were silent for a while.

    Ji Heng said: ¡°It¡¯s possible for Ye Ming Xuan to go to the Jiang family.¡±

    ¡°Master?¡± Lu Ji was puzzled.

    ¡°Because of Jiang second miss.¡± Ji Heng said.

    ......

    After gathering with Jiang Jing Rui, very soon the two of them found Lu-shi and their group. Lu-shi and their group had a big heart, not feeling flustered after walking such a long road and saw that her son and niece had disappeared. When asked, Lu-shi replied: ¡°All day long Rui-er wanders about on the street, how could he lose his way. Li-er following Rui-er, the two people together is very reassuring.

    Jiang Li stopped listening, her face expressionless. Really didn¡¯t know which part of Jiang Jing Rui, this person, was reassuring.

    She recalled Ye Shijie and couldn¡¯t help shaking her head. If it were not for Ji Heng¡¯s bodyguard to suddenly show up and annoyingly bring her to watch in the meeting hall together, she could have spoken one or two sentences with Ye Shijie. Because of the Right Minister¡¯s younger son, Li Lian¡¯s rtionship, Jiang Li always felt that Ye Shijie¡¯s official road would not be too smooth sailing. As for what Li Lian¡¯s motive was, it was still not clear yet, but the first sign of conspiracy could already be smelled.

    In any case, Ye Shijie needed to be more and more careful.

    Time had been dyed for very long and the second branch had not strolled for long before they wanted to return to the residence. When they returned, old madam Jiang had already slept. Naturally, Jiang Li would not take the initiative to greet Ji Shuran mother and daughter, so she returned to her own courtyard without consulting anyone.

    She originally wanted to sleep early, who would have thought that she was agitated tonight and no matter how, she couldn¡¯t close her eyes. In her mind, Ji Heng¡¯s pair of beautiful phoenix eyes always floated as he murmured by her ear: ¡°Eyes are the windows of your emotion. Your eyes betray your heart.¡±

    Even Ji Heng could make out the hatred in her heart.

    Jiang Li shook her head, seemingly wanting to throw the various agitation in her heart away. She wished it could be a bit quicker, hurrying up to immediately uncover Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong¡¯s ugly true colors, on behalf of the Xue family to rehabilitate the injustice of the Xue family. But nowadays, there was not enough evidence, also not enough bargaining chip, so there was no alternative but to slowly conspire.

    Truly tormenting.

    This night, her sleep was very unsteady. In the middle of the night, it started to rain heavily, the sound of thunder and rain made the originally unable to sleep Jiang Li became harder to fall asleep. It wasn¡¯t until the chicken crowed three times, dawn breaking in the East, and the sound of the rain lightened up did Jiang Li able to sleep in a daze.

    When she woke up, it was already three poles in the sun.

    After a night of rain, the air was especially fresh and clean. Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue were in the flower bed by the courtyard¡¯s gate, helping to weed and water the nts. Seeing Jiang Li came out, Tong¡¯er directly got up and smiled: ¡°It¡¯s rare for miss to bezy for once, so this ve didn¡¯t let Bai Xue call you.¡± Jiang Li walked over and she continued speaking: ¡°Last night the rain was heavy, even breaking the crabapple flowers.¡±

    Footnotes:

    1: Idiom meaning when someone is no longer in a position of power, others cease to care about him 1.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 90 Part 2

    Chapter 90 Part 2: Uncle

    Mentioning crabapple flowers, jiang Li suddenly recalled her personal servant girl, Hai Tang1. She didn¡¯t know whether Bai Xue¡¯s family in her hometown had heard any news about her. Jiang Li immediately asked: ¡°Bai Xue, has your family sent any family letters recently?¡±

    Bai Xue wiped the sweat from her forehead and said: ¡°Not yet, miss. It¡¯s currently the harvest season, so the family should be in the middle of the busy farming period. This servant thinks they probably have no time to write a letter. Wait until this period of time is over, the letter from home should arrive.¡±

    Jiang Li nodded.

    The few people were chatting casually when they suddenly saw the servant girl by the old madam¡¯s side, Fei Cui,e over. Fei Cui did not enter the courtyard and stopped by Fang Fei Garden¡¯s door. She smiled towards Jiang Li and said: ¡°Second miss, old madam invites you to go to Wan Feng Hall.¡±

    Bai Xue and Tong¡¯er looked at each other. If there¡¯s nothing to say, old madam Jiang would not look for Jiang Li. Jiang Li was not Jiang Bingji who would go to Wan Feng Hall to look for old madam Jiang to ask for snacks. Even if Jiang Li was willing to put down this face, being estranged for eight years, perhaps old madam Jiang would also feel ill at ease.

    Tong¡¯er asked in a clear voice: ¡°Sister Fei Cui, why did the old madam look for our youngdy to go to Wan Feng Hall? Did something happen in the residence?¡±

    ¡°Nothing like that.¡± Fei Cui smiled and said: ¡°Just that there¡¯s some visitorsing to the residence, thus asking second miss to sit together.¡±

    Tong¡¯er saw Fei Cui answering like so and let her heart down. Based on Fei Cui¡¯s appearance and tone, old madam should not be looking for Jiang Li to criticize her. Jiang Li also had not done any mistakes.

    With a nce, Jiang Li could make out the worry in Tong¡¯er¡¯s heart and didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Even if old madam Jiang truly looked for her to criticize, it was also nothing. She could protect herself and retreat, and if the other party was really being unreasonable, it would probably just be forbidden to go out, that¡¯s all.

    That was really not a big deal.

    She said to Fei Cui: ¡°Sister Fei Cui, please wait a while for me. I¡¯ll go and change clothes before we go.¡± Jiang Li returned inside and put on a robe before going together with Tong¡¯er and Fei Cui to Wan Feng Hall.

    There¡¯s some distance between Fang Fei Garden and Wan Feng Hall, usually, one would alwayse across other people when going through this road. But nowadays, Jiang Yu¡¯e was recuperating in the vi while Jiang You Yao was grounded. Jiang Yu Yan had a cowardly temper when she went out, thus they didn¡¯t run into anyone along the road, which was overly smooth.

    Jiang Li was very satisfied.

    However, Fei Cui was pondering in her mind, this second miss stayed in the nunnery for eight years and has just returned to Yanjing for no more than half a year. The youngdies in the residence are in chaos, everything was vexing, only this Jiang second miss has her whole body withdrawn, not touching the sshed water. Not just that, her reputation even spread far and she got the reward of the emperor.

    It¡¯s really fengshui turning. At that time, after the second miss was banished to the temple, nobody thought that she woulde back.

    As a result, Fei Cui didn¡¯t dare to underestimate this gentle-looking second miss. Respectful in terms of words and deeds, invisibly appearing much more deferential inside.

    Jiang Li sensed the change in Fei Cui¡¯s attitude and smiled faintly without speaking. Stepping on the low and holding up the high was human nature. As a major official family, the Jiang family¡¯s servants inside were also infected by the characters of bureaucrats, used to seeing the wind and rudders.

    Not a good thing, but also not a bad thing.

    At least, it created a lot of opportunities for her.

    When they arrived in Wang Feng Hall, Fei Cui moved towards the door and smiled to the people inside as she said: ¡°Old madam, the second miss is here.¡±

    Jiang Li followed Fei Cui inside. When she entered, she saw a familiar young man sitting below old madam Jiang, his head slightly raised, appearing both somewhat ill at ease and proud.

    Jiang Li¡¯s footsteps paused, doubt in her heart. Ye Shijie, why is he here?

    Towards this older male cousin, Jiang Li didn¡¯t dare to say that she totally understood him, but she could figure out Ye Shijie¡¯s nature. Previously, Ye Shijie spoke to Jiang Li with resentment in his speech, naturally he had no good impression towards the Jiang family. It should be known that Ye Shijie was studying in the Imperial College before, yet had never once visited the Jiang family. But today, to one¡¯s surprise, Ye Shijie came openly and even sat under old madam Jiang. Based on old madam Jiang¡¯s expression, they seem to be interacting pretty well.

    Before Jiang Li could figure out clearly what was happening, she heard old madam Jiang speak amicably: ¡°Second girl,e quickly and meet your uncle Ming Xuan.¡±

    Jiang Li was stunned, uncle Ming Xuan?

    Only then she clearly saw a middle aged man sitting beside Ye Shijie. This middle aged man was clothed in silver white, wore a silver crown, and a gold band on his waist. He looked like a schr, but looked a bit wealthier than the normal schr. He had a fair face, his figure was slender, and his expression was rather sharp.

    He stood up, looked at Jiang Li and chuckled: ¡°Ah Li has grown so big, I can no longer recognize you.¡±

    Jiang Li was momentarily in a daze, this uncle Ming Xuan called her ¡°Ah Li¡± and she vaguely thought that it was Xue Huaiyuan calling her ¡°Ah Li¡±.

    Ye Ming Xuan sized Jiang Li up, a trace of astonishment sh in his eyes.

    Footnotes:

    1: º£ÌÄ hai tang tranted to crabapple 1.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 90 Part 3

    Chapter 90 Part 3: Uncle

    From Ye Shijie, he learnt many things, for instance the wager between Meng Hong Jin in Ming Yi Hall, getting first ce in all four exams, using a knife during the pce feast to force Ye Shijie¡¯s rationality to deal with the situation at hand. It was really difficult for Ye Ming Xuan to imagine that all these matters were done by that willful, hurtful little girl in his memory.

    10 years had passed, it¡¯s also been 10 years Ye Ming Xuan had not seen Jiang Li. When Ye Zhen Zhen passed away, the Ye family was afraid that after Jiang Yuan Bai remarried, the stepmother would treat Jiang Li harshly. Thus they were thinking of bringing Jiang Li back to Tongxiang. Even though the Ye family could not bepared with the Jiang family as a government official family, at least the Ye family would sincerely protect Jiang Li, letting her not be worried of food and clothing in her lifetime, living a life of luxury.

    He never imagined that in reality, in front of old madam Ye, the almost five years old Jiang Li showed disgust and disdained the Ye family for being a merchant family, saying hurtful words that all merchants were lowly. The old madam Ye had a major illness and the people of the Ye family resented Jiang Li.

    Such a young child, how could she speak such hurtful words? Moreover, at that time, she seemed to be contaminated by the indifference and coldness in the Jiang family¡¯s bones, the hidden unscrupulousness of the people in officialdom. Compared to them as merchants, they analyzed and bnced the pros and cons even more.

    Truly made people hard to forget.

    Currently, the girl standing in front of Ye Ming Xuan, wearing a light green jacket and a light green skirt, was slender and tall, extremely elegant. A smile hung at the corner of her lips, her expression warm and pure, the sharpness and malice at that time couldn¡¯t be seen at all, making people feel extremely ironic.

    She was really different from before.

    Ye Ming Xuan faintly saw his younger sister, Ye Zhen Zhen. After careful looks, there were differences between Jiang Li and Ye Zhen Zhen. Ye Zhen Zhen was bright and pure, just like a tiny animal raised in the sun, carefree and adorable. However, Jiang Li resembled a pear blossom growing alone by the edge of a creek. No one could see the wind, rain and frost that she experienced alone. ¡®A beautiful, pure white flower¡¯ bloomed from her tenacity.

    Ye Ming Xuan¡¯sints towards the little girl unconsciously dissipated more than half in Jiang Li¡¯s clear eyes.

    He didn¡¯t know if it was due to blood rtionship which made it hard for him to scowl coldly at Jiang Li. Or it was because Jiang Li¡¯s gaze was too kind, warm and pure, so hepletely separated this Jiang Li from the five years old Jiang Li.

    He exposed a sincere, deep smile to Jiang Li.

    Old madam Jiang saw the appreciation from Ye Ming Xuan¡¯s eyes and she rxed a bit. Ye Shijie was now serving as the foreign official in the Ministry of Revenue, able to reach this position at such an age was really not easy. With the former inws rtionship, it would be pretty good if in the future he could assist the second branch in his official career. Thus when Ye Shijie and Ye Ming Xuan took the initiative to pay a visit, old madam Jiang¡¯s first reaction was to repair the rtionship with the Ye family.

    Old madam Jiang was aware of the previous matter of Jiang Li speaking harshly to the people of the Ye family. Old madam Jiang wouldn¡¯t believe it if it¡¯s said that the people of the Ye family totally had no estrangement. However, the current Jiang Li was very different now. There were many things happening, old madam Jiang also wished that Jiang Li could talk with them after meeting them.

    Now that they¡¯d met, Ye Ming Xuan¡¯s manner towards Jiang Li could be said to be mild. Old madam Jiang saw with her eyes that Ye Ming Xuan¡¯s impression of Jiang Li was not bad, which was very good. At least the Ye family would not say outside that the Jiang family treated Ye Zhen Zhen¡¯s daughter badly. Or perhaps had deliberately taught her to be crooked.

    Ye Ming Xuanughed and said: ¡°You probably don¡¯t remember me. Thest time I met you, you were still a small child.¡± He reached his hand out to gesture to the position around his knee: ¡°¡ª¡ª this tall.¡± He said: ¡°I¡¯m your mother¡¯s second brother, you can call me uncle Ming Xuan.¡±

    ¡°Uncle Ming Xuan.¡± Jiang Li yelled softly.

    She had a good feeling towards Ye Ming Xuan, but she didn¡¯t know if it was because Ye Ming Xuan called her ¡°Ah Li¡± just now, which made her recall Xue Huaiyuan.

    ¡°You uncle Ming Xuan came to Yanjing to handle a few things and came here especially to visit you.¡± Old madam Jiang smiled: ¡°Bringing a gift for you, in a moment, let someone move it to your courtyard.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled and knew in her heart. How could Ye Ming Xuan bring her a gift? It¡¯s probably simply bought from the neighborhood in Yanjing. After all, Ye Ming Xuan, the Jiang family, and her had no contacts. Suddenly visiting the Jiang family home must be because Ye Shijie told him about her affairs.

    Jiang Li nced at Ye Shijie. Ye Shijie saw her looking over and turned his head sideways, evading her sight, as if he had a guilty conscience.

    Why the guilty conscience? Jiang Li was stunned.

    But old madam Jiang¡¯s attitude towards the people of the Ye family seemed to indicate that Ye Shijie bing the foreign official of the Ministry of Revenue had somewhat softened the Jiang family¡¯s attitude. As long as Ye Shijie continued to go up and the Ye family bing more prosperous because of Ye Shijie¡¯s rtions, sooner orter, the friendly rtionship with the Ye family would be repaired. And Jiang Li would be a youngdy with the protection of her maternal family, at least for Ji Shuran to want to do something to her would not be like in the past where she was secured that Jiang Li had no backing.

 Chapter 90 Part 4

    Chapter 90 Part 4: Uncle

    At this time, Ji Shuran¡¯s intestines must be turning green from regret. Jiang Li thought, either slow in taking action before or obscured in taking actions were all because Ji Shuran wanted to maintain her reputation as a mother. Who would know that it would create a gap for Jiang Li to drill into. Once the opportunity is missed, it¡¯s impossible to turn back.

    Jiang Li regained her train of thoughts and chatted with Ye Ming Xuan and Ye Shijie as well as old madam Jiang. They casually chatted about daily life affairs. Old madam Jiang asked about the recent situation of the rest of the Ye family in Xiangyang and Ye Ming Xuan replied courteously, not losing his manners. At least on the outside, the rtionship between the Jiang family and the Ye family was alleviated by a lot.

    Jiang Li noticed the other people, including Jiang Yuan Bai, were not present in this first meeting. Probably old madam Jiang also felt that abruptly letting everyone in the Jiang family appear would be a bit awkward. So she simply had just a few peoplee out and slowly n.

    Unknowingly, a small cup of tea was drunk till finished. Ye Ming Xuan got up to take his leave, saying that he still had some matters to attend to and would visit another day. He smiled and said to Jiang Li: ¡°I¡¯ll let the people move the presents for Ah Li to Ah Li¡¯s courtyard now.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± old madam Jiang said: ¡°Ah Li, bring your uncle Ming Xuan to look at your courtyard.¡±

    This was giving time for the uncle and nephew to talk alone.

    Everyone were old foxes, Ye Ming Xuan epted old madam Jiang¡¯s arrangement readily. Thus, Jiang Li brought Ye Ming Xuan and Ye Shijie and went back to Fang Fei Garden together.

    Tong¡¯er walked in front, her small body was straight as a ramrod. This was the first time she met the people from Ye Zhen Zhen¡¯s side and was extremely nervous that the people of the Ye family would have thoughts about the previous matter of Jiang Li harming the mother and murdering the brother, thus so was determined to show a neither servile nor overbearing attitude. However, based on Ye Ming Xuan¡¯s good natured manner when speaking, he should not be an unkind person.

    Ye Shijie didn¡¯t say a word the whole way. No idea what went on with him today as he was overly silent. On the contrary, Ye Ming Xuan continued inquiring how Jiang Li was doing. Jiang Li also replied with a smile on her face.

    Ye Ming Xuan saw Jiang Li¡¯s calm appearance and was greatly surprised. Many years ago, when Jiang Li was sent to the nunnery, the Ye family also secretly dispatched some people to negotiate with the Jiang family. Even though Jiang Li had insulted the Ye family, in the end, she was the Ye family¡¯s offspring. Unfortunately, the Jiang Yuan Bai at that time was too unyielding and refused to say where Jiang Li was sent to and could only drop it.

    Ye Ming Xuan had learned from Ye Shijie that after returning to Yanjing, Jiang Li did several big things. However, in Ye Ming Xuan¡¯s eyes, the Jiang family, such people who only seeked benefits and avoided harms, wouldn¡¯t attach much importance to a daughter who could bring shame to the Jiang family¡¯s reputation. But looking at old madam Jiang¡¯s attitude, Jiang Li¡¯s position at the Jiang family was not as humble as what he thought in his mind. Also, looking at Jiang Li¡¯s words and actions, her upbringing was good, extremely graceful, and didn¡¯t resemble someone who had been treated harshly.

    This niece seems to be concealing many secrets, Ye Ming Xuan thought inside.

    When they reached Fang Fei Garden¡¯s gate, Qing Feng and Ming Yue were in the middle of sweeping the courtyard. Bai Xue saw that Jiang Li had returned and presented tea at once. She couldn¡¯t help being bbergasted when she saw two more people, Ye Ming Xuan and Ye Shijie, by Jiang Li¡¯s side.

    ¡°These are uncle Ming Xuan and older cousin Ye.¡± Jiang Li smiled: ¡°Bai Xue, serve tea.¡±

    Ye Ming Xuan was momentarily stunned when he saw Fang Fei Garden.

    Even in autumn, Fang Fei Garden had beautiful flowers, all kinds of blooming chrysanthemums, osmanthus flowers, their fragrance assailed the nostrils, not looking deste or withered at all. Jiang Yuan Bai was fond of unting his nobility and virtuousness and most of the nts in the courtyard were blues and greens. In autumn, he preferred the solemn ck and white, appearing aloof. Thus along the journey, there weren¡¯t such thriving scenes.

    But Jiang Li¡¯s courtyard that was lively and ipatible with the chief assistant¡¯s residence made Ye Ming Xuan immediately think of histe sister, Ye Zhen Zhen.

    Ye Zhen Zhen was a girl who liked noise and excitement. Before she got married, there were always the chirpings of birds and fragrant flowers in her courtyard. The younger brothers were mischievous, always practicing in her courtyard, cutting down all the flowers in her courtyard to pieces. The angry Ye Zhen Zhenined to old master Ye and old madam Ye.

    Encountering the scene in front of his eyes at this moment made Ye Ming Xuan recall the previous memory, feeling his eyes turning sour, hard to endure. The former scenery was there, but the person had gone, truly making one suffocated.

    Jiang Li made out Ye Ming Xuan¡¯s different expression and said: ¡°This is the courtyard mother stayed in when she was recuperating. After I returned to Yanjing, madam gave this courtyard to me. At that time, the flowers and nts in the courtyard had dried up. Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue spent a lot of efforts before the current scenery could be achieved.¡±

    She called Ji Shuran ¡°madam¡±.

    Ye Ming Xuan¡¯s pupils moved slightly and he asked: ¡°How is madam Ji¡¯s treatment towards you?¡±

    Jiang Li looked at Ye Ming Xuan and smiled faintly. She didn¡¯t reply to Ye Ming Xuan, instead she said: ¡°The tea is ready, uncle Ming Xuan, let¡¯s go inside to chat.¡±

    She avoided Ye Ming Xuan¡¯s question.

    Ye Ming Xuan and Ye Shijie nced at each other, pondered, then shook their heads and caught up to Jiang Li.

    Tong¡¯er stood upright at the side and was ready to pour tea for Ye Ming Xuan and Ye Shijie.

 Chapter 90 Part 5

    Chapter 90 Part 5: Uncle

    ¡°Didn¡¯t expect uncle Ming Xuan to suddenly return to Yanjing.¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°It¡¯s a bit outside of my expectation. Uncle Ming Xuan, why did you think of visiting the Jiang family?¡±

    Ye Shijie coughed lightly and said: ¡°I spoke about you to second uncle.¡±

    Jiang Li didn¡¯tment. She had known since earlier, after so many things happening, Ye Shijie would inform the Ye family about her sooner orter. She just didn¡¯t expect that a close rtive from the Ye family woulde in person. However, Jiang Li believed that Ye Ming Xuan certainly didn¡¯te to Yanjing because of her. Seeing her should be while in passing.

    ¡°Correct, Shijie spoke about you and I recall that it¡¯s been a long time that I haven¡¯t seen you.¡± Ye Ming Xuanmented, ¡°when counting, it¡¯s been about 10 years. Ah Li, you look pretty good now. I¡¯ve heard about your matters from Shijie, on behalf of Shijie, I¡¯d like to thank you for repeatedly helping him.¡±

    Jiang Liughed: ¡°Everyone is a family, uncle Ming Xuan doesn¡¯t have to be courteous.¡±

    She spoke gently and sincerely, her pupils crystal clear like river water, making people couldn¡¯t help believing that the words she said at this time were from the bottom of her heart. Ye Ming Xuan was suddenly unable to speak. The one who first shunned the Ye family for being merchants was Jiang Li, but now the one who said ¡°everyone is a family¡± so naturally was also Jiang Li. It was clearly a contradiction, but there was nothing to doubt.

    ¡°Are grandmother and the others doing well?¡± Jiang Li asked.

    ¡°Her health is not very good,¡± Ye Ming Xuan said: ¡°It¡¯s like this when getting on in years. Originally, she wanted toe to Yanjing to look at Shijie, but her body truly does not allow her to.¡±

    Jiang Li frowned slightly. Old madam Ye¡¯s health was not good, this was not a good thing.

    Ye Shijie felt awkward. Old madam¡¯s health was not good, wasn¡¯t it the aftereffect of Jiang Li¡¯s insult to the Ye family? At that time, old madam Ye fell into a serious illness which injured the root and could no longer be as healthy as before. These years, her health kept declining, the year was not as good as the year before.

    ¡°Grandmother could note, why didn¡¯t the other unclese too?¡± Jiang Li asked. She had made some inquiries, the Jiang family¡¯s second miss had three maternal uncles. Ye Ming Xuan ranked second, Ye Shijie¡¯s father was the eldest, there¡¯s also a younger uncle.

    ¡°There are small movements in the Xiangyang¡¯s business,¡± Ye Ming Xuan smiled: ¡°recently they¡¯ve been really busy.¡±

    Although Ye Ming Xuan smiled, Jiang Li could clearly make out the trace of worry in his eyes. The so-called ¡°small movements¡± certainly wasn¡¯t as light as how Ye Ming Xuan said it.

    It¡¯s not good if there¡¯s a problem with the Ye family. On one hand, Jiang second miss needed the Ye family¡¯s assistance to stabilize her position in the Jiang family. On the other hand, the Ye family resided in Xiangyang, Xue Huaiyuan was in Tongxiang, a district of Xiangyang. The matter in Tongxiang had to rely on the Ye family¡¯s influence to investigate.

    Jiang Li pondered, then asked: ¡°How long does uncle Ming Xuan n to stay in Yanjing? When are you nning to go back to Xiangyang?¡±

    ¡°Coming this time around is mainly to see Shijie while concluding the business in Yanjing in passing. After everything is settled, I¡¯ll return to Xiangyang.¡± Ye Ming Xuan thought for a while and said: ¡°Supposedly it won¡¯t take a long time, ten days at most. Can¡¯t stay away from Xiangyang for a long time and get hold up in Yanjing for too long a time.¡±

    Even 10 days is considered as getting held up, it seems that the matter in Xiangyang is pretty urgent. Jiang Li¡¯s conjecture was confirmed after listening to Ye Ming Xuan. She nced at Ye Shijie and saw that he was alsodened with anxiety.

    Ye Ming Xuan noticed that Jiang Li abruptly turned silent andughed: ¡°Even though at this time I came to Yanjing to see Shijie, but meeting Ah Li is also an unexpected happiness. Heard that you are also the top at Ming Yi Hall and received a reward from His Majesty. If your grandmother knew about this, she would certainly be very happy. Speaking of which, nowadays there¡¯s no precedent of a woman being an official. You are equally matched with Shijie, Shijie has be an official, you should also get an official post.¡±

    This uncle could really wish, Jiang Li smiled: ¡°It¡¯s a pity that I was not born in a man¡¯s body.¡±

    Ye Shijie at once raised his eyes at Jiang Li. Though Jiang Li wasn¡¯t a man, afraid some men wouldn¡¯t even dare to use her way of handling things. Who would possibly bring a dagger to enter the pce. If it wasn¡¯t good, they could be captured in the name of assassination, implicating the entire family. She was not afraid, even treating it as a trivial matter that was not worth mentioning, which was really effective.

    Fortunately she wasn¡¯t a man, if she was a man, she would fly to the sky.

    ¡°Speaking of this, I also haven¡¯t seen my maternal grandmother and the other uncles for a long time.¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°Meeting uncle Ming Xuan today, just like uncle Ming Xuan couldn¡¯t recognize me, I also almost could not recognize uncle Ming Xuan.¡±

    Ye Ming Xuanughed out loud: ¡°It¡¯s okay, wait until there¡¯s an opportunity, you and Shijie can go back to Xiangyang together to see your grandmother and uncles. They will definitely be very happy.¡±

    This was precisely the words Jiang Li was waiting for. Her eyes bent and she smiled as she said: ¡°No need to wait, there¡¯s an opportunity exactly at this time. After uncle Ming Xuan finished with things, I can go to Xiangyang together with uncle, right?¡±

 Chapter 91 Part 1

    Chapter 91 Part 1: Returning

    ¡°No need to wait, there¡¯s an opportunity exactly at this time. After uncle Ming Xuan finished with things, I can go to Xiangyang together with uncle, right?¡±

    When this sentence came out, Ye Shijie and Ye Ming Xuan were both stunned. Tong¡¯er also opened her eyes wide.

    After a long time, Ye Ming Xuan asked suspiciously: ¡°Just now, did you say you want to go back to Xiangyang together with me?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Jiang Li replied frankly, ¡°It¡¯s been many years since I have seen my maternal grandmother and the other uncles. I was young at that time and made many mistakes. Later on, after understanding the ways of the world, I felt quite repentant but had no opportunity to personally apologize. Now since uncle hase to Yanjing and going to go back to Xiangyang in a few days, that will be an opportunity.¡± She lowered her head slightly in remorse: ¡°Never having the chance to be filial to maternal grandmother, always feeling uneasy whenever the thoughtes up.¡±

    Ye Shijie wanted to subconsciously sneer. These wordsing out of Jiang Li¡¯s mouth were honestly like a joke. It should be known that Jiang Li didn¡¯t have such a good face towards the Ye family people who were going to pick her up. But the words to mock her were left like that, as Ye Shijie could let the words out when he looked at Jiang Li¡¯s smiling eyes.

    If she was lying, she must be the most brilliant liar under the heavens. Those pair of eyes looked so sincere without any fakeness, even being doubtful seemed like an insult.

    Ye Ming Xuan was even more shocked and was speechless.

    Ye Ming Xuan did business all year round. Among the three sons in the Ye family, he was the shrewdest and the most suspicious. As a result, he was not the same as Ye Shijie. Ye Shijie himself had not discovered that he had unconsciously already begun to speak of Jiang Li with acknowledgement and had unknowingly approved of Jiang Li¡¯s change. Yet Ye Ming Xuan firmly believed that a person¡¯s inherent quality would not change easily.

    Moreover, even if the young Jiang Li was led astray by others and alienated the Ye family, it¡¯d been so many years after the Ye family had left, why didn¡¯t the person behind strike while the iron was hot and continue to lead Jiang Li down? No matter how one saw it, Jiang Li¡¯s sudden sobriety was unreasonable.

    Actually, today¡¯s Jiang Li was indeed not the same as the person in his memory. Whether it was her temperament and way of conversing, Jiang Li could be considered as excellent among the nobledies of Yanjing. As for suddenly showing intimacy towards the people of the Ye family, Ye Ming Xuan didn¡¯t dare to rashly reach a conclusion. He thought it was perhaps the Jiang family member or Jiang Yuan Bai who instructed her, or perhaps it was Jiang Li herself who had other ns. Who couldn¡¯t show friendliness on their face?

    However, abruptly saying that she wanted to return to Xiangyang, it immediately made Ye Ming Xuan puzzled.

    Firstly, though the Ye family was a wealthy family, Xiangyang was really iparable with Yanjing¡¯s hustle and bustle. The entire journey would be travel-worn, could a pampered and spoiled eldest daughter of an affluent family be able to ept it? On another aspect, if this matter was incited by Jiang Yuan Bai or a person from the Jiang family, what benefits could there be in letting Jiang Li return to the Ye family? To be honest, just Jiang Li alone in the Ye family could not set off any storm, on the contrary, her strength alone was weak. Unable to ruin things, purely desiring to curry favor with the Ye family? Was it worthwhile for the Jiang family?

    ¡°Uncle doesn¡¯t have to think so much,¡± Jiang Li was all smiles: ¡°I am just returning to see grandmother, that¡¯s all.¡± Jiang Li suddenly opened her mouth as if she was able to peep into Ye Ming Xuan¡¯s mind.

    Suddenly having his thoughts jabbed, Ye Ming Xuan didn¡¯t show any embarrassed expression on his face. Heughed in an instant and said: ¡°I was thinking, the road returning to Xiangyang is as high as the mountain and long as the river. You are a little girl, how can you endure it?

    ¡°Uncle don¡¯t forget, I once stayed in a nunnery for eight years. Carrying water and chopping wood were all done by myself, I¡¯m not that delicate.¡± Jiang Li said.

    She said it openly and frankly, as if she didn¡¯t feel in the slightest that it was a shameful matter, just like normally stating her past experience, which also blocked Ye Ming Xuan.

    Ye Shijie¡¯s brows wrinkled slightly.

    ¡°But....... I¡¯m afraid your father would not feel at ease if you follow us back.¡± Ye Ming Xuan muttered.

    ¡°If uncle negotiates with my father, I believe father will let me go.¡± Jiang Li indifferently said: ¡°Mother has passed away for ten years, I¡¯ve already grown up. I am not the sole di daughter, there is still third younger sister in the residence. Father¡¯s energy will not be totally spent on me alone.¡±

    Her words carried meaning. After Ye Zhen Zhen passed away, Ji Shuran married Jiang Yuan Bai. Supposed that she wanted to make the impression of a warm, caring mother, it¡¯s necessary for her to make Jiang Li close to her. And as long as the Ye family existed, it¡¯s bound to be impossible for Ji Shuran to be the closest person to Jiang Li. Therefore, misunderstandings must arise between Jiang Li and the Ye family. As for how this misunderstanding came about, that would depend on the method used.

    This was something that Jiang Li thought ofter. Seemed that at that time, Ji Shuran deceived the young second miss and unknowingly how she let Jiang second miss said such malicious words to her own maternal grandmother, thus breaking the two families rtionship. Whether Jiang Yuan Bai was aware or not no need to be mentioned. However, even if he was aware, being inws with a merchant or being inws with a censor, he would rather select being inws with a censor*.

    A generation of neers recing the former people, seeing the neerughed, then the former people wept.

    This uncle Ming Xuan seemed like a smart person, he would understand the meaning in her words.

    ¡°Moreover, now older cousin is an official in the Ministry of Revenue,¡± Jiang Li smiled: ¡°father would certainly agree for the two families to move around more.¡±

 Chapter 91 Part 2

    Chapter 91 Part 2: Returning

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    Everyone said that businessmen valued logic and took separation lightly. In fact, where could government officials who unted themselves as noble and virtuous really go? The way in officialdom, such as when someone was no longer in a position of power, others ceased to care about him, was sometimes more sinister and uglypared to business.

    Human hearts are like this, desire is also like this.

    Ye Ming Xuan looked at her profoundly: ¡°Ah Li actually understands very well.¡±

    Ye Ming Xuan truly didn¡¯t expect Jiang Li to be transparent to this degree. The other thing that made her even more unexpected was Jiang Li¡¯s magnanimity. Jiang Li didn¡¯t conceal anything, which in turn made people more puzzled as to what she actually wanted to do in the end.

    He momentarily had nothing to say.

    Right at this time, Ye Shijie suddenly spoke up. He looked at Jiang Li and asked word by word: ¡°You really want to go to Xiangyang to visit grandmother.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely.¡± Jiang Li was somewhat exasperated. It was originally a very natural thing, yet due to the estrangement between the Ye family and the Jiang family, this kind of request becamepletely weird and made people suspicious.

    Ye Shijie stared at Jiang Li, a serious expression was shown on the young man¡¯s face, his gaze carried a sense of examination. After staring at her for a while, he turned his head to face Ye Ming Xuan and said: ¡°Since she wants to go, uncle, just bring her back.¡±

    Ye Ming Xuan looked at him in astonishment.

    But Ye Shijie merely fixed his gaze at Jiang Li, then spoke meaningfully: ¡°It¡¯s rare for younger cousin to have this intention, it¡¯s nothing more than having another pair of chopsticks. Just let her go back to see grandmother and do her filial piety.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled slightly at Ye Shijie: ¡°Many thanks, older cousin.¡±

    Ye Shijie still harbored suspicions towards her, but Ye Shijie also finally began to ept her.

    After a long silence, Ye Ming Xuan raised his head and said to Jiang Li: ¡°Then I¡¯ll first discuss this with your father.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± said Jiang Li.

    ......

    ¡°You want to take a trip to Xiangyang?¡± Inside Wang Feng Hall, Jiang Yuan Bai, who had just returned from court and had not yet taken off his official hat, frowned at Jiang Li.

    Jiang Li nodded: ¡°Heard from uncle Ming Xuan that maternal grandmother¡¯s health is not very good. I also haven¡¯t seen maternal grandmother for many years, really longing to meet her.¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°Besides, I have never gone to Xiangyang, after thinking about it, should go to have a look.¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai looked at Ye Ming Xuan who smiled gently and elegantly.

    Jiang Yuan Bai did not dislike Ye Ming Xuan. Although the Ye family was a merchant family, the Ye family¡¯s second master, Ye Ming Xuan, was the only one who least resembled a merchant. Considered as having read extensively and did not have too much of a merchant¡¯s copper smell1. Consequently, towards Ye Ming Xuan, Jiang Yuan Bai was willing to say a few more words.

    But although willing toe into contacts, there had been so many years without any dealings. To suddenly have rtions was still a bit awkward.

    ¡°Since Ah Li has the intention, might as well bring her to go back to see the ce where Zhen Zhen used to live.¡± Ye Ming Xuan smiled: ¡°Master Jiang doesn¡¯t need to worry, we will take good care of Ah Li.¡±

    ¡°How could that work?¡± Ji Shuran, who was following by Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s side, opened her mouth, ¡°the whole trip will be travel-worn. Moreover, Li-er has never been to Xiangyang, how would she get used to the food over there?¡±

    Ye Shijie was a bit worried. Ji Shuran¡¯s words seemed to imply that the Ye family would not treat Jiang Li well. The words were unpleasant even without specifically mentioning a difference between government officials. However, the things that the Ye family used to eat might not differ greatly from the things eaten by the people in the chief assistant¡¯s house.

    ¡°Mother is too anxious,¡± Jiang Li spoke not saltily nor lightly: ¡°I stayed in the nunnery at Mount Qingcheng for eight years and lived quite well. For a long time, I have already gotten used to it. Xiangyang should be more livelypared to Mount Qingcheng.

    Ji Shuran was rendered speechless by Jiang Li. This should have been a shameful thing in Jiang Li¡¯s life; on the contrary, it now became Jiang Li¡¯s achievement, Jiang Li¡¯s protective talisman and she took it out as a shield at every turn. The annoying thing was it was quite handy to use; based on Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s expression, he had immediately toned down towards Jiang Li.

    The smile on Ji Shuran¡¯s hateful face was totally forced. These days, she had been upied inforting the broken-hearted Jiang You Yao. Also, in order to obtain Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s affection, she had been careful and prudent, and for a period of time didn¡¯t pay attention to Jiang Li. She wasn¡¯t aware how Jiang Li and the Ye family managed to establish their rtions. A lone girl without the Ye family to rely on was already able to stir such muddy water, with a Ye family to rely on, it¡¯s undetermined what kind of things Jiang Li could make out.

    ¡°Actually it¡¯s not bad.....¡± Jiang Yuan Bai muttered.

    Ye Ming Xuan looked at Ji Shuran and Jiang Li¡¯s banter, his eyes showing that he was thinking deeply. It appeared that the rtionship between Ji Shuran and Jiang Li was indeed not good. That year when Jiang Li pushed Ji Shuran and caused her miscarriage, it came as no surprise that the rtionship between Ji Shuran and Jiang Li would be cold. But the thing that was contrary to expectation was Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s attitude. Jiang Yuan Bai seemingly was notpletely partial towards Ji Shuran.

    This was not something that could be aplished immediately.

    ¡°Since second girl wants to go to Xiangyang, just let her go.¡± Old madam Jiang, who was sitting on the highest seat, opened her mouth in time. She said: ¡°If not because my health is not good, I would also like to see her. It¡¯s been so many years,¡± she sighed, ¡°second girl has grown up, should let her go and take a look.¡±

 Chapter 91 Part 3

    Chapter 91 Part 3: Returning

    Towards the Ye family, old madam Jiang actually had a bit of true affection inside. After all, Ye Zhen Zhen was the daughter-inw that old madam Jiang had personally selected. Ye Zhen Zhen was simple and lovely, though not shrewd enough, but she won with her kind heart. Towards Ji Shuran, the wife that Jiang Yuan Bai chose himself, old madam Jiang could not be said as disliking, but also couldn¡¯t be counted as fond of. But the Ji family was nowadays bing more prosperous with each passing day, to spare her feelings, old madam Jiang was also amiable towards Ji Shuran. In addition, Ji Shuran lost a child due to Jiang Li; afterwards, old madam Jiang started to treat Ji Shuran sincerely.

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    But the recent events made old madam Jiang couldn¡¯t help doubting whether Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s sight was wrong.

    Jiang Li was bing more and more outstanding. After returning from Mount Qingcheng, she had repeatedly be the subject of discussion among the people in Yanjing. There¡¯s no helping it to say that among the several daughters of the Jiang family, Jiang Li was the smartest one.

    Old madam Jiang had a discerning vision, having such a bright di daughter without a bad mind naturally was not bad. Moreover, the Ye family had produced a Ye Shijie. Old madam Jiang felt that Ye Shijie¡¯s future career should be pretty good.

    It¡¯s time to repair the old friendship with the Ye family, old madam Jiang thought in her heart. At least must not let Ji Shuran, because of the presence of the Ji family, be forever secure in the knowledge that she has a backing. The Ji family had admittedly relied on Li-pin to climb up, but they, the Jiang family, did not need to curry favor with the Ji family. Ji Shuran forgot her own identity and needed a reminder that this was the Jiang family and not the Ji family.

    ¡°Mother¡ª¡ª¡± Ji Shuran was a little anxious. Old madam Jiang saying so was no different from hitting her face. Also at this time she discovered that unconsciously, Jiang Yuan Bai and old madam Jiang had both sided with Jiang Li.

    She was not convinced.

    What had Jiang Li done? Jiang Li didn¡¯t seem to have done anything. She didn¡¯t act spoiled and showed off her cleverness all day long in front of old madam Jiang like Jiang Bingji, or fawning to make Jiang Yuan Bai happy like Jiang You Yao. How did she achieve all these?

    Ji Shuran suddenly looked towards Jiang Li.

    Jiang Li smiled slightly.

    There¡¯s no need to do anything, such an official who valued benefits above all else, perhaps not really totally had no familial love. But wanting them to rely on a meager and insecure family rtionship to survive was really unstable. One day in the future, this familial love perhaps wouldn¡¯t be present anymore, or perhaps the other part listened to other people¡¯s nder and everything that was originally possessed might possibly be destroyed with a bang.

    A person still needs to rely on themself. This was the principle Jiang Li became aware of with her blood and tears. She didn¡¯t behave like a dog wagging its tail to seek its master¡¯s affection in front of the Jiang family, winning favor by showing off one¡¯s cleverness. She only quietly did her own things and proved her own value.

    A daughter without any value could be trampled as one wished. Pearls could not be sold as fish eyes. As long as the Jiang family felt that she could be utilized, they would not easily abandon her.

    ¡°Just settle it like this.¡± Old madam Jiang said decisively. She looked at Ye Ming Xuan and said: ¡°The majority of whatever is needed on the road can be asked from us. The second girl is also our Jiang family¡¯s young miss. Please take care of her during this time.¡±

    The words were spoken very modestly.

    Ye Ming Xuan promptly cupped his hands in obeisance. He was feeling somewhat bizarre in his heart. He came today to merely take a look at the ¡°changed¡± Jiang Li in Ye Shijie¡¯s mouth. He didn¡¯t foresee such a result in the end, to go as far as to bring Jiang Li back to Xiangyang.

    But is Jiang Li truly not afraid? Ye Ming Xuan couldn¡¯t help ncing at Jiang Li. It¡¯s not that the Ye family had noint towards Jiang Li, some misunderstandings were not that easily solved. When Jiang Li arrived at the Ye family, she would undoubtedly be snubbed at first. Towards other people¡¯s indifference, Jiang Li as a noble daughter, a warm face meeting cold butts, how long could she persist? Why need to be noble and far-reaching and seek her own suffering?

    These arguments, Ye Ming Xuan didn¡¯t believe that Jiang Li had not thought of before. This young girl looked so clever, she must have considered all these long ago.

    But.......

    Ye Ming Xuan caught Jiang Li in the middle of looking at him too. Her eyes were crystal clear, but without a doubt, anyone who saw her wouldn¡¯t suspect her staunchness.

    She was firm and persistent as she smiled while looking at him. As if going to Xiangyang was something she must aplish in her life.

    Jiang Li was indeed resolute.

    She must return to Xiangyang. No matter how much she had to pay or whatever the cost, she had to go back and see her father.

    This was her wish.

    ......

    On the way back, Ye Shijie and Ye Ming Xuan were silent.

    Everything that happened in the Jiang family was truly beyond both of their expectations. Beforeing ,they had considered all kinds of possible situations that might ur; however, they were still surprised.

    When they almost reached the door of the inn, Ye Ming Xuan asked his nephew: ¡°Shijie, do you think Ah Li really wanted to return to Xiangyang to look at your grandmother?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Ye Shijie was somewhat jittery, ¡°she¡¯s so full of thoughts up and down, who could see through her?¡±

 Chapter 91 Part 4

    Chapter 91 Part 4: Returning

    Among his peers, Ye Shijie could be regarded as maturing early. After all, he was the grandson of the Ye family¡¯s family head, someone who¡¯s going to bear the great responsibility of the Ye family. But in front of Jiang Li, he repeatedly had a feeling of helplessness. He really couldn¡¯tprehend Jiang Li¡¯s thoughts, however, Jiang Li could figure out whatever he seemed to be thinking. This passive feeling was truly unpleasant. It happened like this again today, Ye Shijie had no strength to talk with Ye Ming Xuan.

    ¡°I think,¡± Ye Ming Xuan pondered: ¡°this intention didn¡¯t suddenly spring to her. She must have thought about going to Xiangyang long ago but there was no opportunity. Today I took the initiative to first pay a visit to the Jiang family and by coincidence turned out to be that opportunity. She then took advantage to mention it.¡±

    Ye Ming Xuan¡¯s conjecture was in fact almost hit the mark. Jiang Li was indeed prepared to go to Xiangyang from the beginning, and also thought of exploiting the Ye family to achieve her purpose. Starting when she was first aware that Ye Shijie was her older cousin, Jiang Li began to n. That included the conversation and friendly exchange with Ye Shijie.

    ¡°Uncle thinks she is lying?¡± Ye Shijie knitted his brows, ¡°she has some other motive.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to say.¡± Ye Ming Xuan shook his head, ¡°but the way I see it, this wasn¡¯t the intention of old madam Jiang nor Jiang Yuan Bai. When I brought this up, the two of them were surprised and didn¡¯t appear to be faking it.¡±

    ¡°Maybe it was her own n.¡± Ye Shijie walked to the door of his room, entered, closed the door and sat on the stool in front of the table. He looked at Ye Ming Xuan, ¡°uncle....... All of you should be a bit more careful.¡± He spoke hesitantly.

    ¡°It hasn¡¯t reached that point.¡± Ye Ming Xuanughed, ¡°I saw her today and she doesn¡¯t seem to be someone unkind. Although I can¡¯t tell why she wants to go to Xiangyang, in the final analysis, she is our own family member. Let¡¯s believe her for the time being.¡± He sighed, ¡°The water in the Jiang family is very deep. You¡¯ve also seen this Ji Shuran, Ah Li living in the Jiang family is more difficult than our hardship. She¡¯s a strong and intelligent girl.¡±

    Ye Shijie stopped talking.

    After quite a while, he spoke: ¡°Don¡¯t talk about it yet, first observe then talk.¡±

    ......

    Inside the warm and virtuous garden, Ji Shuran was gripping a handkerchief until her fingertips turned white, already unable to restrain her anger.

    Over and over again, Jiang Li managed to get Jiang Yuan Bai to stand on her side and on the contrary, Ji Shuran mother and daughter couldn¡¯t seize Jiang Li. She was originally just a lone girl without anyone to rely on and had to tremble with fear as she lived under her suppression. But nowadays, it seemed the fact stated that the minor yer had upstaged the main attraction, extremely unbridled.

    This time, Jiang Li returning to the Ye¡¯s residence seemed to be a trivial matter. However, Ji Shuran sensed a deep crisis even though Ye Shijie was just a foreign official of the Ministry of Revenue and could not bepared with the Ji family. Ji Shuran was also not so stupid as to not make out that old madam Jiang was beating her. But even if it was like so, she still felt even more unreconciled.

    Thinking of Jiang You Yao who was currently confined, looking depressed all day long, no thanks to Jiang Li. Luckily there¡¯s still Jiang Bingji....... Remembering Jiang Bingji, Ji Shuran¡¯s face stricken.

    She still had a son and must n for Jiang Bingji. Jiang Li caused the entire main branch to turn upside down; she might have hit an idea on Jiang Bingji. Leaving Jiang Li alone was a disaster.

    ¡°Madam does not need to be angry.¡± The servant girl beside Ji Shuran, Xun Chun, stepped forwards and said in a low voice: ¡°Although the second miss is going to Xiangyang, it may not necessarily be a bad thing.¡±

    ¡°How is it a good thing?¡± Ji Shuran frowned.

    ¡°Currently, the residence is in troubled times. The second miss is very shrewd, always sowing discord in front of the master. After the second miss left, madam can let the third miss and the master to spend more time together. Due to Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s affair, master is already feeling guilty towards the third miss, so this time will be a good opportunity. Without the second miss, the third miss and master will get along even more harmoniously.¡±

    Ji Shuran was silent.

    It was indeed like that. Before Jiang Li returned to Yanjing, Jiang You Yao was the pearl in Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s palm. It¡¯s safe to say that she had everything going her way and never met with any bumps. After Jiang Li came back, Jiang Yuan Bai always, intentionally or otherwise, showed remorse towards Jiang Li. She saw it and felt it was unsightly, no need to mention Jiang You Yao. Moreover, Jiang You Yao was pampered since young and willful. Her unhappiness with Jiang Yuan Bai being partial was totally shown on her face, also not willing to take the initiative to get closer to Jiang Yuan Bai. The father and daughter¡¯s rtionship became weaker with each passing day.

    For example, if it was previously, if the matter such as Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s urred, there¡¯s no way Jiang Yuan Bai would never be this kind, at least he would never let Jiang Yu¡¯e and Zhou Yan Bang off.

    Thinking about it, Jiang Li leaving Yanjing to go to Xiangyang and would not return for a while was indeed a good opportunity. Without Jiang Li, Jiang You Yao would not have an estrangement in her heart. Jiang Yuan Bai could alsopletely dote on Jiang You Yao.

    ¡°Besides,¡± Xun Chun smiled, ¡°it¡¯s easy to go out of the chief assistant¡¯s residence, but it¡¯s not easy to enter. At that time, the second miss went out from the Jiang residence¡¯s main entrance and could onlye back after eight years. This position is not yet stable but she impatiently wants to return to Xiangyang, isn¡¯t she making a stupid mistake or what? This time going out, who knows when she coulde back? Perhaps.......¡± she suddenly lowered her voice, ¡°perhaps she cannote back?¡±

 Chapter 91 Part 5

    Chapter 91 Part 5: Returning

    ¡°You mean.......¡± Ji Shuran was startled.

    The other servant girl, Xia Han, also stepped forward and said: ¡°Last time the court advisor¡¯s madam mentioned that there are many eyes observing in Yanjing, it¡¯s not good to move under the emperor¡¯s foot. But suppose the second miss went to Xiangyang, it¡¯s as high as the mountain and as long as the river....... It¡¯s normal for idents to ur. If something bad was to really ur in between, it would be the Ye family¡¯s bad luck. If the Ye family couldn¡¯t give an exnation, this time, granted that our residence and the Ye family would really sever all rtions, no more possible way to remedy.¡±

    Ji Suran said: ¡°It¡¯s not that I have never thought of what you said.¡±

    ¡°The reputation that I had built very carefully for so many years was in the end damaged by her in a day. Because of what happened a few days ago, I have been behaving cautiously, but didn¡¯t think that it made this cheap girl find an opportunity.¡± Ji Shuran took a deep breath, ¡°what you said is correct, within Yanjing, I still have a bit of apprehension. After all, if the noble daughter of the chief assistant met with an ident, all kinds of people will show up to investigate. But if it¡¯s in Xiangyang, or perhaps on the way to Xiangyang.......¡± A sinister light shed within Ji Shuran¡¯s eyes, ¡°nobody could find out. Even if they could find something, all evidence would have been cleared out long ago. The Ye family has money, but money draws evil people, it¡¯s also amon urrence.¡±

    Xia Han and Xun Chun nodded together.

    Ji Shuran reached out her hand and lightly brushed the smooth, beautiful leaves with emerald green luster on the table.

    From the beginning, in the Jiang family in Yanjing, in order to maintain her reputation as a warm, caring mother, also because Jiang Li¡¯s return and behavior was too high-profile, she had never been able to take action. Such passive circumstances had unexpectedly made Jiang Li victorious little by little.

    At present, Jiang Li suddenly proposed going to Xiangyang probably wanting to repair the old rtionship with the Ye family for the sake of finding support for herself. However, she wasn¡¯t aware that making such a move was no different from a general fighting in the battlefield, throwing away the victorious city and instead,unching an attack on a remote hignd. Losing the watermelon to collect the sesame seed, it¡¯s nothing more than this.

    Since Jiang Li didn¡¯t wish to stay in the chief assistant¡¯s house, this was also an opportunity to thoroughly expel her. There would no longer be a position for Jiang Li in the Jiang residence.

    Ji Shuran¡¯s fingers exerted force on the leaf, then all of a sudden, her hands reached out to grab it. The leaf crushed into pieces from her kneading, the rhizome in the middle broke off into several pieces. All the broken pieces fell onto the ground.

    She got up, standing straight, and said: ¡°Xun Zhi, bring the brush over. I¡¯m going to write a letter to my father.¡±

    It¡¯s hard for only one person to do these things. Wishing to do something in Xiangyang without any soul and ghost being aware of, still needed to count of the Ji family.

    ......

    While Ji Shuran was discussing the matter of Jiang Li leaving the capital, inside Fang Fei Garden, Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue were tidying up things in a fluster.

    ¡°Need to take this one..... This one also....... This piece of clothing was new, only done a few days ago, definitely must be brought, there¡¯s still this pair of shoes.....¡±

    Jiang Li was betweenughter and tears as she said to Tong¡¯er: ¡°I¡¯m just returning to Xiangyang for at most two three months only. You are bringing so many things as if I¡¯m going to stay in Xiangyang.¡±

    Tong¡¯er was despairing: ¡°Who knows if it will becking in Xiangyang. There¡¯s nothing scarce in Yanjing, but it¡¯s not necessarily so in Xiangyang. If miss didn¡¯t bring sufficient things and they don¡¯t have it over there, how can that work?¡± She once again turned her head worriedly: ¡°Also, we don¡¯t know how the people of the Ye family will be, whether they will be good towards miss or not. So many years didn¡¯t see miss, whether they still treat miss with affection.......¡±

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t have the heart to tell Tong¡¯er, no need to say affectionate, afraid the people of the Ye family would scowl coldly when they saw her for the first time. Her sticking close like this shamelessly, Jiang Li herself felt somewhat embarrassed.

    ¡°Miss doesn¡¯t have anything that miss especially wants to bring?¡± Bai Xue asked earnestly, ¡°or perhaps something miss wants to do. This time leaving Yanjing, the time to return will be a bit longer. Which cakes miss wants to eat, this servant will quickly go buy in a while. Xiangyang might not necessarily have these things.¡±

    They regarded Xiangyang as a remote and deste ce. Jiang Liughed inside, Tongxiang was very poor, but Xiangyang did notck anything. There were many rich merchants in Xiangyang. Based on this, one would know that they would not be short of anything.

    But Bai Xue¡¯s words did remind her of something.

    She smilingly said: ¡°What you said is true. Then let¡¯s do it like this, tomorrow we will go out and stroll around, eat something good and y to one¡¯s delights. After all, we have to stay for quite a long time in Xiangyang.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± After hearing, the worries that Tong¡¯er still had just now disappeared and she immediately cheered.

    Bai Xue was also very happy.

    Neither one of them saw Jiang Li turn around, slightly restraining her pupils, her expression showed solemnity.

    Before returning to her hometown, she must go and take a quick look at Xue Zhao even though she could not bring Xue Zhao¡¯s skeletons back this time and could not let him return to his hometown. However, Jiang Li still wanted to take a look at him.

    Carrying Xue Zhao¡¯s blood feud and life, returning to Xiangyang, no matter how, she had to take a look.

    That was her dead brother, Xue Zhao.

 Chapter 92 Part 1

    Chapter 92 Part 1: Travelling Together

    The next day, Jiang Li had dressed herself up since early morning.

    Currently, the entire Jiang residence already knew about her wanting to go back to Xiangyang. At the beginning, Ji Shuran initially opposed in front of Ye Ming Xuan, untilter unknowingly how the idea changed. She disyed a warm and caring mother appearance and asked Jiang Li if shecked anything.

    On the contrary, when Jiang Jing Rui found out that Jiang Li was going to Xiangyang, he sat in Fang Fei Garden for a long time. It¡¯s nothing more than grumbling that Jiang Li was not sincere. She¡¯s going back to Xiangyang to have fun but did not bring him together. He unexpectedly thought of following Jiang Li to go to Xiangyang together.

    Jiang Li felt both angry and funny. Jiang Jing Rui didn¡¯t even know what kind of ce Xiangyang was and still thought that it was a ce of amusement. Besides, she didn¡¯t go to Xiangyang to y around. It¡¯s also unknown whether the Ye family was going to meet her or not. Even as the outer granddaughter, her stay could not be said as a matter of fact. Moreover Jiang Jing Rui, a rtive in name only, it¡¯s too embarrassing for him to go.

    Most importantly, even if everything was settled, Jiang Jing Rui¡¯s mother, Lu-shi, certainly would not allow Jiang Jing Rui to foolishly make trouble.

    After reasoning with him in every way possible, Jiang Jing Rui dispelled this thought. Jiang Li sighed inside, it seemed that all the people in the Jiang family thought that she would pass the time nicely when she visited the Ye family. Little did they know that the road was long and it might not be as free and unfettered as they imagined.

    It was still a zing hot day yesterday, but there¡¯s the pattering sounds of light rain today.

    The autumn days in Yanjing appeared brief, the blistering heat of summertime seemingly still present, yet in a blink of an eye, the cold wind rustled. Looking at the withering branches and dried up leaves on the ground, it¡¯s really hard to imagine yesterday¡¯s grandeur and bustling noise.

    Tong¡¯er stretched her hand outside to feel, then turned around to speak to Jiang Li: ¡°Miss, the rain is not light, how about we don¡¯t go out and change to another day.¡±

    ¡°No matter.¡± Jiang Li was tying her cloak and after listening to her, she said: ¡°Anyway we will be in the carriage and don¡¯t walk much.¡±

    Tong¡¯er had no alternative but to drop it.

    Jiang Li told them, when they strolled around today, they could buy some presents for the Ye family. After old madam Jiang was aware of it, she asked Jiang Li to select carefully and specially let Zhen Zhu to send some silvers.

    Not anticipating today to rain, Tong¡¯er also didn¡¯t think that it was an urgent matter. In any caseYe Ming Xuan still had to stay around 10 days in Yanjing. It¡¯s fine to go out another day when the weather would be better. Who knew that the usually easygoing Jiang Li would be so stubborn today.

    Jiang Li fastened her cloak and stood in front of the mirror.

    Jiang second miss¡¯s appearance wasn¡¯t as outstanding as Xue Fang Fei. However, her foundation was actually not bad, quiet and very elegant. These days, Jiang Li was raised in the Jiang residence and the food was much better than in Mount Qingcheng. That wan and sallow and weak appearance had disappeared and at first nce, she looked healthy, moist and bright.

    ¡°Miss is really good-looking.¡± Bai Xue stood on the side and sincerely eximed in admiration, ¡°just likeing out of a painting.¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Tong¡¯er nodded, ¡±when it was in Mount Qingcheng, miss could only wear dark clothes, our miss¡¯s beauty was not conspicuous. Looking now, I see there¡¯s no one who¡¯s more beautiful than our miss in Yanjing. If we let the nuns in Mount Qingcheng see, guaranteed no one will recognize.¡±

    Jiang Li looked at herself in the mirror, the face has familiar expressions, but the facial features are nevertheless unfamiliar. Whening in front of Xue Zhao, can Xue Zhao recognize her?

    Father...... should also be unable to recognize her, right?

    A wave of sorrow poured from her heart, she turned her head to the side and no longer looked at the mirror. She just said: ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Ok.¡± Tong¡¯er pushed the door open.

    ......

    Due to the rain, there were not many people walking outside. Even only a few of the hawkers selling sugar-coated hawthorn could be seen on the street. Jiang Li, Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue could only stroll around the jewelry store or the cloth shop. The usual peddlers carrying things probably also did note out today.

    However, she heard that there were not many grandsons among the three sons of the Ye family. Apart from Ye Shijie, there¡¯s only Ye Ming Xuan that had a son and a daughter. The Ye family¡¯s fourth son had not yet married so did not have any descendants. Therefore, buying things for the younger generation was not too difficult.

    After a while, Jiang Li had also selected the present to be given to each of them.

    Sending a return gift really wasn¡¯t a simple thing. In many great families, the mother would train the daughter of the first wife, even specially instructing them in returning gifts. If the di daughter married a government official in the future, the husband having social contacts, returning gifts were something that could not be avoided. If the return gift was too precious, it would appear heavy; if the return gift was too light, it would appear to neglect, it was really very hard.

    However, starting when she followed Shen Yurong to engage in social activities after he became the top scorer, Jiang Li learnt how to send return gifts. When in Tongxiang, Xue Huaiyuan had clean hands and would never receive people¡¯s gifts. It¡¯s not the same as in Yanjing, sometimes, the return gift could not be too simple, but if returning expensively, mother Shen would say something. She could only furtively take out a part to make up from her dowry.

    Presumably, the current Shen Yurong did not have thisplication. Princess Yongning did notck silver, no matter how precious the return gift had to be, it would not reach a stage where they would be strapped for cash. Naturally also no need to throw in their own dowry.

    Towards the three uncles and two aunts, as well as old madam Ye¡¯s cousins, Jiang Li had prepared different gifts. In this regard, she had specially inquired Ye Ming Xuan of their dispositions and she was pleased with the things bought.

    Mid-day, they casually ate a bit in one of the restaurants. Seeing that the rain had not let up, Tong¡¯er said: ¡°It seems that the rain will not cease for a while. Miss, let¡¯s go back after eating. There¡¯s also nothing interesting outside.¡±

 Chapter 92 Part 2

    Chapter 92 Part 2: Travelling Together

    Jiang Li pondered before saying: ¡°Not going back, let¡¯s go to Yan Yu Pavilion.¡±

    ¡°Yan Yu Pavilion?¡± Tong¡¯er and Baixue were both astonished and asked, ¡°what kind of ce is that?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a building in the vicinity of Bailu1 Bay, heard the scenery looking at the rain is very beautiful. Having returned to Yanjing for so long but just recently heard this name and have never seen. Today¡¯s rain is very good, just perfect, letting people see its elegance. Seizing the asion, let¡¯s go there in a while.¡±

    Baixue always listened to Jiang Li and totally did not object. Upon seeing this, Tong¡¯er could only agree. But she looked at Jiang Li and asked: ¡°Where did miss hear about Yan Yu Pavilion? This servant has never heard about it even once.¡±

    ¡°Heard other people talking about it by chance.¡± Jiang Li said faintly: ¡°It¡¯s not a well-known ce, so very few people know about it. Isn¡¯t there a sentence saying, `the most magnificent scenery is usually hidden away in a no man¡¯s corner¡¯.¡±

    Tong¡¯er nodded thoughtfully.

    Jiang Li drank the tea in front of her, her thoughts flew far away.

    At that time, she miscarried due to the matter happening at mother Shen¡¯s birthday banquet. Her vitality was greatly injured and she was bed-ridden. When she learned of Xue Zhao¡¯s death, she climbed up with difficulty. However, Tongxiang was too far away from Yanjing and she was incapable of dragging her sick body to move Xue Zhao¡¯s skeletons back to Tongxiang. Mother Shen also would never allow her to do so. She treated this as the Shen family¡¯s disgrace and she was not allowed to go out of the door and be a disgrace. Collecting Xue Zhao¡¯s corpse was the only thing that Shen Yurong would tolerate.

    Shen Yurong told her, Yan Yu Pavilion was a pretty good ce, off the beaten track with elegantndscape. It¡¯s just right for Xue Zhao¡¯s bones to be buried here. If there¡¯s a chance in the future, waiting for her to get better, then she would be allowed to bring Xue Zhao¡¯s bones back to his homnd.

    At that time, she was under pressure, frail, with nobody to depend on, thus moved to tears towards Shen Yurong. A scandal befell her, but Shen Yurong was still considerate towards her based on the past rtionship, he was really very good.

    But onlyter did she know that her own matter was brought about by Shen Yurong¡¯s hand. Princess Yongning colluded with dog officials to kill Xue Zhao, was it possible for Shen Yurong to not know? They were murderers, yet still feigning a sympathetic, sorrowful look, truly making people feel disgusted.

    Thinking of this, Jiang Li frowned, feeling that Yan Yu Pavilion being good also came from Shen Yurong¡¯s idea. Perhaps there¡¯s also Princess Yongning¡¯s thoughts inside. She didn¡¯t wish Xue Zhao¡¯s after-death to still be arranged by these two people. There¡¯s no other way now, but there would inevitably be a day, the sooner the better, where she could bring Xue Zhao away from Yan Yu Pavilion, to depart from Yanjing.

    Jiang Li put down the teacup and said: ¡°I¡¯m full, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue faintly sensed that Jiang Li was somewhat mncholic. They nced at each other, each one was baffled, but they could only follow Jiang Li and left.

    Bailu Bay was located on ake near Yanjing. In the previous dynasty, there¡¯s a schr living there, raising a flock of egrets. After the schr passed away, the egrets also flew away. However, the name Bailu Bay was still retained. Yan Yu Pavilion was situated not too far away from Bailu Bay.

    Xue Zhao¡¯s burial mound was located under the peach tree behind Yan Yu Pavilion.

    This was the first time Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue came to Bailu Bay. They saw the clear bluish green water of theke, the Yan Yu Pavilion had six stories altogether, standing at the top and looking down, sitting inside the pavilion as if in the midst of rain and fog. Fine and dense ripples appeared on theke water, the sky and the water merged, creating their own color.

    Tong¡¯er was very excited and said: ¡°Really beautiful! Miss, the rain from this Yan Yu Pavilion is really very beautiful!¡±

    Jiang Li smiled and said: ¡°You two sit down for a while, I¡¯ll take a look at that peach tree.¡±

    Baixue hurriedly said: ¡°This servant will go too.¡±

    ¡°No need.¡± Jiang Li stopped her, ¡°there¡¯s nobody here, I¡¯ll just take a look and will quickly return. It¡¯s okay.¡±

    She didn¡¯t allow any refusal and left the pavilion.

    Not too far away, the peach tree was the same as before, standing quietly in its original ce. The flowers on the tree hadpletely withered long ago, not a single blossom adorned it. The huge tree became deste and bleak.

    Under the tree, a very small burial mound sat.

    Jiang Li stood in front of the grave with an umbre.

    On the way to the capital, Xue Zhao was robbed and killed by bandits, his body abandoned in the river. The people at that time all said that. Therefore, when she finally saw Xue Zhao¡¯s face, he had changed beyond recognition. If it weren¡¯t for the birthmark on Xue Zhao¡¯s body, Jiang Li simply didn¡¯t dare to believe that the spirited youngster was now this ice-cold body.

    He suffered inhuman torture before he died, the knife marks on his body made Jiang Li have lingering fears upon recalling. She was not suspicious at that time, only until after he died did she know that everything was instructed by Princess Yongning. So those knife scars were really not done by bandits, rather, they were done by Princess Yongning¡¯s people.

    She originally thought finding an official might aid her, but unexpectedly, she sank into another trap. It¡¯s hard for Jiang Li to imagine the grief and despair in Xue Zhao¡¯s heart in his final moments.

    Even after his death, he could only stay in this no man¡¯snd, without even a ce to protect him when it rained.

    Jiang Li softly brought her umbre down and ced it on top of the burial mound. As if in this way, it could protect Xue Zhao from the wind and rain from above. As if the burial mound in front of her was a smiling and happy youngster.

    She closed her eyes and silently said in her heart: ¡°Ah Zhao, elder sister is here.¡±

 Chapter 92 Part 3

    Chapter 92 Part 3: Travelling Together

    ¡°Ah Zhao, I¡¯m your sister. You probably cannot recognize me anymore. Now I am the Jiang family¡¯s young miss, Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s di daughter. You must also think that it¡¯s unfathomable. I was like that too at first, but thinking about it now, maybe the heavens is giving me another chance.¡±

    ¡°Ten dayster I am going back to Xiangyang. I¡¯ll find a way to clearly find out what happened to father. I have implicated the two of you with the matter at that time. I know who caused your death, also know who to look for revenge. Shen Yurong is currently rising step by step, Princess Yongning also has Cheng Wang behind her. I can¡¯t do anything for the time being, but it¡¯s not as if there¡¯s no way at all.¡±

    ¡°Using Jiang second miss¡¯s name, I¡¯ll think of a way to tell the injustice of the Xue family and uncover the true colors of Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong so as to clear your grievances.¡±

    ¡°Ah Zhao,¡± she spoke silently in her heart: ¡°forgive me for onlying to see you for the first time after so long. You must me older sister a lot. However, there¡¯s not a day where I forget the Xue family¡¯s blood feud. Please be patient and watch me as I defend you step by step.¡±

    ¡°Ah Zhao....... I¡¯m sorry.......¡±

    She spoke silently in her heart, as if she could see the young man who was dancing with a knife and ying with a spear looked at her sideways and giggled. No idea how much time had passed before Jiang Li opened her eyes.

    The rain seemed to let up a bit, the burial mound in front of her still looked peaceful and quiet but it¡¯s unknown from where, a red sparrow suddenly flew over and perched on the branch above, nting its head and looking at her. There were many water droplets on its feathers. SUddenly it pped its wings, shaking the water droplets on its wings cleanly. It looked at the umbre Jiang Li ced on top of the mound and at once dived down, standing on the mound, finding shelter under the umbre while chirping incessantly.

    Jiang Li smiled slightly and said in a low voice: ¡°You hear it too, right?!¡±

    She turned around and slowly walked towards Yan Yu Pavilion.

    When she arrived at Yan Yu Pavilion, Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue were frightened when they saw her drenched. Tong¡¯er said: ¡°Miss, where is your umbre? Why is your clothes all wet?¡±

    ¡°Saw a red sparrow got wet from the rain and felt pitiful. So I used the umbre to cover it and left the umbre under the peach tree at the back.¡±

    Tong¡¯er heard what she said and replied: ¡°Miss, I know that you have good intentions, but you can tell us. There are other umbres here, this servant could have brought one over, there is no need to get yourself wet, right? What to do if you catch a cold?¡±

    Jiang Li smiled apologetically and said: ¡°Didn¡¯t think that much at the time.¡±

    ¡°Miss is good everywhere,¡± Bai Xue whispered: ¡°just a bit soft-hearted.¡±

    Soft-hearted? Jiang Liughed in her heart.

    Xue Fang Fei was perhaps soft-hearted. But the current Jiang Li¡¯s heart was as heart as iron.

    ......

    The city of Yanjing, inside Wang Xiang Lou, Lu Ji was in the middle of chatting with Ji Heng.

    Not long after, Wen Ji, who was by Ji Heng¡¯s side, walked over.

    Wen Ji showed some hesitation: ¡°Master.......¡±

    Ji heng shot a nce at him and said: ¡°Speak.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Wen Ji promptly replied: ¡°Today Jiang second miss brought two servant girls out. She first went into each shop in the city to buy several items. After a meal, they went to Yan Yu Pavilion in Bailu Bay.¡±

    ¡°Yan Yu Pavilion?¡± Ji Heng raised his eyelids andughed: ¡°She actually even knows such remote ces.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Lu Ji from the side could see some signs. Stroking his beard, he said: ¡°Master even arranged a person to monitor Jiang second miss?¡±

    Ji heng waved his hand: ¡°Not monitor, her conducts are strange, making it difficult for people not to pay attention to.¡± He opened his mouth and without thinking asked Wen Ji: ¡°What did she see in Yan Yu Pavilion?¡±

    ¡°I heard it¡¯s most beautiful to look at the rain at Yan Yu Pavilion,¡± Lu Ji suddenly recalled something and smilingly said: ¡°Perhaps Jiang second miss went to look at the misty rain, actually very cultured.¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Wen Ji said: ¡°At first Jiang second miss sat with her two servant girls in Yan Yu Pavilion. Afterwards, she walked to the peach tree behind Yan Yu Pavilion. There¡¯s a burial mount under the peach tree. Jiang second miss left her umbre on the burial mound to cover it from the rain.¡±

    Ji Heng and Lu Ji¡¯s movements paused at the same time.

    Ji heng raised his eyebrows, a bit of interest showed in his beautiful pupils. He asked: ¡°Oh? She went to worship?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing used to worship, but Jiang second miss seemed to know the deceased. She stood facing the burial mound for a long time and looked very sad.¡± Wen Ji¡¯s answer could be said to be very detailed.

    ¡°That¡¯s worshiping.¡± Ji Heng said.

    Lu Ji asked: ¡°Why did Master say that?¡±

    ¡°This Jiang second miss always did things rigorously, also used to give herself a cover.¡± Ji Heng said with a sneer: ¡°Today she went out to buy things, went to Yan Yu Pavilion to look at the rain, those were all pretense. Her purpose was to stand for a moment in front of this burial mound.¡±

    ¡°The person in the grave must be someone she values.¡± He concluded right away.

    If it were said that Jiang Li did things rigorously, her pretense was also totally meticulous. However, Ji Heng very easily pointed to the heart of the matter after he heard what happened. Just a nce and he could make out the truth of the matter.

    ¡°Who is the person in the grave?¡± Ji Heng asked.

    ¡°A person called Xue Zhao.¡± Wen Ji replied: ¡°A year ago, he was robbed and killed by bandits and his corpse was abandoned in the river. However, after our people checked, there¡¯s a hidden meaning inside. Xue Zhao¡¯s death possibly had some rtions with the current governor.¡±

 Chapter 92 Part 4

    Chapter 92 Part 4: Travelling Together

    There were always ces that couldn¡¯t be seen under the bright heaven and earth. Yanjing was under the foot of the Son of Heaven, yet everyday there were many obscure deaths. A little family n was still not bad, those who had no power or influence, for the most part, were like grass mustard entering the sea, not even causing any waves, just sinking until they could no longer be seen.

    ¡°Where did this Xue Zhaoe from?¡± Lu Ji was puzzled: ¡°Never heard of such a name within the official families in Yanjing.¡±

    Wen Ji paused before saying: ¡°To speak of, this Xue Zhao could not be regarded as a person from Yanjing. He was the current assistant secretary¡¯s*, Shen Yurong¡¯s younger brother-inw. Shen Yurong¡¯s first madam, Xue Fang Fei¡¯s biological younger brother. After Xue Fang Fei¡¯s death, Xue Zhao probably heard about this matter, thus entering the capital. Unexpectedly, he lost his life as he entered the capital.¡±

    ¡°Xue Fang Fei¡¯s younger brother?¡± Lu Ji was stumped for words. He immediately shook his head: ¡°This is really unexpected.¡±

    Talking about Xue Fang Fei, it could be said that the entire Yanjing knew this person. However, the matter of Xue Fang Fei¡¯s younger brother was truly not known to anyone. It seemed that this matter was handled very quickly at that time and didn¡¯t arouse any wind and waves.

    ¡°But what¡¯s the rtionship between Xue Zhao and Jiang Li?¡± Lu Ji was even more puzzled, ¡°the Xue family and the Jiang family are not rted in any way. Jiang Li stayed in Mount Qingcheng for eight years. During this period of time, there¡¯s no way she could have any rtions with Xue Zhao. Moreover, Xue Zhao passed awayst year, Jiang Li just returned this year, so it¡¯s also not possible for Jiang Li to know the person after she came back.¡± He hesitated for a while, then asked: ¡°Had Xue Zhao been to Yanjing before? Or Mount Qingcheng?¡±

    Wen Ji shook his head: ¡°Shouldn¡¯t be. Xue Zhao grew up in Tongxiang, Xiangyang and had never left Tongxiang. The first time he went to Yanjing was preciselyst year, and he died before he met Xue Fang Fei.¡±

    Lu Ji looked at Ji Heng and said: ¡°That is weird.¡±

    How could two people who had never crossed paths have any rtions? Moreover, ording to Wen Ji¡¯s report, Jiang Li felt sad while grieving for Xue Zhao. Wen Ji wasn¡¯t someone who would exaggerate. If he said that Jiang Li looked somewhat sorrowful, then Jiang Li truly was somewhat sorrowful.

    No matter how kind Jiang second miss was, she wouldn¡¯t show a sad expression towards someone irrelevant. Without even mentioning what Ji Heng said, how Jiang Li made such a big round in order to go see Xue Zhao¡¯s burial mound. What was it for if not familiar?

    But no matter how Lu Ji racked his brain, he couldn¡¯t find any other cause.

    ¡°Perhaps.......¡± Wen Ji deliberated for a moment before cautiously raising a conjecture: ¡°This Xue Zhao and Jiang second miss had encountered each other and Jiang second miss had an interest in Xue Zhao?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say it¡¯s impossible for the two of them to have met each other before?¡± Lu Ji said: ¡°Having never met, how do you show interest in?¡±

    This was actually true, Wen Ji no longer spoke.

    Ji Heng narrowed his eyes and suddenly spoke up: ¡°Xue Zhao was from Tongxiang, Xiangyang?¡±

    Wen Ji: ¡°Exactly.¡±

    ¡°Jiang Li¡¯s biological mother, Ye Zhen Zhen, was from Xiangyang. Xue Zhao was also from Xiangyang.......¡± Ji Heng said: ¡°No need to investigate the rtion between Jiang Li and Xue Zhao. Investigate from the Xue family.¡±

    ¡°The Xue family?¡± Lu Ji was puzzled: ¡°Top scorer¡¯s madam, Xue Fang Fei, her father seemed to be a mere small official. The family is thin, there is nothing unusual.¡±

    At the time, Xue Fang Fei was absolutely splendid, but also made people feel sorry for. Some people said, if only Xue Fang Fei¡¯s background was a little bit better, relying on her appearance and talent, it¡¯s enough for her to be a prince¡¯s wife. Entering the pce to be an imperial concubine was absolutely not considered as social climbing. A pity, her father was merely a small official, which in turn could only allow her to marry a schr from amoner¡¯s family. Althoughter on Shen Yurong passed brilliantly, became the top scorer and an official, because of this, some people said that Xue Fang Fei did not match Shen Yurong.

    Think about it, if Xue Fang Fei was an official¡¯s daughter, as long as the official position wasn¡¯t too low, how could she be said as not being worthy.

    Such an ordinary Xue family, how is it worth sending someone to specially pay attention to? Lu Ji couldn¡¯t understand. Even if Jiang second miss¡¯s manner was suspicious, in addition she had repeatedly ruined Ji Heng¡¯s ns, which made Ji Heng understandably take note of her, it was really unnecessary to attach importance to the Xue family.

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget, Jiang Li is about to go back to Xiangyang together with Ye Ming Xuan. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s odd?¡± Ji Heng had a smile on his face, yet his sight was extremely calm. He said: ¡°ording to Jiang second miss¡¯s character, why would she abandon the Jiang family that she had triumphed over and suddenly move the battle somewhere else? Unless there¡¯s something more important in Xiangyang.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t she going back to repair the rtionship with the Ye family?¡± Lu Ji asked.

    ¡°Jiang second miss doesn¡¯t seem like a sentimental and righteous person.¡± Ji Heng saidzily: ¡°Previously, I didn¡¯t understand why she wanted to go back to Xiangyang, but now I do.¡±

    ¡°She has rtions with the Xue family, or to speak of, the Xue family has something that she wants.¡±

    Both Wen Ji and Lu Ji listened to the end and their thoughts turned thousands of times. After some time, they didn¡¯t know what to say. Supposed that it was said by someone else, they would definitely say that this person was speaking nonsense. Jiang second miss and the small Xue family in Xiangyang, what kind of rtionship could they have? However, Ji Heng had never spoken groundlessly, what he believed was usually facts and it was rare to be mistaken.

    ¡°Wen Ji, carefully investigate Xue Zhao¡¯s cause of death.¡± Ji Heng fiddled with the folding fan in his hand and said: ¡°Maybe our Jiang second miss knows more about the weird death of Xue Zhao.¡±

    Lu Ji was startled: ¡°She even knows this?¡±

    ¡°The secret she hides is not just one or two.¡± Ji Heng carelessly brushed off the crease on his gown and indifferently said: ¡°By lucky coincidence, I also want to go to Xiangyang. Seems this journey is going to be lively.¡±

 Chapter 93 Part 1

    Chapter 93 Part 1: the Ye Family

    The following few days passed by very ordinarily with nothing particr happening. Jiang Li talked to the teachers of Ming Yi Hall about her going to Xiangyang then just waited for Ye Ming Xuan to go together.

    Old madam Jiang called Jiang Li to Wan Feng Hall several times to instruct her, probably also found her valuable in regards to the rtionship to the Ye family as she went back this time. On the contrary, for the first time, Ji Shuran mother and daughter didn¡¯te to stir up trouble. Jiang Li was clear in her heart, Ji Shuran certainly would not leave the matter at that and was perhaps in the middle ofing up with a new n. It¡¯s just that at the moment she was eager and wanted to go back to her hometown, so she didn¡¯t spend much energy paying attention to this pair of mother and daughter.

    Jiang Jing Rui often went to Fang Fei Garden, it was nothing but had not yet given up on the idea of going together with Jiang Li to the Ye family. It was unknown how his thought process went, not obediently staying in Yanjing, all day long wanting to go all over the ce to have fun. Unexpectedly, Ye Shijie also came over once, but he didn¡¯t mention the matter of going to Xiangyang, he merely talked about the things that urred in his work recently in the Ministry of Revenue.

    After Ye Shijie started his work in the Ministry of Revenue, many people watched from the sidelines to see which side he would be part of in the end. With the rtionship of the Ye family and the Jiang family, Ye Shijie ought to be in the same faction as the chief assistant. But the people in Yanjing were all aware that the Ye family and the Jiang family had broken their contacts many years ago. The conjecture was that Ye Shijie would perhaps enter Cheng Wang¡¯s faction sometime in the future. After all, the current Cheng Wang¡¯s power had gradually grown bigger. However, Jiang Li thought that Ye Shijie was still loyal to Hong Xiao Emperor. For some reason, she had this feeling that even though Hong Xiao Emperor was at present didn¡¯t seem to have abundant influence, this monarch who ascended the throne since he was a youngster wasn¡¯t as simple as how he appeared on the surface.

    The days passed like this, in a blink of an eye, it was already 10 dayster. Ye Ming Xuan came to pick up Jiang Li to depart Yanjing and set off to Xiangyang together.

    This time, it¡¯s rare for old madam Jiang to alsoe out to send them off at the gate. Jiang You Yao and Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s shadows still couldn¡¯t be seen, Ji Shuran smiled as she said to Ye Ming Xuan: ¡°Pay attention to safety all the way, we¡¯ll entrust Li-er in your care.¡±

    Ye Ming Xuan smiled and said: ¡°Rest assured.¡±

    Ye Shijie said: ¡°The time is no longer early, let¡¯s start now. Going earlier can go further on the road and you¡¯ll arrive in Xiangyang earlier.¡±

    Jiang Li turned around and slightly saluted old madam Jiang as she said: ¡°Father, grandmother do not need to be worried. After seeing maternal grandmother, I will return early.¡±

    ¡°Naturally.¡± The love in Ji Shuran¡¯s eyes were clear and excessive as she said: ¡°We¡¯ll wait for you toe back.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled slightly and no longer hesitated. Tong¡¯er helped her to go up the carriage. The curtain on the carriage was put down, disconnecting the sights of the Jiang family outside. Only Ye Ming Xuan¡¯s instructionsmanding the team could be heard. The carriages rumbled as they moved forward.

    At this point, her heart rxed and she immediately became excited.

    This is....... the way home.

    Although she was no longer Xue Fang Fei, although she had turned into the chief assistant family¡¯s noble daughter, at longst, she was walking on the road to go back home.

    ......

    If you rushed and did not dy, from Yanjing city to Xiangyang, it would take more than a month. Fortunately, the road was not too rugged and could still be considered as an official road, unlike the danger on the road from Mount Qingcheng to Xiangyang. Moreover, Ye Ming Xuan was a cautious person, specially hiring an armed escort service to protect Jiang Li¡¯s safety. Jiang Yuan Bai also allocated a few guards, so if they encountered hijacking on the road, they could still retreat.

    Thankfully, the whole journey waspletely safe and sound and they did not encounter any danger whatsoever. Ye Ming Xuan originally thought that Jiang Li was pampered and delicate, not ustomed to this kind of journey. After all, from the city of Yanjing to Xiangyang,pared to the city of Yanjing to Mount Qingcheng was still further. In case Jiang Li was not used to the road, the entire team had to slow down. When they arrived in Xiangyang, it would inevitably be muchter.

    However, Jiang Li¡¯s performance had gone beyond everyone¡¯s expectation.

    She wasn¡¯t picky at all, and was very easy to serve. Staying in an inn was fine, putting up in the carriage was also okay and she had never once cried out of bitterness. There were times that they could not find an inn at night and had to stay outdoors. The guards would go hunting and roast rabbits and Jiang Li would look from the side with exhration. When the guards handled the roasting incorrectly, she would still assist a little. This directly stunned Ah Fu, the servant boy following Ye Ming Xuan. He secretly said to Ye Ming Xuan: ¡°Seeing the second miss like this, it seems that she has done this kind of thing no less and is familiar.¡±

    Ye Ming Xuan also felt weird. Even his own son, Ye Ru Feng, who had been mischievous since childhood, could not do better than Jiang Li. Jiang Li was the noble eldest daughter, but she did this kind of thing without the slightest difort, even seemingly very ustomed to.

    When asking Jiang Li, she merely smiled and said: ¡°While in the nunnery in Mount Qingcheng, many times Tong¡¯er and I went outside to catch hares. The vegetarian meals were not filling, luckily there were many rabbits on the mountain.¡±

    Even though Tong¡¯er was puzzled inside as to when Jiang Li and she went to grab rabbits, she didn¡¯t reveal anything on her face and immediately nodded. Though Ye Ming Xuan didn¡¯tment anything, he smiled and heaved a sigh. It¡¯s not known whether it wasmenting or taking pity.

    This trip actually went smoother than what Jiang Li had imagined. As a result, when they quickly arrived in the city walls of Xiangyang, only one month had passed. ording to the original n, there was approximately still another half a month left. However, since Jiang Li wasn¡¯t being noisy throughout the journey and the team did not stop, they moved very fast.

 Chapter 93 Part 2

    Chapter 93 Part 2: The Ye Family

    Merry Christmas and happy holidays everyone!

    When the convoy arrived at the city gate of Xiangyang, Ye Ming Xuan let someone take a token to show the military officers guarding the city walls. Tong¡¯er pulled up the carriage curtain to look curiously outside and muttered: ¡°So this is Xiangyang city, it seems to be quite lively.¡±

    Jiang Li looked at the scenery outside and a trace of emotion shed in her eyes.

    Tongxiang was a small county under Tongxiang. Previously, Xue Huai Yuan only came to Xiangyang whenever there¡¯s a festival to celebrate to buy things for the brother and sister, Xue Fang Fei and Xue Zhao. At that time, every year, she and Xue Zhao would look forward to going to Xiangyang. Xiangyang was more lively and bustlingpared to Tongxiang, there were also much more delicious things to eat and more interesting things to y. However, these kinds of opportunities were not always avable. Come to think of it, she was married to Shen Yurong for three years before leaving Tongxiang. As for Xiangyang, she had not visited in seven or eight years.

    The Xiangyang before her eyes appeared familiar, just more flourishing and livelierpared to seven or eight years ago, also made people yearn for.

    If Xue Zhao was still here, he definitely would haveughed heartily and pulled her to roam around Xiangyang.

    While she was in the middle of her thoughts, the convoy proceeded forwards as the city guards let them pass.

    Approximately after walking for a stick of incense, the speed of the carriage gradually slowed down. Not long after, the carriage halted and Ye Ming Xuan¡¯s voice could be heard from outside the carriage. Heughingly said: ¡°Ah Li, get down from he carriage, we have arrived.¡±

    The gatekeeper saw Ye Ming Xuan and immediately opened the gate while calling out to a young servant boy to report inside. All the way, the young servant boy loudly said: ¡°Second master has returned! Second master has returned!¡±

    Tong¡¯er supported Jiang Li to jump down from the carriage.

    The Ye family was the richest family in Xiangyang, or it could perhaps be said that even in Yanjing, the wealth of the Ye family was famous. Thus therge residence of the Ye family was also built very impressively. It was reported that Ye old master first stayed here and it had continuously been resided in ever since. The vermillion gates and the wide roof tiles, the gates¡¯ pirs were carefully carved with decorative design. Even the white muslin covering the hangingnterns were Jiangnan¡¯s swallow wing muslin.

    Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue stood by therge entrance of the Ye family, each one of them had their eyes wide open. The Ye family¡¯s heroic style was totally different from the chief assistant¡¯s exquisite and sophisticated residence. In regards to the saying of themon people, naturally this kind of simple andvish decoration caught people¡¯s attention more.

    Ye Ming Xuan said: ¡°Ah Li, it¡¯s the first time youe to the Ye family house. How is it? Do you think it¡¯s okay?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s very good.¡± Jiang Li smiled.

    When Xue Zhao and she came to Xiangyang to y before, they had also heard of the famous Ye family and once walked past in front of the huge Ye family¡¯s residence. Xue Zhao stillmented then, it would be nice if he could walk inside and look at the interior. Unexpectedly, the current her would enter openly through the huge entrance gates and see the atmosphere.

    Ye Ming Xuan smiled and said: ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Jiang Li and Ye Ming Xuan walked in together.

    The Ye family¡¯s house seemed to be brighter and more spacious than the chief assistant¡¯s residence. Compared to the caution in the chief assistant¡¯s residence, there¡¯s somewhat a bit of the town¡¯s bustle in the Ye house. The material on the young servant boys and servant girls¡¯ clothes were the best quality, equally matched with Tong¡¯er and Baixue. Suffice to see that the Ye family had ample wealth. These subordinates saw Ye Ming Xuan and saluted one after another. Seeing Jiang Li¡¯s group following beside Ye Ming Xuan, they inquisitively looked them up and down, trying to guess Jiang Li¡¯s identity.

    In Jin Hua Hall, a few people were currently inside.

    ¡°Father is finally back.¡± A 14 ¨C 15 year old youngster said: ¡°I wonder what good things did father bring back from Yanjing this time?¡±

    ¡°You only want to know this.¡± Beside him, a madam with quite a schrly air annoyedly said: ¡°There¡¯s nock of your things in the residence on normal days. It¡¯s not as if you don¡¯t have what Yanjing has.¡±

    ¡°Younger sister, don¡¯t me Ru Feng.¡± Another madam with a round face smilingly said: ¡°Ru Feng is still a bit childish, if Shijie was there, he would also be like that.¡±

    There¡¯s a beautiful girl on the other side of Ye Ru Feng, appearing a bit older than him. She worriedly said: ¡°I wonder how older brother¡¯s situation is over there? Now he is part of the Ministry of Revenue, whether he could cope with it?¡±

    The blue clothed middle aged man in the utmost center did not say a word, merely drinking his tea in silence.

    As they were chatting, suddenly a young servant boy¡¯s voice was heard from outside: ¡°Second master has returned!¡±

    The thinner madam promptly stood up joyfully. Soon she saw the curtain of Jin Hua Hall being pushed aside by someone. Ye Ming Xuanughed heartily and said: ¡°Older brother, madam, I¡¯ve returned!¡±

    ¡°Father!¡± The youngster pounced forward.

    Jiang Li stood behind Ye Ming Xuan. She was totally unfamiliar in regards to the people of the Ye family. However, even if the genuine Jiang second miss came this time, she would probably feel the same way as she was now. After all, they had not met each other for ten years.

    That youngster was Ye Ming Xuan¡¯s son, Ye Ru Feng. His gaze suddenly fell at Jiang Li at the side and he immediately came out from Ye Ming Xuan¡¯s embrace. He doubtfully asked: ¡°Who¡¯s she?¡±

    Jiang Li stood with a smile behind Ye Ming Xuan. Based on her clothes and dressing manner, she did not appear to be a subordinate, therefore, she could not be a servant girl that Ye Ming Xuan epted on the road.

 Chapter 93 Part 3

    Chapter 93 Part 3: The Ye Family

    Zhuo-shi, the thin and tall madam with a schrly air, Ye Ming Xuan¡¯s wife, saw Jiang Li and her face turned pale all of a sudden. She probably thought that Jiang Li was a kind of woman Ye Ming Xuan epted on the road. This kind urred often in their wealthy merchants circle. On the route of going out to do business, separated for three to five years, when they go back, bringing a strange woman, also a so-called son. Ye Ming Xuan left for several months, impossible to have a son, but epting a woman to use along the road was not impossible.

    Men were always careless in this kind of thing. Ye Ming Xuan had not yet discovered his wife¡¯s abnormal expression, but Jiang Li could make it out and guessed Zhou-shi¡¯s identity already. In order to avoid misunderstanding, she could only step forward and smilingly called Zhuo-shi: ¡°Aunt.¡±

    This greeting actually made Zhuo-shi stunned, her paleplexion just now faded and was reced by confusion. She asked: ¡°Master, who is this young girl? Why did she call me aunt?¡±

    Ye Ming Xuan burst intoughter. While going straight towards the blue dressed man who stood up, Ye Ming Xuan said: ¡°Older brother, this time I did not return alone. Look, who¡¯s this, can you still recognize her?¡±

    Everyone was puzzled, only Ye Ming Hui, the blue dressed man, took note of how Jiang Li addressed Zhuo-shi as ¡°aunt¡±, and somewhat had a guess in his mind.

    ¡°This is Zhen Zhen¡¯s daughter, Ah Li.¡± Ye Ming Xuan smiled and said: ¡°Thest time seeing Ah Li, she was just a tiny child, now she has grown as a youngdy. Ah Li, this is your Uncle Ming Hui, eldest aunt.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled and said: ¡°Uncle Ming Hui, eldest aunt.¡±

    Both Ye Ming Hui and his wife, Guan-shi, stared nkly. Guan-shi did not know what to do while Ye Ming Hui¡¯s brows wrinkled.

    There¡¯s silence in the room.

    After a short period of time, Ye Ru Feng suddenly opened his mouth. He looked at Jiang Li with contempt and said: ¡°She¡¯s younger aunt¡¯s daughter. That person who disdains us for being a merchant, the eldest daughter who made grandmother so angry that she fell ill?¡±

    Zhuo-shi pulled Ye Ru Feng in a hurry. Ye Ru Feng¡¯s gaze was sharp and discourteously continued speaking: ¡°The deed was done, why still afraid of what people say!¡±

    In an instant, everyone inside the room fell silent, the atmosphere became extremely awkward.

    Originally, when Ye Ming Xuan returned to Xiangyang, he did not mention that Jiang Li was also returning together with him. All the people in the Ye family did not know that Jiang Li woulde. Coming so abruptly at this time, nobody knew how to deal with it. To speak of, Jiang Li¡¯s words many years ago had hurt old madam Ye¡¯s heart and also hurt all the people of the Ye family¡¯s hearts. Henceforth, they treated Jiang Li as if there was no such person. Who would know that she would suddenly appear.

    Ye Ming Hui looked reproachfully at Ye Ming Xuan, reprimanding him for not exining this matter earlier. Ye Ming Xuan had an innocent look on his face, but he couldn¡¯t help watching how Jiang Li would react.

    Jiang Li insisted on returning to Xiangyang together with him, so she should have anticipated such an oue in advance. The Ye family would not be heartless, but first, what will Jiang Li do and say?

    Jiang Li looked at the situation in front of her, the smile on her face did not waver in the slightest.

    Tong¡¯er was feeling both embarrassed and grievous. She was aware of Jiang Li¡¯s affair that year. Although admittedly Jiang Li was wrong in this matter, her young miss was only five years old at that time. Time had passed for so many years already, why the need to still brood over old matters? If she had known that it would be like this, her youngdy should not have returned to Xiangyang and be subjected to this annoying anger. She returned to Xiangyang to look at old madam Ye with good intention, but in the end, she ran into a stone wall, truly depressing.

    Jiang Li¡¯s soft voice sounded at this time: ¡°Yes, I am precisely ¡®that¡¯ Jiang Li.¡±

    The people of the Ye family were dumbfounded.

    Ye ing Xuan was almost choked by his own saliva.

    When Jiang Li spoke, it was warm, tender and polite, with a smile on her face. Everyone said reaching out a hand wouldn¡¯t hit a smiling person, let alone a smiling and lovely pretty girl. This p would be even more impossible to go down. Apart from Ye Ru Feng, the other members of the Ye family had a feeling of not knowing how to handle this difficult situation.

    This girl could really deal with varying circumstances based on basic principles. Ye Ming Xuanmented in his heart before suddenly recalling what Ye Shijie had told him before ¡°Jiang Li is a surprising person¡±. This sentence was not false at all. She was indeed unexpected, as if normal people¡¯s embarrassment, cutting a sorry figure and not knowing what to do did not exist in her. She could always use her unusual calm attitude to cope with every kind of circumstance.

    Including the present moment.

    Ye Ming Xuan suddenly wanted tough. Presumably, his own older brother, the always steady and proper Ye Ming Hui, was also somewhat caught unprepared as he faced this kind of situation. Luckily he still understood his own role in the Ye family, so he cleared his throat and said: ¡°This is your second aunt.¡± He looked towards Jiang Li as he introduced his wife.

    Jiang Li smiled at Zhuo-shi and nodded: ¡°Second aunt.¡±

    Subconsciously, Zhuo-shi returned with a smile before reacting with surprise afterwards. This young girl¡¯s smile is too sincere. When she went to Yanjing in that year to meet Jiang Li, Ye Ming Hui and the brothers, Ye Shijie, and old madam Ye were all there, however, she was not present. But Jiang Li¡¯s rumor was known up and down the Ye family. It¡¯s impossible for Ye Ming Hui and Ye Ming Xuan to lie, in addition, it was not necessary to lie for this matter. As a result, everyone never doubted that Jiang Li was a heartless, hypocritical, harsh and merciless eldest miss. However, after seeing her with her own eyes, Zhuo-shi couldn¡¯t help thinking that perhaps there¡¯s misunderstanding in the matter of that year. Such an adorable and gentle girl, how could she be the kind of person they spoke of in their mouths?

 Chapter 93 Part 4

    Chapter 93 Part 4: The Ye Family

    ¡°This is your your older female cousin, Jia¡¯er and older male cousin Ru Feng.¡± Ye Ming Xuan continued introducing.

    Ye Jia¡¯er was a year older than Jiang Li, she was born graceful and easy-mannered. To be honest, she didn¡¯t resemble someone born from a merchant family, instead she projected the image of an educated official¡¯s daughter. She had curiosity in her sight as she looked at Jiang Li, but she maintained her smile and nodded towards Jiang Li.

    Ye Ru Feng was not as friendly as Ye Jia¡¯er. He harrumphed loudly then turned his head to the side, refusing to look at Jiang Li.

    ¡°Your uncle Ming Yu will onlye back in a few days, currently he¡¯s not here.¡± Ye Ming Xuan said.

    Jiang Li nodded: ¡°Grandmother.......¡±

    ¡°Recently, old madam¡¯s health hasn¡¯t been too good,¡± Ye Ming Hui hesitated for a while before speaking: ¡°If she knows that you havee, she will inevitably be excited, so wait for a while before telling her. What do you think, Ah Li?¡±

    Before Jiang Li could reply, Ye Ru Feng had coldly spoken up: ¡°Better not to see, what if grandmother sees her, gets angry and gets sick again?

    ¡°Ru Feng!¡± Zhuo-shi admonished him.

    Ye Ru Feng stopped talking. Jiang Li said: ¡°I¡¯ll listen to uncle Ming Hui.¡±

    Ye Ming Hui nodded and said to Guan-shi: ¡°Go and find an empty courtyard and put it in order first for Ah Li to stay for the time being.¡± He then said to Jiang Li: ¡°The second child and you must be very tired after rushing for several days on the road. Don¡¯t think about anything first today and take a good rest. If there¡¯s anything to say, just say it tomorrow.¡±

    Jiang Li was stunned. Ye Ming Hui¡¯s words were polite yet estranged. Completely treating her like a guesting from afar, or a not so close visitor. She sighed deeply in her heart, Jiang second miss and the Ye family¡¯s barrier was really too deep, it simply wouldn¡¯t be resolved in a short while. Even Ye Ming Xuan, who had been in contact with her for a long time, had still notpletely dispelled all his doubts towards her. He was suspicious whether her returning to Xiangyang was the decision made by the Jiang family.

    The road still had a long way to go.

    A sincere smile floated on her face and she said: ¡°Many thanks uncle Ming Hui.¡±

    Compared with the two uncles, the two aunts looked to be at their wits¡¯ ends. Both unable to be estranged as the two Ye brothers, yet they also couldn¡¯t be too intimate, appearing very contradictory. Jiang Li wanted tough, thankfully they did not have to continue interacting. After Guan-shi gave her a clean room to stay in, apart from the two servant girls by her side, there was no one else around.

    It was calm atst.

    Tong¡¯er closed the doors. The room that the Ye family gave for Jiang Li was pretty good with nothing out of ce. Jiang Li sat down, Bai Xue boiled tea and in a low voice, Tong¡¯er softly said: ¡°Miss, the people of the Ye family obviously didn¡¯t allow you to see old madam Ye on purpose.¡±

    Everyone could see, although her second cousin Ye Ru Feng¡¯s words were a bit unpleasant to hear, it was undoubtedly still a fact. Old madam Ye¡¯s health was not good, and towards this outer granddaughter, it was really unknown how she would feel to abruptly meet like this. So to speak, today, the other people in the Ye family were frightened.

    ¡°Miss, it¡¯s really not good. After seeing old madam Ye, let¡¯s go back to Yanjing right away.¡± Bai Xue also said: ¡°If the Ye family continues to be like this in the future, it will be rather ufortable to keep staying here.¡±

    The Ye family had good self-restraint, thus they not only did not drive her out, they still served her with good food and drinks, moreover their etiquette was thorough. However, it¡¯s precisely this thoughtfulness that made people feel even more uneasy, just like a visitor in a strange family¡¯s house.

    ¡°No matter, as a neer, each one of us needs the process to be familiar with each other.¡± Jiang Li smiled, ¡°besides, the matter at that time was my mistake first. The Ye family behaving this way is much better than what I originally envisioned. Let¡¯s wait for a few more days, we¡¯ll talk again after I finally meet with the old madam.¡±

    She came to Xiangyang this time, returning home to visit rtives was fake, to see old madam Ye was also fake, the truth was to ask about Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s affairs. However, now she must not rashly go out and ask around, which would instead attract people¡¯s suspicions. Even if asking around, she must overturn Xue Zhao¡¯s case and had to spend a lot of effort. The Ye family was a strong tree behind her back. But at the moment, no matter how, she must build a good rtionship with the Ye family, dispel their former hatred; this was the top priority of what she must do.

    It must be carefully thought through.

    ......

    On the other side, inside Ye Ming Xuan¡¯s room, Zhuo-shi was in the middle of interrogating him.

    ¡°Without rhyme or reason, why did Jiang Li suddenlye over? What are you doing, not even giving a heads up, even older brother was shocked.¡± Zhuo-shi paced back and forth, ¡°what should we do now? People outside saw that she¡¯s staying in our residence, it¡¯s hard to avoid rumors. This....... You really are!¡±

    Ye Ming Xuan was betweenughter and tears: ¡°How could you ce the me on me? She herself proposed to go back to see mother. Even both old madam Jiang and Jiang Yuan Bai said something, what can I do? Can I still block my own niece from returning? It would look unsightly if other people saw it.¡±

    ¡°Hmph, it¡¯s simply from seeing the older cousin now became an official in the Ministry of Revenue,¡± Ye Ru Feng coldly ridiculed: ¡°still saying that we, as merchants, look at profits only. The way I see it, their Jiang family, as the chief assistant in court, is also self-interested. Previously, when no one from the Ye family served as an official, they hurriedly imed to have no rtions. Now seeing that the Ye family started to have social connections, they immediately stick closer.¡±

 Chapter 93 Part 5

    Chapter 93 Part 5: The Ye Family

    ¡°Don¡¯t speak nonsense,¡± Ye Jia¡¯er stopped Ye Ru Feng¡¯s speech, ¡°even if older cousin is an official in the Ministry of Revenue, it¡¯s still not worthwhile for the Jiang family to curry favor with our Ye family. There are many people who have both power and influence in Yanjing, those people still want to stay close to uncle. Why would uncle allow Jiang Li to return to Xiangyang just because of the rtionship with older brother?¡±

    ¡°Once opening the mouth it¡¯s calling uncle. Sis, have you forgotten,¡± Ye Ru Feng said: ¡°our uncle has now married another woman. They no longer look at our Ye family. You calling so intimately, could it be that you are thinking of catching up to their chief assistant¡¯s momentum and be the eldest young miss in Yanjing?¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Ye Jia¡¯er was rendered speechless from anger.

    ¡°Okay, okay, don¡¯t argue,¡± Zhuo-shi had a headache, ¡°it¡¯s confusing enough already, if you two want to argue, go and argue outside.¡±

    Right at this time, someone knocked on the door from outside. It was Ye Ming Hui and Guan-shi walking in. Apart from Ye Ming Yu who was still outside and had not returned, the two rooms of the Ye family were in this room.

    ¡°Second brother, what do you mean by this?¡± As soon as Ye Ming Hui entered the door, he immediately asked.

    Ye Ming Xuan rarely saw his older brother¡¯s heavy look and suppressed anger and was startled for a while. He then asked: ¡°What meaning?¡±

    ¡°Why did you bring her back?¡± Ye Ming Hui frowned, ¡°also didn¡¯t inform us in advance. What on earth are you doing?¡±

    ¡°Older brother, don¡¯t admonish me like you admonish the third brother.¡± Ye Ming Xuan felt wronged, ¡°It wasn¡¯t my idea to bring Jiang Li back to Xiangyang, she proposed it herself.¡±

    ¡°She proposed it herself?¡± Guan-shi was puzzled.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Ye Ming Xuan simply sat down and carefully told them of all the events. How he was reunited with Ye Shijie in Yanjing, how Ye Shijie brought up Jiang Li, how he went to the Jiang family and met Jiang Li and how Jiang Li proposed to go back together with him to Xiangyang. That¡¯s all, Ye Ming Xuan spread both his hands, ¡°this is what happened. After listening to it, can you understand what our niece¡¯s intention is?¡±

    Nobody foresaw so many eventful things to happen when Ye Ming Xuan made a trip to Yanjing. They even more didn¡¯t anticipate Jiang Li to repeatedly turn into the topic of discussions after she returned to Yanjing in less than half a year.

    ¡°Did she really achieve the top list for Ming Yi Hall¡¯s six arts, and still be awarded by the emperor?¡± Ye Jia¡¯er asked in amazement, ¡°didn¡¯t younger cousin stay in the nunnery for eight years? Without anyone in the nunnery to instruct her, how did she achieve the top position?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Ye Ming Hui muttered to himself, ¡°could she be a genius?¡±

    ¡°How many genius are there on earth.¡± Ye Ming Xuan shook his head and smiled. He said: ¡°The way I see it, Jiang Li has many secrets at hand. That day when I paid a visit to the Jiang residence, at first I thought, as Jiang Li just returned to Yanjing, with Ji Shuran around, she must be spending her days in caution. Who would know that it didn¡¯t turn out like that. Her position in the Jiang family was higher than I initially thought. Think about it, within half a year, being able to reach this degree, it¡¯s not something that an ordinary person is able to achieve.¡±

    Each and everyone in the room was silent, pondering upon Ye Ming Xuan¡¯s words.

    ¡°In any case, she also helped Ye Shijie during the pce feast. Before that, she warned Shijie about Li Lian. Regardless of whether she wants to make use of the Ye family or nning to do other things, for the time being, she would not harm Shijie. I originally went to the Jiang residence to personally see Jiang Li with my own eyes. After all, I understand Shijie, this child, very clearly. He said that Jiang Li had changed and she wasn¡¯t the same, then it means she was precisely different. Who would have thought, after I went I discovered that she was not just different, she was simply like two different people.¡±

    ¡°When she proposed going back to Xiangyang, at first I surmised that it was the Jiang family¡¯s idea. But when I looked at Jiang Yuan Bai and old madam Jiang¡¯s manner, they didn¡¯t seem to be aware of this thing at all. I want to get to the bottom of what she¡¯s actually doing so I simply agreed to her. As for why I didn¡¯t tell any of you on the way back, the journey was rushed so I overlooked it.¡±

    After a bit of silence, Ye Ming Hui said: ¡°You didn¡¯t do anything wrong like this. Since we didn¡¯t know what she meant, then just see how it goes first.¡±

    The tone in his speech showed that he didn¡¯t treat Jiang Li as a close rtive but more like a stranger whom he didn¡¯t know the purpose ofing.

    ¡°But, second brother,¡± Guan-shi worriedly said: ¡°you brought her back, she said she wants to see mother. But mother¡¯s current health truly cannot withstand any tossing. If she is aware that Jiang Li has returned, we can¡¯t say that something might not happen. This..... you say, should we let her see mother or not?¡±

    Ye Ming Xuan was stumped and subconsciously looked towards Ye Ming Hui.

    Ye Ming Hui spoke in a deep voice: ¡°Let her meet, butmunicate it clearly with mother beforehand so as not to scare her.¡±

 Chapter 94 Part 1

    Chapter 94 Part 1: Brothel

    Unlike the entanglement of the Ye family, Jiang Li¡¯s days passed easily. At least, from the Ye family servants¡¯ views, this Jiang second miss waspletely rxed, as if it wasn¡¯t the first time that she stayed at the Ye family¡¯s house. The Ye family servants that were assigned to wait upon Jiang Li were all aware of this Jiang second miss¡¯s past deeds. No need to mention how many years ago she disdained having a maternal grandmother who came from the merchant ss , afterwards, she still harmed her mother and murdered her younger brother and was sent to the nunnery to cultivate herself.

    They originally thought they would meet with a malicious, ill-mannered, extremely difficult to serve arrogant and willful eldest miss. Who would expect that the person who came was exceedingly easy to wait upon. She didn¡¯t have any excessive requests, and as long as Tong¡¯er and Baixue could do them, Jiang Li didn¡¯t bother the Ye family servants. If Jiang Li was to be considered a guest of the Ye family, then this guest was certainly the easiest guest to serve.

    Each and everyone of the servants was relieved. After a few days, they gradually became acquainted with Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue. Tong¡¯er was lively, often giving light refreshments to share with the servant girls to eat together. Bai Xue was even more approachable since she was born on farnd. The servant girls¡¯ courage grew and they would chat and exchange gossip with Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue.

    However, though it was like this, even after five to six days, the Ye family remained motionless and did not mention anything about Jiang Li meeting with old madam Ye.

    When Tong¡¯er brought this up with Jiang Li, she was quite dissatisfied and said: ¡°What does the Ye family actually mean? It¡¯s been said that miss ising to visit the old madam, but these days, not even a single word was mentioned. Really making people anxious.¡±

    The Ye family didn¡¯t take the initiative to mention it and it wasn¡¯t good for Jiang Li to inquire.

    ¡°You are on good terms with those servant girls, did you find anything out?¡± Jiang Li asked with a smile. Compared with Tong¡¯er she wasn¡¯t in a hurry with this matter. She wasn¡¯t the genuine Jiang second miss, for her, old madam Ye was just a grandmother in name only. But when really talking about sentiments, it indeed wouldn¡¯t be very deep. It would be too deliberate if she assumed a sentimental look. Now, since she had arrived in Xiangyang and lived in the Ye family, her first step could be considered a sess, it¡¯s already very smooth.

    Tong¡¯er shook her head: ¡°I heard from the servant girls in the courtyard that old madam Ye¡¯s health is not very good and since a few years ago, it¡¯s difficult for her to get out of bed. The physicians said that she must fully rx and recuperate.¡± She spoke up to here then sighed and continued: ¡°Maybe we shouldn¡¯t me the Ye family, supposed that the old madam truly cannot stand any stimtion, then this is not the time to let miss meet with the old madam.¡± She recalled something and said: ¡°Heard that the old madam¡¯s health is not good and third master Ye who is currently traveling outside is also rushing back to Xiangyang. Perhaps he will arrive within the next few days.¡±

    Old madam Ye had three sons and a daughter. Ye Ming Hui was the first son and Ye Ming Xuan was the second son. This third master Ye, Ye Ming Yu and Ye Zhen Zhen were twins, born at the same time. Ye Zhen Zhen was pure and simple, but Ye Ming Yu¡¯s temper did not follow convention since childhood. From a young age, he was fond of traveling extensively and acted like a warrior. After he ran into a stonewall while in the rivers andkes, he decided to return home and do business. But even in business, Ye Ming Yu insisted on being unconventional. Every year he would follow the sea caravan out on the ships, going to remote and foreign small towns along the way and spent silvers to purchase a few strange gadgets before selling them when he returned.

    There were times when he could find good gadgets, but there were even more times when the things picked out by Ye Ming Yu¡¯s caravans could not make much money. Fortunately, the Ye family businesses were huge. The oldest master Ye and second master Ye supported the family¡¯s business, thus could still let him run amok.

    This time around was probably because old madam Ye¡¯s health was truly not good, thus before the end of the year, Ye Ming Yu had already returned to Xiangyang from his sea journey to see his mother.

    Because Ye Zhen Zhen and Ye Ming Yu were a dragon and phoenix twins, the rtionship between Ye Ming Yu and Ye Zhen Zhen were extremely close. At that time, when Jiang Li¡¯s malicious words hurt old madam Ye, from then on, the hearts of the people of the Ye family were cold towards Jiang Li. Only this person, the third master Ye, had continuously kept Jiang Li in his mind. It¡¯s just that afterwards Ye Ming Hui forbade the Ye family from mentioning Jiang Li, thus Ye Ming Yu dropped the subject.

    To repair the rtionship with the people of the Ye family, aside from the people who seemed polite but estranged and not at all easy to get close to, this third master Ye would actually be a very good breakthrough.

    ¡°The third master returning to Xiangyang was not just due to old madam Ye.¡± Bai Xue who was wiping the table at the side, spoke up: ¡°Heard that some problems have arisen in the Ye family¡¯s business recently. All the servant girls outside said that the third master came back to help out.¡±

    ¡°Problems have arisen in the Ye family¡¯s business?¡± Jiang Li asked: ¡°what kind of problems?¡±

    Bai Xue shook her head: ¡°This servant couldn¡¯t find out, it seems that those servant girls are not too clear either. They only said that there were small problems.¡±

    Jiang Li thought inwardly, if it is just small problems, Ye Ming Yu will definitely not return to Xiangyang. As the rumors outside say, in the Ye family, Ye Ming Yu simply didn¡¯t care much and didn¡¯t contribute much towards the Ye family business. If even the insignificant Ye Ming Yu also returned, the Ye family¡¯s problems are certainly not as light as mentioned.

    It¡¯s just that the people in the Ye family did not trust her at all so she couldn¡¯t find out what exactly was the matter.

 Chapter 94 Part 2

    Chapter 94 Part 2 : Brothel

    Happy New Year 2023 everyone! ¨C> this should be the greeting on previous post ^^!

    How¡¯s your 2022? What are you looking forward to in 2023?

    I wish everyone a good year in 2023, may you can act on your resolutions and achieve good results. May all of you stay healthy and happy throughout the year. Thank you for all your support in 2022 and please continue to support us in 2023. ^^

    She actually wanted to return to Tongxiang, but Xiangyang was not that close to Tongxiang. For the people of Xiangyang city, Tongxiang was just a remote and deste ce, even if she asked around about Xue Huaiyuan, probably no one would know.

    However....... Jiang Li¡¯s eyes shed, there was still another way where she could gather information about Tongxiang in Xiangyang. Over here, aside from the people of the Ye family, it¡¯s not as if she didn¡¯t know anyone.

    After all, she was Xue Fang Fei for many years.

    Jiang Li stood up and said: ¡°It¡¯s stuffy staying inside the room , let¡¯s go out and walk around.¡±

    Tong¡¯er looked at her in astonishment: ¡°Where are we going?¡±

    ¡°Just stroll around.¡± Jiang Liughed, ¡°this ce is much smaller than Yanjing. The first timeing to Xiangyang, it¡¯s not the way to stay inside the Ye family the whole day long. Since there was nothing to do, and the people of the Ye family are not letting me see old madam Ye, it would be better for us to just walk around. Do as the natives do, also will let us see what the social customs in Xiangyang are. See whether it¡¯s the same as Yanjing?¡±

    Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue was first stunned, then they quickly nodded in favor. Tong¡¯er smilingly said: ¡°This is also good, we do notck money, miss, take a look if there¡¯s anything you like. Perhaps there are things that Yanjing does not have, just buy freely and we¡¯ll bring it back to Yanjing.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled and said: ¡°Naturally.¡±

    ......

    After they prepared everything and was about to go out, they happened to run into Ye Jia¡¯er and Zhuo-shi.

    The two people were stunned upon seeing them. Zhuo-shi was a bit embarrassed and was at a loss for a while. Afterwards, she looked at Jiang Li and smiled: ¡°Ah Li, where are you going?¡±

    Her calling ¡°Ah Li¡± was especially awkward. Tong¡¯er felt ufortable when hearing it. However, the appetion felt particrly familiar in Jiang Li¡¯s ear, as if she was in Tongxiang where Xue Huai Yuan called her ¡°Ah Li¡±.1

    ¡°It felt stuffy inside the house, so we¡¯re nning to take a walk outside.¡± Jiang Li replied with a smile.

    Zhuo-shi nked out. These past few days, Jiang Li practically had never left her courtyard. The several times when they met face to face were when they had meals together. The Ye family showed a hundred percent courtesy to Jiang Li, but apart from being formal, there wasn¡¯t much else. Jiang Li also disyed exceptional calmness. Mentioning that she wanted to go out and stroll around at this time came as a surprise to Zhuo-shi.

    ¡°You...... are nning to go out alone?¡± She asked with hesitation.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Jiang Li smiled and said: ¡°This is my first timeing to Xiangyang and I want to see how different Xiangyang is from Yanjing.¡±

    Zhuo-shi couldn¡¯t help blushing from shame. It was inexcusable to let Jiang Li, a youngdy who came from Yanjing, stroll alone in the unfamiliar Xiangyang. However, in a while, she had to apany the eldest sister-inw Guan-shi to look at the ount book. She really couldn¡¯t split herself in two. Moreover, if really wanted to stroll around Xiangyang with Jiang Li, Zhuo-shi herself was not sure how she should interact with Jiang Li. Honestly speaking, treating Jiang Li with courtesy and alienation, it¡¯s not just Jiang Li alone that was feeling ill at ease, Zhuo-shi also felt ufortable.

    The people of the Ye family were not fond of hiding and concealing how they do things.

    On the contrary, Ye Jia¡¯er, who had been quietly listening to Zhuo-shi and Jiang Li¡¯s conversation at the side, opened her mouth at this moment and softly said: ¡°No matter, I¡¯m going to Li Zheng Tang, also have to go out, I¡¯ll just go together with younger cousin.¡±

    Jiang Li was stunned before smiling and said: ¡°No need to trouble older cousin.......¡±

    Ye Jia¡¯er said with a smile: ¡°What¡¯s troubling about this, merely by the way. Li Zheng Tang is a shop owned by the Ye family, I¡¯m going to take a look. If younger cousin does not disdain, can also go to look around to see whether there¡¯s any clothes you like and we¡¯ll gift them to you.¡±

    After she had said things like this, it would seem bad for Jiang Li to decline. Moreover, up to now, among the Ye family, Ye Jia¡¯er was considered as the most amiable person towards Jiang Li. Jiang Li immediately said: ¡°Saying this, then it¡¯s better to be obedient than respectful.¡±

    Ye Jia¡¯erughed.

    Zhuo-shi let out a breath in relief. If they let Jiang Li go out and take a stroll by herself, the Ye family would not appear considerate. She really did not know with what kind of rtionship she ought to treat Jiang Li at present, so she only regarded her as a guest. Even if a guest, the host family still had to be totally responsible. Now that Ye Jia¡¯er took the initiative to suggest keeping Jiang Lipany, it wouldn¡¯t be considered as neglecting her.

    But soon Zhuo-shi thought of something else. Although at the moment Jiang second miss looked well-behaved and gentle, who knew what kind of personality was actually in her bones. Supposed that she deliberately made things difficult for her daughter, with Ye Jia¡¯er¡¯s honest temper, she might suffer a loss from Jiang Li.

    She was worried, but she couldn¡¯t find a better way. Furthermore, Ye Jia¡¯er gave her a reassured gaze. Even if she was a thousand times unwilling, she had no alternative but to allow the two people to go out together.

    Thus, Jiang Li and this older cousin went out from the Ye family¡¯s gate together.

    Ye Jia¡¯er was the typical girl from a wealthy family. Though she was born in a merchant family, whether it was in treating people, or her way of talking, they were all generous, gentle and refined. Inparison, although the family background of those nobledies in Yanjing were high, they were inevitably arrogant and willful due to said extremely good family status. However, there¡¯s not the slightest bad nature on Ye Jia¡¯er¡¯s person.

    Footnotes:

    1: The ¡®Ah Li¡¯ that Ye Ming Xuan called Jiang Li by is from her name Jiang Li, which means pear. While the ¡®Ah Li¡¯ called by Xue Huai Yuan means racoon. 1.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 94 Part 3

    Chapter 94 Part 3: Brothel

    Ye Jia Er treated Jiang Li very amicably, very different from the other members of the Ye family who guarded and alienated her. Towards Jiang Li, Ye Jia Er was like an unfamiliar and never-met-before younger female cousin, cordial and a bit curious. She asked about some things in Yanjing, which Jiang Li did not hide from her and told her about matters one by one.

    A smart person always hits it off when in contact with another smart person. Unexpectedly, during the journey to Li Zheng Tang, the two people became much closer. Compared with the precious unfamiliarity, they seemed to have established a kind of unspoken rapport.

    After walking for an unknown period of time, Ye Jia Er stopped, motioned to Jiang Li, and said: ¡°See, that is the Ye family¡¯s shop, Li Zheng Tang.¡±

    Not far away stood a small red tiled and refined building, right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city center. This building alone upied ten units and was magnificent.

    ¡°The fabrics produced by the Ye family are all here. When the tailors and dressmakers shops in Xiangyang want to make ready made clothes, they will use the material of Li Zheng Tang.¡± The most famous is the antique fragrant satin. If younger cousin likes it, you can go in and pick several bolts.¡± Said Ye Jia Er.

    Jiang Li nodded.

    The Ye household was a very wealthy enterprise who had a hand in many industries. It¡¯s just that after they withdrew from Yanjing city, the other industries had gradually been regarded as side businesses. Their primary business still depended on the textile industry that they first started in. The Ye family¡¯s fabrics were well-known in the whole country. The fabric that Ye Jia Er mentioned, the antique fragrant satin, was much loved by the circle of nobledies in Yanjing. With that said, it would be weird if the Ye family wasn¡¯t prosperous.

    Although Ye Jia Er was modest, when talking about her family¡¯s produce, she couldn¡¯t help revealing a trace of pride in her tone. She turned her head to look at Jiang Li and saw that Jiang Li had a tranquil expression, without any look of astonishment.

    It¡¯s not the first time Jiang Li saw Li Zheng Tang. When the previous her and Xue Zhao went to Xiangyang, they yed around in the city center and it¡¯d be hard to avoiding across Li Zheng Tang. However, the two of them were not people who could afford to wear antique fragrant satin, thus they just took a look from outside and never went inside.

    This time however, she was invited as an honorable guest. The things of the world were really changeable.

    Ye Jia Er was not aware of the reason and merely thought that Jiang Li was truly a youngdy from the capital, able to keep calm in the middle of things. She then smiled and said: ¡°Let¡¯s go inside.¡±

    When she entered Li Zheng Tang together with Ye Jia Er, a youngster whose duty was to greet the customers saw Ye Jia Er and immediately stepped forward with a smile. He greeted: ¡°Miss Jia Er.¡±

    Ye Jia Er turned her head to look at Jiang Li and said: ¡°Younger cousin, you can take a look around and see if you fancy anything?¡±

    That shop assistant and the shopkeeper heard Ye Jia Er and both looked at Jiang Li.The people at the shop knew the matter of Jiang second miss returning to Xiangyang. Other people didn¡¯t know that the estrangement between Jiang Li and the Ye family at that time was due to Jiang Li¡¯s hurtful words. They only thought that it was because Jiang Yuan Bai had remarried, so the affinity between the two families naturally were naturally broken and they were no longer in contact with one another, that¡¯s all. Despite that, Jiang Li¡¯s bad reputation of harming her mother and murdering her younger brother spread far and the people in Xiangyang had also heard about this to some extent. There were many spections about this malicious Jiang second miss in the rumor. Now, this person who was called as ¡°younger cousin¡± by Ye Jia Er should be that Jiang second miss who had recently returned to the Ye family in Xiangyang.

    But this girl was not the slightest inferior as she stood beside Ye Jia Er. Her appearance was extremely quiet and exquisite, her smile was gentle, pure and light, not at all showing a venomous look imagined by everyone. Not mentioning anything else, just based on her pair of eyes, it wasn¡¯t worthy of people who had a filthy inner heart. No matter what, they couldn¡¯t produce such clear eyes.

    While the shopkeeper and the shop assistant were thinking deeply, Jiang Li had already walked around the cab, walking to this side and that side. The shopkeeper snapped out of his thoughts and immediately let the shop assistant take several bolts of new materials and piled them in front of Jiang Li. He smiled and fawned: ¡°Miss cousin, these are the new materials, they are elegant and also fashionable.¡±

    Jiang Li looked at the satins and had to say that the Ye family deserved to be called growing their business relying on cloth. The cloth here was more delicate and bright-coloredpared to Yanjing. The feeling as it was caressed by hand was slippery and ice-cold, seemingly still exuding a faint fragrance.

    ¡°There doesn¡¯t seem to be any antique fragrant satin here right?¡± Jiang Li leaned her head to the side and asked. She was somewhat curious, by means of the antique fragrant satin that was famous in the Ye family¡¯s shop, since what they were currently showing were all popr materials, why weren¡¯t there any of the antique fragrant satin renowned in the entire Bei Yan? It couldn¡¯t be because they were not willing to take it out for her, this outsider, to see?

    Ye Jia Er was stunned and looked towards the shopkeeper to say: ¡°Shopkeeper Qian, why didn¡¯t you take out the antique fragrant satin for younger cousin to see?¡±

    Shopkeeper Qian¡¯s face suddenly showed awkwardness and he said: ¡°Miss Jia Er, it¡¯s not that we don¡¯t want to take it out to show miss cousin, it¡¯s just.......¡±

    Before he finished speaking, his gaze abruptly stopped elsewhere. Jiang Li followed his sight and turned around to see, it was actually two strange middle aged men.

    ¡°Uncle Zhuang, uncle Zhao, why are you here?¡± Ye Jia Er opened her mouth and spoke.

    Those two people looked at Ye Jia Er and asked: ¡°Jia Er, your dad and uncle are not here?¡±

    ¡°They are not. Is anything the matter?¡± Ye Jia Er asked cautiously.

 Chapter 94 Part 4

    Chapter 94 Part 4: Brothel

    The youngdy of the Ye family had started to learn business since young. Ye Shijie took the path of officialdom. Such a big family business, couldn¡¯t always count on only one generation to manage. The remaining grandchildren of the Ye family were only Ye Ru Feng and Ye Jia Er. However, from what the servant girls in the Ye residence said, Ye Ru Feng, probably to his young age, was somewhat impetuous, his way of handling things wasn¡¯t as appropriate as Ye Jia Er. At present, the Ye family started to let Ye Jia Er take care of some of the businesses in Li Zheng Tang.

    The two people looked at each other before looking at Ye Jia Er and said: ¡°Indeed, there¡¯s something. Since your father and the others are not here, we¡¯ll talk to you first, Jia Er.¡±

    When they talked to Ye Jia Er, they did not pay attention to Jiang Li. Perhaps they thought Jiang Li was a good friend of Jia Er, an insignificant person. However, Jiang Li took note that these two people¡¯s tone of speaking wasn¡¯t light, seemingly they¡¯d run into a problem.

    Ye Jia Er nodded and said: ¡°Okay.¡± Then she smiled apologetically at Jiang Li and said: ¡°Younger cousin, I¡¯m going to chat with uncle Zhuang and uncle Zhao, please wait for a bit.....¡±

    ¡°No matter.¡± Jiang Li interrupted her gently, ¡°just chat without any worries. Originally, today I was about to stroll around anyway, it¡¯s already a nice surprise to see Li Zheng Tang. In a while I¡¯m going to stroll around with Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue, won¡¯t walk very far, it will be fine.¡±

    ¡°You are by yourself.......¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°the city defense guards are everywhere, I¡¯m not afraid.¡±

    Seeing Jiang Li insisting, it¡¯s not good for Ye Jia Er to say anything further. Moreover, it¡¯s unknown how long this chat was going to take. Asking Jiang Li to wait outside by herself would also be weird and boring. Thus she nodded at Jiang Li and followed the two people to go inside and have a discussion. Jiang Li immediately took her leave from shopkeeper Qian and took Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue away.

    On the way, Tong¡¯er asked: ¡°Miss, why didn¡¯t you wait for miss cousin toe out? We haven¡¯t yet seen that antique fragrant satin?¡±

    Jiang Li teased her: ¡°It¡¯s not as if you haven¡¯t seen antique fragrant satin in Yanjing, why does it seem as if it¡¯s your first time seeing it? Aren¡¯t you embarrassed, what does the antique fragrant satin look like, all forgotten already?¡±

    ¡°But the antique fragrant satin in Yanjing is imported, perhaps the Ye family¡¯s antique fragrant satin is even more unusual.¡± Tong¡¯er grieved. She also pulled Bai Xue and said: ¡°Besides, although I have seen antique fragrant satin, Bai Xue hasn¡¯t seen it yet, right Bai Xue?¡±

    Bai Xue replied to her seriously: ¡°I¡¯ve seen it, thest time miss entered the pce and was awarded by His Majesty, on the second day, old madam sent many clothing materials. There is antique fragrant satin among them and you still let me touch it.¡±

    Tong¡¯er: ¡°.......¡±

    Jiang Li broke intoughter: ¡°Okay, I have my own things to do, which is more importantpared with antique fragrant satin, okay?!¡± In fact, she really wanted to stay in Li Zheng Tang. Those two people called ¡°uncle Zhuang¡± and ¡°uncle Zhao¡± seemed to have something important to consult with Ye Jia Er. In addition, shopkeeper Qian¡¯s stammering and not taking out the antique fragrant satin seemed to have other reasons. Jiang Li reckoned it had something to do with what Tong¡¯er mentioned before, about ¡°the Ye family¡¯s small troubles¡±. She also thought of asking about the matter, but on second thought, even if she inquired, Ye Jia Er might not necessarily be willing to say.

    This youngdy of the Ye family¡¯s age was still young, but her conduct was already very orderly. Truly an honest and sincere person. However, she was not without brains, probably she would be even more cautious when dealing with the Ye family¡¯s business.

    Since staying in Li Zheng Tang would not gain anything, it¡¯s better to leave. What¡¯s more, what was to be known would always be known, it¡¯s not worthwhile to be in a hurry. At this moment, she still had an even more important thing to do.

    ¡°Miss, where are we going now? Don¡¯t walk too far, it¡¯s the first time you return to Xiangyang. If we got lostter, we would not know how to go back. We didn¡¯t take the carriage when we went out just now.¡±

    Xiangyang was not like Yanjing. When the nobledies in Yanjing went out, they would definitely ride on a carriage. But in Xiangyang, whether to ride a carriage or not depended entirely on what one preferred. It¡¯s a normal thing for the youngdies to go shopping on the streets, the customs could be said as simple and honest. Even though it would be ridiculed in Yanjing, over here, Jiang Li was still very fond of this feeling.

    Very much unrestricted.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Jiang Li smiled and said: ¡°We¡¯ll just roam around as we wish following this strip of road.¡±

    Tong¡¯er had no doubt but Bai Xue felt something was amiss. Although the mouth said to simply walk around as they wished, Jiang Li¡¯s steps were clearly very resolute, as if she had determined where she was going. Furthermore, Bai Xue sensed that Jiang Li seemed to be very familiar with Xiangyang. Just like their farmhouse looking after their crops, knowing where to nt grain and where to nt fruits, and wouldn¡¯t be confused.

    However, Tong¡¯er had said that this was the first time Jiang Li returned to Xiangyang. Others said the same thing too. Therefore, she had probably thought wrongly. Bai Xue shook her head and flung the strange feeling she had in her mind away.

    But soon, the intuition she had was verified.

    After walking for a while, Jiang Li stopped walking.

    ¡°Miss?¡± Tong¡¯er also stopped and thought that Jiang Li got tired from walking. She hurriedly said: ¡°Are you tired? This servant will help you to take a break.¡±

    ¡°No need,¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°let¡¯s go in.¡±

 Chapter 94 Part 5

    Chapter 94 Part 5: Brothel

    ¡°Go in?¡± Tong¡¯er looked at the front in astonishment. Ahead of them seemed to be the courtyard door of an ordinary family, nothing special could be made out. Tong¡¯er said: ¡°...... miss, isn¡¯t this other people¡¯s house? If we go in, where are we going? Does Miss know the people inside?¡± She thought, how could Jiang Li know people in Xiangyang. Aside from the Ye family, Jiang Li had never had any dealings in Xiangyang.

    ¡°It¡¯s not someone¡¯s house,¡± Jiang Li replied unexpectedly. She said: ¡°This is the backdoor of Xi Hua Lou.¡±

    ¡°Xi, Xi Hua Lou1?¡± Tong¡¯er asked stutteringly: ¡°What kind of ce is this? Is it a restaurant?¡± She vaguely felt that this name didn¡¯t seem very decent.

    Jiang Li smiled and said: ¡°It¡¯s the most famous brothel in Xiangyang.¡±

    Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue were thoroughly dumbfounded.

    ......

    ¡°Master, Jiang second miss went into Xi Hua Lou.¡±

    When this sentence came out, inside a building, Lu Ji, who had not swallowed his tea, ¡°puff¡±, spat it out.

    Opposite him, the beauty in red clothes had quick hands and ¡°snap¡±, unfolded his fan at once, pping back the tea that Lu Ji had spewed. A trace of disgust shed in his eyes.

    Poor Lu Ji, choked on his own saliva, and also got his face poured by the tea pped by Ji Heng¡¯s fan. Half of his body was dripping wet, how pitiful. Thinking how the confident, elegant and free blue clothed schr had fallen to this point, if Kong Liu, that uncouth fellow, was present, he would certainly have had a goodugh.

    But at the moment, Lu Ji didn¡¯t bother how he had cut a sorry figure, rather he closely questioned Wen Ji: ¡°Is what you said true? She went into Xi Hua Lou?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s true.¡± Wen Ji said steadily: ¡°Not only that, Jiang second miss entered through the backdoor of Xi Hua Lou.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the difference between the backdoor and the main entrance?¡± Lu Ji was puzzled.

    ¡°Xi Hua Lou is the most famous brothel in Xiangyang, the customers frequenting it are all the nobility of Xiangyang. Those nobles go in from the main entrance, but the wives and children from the nobles¡¯ residences who are looking for people in Xi Hua Lou would enter through the back door,¡±

    It suddenly dawned on Lu Ji, so it was like that, I understand. Simply said, the men went in from the front door, the women looking for their husbands to return home would go in through the back door to preserve their man¡¯s face.

    ¡°But how does she know to enter from the back door?¡± Lu Ji asked: ¡°Did the Ye family tell her about it? Aren¡¯t the people of the Ye family honest and clean and do not go to brothels? Furthermore, as a youngdy of an influential family, why did she mention the matter of brothels with the people of the Ye family? Isn¡¯t her rtionship with the Ye family still very unfamiliar?¡±

    Lu Ji was truly baffled, he couldn¡¯t understand no matter how he thought about it. It¡¯s not surprising, who could understand that the first thing the chief assistant¡¯s daughter did when she returned to Xiangyang was to go to the brothel. Moreover, she knew the rules of entering through the back door. No matter how they looked at it, it was inconceivable.

    Ji Heng didn¡¯t bother with Lu Ji and merely asked indifferently: ¡°Who did she go with?¡±

    ¡°Jiang second miss and her two servant girls, no one showed the way.¡±

    Ji Heng: ¡°Then based on your observation, did she intentionally go or did she pass by unintentionally?¡±

    ¡°Replying to the master, this subordinate thinks that she purposely went there.¡± Wen Ji hesitated for a while, but he still said what was in his mind: ¡°Jiang second miss didn¡¯t seem unfamiliar with the streets in Xiangyang. Li Zheng Tang is not that close to Xi Hua Lou, but she still managed to find it. She didn¡¯t go anywhere else along the way until she reached Xi Hua Lou.¡±

    ¡°This.......¡± Lu Ji tried to find a suitable exnation for Jiang Li¡¯s action. He said: ¡°Jiang second miss¡¯s memory is always outstanding. During the six arts examinations, her etiquette came in first position. It¡¯s safe to say that she had just returned to the capital and did not have many days to study. It¡¯s hard to say, but she might have a highly retentive memory.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not right.¡± To one¡¯s surprise, Wen Ji actually denied it. Wen Ji said: ¡°Even if she had a retentive memory, from Yanjing to Xiangyang, a neer strange to the surrounding ce would show vignce and caution; there will also be a feeling of unfamiliarity. But Jiang second miss totally didn¡¯t seem to. She was bold and very rxed, seemingly very familiar and at ease with Xiangyang.¡±

    When Wen Ji talked about this, he couldn¡¯t help recalling the scene when he was following Jiang Li and hid in a secret ce. Jiang Li didn¡¯t go out by herself, there were still two servant girls. Precisely because of these two servant girls by her side that particrly contrasted Jiang Li. She almost blended in the streets of Xiangyang, just like someone who had grown up in Xiangyang . This kind of familiar and dear feeling was more distinct than when she was in Yanjing.

    ¡°She is even aware of the rules of Xi Hua Lou¡¯s back door. Of course we cannot underestimate her.¡± Ji Hengughed: ¡°Jiang Li has been looking for a way to return to Xiangyang, probably because of this. Wen Ji,¡± He calmly and leisurely opened his mouth: ¡°Tell your person to closely watch Jiang Li. See what she is actually doing in Xi Hua Lou and who she meets.¡±

    ¡°I also very much want to see, this Jiang second miss, what kind of nice surprise she would bring for us.¡± He said with a smile.

 Chapter 95 Part 1

    Chapter 95 Part 1: Qiong Zhi

    Jiang Li and Tong¡¯er, the two people walked into Xi Hua Lou.

    Bai Xue was simple and honest. Whenever Jiang Li called her to do something, she would immediately do it with no question asked. However, Tong¡¯er felt that doing this was somewhat inappropriate and had a suspicion that everything was just her dreaming. Think about it, how could her miss visit a brothel? It¡¯s more understandable if the one she was serving was a young master.

    Just as they stepped inside the beautiful brothel¡¯s door, a smiling woman in the prime of youth weed them. She said: ¡°Is Miss looking for someone?¡±

    A superbly familiar look, to speak of, Xi Hua Lou¡¯s boss could be considered as rather clever. The men entering from the front door were greeted by amorous and flirtatious women with alluring clothes. While the women weing the visitors at the back door had on proper clothes, appearing very much from a ¡°good family¡±.

    This was natural, the malesing from the main entrance seeked pleasure, naturally had to be enticed to the maximum. And the person weing the visitor from the back door was specially there to wee those femalesing to catch a couple in the act. If they were dressed too charmingly, they would provoke the anger of the legitimate madams.

    Tong¡¯er opened her eyes wide, saw that this woman was not licentious like a brothel¡¯s woman and couldn¡¯t help having doubts in her heart. She thought Jiang Li said just now that this ce was the brothel only to deceive her when it was actually just a decent restaurant.

    As Tong¡¯er was sizing the woman up and down, the woman was also sizing them up. With a nce, she could tell that Jiang Li was the master. However, she didn¡¯t understand, Jiang Li clearly looked like an unmarried youngdy, so why did thisdye to look for someone today? Could she be looking for her fiance?

    But this kind of thing was amon urrence to the people of Xi Hua Lou.

    Jiang Li smilingly said: ¡°I¡¯m looking for Miss Qiong Zhi.¡±

    The expression on the face of the greeter changed slightly. She paused for a moment before politely showing a smile and said: ¡°Miss, in our Xi Hua Lou, the flower girls do not see female guests.¡±

    Hearing that Jiang Li looked for Qiong Zhi by name, she thought that Jiang Li was looking for trouble because her fiance visited Qiong Zhi. So naturally she had to obstruct.

    Jiang Li smiled, fished out a banknote from her sleeve, and let Bai Xue stuffed it into the woman¡¯s palm. She said: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m noting here to look for trouble. I just have some matters to ask Miss Qiong Zhi. I will not cause problems for you, just facilitate this for me, is it okay?¡±

    The woman looked at the banknote¡¯s amount in her hand and her heart couldn¡¯t help jumping. Even those many male benefactors who came to y were not as generous to the woman weing guests at the front as this youngdy. She took another look at Jiang Li¡¯s delicate features and gentle speech, the most important thing was there was no disdain in her eyes. Herst sentence carried the meaning of asking, clearly respecting her very much.

    The woman was somewhat emotional. Doing this kind of job undoubtedly had no dignity. She was stationed at the back door to receive those madams who came ¡°looking for trouble¡±. The madam inherently detested them bitterly, so although they were dressed very much like someone from a ¡°good family¡±, they still could not erase the loathing of those madams towards them. Those madams would say unpleasant words at every turn and they no longer knew what dignity was.

    At this time, this pampered youngdy seemed to be treating her like an ordinary person and the woman could not say a word of refusal. Just as she was about to reject her, she saw that Jiang Li was generous in giving, and the idea immediately vanished.

    She smiled and said: ¡°Please wait a while, miss. I¡¯ll see whether Qiong Zhi has any guests at the moment or not. If there is.......¡±

    ¡°No problem,¡± Jiang Li smiled: ¡°if there is, I¡¯ll just wait for her over here. I¡¯ll go in when she¡¯s free.¡±

    The woman was stunned, thinking that this youngdy was truly unusual. She no longer dyed, at once giving Jiang Li a cup of tea before she went inside to ask someone.

    After the woman walked inside, Tong¡¯er asked: ¡°Miss, What kind of person is this Miss Qiong Zhi? She wouldn¡¯t be a...... a......¡± ¡°prostitute¡±, no matter how, Tong¡¯er could not speak this word out. Jiang Li was the chief assistant¡¯s daughter, if she stood together with a prostitute and known by outsiders, it¡¯d be unknown how many tongues would chew until broken.

    Jiang Li said: ¡°She is.¡±

    Tong¡¯er: ¡°Ah!¡±

    Though she was astonished and puzzled, Tong¡¯er didn¡¯t dare to continue asking. She looked at Jiang Li¡¯s rare expression of solemnity, at times Tong¡¯er thought her youngdy, after leaving Mount Qingcheng, seemed to have changed into a different person. Many times Tong¡¯er had no idea what her youngdy was thinking about. And she also didn¡¯t intend to exin the things she did.

    Don¡¯t mind it, who asked her to be her own youngdy. In this life¡¯s mountains of daggers and seas of mes, she still has to recognize.

    Not long after, the woman who took Jiang Li¡¯s banknote returned. Sheughed and said to Jiang Li: ¡°Miss, Miss Qiong Zhi has no guests at the moment, do you want to go over now?¡±

    Jiang Li smiled slightly: ¡°Okay.¡±

    The road that the female greeter took Jiang Li and her two servant girls on was probably not the same as the road taken by the guests. All the way, no scenes that were unbearable to the eyes could be seen. This made Tong¡¯er greatly rxed her breath.

    After bypassing several long hallways and going up several storeys, the woman stopped. She smiled and said: ¡°This is Miss Qiong Zhi¡¯s room.¡±

 Chapter 95 Part 2

    Chapter 95 Part 2: Qiong Zhi

    She stopped her footsteps in front of a room.

    Jiang Li paused before saying: ¡°Okay.¡±

    After the woman had walked away, Jiang Li then said: ¡°Tong¡¯er, Bai Xue, wait for me outside the door.¡±

    ¡°Miss.....¡± Tong¡¯er was surprised that Jiang Li didn¡¯t intend to bring them inside. She actually wasn¡¯t hurt because Jiang Li didn¡¯t trust them, didn¡¯t tell them her secret, rather, she was worried, would Jiang Li really nning to turn upside down like husband and wife with this Miss Qiong Zhi? Don¡¯t tell her that her youngdy likes the same gender? Tong¡¯er was terrified.

    Jiang Li had no idea of the disorderly thoughts Tong¡¯er had in her mind. She simply pushed the door open and walked inside, then turned around and closed the door.

    In front of the dressing table, sat someone with a seductive and versatile back. Her cyan muslin skirt was nearly rolled up to her waist, exposing arge expanse of snow white skin. Her back was very graceful, and the shadow of the woman lining it was too wonderful for words.

    ¡°Miss Qiong Zhi.¡± Jiang Li quietly started to talk.

    The figure turned around slowly.

    This woman was born with a small face, just as big as a palm. Her thin eyebrows and long eyes appeared charmingly sharp. Contrarily, she was also born with an ample chin which made her look honest and innocent, giving her entire bearing an unusual vor. She should also know that she had a well defined mouth and used an amorous lip rouge to smoothen it, making it be more and more beautiful, dripping with passion. Probably she had just loosened her hair, her long hair was fluffy and in disarray as it was unrolled at her back messily. There¡¯s a feeling of azy beauty.

    This was precisely the well-known Qiong Zhi of Xi Hua Lou.

    To be honest, in regards to her facial features, Qiong Zhi could not be said as stunning. She had many ws, she was even a bit inferiorpared to Jiang Yu¡¯e. However, that ignorant, dull style engraved in her bones made people linger, hard to forget.

    Qiong Zhi looked at Jiang Li, attentively measuring her. After a while, she smiled and asked: ¡°Does Miss want to drink a cup of tea?¡±

    She wasn¡¯t clear on Jiang Li¡¯s purpose ining, yet she remainedposed and unhurried. It could be seen that she was a woman with courage and insight.

    Jiang Liughed and said: ¡°No need, I came here looking for Miss Qiong Zhi because there are some matters that I want to ask.¡±

    ¡°But I don¡¯t know you.¡± Qiong Zhi smiled sweetly and said: ¡°or to speak of, perhaps, do I know your sweetheart?¡± Her end words were tititing, her smile was also seductive.

    ¡°It¡¯s not like that,¡± Jiang Li took a seat. Facing Qiong Zhi¡¯s provocation, she smiled, neither too fast nor too slow. ¡°I know your sweetheart.¡±

    Qiong Zhi covered her mouth: ¡°What are you talking about.......¡±

    ¡°Xue Zhao.¡± Jiang Li spat two words out.

    Qiong Zhi¡¯s smile immediately froze.

    The delicate and naive beauty finally stopped the manner she had been showing from the beginning. She quietly and carefully stared at Jiang Li¡¯s eyes. Although she concealed it well, there¡¯s still a trace of frenzy and made her look a bit more serious.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± After a long time, Qiong Zhi opened her mouth to ask.

    ¡°I am an old friend of Xue Zhao.¡± Jiang Li lowered her eyes.

    ¡°How do you know that I am acquainted with Xue Zhao?¡± Qiong Zhi asked.

    ¡°Xue Zhao mentioned you to me.¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°I noted it down.¡±

    ¡°Mentioned me.......¡± Qiong Zhi¡¯s expression was somewhat distracted.

    Jiang Li fixed her attention on the woman in front of her. In the end, Qiong Zhi still had a trace of affection towards Xue Zhao.

    That year, Xue Zhao had a bet with his schoolmates. Behind Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s knowledge, he went to Xi Hua Lou to drink with female entertainers. Although he just drank with female entertainers, Xue Zhao was after all not used to this kind of setting. He originally nned to make an excuse to slip away, but he never thought that on the way out, he encountered Qiong Zhi being pushed roughly by a guest, seemingly being bullied.

    Xue Zhao was someone who stood up bravely for the truth. He stopped at once and asked what the matter was. Qiong Zhi immediately stammered herint tearfully, a story of a woman from a respectable family being forced to take the wrong step in life. Xue Zhao hit and injured the guest, and also asked Qiong Zhi how he could redeem her. Qiong Zhi spat out a huge figure which made Xue Zhao helpless.

    Xue Zhao had no money so he told Qiong Zhi that as long as Qiong Zhi was willing, he would bring her out from Xi Hua Lou. However, he found out afterwards that everything was done by Qiong Zhi to get rid of that guest and she used Xue Zhao to escape. Qiong Zhi had never thought of leaving Xi Hua Lou and that pitiful story of a woman being forced into the brothel was just a lie concocted to deceive.

    At first, Xue Zhao painstakingly nned how to help Qiong Zhi escape, even so much as to ask Jiang Li¡¯s help in thinking of a way. Afterwards, Qiong Zhi saw that Xue Zhao truly wanted to bring her away and thought that it was inconceivable and ridiculous, thus she revealed the truth. Xue Zhao felt cheated and walked away in anger, vowing to no longer believe the lies told by brothel women.

    The young and vigorous Xue Zhao was toyed by a woman until his blood boiled and Jiang Li couldn¡¯t stand it, so she went to Xi Hua Lou to meet Qiong Zhi. She learnt that Xue Fang Fei was Xue Zhao¡¯s sister and unexpectedly revealed a rare reservation. Nevertheless, there was concern for Xue Zhao in her words and she asked Xue Fang Fei to express her apology to Xue Zhao. Xue Fang Fei could see that Qiong Zhi possibly liked Xue Zhao, but Xue Zhao and Qiong Zhi were not people on the same road. Therefore, she didn¡¯t tell Xue Zhao about this.

    From then on, there was no longer any interaction with Qiong Zhi.

 Chapter 95 Part 3

    Chapter 95 Part 3: Qiong Zhi

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect Xue Zhao to mention me to you,¡± Qiong Zhi said with a smile: ¡°after all, I¡¯m just a woman from the brothel. He, being such an upright and righteous man, was actually not afraid of dirtying his own name. However, for him to mention these things means that he has a very good rtionship with you.¡±

    There¡¯s probing in her speech, she probably thought that Jiang Li and Xue Zhao¡¯s rtion was not ordinary. Jiang Liughed: ¡°Xue Zhao¡¯s sister and I are good friends. These things were actually not told by Xue Zhao to me, it was Xue Zhao¡¯s sister who told me about them.¡±

    The meaning in her words were obvious, she and Xue Zhao had no rtionship, but Xue Fang Fei and she were good friends.

    As such, Qiong Zhi¡¯s gaze turned much softer. Qiong Zhi smiled and said: ¡°So it¡¯s like that.¡±

    ¡°I also came here to sound out, thinking perhaps you are no longer in Xi Hua Lou. Didn¡¯t think that you are still here.¡± Jiang Li said.

    ¡°If I¡¯m not at Xi Hua Lou, where else could I go?¡± Qiong Zhi alsoughed.

    Jiang Li was silent for a moment before asking: ¡°At that time Xue Zhao wanted to bring you out from Xi Hua Lou, why didn¡¯t you agree with him then?¡±

    Qiong Zhi looked at Jiang Li with an unclear meaning and slowly said: ¡°Miss, I am different from you. Just a nce could tell that you are a young miss from a big family who lives like a princess and doesn¡¯t know the human¡¯s suffering. I was sold into Xi Hua Lou since childhood, after both my parents passed away. Learning the four arts, fawning and winning the favors of guests, these are my ways to earn a living. I don¡¯t feel any shame in doing this,pared with those who were sold into big families as ves or maid servants. Perhaps there would be a day where the master would use them to serve as a bed warmer or a concubine, then they would be living under the hands of the mistress of the house, trembling in fear and trepidation. I¡¯m already very content, at least over here, as a flower girl, I don¡¯t have to guard against the poisonous wife.¡±

    ¡°You see me as if I have no dignity. But if I was born in a wealthy family, I naturally could hold my head high. Only people with money can speak of dignity, people with no money better not speak about dignity.¡± She smiled and said: ¡°Xue Zhao is very good, although he doesn¡¯t look like a noble son of a big family, he was born righteous. However, his justice sometimes seems too naive.¡±

    Suddenly, Qiong Zhi seemed to recall something andughed. She said: ¡°That day when he wanted to bring me away, I asked him, if I followed him to leave Xi Hua Lou, what should I do in the future? As a result, he looked at me in surprise and asked, ¡®in the future, you should naturally look for an honorable job to earn a living and live your days well.¡¯¡± Qiong Zhi spread her hands out and said: ¡°You see, he had never thought of epting me by his side. Other man redeems a woman¡¯s body not to let her go out and earn a living herself.¡±

    ¡°Xue Zhao does not like me. It was only due to his sense of justice and encountering this kind of thing. I must not treat this as having tender, protective feelings, also must not think that his treatment towards me was due to affection. I cannot follow a person who has no feelings for me, so why should I leave Xi Hua Lou? At least in Xi Hua Lou I won¡¯tck money and won¡¯tck men who hold me up in their hands.¡±

    Qiong Zhi sighed, there¡¯s listlessness in her sight. She said with mncholy: ¡°Probably his naive righteousness has moved me. I¡¯ve seen many men in Xi Hua Lou, each and everyone has their own intention, everyone is selfish, only a small number are like him, distinguishing clearly from right and wrong. I don¡¯t know whether in this lifetime I can still meet this kind of person, without any intention, only simply thinking of helping me....... Unfortunately,¡± sheughed, ridiculing herself, ¡°he never came over anymore. I also haven¡¯t seen him again.¡±

    Jiang Li listened throughout Qiong Zhi¡¯s narration. There were some ces where Jiang Li didn¡¯t agree with, but some matters she had no choice but to admire Qiong Zhi for seeing clearly. Indeed Xue Zhao did not like Qiong Zhi and she was fully aware of this, thus she didn¡¯t entangle him. Xue Zhao was indeed naive and righteous. If not, he would not be set up by Princess Yongning and died dubiously.

    Restraining the surging emotions in her heart, Jiang Li said: ¡°Miss Qiong Zhi, it¡¯s not that Xue Zhao does not want toe, it¡¯s because he can¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Qiong Zhiughed, ¡°why can¡¯t hee, could he be married?¡±

    ¡°He is dead.¡± Jiang Li said.

    Qiong Zhi was stunned. As if half a day had passed before she understood the meaning behind the three words Jiang Li said. She cried out: ¡°Impossible!¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s really dead, died in Yanjing, the capital. He was robbed and killed, then his corpse was discarded in the river.¡±

    Qiong Zhi covered her mouth at once. Jiang Li clearly saw the tears in Qiong Zhi¡¯s eyes. She shook her head and muttered: ¡°How is it possible.....¡±

    ¡°You only know Xue Zhao¡¯s name, but do not know his identity. Xue Zhao was the son of Tongxiang county¡¯s deputy, Xue Huai Yuan. His sister, Xue Fang Fei, was married off and moved to Yanjing. A year ago, Xue Fang Fei had a miscarriage in Yanjing, Xue Zhao went to Yanjing to visit her but met with bandits. Afterwards, Xue Fang Fei died of illness, Xue Huai Yuan also passed away.¡± Jiang Li spoke extremely calmly. She looked at Qiong Zhi, ¡°in a short year, the three people of the Xue family all died. Don¡¯t you feel that it¡¯s strange?¡±

    Qiong Zhi asked: ¡°What do you mean?¡±

 Chapter 95 Part 4

    Chapter 95 Part 4: Qiong Zhi

    Happy Lunar New Year! May the start of spring brings us new opportunities and abundance. Let us stay healthy and happy!

    ¡°Due to my rtionship with Xue Fang Fei, I¡¯m thinking of ways to find out about this. But I can certainly tell you that Xue Zhao had some other cause of death, though it¡¯s not very clear at the moment. I came to Xiangyang precisely to realize Xue Fang Fei¡¯s final wish. Miss Qiong Zhi,¡± Jiang Li looked at her, ¡°I know you are someone with ability. Everyday, the nobility in Xiangyanges to Xi Hua Lou. If you want to inquire about matters in Xiangyang, it would be effortless.¡±

    What do you want me to ask about?¡± Qiong Zhi asked immediately.

    ¡°The Xue family from Tongxiang,¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°in fact, I can be sure of Xue Zhao and Zue Fang Fei¡¯s deaths because I saw it with my own eyes....... But I am not sure about Xue Huai Yuan who was in Tongxiang. I¡¯m thinking of asking you to help me find out about Xue Huai Yuan. Half a year ago, how he died, who arranged it afterwards and where was he buried?¡±

    ¡°Why should I trust you?¡± Qiong Zhi asked.

    Although suddenly learning of Xue Zhao¡¯s death caused Qiong Zhi to grieve, she still didn¡¯t lose her mind at this time.

    ¡°Xue Zhao was a person with feelings and righteousness. I think the person he made friends with would not be someone cold and ruthless. I came for the Xue family and I hope you can help me.¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°I don¡¯t have any bargaining chips to make a transaction with you because you don¡¯tck anything. That¡¯s why I¡¯m requesting.¡±

    Qiong Zhi stared nkly at Jiang Li. Jiang Li¡¯s manner was very sincere, practically humbling herself. Moreover, her gaze was sincere and staunch, unlike someone telling a lie.

    ¡°Xue Zhao was not famous in Yanjing, but nobody in Yanjing does not know Xue Fang Fei¡¯s name.¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°Perhaps the peopleing to Xi Hua Lou have been to Yanjing, if you ask around a bit, you can find out Xue Fang Fei¡¯s circumstances and you can tell whether I have been telling a lie or not.¡±

    Jiang Li had thought about it and felt that it¡¯s more fitting to let Qiong Zhi ask about the matters in Tongxiang. Firstly, Qiong Zhi was the most famous flower girl in Xi Hua Lou, her guests must be noble and wealthy. Any person would do, it would be easy to ask one or two things. She could also dig out inside informations that other people might not know.

    Secondly, Qiong Zhi, this person, could not be threatened by anything. From her speech saying that being a flower girl was very good, it could be seen that she didn¡¯tck money, was not afraid of death, was not thinking of climbing up for power, and had no rtives and no reason. Even if there¡¯s someone who detected that she came looking for Qiong Zhi, thinking of prying Qiong Zhi¡¯s mouth open for information, there would be no way. Qiong Zhi would not let the other person get away with it.

    Andstly, naturally because very few people would think thatJiang Li, as the noble daughter of a chief assistant, would have dealings with Qiong Zhi, a flower girl. Concealed in the shadows and always put safety first.

    Qiong Zhi gritted her teeth and struggled for a very long time. She finally said: ¡°I can promise you, but you have to show me that Xue Zhao was truly dead.¡±

    ¡°Xue Zhao¡¯s tomb is in Yanjing,¡± Jiang Li said softly: ¡°but don¡¯t worry, there will inevitably be a day where the brother and sister will return to their homnd. I can then let them be reunited.¡± She said: ¡°When the timees, Miss Qiong Zhi can visit the deceased.¡±

    ......

    When Jiang Li walked out of the room, Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue already almost couldn¡¯t wait, fearing that Jiang Li had suffered pain under ¡°Miss Qiong Zhi¡±¡¯s vicious attacks. They let out their breaths seeing how Jiang Li came out safe and sound. Tong¡¯er still peeked inside only to see a cyan-dressed back view sitting in front of the dressing table. Her shoulders slightly shaking, seemingly sobbing.

    Tong¡¯er was shocked, thinking to herself, what happened? Why is this Miss Qiong Zhi crying? In any case, it¡¯s impossible for Jiang Li to bully her right? Jiang Li is a little girl, on what basis would she bully people until they cry?

    Jiang Li said: ¡°Don¡¯t look anymore, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Tong¡¯er put her thoughts away at once and hurriedly followed Jiang Li¡¯s footsteps with Bai Xue.

    Jiang Li¡¯s steps were not light and quick, but it wasn¡¯t as heavy as when she came.

    Actually, from the beginning she was not certain in asking for Qiong Zhi¡¯s help. But relying on when she was still Xue Fang Fei and met with Qiong Zhi, she vaguely felt that Qiong Zhi had feelings towards Xue Zhao. However, those sentiments were already long ago and she didn¡¯t know how much of the sentiments were left.

    Everyone said that women from the brothels had no feelings and actresses had no righteousness. These kinds of women were bound to have no sincerity. Yet Jiang Li thought that the women in the fireworks attached importance to feelings, and in many cases, more often than not, they were even more unconditional than ordinary people. In the end, this situation was something that she was betting on winning. Qiong Zhi still had old affections towards Xue Zhao, Xue Zhao¡¯s death stirred Qiong Zhi, Qiong Zhi was willing to help, which was the best oue.

    As long as she found out the news of Tongxiang and found out Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s circumstances, her trip could be said to be not in vain. Understanding the circumstances would make it much easier to work out the countermeasure. In this trip to Xiangyang, she could make an excuse to return to Tongxiang and solve things immediately.

    The three people walked through the road they came from. Tong¡¯er originally wanted to look for someone to show the way so they wouldn¡¯t walk the wrong way. However, seeing that Jiang Li did not hesitate, appearing to recognize the road, and was even very familiar with it, she then dropped it. She thought that her youngdy was an expert in remembering the roads and would recognize the road with just a trip.

 Chapter 95 Part 5

    Chapter 95 Part 5: Qiong Zhi

    When they¡¯d reached the back door, they didn¡¯t see the woman who greeted them earlier. Instead, they met a man by chance. Jiang Li couldn¡¯t help giving the man a few more nces because the people who looked through the back door were usually those female rtives or madams while the men would go through the front door.

    It was a robust middle aged man dressed a bit strangely, and did not resemble a Xiangyang resident. He seemed to be wearing a strong suit of armor, no matter how you looked at it, it was entric. This person¡¯s left face had a scar as long as a finger, had a slight bandit¡¯s aura and appeared out of ce from the rest of Xiangyang.

    That man probably also didn¡¯t expect that a little girl would suddenly walk out from inside. In addition, a nce could tell that she wasn¡¯t a girl from Xi Hua Lou. Thus he couldn¡¯t help looking a few more times at Jiang Li.

    The two people looked at each other and there¡¯s a feeling of peculiarity, as if familiar with each other. But Jiang Li clearly had never met this man. In just a moment, the other person had already passed her and headed inside.

    Jiang Li stopped and turned her head back to look. That man had already gone up the stairs, his traces were gone, perhaps he was a guest seeking pleasure.

    ¡°Does Miss feel something amiss?¡± Bai Xue saw Jiang Li looked back at the man and asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Jiang Li pondered but couldn¡¯t make out where she could have seen this man. However, this kind of weird feeling did not cause her to be annoyed. It¡¯s hard to avoid people from taking note if they continued standing here, so she soon said: ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    She then walked out of Xi Hua Lou with her two servant girls without looking back.

    ......

    One moment Jiang Li had just exited Xi Hua Lou, while in the next moment Wen Ji reported this matter back to Ji Heng in a pavilion.

    ¡°Jiang second miss entered Xi Hua Lou and met with the current popr flower girl, Qiong Zhi.¡± Wen Ji said.

    ¡°Qiong Zhi.......¡± Lu Ji muttered to himself, ¡°she went especially to meet with Qiong Zhi?¡±

    ¡°Should be. Qiong Zhi is the top flower girl in Xi Hua Lou, her room had secret guards protecting. The people arranged to go were unable to listen to their conversation. However, Jiang second miss stayed in Qiong Zhi¡¯s room for a stick of incense before going out, it wasn¡¯t a brief stop over. After she left, Qiong Zhi seemed to be very moved. She stayed inside her room by herself and closed her door, refusing all guests.¡±

    Ji Heng raised his eyebrows: ¡°Is that so.¡±

    ¡°Master, it¡¯s better to let someone go to look for this Miss Qiong Zhi,¡± Lu Ji suggested, ¡°find out what Jiang second miss actually said to her.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible.¡± Ji Heng smiled faintly.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    Wen Ji took the initiative to exin: ¡°This Miss Qiong Zhi is a staunch person, unmoved by force or persuasion. She has been trained since childhood by the mama from Xi Hua Lou, the charm in her bones was natural. Many guests wanted to redeem her, there were even some noble sons from big, wealthy families wanting to marry her back as their wife, but everyone was tly rejected by Qiong Zhi. Other flower girls sell themselves in order to raise enough money to free themselves, however, Qiong Zhi does notck money, and also does not wish to free herself. High position and great wealth does not entice her, even the position of a madam of a house was unable to move her.¡±

    Lu Jo was stumped for words. Unexpectedly, Qiong Zhi was a very hard bone to chew. This was something that he didn¡¯t think of.

    ¡°Furthermore, Qiong Zhi has contacts with many figureheads in Xiangyang. These people are all willing to protect her, just like the Jing Hong fairy in Yancheng previously. Thus it¡¯s not good to be tough. Besides¡ª¡ªbased on Qiong Zhi¡¯s temperament, even if we are being tough, it still may not be possible.¡±

    Ji Heng closed his fanzily and said: ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like it, but Jiang second miss hase prepared. She especially looked for a dagger without a scabbard.¡±

    ¡°So to speak, Jiang second miss¡¯s scheme is deep and far from our evaluation.¡± Lu Ji said heavily.

    Jiang Li chose Qiong Zhi, no matter what they used to make a transaction with her, Qiong Zhi would be like a stone that couldn¡¯t be pried open. From the beginning, Jiang Li prevented others from prying open the other person¡¯s mouth, thus looked for the secure Qiong Zhi

    She had thought of all possibilities and retreats, on the contrary, making other people¡¯s hands tied.

    ¡°Arrange someone to stare at Qiong Zhi.¡± Ji Heng said smilingly: ¡°Observe what she is going to do next.¡±

    Wen Ji epted the order.

    Lu Ji looked at Ji Heng: ¡°Talking about it, the person arranged by the Li family has also arrived. This time, that boy from the Right Minister¡¯s family will definitely deal with the Ye family. Currently, Ye Shijie does not go on the path he nned. I don¡¯t know whether they will seed in giving a stumbling block to the Ye family now.¡±

    ¡°Why cannot?¡± Ji Heng asked in return.

    Lu Ji hesitated for a while, stroked his goatee and said: ¡°Master¡¯s previous ns were messed up due to Jiang second miss. Now Jiang second miss is also in Xiangyang, this humble self always feels that this Jiang second miss is not simple. Such as finding Qiong Zhi at this time, could it be rted to this matter? If Jiang second miss sticks another pole in and once again mess up Master¡¯s n, that would be far from good.¡±

    Jiang Li disrupted the path set by Ji Heng over and over again. Everytime it happened, it seemed unintentional but Lu Ji felt that perhaps in the previous lifetime, Jiang Li was Ji Heng¡¯s nemesis. This life, following the old road, would always give Ji Heng a bit of trouble. Wherever Jiang Li was, there would be ¡°idents¡±.

    ¡°If she has the ability, she can try to mess it.¡± Ji Heng squinted his eyes, ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting.¡±

 Chapter 96 Part 1

    Chapter 96 Part 1: Ye Third

    After Jiang Li, Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue were done at Xi Hua Lou, the time of day was no longer early, so they no longer continued strolling outside. They also did not return to Li Zheng Tang and directly returned to the Ye residence.

    None of the little servants in the Ye residence dared to be in charge of her and it was very convenient for her to go out. However, after she returned, Jiang Li specially asked Tong¡¯er to inquire about Ye Jia Er¡¯s situation only to learn that Ye Jia Er had not yet returned.

    For the entire afternoon since Jiang Li left Li Zheng Tang, Ye Jia Er had been staying at Li Zheng Tang. If it was simply business, Ye Jia Er should have returned when evening came. Now that she had not returned, Jiang Li guessed that it was rted to the ¡°uncle Zhuang¡± and ¡°uncle Zhao¡± in Ye Jia Er¡¯s mouth before. The small trouble that urred in the Ye family¡¯s business didn¡¯t seem to be that small.

    But at present, even if she asked the people of the Ye family, they would not tell her the truth. After all, they had not ¡°repaired the old friendship¡±. There¡¯s no need to mention this kind of family matters towards someone who was a not-that-familiar guest.

    It¡¯s not time yet.

    Jiang Li no longer paid attention to Ye Jia Er¡¯s affair. Today her meeting with Qiong Zhi could be regarded as settling a load of her mind and she felt much more rxed. This evening, for the first time, she felt tired early and soon settled down to rest.

    A good night¡¯s dream.

    Just like that, from this day onwards, the Ye family suddenly became busy. The following few days, whenever Jiang Li walked around in the Ye residence, all she could meet were the housekeeper and servants. No need to mention Ye Ming Xuan and Ye Ming Hui, even Zhuo-shi and Guan-shi were not present. It was also unknown where Ye Ru Feng and Ye Jia Er had gone. Sometimes, there wasn¡¯t even anybody during meal times. The housekeeper simply let Jiang Li open a small kitchen and she did not have to go to the main hall for her daily meals or if she wanted to eat something. So she ate in her courtyard by herself.

    It was not because the people of the Ye were not willing to see Jiang Li, the truth was the people of the Ye family were so busy that they couldn¡¯t have their meals at home. If not because being aware of the matter in Li Zheng Tang, other people would be suspicious as to how a big family¡¯s residence would not have its master present.

    Jiang Li vaguely sensed that the trouble the Ye family faced was not a trifle matter. But the people couldn¡¯t be seen, even if she wanted to ask around, it was to no avail. She asked Tong¡¯er to inquire but the servant girls in the Ye residence were not very clear of the situation. Jiang Li felt extremely frustrated.

    Today, the weather was bright and sunny.

    The end of autumn and the beginning of winter. Xiangyang was located in the South and was slightly warmer than Yanjing, the winter days also came a bitter. Jiang Li had a coat draped on her as she stood in the courtyard, watching Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue make knots.

    The two servant girls were somewhatzy while staying at the Ye residence. After all, it wasn¡¯t their own residence, so they did not have the mood to look after the flowers and nts. Sometimes they only had to do some things well in the morning and nothing else to do for the rest of the day, so Jiang Li taught them to recognize some characters to pass the time.

    Tong¡¯er fought a yawn and said: ¡°There¡¯s no one in the Ye residence today.¡±

    Of course it was incorrect to say that there was no one, there were plenty of people in the Ye residence. However, those were all subordinates. They did not know anything at all when asked about the Ye family¡¯s matters. Tong¡¯er did not even have the desire to chat.

    ¡°It¡¯s still not good that there¡¯s no one restricting you?¡± Jiang Li teased her, ¡°you can be said to be liberated.¡±

    ¡°The way Miss said it seems as if this servant likes to behave atrociously all over the ce.¡± Tong¡¯er pouted, ¡°this servant is fighting for justice for Miss. It¡¯s fine if the people in this Ye residence are not present, they still did not mention anything about allowing Miss to see old madam Ye. Towards old madam Ye, these subordinates were even more tight-lipped. We¡¯ve been here for so long, Miss doesn¡¯t even know in which courtyard old madam lives in.¡±

    The people of the Ye family really did not seem to have any intention to let Jiang Li meet with old madam Ye. They also didn¡¯t say when she could actually meet; waiting like this seemed forever. Actually, Jiang Li could take advantage of the absence of the people in the Ye family to find and meet old madam Jiang. However, if this happened, the impression of the people of Ye family would be even worse and it would be even more difficult to restore the rtionship.

    Moreover, if it was as the Ye family said, how old madam Ye¡¯s health was not good right now, if she became too excited upon meeting Jiang Li and got into an unexpected ident, that would truly be Jiang Li¡¯s sin.

    Therefore, Jiang Li didn¡¯t take the initiative to touch the fragile string, it¡¯s hard to be confused.

    Looking at the sky, today¡¯s sun looked very good. Jiang Li said: ¡°Let¡¯s go out and walk around.¡±

    There¡¯s no use to always stay in the Ye residence, it¡¯s not as good as going outside to look around.

    Tong¡¯er was immediately happy after hearing this. She pulled Bai Xue up and asked: ¡°Good! Where does Miss want to go?¡±

    ¡°Just walk around.¡± Jiang Li said smilingly.

    A few people went out from the courtyard together. The gatekeeper, a servant boy, also did not obstruct them and merely asked whether they needed bodyguards. Jiang Li indirectly refused politely. Right at this moment, a team of vehicles and horses suddenly stopped in front of the Ye residence¡¯s gate.

    It looked like a caravan as there were bundles on the horses¡¯ backs. There¡¯s also a heavy wooden trunk tied behind the carriage.

    Jiang Li¡¯s steps paused slightly, is this a Ye family¡¯s visitor?

    The caravan stopped; there were no bodyguards, only a stabled and a person who looked like a servant boy. That servant boy saw Jiang Li standing at the gate and looked her up and down for a while with astonishment. He then walked very quickly towards the carriage where a man hopped out from.

 Chapter 96 Part 2

    Chapter 96 Part 2: Ye Third

    This person had a scar on his left face the size of a little finger. He wore dark brown short clothes, with something that looked like soft armor on the upper part which made him appear like someone from the lower ss. However, the boots he was wearing were actually deerskin boots embroidered with gold threads at the side. A nce could tell that the boots were very expensive.

    Jiang Li was stunned. This person was the man she encountered not too long ago, just after meeting Qiong Zhi, at the backdoor of Xi Hua Lou. At that time, this person also took several nces at her. Jiang felt this person looked familiar, but she was absolutely sure that he was a stranger.

    Unexpectedly, they met again here.

    When the gatekeeper saw this person, he immediately threw Jiang Li to the back of his head and weed him, pleasantly surprised. He said: ¡°Third master, you¡¯ve returned!¡±

    Third master Ye? This person is Ye Ming Yu!

    It suddenly dawned on Jiang Li, as it turned out, this person was the Ye family¡¯s scoundrel master, Ye Ming Yu. He was also the twin brother of her mother, uncle Ming Yu. No wonder she felt he looks familiar while at the same time, a stranger. She had never met Ye Ming Yu, but he was blood rted to Ye Zhen Zhen which to some extent stirred up her emotion.

    Ye Ming Yuughed heartily and greeted the gatekeeper. At this time, he caught sight of Jiang Li and stared, apparently also recognized Jiang Li as the person he passed by at the door of Xi Hua Lou. He had endless doubts and asked the gatekeeper: ¡°This youngdy is.......¡±

    The gatekeeper was extremely awkward, coughed lightly before saying: ¡°This is miss cousining from Yanjing, Jiang second miss.¡±

    The things that were carried strenuously in his hands by Ye Ming Yu¡¯s servant boy as he was heading towards the door suddenly slipped and fell onto the ground with a tter.

    Ye Ming Yu was also shocked.

    Jiang second miss, isn¡¯t she her twin sister¡¯s daughter! Honestly speaking, Ye Ming Yu was very concerned about this niece that he had never met before. He should be considered as the person from the Ye family who still had a bit of affections with Jiang Li. Back then, Ye Ming Hui and Ye Ming Xuan went to pick up Jiang Li while Ye Ming Yu was still traveling outside. The oldest master Ye and the second master Ye had personally heard Jiang Li¡¯s hurtful words, but not the third master Ye. As a result, third master Ye wasn¡¯t as heavy-hearted as his two elder brothers.

    In addition, he walked in the river andkes, having a straightforward and heroic spirit, his heart was indeed wider than other people. Simply speaking, due to his generous heart, because Jiang Li¡¯s age was still small, her speaking wrongly could not be counted. If it were not because old madam Ye¡¯s urgent illness afterwards, he would have insisted to go to Yanjing and bring Jiang Li back, despite the obstruction of the other Ye family members.

    Afterwards, Ye Ming Yu frequently went to sea and only came back once a year. Thus he gradually dispelled the idea of bringing Jiang Li back.

    He never thought to actually see the legendary niece here at this time, Ye Ming Yu almost thought that he was dreaming. Jiang Li came? Why did Jiang Lie to Xiangyang? She¡¯s Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s daughter, the youngdy of the chief assistant¡¯s madam, why would she travel wearily toe to Xiangyang? How was it possible that the Ye family members let her in? Don¡¯t the Ye family members hate Jiang Li bitterly, but how does the little girl in front of him clearly look okay when she¡¯s living in the Ye family¡¯s house?

    Heavens! This was such a confusing matter?! When old two wrote a letter, why didn¡¯t he mention this at all? Is he dreaming?

    Ye Ming Yu had a thousand words but was blocked in his throat. For a time, he didn¡¯t know what to say that would be good and proper. Jiang Li saw him like this and smiled: ¡°You should be uncle Ming Yu, I am Jiang Li.¡±

    Only then, Ye Ming Yu giddily came out of his daze. He asked: ¡°Jiang....... Ah Li, how are you here?¡±

    ¡°Uncle Ming Xuan came to Yanjing and incidentally paid a visit to the Jiang family. Then I returned to Xiangyang together with uncle Ming Xuan to look at grandmother.¡± Jiang Li swept a nce behind Ye Ming Yu, ¡°uncle Ming Yu just returned, but currently there¡¯s nobody at the Ye house.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay if there¡¯s nobody, they are not important anyway.¡± Ye Ming Yu waved his hand and said: ¡°Ah Li, I¡¯m going to put the stuff away first and meet mother. You can tell me what¡¯s going on.¡±

    Jiang Li paused; contrary to her expectation, Ye Ming Yu was not courteous and didn¡¯t take her as an outsider. However, this was good, from the start, she intended to use Ye Ming Yu as the Ye family¡¯s loophole. It¡¯s just that Ye Ming Yu was slow to return and she had no clue as to what kind of person Ye Ming Yu was. Now that she had seen him, Ye Ming Yu was still more carefree than what she imagined, which was very good.

    There¡¯s no need to go out today, Jiang Li smiled and said: ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll be in the front hall waiting for uncle Ming Yu. But,¡± sheughed, ¡°until now I still haven¡¯t seen grandmother. Grandmother also does not know that I havee to the Ye family¡¯s house. When uncle Ming Yu sees grandmother, please don¡¯t mention seeing me, it won¡¯t be good to make grandmother excited and injure her body.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu was stunned again. Didn¡¯t Jiang Li say that she returned to Xiangyang to visit old madam Ye, but now she also said that she has not yet seen old madam Ye until now. Old madam Ye also didn¡¯t know that she hade, what¡¯s going on? The eldest and old two are making such a fuss?

    Ye Ming Yu only felt that his brain was like paste and for a moment, he was unclear what was proper and right. So he could only agree with Jiang Li¡¯s words and went to do his things first.

 Chapter 96 Part 3

    Chapter 96 Part 3: Ye Third

    Jiang Li turned around and walked towards the front hall.

    Tong¡¯er asked: ¡°Miss, then we are not going to stroll outside?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Jiang Li said with a smile. Strolling outside was to find out what happened to the Ye family. Since third master Ye had already returned home, then they did not have to go out. They could find out from the third master Ye.

    It seemed that the third master Ye was someone who¡¯s easy to talk to.

    ......

    Jiang Li sat in the front hall and Bai Xue boiled a pot of tea. Ye Ming Yu had not yete but Jiang Li wasn¡¯t worried and waited patiently.

    Her patience was always very good, this bit, even the lower people of the Ye family who were tasked in serving her also knew. No matter waiting for how long, Jiang Li always had a tranquil and gentle look without any trace of impatience. It¡¯s very rare for a girl at such a young age. There wasn¡¯t the arrogance and willfulness of an honorable daughter in her body, instead, she was simple and easygoing, just like a daughter from the next-door neighbor.

    However, even if it was a daughter from the next-door neighbor, it was still an outsider whose innermost thought could not be understood.

    After an unknown period of time, Ye Ming Yu finally came.

    Once he saw Jiang Li, his eyes immediately lit up. Heughed openly and said: ¡°I thought you¡¯d left. How, did you wait for a long time?¡±

    ¡°Not long.¡± Jiang Li also smiled, ¡°I haven¡¯t yet finished a cup of tea.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu sat across from Jiang Li. His bottom just touched the seat, before he even sat properly, he straightaway asked in a hurry: ¡°Ah Li, I just returned from outside and did not know what happened. How did you suddenly return to Xiangyang?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve said it before,¡± Jiang Li said helplessly. ¡°I want to go back and look at grandmother, so I went back together with uncle Ming Xuan.¡±

    ¡°But you haven¡¯t seen the old madam until now?¡± Ye Ming Yu said.

    ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to see grandmother, uncle Ming Hui and uncle Ming Xuan said that the old madam¡¯s health is not good. The timing is not right and if hastily meeting her without careful consideration, she might get angry and injure her body. I¡¯ve arrived in Xiangyang for almost half a month but have not found a suitable opportunity.¡±

    After listening to Jiang Li, Ye Ming Yu showed awkwardness on his face. He naturally had heard the actual meaning of Jiang Li¡¯s words. It was the Ye family members who blocked and did not allow her to meet old madam Ye, it really wasn¡¯t because Jiang Li was unwilling. Although Ye Ming Yu wasn¡¯t in Xiangyang during the affair of that year, he had also heard about it afterwards. He also knew the Ye family members were distancing themselves from Jiang Li. Jiang Li abruptly returned to Xiangyang, the Ye family must not have weed her with enthusiasm.

    However, Ye Ming Yu also could not act on his own initiative and let Jiang Li meet with old madam Ye at this time.

    He indistinctly changed the subject and said: ¡°So it¡¯s like that.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled and said: ¡°Uncle Ming Yu has worked hard this time.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu smiled back and said: ¡°Where did I work hard? I¡¯m just going out on a scenic tour.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu¡¯s so-called ¡°sea trade¡± was actually not making much profit for the Ye family. The Ye family was also toozy to restrain him. Saying that he was doing business, but it was truly going on a scenic tour. Because he was too yful, although Ye Zhen Zhen¡¯s age was the same as Ye Ming Yu; Jiang Li, her daughter, was already 15 years old while he had not yet married.

    This was the anxiety in old madam Ye¡¯s heart and every year during the new year when Ye Ming Yu returned to Xiangyang, old madam Ye would stretch the, trying to find him a gooddy. Ye Ming Yu would quickly hide, and when the new year passed, he would immediately be on his way, high as the mountain and long as the river, he slipped away.

    ¡°Though it¡¯s said like that, not everyone had this kind of courage to go on a scenic tour.¡± Jiang Liughed, ¡°not constrained to the secr world, doing as one pleases; a person living, isn¡¯t it to seek happiness? To experience for oneself the different mountains and rivers, opening up the scope of one¡¯s eyes, is even more free than a person who stays inside the inner house all day long.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu froze after he heard her. In a moment, his heart was moved emotionally, nearly wanting to treat Jiang Li as his soul mate. Everybody who knew him all believed that he was acting willfully, making trouble. He, as the offspring of the Ye family, had endless family properties, but did not properly stay at home to manage them, take a wife and had children. Instead, he insisted on traveling around the country, going on a scenic tour, simply not attending to his proper duties. But he, from the crack of his bone, never liked settling down, preferring to go on adventures and increase his first-hand knowledge. Just like a male eagle, must not be confined under the roof or a fierce horse, must not be tied up in the stable.

    However, the person who understood him in the Ye family was only Ye Zhen Zhen. Perhaps it was because their blood was linked together, due to Ye Zhen Zhen¡¯s understanding in those years, towards Jiang Li, Ye Ming Yu could not bear to be estranged. But afterwards, Ye Zhen Zhen passed away and there was no longer anyone who understood him.

    Unexpectedly, here, Jiang Li once again said something simr to Ye Zhen Zhen.

    Ye Ming Yu could not help feeling nostalgic. Everyone said Ye Zhen Zhen was simple and honest, without scheming, yet clever. But Ye Ming Yu¡¯s thought was, precisely because Ye Zhen Zhen was such a warm and generous person that she couldprehend the simple truth. With careful look, Jiang Li¡¯s appearance was not the same as Ye Zhen Zhen. Compared with Ye Zhen Zhen¡¯s soft and round look, Jiang Li was much more delicate and pretty. She resembled Jiang Yuan Bai, clear and beautiful, and also clever.

    But in the end, she was also Ye Zhen Zhen¡¯s daughter.

 Chapter 96 Part 4

    Chapter 96 Part 4: Ye Third

    Jiang Li noticed the softness in Ye Ming Yu¡¯s gaze and her heart moved. Ye Ming Yu¡¯s attitude towards her softened, which was a good thing.

    Ye Ming Yu took the initiative to get along with this niece very happily, and Jiang Li was not forceful and rough as Ye Ming Hui said. He had traveled a lot for many years and had seen many arrogant and willful noble daughters. On the contrary, Jiang Li was extremely gentle and her appearance was soft and warm. This warmth was different from his other niece, Ye Jia Er. Ye Jia Er was steady and upright, while Jiang Li looked especially bright. Her vision seemed different from ordinary boudoirdies¡¯, somewhat appearing more unique. She¡¯s a girl who very much had ¡°style¡±.

    Not solely because she was Ye Zhen Zhen¡¯s daughter, Ye Ming Yu was fond of this girl from the bottom of his heart.

    He scratched his head, suddenly recalling something and said: ¡°I haven¡¯t given you anything for your return this time. My caravan brought many small gadgets from the sea.¡± He seldom felt embarrassed, ¡°But you came from Yanjing, these things cannot be considered as rare things. I just bought things that I deemed interesting. Don¡¯t know whether Ah Li will like them.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu naturally bought things as he pleased. Even if he followed the ocean fleet to go out to sea and trade, it was also unruly. When he decided and calcted, he didn¡¯t consider whether it would be profitable or not, simply relying on his preference.

    Jiang Li smiled: ¡°Interesting things are much harder toe by than precious things.¡±

    ¡°You said it right,¡± Ye Ming Yu was in favor of Jiang Li¡¯s sentence. He called the servant boy next to him: ¡°Ah Shun, go and bring that trunk here!¡±

    Really having an energetic temper.

    Jiang Li smiled but said nothing. She nicely said a few things to this uncle Ming Yu, deepening the affections a little bit. This way, third master Ye would stand by her side and help her to ¡°repair the old¡± rtionship with the Ye family.

    Ah Shun and Ye Ming Xuan¡¯s servant boy, Ah Fu, must be brothers, they resembled each other, but their dispositions were entirely different. Ah Fu was just like Ye Ming Xuan, polite and astute. But Ah Shun was like Ye Ming Yu, crude hands and feet. He came very quickly while moving a mahogany trunk. There were many of these kinds of trunks inside Ye Ming Yu¡¯s caravan before.

    Ye Ming Yu ordered Ah Shun to open the trunk, then asked Jiang Li while smiling: ¡°Ah Li, which one do you fancy? Uncle will give it to you.¡±

    The Ye family members seem to like saying this sentence a lot? Jiang Li thought to herself, Ye Jia Er brought her to Li Zheng Tang and said if she takes a fancy to any of the bolts, she would give them to her. Now, Ye Ming Yu also said if she takes a fancy to any of the gadgets, he would give them to her. Perhaps this was precisely wealthy families, rich and imposing, also very generous.

    Jiang Li lowered her head to look into the trunk.

    Inside the trunk, there were several scattered unknown gadgets. There were some pearl opals, which could be considered valuable. There were also western lenses. There¡¯s a small wooden box; when the mechanism was pressed, a small figurine stood up from inside the box and started dancing, it was very amusing. There¡¯s also something like a long tube, as Jiang Li took it out to see, Ye Ming Yu said: ¡°This is a thousand flower tube. I¡¯ll teach you how to.......¡±

    Before the word ¡°use¡± could be spoken, Jiang Li had already put the gadget on her eyes with familiarity and turned the roller around.

    Ye Ming Yu choked and Ah Shun looked at Jiang Li with surprise. Even the experienced Ye Ming Yu could not figure out how to use this gadget at first. The Jiang family¡¯s miss cousin seemed to be very skillful, could she have seen it before? But didn¡¯t that sea merchant say that almost no one knows this gadget in Northern Yan?

    ¡°Have you seen it before?¡± Ye Ming Yu asked.

    ¡°No.¡± Jiang Li said with a smile: ¡°But I saw someone recorded it in the travel notes. Actually, this is still the first time that I hold it in my hand.¡±

    Xue Zhao was fond of these unusual and weird things very much and liked to read various books behind Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s back. This habit of his caused many books to be stored at home and Jiang Li also learned many unusual things through them.

    Ye Ming Yu appreciated Jiang Li even more, feeling that Jiang Li had a kindred spirit with him.

    Jiang Li picked up another thing that looked like a shell. This shell looked very unique, just like a peacock¡¯s feathers, bright and colorful. A fine brilliance appeared with a careful look under the sunlight. It was clear and gleaming,parable to the opal when put side by side.

    ¡°This is a peacock feather.¡± Ye Ming Yu saw Jiang Li scrutinized the shell in her hand and immediately said: ¡°this time, I bought this from the sea caravan. I saw that this thing is exotic and good-looking, so I bought a lot, all the trunks in the room contain those. But after I came back, I asked around. Upon hearing that this was a shell, people could not open a price. The gold and silver money I used to buy these peacock feathers, this time would probably suffer losses.¡± He sighed deeply.

    Jiang Li disagreed. Ye Ming Yu only saw this peacock feather as rare and beautiful, but it would not change the fact that it was a shell. Without a doubt, even the dullest opal was more valuable than the most beautiful peacock feather. However, Ye Ming Yu probably had never asked anything about business matters, and had no understanding about business matters, so it was really normal to produce this kind of funny and embarrassing thing. Just no idea how the eldest master Ye and the second master Ye would look after they saw the trunks full of shells.

 Chapter 96 Part 5

    Chapter 96 Part 5: Ye Third

    Ye Ming Yu suddenly thought of something, looked at Jiang Li and said: ¡°Just right, since you like, this trunk of peacock feather will be given to you. Ah Shun, quickly carry this to miss cousin¡¯s courtyard.¡±

    Jiang Li had no time to stop, Ah Shun had immediately responded and carried the trunk, walking away while puffing. Jiang Li suspected since Yu Ming Yu realized that he couldn¡¯t sell these peacock feathers and couldn¡¯t find other ce to store them, he directly let Jiang Li help him to resolve this.

    It wasn¡¯t good to refuse.

    ¡°Then, many thanks uncle Ming Yu.¡± Jiang Li said with a smile.

    ¡°No need for thanks,¡± Ye Ming Yu waved his hands, ¡°if it¡¯s not enough, I still have plenty, a few trunks are also okay.¡±

    Jiang Li: ¡°.......¡±

    Jiang Li was afraid that continuing the topic would cause Yu Ming Yu to really put all the peacock feathers in her courtyard, so she said: ¡°Uncle Ming Yu, let¡¯s talk about something else.¡±

    When this was said, Ye Ming Yu abruptly pped his thigh and said: ¡°Fortunately you said it, now I remember what I wanted to talk to you since earlier, there¡¯s something that¡¯s toote to ask. Ah Li, a few days ago, I saw you at Xi Hua Lou, I didn¡¯t mistake the person, right? Without rhyme or reason, what are you doing at Xi Hua Lou?¡±

    Ye Ming Yu recognized Jiang Li the instant he caught sight of her just now. He recalled that Jiang Li was the girl he met when he went to Xi Hua Lou. At that time, he thought it was strange as the people who went to Xi Hua Lou to look for people were usually married women. However, this girl wasn¡¯t dressed like a married woman, her countenance was also very calm, it was truly strange. And when he saw her, there¡¯s a feeling of familiarity as if he had met her before. Now that he thought about it, the feeling of familiarity was probably the blood in his bones reminding him that this was his niece.

    Jiang Li smilingly said: ¡°I also have something to ask uncle Ming Yu. Uncle Ming Yu arrived in Xiangyang for at least 3 days and even encountered me at Xi Hua Lou. Since you¡¯ve returned early, why didn¡¯t youe back to the Ye family house?¡±

    Ye Ming Yu had a trace of embarrassment shing in his face. He lifted his hand and touched his nose, said: ¡°I..... first get familiar with the surroundings, then make preparations.¡±

    He didn¡¯t say things clearly, but Jiang Li understood. Ye Ming Yu really went to Xi Hua Lou to seek pleasure, probably afraid of other people finding out and telling the Ye family, so he specially went through the back door. As for why he didn¡¯t enter the house, it should be because he didn¡¯t wish to go back early and stayed out to avoid the nightmare of being harped on when to get married.

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t want to listen to Ye Ming Yu talking about his love affair, so she just nodded and said: ¡°I didn¡¯t know what Xi Hua Lou was and still thought that it was a restaurant. There was no one outside, so I went up to take a look. Never thought that it was a brothel. After discovery, I immediately left and by coincidence met with uncle Ming Yu.¡±

    ¡°So it¡¯s like that.¡± Ye Ming Yu understood and didn¡¯t think more. After all, Jiang Li specially went to Xi Hua Lou to stroll, if this came out, nobody would believe, not any person in Xiangyang, not even a beggar on the street. Let alone a chief assistant¡¯s noble daughter who¡¯s not stained by mud, even the daughter of an ordinary household would not go to such a ce.

    ¡°Uncle Ming Yu, there¡¯s something that I also want to ask you.¡± Jiang Li hesitated a bit before speaking.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, you say?¡±

    ¡°Uncle Ming Yu returned to Xiangyang most probably not only for the sake of visiting grandmother. The Ye family¡¯s business seems to be encountering some problems. Even uncle Ming Yu rushed to go back, this problem must not be easy to solve.¡± Jiang Li looked at him: ¡°Can uncle tell me what is actually the problem?¡±

    Ye Ming Yu was stunned. He never thought that Jiang Li would ask this question. He could not make up his mind for a while. The matter concerned the Ye family¡¯s business, so he was a bit more cautious. However, Jiang Li, who had been talking gently with him all these while, was persistently staring at him without blinking.

    Ye Ming Yu was stared at by Jiang Li and his heart softened somehow. Thinking that Jiang Li was, after all, half a member of the Ye family, but the Ye family had been defending against her as if she was a thief, the girl must be feeling sad inside. He said: ¡°It actually isn¡¯t a big matter. Every year, our Ye family¡¯s materials are sent to various regions¡¯ ready-made clothes shops. Especially the fragrant satin, you are also aware, the nobles in Yanjing also love to wear this.¡±

    ¡°Recently, problems came out from this batch of fabric. Some people wore clothes made from fragrant satin and rashes appeared on their bodies. Doctor Zhao came to take a look but could not find the reason. We are still investigating this,¡± Ye Ming Yu seldom showed a bit of worry on his face, ¡°but if I may say, it¡¯s not the fabric¡¯s problem. The manufacturer is in Xiangyang and elder brother and second brother are watching it. No problem has evere out of it. It¡¯s just that we¡¯ve said this but others refused to listen.¡±

    He shook his head, looking very depressed.

    As he was speaking, footsteps could be hearding through from outside, followed by an astonished shout: ¡°Ming Yu?¡±

    Jiang Li and Ye Ming Yu looked at the door. It was Ye Ming Hui and Ye Ming Xuan returning.

 Chapter 97 Part 1

    Chapter 97 Part 1: Magistrate

    Happy Valentine everyone ?? May your life be filled and overflowing with love ??

    (Mar 2/2)

    Ye Ming Hui and Ye Ming Xuan were surprised when they saw Ye Ming Yu. Ye Ming Hui said: ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say early that you¡¯vee back?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it in a hurry to go back,¡± Ye Ming Yu lied without changing his expression, ¡°Going as fast as possible, even didn¡¯t drink much water along the journey. When did I have the time to tell you.¡±

    Supposed that the two people knew that Ye Ming Yu had returned three days ago but fooled around in Xi Hua Lou for those three days, no idea how their expressions would be then.

    ¡°Why did you two juste back?¡± Ye Ming Yu asked, ¡°It¡¯s already dark, but not a single person is in the house.¡±

    ¡°We.......¡± Ye Ming Xuan was about to reply. He caught sight of Jiang Li sitting opposite Ye Ming Yu at a nce and swallowed the words in his mouth.

    Jiang Li was aware that what he was about to say was to guard against her as this ¡°outsider¡± . But it¡¯s no big deal. Jiang Li reckoned what they were about to discuss should be about the Ye family¡¯s business. Now she had already found out the troubles of the Ye family¡¯s business, so she obediently stood up and said with a smile: ¡°Uncle Ming Yu, do chat first, I¡¯m going back to the room.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu smiled and said: ¡°Ok.¡±

    Seeing Ye Ming Yu and Jiang Li looked rather close, Ye Ming Hui and Ye Ming Xuan had strange expressions.

    Waiting until Jiang Li left, Ye Ming Xuan and Ye Ming Hui sat beside Ye Ming Yu. Before they spoke, Ye Ming Yu first opened his mouth. He said: ¡°Eldest brother, second brother, you are really too excessive towards a little girl. How is there such a thing, people intentionally came back to visit mother, but the result? You didn¡¯t let her meet. Saying a bit of perfunctory words and still defending against others, even I, being rough and sloppy, can see it. How fragile a little girl¡¯s heart is, afraid she has seen it since earlier. She must be quite sad, just not letting you know and still force herself to smile. I say, both of you are already much older, why are you still bullying a little girl?¡±

    Ye Ming Xuan was angered until he almost couldn¡¯t let this breath out by Ye Ming Yu¡¯s speech. He said: ¡°We are bullying her? Which of your eyes saw us bullying her?¡±

    ¡°Both of my eyes saw it!¡± Ye Ming Yu pointed at his eyes, ¡°without seeing people, Ah Li understood already and took the initiative to return to her room. That is, the little girl¡¯s soft temper, if it were me, I would have made noise since long ago.¡±

    ¡°Noisy noisy noisy,¡± Ye Ming Xuan said: ¡°quickly make noise. You think you are still a 10 years old young master. Not reflecting how old you already are, this sentence should be used on yourself!¡±

    ¡°Did you talk to her?¡± Ye Ming Yu was steady and merely asked.

    ¡°Talk.¡± Ye Ming Yu said: ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°What do you think of her?¡±

    ¡°Good!¡± Ye Ming Yu patted his thigh, ¡°Way I see it, Ah Li is not an ordinary official youngdy. That insight, thatmunication skill, the two of you should learn carefully from her. I didn¡¯t say it, but the ten thousand flower tube I brought back from the ocean fleet, if it¡¯s changed to any one of you, no one would know what it is, and also would not know how to use it. But she knows! She can still use it! She also immediately knows the peacock feather that I gave. The most important thing, this girl is loyal! Unlike other girls, the age is older but small-minded.¡±

    ¡°Loyal?¡± Ye Ming Xuan asked: ¡°Why did you say that she¡¯s loyal? Did she help you to hide something?¡±

    Ye Ming Yu secretly scolded Ye Ming Xuan¡¯s cunningness in his heart. How could he make it out. Ye Ming Yu said that Jiang Li was loyal naturally because Jing Li didn¡¯t let out the matter of him returning to Xiangyang earlier and stayed at Xi Hua Lou, and had no intention of saying it. Is this not considered loyal? This is very loyal!

    Ye Ming Yu quietly coughed a couple of times and glossed over it by saying: ¡°Nothing. Anyhow, the two of you haven¡¯t told me, where did you go, and why isn¡¯t anyone at home?¡±

    The two brothers looked at each other. Ye Ming Hui said: ¡°Something happened at Li Zheng Tang, so we went to Li Zheng Tang.¡±

    ¡°I just mentioned this matter to Ah Li. It hasn¡¯t been resolved yet?¡± Asked Ye Ming Yu.

    ¡°You told her about this?¡± Ye Ming Xuan asked loudly.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Ye Ming Yu nodded.

    ¡°You..... you are really,¡± Ye Ming Xuan choked for a long time and could only spit out two words: ¡°Causing trouble!¡±

    ......

    Jiang Li, who had returned to her courtyard, was sitting in front of a table.

    Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue were busy moving the trunk of ¡°peacock feather¡± into the house. The trunk was very heavy, not to mention, when the trunk was opened, the fine luster on those shells shed dazzlingly. Although they were just shells, they were as beautiful as pearls and jade.

    Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue clicked their tongues in wonder, but Jiang Li was somewhat absent-minded.

    As it turned out, this was the problem in the Ye family¡¯s business. The Ye family originally started out with weaving. For many years, the businesses outside had gradually been reduced. Even the jewelry store, Hong Xiang Lou, was closed. The Ye family¡¯s weaving business was well-known throughout the Northern Yan, the fragrant satin was even more unique of its kind. Only the Ye family had the ability to produce it.

    If the problem really came out of the Ye family¡¯s material, it would be a huge blow to the Ye family¡¯s business, it could possibly be ruined with one stroke. If words spread, the Ye family¡¯s business would truly copse. If this happened, then even the Ye family¡¯s vast wealth would have to be taken out and the Ye family would be penniless.

    It¡¯s unknown what the issue actually was with the material. As Ye Ming Yu said, the weaving manufacture was in Xiangyang with Ye Ming Hui and Ye Ming Xuan watching it everyday. There was no problem for so many years but suddenly a mishap came out, could it be incidental?

    Jiang Li vaguely had a feeling that this matter was absolutely not random. No need to mention other things, but at present, Ye Shijie had just entered officialdom, he¡¯s at the starting point of his career as an official. In case a problem urred in the Ye family and someone wanted to use the Ye family to make a deal with Ye Shijie, Ye Shijie¡¯s official career would be in the control of others.

    Thinking of this, Jiang Li was abruptly rmed. If it was truly like this, the trouble in the Ye family¡¯s business was really caused by someone. And the final purpose was precisely to make use of the Ye family to control Ye Shijie, or perhaps to directly control the entire Ye family? It should be made aware that the Ye family¡¯s wealth could make people green with envy. If a person could really control the Ye family, it would at least be very easy to do many things.

    The Ye family could provide a steady flow of riches.

 Chapter 97 Part 2

    Chapter 97 Part 2: Magistrate

    Jiang Li¡¯s heart tightened. She wasn¡¯t the genuine Jiang second miss. In theory, it¡¯s not worthwhile to talk about deep feelings with the Ye family. But there wouldn¡¯t be any eggs left in an overturned nest. Moreover, she still wished to borrow the Ye family¡¯s power to do her own things in the future. For her sake, it¡¯s important for her to save the Ye family.

    Because the enemy was in the dark while I was in the light, it¡¯s difficult to act thoroughly.

    After pondering for a moment, Jiang Li said: ¡°Tong¡¯er, tomorrow you go out from the house and ask around the ready-made clothes shops in the city. It¡¯s necessary to be close and ask them whether they have made clothes from fragrant satin recently.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Tong¡¯er responded and asked Jiang Li: ¡°Why does Miss want to ask this?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a problem in the Ye family¡¯s business and the ancient fragrant satin is the key point. At the moment, I don¡¯t know how many people know that the ancient fragrant satin has problems and how big the problem is. But a good deal of Xiangyang¡¯s ready-made shops must already have deals on ancient fragrant satin with the Ye family before. It¡¯s very serious if these shops start to not ept ancient fragrant satin anymore.¡±

    There¡¯s another sentence that Jiang Li didn¡¯t say, that was, at least in Yanjing nobody was aware of the problems arising with the ancient fragrant satin. So to speak, for the time being, the matter of the materials having problems was not yet spread. If these ready-made clothes shops tacitly agreed at an earlier time not to get ancient fragrant satin, there¡¯s certainly an ulterior motive in it. There¡¯s a high probability that this had been taken care of since long ago.

    ¡°When you ask, pay attention to the shopkeepers¡¯ behaviors. See whether they say that there¡¯s no stock recently or directly tell you that there¡¯s problems with the ancient fragrant satin.¡± Jiang Li told her.

    Tong¡¯er memorized it earnestly.

    Doing business, especially doing business with the Ye family, naturally wasn¡¯t a one-shot business transaction. There¡¯se and go, working steadily little by little. Even Ye Ming Yu couldn¡¯t be sure whether there¡¯s really problems with the materials. In the future, the shopkeepers still wished to do business with the Ye family so naturally they would help the Ye family to conceal this. But in the event that they eagerly and directly said to the whole world that there¡¯s a problem with the material, then it could be determined that these ready made clothes shops had epted other people¡¯s interest and deliberately trapped the Ye family.

    Did the Ye family offend someone? Jiang Li pondered.

    There¡¯s no clue even after turning it over in her mind, after all the trails at this time were not much. No matter how Jiang Li thought, she couldn¡¯te up with anything. Bai Xue persuaded her to rest earlier, thus Jiang Li dropped it for now.

    On the second day, sure enough, Tong¡¯er left early in the morning and followed Jiang Li¡¯s idea of going into ready-made clothes shops to inquire for information. Jiang Li let Bai Xue go with her. Bai Xue had huge strength and the two of them together would be safer on the road. Jiang Li couldn¡¯t find things to do in her courtyard, thus she nned to look for Ye Ming Yu to chat with. In the Ye family, Ye Ming Yu could be considered as the only person who did not guard against her. Yesterday, she found out some things from Ye Ming Yu, so Jiang Li thought, perhaps today she could find out even more information from Ye Ming Yu.

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t know which courtyard Ye Ming Yu lived in, only thinking of first going to the front hall and letting a servant boy send her. Who knew when she reached the front hall, she unexpectedly found Ye Jia Er and Ye Ru Feng were also there.

    Ye Jia Er was pacing back and forth, looking very worried. Ye Ru Feng was also frowning, as if encountering a troublesome matter.

    Jiang Li paused slightly, walked inside and called out: ¡°Older sister, older brother.¡±

    Ye Ru Feng ignored her, Ye Jia Er saw hering and a smile rose. However, this smile also carried some mncholy. She said: ¡°Younger sister.¡± She paused before apologetically continued: ¡°The other day at Li Zheng Tang, uncle Zhao and uncle Zhuang suddenly came over and I left you behind. I¡¯m really sorry.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Jiang Li smiled and said: ¡°Older sister is busy with important business, moreover, I was originally going to walk around by myself. I was very happy strolling around afterwards.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Ye Jia Er said.

    The few people in the hall were silent. Ye Ru Feng was angry at Jiang Li, obviously he wouldn¡¯t take the initiative to talk to her. Normally, Ye Jia Er would chat a few words with Jiang Li. But today Ye Jia Er looked as if she had a load on her mind and didn¡¯t attend to Jiang Li, not knowing what was in her mind.

    Jiang Li thought for a moment and softly asked: ¡°Is older sister worried about the matter in Li Zheng Tang?¡±

    Ye Jia Er was stunned, and smiled reluctantly. She said: ¡°Yes, there¡¯s some trouble in business.¡±

    ¡°It should be the trouble with the ancient fragrant satin,¡± Jiang Li looked at her, ¡°now saying that there¡¯s a problem with the ancient fragrant satin, is it already known to a lot of the ready-made clothes shops?¡±

    Ye Jia Er was surprised, Ye Ru Feng said: ¡°How do you know this? Did you eavesdrop on our conversation?¡±

    His tone was bad.

    ¡°Uncle Ming Yu told me.¡± Jiang Li looked at Ye Jia Er, ¡°but he only said that some people said there¡¯s a problem with the ancient fragrant satin and I guessed that there¡¯s something to do with ready-made clothes shops.¡± She said with a smile: ¡°Xiangyang has so many ready-made clothes shops, those who stock up on the Ye family¡¯s ancient fragrant satin must not be few. If there¡¯s really a problem with the ancient fragrant satin, these shops will avoid taking those ancient fragrant satin.¡±

    ¡°Younger sister actually has a kindhearted and high-minded nature, a guess would hit the mark.¡± Ye Jia Er said. She thought, since Ye Ming Yu had already told Jiang Li, it¡¯s not good to continue concealing this matter. Anyway, Jiang Li already knew the concealment was due to their Ye family being narrow-minded. What¡¯s more, even if they still wished to keep her in the dark, can they still hide it? This matter had already be bigger and noisier, hard to sort it out. Sooner orter, Jiang Li would also know from other people outside.

    ¡°The Ye family has a considerable amount of transactions with the ready-made clothes shops. Nowadays, one after another, the ready-made clothes shops stop taking materials from the Ye family. Not just one or two families, but rather all of them. These days, the shopkeepers from ready-made clothes shopse everyday to Li Zheng Tang to stop purchasing the materials. Such as uncle Zhuang and uncle Zhao who came to the shop and you met yesterday. They¡¯ve done business with the Ye family for more than 10 years. But yesterday they came to Li Zheng Tang to immediately stop the supply of materials.¡± Ye Jia Er sighed.

    ¡°Have done business for more than ten years, those are old friends. At this time, they are also hitting a person when they are down?¡± Jiang Li asked.

    ¡°Can¡¯t say it as hitting a person when they are down, can only say that it¡¯s human nature.¡± Ye Jia Er spoke without resentment. She exined patiently: ¡°It¡¯s just that the capital for manufacturing ancient fragrant satin is big. These shopkeepers did not say this before, but when this batch of ancient fragrant satin came out, nobody buys them. If it¡¯s put away, for the Ye family, it¡¯s already a huge loss.¡±

    ¡°What human nature, that is hitting a person when they are down.¡± Ye Ru Feng snorted coldly, ¡°previously seeking us to supply goods to them first. Now somethinges up, without investigating carefully, they right away stop the goods. What about over ten years of friendship, it¡¯s notparable to benefits!¡±

 Chapter 97 Part 3

    Chapter 97 Part 3: Magistrate

    Ye Jia Er sighed and didn¡¯t speak. Although his words were unpleasant to hear, it wasn¡¯t without basis. This behavior of seeing the wind and setting the helm indeed made people contemptuous. Furthermore, not regarding the previous ten over years of business dealings.

    In her mind, Jiang Li thought that it wasn¡¯t due to this. These ready-made clothes shops took ancient fragrant satin from the Ye family to gain profits. Since they had done over 10 years of business, it could be clearly seen that this business was very prosperous. The purpose of merchants doing business was to make a profit. At the moment, even if there¡¯s a problem with the ancient fragrant satin, before the truthes to light, these ready-made shops would not so quickly stop the transactions with the Ye family. Because terminating the deal with the Ye family meant they were cutting off future possibilities of making profits.

    What could make merchants be willing to renounce making money? It was either because there¡¯s a greater benefit or there¡¯s a greater threat than making silver.

    ¡°Actually, it¡¯s okay with this batch of ancient fragrant satin suffering a loss, it¡¯s not as if the family could not live with timely stop-loss. What is scary is the news spreading that there¡¯s a problem with the Ye family¡¯s ancient fragrant satin. The Ye family¡¯s reputation will be ruined, the Ye family¡¯s signboard will be smashed and from then on, it¡¯s difficult for the Ye family to get back up. Could it be that a 100 years foundation be destroyed in one day?¡± Ye Jia Er was extremely sad.

    The wealthier a family was, the more they paid attention to reputation. An ant hole may cause the copse of a great dike, a careless move will lead to loss. Therefore, since the beginning, the Ye family was very careful in regards to materials. They didn¡¯t think that this time a major setback would ur.

    ¡°Older sister don¡¯t feel anxious first,¡± Jiang Liforted her, ¡°at the moment, how the clothes made using ancient fragrant satin could cause rashes still could not be determined that it¡¯s due to the material¡¯s problem. It was but to increasingly distort the truth, still not at the stage where there¡¯s nowhere to go. As long as the true cause could be found, the Ye family¡¯s injustice will be washed away and the reputation will be restored.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s easy to talk,¡± Ye Jia Er shook her head, ¡°no matter how, we could not find out the cause. There¡¯s clearly no problem in the ancient fragrant satin produced by the manufacturer, but in every ready-made clothes shop, all the clothes made with ancient fragrant satin have problems.¡±

    ¡°Maybe ancient fragrant satin is not the cause,¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°maybe the cause is those ready-made clothes shops.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s safe to say that it¡¯s impossible for all the ready-made clothes shops in Xiangyang to have problems, right?!¡± Ye Jia Er said: ¡°I understand what younger sister wants to say, that is, someone is thinking of harming the Ye family. However, although the Ye family is not an official family in Xiangyang, no one would dare to provoke us on normal days. Who has such a big guts to set us up? A person who has such huge courage to frame us would surely be in a high position, then why would they harm us? What could they be nning?¡±

    ¡°Then, in Xiangyang, aside from the Ye family, are there other manufacturers?¡± Jiang Li asked.

    Ye Jia Er shook her head.

    Then it¡¯s impossible for it to be a businesspetitor.

    Jiang Li sighed, as the two people were talking, the three Ye brothers came over. Upon seeing Ye Jia Er and Jiang Li were in the middle of a conversation, Ye Ming Yu called out: ¡°Jia Er, Ah Li!¡±

    ¡°Uncle Ming Yu.¡± Jiang Li nodded at him.

    Ye Ming Hui looked at Jiang Li and hesitated somewhat. But in the end he still spoke up and said: ¡°Ah Li, not letting you see the old madam in the past few days was truly because old madam¡¯s health is not good. You¡¯ve been in Xiangyang for more than half a month, the old madam¡¯s health has gradually improved, so today, let¡¯s go and see old madam.¡±

    Jiang Li was surprised. Seeing Ye Ming Yu, who was at the side, showed a satisfied look, she understood that it was due to Ye Ming Yu supporting her and persuaded the two brothers. Only then did Ye Ming Hui make up his mind to let Jiang Li meet with old madam Ye right away.

    It was actually an unexpected move.

    Actually, it was not urgent for Jiang Li to meet with old madam Ye. But since the other person had put it forward, of course she had to follow and agree readily. She timely showed a trace of delight and said: ¡°That¡¯s very good.¡±

    Ye Ming Hui and Ye Ming Xuan looked at Jiang Li, her happiness did not seem fake. These days, although the two of them were busy with the matters in Li Zheng Tang, they did not rx their observation of Jiang Li. All the servant girls waiting upon Jiang Li said that Jiang Li did not do anything overstepping her boundary these days. She was calm and had a gentle temperament. The Ye family¡¯s two brothers gradually rxed.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s go now.¡± Ye Ming Xuan said.

    Jiang Li nodded.

    As the few people were about to leave, suddenly, Guan-shi and Zhuo-shi rushed over from outside. Guan-shi and Zhuo-shi did not handle much on the business side, but with such a huge Ye family household, everything up and down needed to be put in order, so normally, Guan-shi and Zhuo-shi were also very busy. The Ye family was very special where the housekeeper power was not concentrated on the hands of one person only, rather, Guan-shi and Zhuo-shi jointly managed the household. It seemed that the sisters-inw¡¯s rtionship was pretty good, otherwise they would have fought for power long ago. In other words, assuming that the Jiang family let Ji Shuran and Lu-shi manage the household together, the Jiang family would definitely have no peaceful days from the beginning.

    Guan-shi said: ¡°Master, Magistrate Tong sent people over.¡±

    ¡°Magistrate Tong?¡± Ye Ming Hui was puzzled, ¡°why did he send people over?¡±

    ¡°I also have no idea.¡± Guan-shi appeared a bit anxious. Before she finished talking, a group of officials appeared from outside, each and every one of them carried a long de in their waists and without scruples, they directly dashed into the front hall. They asked: ¡°Eldest master Ye and second master Ye?¡±

    Ye Ming Xuan said: ¡°Here. What is the matter, official?¡±

    ¡°Magistrate Tong invites the two of you to make a trip,¡± the head official said: ¡°two masters, please.¡±

    ¡°Make a trip? Where to? What happened?¡± Ye Ming Yu was not afraid of the government official and promptly moved forward to speak. ¡°Why just invited the two of them? What do you mean?¡±

    That official sized Ye Ming Yu up and down. Ye Ming Yu was dressed like a peddler, his body had the air of rivers andkes. If they were not people who knew the third master Ye, they would simply think that Ye Ming Yu was an insignificant person. He only said: ¡°This humble person is just doing his work. These questions are still better for the two masters to please discuss with Magistrate Tong.¡± He was actually somewhat arrogant.

    Jiang Li felt odd, ording to the Ye family¡¯s business, even though it would not go as far as restraining fear in everybody, it would not incur being bullied by others. While the local official named Magistrate Tong, it absolutely was not necessary to be this rude to the Ye family. Government officials were always looking whether the dish could be eaten. This sort of attitude must be because Magistrate Tong was conveying the message that there¡¯s nothing to fear from the Ye family.

    Why was Magistrate Tong acting like this, as if he was secure in the knowledge that he had a backing.

 Chapter 97 Part 4

    Chapter 97 Part 4: Magistrate

    Ye Ming Yu still wanted to make trouble but was stopped by Ye Ming Hui¡¯s hands. Ye Ming Hui was the Ye family¡¯s head and had been calmer than others from the start. He cupped his hands in greetings towards the officials and said: ¡°Since the officials are handling affairs, it¡¯s fine for us to make a trip. Please let me instruct my family members for a while.¡±

    He first looked at Jiang Li and said: ¡°At first thinking of bringing you to see the old madam but this matter came up halfway. Ah Li, could only ask you to wait a little bit more.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Jiang Li said with a smile.

    He once again looked at Ye Ming Yu and said: ¡°Ming Yu, you don¡¯t care about the family¡¯s business, then just protect the family carefully, ok?! Whatever happens in Li Zheng Tang, just hand it over to Jia Er and Ru Feng to handle. This time is also a good opportunity to tamper the brother and sister. As for Ming Xuan and I, don¡¯t tell the old madam that we are going to see Magistrate Tong. Remember.¡±

    Zhuo-shi looked at the official: ¡°Sir official, this..... My older brother and husband, when can they return?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t answer this question.¡± The official asked Ye Ming Hui: ¡°Eldest master Ye, have you instructed clearly? Let¡¯s go when you are done.¡±

    Ye Ming Hui no longer said anything. He just consoled both Guan-shi and Zhao-shi a bit, assured them that both Ye Ming Xuan and him would return quickly then left with the officials.

    After the government officials walked out, for a time, the Ye family members were at a loss.

    This came so suddenly, nobody could anticipate this. Ye Jia Er mumbled: ¡°My father and eldest uncle....... They should be fine, right?!¡±

    ¡°They are fine.¡± Jiang Liforted her: ¡°Uncle Ming Hui already said they would return quickly.¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Ye Jia Er shook her head, ¡°Eldest uncle has never said these words before. Even more unlikely to instruct anything. Today he specially instructed Ru Feng and I to handle Li Zheng Tang¡¯s affairs....... He has already sensed that he will note back so quickly....... He has this premonition.¡±

    This was also true, the words said by Ye Ming Hui after, the arrangements in his words, seemed that he¡¯s certain that he could not return to the Ye house for the time being.

    ¡°What is actually happening here?¡± Zhuo-shi said: ¡°Without rhyme or reason, why did Magistrate Tong call to the door?¡±

    Although nobody knew what actually happened, being picked up by officials at home, no matter how you looked at it, wasn¡¯t a good thing. In any case, it must not be Magistrate Tong inviting them to drink tea and chat.

    ¡°It must be about the ancient fragrant satin.¡± Ye Ru Feng clenched his teeth, ¡°the ready-made clothes shops suppressed it before, and the people who met with mishap when putting on the ancient fragrant satin were not a lot. But now....... Other ready-made clothes shops no longer have transactions with Li Zheng Tang. Sooner orter, the thing about ancient fragrant satin will circte and when themon people be aware of this, it¡¯s unlikely that they will leave the matter at that. In order to calm themon people, the magistrate will certainly attack the Ye family.¡±

    Jiang Li sat up and took notice of Ye Ru Feng this time. She thought Ye Ru Feng was rather childish, straightforward and impulsive. Also liked to show anger on his face, unlike Ye Shijie¡¯s intelligence. Now it seemed that Ye Ru Feng was also someone with a clear mind, able to tell the ins and outs of things at a nce.

    The three grandchildren of the Ye family were not a mediocre generation at all. Ye Shijie had an outstanding talent and learning, having quite a skill as a government official. Ye Jia Er was generous and steady, calm in any public setting. Ye Ru Feng was also quite bright. As such, it¡¯s improbable for the Ye family to suffer a defeat. It¡¯s the right choice to have the Ye family as a backing.

    ¡°Older brother is right.¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°I also guessed that it¡¯s due to Li Zheng Tang¡¯s affairs.¡±

    Ye Ru Feng harrumphed.

    ¡°But this Magistrate Tong, is his name Tong Zhi Yang?¡±

    ¡°How do you know?¡± asked Ye Ming Yu. Jiang Li was a youngdy from Yanjing and had never been to Xiangyang. Knowing the name of the magistrate in Xiangyang indeed made people have different thoughts.

    ¡°He has a brother-inw,¡± Jiang Li smiled and said: ¡°serving as a Zhong Guan Ling in Yanjing.¡±

    ¡°What does a Zhong Guan Ling do?¡± The Ye family was a merchant family, not very clear with the positions in government official

    ¡°He¡¯a person responsible in minting money.¡± Jiang Li exined.

    Only then did the Ye family understand. Ye Ming Yu said: ¡°Didn¡¯t expect you to even know his brother-inw. Ah Li, Tong Zhi Yang should not be a high ranking official, right?!¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not.¡± Jiang Li said with a smile: ¡°In the Jiang family, you will inevitably hear a bit.¡±

    She secretly thought, Tong Zhi Yang had a brother-inw serving as a Zhong Guan Ling, the most significant point was that this brother-inw was the Right Prime Minister¡¯s person and walked very close with Li Lian.

    In the final analysis, Tong Zhi Yang could be said as the person under the Right Prime Minister.

    ......

    In a courtyard in Xiangyang, a person was talking inside the room.

    ¡°Master, Tong Zhi Yang has moved.¡± Lu Ji said.

    Ji Heng was sitting on a chair and looking at a scroll. When he heard, he paused before saying: ¡°It¡¯s a bit early.¡±

    ¡°This subordinate also thinks that it¡¯s a bit early.¡± Lu Ji gently stroked his beard, ¡°It¡¯s said that they directly rushed into the Ye family¡¯s front hall and captured the people, the movement was not small at all. Now the matters can no longer be concealed, the entire Xiangyang already knows.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s no surprise.¡± Ji Hengughed: ¡°Doing it to show Li Lian, the movement must not be small.¡±

    ¡°Heard that Jiang second miss was also present.¡± Lu Ji said: ¡°But Jiang second miss did not move. Probably, Jiang second miss could not interfere in the project this time, no trouble wille up.¡± At first, ording tomon sense, Jiang Li definitely could not intervene, there¡¯s no way of oveing the crisis. But from beginning to now, Jiang Li managed to smash the ns several times. Lu Ji also didn¡¯t dare to be so sure, Jiang second miss must not be regarded like other ordinary people.

    ¡°Not necessarily,¡± Ji Heng smiled, his eyes roaming clearly. He put the scroll in his hand to one side, ¡°can¡¯t underestimate her.¡±

    ¡°Very much don¡¯t dare to underestimate her.¡± Lu Ji smiled and said: ¡°But this thing of the Ye family, Li Lian has begun to n and prepare since long ago. Now Ye Ming Hui and Ye Ming Xuan are not there, the Ye family is just like loose sand. That Ye Ming Yu cannot do much. If the problems urring with the ancient fragrant satin spread, Li Zheng Tang can¡¯t be kept. In the next step, the Ye family will be forced to a stage where they have nowhere to go and so the Li family¡¯s opportunity arrives.¡±

    ¡°Lu Ji, don¡¯t treat people as idiots.¡± Ji Heng lightly shook the folding fan in his hand. Along with the movement of his hand, the peony golden threads bloomed and flowed, casting arge flickering shadow.

    ¡°The Li family¡¯s n wasn¡¯t wless, it¡¯s not necessarily that nobody would think of it.¡±

    ¡°The y has not yet sung to the end, don¡¯t dare to say that it¡¯s brilliant.¡± He smiled softly.

 Chapter 98 Part 1

    Chapter 98 Part 1: Disturbance

    In the Ye family, after the Ye Ming Hui brothers left, the Ye family were somewhat silent.

    Old madam Ye¡¯s health was not good and she had not been able to get out of bed nowadays. Nobody dared to mention this to her. Zhuo-shi and Guan-shi had to force a smile when they took care of old madam Ye so she would not discover any clues. Old madam Ye¡¯s health had improved with great difficulty, they must not let this ruin everything.

    Pertaining to what Jiang Li said about Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s brother-inw who was a Zhong Guan Ling in Yanjing, aside from letting people be astonished that Jiang Li had a clear memory of what these people do as officials, it didn¡¯t interest the Ye family.

    But Jiang Li didn¡¯t think so. The Li family and Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s rtionship could be pulled with a Zhong Guan Ling. Such a close rtionship, it¡¯s very difficult to not let her think more.

    It¡¯s just that she¡¯s afraid the Ye family people would not believe if she mentioned this to the Ye family.

    After returning to her courtyard, Jiang Li sat in the room and thought hard.

    Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue did not dare to disturb her and quietly retreated outside. Due to Ye Ming Hui and Ye Ming Xuan¡¯s matters, the people under the Ye family were also much more taciturn. The whole residence instantly became more depressed. As if there¡¯s an unseen haze shrouding everyone¡¯s hearts, making people listless.

    As the saying goes, the truth will be seen in trials and tribtions. Although nobody wanted the Ye family to meet with mishap, for Jiang Li, it wasn¡¯t necessarily not an opportunity. To melt a block of ice, it¡¯s doable to not do anything and just let it melt slowly. But too much time will be spent. Moreover, what shecked most was precisely time. Supposed this time the Ye family met with mishap, she could exert her capability, and be able to help the Ye family to break out of the crisis, perhaps afterwards, the previous estrangement would, for the most part, disappear.

    At that time, with the Ye family, ¡°repairing old rtionships¡± would be an easy matter.

    However, at present, the first thing to handle clearly was the thing pertaining to the Ye family¡¯s ancient fragrant satin and get to the bottom of the matter as to what actually happened. Jiang Li vaguely smelled a conspiracy. So far, she only suspected that this matter was rted to the Right Minister Li family, but there wasn¡¯t any evidence.

    She could only wait for the two brothers to return to the residence before discussing it.

    ......

    Ye Ming Hui and Ye Ming Xuan did not return to the house that night.

    Not only that, they seemed to have vanished in the following days. At first, Guan-shi and Zhuo-shi were still waiting anxiously in the house. After several days passed by, there wasn¡¯t even any news and the two people were unable to hold back. They personally went to the government office to look for Magistrate Tong, wanting to understand clearly what actually happened.

    But Magistrate Tong did not meet with Guan-shi, only made the guard by his side toe out and be the spearhead, saying that the eldest master Ye and the second master Ye were staying in the government office as guests. The matters were not yet done, when the matters werepleted, they would naturally return home.

    Despite Guan-shi¡¯s usual smooth handling of things on normal days, she also felt helpless when facing this slick Tong Zhi Yang. She turned around andined to Zhuo-shi: ¡°I can¡¯t even see Tong Zhi Yang! Not to mention asking about the master and the second brother, I see Tong Zhi Yang is clearly being deliberate. He already knew from earlier that I would drop in, so he avoided and did not meet!¡±

    Zhuo-shi was a little timid. After listening, she was deeply worried and said: ¡°In the end, what does he want to do? Capturing the masters and holding them in the government office, I don¡¯t know how they get by? He wouldn¡¯t secretly use torture on them right? I¡¯ve heard before there¡¯s an official holding people in the prison to torture.¡±

    When this words were heard by Ye Ming Yu, he shouted loudly at once and angrily said: ¡°Use torture? They are eating bear¡¯s heart and leopard¡¯s gall! Eldest sister-inw, second sister-inw, the two of you just wait. Isn¡¯t Tong Zhi Yang refusing to meet? I¡¯ll burst inside! I¡¯ll use a knife on his neck, see if he is willing to meet or not!¡±

    Guan-shi and Zhuo-shi simultaneously shouted not to, but Ye Ming Yu was not someone they could block. He directly chose a fine horse outside and rode off without a second thought. He looked like he was going to find Tong Zhi Yang to settle the ount.

    Ye Ming Yu had quite a heavy river andkes air in his body, not knowing that not everything on earth could be solved with the fists. Jiang Li, who rushed into the front hall after receiving the news, saw Guan-shi and Zhuo-shi in the middle ofmanding people to chase after Ye Ming Yu. It¡¯s still unknown whether they could catch up to him.

    Ye Jia Er and Ye Ru Feng also rushed over. After learning of the whole sequence of events, Ye Ru Feng did notment and immediately said: ¡°I¡¯ll go and look for the third uncle!¡±

    ¡°Ru Feng!¡± Zhuo-shi pulled him, ¡°Don¡¯t add more trouble at this time! There isn¡¯t a single male in the house right now, only weak women remain. This is really....... really, aish!¡±

    Ye Jia Er was also feeling extremely difficult. Seeing Jiang Li standing on one side, she soon came over and said in a low voice: ¡°Younger sister also feels it¡¯s unimaginable, right?!¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡± Jiang Li nodded, ¡°Before I came to the Ye residence, I didn¡¯t know that the Ye family would have this trouble and still thought that the Ye family¡¯s life in Xiangyang was very good.¡±

    ¡°The Ye family really lived very well in Xiangyang, but that was a few months prior.¡± Ye Jia Erughed bitterly. ¡°But as you see now, everyone says, prosperity is bound to decline. Could it be that my Ye family has reached the time of decline?¡±

    The loss could not be concealed in Ye Jia Er¡¯s tone. Though she was usually magnanimous and easy-mannered, her age was still young after all. Abruptly running into this matter, especially it was the eldest uncle and father both being arrested and not knowing the present situation, she would more or less be affected. Jiang Li saw the blue ck under her eye, these days she must have not had a good night sleep.

    ¡°Man can conquer nature, there isn¡¯t a time when it should or should not be. Moreover, the Ye family did not do evil, God would treat the Ye family well.¡± Jiang Liforted her. When the consoling words came out, she wanted tough. God would not treat a person well just because a person was good. In her previous life, which one of the Xue family was not an upright person in their whole life? Yet in the end, they ended up alone and helpless. The heavens were unreliable, it¡¯s better to rely on oneself.

    She set her mind and said to Ye Jia Er: ¡°Older sister, don¡¯t be discouraged and say something in a moment of anger. In my opinion, the eldest uncle and second uncle won¡¯t have any idents in the government office. If they really wanted to harm them, there would already be indications from an earlier time. This kind of hiding and concealing, on the contrary, looked like making a deal. My guess is, Tong Zhi Yang not agreeing to let aunts meet uncles is for the purpose of waiting for a good offer.¡±

 Chapter 98 Part 2

    Chapter 98 Part 2: Disturbance

    ¡°Waiting for a good offer?¡± Ye Jia Er was puzzled.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t there such things in the business world? Many businesses won¡¯t be sessful in one stroke, there¡¯s help in the process. Mutually sticking with each other, giving in a bit to each other, until both parties could ept the price. At this time, just see whose bargaining chips are stronger. The person who has a stronger bargaining chip feels secure and has no fear, thus has the patience. Once the other party is flustered and couldn¡¯t restrain their emotion, they would unconsciously yield first and give in more.¡±

    Ye Jia Er understood in a sh and said: ¡°You are saying that at the moment, Magistrate Tong and our Ye family are just as if they are in the middle of doing business. Magistrate Tong doesn¡¯t let our family members meet with father and eldest uncle so we get anxious, can¡¯t keep our calm and make a move to concede. At this time, we will ept any terms that Magistrate Tong proposes.¡±

    ¡°Precisely this reasoning.¡± Jiang Li said with a smile, Ye Jia Er was very smart.

    ¡°But, what actually Magistrate Tong wants with us?¡± Ye Jia Er was still puzzled, ¡°He arrested our family members, what is he thinking of doing?¡± Unwittingly, Ye Jia Er had habitually discussed with Jiang Li when encountering a problem. After all, Guan-shi and Zhuo-shi did not pay attention to business matters. Ye Ru Feng was also, in the end, still a bit younger. Looking around, inside the room, there was only Jiang Li who she could talk to.

    ¡°This, we have to see what kind of condition Tong Zhi Yang will put forward.¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, if Tong Zhi Yang truly has the mind to make a deal, he will soon put his term forward. Just need to wait.¡±

    Ye Jia Er saw that had the look of having a card up her sleeve and seemed to have found a backbone. She also involuntarily and slowly calmed down. The tension on her face slightly eased and she joked: ¡°But why younger sister keeps on saying the surname Tong magistrate¡¯s name. If others heard.......¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s just a prefectural magistrate,¡± Jiang Li¡¯s brows and eyes curved in a smile, carrying a bit of ignorance and naivety, ¡°my father is the chief assistant. Even if I am addressing him by his name in front of his face, no matter how dissatisfied he is in his heart, he could only behave and tuck his tail between his legs.¡±

    Ye Jia Er was stunned, Ye Ru Feng also looked over at Jiang Li.

    Although they¡¯d known this younger sister¡¯s ¡°glorious achievements¡± from early on, Jiang Li had always been gentle and considerate since she arrived in the Ye residence. This made people feel that she had no rtionship with the venomous di daughter in the rumor. Over time, everyone felt that Jiang Li¡¯s nature was very good and her temper was soft. But this moment, the contempt she showed when she mentioned Tong Zhi Yang was truly seen by Ye Jia Er and Ye Ru Feng.

    Jiang Li really looked down on Tong Zhi Yang.

    Jiang Li looking down on Tong Zhi Yang not because he was a mere prefectural magistrate. This person, Tong Zhi Yang, leaned on his younger sister¡¯s husband to get the position of the prefectural magistrate, and also receive benefits from his wife¡¯s light. On the surface, he lookedpletely henpecked, but in truth, he raised an outside room who had even given birth to a child.

    At the end of the year, the county deputy would go to Magistrate Tong for appraisal. Xue Huai Yuan had clean hands, unlike other county deputies who sent silver to Tong Zhi Yang. Thus, Tong Zhi Yang deliberately found mistakes in Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s work. Xue Zhao couldn¡¯t just sit and watch, and wanted to catch Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s pigtail. Unexpectedly, he discovered this secret and used this secret to threaten Tong Zhi Yang so he would stop finding trouble for Xue Huai Yuan.

    Xue Huai Yuan didn¡¯t know about Xue Zhao¡¯s deed and merely felt weird that Tong Zhi Yang didn¡¯t trouble him in the next few years. In fact, if it weren¡¯t for Xue Zhao to stumble into Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s secret, it would be hard to tell how many years Xue Huai Yuan could still be a county deputy. ording to Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s pettiness, he certainly would find an excuse to make Xue Huai Yuan lose his official hat.

    Jiang Li was disdainful of people like Tong Zhi Yang. She never thought the Ye family would run into Tong Zhi Yang. Naturally she didn¡¯t have a good face.

    Guan-shi said to Zhuo-shi: ¡°Why are the people pursuing old three have not returned yet? Perhaps they couldn¡¯t stop him?¡±

    ¡°Most probably.¡± Zhuo-shi was somewhat nervous, ¡°The third brother has good martial arts, the bodyguards in our house can¡¯tpare. If at that time he wants to look for Magistrate Tong to settle the ount, presumably he left in a hurry..... Hopefully won¡¯t stir up any disaster. While at this critical juncture, no more problems should arise.¡±

    ¡°No, I have to go to the government office.¡± Guan-shi got up hurriedly, ¡°how could the house¡¯s bodyguards persuade old three? That temper of old three..... I¡¯ll go and see.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go with you.¡± Zhuo-shi said.

    The two people were about to leave when in the doorway, Ah Fu ran in a hurry. These days he and Ah Shun were busy at Li Zheng Tang and they were not needed at the house.

    ¡°Ah Fu, what happened to you?¡± Zhuo-shi was startled.

    Jiang Li looked over and saw that for the most part, Ah Fu¡¯s clothes were torn apart, tattered and in a mess. It¡¯s unknown whether his face had eaten a fist1 or suffered a p, it was blue and red, and there¡¯s bloodstain at the corner of his mouth. His hair was even more unpresentable and in disarray. Looking at him, it was as if he just fought a round with someone.

    ¡°Eldest madam, second madam, it¡¯s not good.¡± Ah Fu gasped. He said thisboriously before stopping for a while, speaking seemed to be very strenuous. After half a day, he continued speaking: ¡°Li Zheng Tang, Li Zheng Tang is smashed by people. The bodyguards couldn¡¯t block, the shopkeeper was surrounded by people, Ah Shun is still there guarding. Those people immediately smashed things when they came in and didn¡¯t stop after smashing. Even Li Zheng Tang¡¯s signboard was smashed. Madam, you better go and see!¡±

    He finished speaking in one breath.

    ¡°Li Zheng Tang is smashed by people?¡± Zhuo-shi nearly fainted.

    ¡°Exactly.¡± Ah Fu pulled his clothes, ¡°if this humble servant isn¡¯t small in size and able to slip away quickly, wouldn¡¯t be able to return to the residence to notify. Those people smashed in anger and not a single person from Li Zheng Tang was allowed to go out.¡±

    ¡°Ah Fu,¡± Jiang Li asked: ¡°what kind of people came to smash the shop?¡±

    Li Zheng Tang was the Ye family¡¯s business. No one in Xiangyang was not aware of the Ye family. Dared to go to Li Zheng Tang and smash the shop, the courage was not small.

    At this moment, Ah Fu couldn¡¯t deal with whether or not the person asking was the miss cousin who needed to be guarded against. He straightaway replied: ¡°It¡¯s just somemon people.¡±

    ¡°Where do the wicked peoplee from, dare to behave atrociously in Li Zheng Tang and provoke trouble!¡± Ye Ru Feng flew into a rage, ¡°why didn¡¯t you report it to the authorities?¡±

    ¡°The government officials arrested and are holding our master. Young master, their door is shut for our report.¡± Ah Fu answered mournfully.

    Footnotes:

    1: Eaten a fist: punched 1.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 98 Part 3

    Chapter 98 Part 3: Disturbance

    Jiang Li asked: ¡°Then for what reason did they smash the shop? Without any cause, did Li Zheng Tang provoke them? Why did theye and cause trouble?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s said that it¡¯s because of the ancient fragrant satin matter.¡± Ah Fu¡¯splexion was somewhat grave, ¡°the ordinary people that came said that rashes came up after wearing the clothes made from our ancient fragrant satin. Now the ready-made clothes shops no longer ept our ancient fragrant satin, but the batch that hase out still inflicted disaster. A few days ago, someone wore the ancient fragrant satin and died.¡±

    Died?

    Ye Jia Er covered her mouth. As a merchant¡¯s daughter, she understood clearly, once the rumor that ¡°ancient fragrant satin causes people to die¡± came out, there was no longer any possibility for the Ye family to turn over.

    And now, this rumor had already circted.

    Zhuo-shi and Guan-shi almost copsed.

    Ye Ru Feng tightly clenched his fists.

    Ah Fu looked at the people in the room and, unknown as to why, he unexpectedly felt deste. Currently, eldest master Ye and second master Ye were invited into the government office. The third master Ye had earlier gone to look for people and it¡¯s not known how he was now while old madam Ye was sick and bed-ridden. The remaining people in the room, Ye Ru Feng was still young and tender and the other people were weak women. The Ye family¡¯s crisis wasing in a torrential rush but what should be done?

    ¡°I¡¯m going to Li Zheng Tang.¡± Ye Ru Feng said.

    ¡°Ru Feng, what can you do by going at this time?¡± Zhuo-shi stopped him.

    ¡°Mother, what can I also do by not going? Li Zheng Tang is the foundationid down by our ancestors, it cannot be destroyed in our hands. I am the only male in the house now, I want to go.¡± He said: ¡°I must go.¡±

    Zhuo-shi released his hand in a daze.

    Jiang Li had a bit of appreciation. Even though Ye Ru Feng really didn¡¯t look that mature, he could recognize his responsibility and duty, which was a rare quality. Not shrinking back during a crucial time, this point resembled Xue Zhao very much.

    Her gaze suddenly turned soft.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t I go together with you.¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, I¡¯ll think of a way.¡±

    ¡°You.....¡± Ye Ru Feng was about to speak but Ye Jia Er already pulled Jiang Li¡¯s hand: ¡°I¡¯m going too.¡±

    ......

    At this moment, there¡¯s chaos outside of Li Zheng Tang.

    The street was encircled by an imprable crowd, the surrounding shops¡¯ shopkeepers were reclining by their doorways, watching the y. Previously, Li Zheng Tang stood on the bestnd in Xiangyang, the business was excellent and inevitably made people jealous. People of the same profession hold each other in low regard, even if they are not of the same profession, many will also be jealous. Now, as they witnessed Li Zheng Tang go out of luck, they sympathized on the outside, but their hearts couldn¡¯t help being extremely delighted.

    Couldn¡¯t stand the sight of people doing well.

    Ah Shun was blocking the door. Although he wasn¡¯t very tall, he had followed Ye Ming Yu and traveled extensively in thest few years, thus more or less knew a bit of martial arts. He also gave out the vibe of being a person of the rivers andkes. The doors of Li Zheng Tang were not destroyed precisely because of him guarding. Despite that, the cabs near the doors were thoroughly smashed, the cloths torn to shreds andid on the ground in disarray. The excited crowd flocked and new people kepting incessantly, their hands holding wooden sticks.

    It¡¯s hard for two fists to resist four hands. If this continued, he would soon be unable to continue blocking.

    Ah Shun was bitter inside. It would be pretty good if Ye Ming Yu was here, he could probably scare the people. But Ye Ming Yu, contrary to expectations, disappeared at this time. Even if he exerted the utmost effort, just by him alone, it¡¯s impossible to block the constant crowd that came.

    There were servants dispatched by big families in the crowd, alsomon people who didn¡¯t look like rich families. Each and every one was shouting in anger.

    ¡°The Ye family kill for money, wearing ancient fragrant satin makes people dead!¡±

    ¡°Fraudulent Ye family! Call the person in charge of the Ye family toe out!¡±

    ¡°The Ye family must not have a good death!¡±

    The Ye family was kind and charitable in Xiangyang, never swindling guests. This was the first time encountering this evil reputation. Ah Shun¡¯s head ached and his eyes dimmed upon hearing. Someone pulled their sleeves back to let the people see the dense red rashes on his arm, drawing surprised cries from the surroundings. As a result, the actions of smashing the shops grew harsher and wilder.

    Ye Jia Er and the others had just arrived at Li Zheng Tang and precisely saw this scene.

    Guan-shi and Zhuo-shi did note. Guan-shi went to the government office to find Ye Ming Yu, while Zhuo-shi stayed at home to wait for news. Before leaving, Jiang Li called out all the Jiang family bodyguards that came along with her.

    Fortunately, Jiang Li ordered all the bodyguards out. Because when their group had just arrived in Li Zheng Tang, someone spotted them and immediately said: ¡°The Ye family¡¯s youngdy and the Ye family¡¯s young master are here!¡±

    All at once, the crowd, without any exception, ran towards them in torrents. Upon seeing this, Ah Shun secretly shouted ¡°not good¡± in his heart. However, soon the bodyguards behind Jiang Li all of a sudden simultaneously brought their shining des out with a swish.

    The bodyguards of the chief assistant¡¯s family didn¡¯t seem to speak or smile much,pared to the bodyguards of the Ye family. It¡¯s still possible to casually take them out to scare people. At least there wasn¡¯t much difference with the government officials who came to the Ye family home to arrest people. People bullied the soft and afraid of the strong. Looking at so many devilish bodyguards, they unconsciously stopped.

    There¡¯s timidity in their heart and they did not dare to advance.

    Ah Shun and the shopkeeper rxed their breaths. If the young master, the youngdy and the miss cousin from the capital met with something here today, they, as the subordinates, certainly could not escape the me.

    The bodyguards protected Jiang Li and the others as they walked over to Li Zheng Tang. Thosemon people who were causing trouble were still thinking of following, but were afraid of the long des in the bodyguards¡¯ hands. Thus they could only do what everyone else was doing and came to the encirclement.

    When they reached Li Zheng Tang¡¯s doors, Jiang Li took a look inside the doors. The interior was already a mess. Shopkeeper Qian was holding a handkerchief to cover his forehead that was oozing blood, probably hit by something. It seemed that these people creating disturbances came to him abruptly. The people who got hit in Li Zheng Tang were caught unprepared.

    ¡°Everyone.......¡± Ye Ru Feng picked up his courage to say: ¡°You must not be anxious, be a bit calmer. I¡¯m the Ye family¡¯s young master, if there¡¯s anything, sit down and discuss it properly. The Ye family will not avoid responsibility.....¡±

    Before he finished his speech, an egg flew towards Ye Ru Feng to smash him. It was blocked by Jiang Li¡¯s bodyguards, otherwise Ye Ru Feng would have already beenpletely hit by it.

    ¡°What will not avoid responsibility. Your ancient fragrant satin made people die, you harmed human lives, and still want to cheat the money of themon people in Xiangyang. What you swindled is ck money, that is a life debt!¡±

 Chapter 98 Part 4

    Chapter 98 Part 4: Disturbance

    Instantly, Ye Ru Feng¡¯s face turned red through and through. Before, everyone in Xiangyang praised the Ye family when mentioned. He, as the young master, naturally also received their respect. However, nowadays, they seemed to have be the target of everyone¡¯s scorn. The contempt in themon people¡¯s eyes was true and absolute. They fought against him.

    The young boy had not yet experienced this kind of thing. He was at a loss, could notprehend, and there¡¯s a feeling of cold dejection. No one was willing to believe him, he felt the coldness of the indifference in society, that was too cold.

    Ye Jia Er was a bit older than Ye Ru Feng. Even though she loved the younger brother dearly, at present, she couldn¡¯tfort him. She stood out and said: ¡°Everybody, I don¡¯t know where the saying that ancient fragrant satin causes people to diee from. We haven¡¯t finished investigating this matter. In Xiangyang, the Ye family has done business for many years, its reputation is clear to all. We will not deceive you.¡±

    But these words were immediately drowned by the mor. Jiang Li even caught sight of someone stooping to pick up a stone, wanting to hurl it towards Ye Jia Er.

    Jiang Li hurriedly pulled Ye Jia Er behind the bodyguards.

    ¡°Who said that ancient fragrant satin causes people to die when worn?¡± The sharp and clear female voice had a touch of coldness. It wasn¡¯t loud, yet seemed to have a prating power that passed through everyone¡¯s ears clearly.

    Everyone looked ahead.

    Soon they saw a maiden, whom nobody knew where she came from, standing in front of the bodyguards. She was clothed in a deep and light cyan dress, especially neat, her features were beautiful and tender, clear and lovely.

    Perhaps the change of identity between ¡°a chief assistant¡¯s noble daughter¡± and ¡°a merchant¡¯s youngdy¡± before made the feeling somewhat distinctly not alike. Thosemon people had the courage to throw stones at the Ye family, but confronting this seemingly gentle youngdy, they did not dare to open their mouths and let out malicious words as if they were afraid of the consequences.

    Perhaps, there¡¯s an unscrupulous air emanating from Jiang Li¡¯s body.

    ¡°Who are you? There¡¯s a problem with ancient fragrant satin, this is something that everybody knows. Look at us!¡± That man probably wanted to shame Jiang Li, this little girl, and pulled his sleeve to show Jiang Li the dense rash on his arm.

    Maybe he thought that Jiang Li would panic and blocked her eyes. However, Jiang Li merely took an indifferent nce at his naked arm, as if looking at a teacup, a bowl, or a small oilmp, there wasn¡¯t any fluctuation.

    ¡°Oh.¡± She faintly said before immediately taking out a short dagger from her sleeve.

    The surrounding crowd were startled and involuntarily took a step back. This little girl right away took a dagger after shing verbally, she is not thinking of killing people, right?! Although they kept on saying that the Ye family murdered people, they were clear in their hearts that in broad daylight, the Ye family would not kill people.

    ¡°Cousin¡ª¡ª¡± Ye Jia Er was about to dissuade her anxiously.

    However, she saw Jiang Li unexpectedly put the dagger under her hand and with a ¡°riiip¡±, she directly cut a piece of the fabric.

    She casually threw the material to the man who pulled his sleeve up which the man subconsciously caught.

    ¡°Everyone may as well see, I am also wearing ancient fragrant satin, but there¡¯s no rashes appearing on me. If you don¡¯t believe, that sister-inw1 over there cane over to verify.¡± Jiang Li said.

    Ye Jia Er and Ye Ru Feng were stunned. They were not aware that the clothes Jiang Li was wearing was made from ancient fragrant satin. They left in a hurry today, who would still take note of what Jiang Li was wearing. However, when Jiang Li arrived in Xiangyang, an ident already urred involving the ancient fragrant satin, even Li Zheng Hall no longer sold the ancient fragrant satin. It¡¯s not possible for Jiang Li to get a half bolt or a bolt. Then this must certainly be bought in the capital.

    Jiang Li saw the expressions of themon people eased a little and she rxed slightly.

    She discovered this clothes among the gifts she brought to Xiangyang. Yesterday, Tong¡¯er was looking for clothes for her and coincidentally saw the clothes Jiang Li wanted. Jiang Li¡¯s heart stirred, she didn¡¯t think that this would be used so fast.

    Ancient fragrant satin was worth a lot, themon people who could afford them could at least be considered as not impoverished families, but it was also not a small number. Many bought them as gifts; so after spending so much money and there¡¯s problems with the gifts, naturally these people would not take it lying down.

    Nothing was more convincing than wearing it yourself. Jiang Li heard Xue Huai Yuan once said, if the knife did not cut their own body, a person would forever not know the pain. Themon people¡¯s words, it wasn¡¯t that simple to just sympathize. But if you could make themon people believe that you were truly aware of their feelings, many things could be resolved.

    No one came to check Jiang Li¡¯s arm. Perhaps it was because of Jiang Li¡¯s magnanimous expression which made people can¡¯t help but believe that the arm under the sleeve was just as fair as her face.

    There were also some people who didn¡¯t believe Jiang Li, picked up the cut fabric and examined it carefully. Finally they nodded: ¡°It¡¯s indeed ancient fragrant satin.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled: ¡°Look, if ancient fragrant satin really has problems, I will never wear it and seek death, right?¡±

    ¡°How is this impossible?¡± Someone muttered among the crowd, ¡°if by chance you are a fake customer sought by the Ye family who got paid to put on a y on behalf of the Ye family, then what can a life be regarded as?¡±

    Before Jiang Li could speak, Tong¡¯er by her side immediately blew her top: ¡°Rubbish! Our family¡¯s youngdy¡¯s life is much more valuable than money!¡± However, her mouth was still tight and did not dere Jiang Li¡¯s identity.

    The people in Xiangyang had never seen Jiang Li and did not know who Jiang Li was. Hearing Ye Jia Er called Jiang Li, cousin, they thought that Jiang Li was the Ye family¡¯s distant rtive who came to seek shelter in the Ye family.

    Jiang Li said: ¡°Indeed it¡¯s not worthwhile for me to act as the Ye family¡¯s fake customer. My life could be said to be worth more than this Li Zheng Tang.¡±

    ¡°Who are you in the end?¡± Someone asked mockingly: ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you are a princess?¡±

    Mentioning the word ¡°princess¡± made Jiang Li¡¯s face sank a little. Very quickly, she raised her head and lifted the corners of her mouth. It¡¯s just that her smile was carrying a slight ridicule.

    ¡°I¡¯m not a princess, I¡¯m the capital¡¯s chief assistant, Chief Assistant Jiang¡¯s di daughter, Jiang second.¡± She said.

    The derision in the crowd gradually disappeared.

    Jiang Li¡¯s smile also cooled down.

    In the small teahouse opposite Li Zheng Tang, there¡¯s a beautiful youngster dressed in red drinking tea while watching the crowd.

    The schr in blue shirt, Lu Ji, was standing directly in front of him, watching the current scene in front of Li Zheng Tang. He was frowning slightly: ¡°Unexpectedly, Jiang second miss would step forward for the Ye family.

    Ji Heng supported his chin with one hand, the other hand lightly shook the folding fan. The folding fan was thin, being shaken this carelessly, small gold traces could be vaguely seen.

    ¡°Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s n will not seed.¡± He said.

    Footnotes:

    1: the sister-inw mentioned here is not her actual sis-inw, just calling a stranger politely.

 Chapter 99 Part 1

    Chapter 99 Part 1: Resolve

    Hello! It¡¯s March already! Time flew so fast this year...

    It¡¯s always very busy for me at the beginning of the month with the closing ofst month¡¯s transaction and the nning for the next month finance, so aside from the normal schedule, I noticed there¡¯s always no post for the first Tuesday of the month this year ^^!

    Jiang Li stood calmly at Li Zheng Tang¡¯s entrance.

    When the words ¡°Chief Assistant Jiang¡¯s di daughter¡± came out, the crowd suddenly fell into silence for a period of time.

    After all, Xiangyang wasn¡¯t Yanjing, the capital city. The people in the distant Xiangyang, upon hearing that there¡¯s someone who became an official in Yanjing, were already full of admiration. Not to mention the schrly chief assistant. At this moment, the people recalled the little daughter, Ye Zhen Zhen from the Ye family many years ago. Wasn¡¯t she the one married to the present chief assistant, Jiang Yuan Bai? It¡¯s just that afterwards, Ye Zhen Zhen passed away and the Ye family and the Jiang family did not have any contact with each other for over ten years. Thus the people in Xiangyang gradually tossed this thing into the back of their heads.

    Now, Jiang Li took the initiative to mention her identity. Thinking how Ye Jia Er called Jiang Li with ¡°younger sister¡±, in addition, looking at Jiang Li¡¯s attire and manners that was not like a small family¡¯s youngdy, themon people who were causing disturbances believed seven points.

    ¡°Even if you are the youngdy from the Jiang family, you must not take advantage of your position and bully people!¡± A male with a long, thin face said among the crowd. After saying this sentence, he immediately hid behind a robust man, seemingly wanting to conceal his face.

    ¡°Yes, how can you use your position to bully people!¡±

    ¡°The Jiang family wants to protect their inws, the Ye family. The government officials are colluding with the merchants!¡±

    The words of the long, thin faced man immediately set the crowd on fire again. Ye Jia Er looked at Jiang Li with worry. There¡¯s nothing they could do if something happened to the Ye family, but the people linked the Ye family and the Jiang family together, and also sshed dirty water onto the Jiang family. Jiang Yuan Bai was an important official in Yanjing, if troubles were incurred, how would this be okay.

    Ye Ru Feng also knitted his brows tightly.

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t move, merely standing in her original ce with a smile stered on her face. She didn¡¯t immediately retorted in anger, neither did she treat the words in agreement and lost her head out of fear. Her smile was as t as water, her gaze gentle and soft, but there seemed to be an invisible dignity which made the people quieted down unconsciously when they met her eyes.

    The crowd gradually calmed down.

    Only then did Jiang Li open her mouth to speak. She said: ¡°Our Jiang family, even towards our own daughter, was not lenient. My father is most clear and most just, how would he speak to cover up?¡±

    Everyone then recalled, how many years ago, this noble daughter was sent to the nunnery for harming her mother and murdering her younger brother. So to speak, Jiang Yan Bai indeed was not a person who would shield his close rtives.

    However, she just reminded others about her own misdeeds, was this really okay?

    Ye Jia Er and Ye Ru Feng looked at each other, each of them was somewhat puzzled.

    Jiang Li definitely did not care how other people looked at her. She merely asked: ¡°Dare to ask everyone, how did all of you find out that there¡¯s a problem with the ancient fragrant satin?¡±

    ¡°All the ready-made clothes shops say so!¡± A madam who was at the frontmost replied: ¡°Now the entire Xiangyang already knows that Magistrate Tong brought the Ye family¡¯s eldest master to the government official to try the case!¡±

    Try the case?

    Jiang Li smiled sarcastically in her mind. As it turns out, this was their intention. Her thoughts became clearer and the smile on her face became more sincere. She just said: ¡°I am not aware, since when does the government official take care of matters involving weaving.¡±

    These words had no rhyme nor reason. Someone asked: ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±

    Jiang Li smiled and said: ¡°The highest official in Xiangyang is probably Tong Zhi Yang, this prefectural magistrate. The way I see it, Tong Zhi Yang manages his official duties too widely, even what he should and should not handle is overlooked.¡±

    She addressed Tong Zhi Yang directly by name, frightening the surrounding people, not expecting a girl to be this bold and arrogant. But on second thought, she should dare to just call Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s name in front of his face. After all, there¡¯s a chief assistant¡¯s father backing her up.

    ¡°As a matter of fact, it¡¯s not wrong for Tong Zhi Yang to be in charge of the dead person, but I¡¯ve never heard that the problem with weaving is still handled by this prefectural magistrate. If everything happened only in Xiangyang, then it¡¯s fine, but the Ye family¡¯s ancient fragrant satin is not only sold to the people in Xiangyang, there are many high officials and noble people wearing it in Yanjing. If it was as you said, the ancient fragrant satin causes death to people, it is not a random matter. I think, aside from Xiangyang, the ancient fragrant satin in other ces should have problems too.¡±

    ¡°Then the madams and youngdies in Yanjing are also harmed because of the ancient fragrant satin, then the wave will be very big. Such a huge matter, rted to the life and death of the people in the entire Northern Yan, is grasped in the hand of a minor Tong Zhi Yang. I think he had a huge amount of courage!¡±

    The final words were said with heavy tones, extremely severe, making people¡¯s hearts tremble with fear.

    When Ah Shun heard this, he really wanted to p the table and shout praises at this miss cousin. It¡¯s originally the Ye family¡¯s trouble, being discussed in a few words by Jiang second miss, a good thing seemed to have been achieved. And Jiang Li was even beating Tong Zhi Yang upside down, at this time, scolding Tong Zhi Yang like a dog, making him feel extremely refreshed.

    Both Ah Shun and Ye Ming Yu were like the people of the rivers andkes, hating to see Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s pretentious bureaucratic way. Unfortunately, the Ye family must not offend Tong Zhi Yang. Who let the person to be Xiangyang¡¯s highest official? But Jiang Li dared to speak, dared to scold, and dared to put pressure.

    Just no idea how Tong Zhi Yang would feel when these words reached his ears.

    Sure enough, the words exported by Jiang Li shook many people. One person asked cautiously and solemnly: ¡°Second Miss Jiang, this matter should not be handled by Magistrate Tong, then who should be in charge?¡±

    ¡°Of course it¡¯s the Weaving Unit Government Office in Yanjing. The entire country¡¯s weaving problems are all taken care of by the Weaving Unit Government Office, without exception. If you really say that the Ye family¡¯s ancient fragrant satin has problems, you should write the problem clearly, then send it to the Weaving Unit Government Office through the magistrate. The Weaving Unit Government Office would dispatch an official to go to Xiangyang and investigate this matter thoroughly.¡± Jiang Li said. ¡°Tong Zhi Yang actually directly arrested people to try the case, yet didn¡¯t report the problem to the Weaving Unit at all, what does he actually want to do? Way I see it, he just wants to cover the Ye family!¡±

    ¡°Not only deliberately distort the truth, you see her skill in taking advantage of her position to bully people, she used it very skillfully.¡± Ji Heng said.

    After Jiang Li finished speaking, the crowd was at a loss and absent-minded. All of them weremon people, even if there was a government official, it was just a sesame seed, mung bean official1. How would they know these official positions in Yanjing? They were even more unclear about this weaving manufacture thing. Jiang Li¡¯s speech was organized and thorough, it didn¡¯t seem to be made up.

    Footnotes:

    1: small and insignificant 1.:leftwards_arrow_with_hook:

 Chapter 99 Part 2

    Chapter 99 Part 2: Resolve

    Someone asked: ¡°Second Miss Jiang, the Weaving Unit Government Office can be in charge of this matter?¡±

    ¡°Thend under your feet is thend of Northern Yan. Themoners are the people of the Son of Heaven and the officials are working for the people. The Weaving Unit¡¯s existence is precisely to resolve any problems that arise in the weaving manufacture, so naturally they will handle the matters. It¡¯s just that now Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s actions are very weird, not only failing to report this matter to his superior, but still thinking of resolving this himself. Such a huge matter, has he resolved it?¡± There¡¯s a right amount of disdain in Jiang Li¡¯s tone.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t Magistrate Tong report this matter?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s currently unknown.¡± Jiang Li indicated, ¡°Perhaps Magistrate Tong has been an official in Xiangyang for a long time so he is not clear on the fundamental government order of duties. With the whole world in mind, he wants to use his own effort to do everything.¡± Jiang Liughed sincerely, ¡°Such a good official, when I return to Yanjing, I must inform father and let him know there¡¯s such a person. cing him in Xiangyang as a magistrate is truly wasting his talents.¡±

    The crowd roared withughter at once.

    Everyone could detect the sarcasm in Jiang Li¡¯s words. Even an idiot would know that this Magistrate Tong was afraid to have run into bad luck. Jiang second miss did not look like someone easy to push around. If she brought this matter to Jiang Yuan Bai, naturally Jiang Yuan Bai would realize that Tong Zhi Yang had overstepped his duties.

    ¡°Magistrate Tong worries about the country and the people and wants to try the case himself. But we cannot let him tire himself.¡± Jiang Li mocked, ¡°I have already written a letter to my father about this matter. After he receives the letter, he will personally find the Weaving Unit Office to exin. So very soon, the people from the Weaving Unit Office woulde to Xiangyang.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°I, with the identity of the Jiang family¡¯s miss, swear to all of you.¡± Jiang Li smiled.

    Her eyes bent, her smile was like the blooming of flowers in warm spring, unwittingly softening the hostile atmosphere just now.

    ¡°I believe that everyone here at this moment did note just to smash Li Zheng Tang, but rather to resolve this matter. There are rules to handle things, supposed that the Ye family was truly in the wrong, the Ye family would naturally admit it. But before the Weaving Unit officialse, the Ye family does not want to assume responsibility for a groundless usation. Today, to all the people whoe here, the day is no longer early and it¡¯s been exhausting. What we can do, we will try our best to do it. Tong¡¯er,¡± she instructed the servant girl, ¡°bring the silver bank notes out.¡±

    Jiang Li said: ¡°I¡¯d like to request everyone¡¯s help. I hope that everyone can bring back the ancient fragrant satin that everyone has bought to be kept as evidence. Of course, when you bring it back, we willpensate you with silver. Apart from the original price of the ancient fragrant satin, there will also be somepensation. We are sparing no effort to look for a satisfactory conclusion to this matter. However, we still have to ask everyone to give the Ye family some time. Please believe the Ye family. After all, many years have passed before and there has never been any problems from the Ye family.¡± She said: ¡°Based on the previous friendship, it¡¯s not too much to ask for trust at this time, right?¡±

    She spoke very earnestly.

    The girl speaking seriously looked beautiful, in addition, the solution she proposed was also beautiful, the money was even more beautiful. In the final analysis, the purpose of the people who came today was nothing but to seek money. If there¡¯s really a problem, the Ye family was not a doctor and could not make the red rashes on their body get better. At most they would give money to call a doctor to cure.

    Jiang Li used both carrot and stick, disabling anybody from showing off their cleverness and taking small advantages. The most important thing was they could not do anything in the face of the chief assistant¡¯s daughter.

    Moreover, Jiang Li pushed the root cause onto Tong Zhi Yang. If Tong Zhi Yang had reported to the Weaving Unit earlier, the Ye family¡¯s problem would have been resolved earlier. How would it drag until now?

    Someone said: ¡°Then let¡¯s do it like that. Miss Jiang second, the person from the Weaving Unit muste to Xiangyang must be asked toe faster, okay?!¡±

    ¡°Yes, it must not be dragged any longer.¡±

    Jiang Li said: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, everyone, please pass the ancient fragrant satin you have to us. These will also be given to the Weaving Unit. I¡¯m afraid if they are not given to the Weaving Unit, Magistrate Tong will strive to handle this himself.¡±

    Themonersughed heartily. This time, there wasn¡¯t anymore of the previous hostility, each and every one of them looked for the ancient fragrant satin to pass them to Jiang Li.

    Jiang Li gave an eye signal to Ye Jia Er and she immediately instructed the subordinates to prepare manpower and money. She also rxed a bit. A problem which could be solved with money was not a problem, just treat it as suffering financial loss to avoid disasters. If Jiang Li was not here today to control the situation, a huge trouble might have urred. Before leaving, Ye Ming Hui had specially handed over Li Zheng Tang for the brother and sister. If Ye Ming Hui and Ye Ming Xuan returned to the Ye family and saw the messy Li Zheng Tang, Ye Ru Feng and she would not have the face to see them.

    Thinking up to here, Ye Jia Er¡¯s heart was filled to the brim with gratefulness.

    Ye Ru Feng lookedplicatedly at Jiang Li. Since young, he was aware of the malicious words spewed by Jiang Li towards the Ye family. He also knew her bad reputation of ¡°harming the mother and murdering the younger brother¡±. Thus, Ye Ru Feng loathed Jiang Li extremely and not willing not associate with her. Unexpectedly today, Jiang Li was the one who solved the encirclement on behalf of the Ye family. Although she moved out Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s name, and could be regarded as kicking people around, her calm and collected manner was something that he did not have.

    This person.... Truly made people unable to like nor dislike. Ye Ru Feng was tangled inside.

    Upstairs, in the tearoom across, Ji Heng was looking out. He asked: ¡°What do you think of the y?¡±

    Lu Ji pped his hands and said: ¡°I only know today, a 15 years old girl can have such a big ability. If I didn¡¯t see it with my own eyes, I would think it was just a story someone made up.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Ji Heng softly let out a breath, ¡°15 years old, can already pick a big name and sing a major y.¡±

    ¡°She responded well this time, but isn¡¯t she afraid that Chief Assistant Jiang in the capital would find out about this matter and me it on her?¡± Lu Ji said: ¡°However, Jiang Yuan Bai is a very crafty old fox and would avoid this kind of trouble. On the contrary, his daughter has unexpectedly willingly used her power.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you find out?¡± Ji Heng pointed at the window with his fan, ¡°She deliberately brought Jiang Yuan Bai out.¡±

    ¡°Huh? Because Jiang Yuan Bai is the chief assistant, Tong Zhi Yang will be afraid to some extent? But there¡¯s the Li family behind Tong Zhi Yang.....¡±

    ¡°That is be correct.¡± Ji Heng smiled yfully, ¡°Jiang second miss simply wants the Jiang family and the Li family to face each other, intensifying their contradiction, unable to reconcile.¡±

    Lu Ji stared nkly: ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°That would depend on what she¡¯s nning.¡±

 Chapter 99 Part 3

    Chapter 99 Part 3: Resolve

    While Ji Heng was speaking, Lu Ji suddenly gave a surprise shout.

    On the street not too far away, the girl was standing under the eaves, her gaze urately went through the crowd and without any mistake, fell on the window of this teahouse.

    ¡°We¡¯re discovered.¡± Ji Heng smiled while shaking his fan, ¡°too bad.¡±

    Jiang Li was walking with Tong¡¯er

    For the time being, the trouble at Li Zheng Tang had been resolved with great difficulty and Jiang Li was about to instruct the bodyguards to ask for news on the whereabouts of Ye MIng Yu. This Tong Zhi Yang seemed to be confident, in any case, she was Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s daughter. Just based on Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s identity, Tong Zhi Yang would be a bit more courteous.

    Who knew as Jiang Li just walked out of Li Zheng Tang, she perceived a gaze looking at her. Following her intuition, she looked around and spotted a familiar red gown along with a gentle shaking golden thread fan.

    Ji Heng?

    Why is he here?!

    Jiang Li was shocked and subconsciously thought, Ji Heng should not be following her to Xiangyang, right? It shouldn¡¯t be, not to mention that her trip to Xiangyang this time was on the preface of visiting old madam Ye, even if there¡¯s something doubtful about her action, the stately Duke Su would not go as far as staring at her everyday. This Duke Su was iprehensible, a person who did big things, he wouldn¡¯t be so bored.

    However, Jiang Li nced at the small window of the teahouse, everything that happened in Li Zheng Tang could be seen through the window. This person, Duke Su, loved watching ys the most, he most likely had not missed this y from beginning to end. It was even more likely to say that he had been here even before Jiang Li arrived. He already knew from early on that Li Zheng Tang was wrecked like this and had speciallye to watch the bustling scene.

    Truly annoying.

    Jiang Li took in a deep breath, no matter what Duke Su¡¯s purpose was, she had to go up and meet the other person. Explore the bottom, in the end, what did the other persone for. If they did not intersect with each other, he naturally could watch the y, it¡¯s good if he did not meddle. If they were in conflict to some extent....... She could consider and watch how to go about it.

    Jiang Li said a few sentences to Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue, then she walked over to the teahouse alone.

    ¡°Coming.¡± Lu Ji held his beard, ¡°Master, not going to conceal this from you, at the moment, I have a bit of fear towards this Jiang second miss.¡±

    ¡°What are you afraid of,¡± Ji Heng was turning his folding fan around,¡± it¡¯s just a little girl.¡±

    ¡°Jiang second miss is not an ordinary little girl,¡± Lu Ji also smiled, ¡°gracebined with prestige, that set pattern of bureaucracy, she did it easily. She has learned Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s style perfectly 100%. I just don¡¯t understand, didn¡¯t she stay in the nunnery for eight years? She wasn¡¯t by Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s side for eight years, how did she be this proficient in the practice of officialdom? It¡¯s as if Jiang Yuan Bai had personally taught her. Could it be due to blood rtion, so it¡¯s naturally inherited?¡±

    Ji Heng shot a nce at him: ¡°Even then, not any ordinary people can inherit that exceptionally.¡±

    For outsiders, Jiang Li¡¯s ability appeared really unimaginable. However, although she did not follow by Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s side for eight years, she had in fact, followed by Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s side closely for ten years. Xue Huai Yuan was an honest and upright official, a good official, but it¡¯s not as if Tongxiang had no boot-licking, bad officials. Xue Fang Fei and Xue Zhao had seen many types of officials, more than normal people do. Moreover, because Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s official position was not too high, they could feel things more deeply.

    As the two were talking, a child, the person who showed the way, knocked on the door before Jiang Li entered.

    Once Jiang Li entered the door, she immediately saw Ji Heng and the blue dressed schr she metst time in Jin man Tang.

    ¡°It¡¯s a coincidence,¡± Ji Heng opened his mouth in pretense, ¡°to run into Miss Jiang second in this ce.¡±

    At this time, this person made a look of surprise, Jiang Li refused toment. ording to Ji Heng¡¯s practice of cing spies in all corners of the imperial pce, afraid he had already ascertained the movements in Xiangyang on the first day of his arrival. Her every move and action should all have been right under the eyes of this beautiful snake and scorpion.

    However, if the other party wanted to put on a y, she could only pretend ignorance and go along with them. She smiled and said: ¡°I did not expect to run into Duke Su over here as well.¡± She asked in puzzlement: ¡°For what matter did Duke Sue to Xiangyang?¡±

    Ji Heng looked at her with all smiles. After a long while, he spat out two words: ¡°Work matters.¡±

    Did not say anything, but also equal to saying everything. At least he did note for her. Ji Heng, this person, had a trait, he did not speak the truth. The words he said resembled his pair of charming eyes, no sincerity at all. However, he also did not tell lies, he simply did not say anything at most.

    Jiang Li was relieved. She really did not wish this honorable duke to ce his attention on her. The thing that she was about to do could not be exposed to others, she also did not wish others to know. Especially this honorable duke, he might possibly have rtions with Cheng Wang. The Cheng Wang brother and sister were her enemies, she absolutely did not want to associate with her enemies.

    She could only deal with them patiently.

    ¡°The Ye family seems to be in trouble.¡± Ji Heng looked at the not so distant Li Zheng Tang through the window, ¡°if it weren¡¯t because of you, Li Zheng Tang would have already be ruins.¡±

    He spoke with a tone carrying a bit of regret. Jiang Li couldn¡¯t bear it and blurted out, ¡°Why does the duke seem to really wish for Li Zheng Tang to be ruins?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no way,¡± Ji Heng replied annoyingly, ¡° I love watching ys.¡±

    These words truly made people take offense. Jiang Li replied while smiling insincerely, ¡°The duke truly has a good spirit, anything can be treated as a y.¡±

    ¡°But there are few as marvelous as Miss Jiang second.¡± Ji Heng replied in deadly earnest.

    ¡°I am the same as the duke,¡± Jiang Li smiled while gnashing her teeth in anger, ¡°do not act in a y.¡±

    ¡°Then that¡¯s truly a pity,¡± Ji Heng was regretful, ¡°I still thought there would be a good y to watch when seeing you in Xiangyang this time.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Jiang Li looked at him.

    His beautiful pupils were flowing with brilliance, just like a vortex enticing people to tumble and lose themselves inside. He smirked: ¡°I have a premonition, Miss Jiang second is going to sing a lot of good ys in Xiangyang.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t the duke here for work matters?¡± Jiang Li smiled, ¡°How can you pay too much attention to little things?¡±

    ¡°The y is too wonderful, I¡¯d hate to miss it.¡± Ji Heng stared at Jiang Li and spoke without blinking. There¡¯s a hint of teasing in between his words.

 Chapter 99 Part 4

    Chapter 99 Part 4: Resolve

    In her heart, Jiang Li scolded Ji Heng for having no sense of shame. Currently, Ji Heng was 20 years old, but Jiang second miss was just a young and inexperienced youngdy. However, he unexpectedly would carelessly use his beauty to captivate people. At the time when Xue Fang Fei met with mishap, everyone in Yanjing cursed Xue Fang Fei for indulging in debauchery based on her beauty. Yet why not a single person reprimanded Ji Heng for relying on his beauty tomit violent crime?!

    Jiang Li fixed her gaze on Ji Heng for a while, then suddenly said: ¡°The duke should have heard, I just scolded Tong Zhi Yang at Li Zheng Tang¡¯s doorway.¡±

    ¡°Heard.¡± Ji Heng nodded.

    ¡°Does the duke think that my scolding is correct?¡± Jiang Li wanted to fish for Ji Heng¡¯s attitude. At present, Jiang Li guessed that Tong Zhi Yang was instructed by the Li family. Ji Heng was acquainted with the Li family¡¯s young master, Li Lian. Jiang Li wanted to know whether Ji Heng was aware that this matter had something to do with the Li family and hising to Xiangyang, or whether it was to get involved in this matter. If Ji Heng interfered, the matter would be much more difficult to handle.

    ¡°Miss Jiang second called me to watch the y withoutmenting,¡± Ji Heng smilingly said: ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    This person, unmoved by force or persuasion, not a drop of water can leak out, really angering people.

    Jiang Li said: ¡°If the duke could continue to watch the y silently, that would be good.¡±

    Ji Heng merely smiled without speaking.

    Then, Jiang Li started talking to herself: ¡°Tong Zhi Yang has an official brother inw called Zhong. Official Zhong is the Right Prime Minister¡¯s young son, Li Lian¡¯s person. So to speak, this Tong Zhi Yang is still a person under the Right Prime Minister. Really cannot be underestimated.¡±

    Ji Heng¡¯s hand holding the fan paused slightly, his gaze as he looked at Jiang Li had some consideration.

    Lu Ji was startled, Jiang Li even knows about this? This little twist and turn might not be necessarily known to Jiang Li¡¯s father, Jiang Yuan Bai. It¡¯s impossible that Jiang Li had found out about this thing in advance, also it¡¯s impossible to use the administrator under Jiang Yuan Bai to investigate. How did she know?

    Ji Heng: ¡°It seems the second miss knows these things from the inside out.¡±

    ¡°Because my father is the chief assistant.¡± Jiang Li spoke softly: ¡°Our Jiang family has a lot of enemies, a single carelessness could touch someone¡¯s path. The Right Prime Minister¡¯s Li family and my father are sworn enemies. What kind of person is in the forces of sworn enemies must be memorized. Otherwise, being dubiously calcted by a foot soldier could be regarded as a disaster.¡±

    Ji Heng smiled: ¡°With Miss Jiang second here, I reckon the Jiang family will not be calcted against, and still possible to continue on for a hundred years.¡±

    ¡°The duke is joking,¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°the power behind the Right Prime Minister is not small. How do we dare to hit a stone with an egg.¡±

    There¡¯s craftiness carried between her brows. Although her tone was gentle and courteous, there¡¯s probing in every step.

    She didn¡¯t fall at all while sparring with Ji Heng. Lu Ji was somewhat amazed, supposed that the person sitting here was a middle-aged person and not a youngster, he would not be this astonished. On the contrary, it was a teenage girl, and still a noble daughter in a boudoir.

    She was truly an unusual young girl, not like Jiang Yuan Bai in the slightest.

    ¡°Oh?¡± Ji Heng raised his eyebrows, ¡°you were not afraid when you reprimanded Tong Zhi Yang at the doorway just now.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled sweetly: ¡°That¡¯s because of themon people, for themon people, don¡¯t mention Tong Zhi Yang, even if it was the Right Prime Minister, Li Zhong Nan that came, I will also not be afraid.¡±

    Lu Ji nearly shouted in admiration!

    He believed he was knowledgeable when talking about bureaucratic words. But this young girl was something else. Seeing people, talking about people, when the words turned strange, she would talk nonsense, her face did not change and did not turn red, continuously showing a magnanimous and honest appearance, rendering people speechless.

    Ji Heng was also unable to respond.

    It¡¯s unclear how much time passed before he scoffed. Not just mocking, but he genuinely thought that Jiang Li¡¯s words were ridiculous. He said: ¡°Second miss makes one admire.¡±

    ¡°This time, more or less, will make the Right Prime Minister angry.¡± Jiang Li sighed, ¡°There¡¯s also no other way about it.¡±

    ¡°The Right Prime Minister will not take his anger out on you.¡± Ji Heng smiled, ¡°For themon people.¡±

    Jiang Li said: ¡°That would be great.¡± She stood up, patted the dust on her sleeves that was not yet brushed away, rubbed by themon people who were making noise in Li Zheng Tang, then said to Ji Heng: ¡°Saw the duke here just now, thus specially came over to greet. Now that the greeting has been done, I¡¯ll go and help older sister and older brother who are still busy, no longer apany the duke to chat.¡± She gave a polite and formal courtesy to Ji Heng, ¡°I¡¯ll take my leave.¡±

    Ji Heng had no intention of sending her and merely replied with an indifferent smile: ¡°Miss Jiang second, goodbye.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled slightly before leaving the room unhurriedly. Facing Ji Heng over and over again, though she was still on guard, it could be seen that she was calmer when handling Ji Hengpared to the first time.

    This little girl grew very quickly.

    Jiang Li left the room in the teahouse and walked downstairs, her heart beating very fast.

    The words she said just now, ¡°This time, more or less, will make the Right Prime Minister angry.¡±, was probing. And the result was as expected, the matter of Tong Zhi Yang targeting the Ye family had something to do with the Right Prime Minister. Based on Ji Heng¡¯s reply, ¡°The Right Prime Minister will not take his anger out on you.¡±, which gave an approval to Li Zhong Nan¡¯s existence.

    Jiang Li lowered her eyes, Li Zhong Nan is part of it, no wonder Tong Zhi Yang has so much guts. But so what? Just right, borrowing this opportunity to make the matter bigger, pulling the Jiang family¡¯s banner, thoroughly disconnecting the Right Prime Minister and the Jiang family¡¯s subtle bnce. At the same time, severing the possibility of Cheng Wang wanting to rope in Jiang Yuan Bai.

    Let Cheng Wang and the Jiang family turn into enemies with irreconcble differences. Either you die and I live, in this case, Jiang Yuan Bai could cut off his means of retreat, and without any hesitation, justly and honorably,unches an attack on Cheng Wang boldly and confidently.

    This was her motive.

    Inside the room, Lu Ji watched Jiang Li¡¯s figure as she gradually walked further away. He sighed deeply and said: ¡°Truly the back wave of the Yangtze River pushing the front wave, the younger generations will surpass us in time.¡±

    Jiang Li gave him a huge lesson. At only 15 years old, she already had such scheming, it made people look forward to what unknown stage she would mature to in a few years.

    ¡°Tricked.¡± Ji Heng suddenly opened his mouth.

    ¡°What?¡± Lu Ji was stunned.

    ¡°As it turns out, just now she was fishing for clues in my words.¡± Ji Heng recalled something andughed suddenly, ¡°Tong Zhi Yang is not her opponent.¡±

    He said: ¡°The little girl is quite shrewd.¡±

 Chapter 100.1

    <h4>Chapter 100 Part 1: Outer Room</h4>

    Jiang Li left the teahouse and returned to Li Zheng Tang. She did not tell Ye Jia Er that she went to see Duke Su. For the people of Xiangyang, Duke Su, this name, was too distant. There were just too few people who had personally seen him. If Ji Heng was walking on the main street, others would only be amazed that there¡¯s actually such a beautiful man under the heavens, but they would not think that his identity was so.

    Moreover, Ji Heng¡¯s appearance would make the entire matter moreplicated. Before understanding the whole sequence thoroughly, Jiang Li did not n to inform the Ye family. Even if she were to inform the Ye family, she would wait until Ye Ming Xuan and Ye Ming Hui, the two brothers, to return and discuss it carefully.

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    It was close to nightfall when people who came to exchange the ancient fragrant satin with silver had been settled one by one. Jiang Li and the others returned to the Ye residence, Guan-shi almost arrived and Zhuo-shi found out that Li Zheng Tang was alright and let out a breath of relief. However, Ye Ming Yu might not be able to return together.

    ¡°Old three is impulsive, when I went there, he already burst into the government office main hall. I heard people say that he shouted, wanting to meet Magistrate Tong and was arrested by the officials in the office. There were many officials and old three was not a match for them. I wanted to see Magistrate Tong to appeal but even the person could not be seen. The gatekeeper told me, want to meet people, I must at least prepare silver. I went out in a hurry, how could I bring any bank notes. There¡¯s no way but to first take the bank notes and go there tomorrow. Hopefully old three did not suffer much hardship.¡±

    ¡°Still want bank notes?¡± Ye Ru Feng said hatefully: ¡°These dog officials!¡±

    Jiang Li was no longer surprised by this, not everyone had clean hands like Xue Huai Yuan. The smaller the official was, the more benefit they enjoyed using their power. Otherwise, how could there be the saying ¡°A clean magistrate for three years, 10,000 snowkes of silver¡±.

    ¡°This is the way of the world,¡± Zhuo-shi sighed, ¡°let¡¯s gather it, in any case, we cannot leave old three alone.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Ye Jia Er also said: ¡°thankfully what they want is silver, this is still easy to do.¡±

    ¡°Jia Er, you do not know.¡± Guan-shi sighed, ¡°This time, the Ye family already suffered losses from the matter of the ancient fragrant satin. Those ready-made clothes stopped doing business with us, then there¡¯s also the damage that cannot be calcted. People¡¯s hearts are greedy, what we are afraid of are these people who can never be satisfied, the demand limitless, treating our Ye family as a silver warehouse. If this mouth is opened¡­.. if we want your eldest uncle and father toe out, it will need a lot of effort.¡±

    The Ye family was an expert in business and they were clear about the greed in people¡¯s hearts. As long as Tong Zhi Yang had tasted the sweetness through the Ye family, one Ye Ming Yu could be redeemed with arge amount of silver. As for Ye Ming Xuan and Ye Ming Hui, afraid it¡¯s impossible to let go without injuring the strength of the Ye family.

    The Ye family was like a piece of fat. Tong Zhi Yang had been staring at it for so long, finally found the chance to start, how would he let the duck in his mouth fly away?

    Jiang Li smiled: ¡°Really no need to be so anxious.¡±

    Everyone in the room looked at her.

    Everyone knew Li Zheng Tang was finally safe and sound today thanks to Jiang Li standing up to speak. Although she was younger than Ye Jia Er and never managed a business, looking at her manner, she was more attentive than all the people present at the moment.

    ¡°No need to gather silver, I think very soon Tong Zhi Yang will release uncle Ming Yu.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Ye Ru Feng asked with a frown.

    ¡°Because my father is Jiang Yuan Bai,¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°He is afraid.¡±

    ¡­¡­

    Inside the study room in the Tong residence, Tong Zhi Yang suddenly threw the book in his hand out. He asked loudly: ¡°Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s daughter? How could she be in Xiangyang?¡±

    Tong Zhi Yang was round and short, with small eyes and garlic nose. Even though he was in his house, he was still wearing the shiny official gown. But at this moment, he appeared infuriated and let his anger out on his subordinate.

    ¡°This subordinate doesn¡¯t know,¡± the subordinate replied: ¡°At first, it was still thought that the Ye family asked someone to impersonate the person, but the Yuan family¡¯s bodyguards could not be false. The people in Xiangyang who has been to Yanjing have personally seen and said indeed, there¡¯s no mistake that she was Jiang second miss. Miss Jiang second is now in Xiangyang, staying in the Ye residence.¡±

    Tong Zhi Yang was stunned and said: ¡°What happened? Wasn¡¯t it said that the Ye family and the Jiang family have broken contacts for more than ten years? Jiang Li didn¡¯t admit the Ye family, why would she suddenlye to Xiangyang?¡±

    ¡°This, heard that old madam Ye is seriously ill and Miss Jiang second came to visit.¡±

    Tong Zhi Yang kicked the stool on the ground: ¡°Are they deceiving ghosts? No news for so many years, why suddenly having heavy sentiments?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not all¡­.. Master, that Jiang second miss still stood at the doorway of Li Zheng Tang, saying, saying¡­¡± the subordinate hummed and hawed.

    ¡°What did she say?¡±

    The person hesitated for a while before repeating the words Jiang Li said while she was standing in front of Li Zheng Tang to Tong Zhi Yang. His ability to remember things was pretty good, not leaving a single word out. Including Jiang Li¡¯s mention of the Weaving Unit, also including Jiang Li¡¯s mocking words towards Tong Zhi Yang.

    Tong Zhi Yang finished listening, hisplexion turned blue and white. He held back for a long time before spitting out a word: ¡°Wretch!¡±

    Being ridiculed so relentlessly by a junior, for Tong Zhi Yang, this kind of pretentious and vain person, was no different from being stripped of his clothes and paraded on the street. He couldn¡¯t help but to admit, Jiang Li¡¯s sarcasm did not have a single obscene word, yet it sharply jabbed at the heart. The more exasperating thing was, Tong Zhi Yang still could not say anything when faced with this kind of ridicule. Because Jiang Li was Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s daughter. Jiang Yuan Bai was the current chief assistant, as a prefectural magistrate, whenpared, he was simply a grass mustard. Not only must he not refute, he still needed to fawn over this noble daughter, even if it was just on the surface.

    ¡°Master, originally, the handling of the Ye family was in the bag, who would know a Jiang second miss would attack midway. Jiang second miss is the Jiang family¡¯s daughter, then¡­.. Do we need to n again?¡±

 Chapter 100.2

    <h4>Chapter 100 Part 2: Outer Room</h4>

    The words from his subordinate made Tong Zhi Yang think. Not long ago, his brother-inw asked him to look for an opportunity to deal with the Ye family. He said that after he got the task done, there would be a chance for him to get a promotion. Tong Zhi Yang could be the prefectural magistrate all relying on his brother-inw. In Yanjing, his brother-inw did things for the nobles and had plenty of connections. It¡¯s only natural for Tong Zhi Yang not to raise any objection and agreed readily, everything was handled ording to the ns made by the brother-inw. After the Ye family was miserably bullied and cornered, only then they would give the Ye family the n they¡¯ve mapped out earlier as a way out of their predicament.

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    Of course, Tong Zhi Yang also originally coveted the Ye family¡¯s tremendous wealth. However, he did not dare to think about taking everything by himself. Moreover, the Ye family¡¯s business was famous throughout Northern Yan, it wasn¡¯t so easy to swallow. Now it¡¯s just right, there¡¯s the brother-inw, there¡¯s the nobles in the capital as backers, and Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s guts shot up. Borrowing this opportunity, he could both obtain the chance to be promoted as well as a huge profit from the Ye family¡¯s money, so why not?

    Everything was going perfectly fine, who knew a Jiang Li suddenly appeared.

    Tong Zhi Yang guessed that his brother-inw probably didn¡¯t factor in the Jiang family¡¯s second miss, who had no contact with the Ye family, to suddenlye to Xiangyang and stand up for the Ye family in his initial n. Even so much as to bring out the Weaving Unit. Of course Tong Zhi Yang knew what the Weaving Unit was, but the heavenly emperor was far away, thus within the city walls of Xiangyang, he could proim himself as the ruler. However, in front of a Yanjing¡¯s official, he was nothing.

    ¡°This won¡¯t work.¡± Tong Zhi Yang paced back and forth in the study room. He said: ¡°Bring a pen and paper over.¡±

    His subordinate immediately went to bring a paper and pen over. Tong Zhi Yang wiped the sweat on his forehead, looked at the pen and paper in front of him, and pondered how he should write.

    Jiang Li showing up was already outside the n. Since Jiang Li dared to dere in front of Li Zheng Tang that she had written a letter to Jiang Yuan Bai, it could be seen that Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s attitude towards the Ye family was not entirely without any affection. In case Jiang Yuan Bai took his anger on him, without mentioning his brother-inw, he, this tiny prefectural magistrate, afraid would lose his position. Glory and splendor was admittedly lovely, but to lose a wife and break the soldiers was not cute. Tong Zhi Yang decided to write a letter to ask his brother-inw, perhaps he could ask the brother-inw to let that noble make a decision, or at least to inform him which step to take. Otherwise, relying on himself, walking the wrong road, it would be toote for regrets.

    As he wrote hurriedly, his subordinate suddenly recalled something and said: ¡°Master, the third master from the Ye family is still imprisoned at the moment. Do you want to release him or not?¡±

    In the original n, Ye Ming Yu was just an insignificant person. He was not mixed in the Ye family¡¯s business and he didn¡¯t understand anything about the business. That¡¯s why he didn¡¯t specially instruct anybody to handle Ye Ming Yu. It¡¯s just that Ye Ming Yu came to the door himself, so Tong Zhi Yang also didn¡¯t care about it and arrested him. At least the panicked members of the Ye family would bring a big sum of money to redeem Ye Ming Yu. For him, it could be said as an unexpected downfall. However, the situation was different now, if it could lessen his trouble then he would provoke trouble less. With no cause and reason, letting that Jiang second miss bore an even deeper grudge with him was not a good thing.

    ¡°What imprisoned? Still not letting people out quickly! Just say that it¡¯s a misunderstanding, the people under acted on their own initiative, has nothing to do with me!¡± Tong Zhi Yang scolded.

    His subordinate rushed out in a hurry toplete the mission.

    Tong Zhi Yang stood in the room. The more he thought about it, the more flustered he became. But the circumstances did now allow him to dy. Just like Jiang Li said, already wrote a letter to inform Jiang Yuan Bai. He should follow closely and immediately write a letter to his brother-inw, let him think of a countermeasure.

    Indeed a sudden and unexpected disaster.

    ¡­¡­

    Ye Ming Yu returned to the Ye residence an hourter.

    The Ye family members were overjoyed upon seeing him returning unscathed. Guan-shi asked Ye Ming Yu whether he was injured in which Ye Ming Yu shook his head to indicate that he was not injured. Although those officials arrested him, he was not easy to push around and didn¡¯t give the other party a hard time. As to how to handle him, in the end he was still the third master of the Ye family. Besides the number of friends he had in the rivers andkes were not few. If there¡¯s truly a problem, who knows who would be in trouble.

    ¡°I was still thinking of taking money to redeem you tomorrow.¡± Zhuo-shi rxed her breath, ¡°it¡¯s good that you¡¯ve returned.¡±

    ¡°I also don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on.¡± Ye Ming Yu scratched his head, ¡°at first those officers were evil and unpleasant towards me and still said that they were going to make me suffer hardship. In the evening, they suddenly became respectful and apologized, saying that it was just a misunderstanding. Then released me and let me go back. I thought the ancient fragrant satin¡¯s matter has been cleared up, but unexpectedly, eldest brother and second brother have not yet returned.¡±

    Everyone in the room looked at Jiang Li.

    ¡°Why are all of you looking at Ah Li?¡± Ye Ming Yu said: ¡°Does this have something to do with Ah Li?¡±

    ¡°This is really thanks to younger sister.¡± Ye Jia Er then actively recounted what Jiang Li did in front of Li Zheng Tang. She said: ¡°Magistrate Tong must be afraid of the consequences with the rtion to the Jiang family, thus the reason why he let third uncle out so quickly.¡±

    Ye MIng Yu also didn¡¯t expect that there¡¯s anotheryer of rtion in this. He looked at Jiang Li and for a moment, he didn¡¯t know what he should say. Though he did not bear any grudges with Jiang Li, he had never had any good opinion of the Jiang family. Jiang Yuan Bai, the kind of person who married quickly after being a widow, the Jiang family and the Ji family¡¯s status being well-matched, in the bottom of his heart, Ye Ming Yu looked down on the Jiang family¡¯s selfish disregard. But today, if it weren¡¯t for the Jiang family¡¯s title, Li Zheng Tang would probably have ceased to exist. Being rescued by his own disgust truly made people unable to respond.

    In the past, the Ye family always said that they should not have married Ye Zhen Zhen to Jiang Yuan Bai at that time. If Ye Zhen Zhen married an ordinary person, perhaps her destiny would turn out differently. However, if Ye Zhen Zhen were to really marry an ordinary person, without the Jiang family¡¯s reputation to press, how long could the Ye family support themselves? Those years in the past, if not looking at Ye Zhen Zhen as the Jiang family¡¯s madam, afraid the Ye family would not be this peaceful. Ten over years had passed, seeing that there¡¯s no contact between the Jiang family and the Ye family, these people straightaway became restless.

    In the final analysis, a tall tree attracts the wind.

    Jiang Li could make out Ye Ming Yu¡¯s difort, smiled and said: ¡°It¡¯s nothing, everybody deceives the weak and fears the strong, Tong Zhi Yang is someone with no guts but greedy, overcautious and indecisive when handling matters. Naturally he could be shaken with the Jiang family¡¯s name. Actually, if he was changed to someone vicious and merciless, the oue might not necessarily turn out like now.¡±

    ¡°You seem to understand Tong Zhi Yang very much.¡± Ye Ru Feng couldn¡¯t help opening his mouth to speak.

    ¡°Tong Zhi Yang did not show his face from start to finish, always letting other peoplee forward to handle things. It can clearly be seen that he was a timid person. With his constant and careful thought, afraid that he would only show himself when victory is already within his grasp and after the dust has settled.¡±

 Chapter 100.3

    <h4>Chapter 100 Part 3: Outer Room</h4>

    Ye Ming Yu nodded and asked abruptly: ¡°Ah Li, did you really write a letter to your father?¡±

    In front of Li Zheng Tang, Jiang Li said that she had already told the matter happening in Xiangyang to her father and asked him to report this matter to the Weaving Unit so they could dispatch their staff. Ye Ming Yu hesitated for a while before continuing speaking: ¡°Your father¡­¡­. can reallye out for this matter?¡±

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    In the Ye family¡¯s eyes, it¡¯s unlikely for Jiang Yuan Bai toe out for such a trivial matter. While in Jiang Li¡¯s view, the reason why Jiang Yuan Bai would note out was not necessarily because it was a trivial matter, rather because it involved the Right Prime Minister. Even though the Jiang family and the Li family were standing on opposite sites, for many years, they had been maintaining the bnce of their rtionship very carefully. If it was before, it¡¯s not that Jiang Yuan Bai did not dare to directly empty the Li family. But now, there¡¯s a Cheng Wang behind the Right Prime Minister. The Jiang family had to be even more careful when handling matters.

    Jiang Yuan Bai definitely would not involve himself if he were to offend Cheng Wang for the Ye family.

    Jiang Li shook her head: ¡°No.¡±

    The Ye family members looked at Jiang Li in surprise. Ye Jia Er asked: ¡°Then, younger sister was bluffing magistrate Tong?¡±

    ¡°Not really.¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°Although I didn¡¯t write to my father, I wrote a letter to older cousin Ye.¡± Older cousin Ye is now an official in the Ministry of Revenue, the Weaving Unit will not dare to slight him. In addition, I informed older cousin Ye to use my father¡¯s name to the maximum so the Weaving Unit will attach importance to the matter even more. I think, once the Weaving Unit receives the letter, they will immediately dispatch someone to Xiangyang.¡±

    Nobody thought Jiang Li would say it like that. Ye Ru Feng asked uneasily: ¡°Why would you let older brother use your father¡¯s name?¡±

    ¡°During the pce feast, both older cousin and I received His Majesty¡¯s awards. Others know that older cousin Ye and I are rted. I noticed father quite appreciated older cousin Ye, so presumably father would not avoid out of taboo when colleagues inquire. Since the people in Yanjing all thought that older cousin Ye and father are on the same road, why not let them misunderstand til the end. Not using the avable name, isn¡¯t it a waste?¡±

    This rightful attitude of hers produced a kind ofplicated feeling, as if the person Jiang Li exploited was not her father, but a stranger.

    ¡°You are not afraid of bringing trouble to your father?¡± Ye Ru Feng asked, ¡°You are acting on your own initiative, when you return to Yanjing, your father will not forgive you.¡±

    ¡°So what?¡± Jiang Li smiled slightly, ¡°What¡¯s done cannot be undone, could he still kill me?¡±

    This kind of ¡®dead pig is not afraid of boiling water, a vessel will naturally straighten upon reaching the end of a bridge¡¯ stance truly made everyone in the Ye family speechless.

    Yet, Jiang Li was clear in her heart, doing all these, apart from helping the Ye family, she wanted to sever the possibility of Cheng Wang and the Jiang family making an alliance. She wanted to make the crack between Jiang Yuan Bai and the Right Prime Minister unable to be repaired. If this happens, then she could create an opportunity.

    As for how she would suffer Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s anger when she returned to Yanjing, it¡¯s something to think aboutter. In order to deal with Yongning and Shen Yu Rong, she¡¯s willing to pay any price.

    Even if it¡¯s her own life.

    If there¡¯s really someone behind Tong Zhi Yang, her appearance should already have disrupted his n. He would inevitably write a letter requesting for help. But before that, Jiang Li had already written to Ye Shijie. Before Tong Zhi Yang received specific countermeasures to deal with the situation, in all likelihood, the people from the Weaving Unit would already have arrived in Xiangyang. Tong Zhi Yang would no longer be in charge of everything.

    This time sequence was precisely the chance.

    ¡°That¡¯s why, there¡¯s no need to worry.¡± Jiang Li smiled: ¡°I think, recently Tong Zhi Yang would not act blindly without thinking. In the meantime, those ancient fragrant satin that have been received must be kept properly by all means. There¡¯s no problem with the ancient fragrant satin that I¡¯m wearing , it can be clearly deduced that the recent ancient fragrant satin has problems, or perhaps it can be said that there¡¯s a problem in Xiangyang. No matter how I thought about it, always feel that it¡¯s not incidental. It can probably be investigated clearly when the people from the Weaving Unit have arrived.¡±

    Ye Jia Er nodded: ¡°I think so too.¡±

    After exining the arrangements for the next few days, the people in Ye the family dispersed one by one to rest. Jiang Li walked at the back, Ye Ming Yu was ahead. She called him: ¡°Uncle Ming Yu.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu stopped walking: ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Ah Li.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d like to talk with you.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu followed Jiang Li to Ye Ming Hui¡¯s study room. Jiang Li made Tong¡¯er to watch outside, then said: ¡°Uncle Ming Yu has traveled everywhere, you should have some friends, right?¡±

    Ye Ming Yu heard what she said andughed heartily: ¡°Correct, I really have many friends.¡±

    ¡°These must be people who are willing to sacrifice themselves for friendship. Uncle Ming Yu, I have something that must go through you, perhaps your friend can do it.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu saw Jiang Li¡¯s serious face and couldn¡¯t help putting his smile away. He said: ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Ah Li, you say.¡±

    ¡°Everyone in Xiangyang is aware that Tong Zhi Yang is henpecked. Although this person has unlimited greed, in the matter of male-female rtionship, he is neverthelesspletely clean. He never even stepped into a brothel¡¯s door. Because of this, his wife was willing to let the maternal family to support him and let him sit in this magistrate position in Xiangyang.¡±

    Talking about the matter of male-female rtionship, even Ye Ming Yu was somewhat ill at ease. He nced sideways at Jiang Li¡¯s calm face, as if she was just talking about ordinary matters. Ye Ming Yu could only find a reason for Jiang Li in his heart, after all, Jiang Li had stayed in the nunnery for eight years, pure in heart, understood the principle that color was emptiness and emptiness was color. It¡¯s only natural for her to treat towards male-female matters very inly.

    This was precisely free from vulgarity!

    As his thoughts flew away, Ye Ming Yu again heard Jiang Li say: ¡°However, Tong Zhi Yang is not as well-behaved in his private life as he appears on the surface. He has an outer room which he arranged at the side, not far from Xiangyang¡¯s city walls. He bought a house for the outer room and in return, the outer room gave birth to a son for him.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ye Ming Yu jumped in fright. This secret matter, he had never heard at all. It¡¯s widely known that Tong Zhi Yang feared his wife like a tiger, how could he have such a huge courage?

    ¡°Uncle doesn¡¯t have to be surprised,¡± Ye Ming Yu bing so startled made Jiang Li speechless. She said: ¡°That outer room is young and looks good. Tong Zhi Yang loves her very much. In addition, the madam in his residence only gave birth to two daughters for him. Tong Zhi Yang desired a son, and the outer room gave him a son in one move, cing her at the tip of his heart. Once in a while, he would pay a visit to this mother and son.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu was so shocked his jaw almost dropped to the ground: ¡°Is, is what you said true?¡±

 Chapter 100.4

    <h4>Chapter 100 Part 4: Outer Room</h4>

    ¡°Absolutely.¡± At that time, Xue Zhao precisely grasped this piece of information which made Tong Zhi Yang unable to make things difficult for Xue Huai Yuan anymore. The outer room had just given him a son then, counting up to now, it had been five to six years already. Jiang Li made some inquiries, in the past five to six years, there had been no rumors about Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s outer room. It was clear that Tong Zhi Yang had concealed it very well. She had specially entrusted people to observe the edge of the city walls and sure enough, the mother and son were still there.

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    Towards this mother and son, Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s long-term affection wasughable.

    ¡°Even if what you said is true,¡± Ye Ming Yu asked: ¡°How do you know all these things? Ah Li, it¡¯s not even a month since you arrived in Xiangyang, these things, how many years have my eldest brother and the others been living in Xiangyang, yet have never heard of this before.¡±

    Others would definitely be shocked upon hearing the secret Jiang Li said, perhaps even thinking that Jiang Li was lying. Ye Ming Yu would not believe that Jiang Li was lying, but he was perplexed. Jiang Li was not a person from Xiangyang, how could she know Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s matters so clearly? More than that, she also knew about Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s brother-inw in the capital serving as Zhong Guan Ling. Ye Ming Yu believed that it¡¯s impossible for Jiang Yuan Bai to pay attention to a prefectural magistrate in Xiangyang. These things certainly did note from Jiang Yuan Bai.

    Then how does Jiang Li know?

    ¡°The bodyguards that I brought from Yanjing.¡± Jiang Li smiled, ¡°These bodyguards could be considered as the elite father meticulously picked for me. I let a bodyguard go to the Tong residence to ask around, by coincidence, Tong Zhi Yang was instructing someone to send silver to the mother and son. So I asked someone to follow closely and indeed found something good. That¡¯s how I learnt of this secret.¡±

    Naturally, she couldn¡¯t tell Ye Ming Yu that she knew this because of Xue Zhao. This exnation seemed rational, at least, apart from this, Ye Ming Yu would not expect Jiang Li to be able to find other ways to find out. Just treat it as if it was a coincidence.

    ¡°Okay, Ah Li, you informed me about Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s outer room, what is the meaning of it?¡±

    ¡°As we can see, Tong Zhi Yang loves this mother and son very much. I suspect Tong Zhi Yang has something to do with the ident with the Ye family¡¯s ancient fragrant satin. Perhaps there¡¯s someone giving instructions at the back. In order to avoid any slip-ups to ur, I need him to be afraid to some extent. At least, he must not do anything before the people from the Weaving Unite to Xiangyang.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu looked at her, not quite understanding the meaning behind Jiang Li¡¯s words.

    ¡°Since Uncle Ming Yu is someone from the rivers andkes, carrying the mother and son away should not be a hard thing to do, right?¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°I want Uncle Ming Yu or Uncle Ming Yu¡¯s friend to take away Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s outer room and their son. When Tong Zhi Yang suddenly learns of this news, he would exert his whole energy to look for the pair of mother and son and would not spare other energy to deal with the Ye family. When necessary, could still use the mother and son to threaten.¡± Jiang Li smiled: ¡°It¡¯s obvious that Tong Zhi Yang would not dare to let his wife know the existence of this mother and son. If ites to light, his position as the prefectural magistrate in Xiangyang is likely to be gone. To guard this secret, Tong Zhi Yang would certainly not hesitate to deal with everything. After all, he is someone who fears his tigress-like wife.¡±

    After listening, Ye Ming Yu understood atst. Jiang Li wanted him to abduct Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s outer room and his son and hid them. It¡¯s fine to treat this as a strategy or a tool to distract Tong Zhi Yang. To refrain from shooting at the rat for fear of breaking the vases, Tong Zhi Yang would certainly not dare to do anything to the Ye family.

    He said: ¡°Ah Li, you want me to kidnap a mother and son¡­¡­.¡± Not as good as getting a wife and a child, they, the people of the rivers andkes, disdained doing this kind of despicable thing and would not be willing to bully females and children.

    Jiang Li seemed to be able to guess the thought in his heart. She looked at Ye Ming Yu calmly and said: ¡°Uncle Ming Yu, when Tong Zhi Yang dealt with the Ye family, when he instigated the mass to smash up Li Zheng Tang, did he think of the elderly, the young and the sick in the room? Moreover, no need to mention that Ye older cousin is now in Yanjing serving as an official, grandmother¡¯s health is not good, if she learns that there¡¯s an ident happening in the Ye family, how can she be calm?¡±

    ¡°Besides, wanting you to take away the mother and son is not to do anything to them. They can still freely eat and drink deliciously, nothing else but receiving a bit of fright. When the matters are over, they can be sent back, there¡¯s no loss whatsoever for them.¡± Jiang Li smiled and continued: ¡°It¡¯s already a matter of life and death, Uncle Ming Yu must not be soft hearted.¡±

    Thest sentence, although spoken gently, sounded incredibly harsh.

    Ye Ming Yu¡¯s heart shivered when he heard this. He considered it carefully before he spoke to Jiang Li with shame: ¡°It¡¯s me who thought too simply. Ah Li, you can discern the matters but I couldn¡¯t. Indeed, growing up in vain for so many years.¡± He said firmly: ¡°Hand this thing to me, tomorrow I will look for a few trusted friends and look for a ce that no one can find. Since Tong Zhi Yang fears his tigress-like wife, he would not openly look for the mother and son in the day. This will really be our chance.¡±

    Jiang Li nodded: ¡°After it¡¯spleted, it will bete when Tong Zhi Yang receives the news. It will be extremely difficult to look for the people then.¡±

    ¡°But,¡± Ye Ming Yu said: ¡°You said Tong Zhi Yang had something to do with the ident in the ancient fragrant satin. There¡¯s still someone behind him giving directions, is that true?¡±

    Their Ye family could not find the cause of the ident with the ancient fragrant satin, no need to talk about ming it on Tong Zhi Yang. In case what Jiang Li said was true, this was no small matter.

    ¡°I am just suspicious.¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°Furthermore, there¡¯s no definitive evidence. However, as long as the Weaving Unites to Xiangyang, all the truth wille to light.¡± Jiang Li smiled lightly: ¡°I think, even if Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s courage is huge, he wouldn¡¯t dare to publicly move his foot under the eyes of the people from the Weaving Unit. In addition, with his beloved outer room and son under threat, Magistrate Tong should consider the pros and cons.¡±

    Even if there¡¯s truly a big official in Yanjing who could protect Tong Zhi Yang, that big official happened to be the Right Prime Minister who had the power to overturn the court. Jiang Li surmised, the Right Prime Minister cherished his feathers and definitely wouldn¡¯t divulge his name to avoid implicating himselfter. Tong Zhi Yang didn¡¯t know how solid his backing was, so he wouldn¡¯t dare to be so daring.

    Moreover, Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s son and outer room¡¯s whereabouts were unknown, Tong Zhi Yang would inevitably be somewhat afraid. He was clear that the distant water was unable to quench the nearby thirst, thus in the meantime, he would first suit his action to the time.

 Chapter 101.1

    <h4>Chapter 100 Part 1: Bloom</h4>

    Xiangyang city was peaceful for the time being.

    Li Zheng Tang shut their doors. Whether it was by coincidence, or the result of the Ye family¡¯s silver, in the next two to three days, there were nomonersing to Li Zheng Tang or the Ye residence to cause trouble.

    The Ye residence was calm. On the contrary, Tong Zhi Yang, the magistrate of Xiangyang, had run into some trouble.

    ¡°What, madam and young master disappeared?¡± Tong Zhi Yang pped the table and stood up.

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    He and the Madam Tong in the residence, the wife he bound hairs with, treated each other as honored guests. However, the people in Xiangyang knew him as being henpecked. Tong Zhi Yang was very clear, if it weren¡¯t for his wife¡¯s family promoting him, afraid he wouldn¡¯t even be sitting in this prefectural magistrate position. Therefore, after so many years, Tong Zhi Yang did not dare to disobey his wife¡¯smands.

    But in the end, he couldn¡¯t hold back his loneliness. Though he did not visit the brothels, he raised an outer room at the edge of the city walls. The outer room was someone smart, gentle and considerate, much more adorable than the tigress at home. Privately, Tong Zhi Yang let his subordinate call the outer room as ¡°madam¡±. He actually had feelings towards this outer room. After many years, he insisted on keeping her by his side even when facing so much danger. In particr, because his primary wife did not birth a son for him, while the outer room gave birth to his descendant. Tong Zhi Yang was even more reluctant to leave the mother and son.

    He concealed the mother and son very well. Apart from his trusted aide, nobody knew about them. Otherwise he would not have been able to keep them from the people around for so many years. Now suddenly hearing the disappearance of the mother and son, he nearly shouted in rm.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Did He-shi discover it?¡± He-shi was precisely the magistrate¡¯s wife. Thinking of this, cold sweat came out from Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s whole body. If the existence of the mother and child was known to this snake scorpion woman, including his son would most possibly be killed.

    That is his only descendant!

    His trusted aide promptly shook his head to deny: ¡°No! Master, it¡¯s still unknown who this person is, but a letter was left behind, saying to borrow madam and young master for a few days and will return themter.¡±

    ¡°Preposterous!¡± Tong Zhi Yang exploded in anger, ¡°What does he treat me as? Is it amodity?¡± Tong Zhi Yang examined in a stern voice: ¡°What¡¯s their n? Demanding money? Or have aint?¡±

    ¡°This¡­..¡± His aide also could not tell the reason why. Supposed that the party was seeking money, there was no mention of silver in the letter. If having a vendetta, should just kill at the scene, it¡¯s not necessary to retain them. It looked like ckmail, but it¡¯s not known what it¡¯s ckmailing for. The most important thing was, the mother and son¡¯s existence were concealed so much, yet how did these people discover? Could there be an enemy within their own ranks?

    ¡°Grabbing people in my territory, I think they are tired of living!¡± Tong Zhi Yang snorted coldly. Then hemanded: ¡°Search! Dig one meter down, must bring madam and young master back to me!¡±

    The aide epted his order, then saw Tong Zhi Yang paused before continuing to say: ¡°Don¡¯t move too big, don¡¯t let He-shi find out.¡±

    In the end, he was still refraining from shooting at the rat for fear of breaking the vase.

    ¡­¡­

    Jiang Li learned that Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s outer room, Ruan Su Qin, and her son were already settled through Ye Ming Yu¡¯s mouth.

    Ye Ming Xuan and Ye Ming Hui still weren¡¯t able to return home. However, perhaps because Jiang Li moved out Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s name, Tong Zhi Yang did not dare to treat them rudely. When Guan-shi and Zhuo-shi went there again, the guard at the gate no longer scowled coldly at them. Instead he let them go in to meet Ye Ming Xuan and Ye Ming Hui.

    Although the two people stayed in jail, it could be considered clean and they did not sustain any injuries. After inquiring about the happenings in the past few days and learning that the present was relying on Jiang Li to oversee, they were both surprised then sighed inevitably. At first they thought that a pampered youngdy of the official did not ask about the affairs in the world. They did not foresee that at the critical moment, she was the one who unexpectedly saved the Ye family. The previous alienation and vignce towards Jiang Li were mostly gone all of a sudden.

    The two people instructed the Ye family not to act blindly in these few days and to calmly observe the changes. Wait for the people from the Weaving Unit to arrive in Xiangyang and guard against people from the back from making calctions. If this time the Ye family was truly being calcted by someone, that person definitely would not be willing to take things lying down and might still try to find opportunities.

    After Guan-shi and Zhuo-shi returned, they passed these things to the rest of the Ye family members from beginning to end, and to Jiang Li, they also ryed the gratitude from the two brothers. Jiang Li smiled and epted , probably seeing the truth during trials and tribtion, passing through the same burden and having the same experience, from then on, the Ye family treated Jiang Li more affectionately.

    Including Ye Ru Feng, he no longer threw his face away, but he still was not as amiable as Ye Jia Er.

    However, due to the absence of the two brothers, the matter of Jiang Li meeting with old madam Ye could only be set aside for now. If old madam Ye found out that the Ye family was now in a difficult situation, it wouldn¡¯t be food if she was both mentally and physically exhausted. Everyone tacitly guarded this secret.

    Ye Ming Yu waited until the other people had scattered before finding a chance to secretly speak to Jiang Li: ¡°The thing is already carried through.¡±

    ¡°Uncle Ming Yu can ensure that they absolutely won¡¯t be snatched by Tong Zhi Yang?¡± Jiang Li asked.

    ¡°Of course.¡± Ye Ming Yu said: ¡°How could the ability of my people to conceal be found so easily? Moreover, Tong Zhi Yang is afraid that his wife will be aware of this matter and did not dare to find people with great fanfare. Thus it became even more convenient.¡±

    Jiang Liughed and said: ¡°Then many thanks to Uncle Ming Yu.¡±

    ¡°What are you thanking me for,¡± Ye Ming Yu said: ¡°This is originally the Ye family¡¯s housework, so to say, it¡¯s our Ye family that thank you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all one family, no need to be so courteous.¡± Jiang Li smiled.

    Hearing this, Ye Ming Yu¡¯ heart felt very smooth. Yes, such a clever and excellent girl is their Ye family¡¯s niece, so happy when thinking about it. If not, in Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s residence, why isn¡¯t there such a lovable and charming niece? They don¡¯t have such a fate.

    The two people chatted while walking to the gate. The Ye residence was situated in the most expensive plot ofnd in Xiangyang. This strip of the street was full of Xiangyang¡¯s wealthy families. As a result, there were not many houses on this street. Every single house was a mansion, especially wide, upying a lot ofnd.

    Yet at this moment, there¡¯s the faint sound of opera singing that came through.

 Chapter 101.2

    <h4>Chapter 101 Part 2: Bloom</h4>

    Jiang Li asked: ¡°Is there a drama troupe here?¡±

    Ye Ming Yu pointed his lips at the not-too-far neighboring courtyard wall: ¡°Recently moved, haven¡¯t met the master of the house, but should be a drama fan. It appeared that there were people watching the opera inside in the past few days. Probably it¡¯s their obsession.¡± Ye Ming Yu kept calm at strange sights. He had traveled for many years and had seen many people with entric hobbies. Organizing a troupe to perform a drama in one¡¯s own house was already considered an ordinary thing.

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    When Jiang Li heard this, her heart moved and immediately called to mind.

    Nowadays Ji Heng was in Xiangyang, he happened to love watching operas, also notcking silver to buy a courtyard in this area, enveloped in mystery, who else but Ji Heng?

    No need to say that it might not be Ji Heng, Jiang Li gazed at that green bricked courtyard wall. She sighed inside, nine out of ten, she could be certain that the person in Ye Ming Yu¡¯s mouth who just recently moved was Ji Heng.

    Though this was Xiangyang¡¯s most expensive section ofnd, it¡¯s not necessary for Ji Heng to move here. With his identity, he could find many kind of good courtyard, yet he happened to be separated from the Ye residence by a wall. It really made it very difficult for people not to think that Ji Heng wasing for her.

    Don¡¯t tell me, this person wants to monitor me?

    Suddenly, Jiang Li¡¯s heart gave birth to anger. Up to now, she knew that Ji Heng and the Right Prime Minister and Cheng Wang were not as hostile as they seemed on the outside, there¡¯s an unclear rtionship among them. But Ji heng didn¡¯t rify and dere which side he was standing on. Cheng Wang was her pending enemy, supposed that Ji Heng was standing on Cheng Wang¡¯s side, her odds for sess was pitifully small.

    Why every time she always ran into an even greater power pressing her? Even if she has be the chief assistant¡¯s daughter, like before, she has no choice but to bow her head, had no choice but to silently endure and work out a strategy? Or are all the treacherous officials in court collude together, looking after one another?

    Her heart was cold, her eyes were amazingly bright.

    Ye Ming Yu did not discover Jiang Li¡¯s weirdness, he just stretched his body and said to Jiang Li: ¡°I better go to those brothers of mine to exin some matters. Ah Li, walk around the residence. If there¡¯s nothing interesting, go and look for Jia Er. Two of you are youngdies, there are many topics you can say to each other.¡±

    Jiang Li nodded.

    After Ye Ming Yu rode his horse away, Jiang Li didn¡¯t immediately return to the house. She stood at the gate and fixed her sight at that courtyard wall for a while. She could hear a fairly discernible opera voice floating through the courtyard walls, and she slowly took a step.

    ¡­¡­

    Different from the brightly lit Ye residence, this neighbor¡¯s gate looked unusually austere. The color was ck and white like the owner, there wasn¡¯t even antern hanging by the gate. Jiang Li walked towards the gate and saw that the person watching the gate was a rather beautiful little brother.

    When she saw this little brother¡¯s face, Jiang Li was certain that the owner must be Ji Heng. Otherwise, which house would have such a good looking gatekeeper? With such a good look, he would still stand out as the shopkeeper of a shop.

    When the gatekeeper saw Jiang Liing, without saying anything, he directly opened the gate for her, giving a posture of weing a guest. He said, ¡°Miss Jiang second¡±, as if he was already aware that Jiang Li would being for a visit. There¡¯s no need to say, this must have been instructed by Ji Heng.

    Jiang Li used to dislike people who toyed with people¡¯s feelings. So, she loathed a person like Ji Heng who grasped all things in the palm of his hands, an evildoer who could prate people¡¯s hearts even more. As a result, not only did she not feel happy for being treated respectfully as a guest, instead, she felt somewhat anxious.

    After entering, a beautiful maid immediately came to show the way. Jiang Li noticed that there weren¡¯t any decorations everywhere in the house. ck bricks and white stones, extremely somber. It¡¯s hard to imagine Ji Heng, that person who was enchanting and gorgeous, to live in this ce. On second thought, it seemed to set off each other well. His countenance was like a poppy blooming in this desteness. If colors were added to colors, it would be like ten miles of red make-up, appearing frivolous.

    Walking towards a courtyard, from afar, the four sides could already be seen. Unexpectedly, a tall tform was already erected. There were people splendidly dressed and brightly adorned moving fluidly on the stage, talking and singing as they performed. However, there was only one audience under the stage, a young man dressed in red, leaning on a bench. His back rested as he sipped tea leisurely.

    The maid servant said with a smile: ¡°Master, Miss Jiang second has arrived.¡±

    Jiang Li advanced slowly.

    Ji Heng did not turn his head around, as if engrossed in the y, all the way until Jiang Li arrived in front of him.

    ¡°The duke listened to the opera singing until Xiangyang.¡± Jiang Li said with a smile. Unknown whether there¡¯s ridicule in her words.

    ¡°They came by themselves.¡± Ji Hengughed, not the least bit concerned. Jiang Li looked at the stage and saw the face of the person ying a young female role. Though it was smeared with colorful makeup, it still made people unable to distinguish the appearance. The figure however, was of a graceful woman. Her soft voice made people aware that she was the one singing at Ji Man Tang at that time. The Little Peach who sang ¡°Jiu Er Case¡±.

    Why would Ji Man Tange to Xiangyang? Jiang Li nced at the Little Peach on the stage who was incessantly singing with the other actors yet the affection in the corners of her eyes was undoubtedly for Ji Heng.

    Jiang Li suddenly realized, Ji Heng was able to let Jin Man Tang sing at Wang Xian Lou, Ji Heng was also able to grasp the poprity of Jin Man Tang, this recent theatrical troupe taking root in Yanjing. For the people of Jin Man Tang, firmly embracing Ji Heng¡¯s thigh was much faster than properly performing and getting famous through painstaking efforts. As for Little Peach, such a powerful and influential backer, such a young and good looking person, it¡¯s always easy for girls to fall.

    But¡­¡­. Jiang Li sneered slightly in her heart; before they decided to rely on Ji Heng, this huge tree, they had probably forgotten what kind of person Ji Heng was. As long as they asked how the previous famous and always fully packed Xiang Si Troupe became down and out, they wouldn¡¯t be so sloppy in their decision.

    Ji Heng was not a benevolent person. He was heartless, disregarding others¡¯ feelings, weird and sophisticated. Whoever had the mind to calcte him, it¡¯s guaranteed that in the end the person would be calcted by him til he had no ce to cry.

    On the stage, Little Peach was singing ¡¶Jian Ge Wen Ling¡·, right at the part: ¡°A person whose heart was broken would hear the voice of one¡¯s heart breaking! It¡¯s not the beautiful sound of a bell, not the beautiful sound of rain. How do I stop the unceasing yearning, stop the constant emotion. The pattering on the windowttice hits people¡¯s hearts, breaking the passion into pieces, the creaking and sound of tree falling makes me unable to dream. The frightening nking noise put me on edge, the cold, piercing to the bone, prating from the bottom¡­..¡±

    Jiang Li looked at Ji Heng and said: ¡°Duke seems to like hearing tragedy very much.¡±

    Before, there was ¡¶Jiu Er Case¡·, afterwards there¡¯s ¡¶Jian Ge Wen Ling¡·, both were mournful and tragic ys. Perhaps Ji Heng could not bear to see others be well, including operas, he refused to listen to happy ones.

 Chapter 101.3

    <h4>Chapter 101 Part 3: Bloom</h4>

    ¡°I don¡¯t like watchingedy.¡± Ji Heng yed with the fan in his hand, smiled and said: ¡°It¡¯s too fake.¡±

    Jiang Li stared at him. Unexpectedly, she didn¡¯t know what to say momentarily. Ji Heng thought thatedy was too fake, some clues could be inferred from this sentence.

    What kind of person is he?

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    Throwing these wild thoughts away from her mind, Jiang Li said: ¡°I just never thought that the duke will live as the Ye family¡¯s neighbor.¡± Somewhat jokingly, she continued: ¡°Those who did not know will think that the duke ising because of me.¡±

    ¡°What if I say that I came precisely because of you?¡± Ji Heng replied.

    Jiang Li was stumped.

    A rxed smile was hanging on the corner of his lips, his eyes resembled profound, light amber, sentimental and fickle. Compared to gold, jade or precious pearls, his gaze fascinated people more, making people unable to stop themselves.

    ¡°Then I can only remain at a respectful distance.¡± Jiang Li said indifferently.

    Ji Hengughed soundlessly. Using the handle of his fan to support his chin, his gaze contained a kind of wicked innocence, he spoke: ¡°Contrary to expectation, Miss Jiang second knows full well the principle of putting one¡¯s own safety before matters of principle.¡±

    ¡°The weak seek survival, always alert step by step.¡±

    ¡°Second miss doesn¡¯t need to look down on yourself,¡± he squinted his eyes, ¡°the weak will not set up a trap and draw the gentleman into an urn.¡±

    Whenever being with Ji Heng, they always fought each other. This wasn¡¯t light and Jiang Li was also confused. At first, he obviously did not carepletely about her life. But due to a series of unexpected turns of events, they were repeatedly swept together. Now, even if he wanted to keep away from him, it was out of the question. He had started to be suspicious of her.

    Must continue walking step by step.

    Jiang Li smiled and said: ¡°After talking for so long, isn¡¯t the duke tired? It¡¯s hard to find Little Peach¡¯s expensive voice, do not let it down.¡±

    Her turning the subject was rough and stiff, but her manner of speaking was still naturally gentle, as if she herself waspletely unconscious. Ji Heng couldn¡¯t help ncing at her more before turning his head with a smile on his face. He said: ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±

    Little Peach on the stage saw Ji Heng finally no longer chatted with Jiang Li and turned his head to watch her. She immediately sang even more enthusiastically.

    Jiang Li felt funny when she saw it. It was said that the brightest opera singers sang good dramas only when the singer was able to inject their feelings into it. But the y was sung by Little Peach¡¯s mouth while her eyes were clearly on Ji Heng. It could be regarded as being absent-minded, but this girl¡¯s heart, afraid would be mud. She didn¡¯t know that this beauty in red was only ustomed toe to watch the ys, never entered the ys.

    ¡°Pity your fragrant soul scattered by the tossing wind, it caused my blood and tears to pour out like rain. Grief as facing death, the starry eyes stared nkly and the white teeth creaked and groaned, jade body trembling fearfully, the blossoming face was faint and miserable.¡±

    Little Peach sang continuously, the flowing sleeves brought wind and a bit of mourning. However, when Jiang Li heard it, there¡¯s a bit of a murderous meaning.

    She thought she¡¯d heard wrongly, this was like a fake tragedy. The mournful voice wasn¡¯t false, but probably Jiang Li was now particrly perceptive towards the subtle moods of people, thus she could feel that in the mournful tone, there¡¯s an imperceptible coldness.

    She lifted her eyes to look at Little Peach.

    Little Peach still mindlessly sent tender nces at Ji Heng. Those nces were filled with emotions, not at all pitiful. But Jiang Li felt that the attention Little Peach was paying to Ji Heng was extremely ferocious.

    Her back was unconsciously erected, her fingers curled up in her sleeves as if she smelled some kind of conspiracy.

    ¡°Looking on helplessly since both cannot save or rece you. How topensate the sorrow and how to face you. The saddest time is when the pear blossoms fall. From then on, there¡¯s misery upon seeing pear blossoms.¡±

    When she sang the word in thest line, Little Peach¡¯s voice suddenly turned sharp, which made people frown subconsciously. Jiang Li¡¯s heart tightened, before she could react, she saw Little Peach who was wearing an opera¡¯s white dress suddenly leaped from the stage, flowing sleeves flying, with a dot of silver on her hand, and pounced onto Ji Heng.

    She turned out to be an assassin who came to assassinate Ji Heng!

    Jiang Li had not yet cried in rm when she saw all the other actors, who were singing the opera together with Little Peach on the stage, suddenly showing up from all directions. Each and everyone of them looked murderous, no longer having the vivid appearance of those performing in the opera just now.

    This Jin Man Tang was actually a facade erected by assassins. It appeared that the person behind them also understood Ji Heng enough, and knew that he loved watching and listening to ys. Thus put up such an organized troupe and actually singing a Hongmen feast*.

    It¡¯s truly an absurd disaster!

    Assassins came over from all directions, headed by Little Peach who was overflowing with murderous aura. Jiang Li could not avoid, even if she was not the other party¡¯s target, she was well aware that if Ji Heng died, the other party would not let her off. Besides, the swords have no eyes. Even if Ji Heng did not die, it was also possible for her to be killed by mistake.

    She was reborn, and advanced step by step. She didn¡¯t want to die here because of such a ridiculous mistake!

    Jiang Li touched the whistle tucked in her sleeves. Unexpectedly, Little Peach¡¯s martial art was better than imagined, several daggers were concealed among her flowing sleeves and had already closed in before her eyes. They were in imminent danger.

    Right at this moment.

    There¡¯s light in her eyes, with a stab from the side, a peony suddenly bloomed.

    The dagger did not enter the beautiful peony, as if stunned by the peony, it did not move forward.

    Jiang Li focused her eyes, that isn¡¯t a peony, that is Ji Heng¡¯s folding fan. He unfolded his fan and blocked Little Peach¡¯s attack.

    A momentter, she felt her body be light. Ji Heng supported her back and brought her behind. That beautiful gold thread folding fan was across her chest, spread out to reveal aplete and breathtaking pattern.

    Little Peach was also stunned.

    Her strong dagger was easily blocked by the gorgeous fan like y, her first attack failed. And on the gold threaded folding fan, the peony petals rolled out smoothly, iparably beautiful, as if ridiculing her insignificance.

    Jiang Li was shocked.

    Despite how calm she was, at the moment of life and death, especially with the current¡¯s bizarre murder, she could no longer keep her previous smile.

    The one smiling was Ji Heng.

    He ced his fan in front of his body, the splendid red gown reached the ground, spilling beautifully. The sunlight from outside was eclipsed, yet in the dark, his colors seemed to be even brighter. Even the peony on his fan seemed to be blooming exuberantly

 Chapter 101.4

    <h4>Chapter 101 Part 4: Bloom</h4>

    His hand supported Jiang Li on her back. Jiang Li was not as tall as him, thus, seen from afar, it seemed as if he had taken her into his arms. As long as he lowered his head, his chin would touch the top of Jiang Li¡¯s head. However, he didn¡¯t look at Jiang In at all, his pair of long and narrow almond-shaped eyes smiling lightly, containing endless colors while looking at Little Peach.

    Jiang Li leaned to the side to look at Little Peach.

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    Naturally, the expression of the woman whose face had been painted fully could not be made out. Only the coldness and stiffness of her eyes were like iron, the mellow and moving look she showed while she was performing could not be seen at all.

    ¡°Who sent you?¡± Ji Heng asked softly.

    His voice was also very gentle, as if the person facing him was a friend, or a delicate and charming beautiful woman he didn¡¯t wish to startle, containing infinite tenderness.

    Little Peach did not say a word.

    ¡°I know even if you refuse to say.¡± The corner of his mouth had a light smile, carrying a kind of exotic enticement. He said: ¡°If you say it out, I¡¯ll let your end be a bit quicker.¡±

    Jiang Li trembled inside, using this type of intimate tone to say such dreadful words, this person was truly too terrible.

    Right at this time, looking at the approaching actors in the surrounding, Jiang Li abruptly realized something. Such a huge mansion, yet not a single bodyguard can be seen. She absolutely doesn¡¯t believe that Ji Heng has no bodyguards.

    In the middle of her thought, Little Peach snorted coldly. Then together with the others actors, they pounced at him simultaneously.

    All around, each of them was a powerful enemy. Couldn¡¯t escape and couldn¡¯t stay. Jiang Li¡¯s mind was in a jumble, she might as well throw herself beside Ji Heng. She believed Ji Heng, this cunning person, absolutely would not wait for death on the spot. There¡¯s always a way, but she could not hold Ji Heng, leaving her back open to Little Peach. If she was treated as a human shield by Ji Heng and was pushed out, that would be the greatest injustice.

    During her distraction, she heard something resembling augh from Ji Heng. Soon Jiang Li felt her body move, following Ji Heng¡¯s sudden move. Then she saw an actor with white painted face pointing a sword from behind Ji Heng.

    ¡°Careful!¡± Jiang Li eximed.

    This waspletely not because she had kind intentions and couldn¡¯t see blood, rather, it was for her own consideration. If Ji Heng were to die here, she would also have no way to live. Just as he was about to stretch his hand into his sleeve, the white faced actor holding the sword suddenly paused as if his acupuncture point was hit. Blood flew out from the corner of his mouth and his body fell down slowly.

    In his chest, a silver arrow passed through.

    ¡®Rustle rustle¡¯, following the sound, Jiang Li looked up and saw ck dressed bodyguards had unknowingly appeared on the four corners of the eaves. They were holding bows and arrows, with expressionless faces, their hands continuously released arrows.

    Screams immediately rang out in the courtyard.

    These screams,pared to ordinary people, were much softer, thus it went unnoticed by the surrounding neighbors. Jiang Li guessed all the people of Jin Man Tang were people who passed special training and were ready to sacrifice their lives. Their movements at death¡¯s door were much smaller.

    Little Peach wanted to assassinate Ji Heng, but she absolutely did not anticipate Ji Heng¡¯s arrangements in advance. She was disturbed upon seeing with her own eyes how each and every one of herpanions copsed, but with red eyes, she disregarded everything and rushed towards Ji Heng.

    Jiang Li sighed in her heart.

    She wasn¡¯t able to clearly see Little Peach¡¯s expression, but based on her action, Little Peach was confused. However, this was indeed beyond anyone¡¯s imagination, how the people from Jin Man Tang were dead soldiers who came to assassinate Ji Heng. This was enough to make people surprised. It was even more amazing that Ji Heng had since earlier arranged people to lie in wait. Little Peach¡¯s drama was done exquisitely and iparably, yet no one expect that Ji Heng had seen a lot of ys, and he could distinctly see that the truth was still fake.

    The people in Jin Man Tang thought they were acting in a y for Ji Heng to see, but Ji Heng truly treated Jin Man Tang as the y.

    The beautiful, mischievous and flirtatious young man¡¯s motions were especially graceful. His figure was not as quick and violent as Little Peach, but was more like a poisonous animal hunting, unhurriedly closing in to his prey. So much so that Jiang Li could not even make out their fighting at close range. She only felt that Ji Heng had effortlessly used that gold threaded fan to strike Little Peach¡¯s dagger.

    Without any hesitation, he broke the four limbs in Little Peach¡¯s body and removed her chin.

    Jiang Li¡¯s whole body felt a chill when she saw.

    Even though she had died once, even though she was tormented by Princess Yongning and Shen Yu Rong, seeing Ji Heng¡¯s unfeeling and even appearing to enjoy the bloody circumstances at the moment, Jiang Li could not be d. She only wanted to leave.

    Little Peach was restrained, and the jade-like beautypletelycked image as she was paralyzed on the ground, just like a dog that can be trampled on. With the situation before her, she could not evenmit suicide.

    Ji Heng took two steps forwards, walking in front of Little Peach. Little Peach¡¯s body was filled with mud and blood, yet Ji Heng¡¯s gorgeous gown did not have the slightest trace of dust.

    Just like before, he was still aloof and remote, a person watching the y who did not eat the human world¡¯s fireworks.

    ¡°I gave you a chance.¡± Ji Heng leaned over slightly, as if taking pity. He spoke quietly: ¡°Unfortunately, you refused.¡±

    A trace of fear shed through Little Peach¡¯s eyes. Jiang Li could see it clearly.

    Even if a person was ready to sacrifice his life, in the end, it depended on not being the least bit afraid in the face of death. But having no fear of death did not mean that there were no other things beside death. The trump card that they lose in the end, after their voluntary termination of life, what they had to face was even more frightening than death.

    This has been the principle since ancient times.

    Jiang Li recognized the bodyguard called Wen Ji who came over. He said to Ji Heng: ¡°Master, ten living people are left alive.¡±

    The fear in Little Peach¡¯s eyes grew even deeper. In these circumstances, Ji Heng was actually able to leave ten people alive. This was too formidable. The most important thing was the meaning behind the ten living people. It meant that there were more opportunities avable. Human nature was that they could not stand being put to the test. The same as ten dead soldiers entering a private prison,pared to one dead soldier entering a private prison, the truth could be pried much more.

    Ji Heng would not let the opportunity slip by.

    ¡°You guys sang pretty well.¡± Ji Hengughed, ¡°what a pity.¡±

 Chapter 102.1

    <h4>Chapter 102.1</h4>

    The bodyguards dragged all of them down. The opera costumes from those bright actors were peeled off. Unable to move a step, they were paralyzed on the ground, cutting extremely sorry figures as they were towed away. Jin Man Tang, whose name was famous for a while, instantly turned into prisoners.

    What awaited them was an ending even more tragic than this ¡¶Jian Ge Wen Ling¡·.

    Jiang Li watched Little Peach¡¯s rear view.

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    Such a delicate and charming young opera singer. She, as a female, couldn¡¯t help taking pity, but Ji Heng did not seem to be moved in the slightest.

    Jiang Li turned around and looked at Ji Heng.

    In the somber ck and white courtyard, his red clothes were especially prominent and garish. The broken and disorderly stage no longer had the mellow music heard just now. There¡¯s only the blood and swords left scattered on the ground, a reminder that a fight had just urred here. The young man shook his fan lightly, his appearance romantic, the cold-heartedness he showed just now could not be seen at all.

    His mind was like steel, but his face was full of tenderness. Jiang Li had never seen such a person. Remaining calm, speaking andughing while killing.

    ¡°Why does Miss Jiang second look at me like this?¡± He asked while smiling.

    ¡°The y just now was quite brilliant,¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°I truly admire the duke.¡±

    Ji Heng closed his fan and said: ¡°I don¡¯t act in a y.¡±

    ¡°But,¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°the duke did not enter the y, therefore the duke won.¡±

    Ji Heng was too clear-headed, Jiang Li could see that since long ago. His heart distinguished everything very clearly. He was dressed in bright red clothes, but his heart was ck and white like the courtyard before her eyes. He was distinctly clear on what he saw. As a result, when Little Peach casted amorous nces at him, when the opera tunes aroused the sympathy of the audiences, he held a smile in the corner of his lips, but his heart was full of ridicule.

    Just like he had known from earlier that Jin Man Tang had followed and came to Xiangyang with the excuse of fawning on him, when in fact, it was to assassinate him. He knew about this y for a long time, thus he could prepare earlier, but he waited for this moment when Jin Man Tang sang aplete drama.

    He just wanted to see the y.

    Jiang Li thought, perhaps she, the Jiang family and the Ye family are merely a y in Ji Heng¡¯s eyes. The reason why he is paying attention is due to be bit of interest. As for how engrossed he is, it is just a y, why waste so much mental and physical energy? Anyway it¡¯s not real.

    Ji Heng said: ¡°Second miss seems to be very touched?¡±

    Jiang Li smiled: ¡°Just feeling that the things in the world are impermanent.¡±

    ¡°Is Miss Jiang second satisfied with this y?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t dare to be dissatisfied.¡± Jiang Liughed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say it as if I¡¯m very scary,¡± the corner of Ji Heng¡¯s lips was raised. He lowered his voice ambiguously, ¡°just now, when second miss was faced with danger, weren¡¯t you so scared that you drilled into my embrace?¡±

    Jiang Li nearly choked.

    Then, when it was the time between life and death, if she didn¡¯t find a shield, she would really feel wronged in case she was mistakenly killed under a sword. So of course she wanted Ji Heng to block in front. The words exported by Ji Heng at this moment while he looked at her sideways intentionally with interest made the action she made just now seem to imply a different meaning.

    ¡°Follow the authority when things are urgent,¡± Jiang Li smiled insincerely and said: ¡°I¡¯m really sorry for being rude to the duke.¡±

    She¡¯s a woman, but said ¡°being rude¡± to a man, if it circted in Yanjing, afraid would beughed at by others.

    ¡°No matter.¡± Ji Heng said, his sight fell on the ground. He suddenly bent down and picked something up.

    Jiang Li saw and it was actually the jade pendant that she had redeemed before. The one that Xue Huai Yuan personally carved when she was born.

    She was shocked and hurriedly touched her neck only to find the rope hanging around her neck was broken. Perhaps it broke in the struggle during the confusion before.

    Jiang Li said: ¡°That¡¯s my jade pendant.¡±

    Ji Heng stroked the jade pendant in his palm, his eyes stayed on the vivid racoon pattern. Jiang Li was anxious and without caring about anything else, she reached her hand out to grab it. It didn¡¯t go as she hoped, Ji Heng slightly leaned back, looked up, and raised his hand holding the pendant higher.

    Jiang Li couldn¡¯t reach it and said: ¡°Duke, that is my jade pendant, please return it to me.¡±

    ¡°I heard Miss Jiang second only has a single character as a name.¡± Heughed.

    Jiang Li was annoyed, the entire Yanjing knew that her name was Jiang Li. Ji Heng said this, clearly on purpose.

    The people of the Ye family called you Ah Li, I don¡¯t know which ¡°Li¡± it is. Pear blossom¡¯s Li or roon¡¯s Li1?¡± He lowered his head, the smile at the corner of his lips deepened while his eyes contained a faint cold anticipation and emotion, making people confused.

    Jiang Li felt her blood freeze in a sh.

    She forced herself to smile and said: ¡°Of course it¡¯s the Li from pear blossom.¡±

    ¡°Is it?¡± Ji Heng stared at her without blinking as he spoke in a particrly soft tone, ¡°I feel that it¡¯s the Li from roon.¡±

    Jiang Li raised her eyes to look at him.

    The man was indescribably beautiful, the bright tear shaped red moles under his eyes became brighter at this moment, turning his facial features sharper and more amorous.

    Jiang Li said: ¡°Why did you say so?¡±

    Ji Heng didn¡¯t speak for a while. Then heughed and said: ¡°Because you are not as lovely as a pear blossom, more like a roon. Isn¡¯t it, Ah li?¡±

    That words ¡°Ah Li¡± was fragrant as it came out of his lips, but Jiang Li felt her body broke out in shivers,

    It¡¯s impossible for Ji Heng to know her past experience, but he must have noticed something amiss. He¡¯s probing, who wavered would be the losing party.

    Jiang Li raised her head and exposed a smile without any trace of weakness. She said: ¡°Duke could call whatever you like to call. Anyway it¡¯s just a name. It¡¯s just that when others hear, they might inevitably misunderstand our rtionship.¡±

    Ji Heng smiled: ¡°The words spoken by second miss always make people feel deeply hurt and unexpected.¡±

    Jiang Li looked at him and heard him continue: ¡°But the more surprising thing is not this, for instance Miss Jiang second could find out about Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s outer room. This has really surprised me.¡±

    Jiang Li sighed in her heart.

    Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s outer room mother and son being taken away by Ye Ming Yu, Tong Zhi Yang could not find their whereabouts while Jiang Li knew. This matter certainly couldn¡¯t be concealed from Ji Heng. People who even had the guts to assassinate people in the pce, how could they not nt people in Xiangyang.

    Footnotes:

    1: Jiang Li¡¯s name in Chinese characters: ½ªÀæ . Pear blossom: Àæ»¨ l¨ªhu¨¡ . Racoon: ÀêÃ¨ l¨ªm¨¡o 1.

    So the Chinese name usually consists of 3 characters, the first one being the surname and two more characters after. Sometimes, when you state your Chinese name to someone, you exin the meaning of each character, for example: My name is Jiang Li, Li for pear blossom (lihu¨¡). So people won¡¯t mistakenly call you using the wrong intonation which may mean a different thing.

 Chapter 102.2

    <h4>Chapter 102.2</h4>

    Based on Ji Heng¡¯s ability, it¡¯s not difficult to arrange for a person to stare at her anytime and anywhere.

    ¡°I really want to know, how does Miss Jiang second know the whereabouts of Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s outer room.¡± Ji Heng spoke gently and considerately, yet forceful.

    ¡°There¡¯s no imprable walls on earth.¡± Jiang Li looked calmly at him, ¡°Since Tong Zhi Yang has done it, he will always expose a tail. Following the tail to search for the truth is a difficult matter. I¡¯m also very surprised to know that the duke is very meticulous towards other people¡¯s family¡¯s trivial matters.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not trivial when it has something to do with you.¡± Ji Heng said with a smile, ¡°what Miss Jiang second does are usually big things.¡± He paused for a while before continuing, ¡°Indeed there¡¯s no imprable walls in the world, the tails will always be exposed, following the tails, sooner orter, the truth wille out.¡± Heughed while looking at Jiang Li: ¡°Isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Jiang Li nodded: ¡°Yes.¡±

    She understood the unspoken implication in Ji Heng¡¯s words. There were many doubtful points about her, even if she concealed them very well, it¡¯s hard to avoid exposing the tails. As long as these tails were grabbed, there would inevitably be a day when her secrets would be uncovered.

    Perhaps Ji Heng would really be able to aplish it, but she wasn¡¯t afraid. She only wanted to avenge the Xue family, apart from this, she did not care about what the future held.

    Ji Heng seemed to also notice her indifference and said carelessly: ¡°Miss Jiang second is not afraid of anything, should be because you are secure in the knowledge that you have a backing. Everything is nned thoroughly. Now with Tong Zhi Yang staring, nobody will dare to move you.¡±

    Jiang Li suddenly looked at him.

    This could also be seen through by Ji Heng.

    That¡¯s right, beforeing to Xiangyang, Jiang Li thought, Ji Shuran mother and daughter ate such a huge loss in the pce matter, they must doubt her after thinking about it when they returned. Even if the matter in the pce did not ur, the mother and daughter also would not tolerate her. This trip to Xiangyang happened to provide an exceptionally good opportunity for them to get rid of her.

    Ji Shuran mother and daughter must certainly have asked someone to spy on her in the dark. If there¡¯s a problem, they would kill ruthlessly. Dering her identity at the gate of Li Zheng Tang, aside from making Tong Zhi Yang give birth to fear and be more polite to the Ye family members, it¡¯s also to give herself a safety talisman.

    With her special identity, Tong Zhi Yang definitely would order someone to watch her movements in secret. In addition, all the people in Xiangyang at the moment were aware that Tong Zhi Yang had offended Jiang Li. In case something happened to Jiang Li while she was in Xiangyang, regardless of the truth, Tong Zhi Yang would have to carry this pot. Other people would only think it was because of the feud between Jiang Li and Tong Zhi Yang, thus Tong Zhi Yang killed her secretly. Jiang Yuan Bai would not let Tong Zhi Yang go. Therefore, so as not to let him bear a bad name in vain, Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s people would protect Jiang Li properly.

    This was borrowing Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s people and horses to handle Ji Shuran¡¯s people. At least in where Tong Zhi Yang was located, Jiang Li would be secure.

    This point was Jiang Li¡¯s secret calction. She did not expect to be seen by Ji Heng.

    Jiang Liughed: ¡°Under the heavens, is there anything that the duke is not aware of?¡±

    ¡°There is.¡± Ji Heng looked at her, his gaze moving, ¡°that is, you.¡±

    ¡°Me?¡±

    ¡°The people I¡¯ve met in my life,¡± Ji Heng said: ¡°at your age, whether it was male or female in Northern Yan, you are the first one to have such shrewd strategies.¡±

    ¡°Thank you very much for the duke¡¯s praise.¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°Jiang Li does not dare to take it.¡±

    ¡°You deserve it, I am just puzzled, since you are this witty, for eight years, how did you get driven away to Mount Qingcheng by your stepmother?¡± Ji Heng asked with a smile.

    ¡°The people n things, the heavens decide things. I was just out of luck.¡± Jiang Li smiled and said: ¡°Moreover, eight years ago, I was just seven years old. The dukeparing the seven years old me to the current me is really too harsh. The heavens will not continuously care for certain people, my luck was not good eight years ago, but there¡¯s a sentence, the feng shui will change direction, and today it arrives at my ce.¡± She smiled indifferently.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll wait and see.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled and bowed her head. This time, Ji Heng could be said as returning the jade pendant to her. Jiang Li paid him a courtesy: ¡°Today¡¯s drama is absolutely brilliant, I should go back now. Thank you, duke, for lending your hand to save just now, Jiang Li is extremely grateful.¡±

    ¡°No need to thank,¡± Ji Hengughed, ¡°actually, without me, Miss Jiang second could back out, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Jiang Li¡¯s gaze was cold before she immediately followed with a smile as she said: ¡°Still, many thanks.¡± She bid goodbye to Ji Heng, then turned around to leave calmly.

    Until after Jiang Li¡¯s figure disappeared outside the courtyard, Wen Ji appeared behind Ji Heng and said: ¡°Master, the people from Jin Man Tang¡­..¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t let people die.¡± Ji Heng shook his fan and said: ¡°After the interrogation is done, send them back to their master.¡±

    Wen Ji responded and again asked: ¡°About Jiang second miss¡­..¡±

    ¡°Continue staring at her.¡± Ji Heng said: ¡°The people from the Weaving Unit will arrive very soon. I want to see how she is going to finish singing this y.¡±

    Wen Ji did not speak, he also wondered in his mind. He saw the scene today from beginning to end. Jiang Li, a 15 years old youngdy, when confronting the assassination from Jin Man Tang, though there was a sh of panic, she calmed down within a moment, as if shepletely had no lingering fear. Not just that, as a passer-by, Wen Ji also noticed that Jiang Li had repeatedly reached into her sleeve. Even at the critical moment of life and death, she did not have the thought of helplessly sitting and waiting for death. She¡¯s used to keeping her moves until the end, preparing well, making sure that everything was surefire. Just as Ji Heng said, even if Ji Heng did not act today, Jiang Li might still be able to retreat today.

    Wen Ji looked at Ji Heng, the smile on Ji Heng¡¯s face was already put away. After Ji Heng put the smiles away, the warm and gentle tenderness could no longer be seen, what¡¯s left was coldness and indifference, making people terrified.

    But Jiang second miss was not afraid of him and still walked with him step by step, truly not simple¡­¡­.

    ¡­¡­

    When Jiang Li returned to her courtyard in the Ye family residence, Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue were startled. There were some blood stters at the corner of her skirt, probably sshed from the assassins¡¯ body.

    ¡°Miss, what happened? Where are you injured?¡± Tong¡¯er went around worriedly to check Jiang Li¡¯s condition.

    ¡°Not my blood.¡± Jiang Liforted her, ¡°I¡¯ll go and change, don¡¯t speak of it to other people.¡±

    Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue were worried, but they could only nod upon seeing Jiang Li¡¯s calm expression.

 Chapter 102.3

    <h4>Marriage of the Di Daughter</h4> <h4>Chapter 102 Part 3: End of the y</h4>

    Jiang Li let out her breath and changed her dress before sitting down. Then Bai Xue handed her a cup of tea. The two servant girls did not know what had happened. The youngdy was chatting with Ye Ming Yu at the residence¡¯s gate for a while, why does it seem that something terrible had urred?

    Jiang Li sipped the hot tea and her heart gradually calmed down.

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    Today, she originally wanted to have a chat with Ji Heng to find his depth. Who would know that she woulde into the scene of Jin Man Tang assassinating Ji Heng. Apparently, Xiangyang was also not that peaceful. Those people clearly came for Ji Heng, she originally had no rtions with Ji Heng, but in those people¡¯s eyes, perhaps her rtionship with Ji Heng appeared deep. If they changed their spearheads towards her, that was truly an absurd cmity. Now the Ye family¡¯s affair was not yet resolved, she was still carrying Xue family¡¯s blood debt, she did not wish to add anymore trouble on herself.

    Must keep far away from him.

    After the matters in Xiangyang are resolved and back to Yanjing, I must not have any dealings with Ji Heng. This person¡¯s mind is too deep, the secrets he conceals do not seem to be light, it¡¯s better if he has nothing to do with her.

    ¡°Today is already the seventh day¡­..¡± she muttered.

    Seven days had already passed since she spoke at Li Zheng Tang¡¯s doorway. Adding the time when she wrote a letter to Ye Shijie, after counting, in these two days, the Weaving Unit officials should arrive.

    The Weaving Unit official plus the outer room that was in other people¡¯s hands, Tong Zhi Yang would not dare to obstruct from the inside. At least, the Ye family¡¯s matter would not likely to be worse. Even if the Right Prime Minister had set a trap at the back, with the rtionship with the Jiang family, the Ye family would be safe for the time being.

    Aside from the Ye family affairs, the most important reason why she came to Xiangyang was for Xue Huai Yuan. She didn¡¯t know how Xi Hua Lou¡¯s Qiong Zhi¡¯s inquiries went. The time was pressing, she had to find an opportunity to make the trip to Tongxiang herself.

    ¡­¡­

    Two dayster, the official from the Weaving Unit arrived in Xiangyang.

    The Weaving Unit official directly went to see Tong Zhi Yang first thing. With Ye Shijie¡¯s report to the Weaving Unit describing what was happening to the ancient fragrant satin in Xiangyang using Jiang family¡¯s name, the Weaving Unit official in Yanjing was immediately aware that this matter was extremely important. The Ye family was the newly appointed official of the Ministry of Revenue¡¯s family, which was also the current chief assistant, Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s former inws. No matter how, they must not overlook it. Thus they promptly dispatched people to go to Xiangyang as fast as possible, continuously hurrying on the road day and night to thoroughly investigate this matter.

    Tong Zhi Yang did not expect the people from Yanjing to arrive this quickly. These days, he kept thinking about the mother and son he raised outside, nearly turning the entire city upside down. But no matter how, they still could not find them. The whole person was distracted and cked off on the matter of the Ye family. He did not carefully ponder upon it, merely thought that he had already exined everything that happened in Xiangyang in the letter that he had sent to his brother inw. He would wait and see how his brother inw would handle this.

    But before he received his brother inw¡¯s reply, the Weaving Unit official had already arrived. Tong Zhi Yang did not know any good way and had no alternative but to first cope with it, thinking that he could drag it for a couple more days. When the letter from Yanjing arrived, he would then know which step he should take next.

    ¡°Master Tang,¡± Tong Zhi Yang said with a smile across his face: ¡°The Ye family¡¯s ancient fragrant satin caused people¡¯s deaths, now the people of the Ye family that¡¯s involved are still kept in our government office. This weaving matter should be managed by you, but the matter about people¡¯s deaths are managed by us. Therefore the two masters in the Ye family cannot be released.¡±

    The person from the Weaving Unit that was dispatched to investigate this matter thoroughly was called Tang Fan. He couldn¡¯t say anything after hearing Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s words. What Tong Zhi Yang said was not wrong, they, the Weaving Unit, only dealt with weaving manufacturing, not murders. Since the Ye family¡¯s cloths caused people¡¯s deaths, indeed the government office should investigate them.

    ¡°No problem.¡± Jiang Li, who came together with Ye Ming Yu to discuss the matter, smiled and said: ¡°We are not requesting Uncle Ming Hui and Uncle Ming Xuan to be released now.¡±

    Tang Fan sighed in relief internally. Before he came, his superior had explicitly told him that this case had something to do with the Jiang family and the Ye family. The most important was the chief assistant¡¯s Jiang family. He was the head schr in Yanjing and must absolutely not be offended. Moreover, in the recent months in Yanjing, Jiang Li¡¯s matter was spread vigorously. Everyone knew the Jiang family¡¯s second miss was an amazing person. Jiang second miss wanted to protect the Ye family, they had no way but toply. If Jiang second miss was not willing to overlook and insisted on the two masters of the Ye family right at this moment, they, the Weaving Unit, had no choice but to get into a dispute with the government office.

    Instead, Tong Zhi Yang was stunned.

    At Li Zheng Tang¡¯s gate, Jiang second miss¡¯s speech was severe. Tong Zhi Yang knew in his heart that this chief assistant¡¯s noble daughter was certainly a bossy and domineering youngdy. Since she took the initiative to stand up for the Ye family, she would definitely protect Ye Ming Hui and Ye Ming Xuan. If he used this reason to refuse, they would be in a deadlock with the people from the Weaving Unit and this entanglement certainly would not be resolved quickly. In this case, he could use this to buy himself some time, waiting for the reply from Yanjing to arrive.

    Unexpectedly, Jiang second miss was easy to talk to and simply agreed.

    Tong Zhi Yang thought that this was Jiang Li¡¯s trick and couldn¡¯t help looking suspiciously at Jiang Li. But he saw the girl with delicate features smiling gently without any scheming, and she appeared simple and pure.

    Perhaps she was just bluffing when in actuality, she is just a little girl who doesn¡¯t understand anything? Tong Zhi Yang was puzzled, and after a second thought, it was not a big deal that Jiang Li was easy to talk to although he could not buy time. Ye Ming Hui and Ye Ming Xuan who managed the Ye family were locked up and there¡¯s no one to be in charge in the Ye family. That Ye Ming Yu did not understand the Ye family¡¯s business and could not act ordingly, Ye Jia Er and Ye Rufeng were just two inexperienced children. The Ye family was just like loose sand without anyone in charge. Even if the Weaving Unit official arrived, presumably, they would not be able to find anything out. After insisting for a few days without any results, there should be new orders from Yanjing¡¯s side.

    Thinking up to here, Tong Zhi Yang at once felt his whole body rxed. He smiled and said: ¡°So, we, the government office will no longer get involved with the matter of ancient fragrant satin. Master Tang, please investigate this case carefully and give an exnation to the people in Xiangyang.¡±

    Tang Fan said: ¡°That¡¯s our duty.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu also said: ¡°Everything is left to Master Tang.¡±

    Tong Zhi Yang felt that even if the Ye family invited the Weaving Unit, they had no way for the time being. As he was immensely pleased with himself, he heard Jiang Li say: ¡°Master Tang, the ready-made clothes made from ancient fragrant satin which caused the people to contract rashes before had all been returned to us. Now the subordinates in the house have packed all those clothes in a box and sent them to the weaving yard under the mountain.¡±

 Chapter 102.4

    <h4>Marriage of the Di Daughter</h4> <h4>Chapter 102 Part 4: End of the y</h4>

    Hiya, I¡¯m sorry for missing a chapter part on Thursday, something came up and I had to go out of town.

    An advance warning, there¡¯s a word at the end that¡¯s not tranted as there¡¯s no English equivalent to it. It seemed to be a made up nt / flower. No worry, there¡¯s an exnation in the next chapter.

    Tong Zhi Yang was stunned and Tang Fan nced at Jiang Li in surprise. Heughed and said: ¡°Miss Jiang second thought very thoroughly.¡±

    ¡°Master Tang should be asking those people to examine where the problems of the ancient fragrant satiny. Aside from this, all the things in the Ye family¡¯s weaving ce have not been moved so as to make it easier for Master Tang¡¯s people to check.¡± Jiang Li smiled and said: ¡°If you need the Ye family to do something, the Ye family will help with full strength. In case Master Tang discovers something, can write a letter to report to the Weaving Unit. Once the Weaving Unit in the capital gets the news, if the Ye family is the cause, then the Ye family¡¯s weaving industry will be sealed, if it¡¯s not because of the Ye family, this matter will beplicated. Afraid there¡¯s another conspiracy in the middle, which must be handed over to Master to investigate.¡±

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    She spoke neither too fast nor too slow, Ye Ming Yu did not understand matters in officialdom and was confused as he listened. Tong Zhi Yang frowned, faintly sensing that Jiang Li was not the naive and ignorant little girl that he had imagined. The one most astonished was Tang Fan. Everything that Jiang Li said was actually the official sequence of workflow. Could Jiang Yuan Bai be instructing his daughter on these official matters at home? If not, how could she speak about this affair so clearly and logically? Seemingly familiar, as if she had kept everything in mind from the beginning.

    Of course they would not know that as early as when she married Shen Yurong, the girl in front of them had read the government sequence of workflow. At that time, Xue Fang Fei did not know how she could help Shen Yurong. She only had the ability of retentive memory, thus she simply read through all the official documents, which included the official sequence of workflow. She knew the position of the Weaving Unit and knew what they did. Saying all these to Tang Fan was nothing else but to let him be clear that it¡¯s not good to deceive her, at least on the matter of the Ye family, Tang Fan must work conscientiously.

    It could be said that Tang Fan had no choice but to be polite to the Ye family before because of Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s name. But now, Jiang Li¡¯s words gave birth to a tiny admiration in Tang Fan¡¯s heart. Everyone spurned this Jiang second miss who had harmed her mother and killed her younger brother when she returned to Yanjing. However, she unexpectedly relied on Ming Yi Hall¡¯s examinations to make a name for herself in one move. Not just that, she also received a personal gift from His Majesty. It was said that people with ability would notck anything wherever they go. Even if they were in a plight, just relying on themselves, they could find a way out for themselves.

    Tang Fan respectfully said: ¡°In that case, let¡¯s not dy the time and go to the weaving ce now.¡±

    Jiang Li, together with her party and Tang Fan left. Tong Zhi Yang looked at their departing back, a trace of unease shed in his mind. He paused, then asked somewhat nervously to the person next to him: ¡°There¡¯s still no reply from Yanjing?¡±

    ¡°Returning to the master, not yet.¡±

    ¡°Really a bunch of trash!¡± Tong Zhi Yang said while swearing: ¡°Quickly go and ask, also,¡± he lowered his voice, ¡°don¡¯t me me for being rude if the madam and young master¡¯s whereabouts are still unknown!¡±

    His outer room and son¡¯s whereabouts were still unknown to this day. Tong Zhi Yang doubted they¡¯d been taken outside Xiangyang. However, the time in between was too long, so investigating at this time was really too difficult.

    Everything does not go well! He angrily mmed the cup on the table.

    ¡­¡­

    The Ye family¡¯s weaving ce was located at an open space at the bottom of the mountain.

    There was no one inside the weaving ce. Ever since problems urred with the ancient fragrant satin, the Ye family¡¯s manufacture was suspended and no longer weave any fabrics. The previous ancient fragrant satin had already circted in the entire Northern Yan. On this side, in Xiangyang, the affairs of the Ye family was abuzz, but it was unknown how about in other parts of Northern Yan.

    The weaving looms were covered by a faintyer of ash. Walking in from the doorway, therge weaving ce appeared especially deste. Ye Jia Er and Ye Ru Feng were waiting in the weaving ce. Upon the arrival of Jiang Li and her party, they immediately got up to wee them.

    ¡°Younger cousin, you¡¯ve finally arrived,¡± said Ye Jia Er. Hoping for the stars and the moon, eventually, the awaited people from the Weaving Unit hade. These days, the people of the Ye family had not been sleeping well. Ye Ming Hui two brothers were still locked in the government office, Li Zheng Tang was also closed, in the entire Xiangyang, it¡¯s circted that the Ye family¡¯s ancient fragrant satin cause people¡¯s deaths. If it was someone else, they would also not be able to eat and sleep well, worrying all day long.

    Now that the Weaving Unit official hade, they could investigate, in the end, where the problemy. If there really was a problem, they would know where to correct and wouldn¡¯t be like a headless fly, running around in confusion with their hands tied and without any ns, staying in their original ce and not knowing what they should do to make it better and looked on helplessly as the situation became more and more terrible.

    ¡°Older cousin, where¡¯s the ancient fragrant satin?¡± Jiang Li asked.

    Ye Jia Er hurriedly said: ¡°Over here.¡± She moved her body, exposing a deck behind her where a neat row of wooden boxes were located.

    The subordinates opened the boxes and Tang Fan brought his people over to the wooden boxes.

    The patterns on the ancient fragrant satin were dark and simple. What¡¯s rare was the faint fragrance emitting from the fabric. Only the Ye family had the ability to produce this kind of fabric, no one else could. In the two years when ancient fragrant satin was just produced, it was difficult to get even one bolt. Those nobilities wrangled endlessly just to get a bolt of the fabric.

    Yet, the current ancient fragrant satin had be the target of scorn that everyone scolded. Ye Jia Er and Ye Rufeng¡¯s eyes showed a trace of sadness.

    ¡°We did not move these ancient fragrant satin after they had been received from the customers.¡± Jiang Li smiled and said, ¡°if there¡¯s really something that causes illness in the ancient fragrant satin, at this time, it should still be there.¡±

    Tang Fan reached out and picked a piece of fabric, using his hand to rub a few times, probably to identify . After a while, he leaned close to lightly smell the fabric.

    Ye Jia Er held Jiang Li¡¯s hand nervously. Jiang Li smiled at her tofort her and Ye Jia Er felt a bit relieved.

    Tang Fan mulled over for a while then asked his subordinate toe closer and repeat his movements as if to verify something.

    Jiang Li noticed that he seemed to have made something out and immediately asked: ¡°Master Tang, did you find something?¡±

    Tang Fan did not dare to neglect when facing Jiang Li. He hurriedly said: ¡°Can¡¯t say that we¡¯ve found something, but there¡¯s something strange.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s strange?¡± Ye Jia Er asked anxiously.

    ¡°On this ancient fragrant satin, why is there a tu¨®lu¨® smell?¡±

 Chapter 103.1

    <h4>Marriage of the Di Daughter</h4>

    ¡°Why is there a tu¨®lu¨® smell on this ancient fragrant satin?¡±

    When these words came out, the people around looked at each other.

    Ye Jia Er asked: ¡°Master Tang, what is tu¨®lu¨® ?¡±

    Please, read this at BloomingTrantion blog. We spend a lot of time and effort to bring you the best quality trantions we can provide, so please show us respect by reading from our site instead of aggregators that steal our work.

    ¡°Tu¨®lu¨® is a kind of nt from the Western Region,¡± before Tang Fan opened his mouth, Jiang Li had replied. ¡°It grows around swamps, has a fragrant smell, but its petals carry poison. Once there¡¯s a person who grinded the petals and managed to turn it into poison. No one would notice when it¡¯s blended into food or clothes, after a long time, people would be poisoned.¡±

    Tang Fan looked at Jiang Li in surprise. He spoke after a long time: ¡°How does second miss know so clearly?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve seen a Western Region unusual record in my father¡¯s study. As it happened, there¡¯s a note about this.¡± Jiang Li said with a smile.

    Jiang Yuan Bai, as the chief assistant of the court, had arge collection of books in his residence, so it¡¯s reasonable to have such an obscure book. Tang Fan said: ¡°So it¡¯s like that, second miss really has wide learning and a good memory.¡±

    Ye Rufeng and Ye Jia Er nced at each other. Jiang Li was younger than them but she seemed to know more than them.

    ¡°Master Tang means, there¡¯s tu¨®lu¨® on these ancient fragrant satin?¡± Ye Ming Yu asked.

    ¡°Correct,¡± Tang Fan said: ¡°it¡¯s undoubtedly tu¨®lu¨®.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s fragrance in the tu¨®lu¨® petals, the ancient fragrant satin also has its own fragrance. When the tu¨®lu¨® petals are grinded into powder then mixed into the ancient fragrant satin, it¡¯s not easy to be discovered. From this it can be seen that the reason why the ancient fragrant satin caused rashes, and even death, was due to the tu¨®lu¨® flowers.¡± Jiang Li said.

    ¡°What second miss said is correct,¡± Tang Fan looked at Ye Jia Er, ¡°how could there be tu¨®lu¨® inside the Ye family¡¯s ancient fragrant satin?¡±

    Ye Jia Er shook her head: ¡°Master, this is impossible. For no cause nor reason, why would the Ye family ruin our own reputation? There has not been any problem with the ancient fragrant satin for so many years. Suddenly there¡¯s an ident, there must be a reason. But it absolutely will not be our Ye family that did this.¡±

    Tang Fan stared at her: ¡°Perhaps the Ye family identally mixed the tu¨®lu¨® flowers during weaving?¡±

    ¡°This¡­..¡± Ye Jia Er hesitated for a moment before shaking her head firmly. ¡°Master, the Ye family¡¯s weaving ce is closely followed and inspected by my father and the second uncle. It¡¯s impossible for a problem to arise. If there¡¯s problem within the Ye family, it would have been discovered way before something happened in the weaving ce. It¡¯s not possible to let problematic fabric be released.¡±

    What else could Tang Fan say? Soon he heard Jiang Li spoke from the side: ¡°Master Tang.¡±

    The words of the chief assistant¡¯s daughter, no matter how daring Tang Fan was, he would still give face on the surface. Thus he put out an attitude of listening seriously.

    Jiang Li said: ¡°As far as I know, tu¨®lu¨® grows around the swamp in the southern side of the Western Region. The Western Region and Xiangyang are too far apart. In the final analysis, Xiangyang is not like Yanjing where numerous peoplee and go. The weaving girls from the Ye family¡¯s weaving manufacturer have not gone out of Xiangyang for many years, so they should not be able to obtain tu¨®lu¨®. Other people in Xiangyang are also the same, might as well check the merchant going in and out of Xiangyang over the year, whether or not there¡¯s anyoneing from the Western Region. Supposed that there was, tu¨®lu¨® would most likelye from their hands. Whether it was intentionally targeting the Ye family or identally mixing it in the weaving process, this kind of foreign dangerous nts is not something that can be seen on ordinary days.¡±

    Hearing this, Ye Ming Yu also said: ¡°Right, this annoying tu¨®lu¨® should be a rarity. I travel extensively all year round but this is the first time I¡¯ve heard of this thing. Ah Li, this thing should not be cheap, right?¡±

    ¡°A little bit of tu¨®lu¨® cost 100 taels. There are better tu¨®lu¨® that cost 1,000 taels. The more gorgeous the color of the flower, the fragrance would also be stronger, the toxicity would be greater and it would be more precious. Like this one on the problematic ancient fragrant satin, able to poison a person to death, should be the kind that¡¯s no less than 1,000 taels.¡± Jiang Li looked at Tang Fan, ¡°Master Tang, forgive me for speaking out of turn, a bolt of the highest quality ancient fragrant satin only costs 500 taels of silver, ¡®identally¡¯ mixing a 1,000 worth of tu¨®lu¨® into the ancient fragrant satin that¡¯s only worth hundreds, afraid ordinary people would be hard-pressed to aplish this. It¡¯s not too excessive if I suspect that someone is deliberately shifting the me on the Ye family using this plot.¡±

    She smiled and spoke with a pleasant tone. As Tang Fan listened, his brows furrowed, his heart grew heavier. What Jiang Li said was indeed possible, but if it was truly a conspiracy, the matter would be big. In thepetition among merchants for profits, it¡¯s not impossible for them to trip each other in private. However, the Ye family was a family of Northern Yan¡¯s chief assistant, the Ye family¡¯s shops were all over Northern Yan. Those who dared to attack the Ye family undoubtedly had big guts and there¡¯s a huge possibility that some major characters were involved. On the other hand, the Ye family had the Jiang family¡¯s support, it¡¯s impossible not to investigate this matter thoroughly. Especially there¡¯s Jiang second miss, seemingly an amiable person, but her mind was very clear, it¡¯s not possible to deceive her. The person had evidently seen through this matter from the beginning, just waiting for someone toe and be a gunman to solve this matter neatly and cleanly.

    Knowing that he was involved in this terrible trouble, Tang Fan felt depressed. After pondering, he thought that this time, he could not put his own safety before matters of principle. Anyway, he would offend someone either way, he might as well give face to Jiang second miss. After all, the Jiang family¡¯s position in the middle of court had been extremely stable for many years. The chief assistant, Jiang Yuan Bai, was someone who tried to never offend anybody. With him helping the Ye family this time, Jiang Yuan Bai received this favor and would say a few nice words to him in the future.

    Thinking up to this, Tang Fan immediately said: ¡°What second miss said is justified, indeed it¡¯s no small matter. Even though the investigation of the case is not the responsibility of the Weaving Unit, the superior has dispatched us to Xiangyang precisely to investigate this matter thoroughly. The Ye family is Northern Yan number one weaving manufacturer, we can discuss this over with Magistrate Tong. From tomorrow onwards, we can thoroughly investigate the people in Xiangyang who have traveled to and from the Western Region.¡±

    ¡°Will Magistrate Tong agree?¡± Jiang Li frowned slightly, somewhat appearing awkward.

    ¡°Miss Jiang second rest assured,¡± Tang Fan said: ¡°this matter is rted to themon people in Xiangyang, the distribution of tu¨®lu¨® is a dangerous thing, Magistrate Tong will surely agree.¡± In the end, Tong Zhi Yang was just the prefectural magistrate of Xiangyang while he was a person from the capital. Tong Zhi Yang was used to being superior in this ce, not knowing how powerful Jiang second miss was. But he was very clear. When the Jiang family was at its peak, a majority of the court was Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s students. Nowadays, the Jiang family was a bit more cautious, but it didn¡¯t mean that they were declining and they must not be offended.

 Chapter 103.2

    <h4>Marriage of the Di Daughter</h4>

    ¡°Then, trouble Master Tang.¡± Jiang Li smiled and said: ¡°I¡¯ll go back and write a letter to inform my father about this matter, telling him that everything is going smoothly.¡±

    Hearing this, Tang Fan was immediately full of vigor. His previous hesitation, his fear that he got involved in the middle of trouble, was suddenly cleared. Jiang Li¡¯s words were practically a guarantee that she would say good things about him in front of Jiang Yuan Bai. Perhaps soon, his road to promotion would be a bit smoother.

    It¡¯s worth it.

    Please, read this at BloomingTrantion blog. We spend a lot of time and effort to bring you the best quality trantions we can provide, so please show us respect by reading from our site instead of aggregators that steal our work.

    Jiang Li saw the sh of delight in Tang Fan¡¯s eyes and smiled inside. The government officials from Yanjing had the habit of relying on their wives or female family members to climb up, without exception, including a Weaving Unit small official dispatched on assignment. Having power was indeed much more convenient; she rejoiced that she could make use of the power easily with her identity.

    Tang Fan, the responsible party, brought the problematic ancient fragrant satin away as evidence. A part of these ancient fragrant satin would be brought back to Yanjing. The next step was to investigate the origin of the avability of tu¨®lu¨® in Xiangyang. Jiang Li was not very worried that he couldn¡¯t find anyone. The Ye family really did not have to dig their own grave, washing their injustice clean was only a matter of time. In addition, Tang Fan was now partial to their side while Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s outer room was still held in their hands, there¡¯s really not a need to be very anxious. It¡¯s just that the Ye family¡¯s reputation had already been most likely destroyed, thus, even if their wrongful usation had been washed clean, the Ye family would not be able to restore their former glory.

    Once bitten by a snake, ten years in fear of a well rope. Towards ancient fragrant satin, afraid themoners would flinch in the future.

    The Ye family returned to the Ye residence and told everything to Guan-shi and Zhuo-shi. After they finished listening to the entire process, each of them had a stunned look. Nobody foresaw the emergence of this tu¨®lu¨® flower.

    ¡°Who wants to harm our family?¡± Zhuo-shi was puzzled, ¡°the Ye family is always benevolent, distributing congee during natural disasters and do not make enemies. Who would use this malicious method to ruin the Ye family¡¯s reputation?¡±

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s the other cloth merchants.¡± Guan-shi said: ¡°The business of the ancient fragrant satin alone is very big, it will inevitably attract jealousy.¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s really out of jealousy, no need to be at this time.¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°In the first two years, the Ye family¡¯s business was even more thriving. These years, the other businesses were set aside and focusing on the weaving manufacture only. If they wanted to deal with the Ye family, they would have begun in those first two years. On the contrary, they choose the time when older cousin Ye has just entered officialdom¡­¡­.¡±

    When these words came out, everyone was startled. Ye Ming Yu looked at Jiang Li and said: ¡°Ah Li, what you mean is, someone wants to harm Shijie?¡±

    Ye Shijie was the only male in the Ye family that entered officialdom. In the future, the Ye family would rely on Ye Shijie, thus all of the people became solemn.

    ¡°Not harming older cousin Ye,¡± Jiang Li exined patiently, ¡°older cousin Ye has just entered officialdom and is valued by His Majesty. So his government position is very important. Perhaps someone wants to rope him in, perhaps someone wants to suppress him. If older cousin Ye is all alone in the words, it is easier to influence him. However, the Ye family is different, in case someone wants to exploit older cousin Ye, hitting the Ye family is the most reliable and beneficial way.¡±

    After thinking about it, she still decided to tell these things to the Ye family members. The enemy was clear while they were in the dark was not a favorable thing for the Ye family. It¡¯s better to speak openly so as to let the Ye family be vignt, save the divergent thoughts in the future.

    Ye Ming Yu shot up: ¡°What! Someone deliberately did this? Just to use our family to control Shijie?¡±

    ¡°Uncle Ming Yu, this was just my hypothesis,¡± Jiang Li shook her head, ¡°As for the specifics I¡¯m not very clear either. After all, now we are in Xiangyang, there¡¯s no need to be anxious. The person behind wants to frame the Ye family, yet now the Ye family has dug out the trap but the other party has not yet gained anything. Naturally, they would soon expose the horse¡¯s tail. When the momentes, follow the traces and some clues will always be obtained.¡±

    ¡°Younger cousin, does my older cousin know about this?¡± Ye Jia Er asked.

    ¡°He knows.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°when I wrote the letter to him, aside for asking him to write a letter to the Weaving Unit, I still let him know my hypothesis. But older cousin is currently in the capital, even if just looking at my father, if anyone wants to do any tricks, they would not dare to do it openly. Older cousin Shijie is very clever, he could weigh everything well.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks to you.¡± Ye Rufeng thanked her stiffly. He said: ¡°But you permitted others to use Chief Assistant Jiang¡¯s name, if he knows, are you sure there won¡¯t be any problem?¡± He was not willing to call Jiang Yuan Bai uncle, and used the estranged appetion Chief Assistant Yuan. He felt extremelyplicated, he truly despised Jiang Yuan Bai, but to be honest, this time, if Jiang Yuan Bai ¡®s name was not used to suppress, the matters definitely would not be this simple. Tong Zhi Yang would not be apprehensive to some extent, and Tang Fan also would not be doing his utmost.

    ¡°Rest assured.¡± Jiang Li smiled, ¡°after all, he¡¯s my father. The official is already acting so big, if you don¡¯t use such a name, wouldn¡¯t it be wasting it in vain?¡±

    Moreover, this was just a small rehearsal. After this, the Jiang family and Cheng Wang woulde in contact eventually.

    She was just letting ite ahead of schedule.

    ¡­¡­

    The arrival of the officers dispatched from the Weaving Unit slightlyforted the Ye family. The emergence of tu¨®lu¨® also allowed the case to have a definitive progress.

    Three dayster, Ye Ming Hui and Ye Ming Xuan were released.

    The people Tang Fan brought investigated the entire Ye family¡¯s weaving manufacture ce, but they did not find any traces of tu¨®lu¨®. Each one of the weaving girls in the weaving ce was examined thoroughly, there wasn¡¯t a single doubtful point. It¡¯s unknown how Tang Fan negotiated with Tong Zhi Yang that Ye Ming Hui and Ye Ming Xuan were allowed to return to the Ye residence for the time being.

    The Ye family members were happy for the return of their family¡¯s pirs. Knowing that this was the result of Jiang Li¡¯s involvement, Ye Ming Hui, who was always cautious from the beginning, finally opened his heart towards Jiang Li.

    Ye Ming Hui sighed: ¡°Ah Li, the Ye family¡¯s difficulty this time, luckily there¡¯s you. Originally, I had a lot of thoughts about you, but now it seems that I¡¯ve used the heart of a viin to fill the gentleman¡¯s belly. I¡¯m sorry.¡± He unexpectedly raised his hands to pay a gift to Jiang Li as an apology.

    Jiang Li promptly moved sideways, expressing that she didn¡¯t dare to receive it. She smiled and said: ¡°Uncle Ming Hui, saying this will scare Ah Li. Originally it¡¯s one family, if my mother was still around, knowing that the Ye family has run into a problem, she also would not watch with folded arms. At that time, I was still young, was led astray by others and wounded grandmother and uncles¡¯ hearts. Thinking about it now, I feel very much ashamed. I¡¯m already very grateful that uncles are willing to give me an opportunity to make up.¡±

 Chapter 103.3

    <h4>Marriage of the Di Daughter</h4>

    Hello! It seems that the author had forgotten the uncles¡¯ names in this chapter and came out with other names or mixed up their positions.1st uncle: Ye Ming Hui, 2nd uncle: Ye Ming Xuan, 3rd uncle: Ye Ming Yu.This chapter and the following chapters will reflect these names as per previous chapters, the previous part (103.2) is also already fixed. Please let me know if there¡¯s any name that¡¯s out of ce.On another note¡­.. after all these years, it just dawned on them that they were/might be deceived?! How dumb >.<

    She did not im credits, remained calm and collected when she mentioned Ye Zhen Zhen and tactfully gave exnation to the matter of that year. After her speech ended, how could the Ye family still have any estrangement with her.

    Ye Ming Xuan said: ¡°Can¡¯t me you for what happened before, you were still small then. But we, as the uncles, were not children. Stubbornly living in vain for so many years and epting the viin¡¯s instigation. Let you stay in the Jiang family at a young age, and that woman¡­¡­.¡± He suddenly held his tongue, fearing that he would touch Jiang Li¡¯s sore spot. The Ye family members thought too simply. Being in contact with Jiang Li these days, she was gentle and lovely. No matter how they see it, they could not make out a person who harmed the mother and murdered the little brother. They determined that it was Ji Shuran making false charges. <h4>Please, read this at BloomingTrantion blog. We spend a lot of time and effort to bring you the best quality trantions we can provide, so please show us respect by reading from our site instead of aggregators that steal our work.</h4>

    ¡°Ahem,¡± Ye Ming Yu waved his hand, worried that Jiang Li would be feeling hurt and changed the subject. He said: ¡°No matter what was said, the eldest brother and second brother have now returned safely. It¡¯s a good thing, so let¡¯s celebrate. That¡¯s right, since you¡¯ve returned, when are you going to arrange for Ah Li to meet mother? It¡¯s not right, dying things for so long.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ye Jia Er also remembered, younger cousin should meet with grandmother.¡±

    Before Ye Ming Hui and Ye Ming Xuan were taken away by the government officers, Jiang Li should have gone to meet old madam Ye. Because of Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s action, they shelved this matter for the time being as they did not dare to let old madam Ye to notice the changes in the Ye family. Aftering and going, Jiang Li had already stayed in Xiangyang for a month yet she had not even seen old madam Ye¡¯s face. At first, it was due to the deliberate obstruction from the Ye family. Afterwards, it¡¯s due to the things that urred. Now thinking about it, they felt endless guilt towards Jiang Li.

    Jiang Li said with hesitation: ¡°Now¡­.. can grandmother¡¯s body bear it?¡±

    Her voice just fell and a kind voice sounded from the back of the hall. ¡°Who said that the old body can¡¯t bear it? Obedient baby, let grandmother see you.¡±

    Everyone turned around in surprise. Jiang Li turned her head to see the curtain in the hall being raised and two servant girls supported the arms of an old and gray-haired madam. She walked unsteadily to this end.

    ¡°Grandmother!¡± Ye Rufeng ¡°why did youe out?¡±

    Jiang Li was stunned, this is old madam Ye.

    Compared to the severe and hearty old madam Jiang, old madam Ye appeared much more amiable, but also much older. Her head was full of gray hair, with a rosin green stone headband on her forehead. She walked until she was just a few steps away from where Jiang Li was standing. Then she looked at Jiang Li while beaming and called out: ¡°Little baby.¡±

    Jiang Li saw the glistening tears in her eyes and her hands trembling in excitement.

    Subconsciously, Jiang Li responded and called out ¡°grandmother¡±, as she walked to old madam Ye.

    Old madam Ye saw Jiang Li, her gaze absent-minded for a while. She stretched her hand out to grip Jiang Li¡¯s hand, then carefully fixed her attention at Jiang Li, as if wanting to closely look at her and understand clearly. She said: ¡°In this life, Ah Li can stille to see me, I am truly extremely happy¡­..¡±

    Compared to Ye Ming Hui¡¯s vignce and Ye Ming Xuan¡¯s caution, old madam Ye and Ye Ming Yu were the same, as if there had never been any of those estrangements. She was even more enthusiastic than Ye Ming Yu. Jiang Li believed, in this moment, old madam Ye was truly happy just from seeing this granddaughter.

    ¡°Grandmother, you do not me me for doing wrong in that year?¡± Jiang Li asked softly.

    Old madam Ye¡¯s tears as sheughed was about toe out. She said: ¡°How could it be, you are our Ye family¡¯s granddaughter.¡±

    You are our Ye family¡¯s granddaughter.

    At this moment, Jiang Li¡¯s heart was full of a sour and bitter feeling, nearly unable to hold back the tears in her eyes. Then a feeling of satisfaction followed from the bottom of her heart. She didn¡¯t know whether this came from the familial love between the genuine Jiang second miss and old madam Ye, but at this time, from this old woman¡¯s eyes, she could see that there was no concealment at all.

    Jiang second miss was not unloved. Aside from her dead mother, Ye Zhen Zhen, on this earth, there¡¯s still a rtive who constantly had her in her mind. In the end, she was not alone.

    ¡°Mother, why are you up?¡± Ye Ming Xuan moved forward in quick steps. He looked at Jiang Li, then looked at old madam Ye. Hesitated for a while before speaking: ¡°How do you know that Ah Li is here¡­..¡±

    Although old madam Ye was happy to see Jiang Li, she did not have the surprise of seeing Jiang Li for the first time. In addition, she directly came to the hall, as if she had known that Jiang Li would be here.

    Old madam Ye nced at him and said: ¡°I¡¯ve known it since long ago, from the first day Ah Li arrived at the Ye residence.¡±

    Everyone was stunned.

    The servant girl beside old madan Ye quietly started to talk: ¡°Old madam immediately knew when miss cousin arrived in Xiangyang and returned to the residence. Afraid of rming miss cousin, old madam did not let the ve servants inform anybody on the return of miss cousin. At first, old madam thought that after a few days, she could meet with miss cousin. Before that came to fruition, an ident urred with the ancient fragrant satin.¡±

    This was an unexpected thing.

    Thinking about it, this was indeed correct. Old madam Ye had managed the Ye family¡¯s businesses together with old master Ye since she was young. It¡¯s not as if she didn¡¯t know anything just because she was already old. Old madam Ye would naturally know any single movement in the Ye family. However, so as not to let Jiang Li feel awkward, she endured until Jiang Li was fully prepared to meet with her. Unpredictably, Ye Ming Hui and Ye Ming Xuan were suddenly taken away.

    ¡°This old woman originally wanted to find a friend to help take the eldest and old second out, but Ah Li took the initiative toe out.¡± Old madam Ye patted Jiang Li¡¯s hand, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect Ah Li to have such a big ability, you are smarter and more capable than your mother. Knowing that you are so intelligent, your mother¡¯s spirit in heaven will be extremely gratified.¡±

    Jiang Li nodded. She didn¡¯t expect her every movement when she arrived in the Ye residence to be in old madam Ye¡¯s eyes from the beginning.

    Ye Ming Yu scratched his head: ¡°Mother, we were still thinking of the best way to let you meet with Ah Li. On the contrary, you¡¯re so good, you know everything, but concealed everything and didn¡¯t speak, causing us children to be exhausted.¡±

 Chapter 103.4

    <h4>Marriage of the Di Daughter</h4> <h4>Chapter 103 Part 4: Grandchild</h4>

    I¡¯m back! So sorry for the 2 weeks disappearance! I was away and could not get to tranting at all >.<

    ¡°If I didn¡¯t pretend to be deaf and mute, how could I catch you being useless.¡± Old madam Ye sighed, ¡°I¡¯ve told you earlier, ¡®a tall tree attracts the wind¡¯. The Ye family being this thriving would attract trouble sooner orter. You have to be vignt, who could foresee that we are still being exploited by others.¡±

    Jiang Liforted: ¡°Grandmother, this time, really cannot me uncle Ming Yu and uncle Ming Xuan, they have done very well. Open spears are easy to dodge, but it¡¯s hard to guard against a stab in the back. This matter is not that simple. The matter this time can be considered as giving us a wake up call and can be a guide in the future, letting us know what to do.¡±

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    Old madam Ye looked at Jiang Li, feeling both gratified and distressed. She said: ¡°Little one, you could think like this at such a young age, it reflected how difficult it must have been staying in the Jiang residence. It¡¯s our Ye family that lets you down. If I were a bit unyielding then and brought you back to Xiangyang, how would we let you suffer so many grievances?¡±

    Jiang Li¡¯s intelligence was obvious to all, but Jiang Li¡¯s arrogance and willfulness in that year was also well known. Life must have forced her to turn from an arrogant and headstrong young miss to be someone with skills and strategy. Jiang Li still had a stepmother and a stepsister; in addition, there¡¯s Jiang Bing Ji, her days must have not been easy. Intelligence also came at a price.

    Jiang Li smiled and helf old madam Ye¡¯s arm. She said: ¡°I did not feel wronged, the days in the Jiang residence are okay.¡±

    Old madam Ye pulled her hand, wanting to say something, hesitated and in the end simply said: ¡°No matter what, it¡¯s good that you¡¯vee back.¡±

    Truth was, she was wholeheartedly happy that Jiang Li returned. Perhaps in old madam Ye¡¯s eyes, Jiang Li was a child with a noisy temper and she was never truly angry at Jiang Li. No matter when Jiang Li would return would be the same in her eyes, she would still wee her with a smile on her face.

    This was family.

    The rims of Jiang Li¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t help moistening. She didn¡¯t know whether it was due to old madam Ye¡¯s moving tolerance or because she thought of herself.

    If Xue Huai Yuan was here, Xue Fang Fei who¡¯d made the mistake of not knowing people, should also be forgiven, right?!

    Pity, Xue Fang Fei¡¯s family members, the people who could forgive Xue Fang Fei on earth, were gone already. She also couldn¡¯t find any reason to forgive herself. She could only go on alone to punish her enemies and punish herself.

    ¡°Mmm, :¡±Jiang Li hid the tears in her eyes. In an instant, she changed her expression to a light smile and said: ¡°I¡¯m back.¡±

    ¡­¡­

    After dispelling the many years of separation and former hatred, the whole family was happy and in harmony, and it couldn¡¯t be concealed from the neighbors.

    In the ck and white mansion adjacent to the Ye family, the bodyguards were squatting on the eaves, looking straight at the young servants working hard to dig the soil in the flower beds and nting flower seeds one by one.

    Duke Su, Ji Heng, loved strange flowers the most. Right after he arrived in Xiangyang, even if the courtyard was just a stop, the people below did not dare to neglect in the slightest. Xiangyang city was not as rich as Yanjing, the youngster responsible for purchasing left early and returnedte to search everywhere for a few good looking and peculiar flowers to nt in the courtyard.

    Not to mention, the duke residence was full of flowers. Arriving in this deste mansion, even the bodyguards felt that something was amiss. Now with the flowers being nted, they suddenly felt much more pleasing to the eyes. As if the stuffiness in the pit of their stomachs in this time period had been released.

    ¡°Old madam Ye and Jiang second miss have met.¡± Wen Ji said, ¡°nothing unusual urred.¡±

    Nothing unusual urred, that¡¯s to say that everything went smoothly without a hitch.

    Next to Ji Heng, Lu Ji inquired: ¡°Can their interactions be considered as harmonious?¡±

    ¡°Very much,¡± Wen Ji said, ¡°just like one family.¡±

    Lu Ji sighed and said: ¡°Miss Jiang second is truly not simple. In such a brief period of time, she could make the Ye family treat her with no estrangements.¡±

    The little disagreement between Jiang Li and the Ye family in that year looked simple, but in fact it was not easy to step across, absolutely not easy. Especially since they had been separated for ten years, this misunderstanding would not just disappear over time. In particr, there was no conclusion at that time, on the contrary, it was like a snowball, getting bigger as it rolled. Until finally, it¡¯s like an indestructible boulder. Let alone smashed to pieces, even moving was very difficult.

    But that¡¯s precisely what Jiang Li aplished.

    ¡°People who can share difficulties in desperate times would naturally cause people to be moved.¡± In front of the window, Ji Heng smiled. Though his words were of praise,ing out from his mouth, they were more like ridicule.

    ¡°Yes, this was exactly where Miss Jiang second¡¯s intelligence lies.¡± Lu Ji nodded, ¡°at first, it was difficult to untie the knot between them. Against reason, the Ye family encountered this difficulty this time and by luck, she solved their emergency. Stepping forward bravely at this crucial point, having the feeling of being in the same boat, it¡¯s no longer possible for the Ye family to coldly scowl at her. Moreover, Miss Jiang second is used to conducting herself well and looks sincere. It¡¯s very likely that the Ye family members have been firmly bought by her since earlier.¡±

    That¡¯s it, hemented: ¡°How she could run into such an opportunity is also considered as good luck.¡±

    ¡°What good luck,¡± Ji Heng shook his fan, ¡°she already knew from earlier that there would be this incident, and has long ago waited for the y to begin. Nowadays, there¡¯s no shortage of people who¡¯re emotionally touched.¡±

    Lu Ji was silent for a moment before speaking: ¡°Master, the people from the Weaving Unit have arrived. Are we still going to get involved in the affair in Xiangyang? By the look of it, Tong Zhi Yang is not the person in charge. His outer room is also grasped in Ye Ming Yu¡¯s hand. The Ye family is safe, afraid the situation is going to change.¡±

    ¡°No need.¡± Ji Heng said.

    A cloudy day, the peony on the folding fan seemed to be influenced by the gloomy weather, appearing somewhat dull. Only his red gown showed as the bright color in the world, fresh, beautiful, and untouchable.

    ¡°The Li family¡¯s boy is an embarrassment.¡± Ji Heng said slowly: ¡°Still not as good as the skills of a little girl. Li Lian could not take part in the Ye family affairs, as for whether he would stumble or not, let him seek for good fortune himself.¡± A strange color shed through his eyes, ¡°Contrary to expectation, the Jiang family¡¯s young miss¡­¡­. It would be good if she was not surnamed Jiang.¡±

 Chapter 104.1

    <h4>Marriage of the Di Daughter</h4>

    The meeting with old madam Ye was smoother than what Jiang Li thought. Though she had intentionally made use of the trouble that the Ye family was facing this time to pull herself closer to the Ye family members, in her heart, Jiang Li knew, even if there wasn¡¯t this matter, there was no misunderstanding between old madam Ye and her. As long as Miss Jiang second turned around, old madam Ye would forever be her support.

    However, in the end, it was a matter of achievements.

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    The next thing to do was to calmly wait for the result from Tang Fan¡¯s investigation. It¡¯s just that no one foresaw that the oue would be so unexpected.

    Three dayster, Tang Fan came to the Ye family¡¯s home. Once he entered, he immediately said: ¡°We¡¯ve found the person carrying tuoluo.¡±

    Ye Ming Hui asked: ¡°Who is it?¡±

    Tang Fan shook his head: ¡°In the past few days, Magistrate Tong and I dispatched people to investigate and the clues led to Da Feng Medicine Shop. Every half a year, the shopkeeper of this shop would send someone out to gather some rare and precious medicinal ingredients. He has a clever servant in his hand who just came back from the Western regions two months ago. Someone mentioned that he brought back a lot of medicinal ingredients. Based on other people¡¯s statements, there seemed to be traces of tuoluo.

    ¡°Da Feng Medicine Shop?¡± Ye Ming Xuan muttered to himself for a moment, ¡°themon people in Xiangyang usually collect their medicine prescription at Da Feng Medicine Shop. There aren¡¯t any disagreements with our Ye family.¡±

    ¡°At first we wanted to arrest people as quickly as possible. Who knows, early this morning, all seven members of the Da Feng Medicine Shop¡¯s shopkeeper family, along with that servant who just came back from the Western regions were all silenced.¡±

    ¡°Silenced?¡± Ye Jia Er cried out in rm.

    ¡°Correct; it should not be killing out of hatred. I actually feel that,¡± Tang Fan looked at Jiang Li, ¡°the greatest possibility is that the person behind is aware that we are checking this matter and abandoned the chariot to protect the leader.¡±

    ¡°You mean, there¡¯s still someone behind?¡± Ye Ming Yu asked.

    ¡°If it was just the idea of a single person from the Da Feng Medicine Shop, there¡¯s no need to exterminate the entire family. Now it seems that all the people who were familiar with the matter are all dead, so there must be someone from behind giving instructions.¡± Tang Fan replied. He wasn¡¯t very sure at the beginning, but after seeing the suspicious Da Feng Medicine Shop people being exterminated overnight, he was certain that the trouble with the Ye family¡¯s ancient fragrant satin was truly set up by someone. It¡¯s just that the method was so vicious, not in the least fearing of the consequences. It could be clearly seen that the other person¡¯s power was not small.

    But since he had already stood by the Jiang family¡¯s side, it¡¯s toote to go back, so he had no other option but to be resolute.

    ¡°Master Tang¡¯s suspicion of Da Feng Medicine shop should not have leaked.¡± Jiang Li smiled slightly, ¡°Silencing the people of the Da Feng Medicine Shop within such a short period of time, the possibility is that someone learned of the information ahead of time thus murder everybody in the medicine shop. If so, that means that there¡¯s a traitor inside¡­¡­¡±

    ¡°Absolutely impossible!¡± Tang Fan guaranteed anxiously, ¡°we were arranged by the Weaving Unit toe to Xiangyang for the purpose of investigating this matter, not rted to Da Feng Medicine Shop at all, there¡¯s no way we are going to leak information.¡± He was afraid Jiang Li suspected that they would disclose information to other people and consequently led to the silencing of any witnesses from Da Feng Medicine Shop.

    ¡°Master Tang does not need to be anxious. Since we¡¯ve handed this matter to Master Tang, naturally we believe Master Tang would give us exnations. It¡¯s just that this thing was too strange. One moment staring at Da Feng Medicine Shop and immediately not a single person from Da Feng Medicine Shop was left alive. Don¡¯t you feel that it¡¯s very strange? There are many subordinates under Magistrate Tong, perhaps one of them was careless and divulged the news, giving others the opportunity?¡± Jiang Li said with a smile.

    Tang Fan looked at the slight change in Jiang Li¡¯s gaze and sighed in secret. Tong Zhi Yang has thoroughly offended this Miss Jiang second. The meaning in Jiang Li¡¯s words was that she suspected that Tong Zhi Yang was in cahoots with the person who set up the Ye family. When he got the news, he immediately told the other party who then dispatched people to wipe out the whole family of Da Feng Medicine Shop¡¯s shopkeeper. Although there¡¯s possibility in this matter, it was obvious that Jiang Li mentioning this at this point was to suppress Tong Zhi Yang. Wait until Jiang Li returned to Yanjing and inform this matter to Jiang Yuan Bai, Jiang Yuan Bai could then casually look for a reason for Tong Zhi Yang to be watched carefully. Some clues could then be found out.

    Miss Jiang second should not be trifled with, must not be offended. With this awareness in his heart, when Tang Fan spoke to Jiang Li, he used an even more polite tone. ¡°In the courtyard behind the servant¡¯s house, we discovered sprinkled tuoluo. Though the people of the Da Feng Medicine Shop were exterminated, it could be concluded that this matter was done by the servant. Just need for the evidence to be sufficiently gathered before the Ye family can be proimed innocent.¡±

    ¡°But isn¡¯t the person behind still not found?¡± Ye Ming Hui spoke in a deep voice. ¡°This time failed, then the next time, what if those people schemed against us again? It¡¯s only with great difficulty that we found a little clue this time, yet the people in Da Feng Medicine Shop were all silenced. How would themon people believe the Ye family¡¯s arguments, perhaps they might even think that the Ye family colluded with the officials and look for an excuse. The Ye family¡¯s reputation is already destroyed, no need to mention other things, just the ancient fragrant satin¡¯s business afraid could no longer be done in the future. What can we do about this?¡±

    Ye Ming Hui¡¯s words were painful, but they weren¡¯t without any basis. Tang Fan said: ¡°We, the Weaving Unit, can think of a way to let themon people know the actual situation¡­..¡± He himself felt it was difficult to speak. Even if the people of the Weaving Unit spoke, the Ye family¡¯s ancient fragrant satin¡¯s business could not be done in the future. The Ye family¡¯s primary business was the ancient fragrant satin ah, it could be said that the Ye family¡¯s strength was greatly injured.

    ¡°Uncle Ming Hui,¡± Jiang Li opened her mouth to speak: ¡°Investigating the case is not something that the Weaving Unit should do. If we want to know the clues of the person behind this, we can only rely on Magistrate Tong. Let¡¯s give Magistrate Tong full authority to handle this matter and let him investigate. If Magistrate Tong could not find out, we will continue to report above,yer byyer. If even the Yanjing¡¯s Jing Zhao Yin could not find out about this, I¡¯ve thought of a method, it¡¯s not impossible to let my father enter the pce and face the holy. A way forward could always be found.¡±

    She said it lightly, but Tang Fan, who was listening by the side, was rmed. He thought, it seems that Tong Zhi Yang, this magistrate, have walked to the end. Fortunately he has stood by the Jiang family¡¯s side from the beginning. Otherwise, with Miss Jiang second¡¯s temper of counting every single thing, after all was done, he wouldn¡¯t know how many barriers he had to go through.

 Chapter 104.2

    <h4>Marriage of the Di Daughter</h4> <h4>The ¡°missing¡± scheduled posts are in the nning to be made up. Please be patient while I¡¯m trying to manage the time more effectively with current work arrangements.</h4>

    With his thought, Tang Fan did not dare to neglect and carefully exined the matter before leaving.

    After Tang Fan left, Ye Ru Feng couldn¡¯t help saying: ¡°Da Feng Medicine Shop did not have any animosity with us, how could they be used as a spearhead to make our Ye family stumble?¡±

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    ¡°Man will do anything in his means to be rich,¡± Ye Ming Xuan taught his son. ¡°Since they were willing to be the spearhead, it was either based on receiving benefits from others or being threatened. If this time the Weaving Unit did not undertake this task, the Ye family would only be at a dead end. Living well after trampling on other people¡¯s blood, they were bound to pay the price. You see, a perfectly fine medicine shop now no longer exists.¡±

    Because people were dead, it¡¯s futile to look into it. Ye Ming Xuan was very regretful.

    ¡°But at least it gave us a wake-up call, didn¡¯t it?¡± Jiang Li said with a smile.

    ¡°But the ancient fragrant satin business is destroyed,¡± Guan-shi sighed, ¡°sooner orter, mother will find out about this. The Ye family¡¯s properties were single-handedly built by parents, especially ancient fragrant satin, which is now destroyed in our hands¡­..¡± She could no longer continue speaking.

    Old madam Ye was not in good health, must not stay outdoors for long and recuperate in bed. Aside from meeting Jiang Li to chat andugh, these everyday trivial matters would not ask and bother old madam Ye. However, would old madam Ye hear this from her subordinates? That¡¯s not known.

    Thinking of the Ye family¡¯s future hardship, everyone wasden with anxiety. When they scattered, Jiang Li pulled the corner of Ye Ming Yu¡¯s shirt. Seeing this, Ye Ming Yu understood and walked inside the room to talk with Jiang Li.

    ¡°Uncle Ming Yu, are Su Qin and Tong Yu okay?¡± Jiang Li asked. Su Qin and Tong Yu wereTong Zhi Yang¡¯s outer room and son.

    ¡°Rest assured, I¡¯ve carefully arranged a ce for them. Tong Zhi Yang is like a mad dog these days, dispatching people everywhere to check for the mother and son¡¯s news. If it wasn¡¯t due to fear of being found out by He-shi, I think he would have sent all the avable manpower in the government office out to look for people!¡±

    Jiang Li said: ¡°Nothing, today ask someone to give a letter to Tong Zhi Yang.¡±

    ¡°Bring what letter?¡± Ye Ming Yu was in doubt. He said: ¡°I¡¯m still worrying about how to solve this mother and son. Now that the dust of the ancient fragrant satin matter has settled, the mother and son no longer have any purpose in my hands. I was still thinking of directly informing He-shi, let her pack Tong Zhi Yang.¡±

    ¡°At the end, we certainly have to inform He-shi,¡± Jiang Li smiled. ¡°But before that, we should let Tong Zhi Yang spit out the name of the person who wanted to harm the Ye family in the dark.¡±

    ¡°He knows?¡± Ye Ming Yu was excited.

    ¡°I think, based on his identity as the magistrate, it can¡¯t be said as far as knowing the identity of the person. However, he can also give a bit of a clue. With this clue, when I return to Yanjing, I won¡¯t be afraid that the person couldn¡¯t be found.¡± She looked at Ye Ming Yu, ¡°Uncle Ming Yu, just take Tong Yu¡¯s personal clothes to threaten Tong Zhi Yang. He would say everything for the sake of this sole heir.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu said: ¡°

    ¡°Be careful.¡± Jiang Li said: ¡°Don¡¯t let other people catch the handle.¡±

    Ye Ming Yuughed: ¡°Don¡¯t worry!¡±

    ¡­¡­

    The days had not been smooth for Tong Zhi Yang.

    First it was the matter of the Ye family that¡¯s supposed to be a cinch, suddenly a Jiang Li came out to disrupt the overall situation. He could only look on helplessly as the Ye family escaped. Afterwards, a Tang Fan came. Relying on the name of Yanjing¡¯s Weaving Unit, he pressed him down in Xiangyang, making him lose his prestige.

    Most importantly, his most beloved outer room, Su Qin and his son Tong Yu were missing until now.

    Everytime he thought of this, Tong Zhi Yang felt like his heart was being twisted with a knife. Su Qin was just that, though she looked good and considerate, in the end she was just a woman. If she was not there, he could still raise another one. However, Tong Yu was not the same. He only had this one son. Since He-shi didn¡¯t seem to be able to produce a son, if Tong Yu was not there, their Tong family would be cut off with him. How could he not be anxious?

    Tong Zhi Yang suspected that He-shi knew the existence of the mother and son and took them away. But after thinking carefully, ording to He-shi¡¯s temper, if she knew of Su Qin and Tong Yu¡¯s existence, she would never be quiet and plot secretly. She would most likely break the door. Moreover, even if it was truly done by He-shi, Tong Zhi Yang did not have the courage to question He-shi. He could only hold it back in his heart and sit back restlessly.

    The movement of the Weaving Unit was too fast. Fortunately, he immediately informed Tang Fan¡¯s suspicion about Da Feng Medicine Shop and did not let the side in Da Feng Medicine Shop be a setback. Even though he could notplete the brother-inw¡¯s n, as long as he did not stab the basket.

    As he was thinking, his servant suddenly rushed in from outside and shouted: ¡°Master!¡±

    Tong Zhi Yang turned his head impatiently: ¡°What are you doing startling people!¡±

    The servant closed the door and gasped before saying: ¡°Young master¡­¡­. Young master¡­¡­.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s news about the young master?¡± Hearing that it had something to do with Tong Yu, Tong Zhi Yang immediately stood up in excitement.

    The servant handed the letter in his hand to Tong Zhi Yang, along with a longevity lock. He said: ¡°The gatekeeper discovered this, don¡¯t know how long ago, this servant noticed that this is the young master¡¯s button, thus guessed that this has something to do with the young master.¡± He handed the letter and the silver lock to Tong Zhi Yang.

    Tong Zhi Yang looked at the silver lock and excitedly said: ¡°It¡¯s Yu-er¡¯s!¡±

    Tong Zhi Yang doted on Tong Yu. When Tong Yu was born, Tong Zhi Yang especially asked someone to make a longevity lock. The thing in his hand at this moment was precisely Tong Yu¡¯s. He opened the letter in a hurry, hisplexion grew uglier the more he read.

    The servant did not know what happened, but saw that after Tong Zhi Yang finished reading the entire letter, he ferociously threw the letter onto the ground. Tong Zhi Yang spoke while clenching his teeth: ¡°Preposterous!¡±

    ¡°Master, what happened?¡± asked the servant.

    ¡°Someone kidnapped Yu-er and Su Qin,¡± Tong Zhi Yang took a deep breath. ¡°This letter serves as a threat!¡±

    ¡°They want silver?¡± asked the servant. When there¡¯s a threat, there¡¯s always a conspiracy.

    ¡°It¡¯s good if they want silver!¡± Tong Zhi Yang was furious. In the letter, it was written clearly that Tong Yu and Su Qin were in the other person¡¯s hand. The other person did not seek anything, just to let him exin thoroughly the whole sequence of the Ye family¡¯s trouble. If the other party was satisfied, they would naturally release the people. However, if the other party was not satisfied, they would wait until Tong Zhi Yang could satisfy them.

 Chapter 104.3

    <h4>Marriage of the Di Daughter</h4>

    This is asking Tong Zhi Yang to betray his brother-inw!

    Tong Zhi Yang was unwilling, but looking at Tong Yu¡¯s longevity lock, he was not reconciled. If Tong Yu did not exist, no matter how powerful of an official position he held, or how ample his family properties were, he still would not have any sessors. Could he just look on helplessly as his sole sessor be cut off?

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    Thinking back and forth, Tong Zhi Yang clenched his teeth and finally made up his mind. People are selfish, moreover, he had done his brother-inw¡¯s affair very meticulously. If they wanted to me, just me the Jiang family¡¯s second miss who suddenly appeared and reversed the matter.He however, must not disregard his own flesh and blood for other people.

    ¡°Bring a pen and paper here!¡± Tong Zhi Yang said.

    The servant boy ran hastily to take the things. Tong Zhi Yang looked at the letter on the ground and grinded his teeth once again.

    After the other party asked him to write a good letter, they also told him to send the letter to the back of the He residence. Originally, Tong Zhi Yang wanted to assign someone to watch and track, to find out who did this. However, the letter was sent to the back of the He residence. The He residence was He-shi¡¯s natal family¡¯s home. No matter how daring he was, he did not dare to move right in front of the He family. He was more afraid that the He family members would discover the existence of Su Qin mother and son because of him.

    The other party could be regarded as having nned extensively, it¡¯s watertight, making people grind their teeth in hate¡­..

    ¡­¡­

    Jiang Li stood at the gate of the Ye residence.

    She was waiting for the news of Ye Ming Yu¡¯s return. Ye Ming Yu went to take the letter written by Tong Zhi Yang. Although Jiang Li had roughly guessed, she still needed Tong Zhi Yang to confirm some things.

    The sunlight sprinkledzily, the winter days were approaching. The winter in Xiangyang wasfortably warm, different from Yanjing that¡¯s located in the north. It¡¯s not very cold even when it¡¯s snowing, the snow floated in the wind like pear blossoms.

    The neighboring residence¡¯s gate opened. Jiang Li turned her head and nced to see Ji Heng and the bodyguard called Wen Ji walked out from inside.

    The two of them also saw Jiang Li. Ji Heng smiled when he saw her and walked unhurriedly to this end.

    There were not many pedestrians in the Ye residence¡¯s gate. The people living around here were all high officials and the nobles. However, Ji Heng¡¯s appearance was too magnificent, suddenly attracting many people¡¯s attention. Jiang Li even saw a young girl leaning on the gate of a distant house, frequently looking at Ji Heng.

    They did not know Ji Heng¡¯s identity, yet Ji Heng could still be the most attractive.

    ¡°Duke Su.¡± Jiang Li saluted Ji Heng.

    ¡°It¡¯s rare to see Miss Jiang second out to bask in the sun.¡± Ji Heng held his fan while smiling and spoke to her.

    In the wintry twelfth, the folding fan had long lost its use. If it were other people, perhaps they would be said as a pretentious snob. But when he held it, it feltpletely suitable. It was as if the golden thread fan should exist in the palm of this beautiful man. Of course, Jiang Li was very clear in her heart, the time when she saw the peony on the golden thread fan blocking the knife, she immediately knew that this was barely just a fan. It¡¯s also the most dangerous weapon and being concealed with such a careless manner.

    Just like its owner.

    Jiang Li smiled: ¡°The duke is also in a good mood.¡±

    From a bystander¡¯s view, they would think that these two people seemed to be very familiar with each other, like old friends who had not met for a long time. However, Jiang Li would not think that Ji Heng treated her as a friend. His gentle smile hid the most unfeeling heart. As for what he wanted to do, Jiang Li was not clear, she also did not wish to know.

    ¡°What is Miss Jiang second waiting for?¡± Ji Heng asked. ¡°Wait for the information from Tong Zhi Yang?¡±

    Jiang Li lifted her eyes to look at him. As expected, her movement, even though it was small, could not be concealed from Ji Heng.

    She agreed calmly: ¡°Nothing can be hidden from your sight.¡±

    ¡°The city of Xiangyang is small after all.¡± Ji Heng said modestly, ¡°no secrets can be hidden.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a fact.¡±

    Wen Ji, who was standing at the side, saw the two people, one big one small, conversing as if there¡¯s no one around and it was hard to hide his surprise. Ji Heng appeared gentle and affectionate when actually, he was not a person easy to get along with, treating a stranger especially callously and arrogantly. It¡¯s very seldom that he could say so many words to someone. Jiang second miss had not yet left Mount Qingcheng more than half a year, but in this half a year, aside from making huge waves in Yanjing, she had also established many contacts with Ji Heng.

    Wen Ji could not tell what was in his master¡¯s thoughts. If said that Jiang Li would sooner orter be a sacrifice chess piece, Ji Heng never moved her from the beginning. If said that Ji Heng nned to help Jiang Li, Ji Heng never lifted his hand to help when Jiang Li faced schemes and dangers.

    He merely watched the y delightfully at the side, not nning to help nor intending to hit the person.

    And Jiang second miss was also a wonderful person. She did not have any trace of fear when facing the moody Duke Su. Let alone saying that she¡¯s a young girl, even if she was older, it¡¯s not possible to be this calm andposed when chatting with Ji Heng.

    ¡°Second miss seems to have guessed who it is.¡± Ji Heng spoke and nced at her with a smile on his face.

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing it¡¯s the Li family.¡± Jiang Li directly replied.

    Probably he did not anticipate Jiang Li to just spit it out and did not even cover it. Ji Heng was slightly surprised and did not speak for a moment. He then heard Jiang Li say: ¡°The duke has long known about it, correct?¡±

    She flung the question back at him.

    She wasn¡¯t afraid of him at all.

    Ji Heng said: ¡°Why are you asking me?¡±

    ¡°Because Xiangyang is too small, whatever secrets cannot be concealed from the duke¡¯s eyes.¡± Jiang Li answered righteously. Sheughed until her eyes curved, looking adorable and innocent, yet her words were sharp like daggers.

    Ji Heng alsoughed and asked: ¡°You want to know?¡±

    Jiang Li just looked at himughing. Ji Heng shook his fan and said: ¡°Must not say.¡±

    He said it must not be said when in fact, he said it already. Jiang Li nodded, actually, up till now, she still could not figure out which side Ji Heng was actually standing at. Not mentioning his rtionship with Cheng Wang and Emperor Hong Xiao, just he and the Right Prime Minister¡¯s family¡¯s rtionship was confusing. He seemed to be acquainted with the Right Prime Minister¡¯s eldest son, Li Jing, but in the matter pertaining to the Li family, he did not lend a hand upon seeing that the Li family¡¯s n had failed. If he was an ally, he was truly an annoying ally.

    As he spoke, from far away a jujube red horse rushed over. The person on the horse did not pull the reins, merely whistled and the horse abruptly stopped in front of the gate.

    It¡¯s Ye Ming Yu who had returned.

 Chapter 104.4

    <h4>Marriage of the Di Daughter</h4>

    Ye Ming Yu dismounted and immediately saw Jiang Li and a beautiful man standing together. This man was dressed in red from head to toe, overly gorgeous, yet did not have a feminine air. Though he had a smile on his face, there¡¯s a feeling that his pair of phoenix eyes was not smiling. He had gone through many days of dagger licking blood, Ye Ming Yu¡¯s instinct sensed danger and unconsciously wanted to pull Jiang Li behind him, away from this man.

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    ¡°Uncle Ming Yu.¡± Jiang Li called out.

    ¡°Ah Li, this is¡­..¡± Ye Ming Yu looked at Ji Heng. He couldn¡¯t remember when such a person arrived at Xiangyang city.

    Jiang Li hesitated for a moment before saying: ¡°This is the son who lives in the house next door, we¡¯ve met several times.¡±

    In the end, she did not say Ji Heng¡¯s identity.

    Ji Hengughed and said to Jiang Li with a somewhat meaningful look: ¡°The secret is back, quickly go inside, second miss.¡±

    Because Ye Ming Yu was present, it¡¯s not convenient for Jiang Li to say more. She nodded at Ji Heng and followed Ye Ming Yu to enter the Ye residence.

    Wen Ji saw that the two people had left and asked: ¡°Master, do you need me¡­..¡±

    Ji Heng held the fan and said: ¡°No need.¡± ncing at the Ye residence¡¯s tightly closed gate, heughed. ¡°Without seeing, I know what she¡¯s going to do. Xiangyang is going to be turned upside down.¡±

    ¡­¡­

    Ye Ming Yu and Jiang Li returned to Jiang Li¡¯s courtyard.

    Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue brewed tea for Ye Ming Yu. Upon seeing that there¡¯s no one else, he quickly asked: ¡°Ah Li, who¡¯s the man just now? Though you did not say clearly, I can tell that he¡¯s not mediocre. The two of you also seem to have a close rtionship.¡±

    Jiang Li saw that she couldn¡¯t keep it from him and said: ¡°He is the current Duke Su, Ji Heng.¡±

    ¡°Duke Su?¡± Ye Ming Yu gasped. He had heard of Duke Su¡¯s name, however, Duke Su, this person, was too far away for them, themon people in Xiangyang, just like a legend. To personally see the legend, there¡¯s always a feeling that it¡¯s unreal.

    ¡°Why is Duke Su here?¡± Ye Ming Yu asked.

    Jiang Li shook her head and said: ¡°I don¡¯t know. I met him when I followed my father to the pce¡¯s feast and spoke a few words. It can be considered as having a bit of fate. This time meeting in Xiangyang was by chance, truly unexpected, so we exchanged a few more words. However,¡± she paused before continuing: ¡°I still have to ask uncle Ming Yu not to tell other people. Duke Su has an unusual identity, it¡¯s not known what business brought him to Xiangyang. It¡¯s better not to speak of it to prevent any trouble.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± Ye Ming Yu patted his chest. Although he didn¡¯t understand the matters in the officialdom, he knew that the movements of these high officials and noble persons were not few. Must not be drawn into other people¡¯s disputes, bing the scapegoat without a good cause.

    He took out a letter from his chest and said: ¡°This is the reply letter found in the He residence.¡± Then he praised Jiang Li: ¡°You are amazing, knowing that Tong Zhi Yang fears his tigress wife and asked him to put the reply letter in the He residence. Sure enough, Tong Zhi Yang did not dare to let others follow. This letter was taken very easily, just don¡¯t know whether what Tong Zhi Yang wrote was true or false.¡±

    Jiang Li spoke while tearing the letter open: ¡°It¡¯s true, Tong Zhi Yang will not take any chances with his son¡¯s life.¡±

    She unfolded the letter and looked through it carefully. After a short time, she handed the letter to Ye Ming Yu then signaled him to also read the letter.

    Ye Ming Yu held the letter and read while Jiang Li sank into contemtion.

    Tong Zhi Yang must have been very worried about Tong Yu¡¯s life as there was lots of information transmitted in the letter. Tong Zhi Yang was not very clear who specifically nned the Ye family¡¯s ancient fragrant satin trouble. However, his brother-inw, the Zhong Guan Ling, wrote a letter and instructed him to make the Ye family suffer through the ancient fragrant satin. When the Ye family was in a tight spot, Tong Zhi Yang should give the Ye family a way to survive. For the Ye family to get out of it, they have to pay a price and Tong Zhi Yang would be the Ye family¡¯s only hope at that time.

    As such, it would seem that someone made use of the ancient fragrant satin matter to force the Ye family to desperation, make a deal, and turn them into a de for the other party. But who the other party was, Tong Zhi Yang was unclear. Even though this matter used his brother-inw to pass through, his brother-inw was also just a messenger. Because his brother-inw promised if this matter could seed, Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s official career would certainly go up ayer.

    And that Zhong Guan Ling also faintly exposed the idea that there¡¯s a person with enormous power behind this matter, involving a quite influential noble and that they were all working for this person.

    It was originally a surefire thing, who would have thought a Jiang Li would suddenly appear. Moreover, when Jiang Li first arrived in Xiangyang and knew of the ancient fragrant satin matter, she immediately wrote a letter to Yanjing to ask the Weaving Unit to send people over, messing up Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s n. He had no choice but to write a letter to his brother-inw. However, the people from the Weaving Unit came too fast, before he received the letter instructing him on his next steps, the affair had gone out of Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s control. Not only was the Ye family not forced into a dead end, on the contrary, they passed through the danger.

    These were all the facts that Tong Zhi Yang knew and he did not know anymore. Jiang Li believed that Tong Zhi Yang did not say everything and still concealed a part. For example, the extermination of the entire family of Da Feng Medicine Shop. But anyway, this was not the most important thing. The most important was in the part that Tong Zhi Yang said, that powerful and influential noble, if she guessed correctly, that should undoubtedly be the Right Prime Minister, Li Zhong Nan.

    From the beginning when Li Lian nced at Ye Shijie, to Li Jing and Ji Heng¡¯s conversation afterwards, to the present conspiracy on the Ye family, the entire thing was confusing, as if there¡¯s no end.

    ¡°Ah Li,¡± Ye Ming Yu read through the letter and said: ¡°I know all the words in the letter, but when joined together, I can¡¯t understand what it means?¡±

    ¡°Uncle Ming Yu, simply said, there¡¯s a noble in Yanjing that takes a fancy to the Ye family¡¯s property and also Ye older cousin¡¯s official position. So that person deliberately made a y to invite the Ye family into the boiling pot. But then,¡± sheughed, ¡°the singing1 was too much and turned to paste.¡±

 Chapter 105.1

    <h4>Marriage of the Di Daughter</h4>

    ¡°Uncle Ming Yu, simply said, there¡¯s a noble in Yanjing that takes a fancy to the Ye family¡¯s property and also Ye older cousin¡¯s official position. So that person deliberately made a drama to invite the Ye family into the boiling pot. But then,¡± sheughed, ¡°the singing was too much.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu was somewhat baffled. He didn¡¯t quite understand Jiang Li¡¯s words, but also not totally iprehensible.

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    The Ye family was a millionaire in Northern Yan and this family¡¯s wealth would inevitably make people jealous. Apart from people in the same trade harboring jealousy, there were also other people who had errant thoughts. Thinking of using the Ye family and utilizing the Ye family¡¯s vast wealth by employing disgusting methods was not impossible. However, Jiang Li¡¯s words faintly revealed a thought that the person hidden in the Da Feng Medicine Shop, even the person behind Tong Zhi Yang and Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s brother-inw, was possibly extremely powerful.

    People with great power always could not be trifled with.

    Everyone knew the principle thatmoners did not fight with officials. Even though Ye Ming Yu was full of bravery and fearless, the entire Ye family was not an imprable defense. Being stared at by this kind of person, they could escape once, how about the second or third time? They could not be lucky all the time.

    He muttered: ¡°Where is the justification of defending against thieves for a thousand days¡­¡­.¡±

    ¡°Uncle Ming Yu does not have to feel inferior, the Ye family and the Jiang family have inws rtionship. As long as I¡¯m still alive, I will not let the rtionship between these two families be cut off. My father and second uncle¡¯s positions in the court were not low. That person is a noble person, our Jiang family is also not a humble household, and the Ye family cannot be bullied casually. Furthermore, there¡¯s older cousin Ye. Now he holds a position in the Ministry of Revenue, his starting point is already high, in the future, his career would only be smoother. When older brother Ye has reached a certain position, the Ye family would naturally be shielded.¡±

    Jiang Li paused before continuing: ¡°Why those people chose this time to move was because older brother Ye¡¯s wings are not hard yet. If waiting until the talons sprout then make their move, it will be even more difficult. They didn¡¯t get their way this time, in the future, it will be harder to find the opportunity.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu was slightlyforted by her speech. Thinking of what Jiang Li said, he couldn¡¯t help saying in embarrassment: ¡°This time with your father, the Jiang family got involved, we are bothering left and right.¡±

    ¡°One family, why have to say two families,¡± Jiang Li smiled. ¡°Perhaps there will be a day when the Jiang family meet with a cmity and need the Ye family to lend a helping hand at that time.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu was amused by her and said: ¡°Ah Li, you are bluffing, no matter how, the Jiang family will never be reduced to asking for help from our Ye family. Don¡¯t tell such a fantasy story just to console me.¡±

    Jiang Li did notment. In her view, it¡¯s not easy to tell the future. At present, the alliance of Cheng Wang and the Right Prime Minister¡¯s power was getting bigger and towards the Jiang family, it was getting more disadvantageous. The current power of Emperor Hong Xiao was weak, it¡¯s still unclear whether the world would fall in Cheng Wang¡¯s hand in the future. Although she strove to prevent this kind of situation from happening, if an ident happened to the Jiang family within this period was not something that she could control. The wheel of fate turned, the Jiang family had been flushed with sess for many years, who would know what would happenter.

    Jiang Li put away the thought in her heart, smiled and said: ¡°Anyway, the ancient fragrant satin matter is already resolved for the time being. Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s outer room, the mother and son are the problem. Since Magistrate Tong kept his promise, then ording to the agreement, we should also return his beauty and son.¡±

    ¡°Just return them to him like that?¡± Ye Ming Yu was a bit indignant. After learning of the truth from the letter written by Tong Zhi Yang, he was extremely displeased. Tong Zhi Yang was initially thinking of pouring dirty water on the Ye family along with those people. But the oue was good, even though the Ye family was washed clean from the injustice, it was very difficult for the business of ancient fragrant satin to be restored in the future. However, nothing happened to Tong Zhi Yang, which was really unfair.

    ¡°A person has to behave with integrity.¡± Jiang Liughed good-naturedly. ¡°Tong Zhi Yang loves his son so much precisely because Tong Yu is his sole descendant. Letting his sole descendant wander about outside is not a good thing. This time we also have to do a good deed and help Tong Yu. Let the He family also discover Tong Yu¡¯s existence. Like this, Tong Yu does not have to be a child out of adultery, rather he will be the justified young master of the magistrate. In the future, when Tong Zhi Yang climbs up steadily, he will have a qualified sessor, won¡¯t he?¡±

    She spoke and smiled quietly with a sincere appearance. Every word seemed to be considering Tong Zhi Yang. Whoever saw her would not doubt her good intention.

    As Ye Ming Yu listened, his expression turned weird. Until Jiang Li finally finished speaking, he couldn¡¯t help bursting into loudughter. He said: ¡°There are some things that a gentleman would do and not do, but today I learned that a young girl should not be trifled with!¡±

    Every time Jiang Li talked about her n, she was always straightforward, overturning conspiracies. Only she had the ability to do so. This method actually could not be counted as honorable. Just now, she just said ¡°to keep promises¡±, but then she turned her head and gave Tong Zhi Yang an added huge trouble. However, as a Ye family member, after Ye Ming Yu finished listening, he only felt extremely carefree. The depression in the past several days was also swept away.

    ¡°Tong Zhi Yang fears his tigress-like wife. Once he heard that the ce to put the mail was in the He residence, he did not dare to arrange someone to follow. It can be clearly seen that he has a lot of fear for his wife. Now letting He-shi find out the existence of the mother and child would mean the end of Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s good days. Don¡¯t say other things, whether he could still sit in his position as the magistrate properly still has to wait whether He-shi thinks twice and is merciful. All the people in Xiangyang city know that the magistrate¡¯s wife is most unkind and severe, terribly shrewish. Hahahaha, Ah Li, this move of yours is very clever!¡±

 Chapter 105.2

    <h4>Marriage of the Di Daughter</h4>

    ¡°Uncle is praising.¡± Jiang Li smiled modestly. From the beginning, she never thought of letting Tong Zhi Yang go. Such a person as Tong Zhi Yang would only be a scourge if left behind. Who knew whether in the future he would cause the Ye family to stumble again. Let him be in a stalemate with He-shi, turning him into aughingstock in Xiangyang. When this joke passed to Yanjing, passed to that person¡¯s ear, it¡¯s good to let the other party¡¯s heart be blocked.

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    Must not let people do all the bad things and did not receive any punishment.

    Ye Ming Yu had an energetic temper, doing so immediately after thinking. He stood up right away and said: ¡°There¡¯s no time to lose, I have been wanting to see Tong Zhi Yang lose face long ago. Ah Li, wait at home, this time, look how I take revenge for the Ye family!¡±

    As soon as he turned around, he immediately disappeared from the door.

    After Ye Ming Yu left, Tong¡¯er asked worriedly: ¡°Miss, would something happen with the third master doing this? In case that He-shi and Tong Zhi Yang join their hands and turn to deal with us, what should we do?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, that¡¯s not possible.¡± Jiang Li smiled: ¡°The back and front of the palm are both meat. He-shi certainly cannot tolerate Tong Yu while Tong Zi Yang is bound to protect Tong Yu. Just Tong Yu alone will make the husband and wife chaotic. As long as there¡¯s a bit more instigation, it¡¯s only a matter of time before they will be thoroughly at odds with each other.¡±

    When she said this, Tong¡¯er put down her heart.

    Jiang Li, however, did not rx her brows.

    For the time being, the Ye family¡¯s affair hade to an end, but her affair had not yet been settled. Her real purpose ofing to Xiangyang was not here, but rather Tongxiang¡­¡­

    Her father, Xue Huai Yuan.

    ¡­¡­

    Ye Ming Yu¡¯s movement was fast, faster than Jiang Li thought. In the same afternoon, a farce urred in Xiangyang city.

    In front of the Tong residence¡¯s door, Tong Zhi Yang and the magistrate madam, He-shi, were causing havoc. Tong Zhi Yang even swung a p at He-shi. The people in Xiangyang all knew that Tong Zhi Yang feared his tigress-like wife. Every day when he saw his wife, it was like a mouse seeing a cat. He did not even dare to refute his wife¡¯s single sentence, much less lifting his hand to his wife. However, in broad daylight, under the watchful eyes of the people, Tong Zhi Yang ate the bear¡¯s heart and leopard¡¯s galldder and pped his wife.

    Themon people who did not know the story looked on eagerly and noticed Tong Zhi Yang was protecting a young female behind him. There¡¯s also a young child that looked simr to Tong Zhi Yang. The matter of this child was obvious at a nce. As it turned out, Magistrate Tong who did not frequent brothels actually raised a mistress outside. In addition, he even had a child. Now that it¡¯s exposed, did not know how his wife found out, but naturally he had to be put in order.

    However, Tong Zhi Yang seemed to be determined to stand with the outer room, surprisingly, he moved his hands for the mother and child. Could he still go back then? The He family was not a vegetarian. It¡¯s well-known that Tong Zhi Yang had today, all depending on He-shi¡¯s natal family.

    ¡°Damn you!¡± He-shi was pped, her bun disorderly. She did not care about the style of a magistrate¡¯s wife. Her finger pointed at Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s nose as she scolded: ¡°You actually dared to p me for this woman? Tong Zhi Yang, your courage is getting bigger!¡±

    Tong Zhi Yang immediately regretted after pping He-shi, everything that he had was given by He-shi. Moving his hand on He-shi meant that he would not have any good fruits to eat in the future. But he couldn¡¯t help it when he saw that He-shi was going to move her hand on Tong Yu. Tong Yu was his only son, He-shi, this poisonous woman, actually would not let off his flesh and blood.

    Thinking like so, he felt angry and roared: ¡°Poisonous woman, I¡¯ve already had enough of you for a long time! I¡¯ve been married to you for so many years without any heir. In any case, my Tong family must not disappear. Just based on this one virtue of not able to produce an heir out of the seven virtues, I can divorce you. Su Qin gave birth to a son for me, not only can¡¯t you tolerate her, you still want to kill Yu¡¯er. How could there be such a malicious woman like you!¡±

    ¡°Divorce me?¡± He-shiughed angrily. She said: ¡°Good, since you have the guts to divorce me, go back and write a divorce book now. I won¡¯t say any more words, but remember well, your Tong family¡¯s house, subordinates, plus your identity as the magistrate, all belong to me. Without me, you are nothing! Don¡¯t you want to leave a descendant for the Tong family? It¡¯s possible! I want to see, without money, how you are going to carry the family¡¯s name!¡± She waved her hand and directly let the subordinates from the Tong residence follow after her. Entering the door, she instructed the subordinates and with a ¡°bang¡± the doors closed.

    Tong Zhi Yang was unexpectedly not allowed to enter the door.

    In any case, Tong Zhi Yang was a magistrate. Though he had been suppressed for many years by He-shi, he still had his arrogance in front of themon people. Now that he was swept out of the door in public, he could not hold his face. The crowd was at once ordered to disperse, but his face was still full of humiliation.

    Looking at the joke shown on the faces of the crowd, Tong Zhi Yang was both angry and hateful. He was angry because he did not know what happened that made He-shi discover the existence of Su Qin mother and son. He hated that He-shi did not take into ount the affection of husband and wife. What came after was a trace of restless dread.

    He-shi indeed could deprive him of everything that he had now. If he was not the magistrate, and there¡¯s no silver in his hand, what should he do in the future?

    This was a dilemma and he was at aplete loss.

    ¡­¡­

    Ye Ming Yu told everyone about the affair happening by the Tong residence¡¯s gate.

    Talking about Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s disgraceful situation, Ye Ming Yu only felt gleeful. He described vividly He-shi¡¯s bold and shrewishness and Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s appearance that looked fierce outside but cowardly inside

    Guan-shi said with surprise: ¡°Unexpectedly, Magistrate Tong, who usually seems to be steadfast towards He-shi, was raising an outer room secretly. He was actually just paying lip service, even his son is already so big.¡±

    ¡°Tsk tsk tsk, really unexpected.¡± Ye Ming Xuan shook his head. ¡°ording to reason, since Tong Zhi Yang has concealed them for so long, this matter should be watertight. How was it suddenly discovered by He-shi at this critical juncture?¡±

    ¡°How can you not get wet if you always walk at the river bank,¡± Ye Ru Feng disdained, ¡°he did things, paper can¡¯t wrap fire, sooner orter will be found by others.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu and Jiang Li exchanged a look. The matter about Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s outer room was only known to the two of them in the Ye family. The reason why they did not tell the others was because they were afraid that they would oppose from the beginning. Although the Ye family was very wealthy, because the business was very big, they had to be especially careful everyday, doing business while acting ording to convention. But Ye Ming Yu was not the same, he had huge courage and dared to act. Jiang Li only discussed with him and was not afraid that he would object.

 Chapter 105.3

    <h4>Marriage of the Di Daughter</h4>

    ¡°Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s official road will be difficult to walk after this.¡± Ye Ming Xuan said. ¡°Even if it¡¯s for the purpose of giving a bitter lesson, He-shi would not let him have an easy time like before, perhaps reducing the authority in his hand.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a good thing for us.¡± Ye Jia Er said. ¡°However¡­.. Even so, the ancient fragrant satin business has now taken a dive.¡±

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    Tang Fan let someone exin the causes and effects of the matter of the Ye family¡¯s ancient fragrant satin. But themon people only cared about the result, not concerned with the twists and turns inside. Regardless of whether it was set up by others, the problemy in the Ye family¡¯s ancient fragrant satin. Wearing the ancient fragrant satin might cause death, so they would not wear it.

    The weaving room had already resumed weaving cloth, but no one dared to purchase thetest batch of ancient fragrant satin. There was no alternative and Ye Ming Hui could only suspend all the weaving production. But up till now they still could not think up a good way to solve this.

    ¡°Otherwise, don¡¯t do this business anymore.¡± Ye Ming Yu said casually. ¡°In any case, our Ye family¡¯s property is sufficient tost several generations, who¡¯s still anxious to earn silver. Just learn from those rich and noble sons from wealthy families, travel around all day long, isn¡¯t it good?¡±

    This simply wasn¡¯t something that a person from a Ye family would say. Sure enough, after these words came out, Ye Ming Hui immediately gave a strict look at his younger brother. He said: ¡°It¡¯s best if you don¡¯t say this in front of mother. These years, I think you have grown up in vain, the more you live the more you go backwards!¡±

    Guan-shi helplessly said: ¡°Third brother, it¡¯s not a question of whether we do business or not. The Ye family¡¯s business is raised by father and mother single-handedly. It¡¯s not as if you are not aware of how much sweat and blood did mother spend on ancient fragrant satin then. How could we let the Ye family¡¯s business be ruined in our hands? In the future, under the nine springs, we won¡¯t have any face to meet father.¡±

    ¡°Yes, third uncle,¡± Ye Jia Er also said: ¡°right now, eldest brother is sitting as an official. I heard that silver is needed to organize things up and down. Yanjing is not like Xiangyang and it¡¯s not known how much silver needed to be spent. We must not let eldest brother be strapped for cash in the capital.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ye Ming Xuan also said: ¡°even Jia Er understands things better than you.¡± He nced at Jiang Li and said: ¡°Moreover, this time something happened to ancient fragrant satin. If it were not for Ah Li stepping out, lending the Jiang family¡¯s name, how could we retreat intact? People have helped you at one end, but on the other end you stop doing business. What would the Jiang family feel if they heard it?¡±

    Jiang Li understood the meaning in Ye Ming Xuan¡¯s words. Not mentioning herself, even though Jiang Yuan Bai was an official, in fact, the officialdom and merchants nowadays used different means to achieve the same result, equally paying attention to benefits. Jiang Yuan Bai helped the Ye family, what value the Ye family had was nothing else but their business that was better than others. If the Ye family stopped doing business, they no longer had any worth. The Jiang family assisted the Ye family enthusiastically but then did not get anything, this transaction would be regarded as not profitable.

    Though the words were unpleasant to hear, it¡¯s not as if Ye Ming Xuan spoke without reason.

    ¡°Okay, okay, back and forth saying that I don¡¯t understand anything.¡± Ye Ming Yu was attacked from all sides and promptly cupped his hand to beg for mercy. He said: ¡°I say, it¡¯s not you, but I was wrong. However, it¡¯s not just me saying so. By the look of it, it goes without saying that the ancient fragrant satin business can no longer be done. Our Ye family¡¯s manufacturing nt is precisely relying on the ancient fragrant satin, right?¡±

    The whole Ye family was silent.

    Jiang Li said: ¡°Aside from ancient fragrant satin, are there no other weaving in the nt?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that there¡¯s nothing else,¡± Guan-shi exined, ¡°there are still many other cloths in our weaving nt. It¡¯s just that aside from ancient fragrant satin, those other cloths can be made by other people. Since others can make them, their appeal is much less. At that time, father was still around, every once in a while, father and mother hade up with a new popr cloth. But only ancient fragrant satin couldst a long time.¡±

    ¡°The ancient fragrant satin is a first-ss material and still carries a fragrance. The nobles and wealthy love wearing it. Even themon people, if they have plenty of silver, are willing to buy one or two bolts for them to make clothes for the festivals. Thus it doesn¡¯tck buyers.¡±

    Jiang Li pondered and said: ¡°So to say, the reason why the Ye family relies on the ancient fragrant satin is because the ancient fragrant satin is loved by the people, not because it cannot be reproduced by others. As long as we can produce a more attractive material to the people than ancient fragrant satin, the Ye family reputation can soon be revived, right?¡±

    The people in the room were quiet. Ye Jia Er said: ¡°Younger sister, it¡¯s easy to speak, but these many years, there are many merchants dealing with cloths. There are so many designs and colors. You can produce them, other people also can produce them. Don¡¯t mention being fond of or not, even ¡°cannot be reproduced by others¡±, these five words, is not easy to do,¡±

    This was true, ancient fragrant satin could not be reproduced by others because of the natural fragrance woven into the cloth. That was the secret of the Ye family that outsiders did not know. But secret recipes, this thing, was not something that could be found and bought from the street. Perhaps not even one could be found in ten or a hundred years. There were times when a single secret recipe could save the entire family n.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t uncle Ming Yu running outside all year round?¡± Jiang Li looked at Ye ming Yu and asked: ¡°Talking about umon materials that people have not seen before, uncle Ming Yu should have seen many of them.¡±

    If you wanted to look for ¡°secret recipe¡±, you had to find a novel ¡°raw material¡±. It¡¯s hard for the people in the Ye residence to see much, which was different from Ye Ming Yu. He ran everywhere from the desert to the grasnd. He could always encounter some rare things that other people could not. Within these rare things, perhaps there¡¯s something that could be made into a new fabric.

    Everyone looked at Ye Ming Yu. Ye Ming Yu touched his nose and rather embarrassedly whispered: ¡°I saw many umon things all day long, but they have nothing to do with making fabrics. Going out to y, who still thought of work¡­¡­.¡±

    Both Ye Ming Hui and Ye Ming Yu showed a look of ¡°hating metals for not turning into steel¡±. It¡¯s a well-known matter that this younger brother was not reliable.

    But Jiang Li was not discouraged.

    She said: ¡°It does not necessarily be a rare thing rted to weaving, for example the box of peacock feather uncle Ming Yu sent me, can¡¯t it also be used in fabric?¡±

    ¡°Peacock feather?¡± Ye Ming Yu stared nkly.

    ¡°What peacock feather?¡± Ye Ming Xuan asked.

    ¡°When third uncle came back, he brought several trunks of good looking conches that look like peacock feathers, very beautiful. However, it¡¯s not worth any money.¡± Ye Ru Feng said unhappily. After he finished speaking, he curiously looked at Jiang Li, ¡°how can peacock feather be used in fabric?¡±

    Ye Ming Yu also looked at her. Although he found these conches, he was also baffled for its usage. When he originally bought these peacock feathers, he did not think about whether it was suitable for business or not. It¡¯s just that he

 Chapter 105.4

    <h4>Marriage of the Di Daughter</h4>

    ¡°It was also a random thought.¡± Jiang Li smiled and said: ¡°I don¡¯t understand anything about fabric making, just a sudden inspiration. If I speak wrongly, don¡¯tugh at me. There is tiny phosphorescence on the peacock feather. I once saw an unusual record about fairies roaming around some immortal ind in the sea. The clothes they wore have tiny phosphorescence like ripples, yet it wasn¡¯t golden or silver thread embroidered on them, but it was more like pearls. The color was bright but not tacky. I wonder, since the ancient fragrant satin can have its own fragrance, whether or not the peacock feather could also produce gleaming fabrics like the one written in the unusual record. Of course it¡¯s not necessary to use the peacock feather, as long as the raw materials used can produce the same brilliance as the peacock feather.¡±

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    ¡°Moreover, with the written note from the unusual record ced on the nobles in Yanjing, it will get the liking from female family members. Although ancient fragrant satin can no longer be produced, the Ye family¡¯s signboard still exists. A new and more attractive fabric than the ancient fragrant satin might slowly create new business.¡±

    Jiang Li spoke unhurriedly, seemingly very confident in her speech. In fact, only she herself knew that she was actually not so clear whether this thing can be done. There were specializations in industries, which could be said as painstakingbor. But under the heavens, many things could only be understood by analogy. If these things were done well by people, then the things produced would not be bad. Either engaging in business or study, neither was useless.

    Her idea was obviously surprising. There¡¯s silence for an unknown period of time before Ye Ming Hui abruptly stood up. He said to Ye Ming Yu, ¡°Go and bring the peacock feather over for me to see. Tomorrow we will go to the weaving hall.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu was stunned. Before he came out of his daze, he saw Ye Ming Xuan also moved and said: ¡°I think this is a good idea, also not necessarily something that cannot be done. First go to the weaving hall and examine whether this can be achieved. If it¡¯s possible¡­.. If it¡¯s possible¡­..¡± He paused, seemingly suppressing his uncontainable happiness and could only say half of the sentence. ¡°I¡¯m afraid our Ye family is going to usher in a new flourishing scenery.¡±

    Ye Jia Er and Ye Rufeng heard this and eagerly looked forward to it. They looked peculiarly at Jiang Li.

    She seemed to know everything, also always able to open up a new road in desperation, leading everyone to walk towards a new direction. She was forever full of hope, making people feel at ease.

    Jiang Li felt the gazes of gratitude from the Ye family and smiled slightly.

    She did what she could.

    Next, there¡¯s still one more thing, but it¡¯s not something that she could aplish by effort alone.

    ¡­¡­

    Ye Ming Yu brought everyone to see that peacock feather, but Jiang Li did not follow.

    She first went to see old madam Ye and chatted. Old madam Ye¡¯s spirit was very good the past couple of days. Also, after hearing that Jiang Li proposed producing a new fabric using the peacock feather, she praised Jiang Li¡¯s clever and wonderful thought. Jiang Li stayed with her for a while, the grandmother and granddaughter got along harmoniously and became closer.

    When old madam Ye got tired andy down to rest, Jiang Li went out from the old madam Ye¡¯s courtyard. She did not return to her own courtyard, instead she walked towards the outside.

    Tong¡¯er asked: ¡°Miss, are you nning to go out?¡±

    Jiang Li nodded: ¡°Go and walk around, the weather is nice today.¡±

    Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue hesitated but soon nodded in response. The Ye family was different from the Jiang family. The gatekeeper of the Jiang family would inquire where Jiang Li was going. Ji Shuran¡¯s people would also watch her every move in the dark. But in the Xiangyang¡¯s Ye family, Jiang Li had absolute freedom. No one would pry into where she was going, what she was doing, at least in the Ye family, no one would do so. Therefore, rtively speaking, it was also convenient for Jiang Li¡¯s own nning.

    The three people, Jiang Li, Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue, first directly walked to the center of Xiangyang city. Since people knew her identity as Jiand second miss, Jiang Li also put on a veil. Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue felt it was novel and bought a few gadgets. Jiang Li looked around but did not find anything interesting.

    These were things she had seen many times before, not something she just saw for the first time. Naturally she did not have the feeling of novelty.

    Unconsciously, didn¡¯t know how long they¡¯d walked, Tong¡¯er faintly felt that the road Jiang Li walked to was somewhat familiar, yet she couldn¡¯t figure out where she had seen it. However, she¡¯s used to Jiang Li recognizing the road urately and never took the wrong way. Especially in Xiangyang, she was very familiar as if she had been there many times, thus Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue did not think much about it.

    Until Jiang Li stopped in front of a mansion.

    Tong¡¯er looked at the familiar residence in front of her and her voice trembled as she said: ¡°Miss, this is Xi, Xi¡­..¡±

    ¡°Xi Hua Lou.¡± Jiang Li thoughtfully reminded her.

    ¡°Xi Hua Lou!¡± Tong¡¯er abruptly said it out, following which she immediately mped her mouth, afraid that people would see. In a low voice, she said to Jiang Li: ¡°Miss, why do wee here again?¡±

    Aftering back from Xi Hua Loust time, Tong¡¯er was anxious and afraid for several days. She was afraid that other people had noticed that Jiang Li, an official daughter, had visited the brothel. That period of time had just passed not long ago, but now the nightmare reappeared. Jiang Li came again!

    Is it true that her youngdy really fancy a girl inside? It¡¯s better for her youngdy to just turn around in the mirror ah. Also heard there¡¯s a small child, is there a small child in the brothel?

    Tong¡¯er¡¯s mind was imagining wild things when she heard Jiang Li say: ¡°The two of you don¡¯t have to go up, just wait for me here. I wille back soon.¡±

    Before Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue could dissuade her, Jiang Li had moved forwards without turning her head back. They recalled that this was Xi Hua Lou¡¯s ¡°door¡±.

    Jiang Li walked step by step very firmly.

    A few days had passed, for the time being, she had solved the Ye family¡¯s matter. But her true purpose ofing to Xiangyang had just begun.

    She didn¡¯t know how Qiong Zhi¡¯s inquiries about Tongxiang were at her end?

 Chapter 106.1

    <h4>Chapter 106 Part 1: Imprisoned</h4>

    At the back door of Xi Hua Lou, the female greeting the visitors was still the one that Jiang Li sawst time. She was stunned for a while when she saw Jiang Li and afterwards she immediately smiled and said: ¡°Miss came looking for Qiong Zhi?¡±

    Jiang Li said: ¡°Exactly.¡± Then she handed a silver banknote taken from her sleeve.

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    The female did not decline and received the banknote. She said to Jiang Li: ¡°Miss, please follow me.¡± Then she personally took Jiang Li inside towards Qiong Zhi¡¯s room.

    Each girl in Xi Hua Lou was smart, they knew what they should and should not ask. Although they did not know the rtionship between Jiang Li and Qiong Zhi, they would not reject seeing that there was no noise or ident thest time the two of them met. Moreover, Jiang Li was generous so they just conveniently lent a hand.

    Thus, Jiang Li was taken to Qiong Zhi¡¯s room.

    The female smiled and said: ¡°Qiong Zhi is already waiting for you inside, just call me if you have any instructions.¡± Then she retreated.

    Jiang Li pushed the door open and entered Qiong Zhi¡¯s room.

    Perhaps Jiang Li was mistaken, but after not meeting for a few days, Qiong Zhi had be a lot thinner. However, a beauty in the end was a beauty. Even if she was wan and thin, it only made her bearing be more decadent with a different kind of beauty that was not seen before. Just like a safflower that was about to wither, she was even more eye-catching.

    Jiang Li guessed, perhaps after Qiong Zhi learned about Xue Zhao¡¯s death, she wasted away in these past few days.

    ¡°You are here.¡± Qiong Zhi was sitting in front of a table fiddling with a disorderly chessboard. When she heard movements, she did not move and merely looked at her.

    Jiang Li closed the door and said: ¡°Yes.¡±

    Qiong Zhi stared at her for a while thenughed suddenly. She said: ¡°Before, I said that Xue Zao¡¯s guts were big. Now apparently, there¡¯s still someone whose guts are bigger. I don¡¯t know what the expression of Chief Assistant Jiang, Jiang Yuan Bai, would be if he found out that his daughter is visiting a brothel while in Xiangyang.¡±

    She was aware of Jiang Li¡¯s identity.

    Jiang Li was silent momentarily before stepping forward and sat opposite Qiong Zhi. She said: ¡°You found out.¡±

    ¡°Miss Jiang second¡¯s generous statement in front of Li Zheng Tang is now spread widely in the entire Xiangyang. It¡¯s hard not to know.¡± Qiong Zhi sighed, ¡°I just didn¡¯t expect that the person who came looking for me is you, the Jiang family¡¯s second miss.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t know whether it¡¯s a good thing or a bad thing.¡± Jiang Li smiled bitterly. She borrowed the Jiang family¡¯s reputation to help the Ye family deal with Tong Zhi Yang, at the same time, she exposed her own identity. In the future, whatever she was going to do, it would be hard not to be recognized. Perhaps it was better to be like Ji Heng, nobody knew his identity. Those who knew did not dare to bring him trouble and took the initiative to stay away.

    ¡°There¡¯s only one thing I want to ask you,¡± Qiong Zhi yed with the bracelet on her wrist. There¡¯s a little bell carefully hung on the bracelet, along with her movement, it emitted a ding-a-ling sound, extremely skillful. She asked: ¡°How did you get acquainted with the Xue family. I am aware of the past deeds of Miss Jiang second, looking at it, you should not have any rtions with the Xue family.¡±

    Qiong Zhi was a capable person. Among her benefactors, there were swordsmen, officials, none should be underestimated. That¡¯s the reason why Jiang Li asked Qiong Zhi to inquire about the things in Tongxiang. On the contrary, Jiang second miss was also not just an ordinary person. Her affairs, not mentioning Yanjing, even in other parts of Northern Yan, were at least known one or two. Those ¡°glorious achievements¡±, just with a little inquiry would be immediately known. As such, Jiang second miss and the Xue family were two different styles of people that did not belong in the same group. It¡¯s understandable if Qiong Zhi doubted that they were acquainted with each other.

    Jiang Li kept quiet for a long time before she spoke: ¡°I was familiar with Xue Zhao¡¯s sister.¡± Before Qiong Zhi could speak more, she continued to say: ¡°You don¡¯t have to doubt how I knew Xue Fang Fei. I truly want to avenge Xue Fang Fei. I can¡¯t tell you much, you can only trust me at this time.¡±

    Qiong Zhi was stunned, and raised her head to look seriously at Jiang Li.

    ¡°Like I said, I know your feelings towards Xue Zhao. Now Xue Zhao is dead, you should also want to take revenge for Xue Zhao, right?! In reality, you cannot do anything at all. But I can,¡± Jiang Li spoke up to here and showed a faint smile, ¡°I¡¯m Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s daughter, the honorable youngdy of the chief assistant. I don¡¯t fear the other party having power. Only I can take revenge for Xue Zhao, you have to believe me.¡±

    Qiong Zhi pulled the corner of her mouth, probably thinking of showing a mocking smile. In the end, she finally sighed softly, half frustrated and half unwilling, she said: ¡°You have long known that I can only trust you.¡±

    Jiang Li¡¯s small heart came down. However, there¡¯s nothing shown on her face. She smiled and said: ¡°Actually, you don¡¯t have to think so much. Telling me the things happening in Tongxiang will not have any effect on you.¡±

    Qiong Zhi was a smart woman. Her intelligence was not reflected in talent and learning, but in her familiarity with the ways of the world. People who seeked livelihood among the haunts all year long were more liable to discern what people think from their bodynguage. A woman like Qiong Zhi who grew up in Xi Hua Lou had a more cautious mind than ordinary people and was constantly vignt.

    ¡°Now can you tell me about Tongxiang?¡± Jiang Li asked.

    ¡°You really want to know?¡± Qiong Zhi asked.

    Unconsciously, Jiang Li clenched her hands tucked inside her sleeves. Her heart seemed to be hung by a silk thread, swaying as if suspended in the air.

    ¡°There¡¯s no harm in telling you. The mantle of the Xue family seems to decline. These days, I¡¯ve weed many guests and can be said to have heard a bit of clues.¡± She first nced at Jiang Li and her tone lowered, ¡°in the beginning, I thought perhaps Xue Zhao¡¯s was a ridiculous story that you made up and I still held a bit of hope in my heart. Until I met a noble who had just returned from visiting family in Yanjing. She told me that the top scorer¡¯s madam, Xue Fang Fei, had indeed wasted away and died after she was found to be engaged in an illicit affair. Her younger brother Xue Zhao hurried to Yanjing but was murdered by bandits on the way, his corpse abandoned in the river. It¡¯s the same as what you¡¯ve said.¡±

    ¡°Those are all the things happening in Yanjing,¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°how about Xue Huai Yuan in Tongxiang?¡±

    The trace of eagerness in her tone was caught by Qiong Zhi. Qiong Zhi paused before looking at Jiang Li, ¡°There¡¯s something that I do not understand. You said that half a year ago Xue Huai Yuan passed away and wanted me to find out how he died and where he was buried. However, Xue Huai Yuan is not dead yet.¡±

 Chapter 106.2

    <h4>Chapter 106 Part 2: Imprisoned</h4>

    ¡°What did you say?¡± Jiang Li couldn¡¯t help crying out in surprise.

    All along, in front of Qiong Zhi, this Jiang second miss was always calm and magnanimous, never having the appearance of half forgetting her manners. This was the first time Qiong Zhi saw Jiang Li seemingly at a loss.

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    Jiang Li didn¡¯t care how Qiong Zhi looked at her. At that moment, ecstasy spurted out and filled her heart. She said: ¡°You said Xue Huai Yuan is still alive?! Is what you said true? Where did you hear it from?!¡±

    At first, Qiong Zhi suspected that Jiang Li might have an ulterior motive asking about the Xue family, perhaps thinking of making use of the Xue family to aplish some kind of conspiracy. But based on Jiang Li¡¯s behavior at the moment, the misgiving in her mind immediately vanished. When this Jiang second miss heard that Xue Huai Yuan was still alive, there was an unconcealed happy surprise and excitement in her eyes.

    Qiong Zhi calmed down for a while before saying: ¡°He¡¯s really still alive, but this doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯s not good. The master of the Xue family, the deputy county of TongXiang, Xue Huai Yuan, is now insane, does not recognize his family. Now he is confined in the Tongxiang prison.¡±

    As if falling from the sky into an abyss, Jiang Li¡¯s palm turned cold all of a sudden, the sh of happiness immediately dispersed. She somewhat did not dare to believe her ears and fixed her eyes on Qiong Zhi. She said: ¡°What did you say?¡±

    Qiong Zi felt that Jiang Li¡¯s expression was terrible and also very frenzied. Just like a trapped beast repressing its sorrow, making an utmost effort to restraint from wanting to tear everything in the surrounding.

    Her voice unconsciously softened as she spoke: ¡°I asked all the guests who came to me, as long as they have a bit of power. But I don¡¯t know why, they didn¡¯t breathe a word about the affair of Xue Huai Yuan from Tongxiang, either were not willing to talk about him with me or directly stormed off in a huff. There was only this one merchant whose rtionship with me was not bad. He saw that I asked earnestly, thus letting me know quietly.¡±

    ¡°The news says that deputy county of Tongxiang, Xue Huai Yuan, embezzled the disaster relief funds allocated by the court and was imprisoned. Now the deputy county of Tongxiang is someone else. Xue Huai Yuan has already gone mad, not recognizing any family in prison, very miserable¡­¡­.¡±

    ¡°How could Xue Huai Yuan embezzle?¡± Jiang Li said angrily: ¡°Themon people in Tongxiang will not believe it!¡±

    Qiong Zhi was astonished to hear Jiang Li talking about themon people of Tongxiang. She was also surprised that Jiang Li seemed to understand Xue Huai Yuan very well. However, she still continued saying: ¡°Themon people had no way, after all, it was the meaning from above. Moreover,¡± Qiong Zhi smiled, unknown to whom the mocking smile was directed to, ¡°when one is no longer in a position of power, others no longer care about him. Since ancient times, there¡¯s been the principle that people do not fight with officials. Even if Xue Huai Yuan was truly an honest and upright official and did not embezzle the disaster relief silver, who would speak up for him? Everyone only seeks for their own self-preservation.¡±

    Jiang Li froze.

    Xue Huai Yuan wholeheartedly served the people, never thinking of getting something in return. Xue Zhao and Xue Fang Fei also never thought about it, but now it seemed that what Qiong Zhi said was right. People are selfish, who would offend an even greater nobility for a madman who was already in prison? But if Xue Huai Yuan was still sober, looking at the situation, his heart would be cold and dejected.

    Probably, precisely because Xue Huai Yuan saw themon people he had helped with his heart and soul were so cold and indifferent, furthermore all his children died, that he was unable to bear and went insane.

    Qiong Zhi was suddenly stunned and said: ¡°Miss Jiang second, you¡­..¡±

    Jiang Li saw her surprised expression and subconsciously touched her face to discover that tears had unexpectedly fallen.

    In the end, she wasn¡¯t able to stand by like an outsider, after all, it was her father. Knowing that her father was in prison and suffered hardship, how could she still be at ease?

    ¡°So to speak, in the matter of the Xue family, nowadays nobody dared to get involved with it?¡± Jiang Li took out a silk handkerchief from her sleeve and wiped the tears from her eyes, her expression was ice-cold.

    Qiong Zhi perceived the change in her expression, hesitated for a while before saying: ¡°It was indeed so. Since everyone did not open their mouth, I¡¯m afraid this matter involves another person that¡¯s untouched, not as simple as how it looks on the surface.¡±

    Jiang Liughed bitterly in her heart, involving another person that¡¯s untouched. Without thinking, she knew it was Yongning that made some actions from behind! When she was dying, in order to cut off her attachment, perhaps also to make her be so grieved so she did not want to live, she told her that Xue Huai Yuan was already dead. Now that she thought about it, if all three members of the Xue family died one after another in more or less the same time, it would be hard to avoid criticism. Naturally, Yongning would not be afraid, but Shen Yurong needed to be apprehensive. So as not to add trouble, Yongning could not kill Xue Huai Yuan, but with Yongning¡¯s pettiness, she certainly could not tolerate Xue Huai Yuan. Therefore, she simply used this kind of baseless usation, imprisoning Xue Huai Yuan and let him bear endless torture!

    Yongning knew that Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s heart was connected to themon people. Letting him be abandoned by themon people he was concerned about, made his clear reputation be wiped by stain, this would be more difficult to bear for Xue Huai Yuan rather than just killing him. When Xue Huai Yuan found out news about Xue Fang Fei and Xue Zhao¡¯s death, naturally it would give rise to new despair, life no better than death. Using such disgusting means on a father, Yongning, she could really do so!

    ¡°That¡¯s all I heard, that¡¯s about it.¡± Qiong Zhi said: ¡°After all, I cannot anyhow leave Xi Hua Lou, and this thing involves a big¡­¡­. What you said was right, perhaps only you will be able to help avenge Xue Zhao.¡± Qiong Zhi looked at Jiang Li with a glimmer of hope in her eyes. Jiang Li was the Jiang family¡¯s youngdy. On the Ye family¡¯s affair, she dared to oppose Tong Zhi Yang. It could be seen that she had the confidence. At least what thosemon people did not dare to do, Jiang Li dared.

    Jiang Li smiled slightly, just at this moment, that smile appeared very cold. She slowly said: ¡°Of course I will help to avenge Xue Zhao, not just help take revenge for Xue Zhao, whoever set up the Xue family, I will also let them pay back a hundred times.¡±

    Originally, these kinds of wordsing from the mouth of a young and delicate official youngdy¡¯s mouth should sound ridiculous. However, Qiong Zhi did not know why she felt cold. She only felt that the clear eyes of the youngdy in front of her seemed to set a deep vortex without any wind nor waves and no end in sight.

    ¡°Many thanks to you.¡± Jiang Li looked at Qiong Zhi, ¡°thank you for asking around for news of the Xue family for me. Just like you said, this matter involved a lot, with you making inquiries, if people found out¡­..¡±

 Chapter 106.3

    <h4>Chapter 106 Part 3: In Prison</h4>

    Qiong Zhi said: ¡°No need to worry, the people I asked are all trustworthy. In addition, they are not people who actively look for their own troubles.¡± She did not anticipate Jiang Li to still remind her at this time and the way she looked at Jiang Li softened a bit. She couldn¡¯t help asking: ¡°Miss Jiang second, since you¡¯ve made up your mind to manage the things in Tongxiang¡­.. What do you n to do next?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no way to truly find out the facts in Xiangyang.¡± Jiang Li said coldly: ¡°I want to take a trip to Tongxiang.¡±

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    Qiong Zhi opened her mouth.

    ¡°No matter how powerful the person behind is,¡± Jiang Li lowered her eyes, ¡°even if I have to stake my life, I will pull them down together.¡±

    Her cold words made Qiong Zhi feel that the girl who was initially warm as spring seemed to have turned into a malicious spirit crawling out from theher world, carrying a body of blood debt, and fiercely taking revenge on people.

    Qiong Zhi was taken aback by her momentary anger and did not dare to speak.

    ¡­¡­

    When she came out from Xi Hua Lou, both Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue were able to see that something was wrong with Jiang Li.

    She used to like tough, even when meeting a stranger, she would carry a three point smile. It was a spring breeze, making people feel especiallyfortable. Today was the same, however, after staying at Xi Hua Lou for a brief moment, when she came out, she was like a different person.

    There wasn¡¯t any smile on her face, seemingly worried by a grave matter in her mind. Her lips were tightly closed, her brows deeply locked, and her sight was somewhat flickering.

    Tong¡¯er was scared and thought that she was being bullied inside. She immediately said: ¡°Miss¡­.. Miss, what¡¯s the matter with you?¡±

    This call seemed to call Jiang Li¡¯s spirit back. Jiang Li looked at her and stared nkly for a while before speaking: ¡°Nothing, let¡¯s go back home.¡± She took the veiled hat from Bai Xue, put it on, and walked forward by herself.

    Bai Xue and Tong¡¯er were anxious, but they were now outside and it¡¯s not very good to ask too much. Thus they could only follow after Jiang Li and hurriedly return to the Ye residence. Though they did not know what Jiang Li encountered in Xi Hua Lou, it¡¯s obvious that Jiang Li had suffered a huge blow, and was out of her mind.

    In a residence nearby the Ye residence, Lu Ji was sitting on a long rattan chair inside a room. On the opposite couch, Ji Heng was holding a book, flipping absent-mindedly.

    Wen Ji came from outside and spoke: ¡°Master.¡±

    Ji Heng: ¡°Speak.¡±

    ¡°Jiang second miss just went to Xi Hua Lou again.¡± said Wen Ji.

    Lu Ji looked at Wen Ji, but Ji Heng did not take his eyes off from the page of the book at all. Without thinking, he asked: ¡°She once again went to see Miss Qiong Zhi?¡±

    ¡°Right.¡± Wen Ji hesitated for a while before saying: ¡°There¡¯s a very strange matter. The subordinate noticed that after Miss Jiang second met with Qiong Zhi and came out from Xi Hua Lou, something might have happened, she was somewhat in a daze.¡±

    Ji Heng¡¯s reading movement paused, and there¡¯s a sh of surprise on Lu Ji¡¯s face.

    ¡°In a daze?¡± Ji Heng asked.

    ¡°Correct. After she came out of Xi Hua Lou, Miss Jiang second immediately brought the two servant girls to return to the Ye residence. She took many wrong paths along the way, clearly her mind was not here. Afterwards, the two servant girls looked very anxious, perhaps it¡¯s because Miss Jiang second¡¯s expression was unusual.¡± Wen Ji replied carefully.

    Lu Ji couldn¡¯t help inquiring: ¡°What did she and Qiong Zhi actually talk about, is there no way to find out?¡±

    ¡°No way.¡± Wen Ji said helplessly, ¡°Miss Qiong Zhi is very defensive and very intelligent. The people dispatched to pry for information could not open her mouth at all. Master did not let us use strong means, until now we don¡¯t know what Miss Jiang second and Miss Qing Zhi talk about.¡±

    Wen Ji was at his wit¡¯s end. If he was to say that Miss Jiang second looked innocent and unaffected, often, her ways of handling things were thorough. Whoever discussed things with her was not good. As it happened, it was Xi Hua Lou¡¯s most difficult person to deal with, Qiong Zhi. Qiong Zhi had mixed in the romantic ce since young, not seeking for someone to redeem her, with almost no weak points. There¡¯s a sentence saying, one can be strong if he has no desire. Qiong Zhi had no desire, therefore, nothing could move her. Under Ji Heng¡¯s premise of not using any tough method on Qiong Zhi, they totally could not find any way to pry open Qiong Zhi¡¯s mouth.

    Miss Jiang second clearly looked for such a hard rock on purpose.

    ¡°No need to know what they talk about,¡± Ji Heng said: ¡°just watch what she¡¯s doing.¡±

    ¡°Master, do you know what Miss Jiang second is going to do?¡± Lu Ji asked.

    Lu Ji could also be considered as one of the top intellect, very proficient in court arrangement and experienced in the ways of the world. However, towards this Jiang second miss, sometimes Lu Ji felt iprehensible. To him, the way Jiang Li handled things did not seem to follow the set of rules. For example, the sudden goodwill she showed the Ye family and her assistance of the Ye family, both seemed to be spontaneous behavior. Looking at it, it did not seem to be a conspiracy, but after a long period of time, the reason for every single thing she did would appear.

    Yet at the beginning, nobody could make out what she was actually going to do.

    Lu Ji could perceive that Jiang Li meeting Qiong Zhi must be to do something that she deemed very important. Moreover, this thing that could make the usually calm Jiang Li be in a daze, certainly would not be a trivial matter. The problem was, in the end, they still did not know what Jiang Li was going to do. Even if they knew, there¡¯s a possibility that they were not able to find out Jiang Li¡¯s purpose. She¡¯s really strange, all the things in the past seemed simple and straightforward. Just a little bit of investigation, they were all open to scrutiny. But even though all her past deeds were investigated, there¡¯s still the feeling that up and down her body was full of riddles.

    Lu Ji couldn¡¯t help ncing at Ji Heng. With regards to mystery that could not be untied, this point, Jiang Li and Duke Su, Ji Heng were actually rather alike.

    ¡°Don¡¯t know.¡± Ji Heng said, ¡°but soon will know.¡±

    ¡°I think the real purpose of Jiang Liing to Xiangyang is about toe out. In fact, I am also very curious,¡± Ji Heng smiled and said, ¡°what does she actually want to do.¡±

 Chapter 106.4

    <h4>Chapter 106 Part 4: In Prison</h4>

    Jiang Li was totally unaware that her every movement had been in someone¡¯s eyes from the beginning. But even if she knew, the current her also did not have the mind to deal with Ji Heng. Her mind was filled with the news about Xue Huai Yuan going crazy and being sent to prison, she didn¡¯t know whether to be happy or sorrowful at this time.

    Happy because in the end, there¡¯s still a life, the father and daughter were not separated eternally by heavens. Sorrow because the crazy Xue Huai Yuan might not recognize his own daughter. Even if they met again, perhaps they would not be able to recognize each other in this life.

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    God is like this, seemingly giving a hope to live, but afterwards actually a deeper despair.

    Jiang Li sat nkly in front of the table.

    Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue asked several times, but Jiang Li did not tell them what the matter was. Until finally, perhaps due to frustration or something else, she directly told Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue to go out while she stayed in the room by herself. The two servant girls were afraid that she would do something foolish and simply sat in front of the door with their ears pasted on the door panel, carefully listening to any activities inside. In case there¡¯s anything wrong, they would break the door and enter, by all means must not let Jiang Li have an ident.

    Jiang Li silently buried her face in the crook of her arms.

    As long as she thought of what Yongning and Shen Yurong did to Xue Huai Yuan, Jiang Li wished she could tear them all apart. Xue Huai Yuan met with an ident, Jiang Li did not believe that Shen Yurong did not know anything about this! Even in Xue Zhao¡¯s ident, if Yongning acted on her own initiative, Xue Zhao was already gone and there¡¯s nothing that Shen Yurong could do. But Xue Huai Yuan was still alive, Shen Yurong actually looked on unfeelingly as Xue Huai Yuan was subjected to torture!

    At the beginning, when Shen Yurong came to Tongxiang, Xue Huai Yuan once mentioned to him, ¡°a day being a teacher is a father for a lifetime¡±. She did not demand Shen Yurong to treat Xue Huai Yuan as his own father, but he should have a bit of conscience based on the teacher-student rtionship.

    These two were simply inhuman beasts!

    What infuriated Jiang Li more at the moment, even if she could meet Yongning and Shen Yurong, she did not have any way to immediately take revenge on behalf of the Xue family. No need to mention that the imperial bodyguards surrounding them would never let Jiang Lie close, simply taking a life for a life was too cheap for them. It¡¯s considered over when the injustice of the Xue family was cleared and their ugly faces were yet revealed to the public.

    Jiang Li felt extreme hatred in her heart, but she understood that the more important thing at the moment was not to take revenge, but to take Xue Huai Yuan out of prison. If the news that Qiong Zhi heard was true and Xue Huai Yuan was currently in prison, afraid that he was not justcking in food and clothing. Yongning would never let Xue Huai Yuan go and would certainly arrange for someone to make him suffer in the dark. Xue Huai Yuan was older, if he could not endure¡­.. Jiang Li did not dare to think any further.

    She straightened up all of a sudden, the matter should not be dyed, she must rush back to Tongxiang!

    As she was thinking, Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue¡¯s voices came from outside. Bai Xue said: ¡°Third master, you are here, the youngdy is inside¡­..¡±

    Ye Ming Yu? Jiang Li got up and opened the door. Bai Xue had not yet finished talking and saw Jiang Lie out. She rxed her breath upon seeing that Jiang Li¡¯splexion looked a bit better than before.

    Jiang Li said: ¡°Uncle Ming Yu.¡±

    ¡°I specially came looking for you.¡± Ye Ming Yu did not pay attention to the two servant girls¡¯ different expressions. He went inside the room and sat in front of the small table, thenughed heartily as he spoke: ¡°Ah Li, you have no idea, th eldest brother and second brother went to the weaving hall. When the people in the weaving hall saw our peacock feathers, they felt it¡¯s worth a try. I think the method you talked about before can most probably be aplished. If it can really be done, aside from ancient fragrant satin, our Ye family would have more novel fabrics. You¡¯ve made a huge merit!¡±

    Jiang Li forced a smile. If she received this news before she went to see Qiong Zhi, she would definitely feel very happy for the Ye family. However, now her thoughts were all on Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s situation in Tongxiang, no matter how, she did not have the mood to be distracted by the matter of the Ye family¡¯s weaving things.

    ¡°Then I have to congratte uncle Ming Yu.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°if it really seeds, the most meritorious should be uncle Ming Yu. If it were not uncle Ming Yu who found the peacock feather, I also would never have thought of this method.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu heard her and burst intoughter. He said, ¡°I like this trait of Ah Li, not iming credit for herself! Don¡¯t worry, when the eldest brother and second brother were at the weaving hall, they already praised me. They still said that if this seeds, they will give me a caravan with martial arts support in the future to run around all year round and see some rare things to bring back. I¡¯m considering bringing Ru Feng, that boy, and go with me. He has the brain for business, and following me will perhaps reap a lot of profits. Moreover, boys should walk around more to broaden their views. Staying within Xiangyang city walls all day long, no big things can be aplished.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled and absent-mindedly said: ¡°That¡¯s also very good.¡±

    ¡°Ah Li, you are from Yanjing and I heard that you came first in the recent examination, it can be seen that you are a person with knowledge. I¡¯m thinking, if the peacock feather can really be made into fabrics, what would be a good name for it? Just like ancient fragrant satin, it¡¯s not tacky and you can make out what it is just based on the name. Do you have any ideas?¡±

    Ye Ming Yu normally did not get involved with the Ye family¡¯s business. Perhaps he was proud due to the merit of his discovery of the peacock feather this time, he unexpectedly cared about this trivial matter. He still humbly asked for Jiang Li¡¯s opinion.

    Under normal conditions, Jiang Li would be very happy to discuss these trivial things with Ye Ming Yu and pull the rtionship with the Ye family closer. But after meeting Qiong Zhi, Jiang Li knew that each moment that passed was an opportunity. The time passed for a long time and it would be more unfavorable for Xue Huai Yuan.

    She¡¯s not a daughter who could look unfeelingly as her biological father suffered in prison.

    ¡°Uncle Ming Yu, I want to request something.¡± Jiang Li interrupted Ye Ming Yu¡¯s chattering.

    Ye Ming Yu was stunned. Looking at this niece of him, whoseplexion rarely looked solemn, he couldn¡¯t help straightening his body and asked: ¡°What is it?¡±

    Jiang Li took a deep breath: ¡°I want to go to Tongxiang.¡±

 Chapter 107.1

    <h4>Chapter 107 Part 1: Homing</h4>

    ¡°I want to go to Tongxiang.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu was stunned.

    Jiang Li¡¯s eyes were firm. She¡¯s thought it through, no matter what, learning that her father was in prison and suffering hardship, she felt unbearable if she rescued him even a momentter. Moreover, now that she¡¯s at the Ye residence, she, as a big living person, could not suddenly disappear without any reason. No matter how, she had to tell the Ye family members. Otherwise, old madam Ye would be worried.

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    Just, looking for a wless excuse was too difficult. As Jiang second miss, it should be the ¡°first¡± time she came to Xiangyang, much less talking about Tongxiang. For her, Tongxiang should be an unfamiliar ce and should not have heard about it. There¡¯s no need to mention whether there were any distant rtives and close friends, however people looked, the lies were full of holes.

    Sure enough, after hearing her request, Ye Ming Yu immediately asked in surprise, ¡°What are you doing in Tongxiang?¡±

    ¡°Not hiding from uncle, this is a long story. I was trusted by an old friend to resolve her worries. Her beloved is in Tongxiang, knowing that I¡¯m going to Xiangyang, she asked whether I can help her bring a word. These few days, something happened in the Ye family and I forgot about this. Now things are approximately settled and I remember this, therefore I¡¯m nning to go to Tongxiang to look for my old friend¡¯s beloved.¡±

    After saying this, Jiang Li also felt awkward. In her lifetime, she had never said such ame lie. However, she really couldn¡¯t think of a better excuse.

    Ye Ming Yu stared at Jiang Li for a while. After a long time, he sighed and said, ¡°Ah Li, if you have something that¡¯s hard and not convenient to mention, there¡¯s no need to rack your brain to look for such an excuse. Even I can see through it.¡±

    Jiang Li¡¯s cheeks were slightly red. Even though Ye Ming Yu was a straightforward person, he wasn¡¯t a fool. If he were, how could he still survive fighting in the rivers andkes until now? He would have been hindered long ago and wouldn¡¯t know where he would get up.

    ¡°Ah Li, I know sometimes there are things that are hard to say to other people, even to close rtives. It¡¯s okay, I will not force you to say it. I¡¯m different from my eldest and second brothers. We, the people of the rivers andkes, will not force people to do something. Wait until you are ready to talk about it, naturally you will say it. If you can¡¯t talk about it, there must be a reason why you can¡¯t. Though I don¡¯t know what you are going to do in Tongxiang, since you are a girl with ideas, you will not act arbitrarily.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu paused before saying, ¡°but your reason just now won¡¯t work in front of my eldest brother and second brother. Especially my second brother, his cleverness is no less than yours. Even I don¡¯t buy your excuse, how is it going to deceive him?¡±

    What Ye Ming Yu said was right, the Ye family¡¯s Ye Ming Hui and Ye Ming Xuan, perhaps because they did business, they were not easy to deceive.

    Jiang Li sighed slightly in her heart.

    She really did not wish to deceive others, but some things really could not be said.

    Looking at Jiang Li¡¯s embarrassed appearance, Ye Ming Yu suddenly patted his chest and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m your uncle, I naturally will care about your matters. Leave this matter about your going to Tongxiang to me. I¡¯ve thought of a way to convince mother and older brothers, that is, you are going together with me!¡±

    ¡°Going with you?¡± Jiang Li was surprised.

    ¡°Of course! Is it possible for a little girl to go to an unfamiliar ce by yourself? Even if you have huge courage, our family members will not feel assured! Or else, you choose between eldest brother, second brother and me, who do you want to apany you!¡±

    Jiang Li: ¡°¡­..¡± If she truly had to choose, she would really rather go with Ye Ming Yu. Ye Ming Xuan and Ye Ming Hui were too shrewd, it would be hard to avoid getting suspicious of the truth. Ye Ming Yu¡¯s temperament was forthright and he didn¡¯t like to snoop into other people¡¯s minds. Besides¡­.. She really didn¡¯t know what kind of trouble she¡¯d meet in this trip. Compared to her alone, it would be much better with Ye Ming Yu around.

    She said: ¡°Then many thanks, Uncle Ming Yu.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu¡¯s brows rose in delight. He said: ¡°Hey, don¡¯t worry! Ah Li, when you came to Xiangyang, you came across our Ye family¡¯s mishap and always helped our family. I, an old man, still needed a young girl¡¯s help, when it got out, the brothers wouldugh at me. If you can use my help, naturally your Uncle Ming Yu will assist.¡±

    Jiang Li hesitated for a moment before saying, ¡°I know this is taking it too far, but Uncle Ming Yu, if I may speak, it¡¯s better to go quickly. Leaving for Tongxiang right now is good,¡±

    She could no longer wait.

    A trace of doubt shed across Ye Ming Yu¡¯s face. However, he very quickly scratched his head and said, ¡°Ok. You¡¯ve never asked for anything before, this little request¡­.. Uncle will immediately help you to fulfill!¡± He got up at once and threw a sentence, ¡°Pack your things first, wait a while for me.¡± Then he went out the door.

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t expect Ye Ming Yu to be so swift, but for her, this was a good thing. As such, she immediately got up to instruct Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue who were standing outside. ¡°Let¡¯s pack.¡±

    When Jiang Li came to the Ye residence at the beginning, she did not bring too much luggage. The reason was because the Ye family did notck things. Therefore, packing was also done quickly.

    After Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue finished packing, the two people were at a loss. Tong¡¯er asked, ¡°Miss, are we really going to Tongxiang? Is Tongxiang a fun ce?¡±

    Tong¡¯er and Jiang Li had been together for so many years, but this was the first time she heard of a ce called Tongxiang. She didn¡¯t know what Jiang Li was going to do there and thought that Tongxiang was a fun ce to y. And that Jiang Li and Ye Ming Yu were going to y.

    Jiang Li smiled: ¡°How to say, it can be described as fun. But we are not going there to y.¡±

    ¡°Not going there to y?¡± Bai Xue was surprised. As she was about to ask, she saw Ah Fu who¡¯s usually by Ye Ming Xuan at the door. Ah Fu said, ¡°Miss cousin, old madam and the masters invite you to the hall.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled, Ye Ming Yu acted faster than what she thought. At once she said to Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue, ¡°bring the bundles, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue caught up without dy. When the few people reached outside the Ye family¡¯s hall, from afar, they saw Ye Ming Yu was in the middle of arguing with Ye Ming Xuan and Ye Ming Hui. asionally, old madam Ye who was sitting on the couch inserted a few words. Seeing Jiang Li¡¯s arrival, Ye Ming Yu¡¯s eyes brightened and he promptly spoke, ¡°Ah Li? You are here! Good that you are here, quick,e and tell mother, are you willing to go to Tongxiang with me?¡±

    Jiang Li noticed Ye Ming Yu hinted to her from his face and understood tacitly. She immediately smiled and said, ¡°yes, I am very willing to go to Tongxiang with Uncle Ming Yu.¡±

 Chapter 107.2

    <h4>Chapter 107 Part 2: Homing</h4>

    ¡°Little one,¡± old madam Ye seemed somewhat anxious, ¡°why are you following him to groundlessly make trouble? Your third uncle is a reckless person, all day long parading on the street. You follow him, who knows what he is doing in Tongxiang still bringing you along. I won¡¯t let you suffer from hardship and grievance.¡±

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    With a few words, Jiang Li understood Ye Ming Yu¡¯s ideas clearly. Ye Ming Yu probably really thought Jiang Li¡¯sme excuse was utterly bad and made one up himself. He said that he was going to Tongxiang to handle things and needed Jiang Li to lend a hand, thus proposing to bring Jiang Li along. Ye Ming Yu did not do proper business in the Ye family, no one would specifically ask him what he actually was going to do. Even if they were to ask, Ye Ming Yu could alsoe up with a lot of reasons. It¡¯s not surprising what kind of lies coulde out of his mouth. But others¡¯ attacks and criticisms would be aimed at Ye Ming Yu and no one would think that Jiang Li was wrong.

    Because Jiang Li was ¡°taken away¡± by Ye Ming Yu.

    Having thought of this clearly, Jiang Li sent a thankful nce at Ye Ming Yu. Ye Ming Yu¡¯s thoughtful consideration here, protecting her, made her feel thankful.

    Probably stimted by Jiang Li¡¯s thankful gaze, Ye Ming Yu at once replied in a loud voice, ¡°Mother, why are you speaking so unfairly! I¡¯m Ah Li¡¯s uncle, can I harm Ah Li? That¡¯s impossible! Moreover, with me at the side, who would dare to bully Ah Li!¡±

    ¡°It makes people more anxious having you beside her.¡± Ye Ming Xuan said unhappily. ¡°No, what do you actually want Ah Li to help you with? Ah Li is just a little girl. You, such a grown-up, still need a little girl¡¯s help, aren¡¯t you ashamed?!¡±

    ¡°Old second, don¡¯t sow dissension,¡± Ye Ming Yu did not give in. ¡°So what if it¡¯s a little girl? Don¡¯t mention anything else, this time¡¯s ancient fragrant satin¡¯s matter, wasn¡¯t it resolved by relying on Ah Li¡¯s ability. Little girl, humph, Ah Li is not an ordinary little girl. She has a great ability, with Ah Li¡¯s help, it¡¯s toote for me to be happy, why should I be ashamed!¡±

    Ye Ming Xuan was stunned by Ye Ming Yu¡¯s shamelessness and unable to say another word. In a deep voice, Ye MIng Hui said, ¡°Making trouble! No matter what, it¡¯s okay if you act willfully by yourself, don¡¯t bring Ah Li along! Or else, you speak, in the end, what are you going to do?¡±

    Ye Jia Er and Ye Ru Feng looked here for a while, then looked there for a while. Although Ye Ming Yu spoke somewhat excessively, the Ye family¡¯s younger generation normally liked to y with him. At this moment, they really could not hit a person when he¡¯s down.

    ¡°Uncle Ming Hui, Uncle Ming Xuan,¡± Jiang Li spoke, ¡°I have indeed discussed this with Uncle Ming Yu. As to what to do, please don¡¯t make it difficult for Uncle Ming Yu. I¡¯m fine,ing to Xiangyang this time around, I also want to walk and see around more. I¡¯ve never been to Tongxiang and this time, I can follow Uncle Ming Yu to gain knowledge and experience. Moreover, it¡¯s the same family, why talk about lending a hand? I¡¯m not afraid of trouble, if in the future I got into trouble, perhaps I still have to rely on Uncle Ming Yu, rely on all of you to help me.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu looked at Jiang Li from the side, his mind filled with wonder. People who have read books in great families are different, talking nonsense can also sound justified, refined and educated. Look at the most difficult to handle eldest brother and second brother, at this time, don¡¯t they have nothing to say?

    Guan-shi couldn¡¯t help saying, ¡°But we are worried about you¡­..¡±

    Ye Ming Yu rolled his eyes. Worried about Jiang Li but not worried about him. Does it mean he was picked up by his parents? Is he a fake member of the Ye family?

    ¡°No need to worry about me,¡± Jiang Li smiled softly, ¡°I swear to grandmother, uncles and aunts that Uncle Min Yu absolutely did not go out to groundlessly make trouble, rather, he is going to do a serious matter. There will be no danger.¡±

    She looked gentle, her words sincere, it¡¯s very easy to let people involuntarily be convinced with her words. If the same words were spoken through Ye Ming Yu¡¯s mouth, afraid nobody would be convinced.

    Old madam Ye sighed and spoke first, ¡°Since Ah Li has already had this idea, just go and do it then.¡± She looked at Jiang Li and lovingly said, ¡°don¡¯t me your uncles and aunts for saying more, they are truly worried that you, a little girl, can¡¯t cope with it.¡±

    Jiang Li pulled old madam Ye¡¯s hand, smiled and said, ¡°I know. Grandmother, I¡¯m big now and can protect myself.¡±

    Old madam Ye fell into a daze when she heard this. She once again seemed to see the young Ye Zhen Zhen¡¯s appearance like jade in that year. When she was about to marry Jiang Yuan Bai, old madam Ye was worried that she would feel wronged after she married. Ye Zhen Zhen immediately pouted her mouth in anger and coquettishly said, ¡°Zhen Zhen is big now and can protect myself.¡±

    In the end, she failed to protect herself.

    There¡¯s a sour taste in old madam Ye¡¯s heart and tears almost fell. She patted Jiang Li¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Is that so, then go quickly ande back quickly.¡± She asked a servant girl toe over and support her to walk inside the room.

    Jiang Li was silent.

    She could feel that old madam Ye must be thinking of the old things. In fact, the Ye family members should have felt them too. Ye Ming Yu¡¯s voice broke the gloomy atmosphere. He shouted, ¡°Everyone agrees right? Since everyone agrees, then we will not stay longer. It¡¯s time, Ah Li, let¡¯s go, listen to mother¡¯s words, go quickly ande back quickly!¡±

    Ye Ming Hui gave him a nk look and said, ¡°Take good care of Ah Li!¡±

    ¡­¡­

    The n to depart Xiangyang and go to Tongxiang was realized so simply.

    When sitting in the carriage, Jiang Li had an unreal feeling.

    This time, she returned to Xiangyang from Yanjing, for nothing else but to get news about her father and to personally take a trip to Tongxiang. It would be good if she could offer a pir of incense to her father. However, she had never thought that she could still see her father. She was faintly agitated and could not hold herself.

 Chapter 108.1: Part 1: Tyranny

    <h4>Chapter 108.1: Part 1: Tyranny</h4>

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 108 Part 1: Tyranny

    Jiang Li had never seen such a Xue residence.

    When Xue Huai Yuan was the deputy county, his official¡¯s sry wasn¡¯t much. He was unlike the several deputy county predecessors before him, wanting his official residence to be renovated and became taller and bigger. He was just like an ordinary person. This three entry courtyard was obtained because the previous owner was in a hurry to sell as he was going to travel far away and gave Xue Huai Yuan a cheap price.

    Though the courtyard was shabby, it was arranged cleanly and neatly, and it¡¯s home. Xue Zhao and Xue Fang Fei had stayed in this courtyard since they were ignorant, innocent children until they grew up to be a young man and a youngdy.

    In her memory, the Xue family¡¯s residence always had smokeing from the kitchen, full of vitality. The worthless nts and flowers grown at the door also beautify the house.

    However, the present Xue family in front of her, the door was in ruins, the official seal looked particrly dazzling, there¡¯s even dust on top of the seal. It could be seen that nobody hade to this ce for a very long time.

    A good home, said to break up and it scattered.

    Ye Ming Yu saw tears suddenly fell on Jiang Li¡¯s face and turned pale in fright. He asked, ¡°Ah Li, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Jiang Li snapped out of her memory,ughed and said, ¡°There¡¯s too much dust here, the eyes are blinded by it.¡± She took a handkerchief out and wiped the side of her eyes and said, ¡°Just wipe it and it¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu did not doubt her. As he saw it, this was the first time Jiang Li came to Tongxiang, so it¡¯s not possible for this unfamiliar house to make Jiang Li shed tears. He said, ¡°Whose house is this? Why is it sealed by the government?¡±

    ¡°Xue family¡¯s.¡± Jiang Li said.

    Ye Ming Yu was surprised, ¡°How do you know?¡±

    Jiang Li pointed at the seal, ¡°It¡¯s written here. It seems that it¡¯s that county deputy who served the people with heart and soul, the person that Uncle Ming Yu mentioned just now.¡±

    Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue were puzzled, Ye Ming Yu was startled and unable to say a word. After a long time he spoke, ¡°Which county deputy? How could county deputy Xie¡¯s house be sealed? It must be a mistake, right? This¡­.. Did something happen?¡± He had not even been in Xiangyang for many years, let alone Tongxiang. Besides, Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s matter was not spread very far. Even Qiong Zhi had to inquire before learning about it. It¡¯s even more impossible for Ye Ming Yu to know.

    Jiang Li smiled, her tone was a bit cold, ¡°The weather is unpredictable, people could both be blessed or have a disaster. Don¡¯t know what kind of thing county deputy Xie ran into, even his house was raided.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu felt that Jiang Li¡¯s words were a bit strange, yet he couldn¡¯t point out where the strangeness was. The few people were silent when they heard a creak not too far away. From the small house adjacent to the Xue family¡¯s house, a person was pushing the door to walk out.

    The person who came out was a woman whose head was covered by a flower scarf. Her skin was slightly dark, she was wearing a blue skirt, and a basket was hanging on her shoulder. She probably also did not expect to suddenly encounter a group of unfamiliar people standing in front of the sealed Xue family¡¯s house. She at once did not dare to move forward, merely standing still at her ce and looking at the outstanding people in bewilderment.

    Ye Ming Yu was helpless, ¡°Yes, this is taking us as bad people?¡±

    When Jiang Li saw this woman, a familiar feeling rose in her heart.

    The woman dressed in blue was the neighbor, Aunt Chun Fang. She had watched her and Xue Zhao growing up. It had been many years since theyst met and Jiang Li couldn¡¯t help moving a few steps forward towards Aunt Chun Fang.

    Ye Ming Yu called out from behind in a low voice, ¡°Hey, Ah Li, what are you doing?¡±

    Jiang Li stopped in front of Aunt Chun Fang.

    Chun Fang looked at Jiang Li, somewhat hesitant as she clenched her hands. With one nce, she could tell that these people were not people from Tongxiang. She could also see that the youngdy in front of her came from a rich family. There¡¯s nothing to nitpick from her appearance, her smile was also gentle. In Tongxiang, how could they produce such a noble woman. No, there once was, Fang Fei from the Xue family was a publicly known gorgeous woman in Tongxiang. Unfortunately she got married and moved to Yanjing. However, it¡¯s lucky that she went to marry in Yanjing, otherwise, if she was in Tongxiang, she would now be also implicated¡­..

    Chun Fang was immersed in her wild imagination when the youngdy in front of her spoke warmly, ¡°Aunt, may I ask, this sealed house, is it the deputy county, Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s house?¡±

    Chun Fang jumped in fright, sized Jiang Li up and down before speaking, ¡°Correct, do you know the people of the Xue family?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Jiang Li shook her head, ¡°Just curious. May I ask, why is this deputy county Xie¡¯s house sealed?¡±

    Chun Fang was stunned before promptly shaking her head, No¡­.. I don¡¯t know¡­..¡±

    ¡°He is a local official, your deputy county, out of the blue, an official¡¯s home was sealed, so there¡¯s always a cause for it. How could aunt not know?¡±

    Perhaps Jiang Li¡¯s gaze was too cold, or perhaps her tone was pressing, that Chun Fang unconsciously took a step back. She was somewhat incoherent as she said, ¡°No, don¡¯t know means don¡¯t know¡­.. You go and ask other people.¡±

    Jiang Li said, ¡°Aunt doesn¡¯t know or is not willing to say?¡±

    Chun Fang lifted her head to look at Jiang Li. She summoned her courage to ask, ¡°In what capacity are you asking about Master Xue¡¯s affairs? Who are you?¡±

    With Jiang Li demanding information like so, nobody would believe that she was merely asking out of curiosity. But Chun Fang avoiding and refusing to speak like that was actually making it more conspicuous. Jiang Li smiled and said, ¡°It¡¯s not important who I am, the more important thing is that I want to ask about the Xue family, whether aunt is willing to say or not.¡±

    Jiang Li knew Chun Fang, being neighbors for so many years, she was someone who¡¯s passionate and kind hearted. Jiang Li believed if she wasn¡¯t so scared, Chun Fang would absolutely not look on unfeelingly while her father was sent to prison. Themon people of Tongxiang were the same, but she didn¡¯t know what kind of threat made these people not dare to stand up.

    Right at this time, the door of Chun Fang¡¯s house once again opened with a creak. Chun Fang¡¯s husband¡¯s voice floated out from a distance, ¡°Ah Fang, you haven¡¯t left? What are you doing?¡±

    < >

 Chapter 108.2: Part 2: Tyranny

    <h4>Chapter 108.2: Part 2: Tyranny</h4>

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 108 Part 2: Tyranny

    ¡°I¡¯m going to sell embroidery.¡± Chun Fang at once pushed Jiang Li away, as if finding an excuse, then hurriedly rushed to escape. But after walking halfway, she hesitated for a while, turned her head around and said, ¡°Miss, seeing that you just came, I¡¯ll remind you a bit. In front of outsiders, you must not mention the Xue family, that will save you from troubles. You¡­.. don¡¯t act too ostentatiously.¡± After speaking, she carried her backet, without sparing a single nce at Jiang Li, as if there¡¯s something scary about her, and quickly disappeared.

    Ye Ming Yu stepped forward and stood by Jiang Li¡¯s side as he stared nkly at Chun Fang¡¯s rear view. He said with dissatisfaction, ¡°Really, Ah Li has such a nice voice and temper, why did she act as if she¡¯s seen a ghost, afraid of death.¡± Then he looked at Jiang Li, ¡°Just now I heard the two of you talked about the Xue family, what does it mean? Ah Li, what are you nning to do?¡±

    For no reason, Jiang Li came to Qingshi Lane, stopped in front of the sealed Xue residence for so long and inquired about the Xue family¡¯s matter from an unfamiliar madam. Ye Ming Yu had figured that this was not in the least something incidental or a momentary interest. The purpose of Jiang Li¡¯s visit had something to do with the Xue family.

    ¡°Uncle Ming Yu,¡± when Jiang Li spoke, she moved her head sideways to look straight at Ye Ming Yu¡¯s eyes. This let Ye Ming Yu see the firmness in her eyes. She said, ¡°I came to Tongxiang for this. Uncle, I want to redress the injustice of the Xue family.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu was dumbfounded, Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue also froze.

    No matter how she looked at it, Jiang Li was the daughter of a chief assistant in Yanjing. Xue Huai Yuan was merely a deputy county of Tongxiang. These two people had never had any intersection. Jiang Li spoke so suddenly, Ye Ming Yu did not know how he ought to reply.

    After a long while, Ye Ming Yu finally found his voice. He said, ¡°You¡­.. what are you saying?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t tell you why I want to do so,¡± Jiang Li said apologetically, ¡°This matter isplicated and not easy to say. It also can¡¯t be expressed clearly in a few words. But Xue deputy county¡¯s family was indeed wrongly used and sent to prison. I was entrusted by someone to investigate this matter thoroughly and return deputy county¡¯s innocence.¡±

    ¡°But how do you know that deputy county Xue is innocent? You are a young girl, how are you going to investigate thoroughly, how are you going to help him to redress his injustice? Ah Li, this can¡¯t be done!¡±

    ¡°Uncle Ming Yu,¡± Jiang Li sounded very calm, as if this was something she had decided after careful deliberation. Looking without the slightest trace of doubt, she said, ¡°Whether deputy county Xue is innocent or not wille to light with investigation. Although I am a girl, I¡¯m still the daughter of the chief assistant, notcking of power. Fully aware you must not do it but still do it is not because of anger but for fairness.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°On this earth, unable to tell ck from white, failing to understand right and wrong is really too unfair. Besides, the person I wanted to help is someone whom I owed to. Just treat it as I¡¯m repaying a debt of gratitude. Don¡¯t the people of the rivers andkes pay particr attention to taking revenge when there¡¯s enmity,in when there¡¯s me? I know that this concerns many things, also not willing to implicate uncle. If uncle feels that it¡¯s inappropriate, please withdraw now, just me alone will suffice.¡±

    Originally, these words sounded heavy in the ears, but spoken by Jiang it, it sounded stable. Ye Ming Yu stared at Jiang Li¡¯s eyes. He knew that this niece of his was always very opinionated. But he only understood at this moment that Jiang Li always handled matters step by step with utmost determination. It¡¯s not that she did not anticipate the possibility of trouble and terrible consequences in advance, but regardless, those would not shake her resolve to take a step.

    Let alone he as her uncle. So to speak, with or without him, this uncle, Jiang Li would not be dyed from doing her own thing.

    On second thought, Jiang Li, a little girl understood the principle of ¡°fully aware you must not do it but still do¡±, while he, all day long still boasted of being a hero but could not bepared to a young girl, afraid of the slightest thing. At once, a sense of solitary bravery was born and he said, ¡°Up a mountain of swords, down the sea of fire, this uncle will apany you till the end!¡± He patted Jiang Li¡¯s head and said lovingly, ¡°Am I not your own maternal uncle?¡±

    Jiang Li: ¡°¡­..¡±

    ¡°Then uncle,¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°after we settle down, there¡¯s something that I need uncle to help with.¡±

    ¡°Say it!¡± Ye Ming Yu answered readily.

    ¡°Please ask these guards and uncle¡¯s men to find a way to loudly ask about the sealing of the Xue family in the most lively ces in Tongxiang. Wine shops, teahouses are fine. The more eye-catching the better, the better if everyone can hear.¡±

    ¡°Miss?¡± Tong¡¯er spoke in a low voice, ¡°Just now didn¡¯t that aunt say not to mention anything about the Xue family in front of others so as not to attract troubles? Why¡­.. why still need to specially let people know?¡±

    Jiang Li smiled and said, ¡°Because I want to beat the grass to startle the snake.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu was puzzled.

    ¡°I can¡¯t find the snake, so let the snakee to me.¡± She smiled slightly.

    Yongning¡¯s people let someone frame Xue Huai Yuan and imprisoned him, but themoners just looked on and did nothing. These years, no one other than the people in Tongxiang understood better what kind of person Xue Huai Yuan was. In order to prevent the people from speaking nonsense, making the will of the people unsteady, they must have used a trick, not allowing themoners to discuss this thing.

    It¡¯s obvious if suddenly a group of people loudly asked about Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s affair, the other person would naturally take note. Soon after, the other person woulde to the door.

    She was toozy to ask one by one about the other person. Just sit here and wait for the other person to talk into the trap.

    While she settled the ount one by one, everyone had a share, it¡¯s not urgent.

    ¡­¡­

    The peaceful life of the people in Tongxiang was thoroughly shattered in an afternoon.

    In the afternoon, a group of outsiders came out of nowhere, wandering around in all four directions; in the teahouses, restaurants and even the streets. What came out of their mouths was to inquire about the sealed house of Xue deputy county.

    Jiang Li and Ye Ming Yu sat inside a wine shop. This was Tongxiang¡¯s most lively wine shop. In the old days, as long as there¡¯s something happening in Tongxiang, the people liked to discuss spiritedly in this tiny wine shop. Xue Zhao was fond of bringing her here to eavesdrop, and sometimes they could hear many interesting stories.

    But today was really different.

    < >

 Chapter 108.3: Part 3: Tyranny

    <h4>Chapter 108.3: Part 3: Tyranny</h4>

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 108 Part 3: Tyranny <i>fancy version of ancient wine shop / tavern / restaurant</i>

    At first the people looked at them with interest, travelers who seemed toe from a cave. But when Ye Ming Yu¡¯s bodyguards started asking about Xue family¡¯s affair, these people¡¯s faces suddenly showed fright and one by one ran away in all directions, as if they were trying to hide. Some kept their mouths shut and just shook their heads.

    Jiang Li had stayed in Tongxiang for many years and knew that the people in Tongxiang were very enthusiastic and hospitable. Yet obviously, Ye Ming Yu¡¯s group of people frightened these people and not a single person dared to approach them. They were even treated like a gue. In a short half an afternoon, when the people saw their group, they would either take a detour or whisper among themselves.

    By the time they sat down in the wine shop, not a single guest was visible.

    The same went for the shopkeeper, seeing Jiang Li and their group came in, he probably thought of closing up shop but afraid of provoking Ye Ming Yu who was carrying a sword in his waist. Thus he directly handed the ce to the waiter while he went to do the ounts. The waiter was even more ridiculous, he carried tea while trembling in fear. Ye Ming Yu wanted to ask him to bring fruits over for Jiang Li to moisten her throat. He had just opened his mouth and the waiter looked as if he was afraid that some terrible words would be spoken from Ye Ming Yu¡¯s mouth and he ran and disappeared.

    ¡°Hey, am I so weird?¡± Ye Ming Yu felt both angry and funny. ¡°What did we do? These people are like mice upon seeing cats, can they run more quickly? I didn¡¯t even see people being this scared when I had a beard and walked around the rivers andkes.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled slightly, ¡°Because you mentioned the word ¡®Xue¡¯.¡±

    ¡°The word ¡®Xue¡¯ is not a taboo word, why can¡¯t you mention it?¡± Ye Ming Yu¡¯s belly was full of anger after saying this. ¡°Ah Li, I think what you said was right, this ce is strange, these people are also strange. If there is really nothing wrong with Xue Huai Yuan, why the need to be this mysterious, trying to hide it makes it more conspicuous! The way I see it, Xue Huai Yuan was most likely being framed. Then which bastard schemed against the Xue family in the rear?¡±

    These words just fell when the sound of a falling object came from downstairs. It seemed like the shopkeeper did not hold the abacus steadily and dropped it onto the floor, thus producing such noise. Jiang Li nced downstairs, the shopkeeper was sitting at the side of the wine shop¡¯s door, as if trying his hardest to stay far away from Jiang Li¡¯s group.

    ¡°Be frightened intoplete silence but to exchange their hatred with eyes.¡± Jiang Li said.

    ¡°Ha?¡± Ye Ming Yu was puzzled.

    Jiang Li spoke unhurriedly, ¡°In the 34th year, Wang Yi Yan, the countrymen did not dare to speak, they were frightened intoplete silence but to exchange their hatred with eyes.¡±

    ¡°In history, there was this king who ruled tyrannically and was incited by his courtiers to change the imperial system. Many businesses that themoners relied on to earn a living were all transferred to the royal families. For a period of time, the people had a difficult life and the feeling of injustice boiled over. Not only was the monarch turned a deaf ear to the admonition, he still dispatched people to invite many shamans to roam the streets and alleys in the capital city to eavesdrop on the people¡¯s conversations. Anyone they pointed out that was believed to rebel or nder were at once sentenced to prison. As such, the entire nation no longer dared to judge the nation¡¯s affairs and when they met each other, they did not chat arbitrarily. Rather, they were frightened intoplete silence but to exchange their hatred with their eyes.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu said, ¡°So you are saying that someone is monitoring the people in Tongxiang, eavesdropping on the people¡¯s conversations and once they find that someone is talking about the Xue family¡¯s affair, an order would be given. Thus the people would ¡®change their colors when talking about Xue¡¯ and look at us as if we are great scourges.¡±

    Jiang Li said, ¡°Precisely.¡±

    ¡°This is too¡­..¡± Ye Ming Yu said, ¡°this is too arrogant! Who in Tongxiang dare to be this tyrannical and proim himself as king, does he want to be the overlord of thisnd? Even Tong Zhi Yang in Xiangyang still worries about the people¡¯s mouths. Who dares to be this brazen, who gave them so much power?¡±

    Jiang Li smiled sarcastically in her heart. The person doing all these naturally had huge guts because the person supporting him at the back was Cheng Wang¡¯s biological younger sister. The situation in the court was restless, whether Emperor Hong Xiao could stably sit in this position was still unclear. Following Yongning, the future might be glorious and splendid. No need to talk about the future, even now, the people fawning over Yongning were not scarce.

    Since they were secured in the knowledge that they had a backing, they naturally dared to frighten the people intoplete silence in Tongxiang.

    ¡°Ah, I understand!¡± Ye Ming Yu suddenly patted the table. ¡°No wonder Ah Li, you want us to ask about the Xue family with such fanfare. If those people were eavesdropping among the people, the other party would soon be aware and take the initiative to look for us!¡±

    ¡°Correct.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°This will save a lot of time.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu saw that Jiang Li was sitting upright, clearly without any trace of foreboding or restlessness. He couldn¡¯t help asking, ¡°But, Ah Li, aren¡¯t you afraid?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid,¡± Jiang Li said indifferently. ¡°In terms of conscience, the body is not afraid of devious shadows. In terms of power, my father is the first schr, I¡¯m not afraid of anything, the only thing I fear is that he doesn¡¯t dare toe. But fortunately,¡± the corner of Jiang Li¡¯s mouth lifted and for an instant, Ye Ming Yu felt that her smile was somewhat taunting, ¡°they¡¯ve arrived.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu looked downstairs.

    Outside the wine shop, he saw a group of officers riding horses suddenly rushed forward. The waiter was so scared he was shaking all over and nearly fell out of his chair. The leading officer shouted loudly, ¡°Where are the people talking about the Xue family?¡±

    ¡°I, your father, is here!¡± Ye Ming Yu arrogantly put his cup on the table and stood up. He was tall and had quite an imposing manner as he walked downstairs inrge strides.

    Jiang Li put down her cup and followed Ye Ming Yu downstairs. Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue were a bit anxious and immediately followed Jiang Li, afraid that Jiang Li would be at a disadvantage.

    The group of people dispatched by Ye Ming Yu had also returned to the wine shop and were being surrounded in the middle by those officers. At this tense situation, Ye Ming Yu still calmly strode down the wine shop¡¯s wooden stairs, each of his steps making a creaking sound, yet it made his steps appear even more heavy and resounding.

    He was tall, with a sword on his waist, a scar on his face, and an arrogant bandit air, which intimidated people for a while. Behind him, a young girl delicately and gracefully descended the stairs, her smile warm and gentle, pure and clear.

    The hero and beauty were peculiarly harmonious, but the leading officer felt that, although the beauty was carrying a smile, her murderous air was more vigorous than the hero and her expression was colder.

    Perhaps it¡¯s his delusion.

    < >

 Chapter 108.4: Part 4: Tyrrany

    <h4>Chapter 108.4: Part 4: Tyrrany</h4>

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 108 Part 4: Tyrrany

    Afterposing himself, the leader of the officers asked, ¡°What is your intention in asking around about the guilty criminal Xue Huai Yuan?¡±

    First thing he did was put a hat on them. This question was as if Jiang Li¡¯s group was the aplices of the criminal. It seemed that they could arrest them just by this crime alone.

    Ye Ming Yu didn¡¯t think like that and said, ¡°Nonsense, just asking around, what¡¯s wrong? In Tongxiang, do you people still control themon people¡¯s idle chats? The control is so wide, do you also take care of people¡¯s food, drinks and toilet needs?¡±

    The officers were furious. They probably didn¡¯t expect Ye Ming Yu to be a difficult person to deal with. They immediately took out the swords on their waists and pointed them at Ye Ming Yu. Then they saw Ye Ming Yu re at them and pulled his long sword from his waist while revealing a fierce expression.

    Tempering oneself in the rivers andkes, one would not rely on kindness andpassion, leniency and honesty, but one was still not a ruthless character.

    The officers drew their swords simultaneously, Ye Ming Yu¡¯s staff also pulled out their des neatly. Both sides were confronting each other, scaring the waiter to hide under the table.

    In the middle of the hostility, the beauty lightly chuckled. Jiang Li walked forward, extended one finger and softly pushed the tip of the sword he pointed at Yu Ming Yu to the side.

    The thin finger was white and soft, against the cold and hard silver tip of the sword, not only did it not look frail, on the contrary, there was a kind of elegant chill. Her smile had a different warmth from the sword tip, as if without the slightest fear or the officials as she indifferently said, ¡°Don¡¯t joke, uncle. Officers, we are not looking for the criminal Xue Huai Yuan,¡± She bit heavily on the word ¡°criminal. She paused for a while before speaking, ¡°The person we are looking for is your superior.¡±

    ¡°Our superior?¡± the leading officer frowned, ¡°what do you mean?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s very simple,¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°I don¡¯t know where your superior is, and don¡¯t know how to invite him over? Even more without any idea of how to let him know that we came. Heard that as long as we speak of Xue Huai Yuan things, your superior will appear, that¡¯s why we talk. Indeed, mysteriously you people immediately came.¡±

    Her smile was lovely, but the irony in her words made these officers panic. Their faces turned red for a while and pale for a while, however, they could not refute Jiang Li¡¯s words. If they refuted, they would reveal what they intended to cover up. It was truly frustrating.

    ¡°Less nonsense!¡± The leading officer was angry out of embarrassment, ¡°What do you want to do, looking for our superior? What are you nning?¡±

    ¡°Actually, if I didn¡¯te to look for your superior, when your superior knew that I came to Tongxiang, he would definitely invite me over.¡± Jiang Li said indifferently. ¡°However, our time is tight this time, that¡¯s why we are in a hurry to see him.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu said impatiently, ¡°Ah Li, what do you say so much to them for? Quickly lead the way for us to meet this troublesome superior!¡±

    Probably this was the first time that the leading officer ran into people who did not treat them seriously at all. He coldly said, ¡°You want to meet our superior thus meet our superior? What kind of people do you think you are? Talking so arrogantly, it¡¯s still unknown what¡¯s your rtionship with the criminal Xue Huai Yuan.¡± He waved his hand, ¡°Take them all away!¡±

    Jiang Li asked smilingly in return, ¡°Are you sure this is what you are going to do?¡±

    The leading officer looked at her disdainfully. As he was about to say something, he spotted a jade earring dangling from one of Jiang Li¡¯s ear and abruptly stopped talking.

    The entire jade body of the dangling earring was green and clear, a look could tell that it was worth a lot. He remembered the most doted concubine of the present master had a bracelet whose purity was not as good as this one. Even so, the master spent a lot of money to buy it back.

    This girl was approximately 15 or 16 years old and dressed very finely. Above all, her features were soft and gentle yet there¡¯s a kind of luxury from being raised in a big family. She would be an eye catching presence even just by walking on the street in Tongxiang. Furthermore, the big and tall person by her side that she called ¡°uncle¡±, was clearly a rough person. But the long sword he held had a huge ruby the size of a pigeon egg on the hilt.

    These travelers¡¯ identities were unusual, at least they did note from ordinary families. The heart of the officer beat quickly, when he took another look at Jiang Li, he suddenly felt unsure.

    But in front of so many people, especially in front of his subordinates, he would lose a lot of face if he gave in. In his heart, he very quickly weighed a few times and in the end, the leading officer still decided to say a few fierce words. However, before he opened his mouth, he saw the girl in front of him looked at her own fingers and spoke casually, ¡°If I were you, I¡¯ll take advantage of the fact that I still speak nicely to lead the way. Otherwise¡­..¡± She lifted her head and smiled sweetly at him, ¡°the person who¡¯ll be in trouble will certainly not be us.¡±

    Her appearance was clearly gentle and harmless, but in that instant, the leading officer really saw the evil in the girl¡¯s smile. He intuitively felt if he did not do things ording to Jiang Li, in the end, there¡¯s a huge probability that the result would be as she said.

    He did not wish to get into trouble.

    He sized up Jiang Li and her group of people. With a stiff face, he spat a sentence, ¡°Bring them to see the master!¡± Perhaps feeling that he lost his face, he very quickly walked ahead of the troops, not willing to see Jiang Li anymore.

    Perhaps he felt that he would not win even if he took another look at her. In any case, in terms of imposing manners, it¡¯s hard for him to shake this seemingly weak girl.

    Ye Ming Yu nced meaningfully at Jiang Li. In a low voice he said, ¡°Not bad, Ah Li, your appearance of not changing expression even if Mt Tai was copsing had my style in those years. Not bad!¡±

    Tong¡¯er patted her chest, ¡°Miss, you can scare ve servant to death. Those officers are so fierce¡­.. Thankfully you still dare to engage in tit for tat with them.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled slightly, ¡°Nothing but a paper tiger.¡± Since she was a child, she had been following Xue Huai Yuan and met many officers. Those uncles or elder brothers, when they took off their official clothing, were nothing but the most ordinary people. They would buy candies for her, touch her head, and fight the evil tyrants who bullied her.

    It went without saying that Jiang Li was very familiar with people who wore official uniforms.

    These officers who came today were not those uncles and elder brothers she was familiar with. Each face was a stranger. Without a doubt, Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s staff had all been purged. In exchange, the ones who remained at the moment were people who obeyed the current ¡°master¡±.

    She wanted to see, in the end, what kind of divine person dared to make Tongxiang his personal fiefdom and tyrannically issued plete silence by threat¡±; a ¡°master¡± who was in a hurry to be Yongning¡¯s watchdog

    < >

 Chapter 109.1: Part 1: Seven Days

    <h4>Chapter 109.1: Part 1: Seven Days</h4>

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 109 Part 1: Seven Days

    Jiang Li and Ye Ming Yu left with the group of officials.

    Gradually, the people who left just now gathered once again in the wine shop and looked at the rear view of the travelers. Although they did not say a word, each of them exchanged meaningful nces. If the scribe who usually recorded the annals saw this, he would certainly be greatly rmed. As the term ¡®frightened intoplete silence but exchanged hatred with their eyes¡¯ actually manifested.

    It¡¯s unknown if it was fear due to Jiang Li¡¯s words, afraid of attracting unnecessary trouble to themselves, the leading officer did not let the subordinates escorted them by walking ahead. Instead, they walked on both sides of Jiang Li and Ye Ming Yu. Ye Ming Yu had a calm expression while Jiang Li had a smile on her face. This stance made these officers seem to be guarding the Ye family, protecting their safety from the sides.

    Jiang Li had walked the road from the wine shop to the county yamen<sup>1 </sup>many times in the past. While walking, she took note of the surroundings. Tongxiang was still Tongxiang, there didn¡¯t seem to be any difference from the previous. However, Jiang Li discovered that the people had changed.

    When the people on the road saw these officers, each and every one of them made a detour and they looked rmed, as if seeing bandits. And some of the familiar small shops along the street had either closed or changed. The most distinct change was, in the previous Tongxiang, the people walking on the street, whether they were young or old, appeared contented and leisurely. In the current Tongxiang, each person was spiritless and had a very tired look on their faces.

    Apparently, the new county deputy, the ¡°Master¡± who reced Xue Huai Yuan, was not a good official who governed with integrity. ¡®Subordinates imitate their superior¡¯s vice¡¯; a person who could work for Yongning was presumably someone with almost no morality and conduct. When Jiang Li first arrived in Tongxiang, she had no idea what kind of identity the person who did all these was holding. That¡¯s why she used the method of ¡®beating the grass to scare the snake¡¯. Now that the snake was rmed and took the initiative toe forward, it proved the conjecture in her heart that Yongning used a person in the official road.

    A person like Yongning who held power in her hand, unting herself as a blue-blooded nobility, naturally wanted to dominate other people¡¯s lives to achieve her own sick pleasure. By pulling the former deputy county off his position and exchanging it with her own person, in order to curry favor with Yongning, the new person would naturally work harder to torment Xue Huai Yuan to make Yongning happy.

    Jiang Li¡¯s hands tightened.

    Ye Ming Yu saw her tightly closed her lips and did not say a word. He lowered his head and said in a low voice, ¡°Ah Li, are you afraid?¡±

    Jiang Li smiled, ¡°Not afraid.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m also not afraid.¡± Ye Ming Yu snorted lightly, ¡°But the current official¡¯s work is too rampant, truly bullying, the mountain is high, the emperor is far away, the monkey named as king.¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡± Jiang Li softly said, ¡°Small people be rampant when given aspirations.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu shrugged, ¡°No matter what, stand behind meter. In case there¡¯s danger, these bodyguards will take you away.¡±

    Jiang Liughed, Ye Ming Yu was used to walking in the rivers andkes, and his method was just like in the rivers andkes. If you were not a match, escape. She smilingly said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, uncle, nothing will happen. I can handle it.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu saw that she really didn¡¯t appear anxious before putting his heart down. On the contrary, Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue were somewhat worried and protected Jiang Li even tighter. If it was in Yanjing, they naturally would not be so worried as everyone would take care of Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s face. But in this unfamiliar small county, people did not necessarily know Jiang Li. If they did not believe Jiang Li¡¯s identity, what should they do then?

    However, Jiang Li did not think so much. She knew that this was unavoidable and the fight with the other party just started. She was aware of this from the beginning.

    They arrived at the county yamen in the time of two incense sticks.

    As soon as they arrived at the county yamen, Ye Ming Yu cried out, ¡°This county yamen is quite big.¡±

    Jiang Li looked at the entrance of the county yamen and her eyes moved.

    When Xue Huai Yuan was in office, in order to cut down on expenses, the county yamen was continued to be used as before. Aside from those that really needed to be repaired and renovated, the county yamen looked very simple and crude.

    However, the county yamen in front of them was totally different from the previous one. The entire yamen was newly painted in red and the pirs were carved. Even the board had be burnt gold.

    This new deputy county had ample money and knew how to enjoy it very well. But it¡¯s not known what kind of means the money used for renovation was collected.

    Before meeting face to face, she already formted a n for this county deputy.

    The leading officer said, ¡°Wait here, I¡¯ll inform the Master!¡±

    Jiang Li nodded. She had almost guessed what the other party was about to do. Supposed that the deputy county was a smart person, he would not underestimate the origin of this group of people. But if he put on airs, then he would certainly make them wait here for a while to suffer for a while.

    But none of these matters.

    Bai Xue said, ¡°This was much more imposing than our home¡¯s county yamen.¡±

    ¡°Who knows what kind of dirty money was used.¡± Ye Ming Yu disdainfully said, ¡°If he were to use the money used for renovating the county yamen for the poor, I think there would not be so many beggars on the street.¡±

    Jiang Li said, ¡°Uncle can see it clearly.¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Ye Ming Yu nodded, proud of himself.

    Sure enough, as Jiang Li expected, the other person indeed let them wait for a while. At least, in the time for an incense stick to burn, there was no one from the county yamen who came out to wee them. The officer in charge of looking after them feigned ignorance to any questions. After standing for a long time, with no tea served, Ye Ming Yu was thirsty and said impatiently, ¡°What are these people dilly-dallying for? Are they still going to meet or not?¡±

    ¡°People who think they are great also do this face saving things.¡± Jiang Li smiled and said, ¡°Wait for a while, I think it will be soon.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Ye Ming Yu asked.

    ¡°He is going to call us when he sees that we get anxious waiting. Since uncle has lost your patience, he saw that you are notfortable, thus he will feel at ease. Naturally it¡¯s not necessary to let us wait any longer.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu was angry, ¡°So he just wants to let us feel ufortable, is he? What kind of person is this?¡±

    ¡°I also want to see what kind of person he is.¡± Jiang Li said with a smile on her face.

    Footnotes:

    <sup>1: <i>yamen</i>: a government official residence or office 1.</sup>

    < >

 Chapter 109.2: Part 2: Seven Days

    <h4>Chapter 109.2: Part 2: Seven Days</h4>

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 109 Part 2: Seven Days

    After waiting patiently for a while, someone finally came out from inside. However, it wasn¡¯t the leading officer just now, rather it was an ordinary attendant. After he walked to the front of Jiang Li and her group of people, he sized them for a while before saying, ¡°Master permitted you to go in.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu snorted and said, ¡°No need to say Master here and Master there, I¡¯m not someone from Tongxiang, why do I care whether he¡¯s a Master or not?¡±

    That attendant was probably also angry, yet he was afraid of Ye Ming Yu¡¯s cloth wrapped big fist. So he endured his anger and said, ¡°Come in.¡±

    Jiang Li and Ye Ming Yu followed.

    The further inside she walked, Jiang Li discovered that the yamen had changed beyond recognition. It didn¡¯t just look brand new, even all the officers, bodyguards, and even the people bringing tea had all changed. There was no shadow of a single person she was familiar with.

    It should be due to fear of falling into people¡¯s tongues1, thus in such a hurry to destroy evidence.

    When they walked into the main hall, they saw a group of officers standing on both sides of the hall holding sticks and looking ferocious. Jiang Li and Ye Ming Yu walked inside resembling sinners who were brought into the hall and were going to ept punishment.

    The attendant spoke, ¡°Master, the people have been brought in.¡±

    Jiang Li looked up to see.

    Sitting on the high seat at the front of the hall was a thin middle-age man. This person¡¯s pointed mouth and monkey cheeks made people unwell at first nce. Especially his pair of triangle shaped eyes, spinning around and around as he sized the people up and down, was especially vulgar. If nobody said it, nobody would normally believe that this was the county deputy. Though a person should not be judged by their appearance, there¡¯s also a saying that the appearance followed the heart. One look and it could be seen that this person was not upright and a schemer, not much different from a street gangster, really too far from his appetion as an official.

    His sitting posture was also not proper. Jiang Li frowned slightly as she noticed. The position where this person was sitting was previously the ce where Xue Huai Yuan often sat. Her father sat here to decide for the people, while this person sat here like a monkey wearing a hat, making people unhappy uponying eyes on him, as if he was insulting the county yamen.

    ¡°Are you looking for this official?¡± That thin monkey-like official asked arrogantly.

    Jiang Li had a glimpse of this person¡¯s face and felt a bit familiar. She couldn¡¯t help thinking where she had seen this person before. The person saw Jiang Li looking at him and looked back at her. When he saw Jiang Li¡¯s appearance clearly, greed shed in his eyes.

    Ye Ming Yu captured his greed and was furious. He pulled Jiang Li behind him to protect her, nearly cursing out.

    Right at this time, Jiang Li suddenly recalled this person¡¯s identity, Feng Yu Tang!

    She was very surprised, not expecting the person to rece Xue Huai Yuan as the new deputy county to be Feng Yu Tang!

    Jiang Li had met this person, Feng Yu Tang, before. That time, the mother of the teacher in the county yamen was seriously ill and he needed to go back to his hometown to take care of her, thus the teacher resigned. Afterwards, someone elected Feng Yu Tang, a schr who had passed the county level imperial exam in Tongxiang but failed the next exam many times. However, he recognized words and could write articles. Xue Huai Yuan took him beside him, thinking that he would do a good job with the given job. Who knew Feng Yu Tang was greedy for money while working at the yamen, colluded with the litigator, tampered within in an attempt to influence Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s sentencing of cases.

    Afterwards, this matter was discovered by Xue Huai Yuan. Xue Huai Yuan exploded in anger and Feng Yu Tang lost a lot of money due to this. Xue Huai Yuan punished Feng Yu Tang by hitting him with a few tens of boards before expelling him from the county yamen. She remembered at that time, Feng Yu Tang still threatened to make Xue Huai Yuan pay the price and was almost beaten away by Xue Zhao.

    Unexpectedly, she once again saw Feng Yu Tang here. Moreover, he managed to realize the threat at that time, sitting in Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s position and still imprisoned Xue Huai Yuan!

    Jiang Li¡¯s heart instantly turned cold. No wonder, no wonder it¡¯s him. Letting someone who harbored a grudge against Xue Huai Yuan to sit in this position, without Yongning¡¯s reminder, Feng Yu Tang would intensify Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s torture, using all kinds of means to make Xue Huai Yuan not as good as dead.

    Feng Yu Tang saw Ye Ming Yu blocking Jiang Li behind him and there¡¯s disappointment in his eyes. He coughed lightly and shouted, ¡°Who is here? For what matter do you people cause trouble in Tongxiang?¡±

    Jiang Li turned sideways, passed Ye Ming Yu, and looked calmly at Feng Yu Tang.

    Originally, Xue Huai Yuan was disgusted with Feng Yu Tang because Feng Yu Tang was greedy and ill-mannered. Jiang Li was disgusted with Feng Yu Tang because when she was still Xue Fang Fei, everytime she looked for her father and ran into Feng Yu Tang, he would look at her with some kind of drooling, sticky expression. She loathed that gaze very much, as if she was someone else¡¯s prey and remained at a respectful distance.

    After not meeting for so many years, Feng Yu Tang who used his position as a deputy county to bully others, had still not changed his damning character. However this time, she would no longer remain at a respectful distance, she must peel ayer of his skin.

    ¡°We are not causing trouble.¡± Jiang Li smiled and said, ¡°We just came to meet with Master, that¡¯s all.¡±

    She spoke softly, her expression was much gentlerpared to Ye Ming Yu; in addition, she was an elegant beauty. Feng Yu Tang swept his eyes on her body. Though his tone eased up, it still carried an arrogance of a fox exploiting the tiger¡¯s might<sup>2</sup> as he said, ¡°Oh? Why do you want to meet this official?¡±

    A look could tell that these people were not from Tongxiang. However, they were asking around about Xue Huai Yuan in Tongxiang. From the start, he already received instructions, naturally he didn¡¯t dare to treat it lightly. He never thought his subordinates would say that these few people did not seem to be ordinary people and especially came to meet him. Feng Yu Tang had not been an official for long but he was well versed in the old ways. This time they came to chat a few sentences with him, while in fact, it was to probe. But the result of probing, not only did it let him find anything out, on the contrary, it made him more confused.

    Jiang Li looked at him and lightly opened her red lips to spit out a sentence, ¡°We came to meet Master Feng wishing to find out clearly, why was the former county deputy of Tongxiang, Xue Huai Yuan in prison?¡±

    When this question came out, all the people in the room were quiet.

    The thing that Ye Ming Yu and the rest of the people were puzzled about was, during the whole way, nobody mentioned the surname of this Master. How did Jiang Li know to call him ¡°Master Feng¡±, when did she find out? Has she heard about it before?

    Feng Yu Tang was shocked, Jiang Li actually dared to ask this question in his face!

    Footnotes:

    <sup>1: being talked about, object of gossip 1.</sup>

    <sup>2: using his position to bully people 2.</sup>

    < >

 Chapter 110.1: Part 1: Rescue

    <h4>Chapter 110.1: Part 1: Rescue</h4>

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 110 Part 1: Rescue

    ¡°Master Feng should be aware whether you are an immortal or a demon.¡±

    Jiang Li¡¯s words just fell but Feng Yu Tang¡¯splexion had turned extremely unsightly. The unspoken implication in Jiang Li¡¯s words was of course could be made out by him. Jiang Li was the noble daughter of the chief assistant, his Master was Princess Yongning. When Jiang Li and Princess Yongning confronted each other, they both had formidable families as their backing while he was just a very small county deputy, which was an indisputable fact. In any event, it was a trivial thing to sacrifice him.

    Feng Yu Tang felt tangled, Jiang Li came too suddenly, not giving him any time to deal with her. However, in the brief conversation, he felt that Jiang Li was not someone that could be dismissed easily. She had her own views, in addition, she had the sophistication that was not like a 15 ¨C 16 years old girl.

    She even made people feel a bit scared.

    ¡°Miss Jiang second, this lower official,¡± Feng Yu Tang smiled and said apologetically, ¡°this lower official is just following orders, please don¡¯t make it difficult.¡±

    ¡°Following orders?¡± Jiang Liughed, ¡°Master Feng, in Tongxiang you say one means one, no one dares to disobey your orders. County deputy Xue¡¯s case will also be decided by you. You are the heaven in Tongxiang, whosemand are you epting orders from? Why don¡¯t you let me listen, perhaps I¡¯m still well acquainted with the person in Yanjing.¡±

    Feng Yu Tang broke out in cold sweat, of course he could not bring up Princess Yongning¡¯s name. He forced a smile and said, ¡°This lower official just handled affairs in ordance with the rules. Miss Jiang second, this lower official doesn¡¯t understand what you actually wish to do. If you wish to ask about the Xue family¡¯s matter, this lower official has reported it. Now what else do you wish to do?¡±

    Feng Yu Tan was originally a bully. At this moment, he assumed his rascal face, no one could do anything to him. Yes! There are so many people here, Jiang Li has no manpower, anyway, she cannot ask people to break into jail. Even if she breaks into jail, she will implicate both the Ye family and the Jiang family. I, Feng Yu Tang, have already shown clearly that I¡¯ve recognized your identity and respect you. But still you must not push away a death execution. What can you do to me?

    Ye Ming Yu frowned. This was the first time he met such a county deputy who behaved so shamelessly. Don¡¯t tell him he¡¯s not afraid of facing Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s wrathter?

    Only Jiang Li understood why Feng Yu Tang dared to act shamelessly. It was because he relied on Princess Yongning as his backer, as long as he got the task handed down by Princess Yongning done well, everything would be fine.

    Although she came forward this time wanting to meet her father in prison, however, before they came to the yamen, Jiang Li already guessed that it could not be achieved smoothly. No problem, at least she had met this new county deputy that had just taken office, Feng Yu Tang. She had intersections with Feng Yu Tang before and knew what kind of person he was. ¡°Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will not be defeated in a hundred battles¡±, this trip was not entirely fruitless.

    Feng Yu Tang calmly looked at Jiang Li. Now that he had a well thought out n in mind, he felt that Jiang Li would not do anything to him. In any case, she would not let someone capture him, this county deputy. A chief assistant¡¯s daughter behaved like this, it¡¯s a wonder if the censor did not seize this Jiang Yuan Bai.

    ¡°I do not wish to do anything,¡± Jiang Li smiled slightly and spoke amiably to him. ¡°I¡¯ve said it, I came to ask why the Xue house is sealed. For the case file, as long as the higher authorities order it, it can be looked over. Tongxiang is under Xiangyang¡¯s jurisdiction, I¡¯ve already asked for thewsuit in Xiangyang, thus can look at the Xue family¡¯s files.¡± Jiang Li took out an investigative warrant from her sleeve, indicating Tong¡¯er to pass it up. She smiled and said, ¡°Master Feng, the investigative warrant is here, I can take a look at the Xue family¡¯s files, right?¡±

    Feng Yu Tang was stunned.

    This county deputy was given to him by Princess Yongning. Could be an official, even if it was a small Tongxiang county official, Feng Yu Tang was as happy as picking up a huge bargain. It should be known that being in this position, he could rake in a lot of money. As a county deputy, he would not be as stupid as Xue Huai Yuan and truly work for the people. And because he was arranged by Yongning, he had never undergone the official¡¯s examination. He should be unaware of anything regarding an investigative warrant. What investigative warrants, he waspletely clueless and in the end, subconsciously, after seeing the official seal of Xiangyang magistrate on the warrant, he hesitated for a bit before nodding and ordered the person beside him to find the files to give to Jiang Li.

    Ye Ming Yu did not remember when Jiang Li went to look for Tong Zhi Yang and ask for this thing. Moreover, Tong Zhi Yang and the Ye family¡¯s rtions were like this, how could he issue an investigative warrant for Jiang Li so easily?

    The corner of Jiang Li¡¯s lips raised in a smile. This warrant, said as an investigative warrant, but also not an investigative warrant. It also wasn¡¯t personally drawn up by Tong Zhi Yang. It¡¯s borrowed from Tang Fan¡¯s hand, using the Yanjing Weaving Unit warrant to get Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s official seal. Tang Fan still wanted to build a connection with Jiang Yuan Bai in Yanjing and would naturally help her. And Jiang Li was fully aware of the shorings in Northern Yan¡¯s official system, thus was able to use this loophole with the purpose of personally checking Xue family¡¯s case files.

    Since she heard from Qiong Zhi that Xue Huai Yuan was imprisoned, Jiang Li must see his file and search for any omission inside. In order to prepare early, Jiang Li made this investigative warrant. But now that she¡¯d met Feng Yu Tang, she knew she did not need to spend so much thought. Feng Yu Tang simply did not understand, a mere rogue who wat, drink and be merry. She only needed to make up a decent excuse and Feng Yu Tang would definitely be convinced.

    Tong¡¯er took the file and handed it to Jiang Li.

    Jiang Li nced at the file, verifying that it was correct before showing a smile to Feng Yu Tang. She said, ¡°Many thanks, Master Feng. I don¡¯t have anything else.¡±

    Feng Yu Tang already had some headaches dealing with Jiang Li. Hearing Jiang Li said so, he was eager for Jiang Li to go without dy. He¡¯s going to send a letter to Princess Yongning using a pigeon, see what the reply would be. This Jiang family¡¯s second miss clearly wanted to re-investigate Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s case. Though he did not understand how Xue Huai Yuan could pull rtions with the chief assistant¡¯s daughter, Feng Yu Tang was not willing for slip-ups toter ur at a critical juncture. He would have to take the consequences for provoking Princess Yongning¡¯s wrath.

    ¡°Ok ok ok.¡± Feng Yu Tang smiled until his eyes narrowed and said, ¡°Miss Jiang second is leaving¡­..¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°I want to stay in Tongxiang for a few days.¡±

    < >

 Chapter 110.2: Part 2: Rescue

    <h4>Chapter 110.2: Part 2: Rescue</h4>

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 110 Part 2: Rescue

    ¡°Stay, stay for a few days?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Jiang Li looked at him, ¡°Master Feng seems to be unhappy?¡±

    ¡°No¡­ no¡­¡± Feng Yu Tang smiled and said, ¡°How could it be? Has Miss Jiang second arranged for a good amodation? If not, this lower official can help.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need, we have a lot of people with us, not going to bother Master Feng with your work.¡± Jiang Li smiled sarcastically and said, ¡°I think Master Feng should be very busy, no need to send, we will leave immediately.¡±

    Feng Yu Tang just smiled apologetically. Terrible, this Jiang family¡¯s miss was born with a pair of eyes that can see through people. How does she know that he was in a hurry to send a letter to Princess Yongning?

    ¡°Then this lower official will¡­ will not send off.¡± Feng Yu Tang said.

    Jiang Li shot him a nce before saying a few words to Ye Ming Yu. Ye Ming Yu ced his sword back into its scabbard at his waist, led Jiang Li, and swaggered off with huge movements in front of Feng Yu Tang.

    Feng Yu Tang looked at the rear views of Jiang Li¡¯s group of people and for some reason, he felt very uneasy. He sat for a while, abruptly came out of his daze, kicked his attendant and said, ¡°Quick! Quickly look for a pen and paper for this old gentleman!¡±

    ¡­¡­

    Jiang Li and Ye Ming Yu exited the doors of the yamen.

    When they reached the doorway, an old woman with a hunched posture carrying a barrel of incense passed by the road in front of them. She lifted her eyes and gave them a quick measuring look before quickly lowering her eyes. Not turning her head around as she staggered away.

    Jiang Li¡¯s mind moved, but Ye Ming Yu spoke at this time. He said, ¡°What¡¯s the matter with that confident county deputy? I¡¯ve never met such a dastardly county deputy. This can be called a county deputy? This kind of person can be a county deputy?

    He was brooding over the rudeness Feng Yu Tang showed in his eyes towards Jiang Li.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, uncle Ming Yu, this kind of person won¡¯t stay in his position as a county deputy for long.¡± Jiang Liforted him, but she wasn¡¯t happy in the slightest.

    Feng Yu Tang actually said that Xue Huai Yuan will be beheaded seven dayster? It¡¯s surprisingly hasty! They want to kill her father who had lost his mind, Jiang Li clenched her fists with hatred.

    Seven days, she did not have enough time. Within seven days, she must reverse the verdict on Xue Huai Yuan and prevent the sentencing. But at this time, aside from a file that had been tampered with, she did not have anything. Her father went crazy already, if what they said was the fact, father had no way to defend himself. To present a different view for his father, she could only rely on herself.

    The people in Tongxiang were intimidated by Feng Yu Tang¡¯s tyranny and did not dare to speak up. All her father¡¯s former subordinates were reced, their life and death unknown. She returned to Tongxiang, facing the most unfamiliar environment, no matter how she saw it, it was detrimental to her.

    But she still had to move forward.

    Ye Ming Yu asked, ¡°Ah Li, what should we do now?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go back first,¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°let me think about it.¡±

    For now, she had not thought about what her next step should be, but time waits for no one, she had to make a decision in this short period of time. But there¡¯s one point, in any event, she would not look on helplessly as Xue Huai Yuan was sentenced. Even if she had to rob the person from the execution ground, she would save her father¡¯s life.

    In the middle of her thoughts, suddenly a five to six year old child came over from the distance and shyly pulled the corner of her clothes. Jiang Li lowered her head to see and the little child stuffed a piece of paper into her hand, then turned and ran away.

    Ye Ming Yu was curious, ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±

    Jiang Li unfolded the slip of paper and quickly read through it before tearing the paper to shreds. She looked at the second floor of the not so distant wine shop to see a beautiful red in full swing. It looked particrly conspicuous in the wind.

    Jiang Li said to Ye Ming Yu, ¡°Uncle Ming Yu, all of you go back first. I have something to do and wille back soon.¡±

    ¡°What are you going to do?¡± Ye Ming Yu was unwilling, ¡°It¡¯s too dangerous for you alone, I¡¯ll go together with you.¡±

    ¡°Not dangerous,¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°Uncle Ming Yu, go back first. I know the road, I¡¯ll go back with Tong¡¯er and themter.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu saw Jiang Li¡¯s insistent appearance and very exasperatedly said, ¡°Why not like this, I don¡¯t go back, I¡¯ll stay here. Just now you looked at the side of the wine shop, right? You are going to meet someone? Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t follow nor go in and will wait for you over here.¡±

    Since the words had been said like this, Jiang Li could only drop it. Moreover, Ji Heng should not mind Ye Ming Yu being outside. So she said, ¡°Ok, uncle please wait for me here for a while, I wille back soon.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu really brought the group of people to squat at the side of the street, waiting for Jiang Li. Jiang Li, Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue headed towards the wine shop, the doubt in her mind grew deeper.

    Why is Ji Heng also here? This time, even a ghost would not believe if he said that he didn¡¯t follow her here.

    ¡°Soldierse to block the water and cover the earth¡±, she could only walk step by step.

    She entered the wine shop.

    There wasn¡¯t anybody inside the wine shop. Previously, the shopkeeper still ced a waiter to look after the shop. But this time, not even a waiter was in sight. The bodyguard called Wen Ji was standing at the door, his eyes followed Jiang Li as she came inside.

    Presumably, this wine shop had been ¡°handed over¡± for the time being by the duke. His arrogance was so big. When he¡¯s in the wine shop, other people inside actually had to be expelled. He had enough tyranny.

    Jiang Li went up to the second floor.

    At a ce by the window, the young man dressed in red was pouring tea. His actions as he poured the tea was very proficient, not at all shaky, his movements were like moving clouds and flowing water. Just watching him was pleasing to the eyes.

    He poured two cups of tea.

    Jiang Li walked to his front and Ji Heng pushed one of the cups that he just poured tea into to her side and made an invite gesture.

    Jiang Li sat down opposite him but did not touch the tea cup.

    ¡°White hair silver needle, please have a taste, Miss Jiang second.¡± He said with a friendly smile like an old friend.

    ¡°Thank you my Lord, I¡¯m not thirsty.¡± said Jiang Li.

    ¡°Second miss shouldn¡¯t be afraid that I poisoned it, right?¡± Ji Heng asked with a smile.

    Jiang Li smiled and replied, ¡°How¡¯s that possible? If the duke really wants my life, it would be an instant, not likely to do more than what is required and waste a good tea.¡±

    Ji Hengughed, ¡°You understand me.¡±

    Jiang Li, ¡°Don¡¯t dare.¡±

    < >

 Chapter 110.3: Part 3: Rescue

    <h4>Chapter 110.3: Part 3: Rescue</h4>

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 110 Part 3: Rescue

    Ji Heng¡¯s mind was too deep, indisputably treacherous. Who dared to understand him? Temperamental, this one word, was not just a careless description. Moreover, while in the middle of the drama a few days ago, talking andughing while solving an assassination, indifferently like wind and cloud handled the assassins, his eyes were ruthless without blinking. Jiang Li took everything in and thought, how could she take this person lightly?

    But in the end, Ji Heng still paid attention to her and followed her to Tongxiang.

    Jiang Li did not wish to beat around the bush with Ji Heng. Now, her time was too short. Wasting a moment meant that Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s opportunity of life diminished some. She said, ¡°The duke came to Tongxiang to watch a y?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Ji Heng softly said, ¡°It¡¯s to see you.¡±

    His eyes were bright, his lips rosy, looking affectionate, just like a truly elegant and beautiful official. However, Jiang Li would not believe such a tant lie. She smiled and said, ¡°So it¡¯sing to watch my y.¡±

    ¡°No way, who makes Miss Jiang second too special, making it difficult for people not to pay attention.¡± Ji Heng held a tea cup in one hand, lightly blowing on the floating tea leaves. He carelessly said, ¡°This time, the true purpose of second miss going to Xiangyang is to visit Tongxiang, right? As for the purpose of going to Tongxiang is for the Xue family¡¯s case, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Jiang Li paused, raised her eyes to look at him, smiled and said, ¡°Duke knows everything, why the need to ask me?¡± In such a short period of time, Ji Heng already found out. But she was incapable of preventing this kind of thing from happening.

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand, thus asking second miss.¡± The corner of Ji Heng¡¯s mouth raised, ¡°Second miss and the Xue family, what is your rtionship?¡±

    In an instant, his amber pupils turned deeply puzzled, as if truly waiting for Jiang Li¡¯s answer. He looked like a wicked young man carrying an evil naivety.

    ¡°The duke possesses remarkable abilities. If you really want to know, without me saying, you will certainly know.¡± Jiang Li said.

    ¡°Second miss doesn¡¯t seem to be willing to say.¡±

    ¡°Hasn¡¯t duke guessed it since long ago?¡±

    Neither of them yielded to the other, both were full of smiles, chatting warmly. Yet the whole ce seemed to be full of sparks and blood drawn by knives. Bai Xue and Tong¡¯er stood at the side, extremely nervous and did not dare toe out upon seeing the atmosphere.

    Ji Heng drank his tea neither fast nor slow. Then he said, ¡°Second miss is always invincible, but this time, the matter is not so simple.¡±

    ¡°The things I do have never been simple.¡± Jiang Liughed.

    ¡°Wanting to save Xue Huai Yuan is just a foolish dream.¡± He said.

    Jiang Li¡¯s fingertips touched the rim of the tea cup. She spoke, as if unintentionally, ¡°As long as the lord doesn¡¯t get involved, it¡¯s not a foolish dream.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Ji Heng smiled, ¡°Are you asking me?¡±

    ¡°If asking is useful,¡± Jiang Li looked at him, ¡°I sincerely ask the lord.¡±

    Ji Heng looked at her for a while before saying, ¡°I originally thought second miss would never be willing to bow your head.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled, ¡°Then the lord has mistakenly judged me, my bones are very soft.¡±

    Ji Heng choked.

    But it was as if Jiang Li stubbornly seeked an answer, she asked, ¡°I don¡¯t know if Lord can agree to my request?¡±

    Ji Heng did not reply and asked instead, ¡°Second miss probably doesn¡¯t know what kind of person you will run into if you meddle in the Xue family¡¯s case.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± Jiang Li softly interrupted his words.

    Ji Heng was slightly startled and looked probingly at Jiang Li. At least, in other people¡¯s eyes, it¡¯s impossible for Jiang Li and the Xue family to have a rtionship. Afraid even Jiang Yuan Bai was not aware that Jiang Li would do such a thing when she arrived in Tongxiang. And in the entire Northern Yan, only a few people knew of the motive behind Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s case. Jiang Li and the Xue family had nothing to do with each other, no matter from which position, they were not connected. Then would she know?

    Ji Heng suddenly recalled the previous Ming Yu Hall¡¯s examination where Jiang Li borrowed Meng Hong Jin¡¯s hand to shoot an arrow at Princess Yongning. It seemed that her hatred towards Princess Yongning was not small. If it¡¯s like so, then it was real when she said that she knew.

    A trace of interest shed in Ji Heng¡¯s eyes.

    He could not find Jiang Li and Yongning¡¯s intersection, also could not find Jiang Li and Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s intersection. Even any previous rtionship between Jiang Li and the two of them could not be found. In fact, because Jiang Li¡¯s past was so simple, it¡¯s very easy to inquire about her former days. But every single thing that she did was aimed at Yongning and the Xue family.

    That¡¯s really weird.

    ¡°Knowing yet still doing it, why should second miss do this?¡± Ji Heng smiled indifferently, ¡°Provoking huge trouble for an unrted person, it¡¯s not worth it. Or perhaps,¡± something came up in his mind, ¡°it¡¯s not unrted?¡±

    ¡°Lord doesn¡¯t need to sound me out.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°Lord can ask me if you want to know. The y I am in might not be brilliant, but since the lord wants to watch, I have to do my best to perform the y well.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid before the y is over, there will be a disaster in advance.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled, ¡°The duke kindly reminded me, not because worried about me, right?¡±

    Wen Ji looked speechlessly from the side. There was practically no woman on earth that could resist the lord. Even if there¡¯s no fondness of the lord, asionally, women would lose themselves. Especially this kind of young girls; it was even more likely for them to fall into the lord¡¯s traps. However, Jiang second miss had always been sober, there seemed to be an imprable defense in her heart and she firmly resisted the lord¡¯s gentleness.

    ¡°Not at first,¡± the corner of Ji Heng¡¯s mouth raised, ¡°saying so much, I am indeed a little bit worried for second miss.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need,¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°nothing will happen to me.¡±

    ¡°You are so sure, don¡¯t you have any worries?¡± Ji Heng shook his head, You don¡¯t know what you are facing.¡±

    ¡°I know, they will send people to kill me even if I¡¯m the Jiang family¡¯s young miss.¡± Yongning would not be afraid of the consequences even if she was Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s daughter. That woman was already crazy, she only thought of torturing the people in the Xue family. As long as she blocked Yongning¡¯s road, Yongning would get rid of her without the slightest hesitation. At most she would let Feng Yu Tang carry all the ck pots.

    Jiang Li¡¯s tone was so calm, as if she was not talking about a big matter involving life and death, rather a trivial matter of what to have for dinner. Even Wen Ji couldn¡¯t help taking a nce at her.

    < >

 Chapter 107.2: Part 2: Homecoming

    <h4>Chapter 107.2: Part 2: Homing</h4>

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 107 Part 2: Homing

    ¡°Little one,¡± old madam Ye seemed somewhat anxious, ¡°why are you following him to groundlessly make trouble? Your third uncle is a reckless person, all day long parading on the street. You follow him, who knows what he is doing in Tongxiang still bringing you along. I won¡¯t let you suffer from hardship and grievance.¡±

    With a few words, Jiang Li understood Ye Ming Yu¡¯s ideas clearly. Ye Ming Yu probably really thought Jiang Li¡¯sme excuse was utterly bad and made one up himself. He said that he was going to Tongxiang to handle things and needed Jiang Li to lend a hand, thus proposing to bring Jiang Li along. Ye Ming Yu did not do proper business in the Ye family, no one would specifically ask him what he actually was going to do. Even if they were to ask, Ye Ming Yu could alsoe up with a lot of reasons. It¡¯s not surprising what kind of lies coulde out of his mouth. But others¡¯ attacks and criticisms would be aimed at Ye Ming Yu and no one would think that Jiang Li was wrong.

    Because Jiang Li was ¡°taken away¡± by Ye Ming Yu.

    Having thought of this clearly, Jiang Li sent a thankful nce at Ye Ming Yu. Ye Ming Yu¡¯s thoughtful consideration here, protecting her, made her feel thankful.

    Probably stimted by Jiang Li¡¯s thankful gaze, Ye Ming Yu at once replied in a loud voice, ¡°Mother, why are you speaking so unfairly! I¡¯m Ah Li¡¯s uncle, can I harm Ah Li? That¡¯s impossible! Moreover, with me at the side, who would dare to bully Ah Li!¡±

    ¡°It makes people more anxious having you beside her.¡± Ye Ming Xuan said unhappily. ¡°No, what do you actually want Ah Li to help you with? Ah Li is just a little girl. You, such a grown-up, still need a little girl¡¯s help, aren¡¯t you ashamed?!¡±

    ¡°Old second, don¡¯t sow dissension,¡± Ye Ming Yu did not give in. ¡°So what if it¡¯s a little girl? Don¡¯t mention anything else, this time¡¯s ancient fragrant satin¡¯s matter, wasn¡¯t it resolved by relying on Ah Li¡¯s ability. Little girl, humph, Ah Li is not an ordinary little girl. She has a great ability, with Ah Li¡¯s help, it¡¯s toote for me to be happy, why should I be ashamed!¡±

    Ye Ming Xuan was stunned by Ye Ming Yu¡¯s shamelessness and unable to say another word. In a deep voice, Ye MIng Hui said, ¡°Making trouble! No matter what, it¡¯s okay if you act willfully by yourself, don¡¯t bring Ah Li along! Or else, you speak, in the end, what are you going to do?¡±

    Ye Jia Er and Ye Ru Feng looked here for a while, then looked there for a while. Although Ye Ming Yu spoke somewhat excessively, the Ye family¡¯s younger generation normally liked to y with him. At this moment, they really could not hit a person when he¡¯s down.

    ¡°Uncle Ming Hui, Uncle Ming Xuan,¡± Jiang Li spoke, ¡°I have indeed discussed this with Uncle Ming Yu. As to what to do, please don¡¯t make it difficult for Uncle Ming Yu. I¡¯m fine,ing to Xiangyang this time around, I also want to walk and see around more. I¡¯ve never been to Tongxiang and this time, I can follow Uncle Ming Yu to gain knowledge and experience. Moreover, it¡¯s the same family, why talk about lending a hand? I¡¯m not afraid of trouble, if in the future I got into trouble, perhaps I still have to rely on Uncle Ming Yu, rely on all of you to help me.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu looked at Jiang Li from the side, his mind filled with wonder. People who have read books in great families are different, talking nonsense can also sound justified, refined and educated. Look at the most difficult to handle eldest brother and second brother, at this time, don¡¯t they have nothing to say?

    Guan-shi couldn¡¯t help saying, ¡°But we are worried about you¡­..¡±

    Ye Ming Yu rolled his eyes. Worried about Jiang Li but not worried about him. Does it mean he was picked up by his parents? Is he a fake member of the Ye family?

    ¡°No need to worry about me,¡± Jiang Li smiled softly, ¡°I swear to grandmother, uncles and aunts that Uncle Min Yu absolutely did not go out to groundlessly make trouble, rather, he is going to do a serious matter. There will be no danger.¡±

    She looked gentle, her words sincere, it¡¯s very easy to let people involuntarily be convinced with her words. If the same words were spoken through Ye Ming Yu¡¯s mouth, afraid nobody would be convinced.

    Old madam Ye sighed and spoke first, ¡°Since Ah Li has already had this idea, just go and do it then.¡± She looked at Jiang Li and lovingly said, ¡°don¡¯t me your uncles and aunts for saying more, they are truly worried that you, a little girl, can¡¯t cope with it.¡±

    Jiang Li pulled old madam Ye¡¯s hand, smiled and said, ¡°I know. Grandmother, I¡¯m big now and can protect myself.¡±

    Old madam Ye fell into a daze when she heard this. She once again seemed to see the young Ye Zhen Zhen¡¯s appearance like jade in that year. When she was about to marry Jiang Yuan Bai, old madam Ye was worried that she would feel wronged after she married. Ye Zhen Zhen immediately pouted her mouth in anger and coquettishly said, ¡°Zhen Zhen is big now and can protect myself.¡±

    In the end, she failed to protect herself.

    There¡¯s a sour taste in old madam Ye¡¯s heart and tears almost fell. She patted Jiang Li¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Is that so, then go quickly ande back quickly.¡± She asked a servant girl toe over and support her to walk inside the room.

    Jiang Li was silent.

    She could feel that old madam Ye must be thinking of the old things. In fact, the Ye family members should have felt them too. Ye Ming Yu¡¯s voice broke the gloomy atmosphere. He shouted, ¡°Everyone agrees right? Since everyone agrees, then we will not stay longer. It¡¯s time, Ah Li, let¡¯s go, listen to mother¡¯s words, go quickly ande back quickly!¡±

    Ye Ming Hui gave him a nk look and said, ¡°Take good care of Ah Li!¡±

    ¡­¡­

    The n to depart Xiangyang and go to Tongxiang was realized so simply.

    When sitting in the carriage, Jiang Li had an unreal feeling.

    This time, she returned to Xiangyang from Yanjing, for nothing else but to get news about her father and to personally take a trip to Tongxiang. It would be good if she could offer a pir of incense to her father. However, she had never thought that she could still see her father. She was faintly agitated and could not hold herself.

    < >

 Chapter 107.3: Part 3: Homecoming

    <h4>Chapter 107.3: Part 3: Homing</h4>

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 107 Part 3: Homing <i>tanghulu</i>

    It took approximately one day to travel from Xiangyang to Tongxiang. They set off at noon, in the evening they would stay at the roadside guest house to rest for a night and they would arrive in the afternoon of the next day. There were not many travelers on the road. Jiang Li did not wish to bring the Jiang family¡¯s bodyguards because she knew these bodyguards might not necessarily be loyal to her. Even though they couldprehensively protect her, when she did things, her hands would inevitably be tied with them around. Hence, Ye Ming Hui selected a few of the best skilled bodyguards from the Ye family to follow them. There¡¯re Jiang Li¡¯s servant girls and Ye Ming Yu¡¯s male servant, Ah Shun.

    When night came, they stayed at the guest¡¯s house at the side of the road.

    Although the Ye family¡¯s movements were secretive, it was not hidden from the neighbor next door.

    In the courtyard, Ji Heng was in the middle of watering the flowers in the flower beds.

    The copper-necked watering pot was held naturally in his hand. The flower bed was spread with an unknown variety of beautiful violet and red flowers. He seldom had such a leisurely and elegant appearance, standing in the night, lightly pouring the water. The water dropletsing out from the pot were like transparent gems, also like a curtain of pearls, each sphere falling onto the flower petal, tumbling down to the stem, then disappearing into the soil.

    Only a faint fragrance was left in the air.

    Lu Ji stood behind Ji Heng, his blue jacket moved slightly by the wind. The ck dressed bodyguard¡¯s voice was monotonous without any ripples as he spoke, ¡°Third master Ye followed Jiang second miss to set off to Tongxiang.¡±

    He said that the third master Ye followed Jiang second miss, not Jiang second miss followed third master Ye. That¡¯s to say that the matter of setting off to Tongxing was led by Jiang second miss and not the third master Ye.

    Ji Su let out a ¡°hmm¡±.

    He still watered the flowers seriously, as if this was the only thing on earth that deserved his careful treatment and could not be distracted for even a moment.

    The winter flowers bloomed, especially enchanting, with a kind of ipatibility and bewitching beauty. He watered the flowers attentively one nt at a time until finished, taking up the quarter of the day. He held out his hand and a servant boy took the copper watering pot off his hand. Through his sleeve, Ji Heng took out a silk handkerchief then wiped his fingers carefully.

    He turned and looked at Wen Ji, ¡°Go in the same evening?¡±

    Wen Ji said, ¡°Yes.¡±

    Ji Hengughed, ¡°Really couldn¡¯t wait even a moment.¡±

    Lu Ji who was standing in the shadows couldn¡¯t help opening his mouth to ask, ¡°Master, Jiang Li going to Tongxiang should be something she came up with in Xi Hua Lou with Qiong Zhi.¡±

    Jiang Li was in a daze after she came out of her meeting with Qiong Zhi. After that, she went together with Ye Ming Yu to Tongxiang. However, they looked at it, it was all rted.

    ¡°She came to Xiangyang for the purpose of going to Tongxiang.¡± Ji Heng smiled and said, ¡°Guarding against the Jiang family¡¯s knowledge, concealing from the Ye family, her final purpose will soone to light. Just wait and see.¡±

    Lu Ji shook his head, ¡°But this Jiang second miss¡¯s way of behaving really makes people unfathomable. Even knowing what she¡¯s doing might not necessarily know why she did so.¡±

    As he was talking, a handsome servant boy walked in from outside. He spoke respectfully, ¡°Master, the carriage is ready.¡±

    Lu Ji was stunned, then looked at Ji Heng, ¡°Is Master leaving?¡±

    Ji Heng nced at the flowers in full bloom in the flower beds, smiled and said, ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Where to?¡±

    ¡°Tongxiang.¡±

    ¡°Tongxiang?¡± Lu Ji was even more confused, ¡°Master wants to watch Jiang Li?¡±

    No.¡± Ji Heng said softly, ¡°it¡¯s to watch a y.¡±

    ¡­¡­

    In the morning of the second day, the Ye family¡¯s carriage started their journey early.

    Ye Ming Yu seemed to know the impatience in Jiang Li¡¯s heart and urgently hastened on their journey. Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue felt odd and asked Jiang Li whether or not Ye Ming Yu really had a particrly crucial matter. Otherwise, why did he work so hard?

    Jiang Li knew that Ye Ming Yu did this for her and was very grateful inside. Whatever the case, Ye Ming Yu went all out to help her. She hoped the Ye family would grow bigger, able to be her solid and powerful backing. At the same time, she didn¡¯t wish to involve the Ye family into insignificant battles.

    It was without a doubt that Yongning had a hand in Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s imprisonment. Nowadays, themon people in Tongxiang kept Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s matter a secret, certainly because there were other people mixed in it. She charging in hastily like this certainly broke the other person¡¯s practice. The other person had received Yongning¡¯s instructions, on the surface, he would pretend to respect her, being the chief assistant¡¯s daughter when in fact, he simply did not put her in his eyes.

    If the old ount was turned over, following the line, it would go up and would always lead to Yongning. Sooner orter, Yongning would find out that she was investigating Xue Huai Yuan. Jiang Li had had an intersection with Yongning before and knew her temper. She would not be apprehensive because she was Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s daughter. By hook or by crook, she would only forcefully use vicious methods to achieve her goals.

    This trip to Tongxiang was very difficult. In a sense, she was just one person, she could only struggle hard without support.

    But she would never back down, not ever.

    As if proving that Ye Ming Yu was truly rushing, when they almost reached Tongxiang, it was unexpectedly just past noon.

    Ye Ming Yu actually sweated on a winter day. He used a handkerchief to wipe the sweat on his forehead and when Jiang Li opened the carriage curtain to look, he said, ¡°Ah Li, look, Tongxiang is just ahead.¡±

    Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue looked out. After they had clearly seen the situation outside, Tong¡¯er could not help saying, ¡°So this is Tongxiang, it¡¯s not as flourishing as Xiangyang.¡±

    In the distance was the main street of Tongxiang. The street was not even as wide as Xiangyang, no need to mention Yanjing. On the contrary, there were numerous merchants spread out on both sides. Many peddlers set up stalls on the street, selling tanghulu* and other little things. [<i>tanghulu</i>: traditional Chinese snack of rock-sugar coated hawthorn fruit on a skewer, picture above]

    Hearing Tong¡¯er, Ye Ming Yu said, ¡°It¡¯s already much better now! Previously, Tongxiang was just a poor county under Xiangyang. In themon people¡¯s houses, a pair of shoes were worn interchangeably by brothers and sisters. Don¡¯t mention having merchants, a peddler only came once a month and that was considered an exchange. Afterwards, a county deputy came to Tongxiang. Contrary to what people expect, he was someone with administrative ability, a good official. He stayed for ten years and Tongxiang gradually became prosperous. Although it cannot bepared with Xiangyang, if you¡¯ve seen the previous Tongxiang, guaranteed you¡¯ll be moved.¡±

    Jiang Li was stunned. Suddenly hearing Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s deed from Ye Ming Yu¡¯s mouth just like this, she didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. The same emotion welled up in her throat and she lowered her head for a while to suppress it, preventing others from seeing her red eyes.

    After a pause, Jiang Li asked softly, ¡°Then, what happened to the county deputy now?¡±

    < >

 Chapter 107.4: Part 4: Homecoming

    <h4>Chapter 107.4: Part 4: Homing</h4>

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 107 Part 4: Homing <i>bluestone sign </i>

    ¡°What happened?¡± Ye Ming Yu scratched his head, ¡°What could happen? Should be just like that. I¡¯ve never met the county deputy, only heard of his matters through other people¡¯s mouths. Moreover, I have not been to Tongxiang for many years, added that I¡¯m not in Xiangyang all year round, I don¡¯t know anything about this! But my guess is, since he did so well as an official, maybe he has been promoted early on and became a higher official!¡±

    The corner of Jiang Li¡¯s mouth had a trace of bitterughter.

    The fact was the opposite, Xue Huai Yuan not only did not get a promotion, instead, he fell and became a prisoner. This was truly beyond belief.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Ye Ming Yu urged the carriage to continue moving forward.

    Tongxiang was not like Yanjing or Xiangyang that had a few soldiers guarding the city gate. Perhaps the people entering and exiting Tongxiang were too few, the stone statues by the gates of the city walls even had ayer of dust on them. There were no soldiers guarding the city, asionally there would be a few medicine pickers with baskets on their backs, returning from the mountain after picking medicinal materials, walking through the city gate. Now and then, they cast surprised nces at Ye Ming Yu¡¯s entourage, maybe due to their outstanding faces.

    Tongxiang was very small, themon people were well acquainted with each other. Even if they couldn¡¯t name the person, they could get along fine. When they went in, Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue felt that it wasn¡¯t as lively as Xiangyang or Yanjing. However, the popr customs could be regarded as simple and honest, there¡¯s a particrly special down-to-earth feeling.

    Ye Ming Yu walked to the side of the carriage and asked Jiang Li, ¡°Ah Li, where do you want to go?¡± He actually handed the power to Jiang Li, thinking of letting Jiang Li have a free hand in dealing with her affairs.

    Jiang Li pondered for a while then said, ¡°We have so many people and the movement is not convenient. First, look for a ce to stay.¡±

    ¡°Ok, an inn¡­..¡± before Ye Ming Yu finished speaking, Jiang Li interrupted him, ¡°It¡¯s not convenient in an inn, why don¡¯t we look for a guesthouse for the time being and rent it for a few days.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu frowned, ¡°Rent? Ah Li, are you nning to stay here for some time?¡±

    ¡°I also don¡¯t know.¡± Jiang Li¡¯s tone was low, ¡°let¡¯s see as we go.¡± Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s affair could not be solved in two or three days. As to how long they would be in a stalemate, there was really no way to determine at this time. She could not give up, so what she could do now was to stay here and prepare.

    Hearing this, Ye Ming Yu said, ¡°Since it¡¯s like that, then just rent.¡±

    Jiang Li said, ¡°I heard there¡¯s a ce called Qingshi Lane in Tongxiang where the guesthouses are not bad. Let¡¯s go over there.¡±

    ¡°No problem.¡± Ye Ming Yu instructed one of the person in the fleet, ¡°Look for a person, ask for the direction to Qingshi Lane, we will immediately go there.¡±

    Jiang Li sat back in the carriage.

    Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue looked out of the carriage with curiosity. Tongxiang was a small county, over here, Jiang Li did not need to avoid her identity. Aside from Ye Ming Yu and their party, it could be said that no other person would recognize her. She did not have to wear a veiled hat, also did not restrict Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue¡¯s behavior.

    Bai Xue was still okay, after all she came out of a peasant family. However, this was the first time Tong¡¯er came to such a county. In the beginning, she still felt it wasn¡¯t as flourishing as Yanjing. After watching for a long time, she was fascinated by those sugar sellers juggling at the side of the street and found Tongxiang interesting.

    The carriage walked to Qingshi Lane.

    That was a road Jiang Li was most familiar with. Xue residence, the ce where she, her father and Xue Zhao previously stayed was here. She once walked the road from Tongxiang city gate to Qingshi Lane countless times. Afterwards, she left through Qingshi Lane, but this departure was not able toe back. When she returned, she became Jiang Li, no longer ¡°Ah Li¡±.

    Jiang Li was unusually silent.

    The excited Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue also sensed Jiang Li¡¯s peculiarity and their voices gradually lowered. They thought of asking Jiang Li what¡¯s the matter, but seeing that Jiang Li seemed to be immersed in her own mood, they couldn¡¯t ask the question in their mouth. Thus they just sat cautiously by Jiang Li¡¯s side, worrying about her.

    After an unknown period of time, the carriage stopped.

    Ye Ming Yu¡¯s voice sounded from outside the carriage, ¡°Ah Li, we are here!¡±

    Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue jumped out of the carriage first before raising the carriage curtain and reached their hands to support Jiang Li down.

    For a moment, Jiang Li felt both her hands tremble, along with her heart. She took a deep breath, put her hand in Tong¡¯er¡¯s hand and jumped down from the carriage.

    Even the air was familiar.

    The golden flowers and grass in front of the door let out a familiar sweet fragrance. The bluestone b at the mouth of thene still had a small chip that fell off when the roof tile was smashed. From afar, there¡¯s the voice of children¡¯s noisy romping andughter and there were inquisitive and timid gazes directed at them concealed behind a pair of lion statues.

    The corners of Jiang Li¡¯s mouth rose as she smiled, but in Ye Ming Yu¡¯s eyes, this smile somehow felt sad.

    Everything was familiar, everything was the same as in her memory, except for her, nothing had changed.

    ¡°Let¡¯s walk forward.¡± Jiang Li said. Though these words were directed at Ye Ming Yu, she couldn¡¯t help walking over immediately without waiting for Ye Ming Yu¡¯s reply.

    Soon, very soon, very soon would be the Xue residence. She didn¡¯t know how the Xue residence would look like now. That¡¯s a ce she continuously missed but didn¡¯t dare to think about. At first she thought she would be cowardly when she was near home, but when the moment came, she knew there was nothing she could change. Then there was no more hesitation and followed her instinct to walk forward.

    It¡¯s homing.

    Ye Ming Yu and the rest caught up without dy.

    Suddenly, Jiang Li stopped.

    There¡¯s the door of a house five or six steps in front of her. The house wasn¡¯t big, it actually fell short whenpared to the Jiang residence or the Ye residence. The edges of the bluestone roof tiles were dpidated, perhaps battered by winds and rain. Some had fallen, the top was hollow, and there was also a broken tree branch.

    Although there was sunlight, for no reason, it gave people a kind of wretched, broken family¡¯s deste feeling.

    Ye Ming Yu and the others who were following closely saw Jiang Li stood motionless in front of the house, each and every one of them was puzzled. Ye Ming Yu spoke in a low voice, ¡°Ah Li?¡±

    ¡°Um.¡± Jiang Li raised the corner of her mouth, and in an instant, tears fell down.

    The door of the Xue residence was affixed with official seals. There was no more Xue family home on earth anymore.

    < >

 Chapter 109.3: Part 3: Seven Days

    <h4>Chapter 109.3: Part 3: Seven Days</h4>

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 109 Part 3: Seven Days

    No one in Tongxiang would dare to ask this question now. Before Jiang Li was brought in by the officers, she said she asked around about the Xue family¡¯s matters because she wanted to meet him. But now that she had met him, she said that she wanted to meet him to ask about the Xue family¡¯s matter.

    She¡¯s toying with them!

    There¡¯s indignant and humiliation of being toyed with arising in Feng Yu Tang¡¯s heart and he shouted, ¡°To actually ask about the criminal official Xue family¡¯s affair in front of this official, this official thinks all of you are the Xue family¡¯s aplices. Come, arrest these aplices of the Xue family!¡±

    The officers immediately stepped forward to catch the people.

    Ye Ming Yu took out his long sword and bellowed, ¡°Who dares to move, I, your father, would chop his head!¡±

    Ye Ming Yu¡¯s bluffing kung fu looked real, and the angry bellow nearly made Feng Yu Tang unsteady. He supported his skewed hat and said in exasperation, ¡°What are you in a daze about, still haven¡¯t moved?!¡±

    At this moment, Jiang Li suddenly chuckled.

    At such a dangerous time, the beautyughed, as if in the abyss of glints of knife rays, a dark crab apple flower bloomed, delicate and fierce, mesmerizing and shimmering with cold lights.

    Everyone couldn¡¯t help looking at her.

    Feng Yu Tang even looked straight at her and licked his lips.

    It¡¯s not that there¡¯s no beauty in Tongxiang, but they were beauties from small families. Before, there was a Xue Fang Fei who could be considered as the best of the best. But before he could think of ways to possess her, he was already fixed by Xue Huai Yuan. Afterwards, Xue Fang Fei married far to Yanjing and he felt regretful for quite a long time. Supposed that Xue Fang Fei was still alive now, he would certainly fool around with her all day long in his residence.

    Jiang Li saw the fluttering look in his eyes and knew what idea he had in his mind. She endured the loathing in her heart and showed a smile on her face instead. She said, ¡°Master Feng, I¡¯m Jiang Li.¡±

    Feng Yu Tang looked at her, ¡°What Jiang Li?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m saying,¡± Jiang Li spoke word by word, ¡°My name is Jiang Li.¡±

    Jiang Li? Feng Yu Tang pondered. Tongxiang is not big, he knows most of the people¡¯s names living in Tongxiang. Even those that he didn¡¯t know of seem familiar. Jiang Li is definitely not someone from Tongxiang, because if she¡¯s someone from Tongxiang, he would never miss such a well-raised girl.

    On the contrary, this time, Feng Yu Tang¡¯s heart eased. Though the uncle looked fierce, it¡¯s difficult for a pair of fists to match four hands. Sooner orter, he would not be able to walk out of this county yamen. A look could tell that this little beauty was tasty. It¡¯s better to leave her behind to taste slowly. At present, just treating her as fun and apanying her to y was fine.

    He leisurely said, ¡°Why? The youngdy informed this official your name, is it for the official to remember you and call your name?¡± His speech carried three parts of ambiguity.

    The hall of officers burst into boisterousughter. Where did it resemble a yamen, it more resembled a ce where hooligans gathered, full of disorder.

    Ye Ming Yu heard and was even more furious. He scolded, ¡°Dog official, you dare!¡± At this moment, there¡¯s regret in his heart. He confidently brought Jiang Li here, thinking that in the end, it was a county yamen. No matter how excessive, they would still keep their appearance in the open. Just like Tong Zhi Yang in Xiangyang who still took the mouths of themon people into consideration. He didn¡¯t expect this county deputy of Tongxiang to be so insolent, his speech no different from a street bully. Even so much as to dare taking liberties of Jiang Li above the court ofw. Truly very daring!

    Jiang Li looked coldly at Feng Yu Tang¡¯scent attitude. Feng Yu Tang reced all the officers following Xue Huai Yuan and ced his own people. Precisely what kind of dogs follow what kind of person. Yongning was sinister and vicious, thus there¡¯s a dog follower like Feng Yu Tang, this sinister and nasty person. Feng Yu Tang was greedy and lecherous, thus there¡¯s a group of ¡®officers¡¯ that made people disgusted.

    This upright and honorable court ofw was turned into a vulgar and dirty ce.

    Jiang Li said, ¡°Master Feng is the lord in Tongxiang and knows each person¡¯s name in Tongxiang, which is a good official. All day long busy with official business, it¡¯s natural that you do not know me. After all, this is not Yanjing.¡±

    Originally, Feng Yu Tang was still smilingcently while listening to Jiang Li. But when he heard thest few words, his smile gradually disappeared. He asked, ¡°Yanjing?¡±

    Jiang Li smiled indifferently as she looked at him.

    Feng Yu Tang¡¯s heart thumped all of a sudden. He naturally knew Yanjing, the noble person who promoted him was precisely a noble from Yanjing. How, the pretty littledy in front of him was also a noble person from Yanjing, could she be someone dispatched by that Master? No no no, not possible. If that Master sent someone, there¡¯s no need to inquire about the Xue family. This little beauty clearly did not look like someone who came to hit Xue Huai Yuan when he¡¯s down.

    He was apprehensive and opened his mouth to speak, ¡°What kind of person are you in Yanjing?¡±

    At this moment, Ye Ming Yu could clearly see and simply folded his arms on his chest, enjoying watching the scene while standing beside Jiang Li. Although he also did not like the regtions and restriction in officialdom, he had to admit that at times, an official title was still very useful. Especially when running into this kind of snobbish bastard, which was even more useful to employ.

    Jiang Li smiled and said, ¡°Even if Master Feng hasn¡¯t seen, you should have heard of the current head assistant, Chief Assistant Jiang¡¯s reputation. As luck would have it, I happen to be that Chief Assistant¡¯s legal daughter, ranked second in the Jiang family. Master Feng should call me by Miss Jiang second.¡±

    Her tone was neither light nor heavy, neither gloomy nor bright, however, it carried a perfect amount of ridicule. Even though she was smiling, there¡¯s some kind of disdaining from a high position.

    Feng Yu Tang was stunned. The officers surrounding Ye Ming Yu were immediately frightened as well. They were the local overlords in Tongxiang, but they were still aware of what kind of person Jiang Yuan Bai was. At his peak, half of the officials in the court were Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s students. In this kind of ce such as Tongxiang, Jiang Yuan Bai was a legendary figure. However, now Jiang Li imed to be Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s daughter. That was the honorable chief assistant¡¯s daughter. These people did not dare to think about what kind of ending they would get from offending the chief assistant¡¯s daughter.

    ¡°You you you¡­..¡± Feng Yu Tang said a few ¡°yous¡± in a row, unable to say another word.

    The disdain at the bottom of Jiang Li¡¯s heart grew stronger. Even if letting Feng Yu Tang sit as a county deputy, his temper of trampling on the soft and afraid of the strong could not be changed. Once he met someone whose position was higher than him, his loftiness was immediately cut short.

    < >

 Chapter 109.4: Part 4: Seven Days

    <h4>Chapter 109.4: Part 4: Seven Days</h4>

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 109 Part 4: Seven Days

    Perhaps she should thank Jiang Yuan Bai, at least this nominal name of Jiang second miss let her dispense with a lot of matters.

    ¡°Miss, Miss Jiang second,¡± sweat oozed from Feng Yu Tang¡¯s forehead. He called her stiffly and said, ¡°For what matter are you looking for this lower official?¡±

    Ye Ming Yu puffed andughed. From ¡®this official¡¯ to ¡®this lower official¡¯, Feng Yu Tang¡¯s face turned pretty quick. Such a person could also be a county deputy, Ye Ming Yu sympathized with the people of Tongxiang.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t I said it?¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°I¡¯m looking for Master Feng to ask why is the Xue house sealed, why is county deputy Xue imprisoned?¡±

    Feng Yu Tang looked at Jiang Li and quickly calcted in his mind. Based on Jiang Li¡¯s speech, he could conclude that she was not someone sent by Princess Yongning. Princess Yongning¡¯s person would not be unaware of the Xue family¡¯s affair. It¡¯s just, he didn¡¯t know whether Jiang Li¡¯s sudden questioning of this matter was due to her painstaking effort or for some other purpose.

    However, he definitely could not muck up the things Princess Yongning had instructed him to do.

    Feng Yu Tang firmly said, ¡°The Xue house was sealed because the criminal Xue Huai Yuan was greedy and corrupted the silver for disaster relief. The evidence was conclusive, the court severely punished greedy and corrupt officials, thus he was sent to prison.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± This was the answer that Jiang Li had anticipated in advance. She asked, ¡°the evidence was conclusive?¡±

    ¡°Right.¡±

    ¡°So it¡¯s like that,¡± Jiang Li nodded and spoke somewhat helplessly, ¡°then there¡¯s no way.¡±

    Feng Yu Tang was happy inside. Before he could speak, Jiang Li raised her head and looked at him all smiles. ¡°Then, Master Feng, can I see the criminal Xue Huai Yuan?¡±

    Feng Yu Tang was dumbfounded, Ye Ming Yu also nced at Jiang Li with astonishment.

    ¡°Miss Jiang second, why are you¡­..¡± before Feng Yu Tang could finish speaking, he saw Jiang Li¡¯s calm expression and his heart moved, suddenly realizing. It¡¯s not possible that it was due to Miss Jiang second¡¯s painstaking effort. A magnificent chief assistant¡¯s daughter, why would she attach so much importance to a convict. Though she didn¡¯t investigate Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s matter in detail, she wanted to do bad things by proposing to meet with Xue Huai Yuan!

    Bearing his Master¡¯s instruction in his mind, Feng Yu Tang said, ¡°Miss Jiang second, ording to Northern Yan¡¯sw, a death row prisoner cannot receive visitation.¡±

    ¡°Death row prisoner?¡± Jiang Li¡¯s smile instantly disappeared.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Feng Yu Tang said, ¡°ording to the records, the convict Xue Huai Yuan should have been sentenced half a year ago. However, he suddenly lost his mind and got dyed for many days. Seven dayster, he will be beheaded at noon.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu, Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue simultaneously looked towards Jiang Li.

    Although they didn¡¯t quite understand what Jiang Li wanted to do, here¡¯s one thing that the few people could make out. That was, Jiang Li wanted to rehabilitate this county deputy Xue Huai Yuan and take him out of prison. However, Feng Yu Tang now said that Xue Huai Yuan is going to be beheaded seven dayster? Then hasn¡¯t Jiang Li taken this trip in vain?

    Jiang Li smiled sarcastically in her heart, got dyed for many days? It¡¯s more likely that Princess Yongning wanted to torture Xue Huai Yuan longer, right? Time had passed long enough now, Xue Fang Fei was also already dead, thus the interest for torturing Xue Huai Yuan was no longer that high for Yongning. Thus he was straightforwardly ¡®sentenced¡¯.

    ¡°Is Master Feng deceiving me?¡± Jiang Li smiled faintly, ¡°You couldn¡¯t be afraid that I would do something to county deputy Xue, creating problems, therefore hastily made a decision, the so-called sentencing in seven days was decided instantly within the moment?¡±

    Feng Yu Tang was choked and overwhelmed. He suddenly thought of something, his eyes turned around and spoke while putting on a fake smile, ¡°This is true. If Miss Jiang second is not convinced, you can write a letter to Yanjing and make an inquiry to the superior. However¡­.. there¡¯s something that I don¡¯t understand. You said that you are Miss Jiang second, is there any proof? If there is no proof, pretending to be the family of a court official, do you know the charge?¡±

    ¡°Of course I know the charge. But, after all, I am really Miss Jiang second, can¡¯t Master Feng tell?¡± Jiang Li replied.

    Feng Yu Tang looked at Jiang Li, his hands sweating.

    His intuition told him that this clear headed little beauty was really Miss Jiang second. If nothing else, her confidence convinced people. However, he must not acknowledge it just like this. Miss Jiang second clearly came for the Xue family, seemingly wanting to protect the Xue family. He had received Princess Yongning¡¯s order and absolutely must not let any deviation ur in this matter. He could only feign disbelief, kill first and confesster. At worst, he would apologize to Miss Jiang second afterwards and at most he would be a person who made an error due to being unclear. But if he were to let go of Xue Huai Yuan and Princess Yongning med him, ten heads would not be enough for him to lose.

    Moreover, behind him is Princess Yongning, the younger sister of Cheng Wang. So what if Miss Jiang second¡¯s father is the chief assistant? In the end, he was just a subject while Cheng Wang might sit on the throne in the future. Jiang Yuan Bai still had to show courtesy to Cheng Wang to some degree. If Miss Jiang second truly refused to treat him harshly, he would move Princess Yongning out, look who would be afraid of whom?

    With this thought, Feng Yu Tang calmed down. As he was about to speak, he heard Jiang Li called him ¡°Master Feng¡±.

    ¡°Master Feng,¡± Jiang Li said, neither salty nor weak, ¡°I advise you better to stop pretending that you don¡¯t believe my identity and thinking to apologize in hindsight. The fact is, to prevent this kind of thing from happening, I have especially brought my father¡¯s warrant.¡± She slowly took out a warrant from her sleeve and carelessly coiled it in her hands. However, people could see the handwriting on the warrant clearly, which was without a doubt, Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s official seal.

    Feng Yu Tang¡¯s heart sank.

    As such, it was impossible for him to lie and pretend. With the proof, he had no option but to recognize Jiang Li¡¯s identity as the chief assistant¡¯s daughter. And with this identity, Jiang Li was more unrestricted when talking and doing things.

    This was not a good thing.

    While thinking of a countermeasure, he once again heard Jiang Li¡¯s serene voice.

    Jiang Li said, ¡°I know Master Feng¡¯s Master has a great origin. Based on this, Master Feng can behave unscrupulously. But there¡¯s a sentence that Master Feng should listen to, that is, when immortals fight, the little demons suffer cmities.¡±

    ¡°Master Feng should be aware whether you are an immortal or a demon.¡± Jiang Li said.

    < >

 Chapter 110.4: Part 4: Rescue

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 110 Part 4: Rescue

    Ji Heng, ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, why should you be so persistent?¡±

    ¡°Persistent?¡± Jiang Li asked softly, as if asking herself, also unknown who she was asking. Sheughed softly for a while, ¡°Maybe, but sometimes, there¡¯s no meaning of being alive without anything to persist for.¡± She became Jiang second miss not to enjoy the life of luxury, nor to experience being the honorable daughter of the chief assistant. Rather, she came back to personally send the former self¡¯s enemy to the guillotine and to offer sacrifice to the spirit of her deceased rtives.

    Ji Heng took in Jiang Li¡¯s expression in his eyes and an unusual color shed in his eyes.

    The young girl was in her prime, born beautiful and lovely. She had a pair of quick-witted, limpid eyes. Different from other aristocratic family daughters, she was always serene, always calm. Even if she was surprised, her pair of eyes continued to be like a deep pool hit by a small stone, only causing a tiny ripple which quickly disappeared.

    In Yanjing, she¡¯s unlike others, very different from other girls. Just like a strange nt growing in a flower bed full of precious flowers. It looked docile, not the least harmful, standing there calmly, evoking affections. But when a prey entered, she would immediately extend her branch, grab the prey firmly and not let go, with an absolutely brutal attitude and swallow cleanly.

    Under her seemingly mild exterior, a cool-headed ferocity was hidden. And the biggest danger of this nt was precisely because it was not afraid of its opponent. Whether it was a sharp tongue or ferocious beast, her attitude in gobbling them up was ruthless and without any fear.

    She was the most unusual existence in the flower bed, if the mansion raised such a fierce and destructive nt, the whole house would be peaceful. This idea emerged inexplicably inside Ji Heng¡¯s mind.

    And at present, Jiang Li actually looked a bit pitiful with her drooping eyes. This violent nt could also have such a sad look, making people amazed, also making people doubtful, whether she used pretense to trap her prey or the truth was identally revealed in that short instance.

    Seeing Ji Heng looking at her thoughtfully, Jiang Li restrained the emotions in her eyes, smiled and said, ¡°Able to meet the lord here is my honor. Everytime I enter the stage to perform, the lord is present. Perhaps we are indeed brought together by fate.¡±

    Ji Heng almostughed out loud. Really interesting, the little girl is clearly clenching her teeth hatefully but her face doesn¡¯t change and still shows a sincere look.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid that I¡¯m going to disturb this y of yours?¡± Ji Heng said leisurely.

    Jiang Li looked at him and said, ¡°Is it? But after thinking about it, the duke has no reason to.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t you think of a reason?¡± Ji Heng asked with a smile. ¡°It seems that second miss held me in too high regard and forgot the rtionship between the Li family and I.¡± It¡¯s as if he was deliberately reminding her, ¡°In the garden, during the pce feast, didn¡¯t you see me with a person from the Li family?¡±

    Jiang Li¡¯s heart was surprised for a moment. That time, she indeed recognized that the person who was talking with Ji Heng was Li Jing¡¯s subordinate. But she didn¡¯t show it. Moreover, the Jiang family and the Li family were not on good terms. She, a daughter in the backyard, had not been in Yanjing all year round, and should not be able to recognize Li Jing¡¯s subordinate. Thus no one should have any doubt.

    Unexpectedly, Ji Heng knew that she recognized the other party already. Perhaps her brief surprise was seen by Ji Heng during that brief moment. From then on, Ji Heng was already aware that she knew and therefore, at that time, watched at the side as she put on a y.

    Jiang Li said, ¡°So?¡±

    ¡°So?¡± Ji Heng asked the question back.

    ¡°Being in the same ce with the person from the Li family, does that certainly mean standing on the side of the Li family?¡± Jiang Liughed, ¡°On the contrary, I feel that the duke and I might be grasshoppers on the same leaf in the future.¡±

    Wen Ji was so shocked that his always tranquil expression couldn¡¯t help stretching tautly. Jiang second miss even dared to go as far as saying this to the master? These words, even Cheng Wang did not dare to say when he wanted to rope in Ji Heng to his side.

    Ji Heng watched Jiang Li quietly, the smile at the corner of Jiang Li¡¯s lips never swayed. Gentle, proper, looking at him like the breeze on a spring day.

    ¡°Are you really smart, or a fake smart?¡± He asked softly.

    Jiang Liughed, ¡°Who knows.¡±

    No one spoke and the room fell into silence.

    Jiang Li looked at the tea in front of her. The boiling white hair silver needle had quickly turned warm in the cold weather. Much time had passed.

    ¡°Let¡¯s stop the exchange of pleasantries today.¡± Jiang Li smiled and said, ¡°My uncle is still waiting for me outside, I have to go back. Many thanks for the reminder, duke.¡± She smiled and said, ¡°I hope I can sing my best in this y, to let the duke watch with all your heart.¡±

    Between her words, it was as if she was an opera singer providing amusement for people, not carrying the slightest ego. But in people¡¯s eyes,pared to those noble daughters in Yanjing who adjusted their tones to pose as respectable youngdies, she actually made people¡¯s hearts give birth to more respect.

    Jiang Li¡¯s bones were not soft at all, but very strong and hard. Perhaps she bowed for the purpose of standing even taller in the future.

    Ji Heng looked at her profoundly, ¡°Until we meet again.¡±

    Jiang Li saluted Ji Heng, then left the wine shop.

    She walked in a hurry, but this eagerness was not because she wanted to avoid Ji Heng, thus her hurried steps. She walked in a hurry as if there¡¯s a more important matter that she urgently needed to do, afraid of wasting even a bit of time, nearly jogging as she walked outside.

    In front of the window, Ji Heng looked at Jiang Li crossing the street. The crouching Ye Ming Yu stood up, took a nce at Ji Heng¡¯s way before walking away with Jiang Li.

    ¡°Seems that she¡¯s really anxious.¡± Ji Hengughed.

    ¡°It¡¯s because Xue Huai Yuan will be sentenced seven dayster.¡± Wen Ji said. ¡°It¡¯s a pity, there isn¡¯t any ce where the rtionship between Miss Jiang second and Xue Huai Yuan can be found.¡±

    ¡°Not Xue Huai Yuan, it¡¯s the Xue family.¡± Ji Heng said.

    ¡°Shen Ruyun was Xue Fang Fei¡¯s younger sister-inw. Jiang Li schemed against Shen Ruyun. Xue Zhao was Xue Fang Fei¡¯s younger brother. Jiang Li paid her respect to Xue Zhao. Xue Huai Yuan is Xue Fang Fei¡¯s father, now Jiang Li wants to rehabilitate Xue Huai Yuan.¡± Ji Heng¡¯s voice turned very serene. ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s extremely coincidental? Each one was a person from the Xue family.¡±

    Wen Ji said, ¡°Xue family¡¯s case is rted to Her Highness the princess.¡± Other people did not know the connection, but it could not be concealed from them.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you seen it?¡± Ji Heng said, ¡°She knows from the start. She knows, but she is not afraid.¡±

    < >

 Chapter 111.1: Part 1: Mute Grandmother

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 111 Part 1: Mute Grandmother

    Jiang Li walked out of the wine shop.

    Ye Ming Yu squatted at the side of the road for a long time. Seeing Jiang Li walking over, he spat the grass he was chewing and asked, ¡°How? Done talking?¡± He did not ask who Jiang Li was meeting and what she did. If it was Ye Jia Er, he definitely had to ask. But with Jiang Li, there were times that he felt that as a young generation, Jiang Li disyed more ideas than her peers and there¡¯s no need to worry. The more important thing was, Ye Ming Yu believed even if he asked Jiang Li, Jiang Li would not say.

    Why waste the effort? Then no need to ask.

    Jiang Li nodded, ¡°Done talking. Uncle, let¡¯s go back.¡±

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t take both the matter of meeting Ji Heng and their conversation too seriously. Although the rumor said that Ji Heng was a moody person, Jiang Li thought that it was just his outlook. His behavior had his own purpose. After their several confrontations, in addition to her seriously mulling over afterwards, the possibility of Ji Heng breaking up her n was indeed very small. Even if she had truly dyed Ji Heng¡¯s matter, for Ji Heng, it was just an insignificant matter. It¡¯s not worth it for him to personally dispose of her. Therefore,ing to Tongxiang from Xiangyang was because her action was too strange and he wanted to be an audience.

    That¡¯s fine, watch a y then go watch a y. She never feared bing an actress, but this y¡¯s beginning to end must be grasped by her only.

    Ji Heng was not important, the more important matter was her father¡¯s sentencing seven dayster. She could not find the evidence to reverse the verdict on her father, so she had to prepare for the worst and n to rob the execution ground well. However, whether the robbing was sessful, it could be considered a sess if it would not implicate too widely in the future, which was something that had to be considered seriously. Therefore, the mostprehensive method was still finding evidence.

    Ye Ming Yu heard Jiang Li said to go back and agreed cheerfully. They temporarily lived in a family¡¯s guesthouse located in Qingshi Lane, not far from the bestowed Xue family¡¯s house. Presumably, Feng Yu Tang¡¯s people would pay attention to where they were staying; choosing Qingshi Lane was indeed too eye-catching. But Jiang Li precisely wanted to strike a drum, she wanted to let Feng Yu Tang know that she hade to settle the ount after autumn.

    When they returned to the guesthouse, Ye Ming Yu sent people to the alley to get something to eat and conveniently asked about the security in this area. Jiang Li stayed inside the room, Ye Ming Yu held the Xue family¡¯s file and gave it to Jiang Li, not daring to disturb her. He only let Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue wait in the door to serve. They could help if Jiang Li wanted to drink tea or eat something.

    Jiang Li was looking at the files seriously.

    If it¡¯s possible, she must find a doubtful point and a loophole in the Xue family¡¯s case. Grab this doubtful point and loophole tight, not let go, and investigate step by step. If it did not work, she could also deliberately magnify it, obscure the facts and fight for time for Xue Huai Yuan.

    Feng Yu Tang should have made this file, perhaps based on Princess Yongning¡¯s instruction. This Xue family files made by Feng Yu Tang¡¯s unexpectedly hid everything wlessly, and described Xue Huai Yuan as a greedy official whomitted all kinds of evil deeds, too many crimes to count. Jiang Li read through and wanted tough sarcastically.

    Not one of the things written inside had been done by Xue Huai Yuan. On the contrary, each deed was inseparable from the current county deputy of Tongxiang, Feng Yu Tang. Unfortunately, Xue Huai Yuan pleaded guilty. Jiang Li could imagine what they did in order to make Xue Huai Yuan admit the crimes. Perhaps this was the reason why Xue Huai Yuan was tortured until he lost his mind.

    In some ways, this file could be said to be wless. Feng Yu Tang should have spent a lot of effort before arranging these crimes on Xue Huai Yuan. But because the people in Tongxiang were aware of what kind of person Xue Huai Yuan was, these things appeared especially ridiculous.

    Jiang Li read very quickly.

    A few loopholes could be found in the files. For instance, saying that Xue Huai Yuan was greedy and corrupted the silver for disaster relief which was dug out from the Xue family¡¯s back garden. However, the silver for disaster relief in that year had clearly been distributed thoroughly to the hands of everymoner. The newly discovered ¡°silver¡± was probably supplied by the person instructed by Yongning.

    Feng Yu Tang could add baseless offense to Xue Huai Yuan, but he could not erase Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s previous benevolence and political merit. Jiang Li grabbed this point tightly for a chance to fight for ue Huai Yuan.

    ¡°Still not enough.¡± Jiang Li muttered, this was nowhere near enough. Using this little chance to Xue Huai Yuan was really not worth mentioning. Once Yongning detected this, based on Feng Yu Tang¡¯s identity at present, he could falsify again and add more details. This evidence would then be useless.

    Must make Feng Yu Tang unable to do anything, even if he was the current county deputy in Tongxiang, he must not get involved in the Xue family¡¯s case. How to do this¡­.. Jiang Li racked her brain.

    Tong¡¯er entered quietly to pour tea for Jiang Li. Jiang Li was absorbed in her thinking and did not see Tong¡¯er pouring the tea by her hand. Pressing back her nausea, she reached her hand out and the teacup fell on the ground with a bang, sshing the boiling hot tea onto Jiang Li¡¯s arm in its entirety.

    ¡°Heavens!¡± Tong¡¯er cried out in fear then took a handkerchief to wipe Jiang Li in a rush. While wiping, she said, ¡°Miss, are you okay, miss? Bai Xue, bring the ointment for burns over!¡±

    Bai Xue left hurriedly. Ye Ming Yu heard the movements and came over to take a look without dy. He said, ¡°What¡¯s going on? What happened?¡±

    Tong¡¯er med herself and her tears about to fall. She said, ¡°It¡¯s this servant that¡¯s not good, this servant poured tea and let the tea scalded the youngdy. May there be no scars, but how to do it.¡±

    ¡°Ah Li, are you okay? Does it hurt?¡± Ye Ming Yu turned his head to look at Jiang Li but saw Jiang Li stayed in her seat while looking at the broken teacup on the floor, lost in thought.

    Ye Ming Yu thought that Jiang Li was stunned from the pain, took a few steps forward hurriedly, stretched out his five fingers and shook them in front of Jiang Li. He said, ¡°Ah Li? Ah Li?¡±

    Jiang Li looked distractedly at him, as if just reacting. Immediately after, she stood up and excitedly said, ¡°I know, I know already!¡±

    ¡°Know about what?¡± Ye Ming Yu was unable to make any sense, Tong¡¯er was also baffled.

    < >

 Chapter 111.2: Part 2: Mute Grandmother

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 111 Part 2: Mute Grandmother

    ¡°ording to Northern Yan¡¯sw, when the witness testimony and material evidence are conclusive, and the local official is sued, awsuit can be filed with a higher authority. But the higher authority in the yamen is Tong Zhi Yang, he might not necessarily willing to help. I¡¯ve thought about it, only the power in Yanjing isplex. I wish to bring this case to Yanjing and hand it over to the Imperial Court of Judicial Review to investigate. But what I want to investigate is not the Xue family¡¯s case, rather, Feng Yu Tang. As long as Feng Yu Tang is in awsuit, he cannot get involved. Then evidence through Feng Yu Tang¡¯s hand will not be counted!¡±

    This was to avoid suspicion. Naturally, Feng Yu Tang would have no misgivings in ¡°fabricating¡± evidence. Jiang Li could also follow suit, anyway it would already be at the Imperial Court of Judicial Review. All that evidence by Feng Yu Tang would not be counted. On the contrary, it¡¯s her, who had no rtions with the Xue family, who would be the true outsider.

    Ye Ming Yu was not someone from the officialdom and did not understand much about Northern Yan¡¯s official system. He merely said, ¡°But why would the Imperial Court of Judicial Review want to ept a case from Tongxiang?¡±

    A case from Tongxiang, how insignificant?

    ¡°Therefore have to make it big to make it possible.¡± Jiang Li said.

    Tong¡¯er¡¯s movement of overturning the teacup reminded her. To make all the people pay attention to this hot tea, it¡¯s not enough to merely make a ssh in Tongxiang.

    The movements had to be big, bigger, even huge. It would be even better if it involved a certain noble person in Yanjing. In this way, it would gather all the attention, Xue family¡¯s case would no longer be a simple case of a corrupt official. It was perhaps a set-up, or perhaps involving a long-standing court case, perhaps even a rebel scheme.

    Emperor Hong Xiao would not let go of any possible opportunity to make Cheng Wang eat a loss.

    Ye Ming Yu thought about it but still didn¡¯t understand. He asked, ¡°How do you n to make it big?¡± In fact, Ye Ming Yu had nothing to do with the Xue family. But since Jiang Li had her heart set on this matter, in addition, Ye Ming Yu felt that Feng Yu Tang was too disgusting, if Xue Huai Yuan was truly used wrongly, then it would be too pitiful. It¡¯s in their, the people from the rivers andkes¡¯s character to loathe evil like foe and uphold justice. Since that¡¯s the case, so what if they intervene when they see an injustice?

    ¡°Simply inquiring about the evidence on the case is far from enough. The weight is not heavy, it¡¯s not passable to get to the Imperial Court of Judicial Review.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°Still need witness testimony!¡±

    ¡°Witness testimony?¡± asked Ye Ming Yu. ¡°Are you talking about the people in Tongxiang standing up to redress their former county deputy? How is this possible, didn¡¯t you see, these people see the officials like rats upon seeing a cat, short of fleeing. This is ¡®frightened into silence¡¯ already, they do not even dare to utter a sentence, how would they dare to stand up? Moreover, it¡¯s not that you didn¡¯t know, today the bodyguards heard previously, if there are people mentioning Xue Huai Yuan, the authorities would immediately let people grab their son, threatening the parents and children, so that people who had justice in their hearts would not dare to speak up and harm their wife and child!¡±

    Jiang Li said, ¡°That¡¯s because Feng Yu Tang has done too much. Moreover, Feng Yu Tang gives people the feeling that a person like him can sit for a long time in the county deputy position. Thus the people can only be angry but don¡¯t dare to say anything. Once the people believe that Feng Yu Tang can fall from power, it will give birth to courage and wille to point out Feng Yu Tang¡¯s crimes.¡±

    ¡°Then? Are you going to look for witness testimony?¡± asked Ye Ming Yu.

    ¡°No.¡± Jiang Li shook her head, ¡°What the people can say is Feng Yu Tang¡¯s wicked conduct and county deputy Xue¡¯s well ordered administration. These words can only be used as thest rice straw to crush the camel to death, not to be used now. At another time, the oue will be much better.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu was even more puzzled, ¡°Then, Ah Li, who are you looking for as witness testimony?¡±

    ¡°Government officers.¡± Jiang Li looked deeply, ¡°Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s former subordinates. All the people in the county office were changed by Feng Yu Tang. Those officers have a firm temperament and are staunch; Feng Yu Tang reced them with his own people, it¡¯s unknown whether the former people are alive or dead. See the person if alive and see the corpse if dead. If they are still alive, they are the proof; if they are dead, the corpses are also proof. All the government officers in the entire county office died violently, it presumably will be a strange matter in Northern Yan, right?¡±

    Ye Ming Yu was astonished as he listened.

    Jiang Li had a calm look in her eyes, but when she said these words, frost came out of her eyes. Thinking about the circumstances in Jiang Li¡¯s words, Ye Ming Yu could not help feeling numb in his back. There were very few people in the rivers andkes who exterminated the entire family, moreover, those would be ones with deep hatred. Naturally, there was also the saying of ¡°new emperor brings in new aides¡±. However, Feng Yu Tang was just a minor county deputy. Could recing a deputy county need to pay so many lives?

    ¡°Ah Li, how do you know that these government officers have been reced by Feng Yu Tang? Have you met before?¡± Ye Ming Yu suddenly remembered something and asked.

    Jiang Li smiled, ¡°A nce could see, how could proper government officers have such morality and conduct. What they said and did, their actions, even the basic government courtesy are not known. Don¡¯t know where Feng Yu Tang found such a group of disorderly people. Perhaps previously they were the local gangsters. How could the former county deputy Xue have this kind of subordinate when was in office, unless he wanted to destroy his own reputation.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu saw that what she said was justified and nodded. He said, ¡°Indeed it¡¯s like that. I looked at those government officers, they did not seem to be honorable people.¡±

    ¡°Ah Li, do you want our bodyguards to search for the people in the surrounding Tongxiang?¡±

    ¡°Actually, no. Although Tongxiang is small, it has aplex terrain. I¡¯ll look for a map. The problem lies in case Feng Yu Tang detects that we are looking for the government officers. There¡¯s a huge possibility that he will hide these people.¡±

    ¡°Then snatch the people!¡± Ye Ming Yu spoke without thinking.

    ¡°Yes, we want to snatch people, but not at the moment.¡± Jiang Li pondered for a while before saying, ¡°Uncle, in the yamen, there¡¯s a mute grandmother who dump night incense. Can you ask one of your people to think of a way to take the mute grandmother out and meet me for a while? But this act should not rm anybody, and must not be found out by Feng Yu Tang¡¯s people.¡±

    < >

 Chapter 111.3: Part 3: Mute Grandmother

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 111 Part 3: Mute Grandmother

    ¡°One person?¡± Ye Ming Yu patted his chest, ¡°No problem, I can easily grab a person.¡± Seeing Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue staring at him, he scratched his head, ¡°Last time, didn¡¯t I personally capture Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s outer room and his son? Up till now, Tong Zhi Yang has not discovered that I was the one who made the move.¡± He spoke with a bit of pride.

    ¡°Not to be taken away, there¡¯s a huge possibility that this mute grandmother knows the whereabouts of the government officers at present.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°That¡¯s why, must be very careful.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu got up, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, uncle will handle it. When have I ever messed up your work?¡± He walked a few steps but suddenly turned around to ask, ¡°But this mute grandmother, though she is called a mute grandmother, she¡¯s not really mute right? If she was mute, how are you going to ask? Is she literate?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s not mute.¡± Jiang Li spoke from behind him, ¡°she can speak.¡±

    ¡­¡­

    Ye Ming Yu left.

    After Ye Ming Yu left, Jiang Li asked someone to get paper and ink and started to carefully draw a map for Ye Ming Yu. She knew Tongxiang better than anyone and she knew each and every ce in Tongxiang. If there¡¯s a ce that she didn¡¯t know, that was the current yamen that had changed beyond recognition. Feng Yu Tang had changed the government office into ¡°his¡± office, thus it¡¯s impossible for Jiang Li to know how much changes there were inside.

    But she knew the rest of the ces in Tongxiang like the back of her hand. Ye Ming Yu wanted to operate in Tongxiang, with this map, it¡¯s like a tiger that had grown wings, no one could draw more detail than her.

    After finishing the map, she looked at the files again and recorded any loopholes she found in the files. She¡¯d take a look againter to see the probability of making these as evidence.

    Unconsciously, time passed very quickly. Bai Xue and Tong¡¯er called Jiang Li to have a meal but she ignored it. The sky gradually turned dark, an oilmp was lit inside the room. Only then did Jiang Li realize that it was already night time. She looked outside and asked while frowning, ¡°Uncle has not returned?¡±

    Bai Xue shook her head.

    ¡°He has gone for so long¡­..¡± Jiang Li muttered. As she was muttering, Ah Shun, the servant by Ye Ming Yu¡¯s side, came over to report. ¡°Miss cousin, the third master has returned, the mute grandmother is also brought back. Do you want to see her now?¡±

    Jiang Li was overjoyed and said, ¡°Juste.¡±

    When she entered the room, she saw the mute grandmother in the middle of wolfing down her food, as if she had not eaten a good meal in a long time. Ye Ming Yu was sitting at the side, his legs stretched out while nibbling on a pastry. He saw Jiang Li¡¯s arrival and as if taking credit, he said, ¡°Ah Li, how? I¡¯ve brought the person over and not a single person found out.¡± He continued, ¡°Bah! Feng Yu Tang is truly wretched, calling someone to follow me. If it were not because I let someone disguised himself as me to draw him away, it¡¯s still not known when this annoyance could be gotten rid of. The ce where the mute grandmother lived is not monitored. However, just in case, I still waited until it got dark before bringing her over.¡±

    Jiang Li looked at the mute grandmother.

    The white haired grandmother swallowed thest mouthful of porridge before looking at Jiang Li.

    Due to old age, the mute grandmother¡¯s face had criss-crossed ravines, her eyelids hung low, she was hunchbacked with a petite stature. Precisely an elderlydy with one foot in the grave. Perhaps due to her work of pouring out the night incense, her body from head to foot emitted an unpleasant smell. Others could not wait to avoid her.

    However, Jiang Li did not show repulse, she merely called out in a calm voice, ¡°grandmother.¡±

    The grandmother looked at Jiang Li for a while before abruptly opening her mouth, ¡°Who are you?¡±

    Ye Ming Yu was surprised. Along the way, when he took the elderlydy away, she never said a word from the start. Even the astonishment from being taken away onlysted for a moment. He heard that when people got old, they remained calm in any event. Ye Ming Yu only thought that this elderlydy had a slow reaction. Jiang Li said that the mute grandmother could speak, but Ye Ming Yu thought that it was just a joke. Who knew that the mute grandmother would really open her mouth to speak at this time. Though her voice was hoarse, it was still pretty clear. He grumbled, ¡°Really can talk.¡±

    ¡°My name is Jiang Li.¡± Jiang Li looked at her, smiled and said, ¡°Grandmother, I came looking for you to ask for the whereabouts of deputy county Xue¡¯s former subordinates.¡±

    The grandmother said, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled, ¡°How could you not know? Feng Yu Tang reced all of Deputy County Xue¡¯s people, only you alone were not reced. He probably thought that you would not ruin things. But I know that you know, correct?¡±

    The grandmother said, ¡°I know, but I cannot say. If I say it, I¡¯ll lose my life.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to avenge Deputy County Xue?¡± Jiang Liughed, ¡°Deputy County Xue is a good person.¡± There¡¯s another sentence that she did not say out loud, that Xue Huai Yuan had once helped the mute grandmother.

    The mute grandmother was originally a widow. Her husband died young, they had no children and she did not remarry. Due to her ugly appearance, in addition to her single status, she was often bullied. When Xue Huai Yuan took office, the mute grandmother was already a humble and ugly olddy that kept being bullied by people.

    She often collected other people¡¯s leftover food to eat, yet unwilling to beg on the street and frequently went either hungry or full. Xue Huai Yuan had pity for her as an elderly woman and let her stay in the yamen as someone who poured the night incense. She could have some monthly money every month, so it¡¯s not a problem for her to dress warmly and eat her fill.

    If not for Xue Huai Yuan, afraid the mute grandmother already froze to death on a winter¡¯s day much earlier. And the mute grandmother¡¯s muteness was due to her suffering from other people¡¯s bullying all year round, thus she gradually was unwilling to talk and other people thought that she could not speak. But Jiang Li knew that the mute grandmother could speak because there was a time when Xue Zhao gave the wild fruits he picked himself to the grandmother and she overheard the mute grandmother thank Xue Zhao.

    Feng Yu Tang reced all the people in the yamen , but did not rece the mute grandmother probably because he felt that the mute grandmother was just a night incense pourer and was useless. In addition, the grandmother was a mute, even if she could see and hear, she could not speak.

    But the moment Jiang Li saw the mute grandmother in the yamen today, in an instant she knew that her chance had arrived.

    The grandmother looked at Jiang Li nkly, making her feel like she was looking at a phony. She said vaguely, ¡°Why should I believe you?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not believing in me.¡± Jiang Li said softly, ¡°this is believing in justice and righteousness.¡±

    < >

 Chapter 111.4: Part 4: Mute Grandmother

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 111 Part 4: Mute Grandmother

    ¡°Is it fair for County Deputy Xue to go to jail? Don¡¯t tell me Feng Yu Tang, that kind of person, can be the judge. Is there any justice? Don¡¯t talk about other things, when County Deputy Xue was in office, grandmother, your life should have been much better than it is now, at least you can eat your fill and dress warmly, right?¡± Jiang Li smiled, her eyes swept to the table at the side where the food that was previously had been eaten cleanly by the grandmother. In addition, the winter clothing on the grandmother¡¯s body already had many holes.

    The mute grandmother lowered her head.

    What the richdy facing her said was right. When Xue Huai Yuan was still in office, she could eat her fill and dress warmly. Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s son, Xue Zhao, and his daughter, Xue Fang Fei, often sent things for her. Now, although she was still in the yamen, no need to talk about the monthly money, even her everyday meal were the leftovers from the officers¡¯ meals.

    The days were not good, Feng Yu Tang¡¯s days in office were like those days in her youth when she was humiliated by the people. But on earth, why do good people always not live long while the bad people stay for millennia?

    The grandmother once again raised her head to look at Jiang Li. She asked, ¡°Why do you want to help the Xue family?¡±

    ¡°The Xue family and I are old friends,¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°I¡¯m also entrusted by others to redress the injustice done to the Xue family. Be at ease, I won¡¯t tell others that you are the one telling us these things. Feng Yu Tang also won¡¯t find your involvement. I can guarantee your safety.¡±

    The grandmother smiled. Her smile made the wrinkles on her face squeezed together like a ball. However,pared to the gloominess before, she looked much more benevolent. She said, ¡°What am I afraid of, I¡¯ve lived for so many years, it¡¯s already enough. I still live in the yamen to see until when Feng Yu Tang can sit in this county deputy position. I hope I can take revenge for the Xue family, but I am unable. I waited, waited, and finally you came.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu opened his mouth wide. Suddenly, such impressive wordsing from the olddy¡¯s mouth who couldn¡¯t speak well, it¡¯s indeed shocking. And her words made people emotional.

    Jiang Li looked at her quietly for a long time. Then she reached her hand out to hold the grandmother¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    The young, plump hand and the old, dried up handy together. The olddy seemed to be injected with vitality, her eyes turned bright and though she then spoke very slowly, each of her words was very clear.

    All the people in the yamen were reced by Feng Yu Tang and the others. Master Xue was imprisoned, his subordinates refused to ept and were locked up. There one person, Xiao Hei, who struggled strongly and was killed. Feng Yu Tang was afraid that killing the remaining people would cause too much trouble and sent them to the mine in Dongshan to dig.

    ¡°Dongshan mine?¡± Jiang Li was surprised, ¡°Isn¡¯t that a mine that has been abandoned long ago?¡±

    The grandmother nced at her, ¡°Rare that you also know about it.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu interrupted, ¡°What mine is that? Is there still mine in Tongxiang?¡±

    The grandmother sighed, ¡°Very few people know about the mine. When it reached the younger generation, don¡¯t even mention outsiders, even the local people of Tongxiang might not be aware that there¡¯s a mine in Tongxiang. Several tens over years ago, someone dug out gold in the Dongshan mine, so people said that it was a gold mine and reported it to the court. The court dispatched some people toe down, explore and let people dig. But after digging for a whole year, aside for a bit of things on the surface, no gold was dug out. The official in charge of the mine at that time was dismissed, thus the mine became an abandoned mine.¡±

    Jiang Li listened to the grandmother¡¯s story, her expression was unlike Ye Ming Yu¡¯s expression of amazement. Tongxiang¡¯s younger generation, even those who are a bit older in age did not know about this, but she knew. Before Xue Huai Yuan took office, he wanted to understand Tongxiang¡¯s history and he personally took a look at Dongshan mine.

    Jiang Li asked, ¡°Since it¡¯s an abandoned mine, why did Feng Yu Tang send them there?¡±

    The grandmother sneered, ¡°Because Feng Yu Tang wants to torture these people. He sent those people to the mine and made them work from dawn to dusk until they could dig gold out. Everyone knows that there¡¯s no gold in Dongshan mine. Those people could dig for a long time and won¡¯t find gold, don¡¯t think abouting out for a lifetime.¡±

    ¡°He is abusing his power. Mining a mine must be reported to the court. He actually digs gold privately. Even if it was an abandoned mine, this is enough to use him of a crime!¡± Jiang Li spoke angrily.

    ¡°Girl, you should know that the people working in the mine, not a single one isfortable. Furthermore, Feng Yu Tang originally intended to torture them, it would be more severe. I heard Feng Yu Tang¡¯s subordinate say those officers were stripped of their clothes and their arms and legs bound with iron cuffs. They have to work all day long, if they do not do a good job, they will get beaten up at every turn, it¡¯s amon thing for death and injuries. A good man is not as good as a dog. Going on like this, I don¡¯t know how many people can still maintain it, don¡¯t know how many people are still alive.¡±

    ¡°This is too much!¡± After listening to the grandmother¡¯s words, Ye Ming Yu pped the table, ¡°it¡¯s just crazy!¡±

    Jiang Li pressed her lips and did not say a word. Making people who were originally officers to be ves, sending them away, Jiang Li imagined the bleak and miserable condition of those people. Such torture was not just physical torture. It was also a huge crush to their self-esteem.

    Feng Yu Tang was reallywless and out of control in Tongxiang.

    ¡°This is what I know.¡± The grandmother said, ¡°Girl, if you want to look for those officers that disappeared, go and take a look in Dongshan. But don¡¯t let anyone discover, a subordinate of Feng Yu Tang is keeping a close watch over there¡­.. Do you know where Dongshan is?¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°I know how to find those people.¡±

    The grandmother looked at her and slowly said, ¡°Girl, I don¡¯t know what you areing for, but since you started to investigate the Xue family¡¯s case, I hope you will continue investigating till the end. My body is old, soon going to enter the coffin, as long as able to reverse the verdict of the Xue family, let me see that the heavens still have justice and righteousness, it¡¯s worthy to put up my life.¡±

    ¡°Please be assured.¡± Jiang Li looked at her, as if making a vow, she said, ¡°I swear I will investigate until the end, will not give up halfway, no matter what trouble I¡¯ll run into, I won¡¯t give up. If I go against the promise, I¡¯ll be struck by lightning.¡±

    The grandmother put her heart down.

    < >

 Chapter 112.1: Part 1: Dongshan

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 112 Part 1: Dongshan

    After learning from the grandmother¡¯s mouth that Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s former subordinates were sent to Dongshan, Ye Ming Yu asked someone to send the grandmother back. Just as Jiang Li thought, because the mute grandmother was advanced in age, in addition, outsiders thought that she was mute, Feng Yu Tang also didn¡¯t take the mute grandmother seriously. Thus no one noticed when Ye Ming Yu¡¯s people sent the mute grandmother back.

    Inside the room, Jiang Li and Ye Ming Yu sat facing each other as before. It¡¯s already veryte, but the two people did not feel sleepy at all. Ye Ming Yu looked at Jiang Li and said, ¡°Ah Li, this is not a simple matter.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu knew from the beginning that the Xue family¡¯s case was no small matter, after all, it was reversing a guilty verdict. As long as a different view was presented, let the injustice be washed clean, it¡¯s necessary to infringe on some people¡¯s interest. The current county deputy of Tongxiang, Feng Yu Tang, was clearly not a good person. The thing that Jiang Li wanted to do certainly would not be simple.

    But the words said by the mute grandmother had greatly gone beyond Ye Ming Yu¡¯s expectation. Feng Yu Tang actually dared to brazenly turn the previous officers into ves and controlled other people¡¯s life and death as he wished. This could be said as being extremely rampant and brutal. Ye Ming Yu absolutely would not believe if he said that there¡¯s no powerful backing behind him. Although Jiang Yuan Bai was the chief assistant, powerful people in Northern Yan were not just him alone.

    Ye Ming Yu thought he already didn¡¯t dare to underestimate this matter¡¯s seriousness already, but it seemed that he still underestimated it.

    Jiang Li looked at Ye Ming Yu. Upon seeing his grave expression, she understood the worry in Ye Ming Yu¡¯s heart. She said, ¡°I know, uncle, but I don¡¯t n to give up.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu had expected this sentence. Jiang Li spent so much effort, even opposing Feng Yu Tang with no hesitation, presumably, she really would not give up so easily. Moreover, it was not in line with Jiang Li¡¯s temper. In addition, Ye Ming Yu thought Jiang Li¡¯s understanding of this matter was much more than his.

    He was a boorish man, not as good as eldest Ye or second Ye¡¯s smart brains. He couldn¡¯t think of any good strategy to help Jiang Li, just do things ording to Jiang Li¡¯s exnation. Within the scope of his capacity, he would spare no effort to assist Jiang Li.

    Thus, Ye Ming Yu only felt tangled for a little while before he frankly said, ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, Ah Li, I won¡¯t persuade you anymore. As to what to do next, what you want to do, you just need to speak, uncle is with you.¡±

    These words warmed Jiang Li¡¯s heart. She said, ¡°Even though the mute grandmother said that those people are now in Dongshan, a long time has passed, it¡¯s unknown whether Feng Yu Tang and the others moved the people away or whether they are still alive.¡± Jiang Li paused before continuing, ¡°Uncle also heard what the grandmother said. Life is difficult in the mine, Feng You Tang¡¯s intention is to torment them, it¡¯s unknown how long normal people can persevere over there.¡±

    ¡°What you said makes sense.¡± Ye Ming Yu said, ¡°I¡¯ll first bring a few people to Dongshan and personally look at the circumstances of those people there. Tongxiang is not big, so it should not be difficult to make a round trip to Dongshan overnight.¡±

    Jiang Li continued, ¡°Not only that, if they were really in Dongshan, Feng Yu Tang would definitely have arranged for someone to supervise theborers. Uncle¡¯s people should carefully see how many people there are, whether they can be avoided and not rming them. If rming them could not be avoided, whether it¡¯s possible to seize all of them within a short time to prevent them from notifying Feng Yu Tang. If reinforcementse, it will be more difficult for us to move.¡±

    Ye Ming Yuughed mischievously, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the matter of threatening people, your uncle, I, am already experienced.¡±

    Jiang Li nodded, ¡°I don¡¯t know if uncle can give me an answer by tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°So fast?¡± Ye Ming Yu was surprised.

    ¡°I really don¡¯t mean to make things difficult for uncle.¡± Jiang Li had an apologetic expression on her face, ¡°it¡¯s really because the time left for us is not much. County Deputy Xue will be sentenced in seven days, if no sufficient evidence that could suspend the sentence could be found before the seven days, everything will be in vain.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu sighed, knowing that what Jiang Li said was reasonable. If Xue Huai Yuan was dead, there¡¯s no point in doing other things since the person was already dead. He said, ¡°Ok, I¡¯ll try my utmost for once. Ah Li, when I¡¯m not around, wait in the house for me, pay attention to safety.¡±

    Jiang Li said, ¡°Okay.¡± She took out the previously drawn map of Tongxiang from her sleeve and handed it to Ye Ming Yu. She said, ¡°This is the map of Tongxiang that I drew ording to what people said. Take it, uncle, it can be used when necessary. I can also draw a map of Dongshan, but have to wait for a while.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu took the map. After seeing the map, the densely packed drawings and the fine markings written on it, he was stumped for a moment. Jiang Li said that this was something that she drew ording to what people said. However, when Ye Ming Yu was following the sea merchants, he knew that this kind of detailed map could only be drawn by someone who was very familiar with the environment, not by others simply by listening.

    He didn¡¯t say anything, merelyughed heartily and said, ¡°Good, good, good, with this map, I think half of the work at hand will lighten by half. Ah Li, the rest will be left to you. I¡¯ll leave first to give instructions to the brothers.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu walked outside to give instructions to his brothers. Jiang Li looked at his rear figure, feeling both guilty and moved. Ye Ming Yu was clearly aware of many doubtful points, yet because of her, he did not ask anything and instead, trusted her. This trust was extremely precious and she would remember this in her heart forever. Since arriving in Tongxiang, Ye Ming Yu had always stood by her side, helping her. This evening, he would set off on an overnight trip without rest. Jiang Li was not willing to let him work so hard, but on the other side was his father.

    She believed when she was thinking of a countermeasure, Feng Yu Tang was definitely also finding ways to notify the current circumstances in Tongxiang to Princess Yongning. Once Princess Yongning was aware of this matter, without a doubt, she would quickly think of ways for Feng Yu Tang to block her. However, Jiang believed the biggest possibility was that Yongning would directly order Feng Yu Tang to kill her.

    For her and Feng Yu Tang, the crucial point of this conflict was time. Whoever was faster would have more chances of winning. She did not dare to stop for a rest and she could not afford to waste a single moment.

    ¡°Tong¡¯er, help me grind the ink.¡± Jiang Li said.

    < >

 Chapter 112.2: Part 2: Dongshan

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 112 Part 2: Dongshan

    Tong¡¯er immediately walked to the table and Jiang Li picked up the brush. Once, due to curiosity, also because Xue Huai Yuan wanted to know the situation in Dongshan before, she went along with him to Dongshan. Though it was only one time, she still remembered the ce she went to. Even though the current Dongshan might be somewhat different because of Feng Yu Tang¡¯s ¡°opening¡±, the ces approximately did not change much.

    She drew the position of the Dongshan mine, which would enable Ye Ming Yu and his people to investigate a bit easier. However, after Ye Ming Yu could find out the situation clearly in his preliminary investigation, she had to personally go to Dongshan. She had spent time with her father¡¯s subordinates before and understood them well. If she wanted to ask them to stand up and believe in her, Ye Ming Yu would not be able to do this. She must personally talk to them.

    No need for a long time, a moment would do.

    ¡­¡­

    After a stick of incense, Jiang Li gave the well drawn Dongshan map to Ye Ming Yu. Ye Ming Yu was not negligent and after getting the map, he immediately brought a group of people to set off. Dongshan was not far from here, but after all, it¡¯s necessary to be careful when scouting out an unfamiliar ce.

    Jiang Li kept busy after Ye Ming Yu left. She continued to slowly look through Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s case files. Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue persuaded her to rest for a moment as it¡¯s taxing for the body to continuously read the files without stopping. However, Jiang Li did not listen and looked on silently. Only when the rooster called three times did she feel sleepy, settled down and took a short rest with her clothes intact.

    In the end, she did not rest for long.

    Jiang Li woke up by herself. She did not know why, though she was very tired, probably because her mind was on Xue Huai Yuan, knowing that she could not waste even a moment of time, so even in her dreams, she was somewhat sober and prepared to wake up at any time. In her confused sleeping state, she vaguely heard Tong¡¯er talking to a person outside in a low voice, ¡°Miss has just slept. She onlyy down at dawn. Master uncle please wait for Miss to rest for a while.¡±

    Jiang Li suddenly opened her eyes and stood up from the sofa to see the travel weary Ye Ming Yu outside. Although his face looked tired, his pair of eyes were very bright.

    Jiang Li¡¯s drowsiness was immediately swept away. Without any hesitation, she asked promptly, ¡°Uncle, you¡¯ve returned.¡±

    Only then did Ye Ming Yu and Tong¡¯er discover Jiang Li walking outside. Tong¡¯er anxiously said, ¡°Ah, Miss, why did you get up?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Ah Li,¡± Ye Ming Yu also said, ¡°Why don¡¯t you sleep a bit more?¡± They walked outside all year round, not sleeping for one night did not count as anything. But Jiang Li was still young, moreover, she was a girl, she would inevitably be very tired.

    ¡°I¡¯ve woken up,¡± Jiang Li asked, ¡°Uncle, how¡¯s the investigation in Dongshan?¡±

    Talking about business, Ye Ming Yu no longer cared about other things and immediately replied, ¡°Ah Li, I brought people to take a look and what the mute grandmother said was right; there are people in the Dongshan mine. However, there are people keeping watch outside. We took advantage of the time when the people on night watch to fall asleep before walking to the mouth of the mine. The first time we walked in, we noticed that the Dongshan cave was too big and we could not find the road. We were afraid of getting lost and rming the people outside, so we first withdrew.¡±

    Jiang Li muttered, ¡°Right, the terrain in the Dongshan cave is indeedplicated. It¡¯s easy for people who are not familiar with it to get lost. It¡¯s correct for uncle and your people to timely withdraw, otherwise, it¡¯s easy to get trapped if you get lost inside.¡±

    Her words were as if she frequently walked in Dongshan and was aware of the circumstances inside like the back of her hand. However, at this time, Ye Ming Yu did not pay attention to the strangeness of her words and instead said, ¡°Though we did not go in, we are certain that there are people mining gold inside the mine. As for whether they are those officers, we can¡¯t tell because we do not know them.¡±

    Jiang Li asked, ¡°Why is uncle so sure?¡±

    ¡°Feng Yu Tang¡¯s people are too outrageous. We took advantage of the night to go to the mine, sote at night and those miners are still working!¡± Ye Ming Yu mentioned this matter with righteous indignation. ¡°This is not treating people as human, really too repulsive!¡±

    Jiang Li lowered her eyes. Since Feng Yu Tang had the intention of tormenting these people, he naturally would not let them have an easy time. But how many of those officers could support this round-the-clock working?

    ¡°Was uncle able to find out approximately how many people are still inside the mine digging for gold?¡± Jiang Li asked.

    Ye Ming Yu said, ¡°I don¡¯t know the definite number, but I guess there absolutely weren¡¯t many.¡±

    Jiang Li¡¯s heart sank and she asked, ¡°Why do you say that?¡±

    ¡°Because there were too few guards,¡± Ye Ming Yu said. ¡°Altogether, there were only two people. If it weren¡¯t because we were not familiar with the terrain, to tell the truth, I could have knocked these two people by myself and directly rescued the miners inside. But think about it, if there were many people, how could Feng Yu Tang only dispatched two people to stand guard, wouldn¡¯t he fear problems urring? Unless there were not many and he felt that two people standing guard is enough, naturally it¡¯s like that.¡±

    Jiang Li was silent for a long time before saying, ¡°What uncle said is right.¡± Actually, there was still another possibility, which was in Feng Yu Tang¡¯s eyes, ¡®a new official brings new officers¡¯, Xue Huai Yuan was already almost a dead man. The Xue family had no male offspring, so these former subordinates were naturally also discarded. What kind of people would expend effort to save people who had been abandoned? In any case, no one would save them, so it¡¯s not necessary to assign a lot of people to watch over them.

    But Jiang Li knew that this possibility was something she thought of tofort herself. What Ye Ming Yu said was more probable. At least, there were still people alive. After all, it¡¯s a good thing. This meant that there¡¯s a chance for the witness testimony she was hoping for.

    ¡°Ah Li, now the people have been found, but Dongshan¡¯s topography isplex. For the time being, we cannot find ways to take all these people out. Furthermore, even if we can take away all the people, I¡¯m not familiar with Tongxiang. I don¡¯t know where to safely hide these people away. If Feng Yu Tang sent people to search, the whereabouts of these people would be very easy to find. After all, Tongxiang is too small.¡±

    This was a fact and Ye Ming Yu¡¯s thought wasn¡¯t without any basis.

    < >

 Chapter 112.3: Part 3: Dongshan

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 112 Part 3: Dongshan

    Jiang Li pondered for a long time before saying, ¡°Uncle Ming Yu does not have to worry where to hide the people away. I have a way.¡± Although Tongxiang was small, it wasn¡¯t a ce that can be entirely seen with just a nce. Xue Zhao and she grew up in Tongxiang and had gone through every nook and corner. No one knew those abandoned secret chambers that Xue Zhao shared with her as interesting things. Now it turned into hidden treasures.

    Even though Ye Ming Yu was baffled as to how Jiang Li was going to solve this problem, he would not ask things that should not be asked. He had a simple brain and was not willing to think ofplicated problems. Thus he said, ¡°Okay then, don¡¯t mention this thing for the time being. Now, how are we going to bring those people over? You want them to be witnesses, that means bringing them out of Dongshan. If Feng Yu Tang knows that you have this n or even guesses, he will immediately kill them to shut their mouths. By that time, we will have many things in our hands.¡±

    ¡°Uncle Ming Yu, the reason why you felt that it¡¯s inconvenient was not because of the guards keeping watch outside, but rather because you are not familiar with Dongshan and afraid of getting lost in the numerous paths inside the mine.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°Hand this matter over to me.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu asked, ¡°What do you mean? Ah Li, what method do you have?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go to Dongshan,¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°enter the mine and bring those officers out.¡±

    When these words came out, Ye Ming Yu nearly jumped out. He said, ¡°Don¡¯t joke, Ah Li, how can you go in?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Tong¡¯er, who had been listening, also could not help opening her mouth at this moment. ¡°Miss, this is also your first timeing to Tongxiang, Master uncle could not walk because he does not know how dangerous the roads in the mine are. How can you take this risk?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not taking risks.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°I know how to walk inside the mine.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Ye Ming Yu said, ¡°it¡¯s too dangerous. Moreover, how do you know how to walk inside the mine?¡±

    ¡°Uncle Ming Yu,¡± Jiang Li looked into Ye Ming Yu¡¯s eyes and spoke earnestly, ¡°I said, I know how to walk inside the mine.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu was stunned.

    Jiang Li¡¯s eyes were clear like river water. But the resoluteness in them turned the water into rocks. She did not tell lies, she really knew the way inside the mine.

    Ye Ming Yu suddenly did not know what to say. The appearance of this niece of his was sincere, gentle and good. However, there seemed to be countless riddles in her body which made people sometimes think that they would forever be unable to enter her heart.

    ¡°Okay.¡± After a long time, Ye Ming Yu finally spoke. ¡°But I can¡¯t let you go in alone. Ah Li, I¡¯ll go in together with you.¡±

    Jiang Li still wanted to say something but Ye Ming Yu waved his hand, ¡°Ah Li, I know you have your own ideas with your work, I will not ask why or what. But I am your rtive, I cannot just look on as you take risks. If it was me today that¡¯s going to enter the mine, I believe you also will not watch with ease.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu¡¯s attitude was insistent.

    Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue looked at this for a while, then looked at that for a while, each of them not daring to say a word.

    After a while, Jiang Li said, ¡°Okay.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu heard this and the solemnity just now cleared away. He said, ¡°Okay! Ah Li, say, when do you want to leave?¡±

    Jiang Li, ¡°Now.¡±

    ¡°Now?¡±

    ¡°Yes, right now. At this moment, Feng Yu Tang has not yet thought of those officers, but soon he will remember them. Just in case he nned to clear up any and all probable evidence, that would include those officers. So we should not waste any time and must bring those officers out in haste.¡±

    ¡°But miss, you just woke up¡­..¡± Tong¡¯er reminded her.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, uncle Ming Yu, let¡¯s work hard first. As long as they are brought out and hidden away, the days will temporarily be a bit more rxed.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu replied refreshingly, ¡°It¡¯s fine, Ah Li, if you have anything, just need to tell uncle. Uncle absolutely has no objection, go then go!¡±

    Bai Xue and Tong¡¯er looked at each other helplessly. This pair of uncle and niece were both reckless, handling matters without any fear.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s set off.¡±

    ¡­¡­

    It didn¡¯t take the time of half a stick of incense from the decision to departure.

    Although Ye Ming Yu handled matters boorishly regardless of consequences, his temper of promptly doing right after thinking about it would not waste time. In this way, his swift reaction fitted well with Jiang Li¡¯s way of thinking. The group took advantage of the early morning to avoid pedestrians and secretly set off to Dongshan.

    Ye Ming Yu did not bring all his men and horses. He left a few people behind and one disguised as him to deceive the people Feng Yu Tang dispatched to monitor them.

    There were altogether seven people in the group excluding Jiang Li. After Jiang Li and Ye Ming Yu¡¯s discussion, the other six people would wait at the mouth of the mine as support while Ye Ming Yu and Jiang Li would enter the mine to look for those officers. Before reaching this stage, they must knock the guards down. To prepare against any eventualities, afraid that they had a special way of transmitting messages, it¡¯s best for them to only spend one stick of incense from the moment they searched for the officers to bringing them out.

    Actually, it wasn¡¯t hard to rescue people, the hard part would be to find those officers in the interconnected mines. After all, there were many mines and it¡¯s unknown which path they took. The people of Tongxiang did not know the routes in Dongshan mine. Even if they knew, who dared to show them the way as they all knew that it¡¯s Feng Yu Tang¡¯s domain.

    So the heavy burden fell on Jiang Li.

    Due to the danger this time round, they did not bring Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue along. Jiang Li was also dressed as a male with a short linen top, ck pants and deerskin boots. Her long hair was tied up and bundled inside a hat, looking like a pretty young master. Part of the gentle beauty was concealed and instead, she had a somewhat sharp heroic spirit.

    Ye Ming Yu asked Jiang Li, ¡°Ah Li, no need to worry so much. If they can¡¯t be found, we will go back. After several tries, we will be familiar with the road. You don¡¯t have to carry everything on your body.¡± Ye Ming Yu felt that Jiang Li was too careful with the Xue family¡¯s case. Even though he did not know the reason, Ye Ming Yu did not wish for Ah Li to me herself in the end.

    < >

 Chapter 113.1: Part 1: Dongshan

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 113 Part 1: Dongshan Hello! My apology, a heads up, there may not be any updates for the next two weeks as I¡¯ll be away on a business trip >.<.

    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡±

    In the dark, empty cave, the torch in Ye Ming Yu¡¯s hand made a reflection of two stretched and swaying shadows on the stone walls. The words echoed and it felt particrly hair-raising.

    He protected Jiang Li to the side, then cautiously walked two steps forward. He held the torch up high and his attention was suddenly fixed.

    He saw two people sitting and leaning against the stone wall. At a nce, it couldn¡¯t be seen that there were two people because these two people¡¯s figures were in bad shapes. Their clothes were worn out and tattered, they were covered with a filthy stench from head to toe and their bodies and hands were full of blood stains and scars, almost the same as prisoners.

    Seeing Jiang Li and Ye Ming Yu, these two people did not budge as if dead. Only a pair of eyes moved slightly, indicating that these two people were living people.

    Ye Ming Yu was still stunned. Jiang Li had taken the torch in his hand away and walked towards the two people before crouching in front of them. She had no fear as she looked calmly at the two people. However, her heart felt like lead, falling and sinking.

    Although she knew that Feng Yu Tang would do his best to torture Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s former subordinates, seeing this scene right in front of her, Jiang Li found that she had underestimated Feng Yu Tang¡¯s ruthlessness.

    These two people were clearly dying. Perhaps the people watching outside did not know, or perhaps they knew but just watched coldly by the side and hoped that these people would starve to death while inside. Supposed that Jiang Li did note today, these two people should not have lived past this night.

    The two people saw Jiang Li squatting in front of them and their eyes moved slightly. However, they remained deathly still, and stayed motionless.

    Jiang Li looked at their faces carefully and could finally recognize them. They followed her father by his side before, Gu Da and Gu Er<sup>1</sup>. Gu Da and Gu Er were twin brothers. After they lost both of their parents, Xue Huai Yuan noticed that they have exceptional martial arts skills and made them work as government officers. In her memory, Gu Da and Gu Er were always walking around full of vitality and their sword skills once made Xue Zhao extremely envious. He entangled the twin brothers so they would teach him sword skills.

    She did not expect them to be in such a difficult situation now.

    Jiang Li said softly, ¡°Gu Da, Gu Er, I¡¯m Jiang Li, I¡¯m here to get you out.¡±

    For a moment, Gu Da¡¯s eyes turned slightly, as if just realizing what kind of ce Jiang Li was standing at. He moved his lips yet Jiang Li couldn¡¯t hear any voice and did not know what he wanted.

    ¡°His throat is dumb, he hasn¡¯t drank water for two days, can¡¯t speak.¡± Suddenly, a hoarse voice sounded from behind. Though it was hoarse, it could still make people hear clearly.

    Jiang Li turned around to see two people standing behind the stone wall from an unknown time. One was a bit better, his spirit was much better than the Gu brothers. The pair of eyes was very expressive, vigntly looking at Jiang Li. The other person had a weak figure. It¡¯s unknown whether it was due to Feng Yu Tang¡¯s torture as he was so thin he looked like he would break from a gust of wind.

    The one who spoke was the healthier man.

    If he had not personally seen it, Ye Ming Yu simply would not dare to believe that they were previously government officers. This was even more miserable than those officials who were exiled due to serious felony. Even refugees were not this pitiful. It seemed that everything was only supported by one breath and they would copse immediately with one breath.

    Jiang Li looked at the person speaking, her eyes almost moist. She paused for a while before speaking, ¡°You should be Peng Xiao.¡±

    The man, Peng Xiao, looked at Jiang Li and asked, ¡°Who are you?¡±

    ¡°I came to bring you away from here.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°I want to reverse the verdict on County Deputy Xue.¡±

    As soon as these words came out, Peng Xiao, the person beside him, as well as the dying Gu brothers, had light bursting out from their eyes.

    Jiang Li looked at Peng Xiao and she didn¡¯t know what kind of sour taste she was feeling inside.

    In this cave right now, four people showed up, all were her former acquaintances,parable to a close rtive. Gu Da and Gu Er always discussed sword skills with Xue Zhao. Peng Xiao was father¡¯s subordinate, the leading officer. Jiang Li still remembered, though he was the head, he usually treated others very politely. A smile would expose a row of white teeth, as warm as the sun in winter. She and Xue Zhao regarded him as their eldest brother. The thin and weak man that seemed to be almost blown by the wind was called He Jun. Among the officers, he was the only one who learned to read. He often consulted with Xue Fang Fei, a person eager to learn. Xue Zhao once made fun of He Jun, saying that he perhaps thinking of bing an official, having a heart of bing the top scorer. It¡¯s better for him to have a good rtionship with Shen Yurong, and one day when Shen Yurong passed brilliantly, he could still be selected for promotion and let He Jun be a secretary.

    ¡®One person got a government position and all his cronies got in too¡¯, this sentence did note true in their Xue family. Shen Yurong got a government position, but he stepped on the blood of the Xue family to climb up. And the erudite He Jun was trapped in this mine, so thin he was all skin and bones.

    ¡°Who are you, why do you want to overturn the Master¡¯s case?¡± He Jun asked.

    At this time, he was unexpectedly clear-headed and could still interrogate Jiang Li.

    ¡°My name is Jiang Li.¡± Jiang Li was calm which made Ye Ming Yu feel amazed. She said, ¡°I¡¯m the current chief assistant, Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s daughter. This time I was entrusted by County Deputy Xue¡¯s daughter, Xue Fang Fei, toe to Tongxiang to reverse the verdict on her behalf.¡±

    ¡°Jiang Yuan Bai?¡± Several people were at a loss for a moment. For them, Yanjing was too far, the chief assistant in Yanjing was so distant that the existence couldn¡¯t be seen. Peng Xiao stared at her and said, ¡°Sister Xue is already dead.¡±

    Jiang Li sighed inside, even Peng Xiao and they knew about this. So Xue Huai Yuan should know this better. It should be, in order to torment Xue Huai Yuan, of course Yongning would use each and every bad news, continuously telling them to Xue Huai Yuan, making him live no better than dead, falling apart slowly.

    ¡°Sister Xue is dead, but her death wasplicated.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°I¡¯m old friends with Xue Fang Fei. This time, I came to wash away all the injustice of the Xue family.¡±

    Footnotes:

    <sup>1: Gu Da and Gu Er: Gu is the Surname, literally means Eldest Gu and Second Gu 1.</sup>

    < >

 Chapter 113.2: Part 2: Dongshan

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 113 Part 2: Dongshan I¡¯m back!!

    Not just Peng Xiao, even Ye Ming Yu was dumbfounded. He had no idea that Jiang Li still had a rtionship with Xue Fang Fei. Huh, the Xue family had an ident, not limited to just Xue Huai Yuan only, instead the Xue family¡¯s daughter and son also met with troubles. This meant that the whole family suffered from the cmity of being wiped out. What kind of deep hatred and grudges could make them like this? Ye Ming Yu felt that this matter was not simple.

    ¡°How do you n to overturn the Xue family¡¯s case? Why should we believe your words?¡± He Jun asked.

    Jiang Li stood up and looked directly into He Jun¡¯s eyes. ¡°I n to have you as witnesses, use the loophole in the file as material evidence, assemble the people in Tongxiang, collect evidence of Feng Yu Tang¡¯s crimes, enter the capital to reverse the verdict, and clearly tell the whole world. If the Imperial Court of Judicial Review had no idea, then enter the pce to report to the Emperor. Feng Yu Tang is not the mastermind orchestrating this, there¡¯s someone else behind him. This other person would make the emperor pay attention to and not be afraid that they could not be sued.¡±

    ¡°As for how you can believe my words, now Feng Yu Tang has grasped the entire Tongxiang to a degree that the people do not dare to even mention the Xue family¡¯s situation. The Xue family has be like this, you have also be like this. In fact, aside from me, nobody stood up to redress the Xue family. I don¡¯t have to deceive you, there¡¯s nothing but your life at this moment. Even this life is hanging by half. If I really want your life, it¡¯s not necessary to be this troublesome, it¡¯s easy to get.¡±

    Peng Xiao and the others were silent.

    Jiang Li was right, the four of them were already in poor health, their bodies destroyed by illness. Even the big, tall man behind Jiang Li could capture the four of them by himself. If Jiang Li truly wanted to deal with them, it¡¯s not worthwhile for her to weave these lies.

    ¡°Now I¡¯m only going to ask you, are you willing to go out with me and clear your Master Xue?¡± Jiang Li asked.

    Her gaze was firm without the slightest dear, but it unexinably made people follow in its firmness.

    Peng Xiao was the first to raise his head and looked at her while saying word by word, ¡°I¡¯ll follow you.¡±

    ¡°Me too!¡± He Jun said. ¡°All of us have stayed in this mine for a long time. 15 brothers, 15 brothers have been tortured to the extreme and only five of us remain! Why are we reluctant to die, striving on ourst breath, that is, waiting for this moment. Is it because we are afraid of death? No! We are hoping for a day where we can go out and reverse the verdict of the Lord. Such a good person as the Lord was framed by others, it¡¯s ridiculous! Now since this sister is willing to redress the injustice of the Xue family, our five brothers are willing to follow!¡±

    In the corner, Gu Da and Gu Er supported each other and stood up. They were probably terribly weak, they were incapable of speech and no voice could reach Jiang Li¡¯s ears. However, she could see the movement of their lips, which was saying ¡°willing¡±.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t right.¡± Ye Ming Yu spoke up, ¡°there are at most four people here, aren¡¯t there five people that are still alive? Where is the fifth person?¡±

    Peng Xiao nced at Jiang Li and Ye Ming Yu, turned around to walk forward and said, ¡°Follow me.¡±

    Going around the cave, leaning against the cave wall, a person was lying on the ground. At first nce, the person seemed to be dead already. Until they approached and crouched did they only see that this person still breathed lightly, a very frail breath, just like the light of a candle that would immediately extinguish with just a blow.

    ck? Jiang Li looked clearly at the person¡¯s face.

    ¡°ck has been sick for half a month. We guessed he would only be able to live a few more days.¡± He Jun spoke with hatred, ¡°Feng Yu Tang¡¯s people will not let us invite a doctor over. Our other brothers were all tortured to death like this.¡± He undid the back of ck¡¯s clothes while trembling.

    On that back, the clothes, skin and flesh already merged together looking badly mangled and exuding a stench. It¡¯s really hard for people to imagine that this was the skin and flesh of a living person. There were whipshes on top, not a single one was superficial. There wasn¡¯t any intact piece of skin left.

    ¡°The whip they used to whip us with has barbed tips.¡± He Jun looked at ck and said, ¡°ck is at his prime age but his life seems to have reached the end, he can¡¯t hold on anymore.¡±

    Jiang Li knew ck. He was the youngest among his father¡¯s subordinates with an age simr to Xue Zhao. He was born with a baby face, looking like a family¡¯s mischievous youngster. Every time she saw ck, it was as if she saw Xue Zhao. ck lying motionless here caused Jiang Li¡¯s heart to be gripped in pain for a while.

    The people beside her, she had lost too many of them one by one.

    ¡°Let¡¯s quickly bring them out, then look for a physician for him. He can¡¯t die.¡± There¡¯s no time to lose, Jiang Li promptly made a decision and spoke to Ye Ming Yu. ¡°Uncle Ming Yu, please help to carry ck, I¡¯ll support Gu Da and Gu Er, let¡¯s go out as quickly as possible. When the people outside arrive, we will send them to the secret room, look for a physician, ck cannot be dyed any more.¡±

    ¡°But how do we get out?¡± He Jun couldn¡¯t help asking. ¡°Although we;ve been in the mines for several months, the roads inside the mines are all connected. We¡¯ve been eating and living inside the mine and never walking outside.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°I know.¡±

    ¡®How do you know the road¡¯, before this sentence could be asked, Jiang Li had already helped Ye Ming Yu to put ck on his back. He Jun could only swallow his doubt and walked following Jiang Li.

    The group walked out of the mine.

    Jiang Li was supporting Gu Da and Gu Er. Although she was wearing a man¡¯s clothing, her face was beautiful and tender, her skin white as jade. A look could see that she was a daughter raised in a wealthy family. Peng Xiao did not forget Jiang Li¡¯s introduction just now. She was the daughter of the current chief assistant. Such a noble daughter, supporting their dirty and smelly brothers. These people should be considered just like ants in her eyes, but her gaze was very gentle, without any trace of disgust.

    Peng Xiao was in a trance, the girl pressed her lips together, looking soft but also firm and strong, making him think of the Lord¡¯s daughter, sister Xue. Sister Xue was also the pride of Tongxiang, her existence was like the moonlight in their hearts and no one could insult her. Sister Xue had a gorgeous appearance, extremely intelligent but without any arrogance. They had watched her grow up. Later, when they learned that she had an ident, and she was still used with an unbearable charge, none of them dared to believe.

    < >

 Chapter 113.3: Part 3: Dongshan

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 113 Part 3: Dongshan

    The Lord did not believe it either, but before they learned of the truth, the Lord was arrested and put in jail. They also became prisoners.

    Lucky¡­.. Peng Xiao looked at Jiang Li. Jiang Li was supporting Gu Da and Gu Er. While taking care of the two people¡¯s steps, she firmly walked forward. The mine was pitch-ck, but she seemed to know which direction had lights. As long as they persevered to continue, they seemed to be able to find an exit.

    Lucky¡­.. As long as you persist to go on, you could see hope. Peng Xiao thought like this in his heart and an unlimited force seemed to abruptly pour into him. His spirits rose and he walked following forward.

    ¡­¡­

    It only took them half a stick of incense to walk out of the mine, but both Jiang Li and Ye Ming Yu felt that the time was exceptionally long.

    Ye Ming Yu¡¯s subordinates were waiting outside. Seeing theming out, they couldn¡¯t wait to greet them. Jiang Li gave up the carriage to ck, Gu Da and Gu Er. Their bodies were too weak, unable to walk. At first, Ye Ming Yu was still thinking, how about Jiang Li? But then he saw Jiang Li get on a horse without hesitation in a beautiful motion which made his eyes shine.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, uncle.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°There¡¯s no time to lose, we should hurry to hide them first.¡±

    Feng Yu Tang¡¯s people would soon discover that the people inside the mines had been taken away and would surely search for the whereabouts of these people everywhere. Taking advantage of the time to bring them to a secret ce before Feng Yu Tangmanded his subordinates to start searching the whole city. It would be safer like this.

    Ye Ming Yu thought so, rode a horse side by side with Jiang Li and set off together. He asked Jiang Li, ¡°How are we going to invite a physician over to take a look at them? As long as Feng Yu Tang¡¯s people follow the physician, won¡¯t they find them quickly? Even if they don¡¯t find them, those people are afraid of Feng Yu Tang¡¯s official might, how would they dare to take the initiative to help?¡±

    ¡°Find a physician with wife and children, take his wife and children to the secret ce together and prepare all medicinal ingredients well.¡± Jiang Li spoke in a low voice. ¡°There¡¯s no other way, the circumstance is unusual, so we can only use intimidation. At the time, promise enough silver and guarantee to send them out of Tongxiang, they would surely agree.¡± Jiang Li thought for a while and said, ¡°Find physician Chung from Baohetang, he is very suitable.¡±

    Again, Ye Ming Yu thought in his heart. Jiang Li is too familiar with the affairs in Tongxiang, as if knowing Tongxiang like the back of her hand without thinking. But how is this possible? Ye Ming Yu did not ask much though there were many things he could not understand in his heart. He respected Jiang Li¡¯s secrets.

    Tsk, they, the people of the rivers andkes, never force people to do things.

    ¡­¡­

    The matter of Jiang Li taking robbing people out of Dongshan had not reached Feng Yu Tang for the time being.

    Feng Yu tang was pacing back and forth in the study room of his official residence. His beautiful concubine was on the ground, softly beating his legs. Working for Princess Yongning gave him a lot of benefits. Not just able to build such a magnificent house in Tongxiang, he could still have a room full of beautiful concubines. His study was a disy, with many precious antique books inside, but he only hung out in there.

    Today was actually a rare time for him to be serious, even the dainty concubine did not arouse his interest.

    Soon, the voice of a person was suddenly heard. A male servant ran hurriedly from outside. Feng Yu Tang immediately sent the concubine out and let the servant in. The servant closed the door, took out a letter and sent it to Feng Yu Tang. Feng Yu Tang took the handed letter, hastily tore the letter open, read rapidly and sat paralyzed on the chair.

    ¡°Master?¡± The male servant asked when he saw the ugly expression of Feng Yu Tang¡¯s face.

    Feng Yu Tang was silent, but the hand holding the letter was trembling slightly. In his daze, the letter fell onto the ground. A quick nce couldn¡¯t tell what¡¯s inside, but one word was especially eye-catching and shocking, ¡°kill¡±.

    Feng Yu Tang¡¯s heart beat very fast.

    The homing pigeon carrying letters had a special path, thus Princess Yongning¡¯s reply letter came especially fast. Feng Yu Tang knew Princess Yongning was arrogant, domineering and disregarded thew. This could be seen from this time using him to handle the Xue family¡¯s matters. However, in the end, Xue Huai Yuan was a minor government official, in Princess Yongning¡¯s eyes, a minor government official that could not enter her eyes was not a big thing that was worth mentioning.

    Feng Yu Tang absolutely never imagined that Princess Yongning¡¯s arrogance was not restrained even when facing the chief assistant¡¯s family. Without hesitation, in the letter she wrote, in the event that Jiang Li investigated the Xue family¡¯s case and was thinking of ways to reverse the verdict on Xue Huai Yuan, Feng Yu Tang must thoroughly kill her in Tongxiang and let Jiang Li die under the yellow spring!

    Feng Yu Tang could not believe his eyes.

    He wrote to Princess Yongning in the hope that Princess Yongning could instruct him on what to do next. However, Feng Yu Tang never thought that Princess Yongning would give this kind of solution. Killing the chief assistant¡¯s daughter, thinking of this, Feng Yu Tang felt fear and trepidation. He did not dare!

    This is no ordinary daughter, this is the Emperor¡¯s teacher, the chief schr, the imperial court¡¯s chief assistant¡¯s daughter! Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s disciples are all over the country. His killing his daughter was an extraordinary thing, people would be dispatched to investigate. Once they found out that it was his doing, he would not be able to protect his life!

    If knowing this was the oue, he would not have hastily written a letter to Princess Yongning. What should he do now? In the letter, Princess Yongning had directlymanded him to kill Jiang Li. After handling so many affairs for Princess Yongning, Feng Yu Tang could understand Princess Yongning¡¯s temperament to some extent. Those who obeyed prospered while those who opposed perished. Yongning¡¯s orders must be followed. Otherwise, he only had a dead end!

    What should he do?

    Feng Yu Tang that his forehead was full of sweat, flowing down drop by drop. He did not dare to even take another look at the letter on the ground, as if the ck letters had turned into red talisman pressing him to death.

    Moving forward is death, moving back is also death, what should he do?

    < >

 Chapter 114.4: Part 4: Dongshan

    <h4>Chapter 114.4: Part 4: Dongshan</h4>

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 113 Part 4: Dongshan

    The male servant prostrated respectfully on the floor, not daring to stand out. It¡¯s unknown how long had passed before Feng Yu Tang¡¯s voice was heard. He asked, light as a feather, ¡°You think, how about disobeying the Master?¡±

    ¡°That absolutely must not be done.¡± The male servant was startled. ¡°Master, you are aware of this Master¡¯s temper. If¡­.. even life cannot be protected!¡±

    Even the male servant knew that Princess Yongning was ruthless. Feng Yu Tang walked twice around the room in a jitter. He suddenly pped the table and said, ¡°Just do it! It¡¯s better to live than die. You may die if you kill her, but if you don¡¯t, you¡¯ll die immediately. Kill!¡±

    He had thought it clearly. Even if he killed Jiang Li, it would take time for the person dispatched by Jiang Yuan Bai to investigate to arrive in Tongxiang. If worsees to worse, he would use this chance to get away. In any case he had umted enough silver in Tongxiang for him to not worry about food and clothing. Moreover, he was doing work for Princess Yongning, she¡¯s bound to protect him. Even if Yongning was a blue blooded nobility and would not take him into mind, the silver she would give him must be plenty. However, if he did not do this, it¡¯s possible that Yongning would let someone take his life.

    Since that¡¯s the case, it¡¯s better to seek stability for now and think about future matterster.

    ¡°How many people are in Jiang Li¡¯s group?¡± Feng Yu Tang asked.

    The male servant replied, ¡°eight people altogether, six bodyguards, one uncle and one Jiang Li.¡±

    ¡°Eight people¡­..¡± Feng Yu Tang muttered for a while before saying, ¡°Not too many. Master left a few assassins behind. Go and invite them over, it¡¯s their turn to make a move, we don¡¯t have enough manpower.¡±

    Just as he was speaking, a person ran inside in a rush and said, ¡°Not good, Master, not good!¡±

    Feng Yu Tang had just made up his mind and when his state was still not at ease, these kinds of words were suddenly heard. He became even more nervous and said angrily, ¡°What¡¯s with all the shouting, what¡¯s not good?!¡±

    ¡°Master,¡± the servant did not dare to talk more and only said, ¡°The people in Dongshan mine were taken away!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Feng Yu Tang flew into a rage, ¡°What do those people eat to see? People can be taken away right under their eyes? Drag them down! Did they see clearly who took the people away?¡±

    Shook his head.

    ¡°Hmph, I know without them identifying.¡± Feng Yu Tang sneered, ¡°nowadays, the one who dares to publicly bring up Xue¡¯s case is just that group of people. Those officers in the mine are almost the same as handicapped people, which ordinary people dare to take care of. Clearly, only Jiang Li dares to!¡±

    ¡°But the terrain in the mines isplicated, how did they find the way out?¡± The male servant asked.

    ¡°Who knows.¡± Feng Yu Tang snorted, a sense of unease gradually rose in his heart. Jiang Li was clearly just a youngdy who didn¡¯t know anything. However, she seemed to be awfully familiar with everything in Tongxiang. This familiarity made what she wanted to do go smoothly. On the contrary, it caused Feng Yu Tang to be at a disadvantage.

    ¡°They took those officers to help them overturn Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s case.¡± Feng Yu Tang said with a dark face. ¡°Find them! Send all the people in the office, dig three meters deep, must find those officers for me. I don¡¯t believe that so many people just vanish into thin air!¡±

    The male servant epted the order and left quickly. Feng Yu Tang felt something blocked his heart, unsure of why, but he always felt that something uncontroble was happening.

    No matter what, there¡¯s something that he still had to do, which was to kill Jiang Li.

    In short, Jiang Li was the root of all the restlessness. As long as she¡¯s dead, those officers would quickly be found. There¡¯s nothing to fear from a group of people without a leader.

    ¡°Heard that this Jiang second sister is powerful.¡± A trace of fierceness shed in Feng Yu Tang¡¯s eyes. ¡°But, this will be the end of it.¡±

    ¡­¡­

    There was nobody inside Tongxiang¡¯s wine shop.

    After Lu Ji gave an enormous amount of silver, since then the shopkeeper had disappeared and never appeared. Inexplicably, Ji Heng got a wine shop in Tongxiang, not that he minded.

    ¡°That¡¯s Feng Yu Tang¡¯s troops.¡± By the window, Lu Ji¡¯s eyes were following a couple of troops downstairs. A steady flow of officers came out from the government office. Something important seemed to ur.

    ¡°They are goingt to Dongshan.¡± Lu Jiughed and said, ¡°Jiang second sister¡¯s move is very fast.¡± The more he observe Jiang Li¡¯s affair, the more astonished he felt towards this girl. Such an unfamiliar ce like Dongshan but she could still carry Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s people out within such a short time. For other people, to sessfully find the mine¡¯s exit without getting lost inside was already something hard-pressed to do.

    Therefore, it¡¯s still Jiang second sister that had a great ability.

    ¡°It¡¯s toote to go now.¡± Ji Heng shot a nce downstairs and said, ¡°The people are already hidden in a secret ce.¡±

    ¡°How did Jiang second sister find the secret ce over here?¡± Lu Ji was puzzled. ¡°She had never been to Tongxiang, also never met anyone, how could she discover such a secret ce?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you feel like she grew up in Tongxiang?¡± Ji Heng smiled mysteriously.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Lu Ji did not understand.

    ¡°Nothing.¡±

    Lu Ji paused for a while before he spoke again, ¡°Princess Yongning¡¯s letter should have been delivered to Feng Yu Tang. Master thinks, what does Princess Yongning want Feng Yu Tang to do?¡±

    ¡°Her heart is vicious, unlike me that has tender feelings. Of course she will eliminate thingspletely from the roots.¡± Ji Heng turned his folding fan around and spoke lightly.

    ¡°Will Feng Yu Tang do this?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Lu Ji was silent for a while before carefully asking, ¡°Jiang second sister is always both wise and brave, nothing should happen to her, right?¡±

    He didn¡¯t know why, after observing Jiang Li for so long, initially he was just an outsider who enjoyed watching the bustling scene, but Lu Ji had watched her for so long, just like watching a child he raised. He was not willing to see the child he raised toe to an end halfway, at least not now.

    ¡°Not necessarily.¡± Ji Heng said.

    Liu Ji: ¡°Is Master going to move?¡±

    Ji Heng: ¡°Won¡¯t.¡±

    < >

 Chapter 115.1: Part 1: Mine

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 115 Part 1: Mine

    ¡°Duke, after watching the y for so long, can youe out?¡±

    The clear voice, echoing in the middle of the woods at night with the moon hanging low, practicallyying on the branches on the treetops, illuminating Jiang Li¡¯s delicate face.

    Her crystal clear eyes not only did not have the panic that she had reached the end of the road. On the contrary, her gaze was far and prating, as if she had a well thought out n.

    The ck dressed people looked at her. The leader smilingly said, ¡°Second miss does not need to pretend to be mysterious¡­¡­.¡±

    His voice had not finished when he heard a lightughing from deep in the woods and a red figure gradually emerged from the darkness. Under the moonlight, the night seemed darker but the red clothes appeared even more gorgeous. The moonlight fell on the ck and gold butterflies embroidered in the corners of his gown. Those butterflies spread their wings as if about to fly, appearing extremely bewitching at this moment.

    Ji Heng walked out neither fast nor slow from the woods, his hand holding a gold thread folding fan, a smile on his lips as he spoke, ¡°Nothing can be hidden from you.¡±

    Jiang Li looked at him, her heart slightly loosened.

    Ji Heng often dispatched his subordinates to stare at people. Up and down Tongxiang, there were no affairs that he was not aware of. She believed the matter of Feng Yu Tang¡¯s people and Ji Shuran¡¯s peopleing to assassinate her was also within his grasp. This person loved watching ys the most, Ji Heng would never miss such a wonderfully presented y.

    Regardless of whether it was Ji Heng staring at her or Ji Heng¡¯s subordinate who was staring at her, Jiang Li believed it¡¯s unlikely for them to let her out of their sight. When Ji Shuran¡¯s people came out halfway to kill her, she initially thought that she had no way to retreat. As she was avoiding, she suddenly thought that the person who was following her, the person who had been silent the whole day, could perhaps protect her life.

    Even if the person could not protect her, it was also fine to distract the other party.

    Fortunately, someone was really following behind her. Even more fortunate was that the person following her turned out to be Ji Heng.

    With Ji Heng here, Jiang Li was much more relieved. This was actually a very strange thought. Ji Heng could not be counted as a friend. Up till now, he was an immeasurable and mysterious man. But Jiang Li crossed paths with Ji Heng several times and Ji Heng did not have the intention of harming her. Of course Jiang Li would not think that Ji Heng had tender feelings for women, instead, she thought perhaps there¡¯s something that Ji Heng could exploit from her.

    It¡¯s always better to have something that could be used instead of having nothing. As long as Ji Heng was here, she would be able topletely be assured that in this battle today, the person who died would not be her. Leaving aside the outstanding skill of Ji Heng¡¯s bodyguard, Jiang Li had personally experienced the might of that beautiful gold thread fan in Ji Heng¡¯s hand.

    He absolutely was not someone who sat and waited for death. On the contrary, his whole body was full of killing moves. Whoever looked down on him for being beautiful would be severely pped with danger.

    Ji Heng¡¯s appearance immediately attracted the attention of the assassins hired by Ji Shuran. The tip of the swords of some of them turned towards Ji Heng.

    Jiang Li¡¯s word, ¡°duke¡±, was not missed by the assassins. Moreover, Ji Heng¡¯s looks were too magnificent, too outstanding, a person suddenlying out from among the dark woods, just like a forest demon, bringing a beautiful danger. Maybe their work as killers made them have a keen intuition for danger, the ck dressed leader asked Ji Heng, ¡°Who is your excellency?¡±

    But Ji Heng did not pay attention to them, looked at Jiang Li while smiling and said, ¡°Second miss¡¯s ability to act in a y is even more wonderful.¡±

    ¡°If the y is not wonderful, how can it attract the Lord toe and see.¡± Jiang Li nced at the ck dressed leader and she smiled more widely. ¡°Lord, their swords are pointing at you.¡±

    Ji Heng, this person, his face was full of smiles but in fact, he was extremely ruthless and heartless with an arrogant temperament. A person pointing a sword at him could be taken as an insult to him.

    The ck dressed leader had a glimpse of Ji Heng¡¯s eyes and inexplicably wanted to take a step back. The tip of the sword was unconsciously lifted up, always feeling that it was extremely inappropriate.

    Ji Heng did not care and only smilingly looked at Jiang Li, ¡°Second miss, there¡¯s no need for misfortune to flow eastward. I¡¯ve already said it, I don¡¯t get involved in ys.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me the duke just watched me act in so many ys in vain? Suppose that I lose this life today, the duke won¡¯t be able to watch any more of my ys, won¡¯t there be a bit of pity in your heart?¡± She looked up to ask.

    The girl¡¯s face was clean, fair and tender. Her pair of clever and beautiful eyes seemed to contain boundless appeal. When she used a gentle, soft and pitiful tone to speak, it¡¯s hard even for a deity not to dote on her.

    However, Ji Heng was not a deity. He was a demon that was even more unfeeling than a fairy.

    He merely looked at Jiang Li while beaming and said, ¡°It is a pity, but I don¡¯t get involved in ys.¡±

    Jiang Li¡¯s praying look was put away in an instant. It¡¯s hard to imagine that she could so quickly step away from the touching mood just now.

    Jiang Li looked at Ji Heng, a trace of anger in her heart. In the previous life, when she was Xue Fang Fei, she had a gorgeous face. Although she did not think that it was a big deal, the majority of time that she was outside, due to her good looks, everything was almost always smooth-sailing. If there was any conflict, the other party would not be relentless after looking at her face.

    Beauties only need to act spoiled and everything could be grasped. She did not like to use this method, thus Xue Zhao said that she was wasting such a good skin and surprisingly did not fulfill a beautiful woman¡¯s reputation of damaging the country and causing suffering to the people.

    Now she actually bent down to others, had no choice but to y along and put out a pitiful and lovely appearance. But either the other party¡¯s heart was too hard or Jiang second miss¡¯s appearance couldn¡¯t be considered as devastatingly beautiful, she unexpectedly did not move the other party even the slightest bit. Instead, she received such a sobering reply.

    It¡¯s truly too infuriating.

    Ji Heng continued to look at her while smiling. He spoke in an understatement, as if he believed that there was nothing wrong by not saving someone who¡¯s about to lose her life. Under his long and narrow eyes, the bright red tear mole also had unlimited feelings, slowly filling the night with a thick allure.

    That ck dressed leader seemed to snap out at this moment. He first said to Ji Heng, ¡°Since Your Excellency has no conflict with us, then it¡¯s easy to handle matters.¡± He once again looked at Jiang Li and said, ¡°Second miss, this person that you are hoping to help you doesn¡¯t seem to have any ns of assisting you. We won¡¯t waste anymore time,e!¡± After speaking, it¡¯s unknown whether he was afraid that Ji Heng¡¯s emergence would lead to many dreams at night, he immediately rushed towards Jiang Li. The tip of the sword shed a silver light and carried murder in the night, shaking the leaves to fall down!

    < >

 Chapter 115.2: Part 2: Mine

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 115 Part 2: Mine

    Jiang Li saw that there¡¯s no reversal, yet the person at the side was still light and easy, acting like a wall and just watched. With a firm resolve, she shouted without any hesitation, ¡°Duke, I know why you want to pull rtionship with the Right Minister, Cheng Wang. Now the court is divided into three, although His Majesty was at a disadvantage, he isn¡¯t a useless person. It¡¯s just that he is naturally suspicious. You want His Majesty to trust you alone, therefore you help Cheng Wang to rise. With a wolf at the front and a tiger behind, His Majesty will certainly be anxious and inevitably rely on you. You can be the number one court counselor because you single handedly brought the three divisions in the court!¡±

    Jiang Li¡¯s words were spoken hurriedly and urgently. The ck dressed assassins were all stunned. What Cheng Wang, what Right Minister, what is all this?

    Ji Heng¡¯s smiling lip corner seemed to turn to ice in an instant.

    As soon as her words fell, an ice cold sword appeared before her eyes. Another person thrusted a sword behind her. She would die moving forward and going to the Underworld moving backwards. All around, there was only one word, ¡°death¡±!

    As she was waiting for the moment, a slender hand suddenly stretched out, grabbed her shoulder and pushed her lightly to the other side.Within a short time, a bright peony bloomed, Ji Heng had opened his fan.

    The front side of the fan was suddenly like a sharp knife. Jiang Li could only see the fan waving around, in between the opening and closing, the golden thread used to embroider the peony glimmered like gems. However, in no time, a loud noise sounded. The two ck dressed people that were surrounding Jiang Li from the front and behind, about to kill her, fell to the ground. There was still an expression of astonishment on their faces. As if in their final moment, they were still perplexed on their cause of death.

    The other ck dressed people in position were temporarily stunned.

    No one could even fully see how Ji Heng made his move. Ji Heng¡¯s movements were too fast. Jiang Li had been staring at Ji Heng¡¯s fan. She again saw the formidable power of the fan. Perhaps, it¡¯s not the fan that¡¯s frightening, rather it was the man before her eyes that was too formidable.

    ¡°Brothers, don¡¯t care, go together!¡± The ck dressed leader clenched his teeth and abruptly called the people behind toe together!

    Jiang Li had barely escaped a disaster, but then saw the murderous intent from all sides. Without thinking, she immediately gripped the corner of Ji Heng¡¯s clothes firmly. Ji Heng was a dangerous person, but the enemy of an enemy was a friend. At present, only Ji Heng could protect her safety!

    Ji Heng shot a cold look at her, but still did not speak. The ck dressed people had already rushed over. The corner of Ji Heng¡¯s lip was raised in a sneer, the fan in his handpletely spread out. He used one hand to pick Jiang Li by the back cor to draw back. He moved so fast that it¡¯s difficult for people to see. They could only distinctly see the ck butterflies dancing on the corners of his robes, bringing with it a strong and strange demonic charm.

    Under the night, his figure moved extremely quickly. The fan in his hand resembled some kind of a horrible weapon. In a sh, between the closing and opening,rge chunks of blood blossomed, just like the peach blossom in the fifth month. The top part of the fan gave out flickering radiance, making the back felt cold.

    Tragic shouts echoed one after another in the woods. For a short time, it was like hell on earth.

    Jiang Li subconsciously stuck to Ji Heng¡¯s side, but felt the coldness of his gown, as if he was not a person from the human world, without a trace of warmth.

    It¡¯s unknown how long had passed before the miserable shouts outside faded away. Ji Heng¡¯s actions also stopped.

    Ji Heng¡¯s mocking voice was heard from the top of her head, ¡°Miss Jiang second, the field has beenpletely cleared.¡±

    Jiang Li slowly loosened her hand, raised her head and looked around.

    Under the moonlight, the corpses of the ck dressed people were strewn disorderly, with blood blossoming on the ground. It was like the earth¡¯s purgatory drawn in the temple¡¯s murals.

    Ji Heng killed more than ten people by himself. And only a short moment had passed.

    Jiang Li turned her head to look at Ji Heng.

    The moon slowly climbed on top of the branches, as if still disliking that the situation was not scary enough. The moon shone especially bright. The pure moonlight and the filthy blood on the ground made people unable to distinguish clearly whether it was a nightmare or reality.

    And Ji Heng standing among the foul blood with his red gown made people suspect if the red was dyed from the blood on the ground. But he held his folding fan as if he did not feel how all these made people feel unwell. He only looked at Jiang Li and said, ¡°Miss Jiang second, aren¡¯t you supposed to thank me?¡±

    Jiang Li remained silent.

    The next moment, that fan suddenly pressed against Jiang Li¡¯s throat. Ji Heng did note near, he even kept a certain distance from Jiang Li. However, his expression was extremely cold. From knowing Ji Heng up to now, he was always full of smiles and mischievous, even if she knew that it was his pretense. But the moment the poisonous beast showed his ws and teeth, no matter who they were would feel frightened.

    Jiang Li could also feel afraid.

    ¡°Miss Jiang second, I¡¯ve said it, I don¡¯t like to enter the y. Why did you stubbornly pull me in?¡± His voice was very soft, just like the lingering whisper between lovers. It¡¯s just that it contained an indescribable coldness, inch by inch climbing on a person¡¯s back, making people¡¯s back feel cold.

    ¡°There¡¯s no way,¡± Jiang Li looked straight into his eyes, her voice a bit soft, as if she was feeling sincerely sorry as she continued, ¡°I don¡¯t want to die.¡±

    Just then, she could clearly feel that Ji Heng truly did not n to take action and was just about to watch from the side. She definitely must not let this happen. If Ji Heng did not move, she could only die here. Father was still in prison, the truth of Xue Zhao¡¯s death had not yet been revealed, she must not die here. At least not now, therefore, she had to make a move.

    So she could only say the secret she had discovered earlier.

    It¡¯s unknown at which moment in time, she was thinking about the rtionship between Ji Heng, Cheng Wang, the Emperor and Jiang Yuan Bai when it dawned on her. There wasn¡¯t anything particr, it just suddenly became clear to her.

    The current court was split into three parts, Cheng Wang, Jiang Yuan Bai and Emperor Hong Xiao. Cheng Wang was not as stable as the present before he joined hands with the Right Minister. At that time, the court could only be regarded as divided into two factions, Jiang Yuan Bai and Emperor Hong Xiao. With the teacher and student rtionship, if Jiang Yuan Bai did not give birth to a different heart, Emperor Hong Xiao also would not have too many taboos.

    < >

 Chapter 115.3: Part 3: Mine

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 115 Part 3: Mine

    Afterwards, Cheng Wang unexpectedly joined hands with the Right Minister, and the bnce in the court was broken. Cheng Wang¡¯s forces incited disharmony between Jiang Yuan Bai and Emperor Hong Xiao. The teacher and student rtionship was still there, but trust was no longer there. Jiang Li believed, if one day in the future there was proof of the Jiang family¡¯s betrayal, Emperor Hong Xiao would imprison Jiang Yuan Bai without the slightest hesitation.

    It¡¯s impossible for Emperor Hong Xiao to join hands with Jiang Yuan Bai despite his power gradually diminishing. However, based on thest time Jiang Li saw Emperor Hong Xiao, whose birth mother, Imperial Consort Xia, died early, he did not seem easy to fiddle with, unlike the ordinary appearance shown on the surface. Perhaps Ji Heng had seen Emperor Hong Xiao¡¯s ambition, therefore decided to stand in Emperor Hong Xiao¡¯s faction.

    There were people in the world who did their best but only managed to turn into a name among Emperor Hong Xiao¡¯s subjects. Evidently, it¡¯s not something Ji Heng wanted. The situation that Ji Heng actually wished for was for him to be Emperor Hong Xiao¡¯s confidant, to be Emperor Hong Xiao¡¯s most trusted person. Although she didn¡¯t know why he wanted such a situation, Jiang Li was certain that Ji Heng assisted Cheng Wang for this particr purpose.

    That¡¯s to say, from the beginning, Ji Heng had thought of ways to help Cheng Wang, to make Cheng Wang and the Right Minister join hands and caused the Jiang family to feel threatened. With Cheng Wang¡¯s instigation, Emperor Hong Xiao and Jiang Yuan Bai would be at odds. Thus the imperial court would turn into the three divisions that Ji Heng was hoping for. The isted Emperor Hong Xiao would choose to trust Ji Heng and make Ji Heng his trusted aide.

    Thinking of this, Jiang Li felt a bit fearful. Nobody would believe that it was Ji Heng¡¯s strategy when exposed. After all, this needed a long term sight, a precise n and a huge courage. Yet against reason, he did it, moreover, he did it well.

    When this secret dawned on Jiang Li, she knew that she must keep this secret forever in her heart and must not tell anybody. She knew what idea Ji Heng was nning, and did not mention it at all whenever she had a confrontation with Ji Heng. Because she knew, once Ji Heng was aware that she had pried into his secret, the first thing he would do was to silence her to keep her mouth shut.

    A loose tongue may cause a lot of trouble. There¡¯s no ailments when you select food and there¡¯s no disaster when you have no words. This was Jiang Li¡¯s decision. However, one¡¯s n was not as good as heaven¡¯s n. She never thought that she would be forced into a dead road this evening. Ji Heng was at the side, yet he did not have any n to take action. As a result, she could only borrow a knife to kill.

    Revealing Ji Heng¡¯s secret in front of those assassins, Ji Heng absolutely would not allow the people who knew his secret to be alive. Those killers were destined to be silenced.

    ¡°Miss Jiang second, you should know,¡± Ji Heng slowly started talking, ¡°this matter of silencing people to keep them from speaking out, not a single mouth will be left.¡±

    He could y those assassins, he could also kill her. First, she was aware of Ji Heng¡¯s secret. Second, she unexpectedly used Ji Heng¡¯s secret to count Ji Heng. Just these two charges were enough, there¡¯s no reason for her to keep on living.

    The icy cold fan pressing against her frail neck. Ji Heng¡¯s gaze lingered on Jiang Li¡¯s neck as if carrying a trace of sentiment. However, with a careful look, there was only ruthless indifference. The fan pressed forward inch by inch, the feeling of death was very clear. Jiang Li heard the sound of her heartbeat, but her voice was very calm.

    ¡°Duke, I don¡¯t want to die, otherwise I would not have said those words,¡± said Jiang Li.

    ¡°Give me a reason why you should not die.¡± Ji Heng looked at her.

    ¡°If the duke wants the Majesty¡¯s trust, it¡¯s imperative for Cheng Wang and the Jiang family to fight. Supporting Cheng Wang is not the goal, support is for an even better solution.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°I can make it impossible for the Jiang family and Cheng Wang to get together, also able to wear down Cheng Wang¡¯s power.¡±

    Ji Hengughed, ¡°How are you going to do it?¡±

    ¡°In the Xue family¡¯s case, Feng Yu Tang was just a cover and the person behind is Yongning.¡± Jiang Li¡¯s pupils lowered. Ji Heng had probably known from an earlier time that this case had something to do with Yongning. She also did not have to hide anything and continued, ¡°I want to dip my hand in Xue family¡¯s case, and sooner orter I will face Yongning, and Cheng Wang also will not rest. No matter how my father regards me, my surname is still Jiang, Cheng Wang will definitely put this ount on the Jiang family¡¯s face. Cheng Wang and the Jiang family turn into opponents, I am a member of the Jiang family, I will definitely help the Jiang family to deal with Cheng Wang.¡±

    ¡°How are you going to deal with Cheng Wang?¡± Ji Heng asked, ¡°now you are only 15 years old.¡±

    Jiang Li only said five words, ¡°by hook or by crook.¡±

    Ji Heng was silent for a while, then said, ¡°Whether it was the Jiang family or Cheng Wang, in the end, neither can remain.¡±

    This was something Jiang Li had guessed before. Ji Heng helping Cheng Wang, instigated the Jiang family, all for the two people to confront each other and wear each other down. Only then would Emperor Hong Xiao¡¯s power grow. She dealt with Cheng Wang wholeheartedly, but the Jiang family was also approaching a crisis.

    In all fairness, though she wasn¡¯t the genuine Jiang second miss, by borrowing Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s reputation, she had also managed to aplish many things. Aside from Ji Shuran mother and daughter and Jiang Yu¡¯e, the other people in the Jiang family, though they were not harmonious with her, they did not injure her. If the Jiang family truly copsed, when the nest was overturned, all the eggs would break; she also would not have the opportunity to live.

    She had to preserve the Jiang family and take revenge on Yongning and Shen Yurong.

    ¡°Duke, I don¡¯t know what your final goal is, but when the Jiang family copses, sooner orter, there will be a second Jiang family.¡± Jiang Li spoke quietly, ¡°Preserve the Jiang family, in case the Jiang family can help you in the future, and be your ally, right?¡±

    Her earnest persuasion did not move Ji Heng. Ji Hengughed, I don¡¯t need help, also don¡¯t need allies.¡±

    Jiang Li: ¡°¡­..¡±

    But instead, she felt it was right. Because it was truly too difficult to imagine Ji Heng having a friend and thefort of a family. A viper living together with a flock of sheep, just thinking about that scene made people feel incredible.

    ¡°You still haven¡¯t persuaded me,¡± Ji Heng reminded her. ¡°The reason for not killing you.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t find a reason.¡± Jiang Li looked at him calmly. ¡°Because these reasons can¡¯t even convince myself. But I have things that I haven¡¯tpleted yet, and I can¡¯t die now. If duke insisted on not letting me go, I hope that the duke can give me some time. Leave my life here, wait until I finish all the things that I should do, then I will personally send this life over. I hope the duke can kindly ept.¡±

    Ji Heng looked at her, smiled and said, ¡°If I say no?¡±

    Jiang Li was silent again.

    < >

 Chapter 115.4: Part 4: Mine

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 115 Part 4: Mine Hello! I¡¯m on a trip until the third week of January 2024, so the update might be sporadic or none at all during this time. I¡¯ll try but we all know as far as trips go, we won¡¯t be able to do much of anything. Moreover, we will be moving every 1-2 days so ¡­. ^^!

    I¡¯ll take this time to wish all of you a wonderful holiday season, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you so much for being with us all these years. Let¡¯s hope for a better year ahead! Cheers!

    After a while she said, ¡°If it¡¯s really not possible, please start, duke. Actually, I¡¯ve already profited. At first Duke was not going to appear and I was about to die under the hands of these people. Perhaps dying without any form. Now, dying under the duke¡¯s hand is my honor. What¡¯s more there are still so many people to be buried with me. Thinking about it, it¡¯s not a loss. Thank you for the duke¡¯s care these days. If there¡¯s a next life, Jiang Li would repay your kindness.¡± After finished speaking, Jiang Li closed her eyes and calmly lifted her head up slightly, waiting for Ji Heng to move his hand.

    The fan moved on the white as jade neck, like a sharp weapon that harvested lives. Her features were distinct, clean and delicate like a mountain¡¯s fairy. Her mouth that was very small and rosy was closed, somewhat stubbornly. And her longshes were as if moistened by ayer of light dew that was about to drop, slightly quivering, very pitiful.

    Ji Heng¡¯s fan moved, gradually pressing. That was not a gorgeous folding fan at all, but more violent than a sword.

    The viper coiled around its prey, opened its fang, its poison fell drop by drop. The white rabbit shrank into a ball, pathetically and carefully hoping that there¡¯s still an opportunity to live.

    It slowly drew near, the serpent¡¯s tongue, as well as its gaze was ice-cold. It only needed to take a bite and this rabbit would not be able to move anymore.

    But it suddenly flicked its tail, turned its head and walked away.

    Jiang Li only felt that the pressure of the fan on her neck lightened and in an instant, there was no more sensation. She lifted her head, and saw Ji Heng¡¯s indifferent side face.

    Ji Heng said, ¡°You are the first person I was about to kill that thanked me.¡±

    Jiang Li said, ¡°Is it? Then it¡¯s also my honor.¡±

    ¡°Your mouth is so sweet,¡± the corner of Ji Heng¡¯s lips rose. ¡°Are you always like this?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m only like this when dealing with the duke.¡± Jiang Li nodded, her heart let out a breath in relief. In the end, she still won the gamble. She thought Ji Heng was someone who could not be moved by force or persuasion. But Ji Heng was not a lunatic who killed people when he saw them. Although people outside judged him as being temperamental, in fact, Ji Heng only took the lives of those people who provoked him.

    Once she showed that she waspletely harmless and meek with no threat towards Ji Heng, he would be toozy to move his hand on her.

    I know you are not as harmless and meek as you appear to be.¡± As if Ji Heng could see her thoughts, he suddenly opened his mouth. ¡°You have also identally ruined many of my ns. I don¡¯t like being lenient. But,¡± He abruptly looked at Jiang Li, his eyes prating and deep, ¡°you pulled me into the y.¡±

    ¡°I want to see this y until the end. You can¡¯t die at its most wonderful scene.¡± Ji Heng said, ¡°Therefore, you can temporarily keep your life. I¡¯ll take it when you are done with your affairs.¡±

    Jiang Li asked, ¡°What if the things I have to do take a long time toplete?¡±

    ¡°Then just wait.¡± Ji Heng said, ¡°I have patience, you know.¡±

    Jiang Li was silent. Ji Heng indeed had a lot of patience. He had begun to put things in order long before Cheng Wang flourished. At that time, no one would care about these things. He assisted Cheng Wang step by step until today¡¯s stage where nobody dared to underestimate him. The current Jiang family¡¯s restraint was also caused by this person.

    He was more patient than anyone else. Probably there¡¯s nothing he wanted to do that he could not aplish.

    However, Jiang Li was already very satisfied. It¡¯s good to keep this life for now, and it¡¯s fine if Ji Heng took it away in the future. Anyhow, she did not have to die today. She wanted to live, live to get Xue Huai Yuan out of prison, live to expose Yongning and Shen Yurong¡¯s real faces, live to take revenge for Xue Zhao.

    Everything could only be done when she¡¯s alive. Ji Heng could keep her alive from the people arranged by Ji Shuran, could give her this life to take revenge, then she had no reason to resent Ji Heng.

    The road ahead was boundless, keeping her life, she would always find a way out.

    ¡°These people¡­..¡± Jiang Li looked at the dead bodies on the ground.

    ¡°No need to bother.¡± Ji Heng looked at her, ¡°Perhaps you wish to act and send them back to Ji Shuran in Yanjing?¡±

    Jiang Li thought seriously for a moment, ¡°No need. Sending them back will make her aware that she has failed and she will inevitably think of other ways. I really don¡¯t have the energy to think about it. It¡¯s better to let her think that everything has prevailed. It¡¯s also a happy thing to see her surprise when I return to Yanjing.¡±

    Ji Heng nodded cheerfully: ¡°Makes sense.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the duke¡¯s n now?¡± Jiang Li inquired. ¡°I have to go back, I don¡¯t know how uncle is doing now. Feng Yu Tang¡¯s people wanted to kill me wholeheartedly, I¡¯m afraid that uncle will be in danger.¡±

    ¡°Ye Ming Yu is fine.¡± Ji Heng said, ¡°Among Feng Yu Tang¡¯s people, the three killers with the best skills were Yongning¡¯s. They were the ones who came after you and you trapped them in the swamp.¡± He nced meaningfully at Jiang Li. Then he spoke again, ¡°The remaining people are inadequate, Ye Ming Yu can deal with them.¡±

    Jiang Li was slightly relieved after hearing Ji Heng. In case something happened to Ye Ming Yu because of her, Jiang Li was afraid that she would me herself very much. Ji Heng would not lie about this. Jiang Li still believed him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Ji Heng said, motioning her to ride the horse.

    Jiang Li was stunned. Just now, while in a hurry to escape, she twisted her foot and it was not convenient to walk. She was going to endure, but didn¡¯t think that Ji Heng could see it. But it was not the time to be pretentious, so Jiang Li did not think much and supported her body to turn over the horse.

    Ji Heng walked unhurriedly beside her. Jiang Li pulled the reins from above. The two of them never got along so harmoniously.

    ¡°Duke, I have something to ask.¡± Jiang Li spoke softly, ¡°This life is lent to me, but what if I die before I can give it back to you?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible.¡± Ji Heng did not even turn his head around, his red gown drew a beautiful ray against the night sky. He said, ¡°My things, no one could take them away from me. That includes your life.¡±

    < >

 Chapter 116.1: Part 1: Protect

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 116 Part 1: Protect I¡¯m back!!! Happy New Year everyone! Let¡¯s hope 2024 is kind to us. This is the longest trip I¡¯ve taken yet ^^. Justnded this morning, unpack and throw everything to one side, do a bit of work before Mondayes to keep everything at bay, and straight to finish tranting this chapter part. It¡¯s been so long!!

    Random thought: I need a 2024 calendar T^T , Since I left before the calendars were distributed, I got left out!!

    When Jiang Li and Ji Heng went out of the woods, Ye Ming Yu and his subordinates were alreadying over to look for them. Two of his subordinates were seriously injured while the rest had minor injuries. Ye Ming Yu¡¯s arm had an open wound, and blood was dripping onto the ground. However, he did not pay much attention and just carelessly tore a piece of clothes to bind it.

    They could not find the whereabouts of Jiang Li and just as Ye Ming Yu was about to despair, he saw Jiang Li appear on a horse at one end of Qingshi Lane. Beside her, there¡¯s a youngster in a red robe. Ye Ming Yu recognized him as a man who once appeared in front of the Ye residence in Xiangyang. Jiang Li once said that this man was the duke.

    Although he did not understand how the duke also came to Tongxiang, Ye Ming Yu was still overjoyed upon seeing Jiang Li. He hurriedly brought his horse to step forward to meet with her while calling out, ¡°Ah Li!¡±

    ¡°Uncle!¡± Jiang Li was also surprised upon seeing Ye Ming Yu and immediately pulled the reins and got off the horse. The uncle and niece met again, rejoicing after having escaped a disaster. Jiang Li looked behind Ye Ming Yu and asked, ¡°Is uncle okay? What about those assassins?¡±

    ¡°They were just some disorderly gang. The three most skilled ones went after you. After we solved those, your shadow could no longer be seen. We didn¡¯t recognize the roads in Tongxiang and went in all directions looking for you, but no matter how, we couldn¡¯t find you, really making me worried to death. Thankfully you¡¯re okay.¡± He sized Jiang Li up and down and rxed after seeing that Jiang Li wasn¡¯t hurt in the slightest.

    But Jiang Li caught sight of the cloth binding Ye Ming Yu¡¯s arm that still had blood seeping out from it and was frightened. She said, ¡°Uncle, you are hurt!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Ye Ming Yu waved his hand, not in the least concerned. He said, ¡°those were just small injuries, not even worth mentioning. Ah Li, I¡¯m telling you, thankfully I¡¯m here on this trip. If you only brought your own bodyguards, the safety won¡¯t be guaranteed. But even so, those three had good skills¡­.. I also find them hard to deal with. Talking about it, what happened to those three people? I saw them chasing after you and was extremely worried. But I was held back by the other people and couldn¡¯t get away from them for a while. How did you escape their grasp?¡±

    Jiang Li thought, if she said that she used the swamp in the woods to trap those assassins to death, for Ye Ming Yu, it might be too scary. Though she had revealed too many doubtful points, this uncle always believed her whole heartedly. It¡¯s better to keep him from thinking too much, she did not wish for Ye Ming Yu to look at her like a monster.

    She said, ¡°I rode my horse and identally entered the woods. Those people also followed me into the woods. Perhaps it was also the first time for them to go into the woods, thus they lost their way. I followed the stars in the sky to guide the way for me and walked out ahead of them.¡±

    She was talking nonsense, unexpectedly, Ye Ming Yu did not doubt her and said, ¡°that¡¯s dangerous.¡±

    Ji Heng who had been standing at the side without saying any words, heard her words and shot a nce at her. The corner of his lips raised, as ifughing at her continuous lies.

    Ye Ming Yu noticed Ji Heng¡¯s expression, hesitated for a while and asked, ¡°Ah Li, this is¡­..¡±

    ¡°I ran into the Duke when I came out from the woods just now.¡± Jiang Li smiled and said, ¡°If it weren¡¯t for the duke¡¯s help, I¡¯m afraid it would not be so easy for me to return.¡±

    Since Ji Heng had decided to spare her life for the time being, he naturally would not go back on his words. Even, in order to uphold his dignity of ¡°not letting others take his stuff away¡±, he would help Jiang Li so she would not die under someone else¡¯s knife. As such, Ji Heng became a natural barrier. Jiang Li believed, as long as she¡¯s in danger, even though Ji Heng would not take the initiative to help, as long as she seeked help from Ji Heng, he would take action.

    She didn¡¯t know if this was a good thing or a bad thing.

    Regardless whether it was a good thing or a bad thing, at least before Ji Heng intended to take her life, they could be said to be in temporary alliance. Therefore, Jiang Li did not hide as far as Ye Ming Yu was concerned.

    Sure enough, hearing this, Ye Ming Yu immediately cupped his fists towards Ji Heng and said gratefully, ¡°Is it? Many thanks to the duke for your help! Ye third can¡¯t thank you enough. If there¡¯s any need in the future, Ye third will definitely repay sincerely!¡±

    Ji Heng looked at Jiang Li and said with a smile, ¡°Your family members, everybody likes to repay kindness?¡±

    Jiang Li¡¯s cheeks turned slightly red. When Ji Heng pressed his fan against her neck, in order to soften Ji Heng¡¯s heart, she dered to ¡°repay in the next life¡±. These words, although she knew that Ji Heng might have seen her n, Ji Heng still let her go in the end. It¡¯s hard to tell whether it was due to her words.

    If you are a human, there would be a weakness, it¡¯s nothing but a matter of big and small. For the time being, it¡¯s not clear what Ji Heng¡¯s weak point was. But Jiang Li knew that he certainly had one, as long as he still had the four human emotions, happiness, anger, sorrow and joy.

    ¡°It¡¯s not fond of repaying a debt of gratitude,¡± Jiang Li smiled, ¡°we are just very clear on gratitudes and grudges, that¡¯s all.¡± Taking revenge when there¡¯s hatred, and repaying debts when there¡¯s grace; it¡¯s always been like that since ancient times. There¡¯s no such thing as repaying kindness with enmity, or being ungrateful. If there is, a person must seek fairness and justice on their own.

    ¡°Okay, no need to talk more.¡±Ji Heng said, ¡°I¡¯m going back. In these seven days, Feng Yu Tang¡¯s people will not make a move on you.¡± He said, ¡°I¡¯m staying at the tavern across from the county office,e look for me if there¡¯s anything.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu was somewhat overwhelmed by the favor. Actually, someone like him who walked in the rivers andkes all year long did not have much concept of how big an official¡¯s rank or power was. As a result, he didn¡¯t feel anything wrong with him cupping his fists to thank Ji Heng. However, deep inside his heart, Ye Ming Yu did not believe that Ji Heng would provide much help to Jiang Li. When he looked at this beautiful man, he had an intuition that this man¡¯s heart was as cold as steel, no one could easily walk inside. Whatever affection, whatever benevolence was justplete nonsense. Though he did not know why Jiang Li and Ji Heng were together, it might just be an impromptu y.

    < >

 Chapter 116.2: Part 2: Protect

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    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 116 Part 2: Protect

    But listening to Ji Heng¡¯s words at this moment, it clearly conveyed the willingness to help Jiang Li. Moreover, what was the meaning of Feng Yu Tang¡¯s people not making a move on them in these seven days? It meant that Ji Heng would cleanly sweep away all obstructions from Feng Yu Tang to protect Jiang Li in sailing ahead?

    Is this person so kind? Isn¡¯t he a duke? Can he condescend and do these things? Could it be that the position of a duke is lower than that of a chief assistant, so he has to curry favor with Jiang Yuan Bai to get promoted? Perhaps he simply wants to fawn over Jiang Li? Jiang Li is now at an age where she can start looking at other people, and in a few years, she can get married already. Not that he, Ye Ming Yu, is boasting, but Jiang Li¡¯s appearance and temperament are top notch, she¡¯s also bright, courageous and has foresight. In the world, people who could match up with Jiang Li are few and far between. Don¡¯t tell me this man has a disease¡­.. Swan wanting to eat swan meat? But then again, how big of a position is a duke?

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t know that at this moment, her uncle¡¯s train of thought had flown far away. Ji Heng could say such words, regardless of his purpose, Jiang Li was currently grateful. She gave a courtesy to Ji Heng and said, ¡°Jiang Li cannot think of how to repay the duke¡¯s great favor. There¡¯s a day in the future that is sure to pay back.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu heard this and the hair on his whole body was erected. He vigntly looked at Ji Heng. ording to the people who walk in the rivers andkes, whenever they passed by a wine shop and heard the schr talking about ybook, there¡¯s a sentence that a young man would say, ¡°then you should devote your life¡±!

    He must not let this lecher seed! He has to protect this simple niece!

    Ye Ming Yu was about to say something but Ji Heng already opened his mouth. He said, ¡°No need to thank. Since I¡¯m already involved in the y, I don¡¯t like to see misceneous people.¡±

    As far as Ji Heng was concerned, the assassins dispatched by Feng Yu Tang were really just ¡°misceneous people¡±. If these ¡°misceneous people¡± had killed Jiang Li, the following y would not need to be sung.

    Jiang Li did not understand why Ji Heng would turn such a good thing into an awkward speech. However, with him saying this, she also would not continue to stick to it to be snubbed. So she smiled at Ji Heng and said, ¡°No matter what, still, many thanks to the duke.¡±

    Ji Hengzily nced at her. Without turning his head back, he slowly walked to the other side of the road. Under the moonlight, Qingzhi Lane looked especially long. The view of his back was gorgeous and lonesome, the corner of his gown was flying, looking like a lonely but powerful demon who was gracefully walking back home.

    Jiang Li felt that Ji Heng was somewhat different from before.

    She didn¡¯t know if it was because she was aware of Ji Heng¡¯s secret and said it out loud, so Ji Heng no longer needed to pretend in front of her, his always lingering smiling expression suddenly became casual and indifferent. Indolent, bored, but sober, looking ready at all times.

    He was a contradictory person. But still, he wasn¡¯t ¡°impersonal¡± like before.

    Ye Ming Yu watched Jiang Li stare at Ji Heng¡¯s rear view and his heart secretly shouted ¡°not good!¡±. This niece of his, though she was both brave and wise, she was, after all, still young. Towards an evildoer like this man, as long as that man enticed her a little, it¡¯s hard for a young girl not to be tempted. Now, looking spellbound at his retreating back, could she have fallen? Ptooey! The way of the world is precisely this unfair, a good looking man says a few sentences at random and they will seem to be true.

    He hurriedly pulled Jiang Li, wishing his niece could go back to the right path. He said, ¡°Ah Li, how? Let¡¯s go back?¡±

    Jiang Li turned around, looked at Ye Ming Yu¡¯s arm and said, ¡°Ok, uncle, let¡¯s go back first, look for a physician to dispense medicine, it won¡¯t do to just wrap the wound like this. Everyone can sleep steadily tonight.¡± Since Ji Heng said that Feng Yu Tang¡¯s people wouldn¡¯te to look for trouble, it meant that there would be people protecting Ye Ming Yu¡¯s group of people from danger. At least, in these seven days, in Tongxiang, Jiang Li wouldn¡¯t be suddenly assassinated when she walked on the street.

    Initially, Ye Ming Yu did not pay attention to his own injury, but seeing Jiang Li concerned about him, his heart moved and immediately shouted, ¡°Aiyoo¡±. He exaggeratedly said, ¡°It hurts so much, must look for a physician to bandage properly. Go, Ah Li, let¡¯s go back.¡± He thought, as long as Jiang Li was distracted by him, she naturally would not think of that annoying duke. That¡¯s right, tomorrow he still has to inquire how big of an official a duke is.

    Jiang Li felt strange as to why Ye Ming Yu suddenly became squeamish, but she thought that he was truly in pain. Thus, without saying much, she supported Ye Ming Yu to first return to the courtyard in Qingzhi Lane.

    Bai Xue and Tong¡¯er guarded the door to the point of their necks being broken from stretching out. The whole day, from morning till night, they did not see either Jiang Li or Ye Ming Yu returning. The two servant girls were so anxious they were unable to eat or sleep. They almost cried tears of joy when the group of people suddenly returned safe and sound. Jiang Li instructed them to prepare food and hot water and sent an uninjured person to invite a physician, then first arrange Ye Ming Yu¡¯s horse to settle down.

    When Bai Xue was cleaning Ye Ming Yu¡¯s wound, Ye Ming Yu asked Jiang Li, ¡°Ah Li, now that Peng Xiao and them are saved and we already got a hold of the file, what should we do next? You mentioned going to the houses of the people in Tongxiang?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Jiang Li nodded, ¡°uncle, take a good rest tonight. Tomorrow morning, we will go from door to door to ask. However, there are 568 households, though we don¡¯t know whether we can finish asking all of them, if we can ask one more household then we will ask one more household.¡±

    ¡°So we will do this in the next five days?¡± Ye Ming Yu asked.

    ¡°As long as one family is willing toe out, we can present a petition to the Imperial Court of Judicial Review. The Imperial Court will immediately stop County Deputy Xue¡¯s beheading and take Feng Yu Tang to the capital. There¡¯s no way for other people to change this because the Imperial Court¡¯s cases have to pass the emperor¡¯s hand. As long as there¡¯s a mention of an important official in the capital inside, His Majesty will not take it lightly.¡± There¡¯s something that Jiang Li did not tell Ye Ming Yu, that she would not just write about an important official in the capital, but would directly write Princess Yongning¡¯s name.

    Firstly was to establish enmity with Princess Yongning in the open. But there¡¯s nothing to be afraid of . Even if she seemed to be in harmony with Princess Yongning on the surface, Princess Yongning could dispatch assassins in Tongxiang to eliminate her. Once Emperor Hong Xiao saw Princess Yongning¡¯s name, this case in Tongxiang would certainly be a huge case and Princess Yongning would no longer be able to tamper with it.

    < >

 Chapter 116.3: Part 3: Protect

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    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 116 Part 3: Protect

    This was something that she wanted. The file and the official were already here, the only thingcking was just the people of Tongxiang. As long as some of the people of Tongxiang could be persuaded to go to the capital, the day when the case would be revealed was not far.

    ¡°Okay!¡± Ye Ming Yu patted his thigh, ¡°We have done so many things, soon victory will be in sight. As long as we can move the people of Tongxiang, the Xue family¡¯s case can be reversed. Feng Yu Tang, that scoundrel, can also be brought to justice. This old man already found him displeasing the first time seeing him. He¡¯s such a bastard, but can be a county deputy, damn it!¡±

    Ye Ming Yu¡¯s angry and vulgar words all came out, but Jiang Li did not mind. She sighed softly, there¡¯s ayer of worry between her brows. ¡°Actually, thest step is the most difficult.¡±

    Since ancient times, kings knew the principle of obtaining the people¡¯s hearts is equal to obtaining the world. Regardless of whom, wanting to win over the public sentiment was not an easy matter. Especially if this public sentiment was under life threats.

    In fact, she also wasn¡¯t certain, she was the least sure when it came to public sentiment.

    But she still had to try.

    ¡­¡­ This night seemed to pass especially long. Many people in this small county had a sleepless night. When it was veryte at night, the moon quietly disappeared, the wind blew, swirling the leaves on the street with a rustling sound, the rednterns hung under the eaves of the houses swayed violently. The calmer the town, the more it seemed that an unavoidable storm was brewing.

    In the early morning, Tongxiang, which had not had snow for over ten years, suddenly began to snow outside.

    The snow was not as rough as Yanjing, falling gently, as big as a small granule, carrying a sparkling light. Some hung on the branches, coveringyer byyer, forming a crystal like curtain. It¡¯s obvious that this small town was not bustling, but the gentleness made people intoxicated.

    Jiang Li was woken up by Tong¡¯er.

    Tong¡¯er¡¯s pained voice was on her ear, ¡°Why is Miss sleeping on the table? Did you not go to bedst night?

    Jiang Li stretched and said, ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡±

    She sent Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue awayst night and kept writing throughout the night. The 568 households in Tongxiang, each household had received Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s grace. There¡¯s not enough time for her to make a house visit to each household herself. She could only share the task with Ye Ming Yu¡¯s people. With this ¡®book of favor¡¯, it would be more vigorous when Ye Ming Yu persuaded those people. Hopefully it would also make it easier.

    She was writing and writing, unconsciously, she leaned over and fell asleep on the table. The weird thing was, when she woke up, she didn¡¯t feel that much exhaustion. Jiang Li stood up, pushed the windows open and a snowke floated inside. She stared in a daze and said, ¡°It¡¯s snowing.¡±

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s snowing.¡± Tong¡¯er also looked outside.

    She had lived in Tongxiang for ten years, but this was the first time she saw snow in Tongxiang. She didn¡¯t know what it signified, perhaps it was the start of a new beginning.

    Jiang Li¡¯s eyes were slowly filled with a trace of a smile. She said, ¡°Very good.¡±

    On the other side, Feng Yu Tang arrived at the county yamen early in the morning and put on his official uniform.

    First snow in Tongxiang after more than 10 years, it was also cold, and he sneezed again and again. He wiped his nose. and the servant boy sent a cup of warm tea. Feng Yu Tang reclined on a chair while grumbling, ¡°It¡¯s so cold today.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± The servant boy said, ¡°thenterns by the gate were all blown away by the wind.¡±

    Feng Yu Tang looked outside and asked, ¡°the people who went outst night have not returned?¡±

    The servant boy said, ¡°Not yet.¡±

    ¡°No rules!¡± Feng Yu Tang said angrily. The three assassins from Princess Yongning did not put him in their eyes and ordered his people around sometimes. Feng Yu Tang did not dare to say anything. There¡¯s no way, who made them Princess Yongning¡¯s subordinates? Moreover, he still had to rely on those people if something came up on his side. Therefore, although he was dissatisfied, Feng Yu Tang could onlyin behind their backs.

    Presumably, after the three people finished their workst night, they brought his people to do something, Feng Yu Tang thought resentfully. It never urred to him that the matter of assassinating Jiang Li would not bepleted. In his view, Princess Yongning¡¯s subordinates were extremely skillful. Jiang Li, just a little girl, Ye Ming Yu¡¯s group of people, though they could fight, in the end, they were not killers. Jiang Li being killed under the hands of those people was a fact that could not be doubted.

    Feng Yu Tang smacked his lips when thinking of Jiang Li¡¯s tender and pretty face and felt unfortunate. If it were not for Jiang Li¡¯s identity, he definitely would not easily let such a little beauty die. Let¡¯s talk about it againter after he finished ying with her. Speaking of which, Jiang Li was not bad, plus she was Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s daughter. Dead just like that in Tongxiang, her fate could be considered bad. But then again, if it wasn¡¯t due to her courting disaster onto herself and insisted on transferring the investigation of Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s case file, it wouldn¡¯t go as far as this. So, her death was deserved.

    But Jiang Li, a little girl, should not have any intersection with the Xue family. Without rhyme or reason, why did she want to transfer the investigation of the Xue family¡¯s case? Could it be her father¡¯s intention? He could not block Jiang Li and still took Jiang Li¡¯s life. If Jiang Yuan Bai knew, wouldn¡¯t he be starting a feud with the Jiang family? Feng Yu Tang felt anxious. He did work on behalf of someone else and started ruthlessly. But with regards to Jiang Yuan Bai, he always felt three parts afraid. After all, Jiang Yuan Bai was not an ordinary official, but the chief schr.

    Thinking of this, he unconsciously felt jittery. At first, he waited early in the morning for someone to announce Jiang Li¡¯s death, as a result, there wasn¡¯t any movement till now. Feng Yu Tang felt vaguely uneasy. He endured his utmost and urged the servant boy beside him, ¡°Send someone to see if they are in the Flower Tavern?¡±

    Right at that time, someone suddenly ran staggeringly from outside. Once he entered, he stumbled from running in haste and his nose fell onto Feng Yu Tang¡¯s shoes. He shouted, ¡°Master! Master! It¡¯s not good!¡±

    Feng Yu Tang was already irritable. Hearing the words, he kicked him and said, ¡°What are you shouting about? What¡¯s not good?¡±

    ¡°Master¡­.. It, it¡¯s better for you to go to the back of the yamen and personally take a look!¡± The subordinate¡¯s face showed a frightened look.

    Feng Yu Tang saw the situation and his heart knew that it¡¯s not good. Without saying much, he went to the backyard in two and three steps.

    < >

 Chapter 116.4: Part 4: Protect

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 116 Part 4: Protect

    Before he reached the backyard, a thick bloody smell could be perceived in the air. Feng Yu Tang held back his nausea and walked inside. Before he reached the middle of the garden, he saw twenty corpses arranged neatly on the ground.

    To say that they were corpses, Feng Yu Tang had not seen clearly, but there was no need to. Due to the snow during the night the bodies were covered by ayer of snow, ice cold and hard, long since without any breath. The bloodstain had solidified. Feng Yu Tang took a step back, supported himself on the pir in front of him to prevent himself from falling.

    He counted three times in his heart, exactly twenty people.

    Twenty people, he dispatched a total of 20 of his people, there¡¯s also three people from Princess Yongning. Now there are 20 people here, where are the other three?

    Feng Yu Tang asked, ¡°What about the other people?¡±

    The subordinate who ran to him earlier stepped forward, with a restrained panic in his tone, he said, ¡°Master, altogether, there are 20 people. There¡¯s no trace of the other three people, unable to find them.¡±

    Unable to find, it¡¯s not certain that they are still alive. That¡¯s right, Princess Yongning¡¯s people are outstanding, they won¡¯t die so easily. In Feng Yu Tang¡¯s heart, a bit of hope rose. He asked, ¡°Did you find their tracks?¡±

    The subordinate shook his head, ¡°Cannot find their shadows, but beside the swamp in the woods, their weapons were found¡­.. Master, it¡¯s very likely that they¡­.. Everything points to a disaster.¡±

    Feng Yu Tang felt ckness in front of his eyes, nearly fainting. When his consciousness returned, he immediately scolded. ¡°There were 20 of them, went to kill seven people! They could still bepletely wiped out! Were they raised by dogs? What a waste!¡± He scolded anxiously, Feng Yu Tang¡¯s chest rapidly went up and down, as if he couldn¡¯t catch his breath. Even so, his subordinates could hear the ire and panic in his voice.

    Feng Yu Tang was scared.

    That¡¯s 20 people, all were his subordinates. Now, his subordinates who had the best martial arts were reduced to 20 names all at once. The remaining ones wouldn¡¯t do. Without Princess Yongning¡¯s assassins, he couldn¡¯t do anything. Let alone moving his hand on Jiang Li, if Ye Ming Yu were toe over and kill him, his current subordinates were unable to protect his life.

    That¡¯s right, Jiang Li, Ye Ming Yu, it¡¯s unknown what their condition is now! For the time being, no need to be concerned about Ye Ming Yu, how about Jiang Li? If the people had already taken Jiang Li¡¯s life before they died, it wouldn¡¯t be so bad. At least he did not mess up Princess Yongning¡¯s assignment and she would not me him. She might even help him to hide everything. Everything is okay as long as Jiang Li dies!

    ¡°What about Jiang Li?¡± Feng Yu Tang grabbed the subordinate who informed him just now. He asked, ¡°What about Jiang Li? Did she die? Did she die?¡±

    His eyes were bloodshot, his appearance terrifying, really frightening. The subordinate who was grabbed took a step back and slowly shook his head.

    Feng Yu Tang¡¯s heart gradually sank.

    ¡°Miss Jiang second and the tall man came out of the house in Qingzhi Lane early in the morning and walked around everywhere, they were safe and sound.¡±

    Feng Yu Tang lost his power and released his hands.

    The assassination failed, he lost 23 people while Jiang Li was unscathed. She even dared to wander about in the county on the second day. This was provocation, or perhaps confidence.

    Thinking about it, the 20 corpses in the back garden of the county yamen was a return gift from Jiang Li. It seemed that she was aware that the people who came to assassinate her were Feng Yu Tang¡¯s people. After she harvested all his people, she calmly and unhurriedly sent the dead bodies back to let him see clearly and thoroughly that this was the end.

    She was really truly fearless.

    However, he had no other way out. He was clear that Jiang Li and her entourage were just as dangerous but he knew better that Jiang Li must not stay. Not just because he could not disobey Princess Yongning¡¯smand, but rather, because Jiang Li knew that he had acted on her. If he could not kill her, when Jiang Li and Jiang Yuan Bai met, perhaps no need to wait until that day, he would die in Jiang Li¡¯s hands. She definitely would not let him off.

    This was a war between two people, either Jiang Li died or he died. He must fight till the end.

    ¡°Keep sending people, chase and kill Jiang Li.¡± Feng Yu Tang said with hatred.

    ¡°Master¡­..¡± His subordinate looked at him in astonishment, as if he did not understand this decision, ¡°I¡¯m afraid¡­..¡±

    ¡°Afraid of fart!¡± Feng Yu Tang scolded him, ¡°What do you know, still not going yet! If you go toote, we will lose our lives!¡±

    This road was really going to go dark.

    ¡­¡­

    In the wine shop across the yamen, We nJi said, ¡°Master, Feg Yu Tang once again dispatched a group of people to kill Jiang second miss.¡±

    Ji Heng sat on a chair, looking inside his tea cup. He looked a lot gentler than usual, gazing out of the window, no one knew what he was thinking about. In the world of ice and snow, his red clothes looked even brighter, his lips were also as attractive as petals.

    After a long time, he said, ¡°Find someone to make arrangements.¡±

    Wen Ji epted the order and left.

    Lu Ji, who was sitting beside him, looked at Ji Heng thoughtfully. Without speaking, since he became aware thatst night, Jiang second miss was chased by Ji Shuran¡¯s and Feng Yu Tang¡¯s groups of people, a stone was suspended in Lu Ji¡¯s heart. Suchbination, even if Jiang second miss had great ability, it¡¯s difficult for her to escape. But he did not expect that the one following Jiang second missst night was not Wen Ji, but Ji Heng. Moreover, Ji Heng, who had never gotten involved in other people¡¯s domestic affairs all along, suddenly moved his hands to help. This really made people bbergasted.

    Ji Heng was not someone with a gentle and tolerant heart. It was even more unlikely for him to be benevolent and draw his sword to help. But after all was said and done, he still moved his hands. In addition, afterwards, towards Miss Jiang second, he surprisingly still demonstrated a kind of protective stance. Regardless of the purpose, whether it was to make use of or for other intentions, Miss Jiang second had unexpectedly seeded.

    Using an unimaginable way, the master was pulled into this marvelous y and the master entered.

    There¡¯s no way to know what the master¡¯s thoughts were, but Lu Ji felt that Miss Jiang second was truly awesome.

    < >

 Chapter 117.1: Part 1: Public Sentiment

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 117 Part 1: Public Sentiment

    In the early morning in Tongxiang today, light snow floated in the sky.

    For a ce in the South, no matter how cold it was, snow was something rarely seen. There were not many people on the street, as they walked out of Qingzhi Lane, they could see many women sweeping the snow in their respective yards. The children were the happiest; snow was a joy and a novel thing for them to y.

    Dai Yun got out of bed early and brushed off the snow on the rattan sticks in the yard carefully. Her young daughter, the six years old Ping An, was sitting and having a meal obediently in the main house. Ping An ate the watery congee that¡¯s like a mirror with gusto. From time to time, she raised her eyes to look at the fluttering snow outside with interest.

    Dai Yun spoke from the yard, ¡°Pin An, close the windows, don¡¯t catch a cold.¡±

    Ping An responded, got up from the stool, and stood on tiptoe to close the windows.

    Dai Yun looked at the roof and sighed. The weather is getting colder, when the snow melts and the water flows down the broken roof, it will be even colder inside the house. If it falls on Ping An, it will be troublesome. Must find time to let people mend the roof¡­.. It¡¯s good if there¡¯s a man in the house. Dai Yun couldn¡¯t help thinking like this. In the past, when Xue Huai Yuan was still present, she never thought in this way. However, nowadays, such thoughts continued toe into her mind.

    Dai Yun had not reached 25 years old this year. She looked young and beautiful. She was a widow, when Ping An was just two years old, her husband went to the river to fish and happened to meet a hard to encounter ten years wind and rain. His boat was torn and the person was gone. Afterwards, only Dai Yun and Ping An, the mother and daughter, remained, dependent on each other.

    There¡¯s no man in the house, it¡¯s always not so convenient. The newly appointed county deputy Feng Yu Tang had thoughts on her body. Dai Yun could deal with it once or twice, but how long could she persist like this if this continued? Those neighboring uncles used to help willingly, but due to the threats made by Feng Yu Tang, they did not dare to have much interactions with her. She could only suffer in silence.

    Dai Yun sighed, in any case, she only hoped for Ping An to grow up healthy. Dai Yun walked towards the stone table and sat down. There¡¯s unfinished needlework on the stone table which she relied on for her family expenses. Ping An saw her like this and came out, holding the wooden puppy in her hands, she sat beside Dai Yun. The wooden puppy was given to her by her father when he was still alive. Dai Yun saw it and her heart turned even more sour.

    The mother and daughter were about to start the day¡¯s work when a series of knocks sounded from someone knocking on the gate.

    ¡°Someone¡¯s here!¡± Pin An said.

    Dai Yun looked towards the gate, her heart tightened, fearing that it was Feng Yu Tang who came to look for trouble. It was a nightmare for her everytime Feng Yu Tang came. However, the knocks sounded today were much gentlerpared to the previous impatient and urgent knocks.

    Ping An opened her eyes wide, staring nkly at Dai Yun. Dai Yun got up, walked to the gate, hesitated for a while before opening the gate.

    The one outside the gate was not the Feng Yu Tang who she loathed, instead, it was an unfamiliar girl.

    The girl seemed to be around 15 ¨C 16 years old, pretty, wearing a dark green embroidered moonlight skirt, and covered with a blue patterned cloak. The cloak was wide, making her particrly petite and delicate. Her pair of eyes looked clever andpelling, a shallow smile hung on the sides of her lips.

    Dai Yun did not recognize this girl, but she knew the materials on this girl¡¯s clothing cost at least 100 taels of silver.

    She was a bit terrified and said, ¡°You are¡­..¡±

    The girl smiled at her, ¡°My name is Jiang Li, I came looking for you for County Deputy Xue¡¯s case.¡±

    Dai Yun was stunned, Ping An surreptitiously followed, hiding behind the fence in the yard, secretly looking at this unfamiliar sister.

    Before Dai Yun could react, the girl had already walked inside uninvited. She said, ¡°Let¡¯s talk inside, it¡¯s very cold outside.¡±

    Jiang Li strode inside Dai Yun¡¯s yard.

    The yard was still the same, just looked much more dpidatedpared to before. It seemed that Dai Yun had not had good days. When Xue Huai Yuan asked her toe and bring some silver for Dai Yun, Jiang Li also came here. At that time, Ping An was still a baby, now she had grown this tall.

    Time flew really fast.

    Dai Yun looked at this girl and in an instant she faltered. This person called Jiang Li entered her yard without hesitation. She even observed her needlework after sitting in front of the stone table and sighed in praise, ¡°It¡¯s made really well.¡±

    Dai Yun couldn¡¯t help pulling Ping An, walked in front of Jiang Li and said, ¡°Jiang¡­.. Miss Jiang, I don¡¯t understand what¡¯s the meaning of your word. County deputy Xue¡¯s case¡­.. What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Jiang Li raised her eyes in her direction and said, ¡°Dai Yun, County Deputy Xue is imprisoned because he was greedy and corrupted the disaster relief silver, five dayster to be beheaded. It¡¯s impossible for you not to know what kind of person County deputy Xue is. On his behalf, I want to reverse the verdict on County deputy Xue and I need witnesses. Dai Yun, are you willing to be my witness, to stand for county deputy Xue and wash him clear of the injustice?¡±

    Her voice was soft and light, yet it was like a heavy hammer knocking on Dai Yun¡¯s heart. For no reason, Dai Yun tightened her hold on Ping An¡¯s hand and reluctantly squeezed out a smile. She said, ¡°County deputy Xue ¡®s matter, we are not very clear. We are just ordinary people, whatever the authorities say is what it is¡­..¡±

    ¡°How could you not know?¡± Jiang Li looked at Ping An. Ping An was hiding behind Dai Yun, looking curiously at her. Jiang Li extended her hand towards her, Ping An could not help moving forward two steps and extended her chubby little hand to touch Jiang Li¡¯s fingers.

    ¡°Ping An!¡± Dai Yun stopped her excitedly. Pin An was her weakness, she absolutely would not allow Pin An to have any ident.

    Ping An heard her mother¡¯s reprimand and retracted her hand at once. However, she still looked curiously at Jiang Li like before, without any fear.

    ¡°If there was no Deputy County Xue, Ping An also would not have lived healthily up to now, right?¡± Jiang Li looked at Dai Yun, ¡°Based on this point, can¡¯t it make you stand up, be a witness and say a word for Deputy County Xue?¡±

    A thunderbolt seemed to hit Dai Yun.

    < >

 Chapter 117.2: Part 2: Public Sentiment

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 117 Part 2: Public Sentiment

    When Dai Yun lost her husband, she was still young and good looking. There were many nders befalling the widow and many people had ideas on her. However, Dai Yun and herte husband had deep sentiments and she wasn¡¯t willing to remarry. When Ping An was two and a half years old, she got seriously ill. Dai Yun had no choice but to ask around to borrow money to see the doctor. When Ping An got better, Dai Yun had spent a lot of money. For a long time, the creditors had coveted Dai Yun¡¯s beauty and wanted her to be a concubine to pay off the silver money. Dai Yun did not agree and those people threatened to grab Ping An and sell her to the brothel.

    At her desperate time, Xue Huai Yuan stood out, rescued Ping An who was taken away, and settled the debt of the mother and daughter. The person who sent the silver at that time was Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s daughter. Dai Yun still remembered the Xue family¡¯s daughter¡¯s appearance. She sighed emotionally, thinking how could there be such a gorgeous and kindhearted girl on earth. Ping An was also very fond of the Xue family¡¯s daughter, and would giggle when she met.

    Dai Yun was very flustered now that Jiang Li suddenly brought up the old affair. She did not wish for her daughter Ping An to know that she was an ungrateful person. However, she could not take Ping An¡¯s safety as a joke. All the people in Tongxiang were aware of what kind of person Feng Yu Tang was. Those who obeyed him flourished while those who did not perished. If Feng Yu Tang was aware that she stood as a witness, Feng Yu Tang definitely would not let Ping An go.

    She¡¯s a mother and she could not walked helplessly as her child fell into danger.

    Dai Yun looked at Jiang Li with a trace of appeal in her eyes, ¡°Miss Jiang, we¡­.. We really don¡¯t know, just look for other people¡­.. Just regard it as we let County Deputy Xue down¡­..¡±

    Jiang Li did not say anything, but Dai Yun could still see the trace of disappointment in the other¡¯s eyes. At that moment, perhaps due to guilty conscience, the absent-minded Dai Yun felt as if the one she saw wasn¡¯t this unfamiliar Miss Jiang, but the beautiful and kindhearted Xue family¡¯s daughter. Her gentle smile was no longer there, just sitting calmly and looked disappointedly at her.

    Dai Yun suddenly felt so ashamed to see her.

    Jiang Li got up, touched Ping An¡¯s head and said, ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, I¡¯ll look for someone else.¡± She said to Dai Yun, ¡°I¡¯ve disturbed you.¡± Then she turned around to walk outside.

    Just¡­ like that? Dai Yun said, ¡°Miss Jiang¡­..¡± When Jiang Li stopped, she didn¡¯t know how to express what she wanted to say to sound better. After a long time, she hesitatingly said, ¡°Maybe the other people in Tongxiang¡­.. Will also be like me¡­..¡± She could not continue.

    Jiang Li said, ¡°I know, but no matter how, County Deputy Xue really has no other hope. I am very d that Deputy County Xue did not just help one household in the past. 568 households, there¡¯s still a lot of prospect. If he only helped a few people, and those few people are all like you, then the hope will really be lost.¡± After a pause, she continued, ¡°Bring Ping An up carefully, since you have paid such a heavy price, you must not give up.¡±

    Jiang Li left.

    Dai Yun lowered her head, Ping An held the corner of her skirt, opened her eyes wide, and called naively, ¡°Mother.¡±

    Tears fell like rain on Dai Yun¡¯s face.

    ¡­¡­

    On the other side, Ye Ming Yu was knocking on the door of another family.

    This family was very poor, living in a broken down thatched hut. Perhaps due tost night¡¯s wind and snow, the whole hut seemed to be on the verge of copse, making the onlookers feel sad. Since childhood, Ye Ming Yu had been living in a rich house and saw very few of this kind of impoverished families. It was a rare sight for him.

    After a long time, someone came to open the door. It was a very olddy dressed in a very thin cotton-padded jacket, seen through in the light. Ye Ming Yu even felt cold upon seeing it.

    The olddy saw Ye Ming Yu, but it was as if she didn¡¯t see him. She asked doubtfully, ¡°Is someone here? You are¡­..?¡±

    The woman was blind and could not see anything.

    Ye Ming Yu said, ¡°Olddy, is your son around? I¡¯m here looking for your son.¡± In the book written by Jiang Li for Ye Ming Yu, there¡¯s a schr in this household.

    ¡°Oh, you are looking for Wen Xuan.¡± The olddy said, ¡°He went out to buy beancurd and will return soon. Why are you looking for him?¡±

    Her voice just fell when a voice sounded from outside, ¡°Mother, I¡¯m back!¡±

    Mo Wen Xuan just returned home and caught sight of a tall man standing in front of his door. When the man turned around, he saw a scar on the man¡¯s face, lookingpletely like a bandit. Mo Wen Xuan jumped in fright, nearly throwing the beancurd in his hand away. He asked, ¡°This brother¡­..¡±

    ¡°Are you Mo Wen Xuan?¡± Ye Ming Yu sized Mo Wen Xuan up and down. Mo Wen Xuan was almost 30, unmarried, and single. Not because of anything else, simply because his family was too poor. He studied wholeheartedly, yet until now he still only passed the county level imperial exam. His hair was disorderly and his beard grew long. He wore a cotton gown that had turned white from too many washes. He could not see people clearly and had toe closer.

    Mo Wen Xuan said, ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°I am looking for you for some matters.¡± Ye Ming Yu said straightforwardly, ¡°Take a step to speak.¡± He wanted to convince Mo Wen Xuan to be a witness and naturally could not let such an olddy hear. So he hinted to Mo Wen Xuan to go outside to speak.

    Although the olddy was hesitant, she did not follow them. The house was too destitute, there wasn¡¯t even a garden. Ye Ming Yu and Mo Wen Xuan talked in the open space behind the house.

    Ye Ming Yu said, ¡°Mo Wen Xuan, do you know anything about County Deputy Xue¡¯s being in prison?¡±

    Mo Wen Xuan was shocked, then immediately waved his hands again and again with nervousness. He looked around and said, ¡°Brother¡­.. You must not bring this up, you must not bring this up!¡±

    Truly a timid schr afraid of getting into trouble, Ye Ming Yu thought disdainfully in his heart. He said, ¡°What are you afraid of? Can you die if you mention it? Rest assured, with me here, I guarantee that you won¡¯t die.¡±

    Mo Wen Xuan probably did not anticipate meeting with such a person who could not keep his mouth shut. Even if he was extremely fearful and did his best to block, Ye Ming Yu remained unmoved. Each time he opened his mouth, he said ¡°County Deputy Xue¡±, as if afraid that others wouldn¡¯t be able to hear him.

    ¡°I say, boy, County Deputy Xue is now in prison and will be sentenced in five days. He was charged with corrupting the disaster relief silver. It¡¯s impossible for you not to know what kind of person County Deputy Xue is, right? Boy, now we are working to reverse the verdict and need witnesses. Are you willing to stand up and be a witness, expose Feng Yu Tang, and help to redress the injustice of County Deputy Xue?¡±

    Mo Wen Xuan heard this and became even more frightened. He shook all over and said, ¡°Must not, must not!¡±

    < >

 Chapter 117.3: Part 3: Public Sentiment

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 117 Part 3: Public Sentiment

    ¡°What must not be?¡± Ye Ming Yu could not stand this kind of person in his eyes the most. He spoke unhappily, ¡°What must not be? Come and say! I think, at that time when County Deputy Xue helped you to stay in Tongxiang and let you enter the county school to study, let you take the county imperial exam, why didn¡¯t you say must not? If it were not for County Deputy Xue, now you will not even have the money to buy beancurd. What are you going to use to support your mother!¡±

    Mo Wen Xuan was not someone from Tongxiang. Many years ago, he brought his blind mother to Tongxiang to seek shelter with a rtive. Who would have thought that the distant rtive had passed away. Mo Wen Xuan was penniless, in addition, he was an outsider, he was almost reduced to begging in order to live. If it were not for Xue Huai Yuan who met him by chance on the street, he would have been deceived by a group of gangsters. Xue Huai Yuan extended his hand and found out about his situations. Knowing that Mo Wen Xuan wholeheartedly wanted to study, he let him enter the county school. Afterwards, there¡¯s the part where Mo Wen Xuan passed the county exam. Although he lived in poverty at the moment, if it were not due to Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s assistance at that time, Mo Wen Xuan would perhaps have starved to death earlier. How could he still support his mother?

    ¡°It¡¯s all bad guys. Most ungrateful people are all schrs. I can be said to have gained first-hand knowledge today!¡± Ye Ming Yu shouted hatefully. ¡°If County Deputy Xue knew that the person he helped at the time was an ingrate, he should not have reached his hand out and pulled you up. He ought to just let you be bullied to death by those gangsters!¡±

    Mo Wen Xuan heard him and was in a daze. Hisplexion suddenly turned red in anger and he said, ¡°Enough, shut up! Do you think I am not willing to rehabilitate County Deputy Xue? Do you think I don¡¯t know that Master Xue was used wrongly? Benevolence, righteousness, loyalty and filial piety, I read all those aloud when I was studying! But Feng Yu Tang is really not a thing! Do you know how he treated those who wanted to help Master Xue before? He harmed the person¡¯s parents, wife and children! Although I, Mo Wen Xuan, cannot be counted as a hero, it¡¯s just a life, there¡¯s nothing to be afraid of, I just want to be able to repay the benefactor! But I still have my mother. My mother has painstakingly brought me up, now she¡¯s blind and can no longer do things. In my entire life, I never could let her livefortably, but I cannot put her in danger because of me!¡±

    Mo Wen Xuan finished talking, his chest moved up and down fiercely. He probably never quarreled with someone like this before, even his neck turned red and the veins on his forehead emerged due to excitement.

    Ye Ming Yu looked at him, his anger disappeared a bit. However, he still hated that he did not live up to expectations. He only said, ¡°You are not willing to put your mother in danger because of you, but are you willing to let your mother be humiliated because of you? You don¡¯t know, by doing this, if your mother knows, how disappointed will she be? You are such a son, let her unable to lift her head up. It¡¯s a hundred times more lowly than being in poverty and powerless!¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Mo Wen Xuan was left speechless.

    Right at this moment, a faltering voice sounded, ¡°Wen Xuan.¡±

    The two people turned around to look. They did not know since when, Mo Wen Xuan¡¯s mother, the blind old woman, wasing over step by step while groping and leaning on her walking stick. Perhaps she heard the two people¡¯s dispute and finally could not helping over. It¡¯s obvious that their quarrel just now had been heard by the old woman.

    The old woman asked, ¡°Wen Xuan, is what this little brother said true, County Deputy Xue was really sent to prison?¡±

    Mo Wen Xuan mumbled and did note up with an answer. The olddy was blind and could not go outside. She did not know the great change that urred in Tongxiang earlier. He also did not tell his mother, because knowing his mother¡¯s temperament, if she was aware of this, she would definitely speak up for County Deputy Xue.

    But he did not want to see his own mother in danger.

    ¡°Wen Xuan.¡± The old woman¡¯s voice turned solemn.

    ¡°It¡¯s true.¡± Mo Wen Xuan replied helplessly. ¡°It¡¯s been half a year, Master Xue was greedy and corrupted the disaster relief silver and was put in jail. Soon he will be sentenced!¡±

    ¡°A bunch of nonsense!¡± The olddy abruptly put out her walking stick and ferociously hit it on the ground, clearly showing her anger. She said, ¡°What kind of person County Deputy Xue is, all the people in Tongxiang know. Withou County Deputy Xue, the present Tongxiang will not be like this. Wen Xuan, quickly follow this little brother to say, you are willing to be a witness. A person must not forget one¡¯s roots, if we don¡¯t stand up, what¡¯s the difference between us and those viins? This is helping the tyrants in his oppression!¡±

    ¡°But mother¡­..¡±

    ¡°I know the fear in your heart. I¡¯ve lived for so long, it¡¯s enough. I¡¯m not afraid to die! If you are not afraid of death, stand up. If there¡¯s someone who wants to harm you, mother will apany you to take responsibility. For so many years, we, the mother and son, have endured things together. What¡¯s to be afraid of dying together? As a person, the most important thing is to have integrity. If you are afraid of death, find a ce to hide, I will go out with this little brother to testify and will not implicate you!¡±

    ¡°Mother, what are you talking about? How can this son let you be in danger alone?¡± Mo Wen Xuan stamped his feet anxiously. He looked at Ye Ming Yu and spoke firmly with resolve. ¡°This brother, you better find a ce to hide my mother away, I¡¯ll testify with you. What my mother said was right, a person must not forget his roots. Feng Yu Tang is such a scoundrel, sooner orter he will go to hell. How about this time, I will be the person who sends him to hell?¡±

    Originally, Ye Ming Yu was ready to give up. This schr called Mo Wen Xuan, afraid of the slightest thing and he was most impatient when he came into contact with schrs. Perhaps Jiang Li could still persuade tactfully, but he really could not waste time. Moreover, the help given by Xue Huai Yuan for them had been said, yet they remained unmoved, then there¡¯s really nothing he could do. Who would have known in the final moment, the wind would turn and Mo Wen Xuan jumped out, changing Mo Wen Xuan¡¯s decision.

    Ye Ming Yu looked at the mother and son, and suddenly felt deeply moved. He was young and vigorous, his courage had been pretty big since he was young. Handling things looking at the head in spite of the tail. However, many people had family members, there¡¯s restrain, courage was not as simple as just standing up. No wonder Jiang Li said that thest step was the most difficult. Because it was hard to fathom a person¡¯s mind, there were also a lot of shackles.

    Finally, there¡¯s a person who was willing to stand up, right?

    568 households, with one household standing up, there certainly would be a second one, third one¡­.. There¡¯s evil in human nature, but there¡¯s also virtue.

    < >

 Chapter 117.4: Part 4: Public Sentiment

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 117 Part 4: Public Sentiment

    Ye Ming Yu patted Mo Wen Xuan¡¯s shoulder. He said in a gruff voice, ¡°Boy, don¡¯t use that kind of hero sacrificing your life appearance. Feng Yu Tang is just a paper tiger, not worth mentioning. Moreover, his good days in Tongxiang areing to an end. No one will do anything to you and your mother. Everyone will be fine, the only person who will have something will only be Feng Yu Tang.¡±

    Mo Wen Xuan cupped his hands, ¡°All relying on the elder brother.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be polite!¡± Ye Ming Yu said, ¡°then I won¡¯t stay much longer, I still have to find the next family.¡±

    ¡°The next family?¡± The olddy asked curiously.

    ¡°There are 568 households in Tongxiang, each and every family has received County Deputy Xue¡¯s grace. I need to go to these 568 households, one by one, to find a witness.¡± Ye Ming Yu was extremely proud.

    ¡°You are truly a good person.¡± Mo Wen Xuan was dumbfounded and spoke, ¡°Making such an all-out effort to help Master Xue, have you also received Master Xue¡¯s grace before? With you, a person who recognizes grace and strives to return it, Master Xue must be very gratified. I¡¯ll thank you on behalf of Master Xue.¡±

    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t speak without knowing. I have not received County Deputy Xue¡¯s grace.¡± Ye Ming Yu said, ¡°It¡¯s my niece who has friendship with Master Xue¡¯s family members. Thus she specially rushed over to Tongxiang to lend a hand. If you want to thank, you should thank her. Her name is Jiang Li, who is the current chief assistant, Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s daughter. In the future, you can see that she¡¯s a hard to find good girl.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu thought happily. This was the first household and he found a person willing to stand up. If Jiang Li knew, she would definitely be very happy.

    For her, and for the pitiful County Deputy Xue who¡¯s currently imprisoned.

    ¡­¡­

    In the yamen, Feng Yu Tang was anxiously waiting for a reply.

    He had to take Jiang Li¡¯s life within five days. He did not know what Jiang Li was doing, without mentioning Xue¡¯s case, if Princess Yongning knew that he had mucked up the affairs, she would not let him go.

    Moreover, the group of people sent out were arranged in the back garden as 20 corpses, really making Feng Yu Tang not peaceful. Jiang Li was such a difficult enemy to handle, who knew what method she would use to deal with him. He had lost 20 of his best people, would he be one of the 20 corpses next?

    Feng Yu Tang did not dare to think. The only thing that would stop his fear was to immediately let someone assassinate Jiang Li right now. Push future troublester, at least, at this time, he must remove this danger.

    However, the people he dispatched early in the morning was just like the 23 people dispatchedst night, without any news until now. Feng Yu Tang waited from morning till noon, from noon to the evening. When night fell, the light snow gradually stopped. There was no wind nor snow outside and it was very tranquil.

    The tranquility made people fretful.

    There¡¯s no news. Not only that, they could not find out where these people were. They seemed to have vanished within a short time. No one could find their trace, even making people doubt whether or not they had truly existed.

    ¡°Lord¡­..¡± The young boy guarding the gate entered, looking scared. His voice sounded extremely frightened, Lord, they¡­.. They are found!¡±

    ¡°They are found!¡± Feng Yu Tang¡¯s heart shook and he stood up. He really hoped to hear the news of Jiang Li¡¯s death. It¡¯s fine as long as those people¡¯s whereabouts are found. He asked, ¡°Where are they?¡±

    ¡°In¡­.. in the back garden.¡± The young gatekeeper said anxiously.

    Feng Yu Tang¡¯s heart gradually sank. He slipped, nearly unable to stand firm. With great effort, he retained his consciousness and said, ¡°Go and see¡­..¡±

    But just by looking at the young gatekeeper¡¯splexion, he knew the situation in the garden was not good. Feng Yu Tang did not ask, as if he would only reconcile after he had seen it personally.

    The 20 corpses discovered in the morning were covered with in white cloth by his subordinates and stacked in the corner. He still did not know how to handle them. Now that the snow had stopped, there were more rows of lifeless bodies in the originally already empty garden.

    Feng Yu Tang closed his eyes.

    Such skills, such provocation, he¡¯s already at his wit¡¯s end. There were clearly only seven people with Jiang Li, how could they just cut his people like cutting melons and vegetables, breaking his people one after another. Could all those bodyguards be peerless masters?

    But, how did they send these bodies into the back garden of the yamen without making any noise? Feng Yu Tang knew that since they did not take the time of sending the bodies into ount, this implied that they would quietly take his life at any time.

    Then why haven¡¯t they assassinated him?

    Feng Yu Tang did not understand. He asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t there a mute granny in the back garden? Tell her toe out, ask her when she has seen suspicious people? She can¡¯t speak, just uses hand movements!¡±

    If the mute granny stayed in the back garden, she might have clearly seen the people who entered.

    The servant boy was stunned, as if just remembering that there¡¯s such a person. He said, ¡°Come to think about it, it¡¯s been a few days since the mute granny wasst seen?¡±

    ¡°Could she be dead?¡± Feng Yu Tang frowned. That old woman had lived long enough. Every time he saw her, he felt that she would run out of breath in the next second. They never paid attention to the mute granny, therefore, nobody noticed her disappearance. Even if they discovered it, it¡¯s unlikely for them to care about it. Perhaps she died of old age in her own room.

    ¡°Since these people could not kill Jiang Li, Jiang Li is still alive now.¡± Feng Yu Tang suddenly asked, ¡°Where is Jiang Li and what is she doing now?¡±

    The two subordinates were looking at each other, none of them dared to speak.

    Feng Yu Tang was angry when he saw them like that and scolded, ¡°Say it!¡±

    ¡°Second, second miss Jiang and third master Ye took separated early in the morning, walking along the east county road to the west, knocking on the people¡¯s houses. It¡¯s unknown what she said to those people, but she came out very soon. Then she called on the second house, just like that she called on a few households.

    ¡°However, I heard that Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s name was mentioned, so they should be talking about Xue¡¯s case¡±.

    < >

 Chapter 118.1: Part 1: Kindness

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 118 Part 1: Kindness

    Ever since Feng Yu Tang took office in Tongxiang, no one on the street dared to mention ¡°County Deputy Xue¡±, these three words. No need to mention outside, even inside their house, the three words ¡°County Deputy Xue¡± were like amon taboo for everyone. Nobody dared to take the initiative to bring up this name.

    Over time, everyone seemed to have forgotten what the three words County Deputy Xue signified. They signified a glimmer of light at a person¡¯s desperate time, they signified the only hope when meeting with unfairness, they signified righteousness, signified conscience.

    But actually, some people had not forgotten, just like a tinder of humiliation buried, just needed a person to one day bring a spark over. It just required a little bit and a raging fire would be ignited.

    Today, the three words, ¡°County Deputy Xue¡±, had quietly resounded all over Tongxiang, spreading like spring breeze and night grass. Some people began to stir, while some people were anxious and fearful.

    At night, in a room in Qingzhi Lane, a fire was lit.

    The fire was dim, the people inside the house, either sitting or standing, had dejected expressions on their faces.

    Ye Ming Yu sat on a low stool, mming his fist on the table, he furiously said, ¡°This is too hard!¡±

    He, together with Jiang Li and six brothers under him, went to several roads to look for the Tongxiang residents. Five hundred plus households, from morning till night on this day, they had asked several tens of households. In fact, several tens of households were not a small number, the only one willing to stand up to testify for Xue Huai Yuan was just the poor schr Mo Wen Xuan. This was still due to Mo Wen Xuan¡¯s blind mother who overheard and criticized him severely. Only then did Mo Wen Xuan want to stand up, carrying a solemn mood of ending in mutual destruction.

    Ye Ming Yu did not know what he ought to say that would be appropriate. Should he go around ming these people for being ungrateful? Others were only thinking of protecting their own family, rather than ming the people, it would be better to reprimand Feng Yu Tang severely for his contemptible methods. But do these people really have no responsibility? As long as these people resisted a little bit, perhaps County Deputy Xue would not be sent to prison and ended up so tragically.

    There were always many helpless things in the world.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, uncle.¡± Jiang Li smiled, ¡°It¡¯s notpletely without harvest, at least there¡¯s one person, isn¡¯t it? As long as there¡¯s a person today, another one tomorrow, if this goes on, after the fifth day, we can have five people altogether. It¡¯s not a small number.¡±

    One of the bodyguards murmured, ¡°568 households, only one stood up, this is too disheartening.¡±

    Jiang Li was still smiling, but Ye Ming Yu felt that his niece showed a somewhat distressed expression for an instant. As if from the human behaviors in Tongxiang, they had peeked into the unexpected people¡¯s hearts. Ye Ming Yu also felt sad, but he collected his thoughts quickly, secretly pping his mouth. He wanted tofort Jiang Li a few words but he was inarticte and did not know how tofort her. He sighed and felt that it would be good if the handsome duke fromst night was here. Maybe with Jiang Li¡¯s girl thoughts, she would temporarily forget the worries in front of her when she saw her sweetheart.

    But in the end, Ji Heng wasn¡¯t here.

    Ye Ming Yu could only clumsily open a discussion, ¡°Talking about it, several times today, I had the feeling that someone was following us. There also seemed to be murderous intent. Initially I was waiting for a big battle, but in the end, after a moment, those feelings disappeared. It¡¯s really strange.¡±

    ¡°Me too, me too!¡± The bodyguards in the room talked together at once, one after another echoing the others. ¡°Today I also had that kind of feeling, still thought that I¡¯ve thought too much.¡±

    ¡°Could you have seen ghosts, why do you guys have such feelings?¡±

    ¡°I think it¡¯s the enemy in Tongxiang, originally wanting to kidnap and ckmail us, but after seeing the brothers¡¯ high martial arts, they became afraid and retreated.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s this logic, I think it¡¯s like that!¡±

    ¡°Go, go, go,¡± Ye Ming Yu waved his hand and said, ¡°You know fart, there¡¯s no contribution but pull yourself up. Who will rob you? Do you guys look very well off? If they want to rob, they will rob me. Moreover, Is there anything to rob in Tongxiang? This ce is so poor, if there¡¯s a robbery, they would have starved to death very early on!¡±

    The house was suddenly silent, Ye Ming Yu turned his head to ask Jiang Li, ¡°Ah Li, this thing should be done by that annoying duke, right?¡±

    Te Ming Yu did not know Ji Heng¡¯s name, and still thought ¡°duke¡± was a government official. He opened and closed his mouth to call Ji Heng ¡°duke¡±. Jiang Li did not know whether tough or cry and said, ¡°Most likely.¡±

    Feng Yu Tang¡¯s people were reduced so much overnight, but he could not utter a word. There wasn¡¯t even any movement, naturally it was Ji Heng¡¯s handwriting. They openly mentioned Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s case today, but Feng Yu Tang¡¯s people did not stop them. This was obviously impossible. The only possibility was that Feng Yu Tang had indeed dispatched people to stop them, but they were blocked by Ji Heng¡¯s people.

    One thing would be returned as one thing. At least in this matter, Ji Heng helped her and saved her many troubles, she should be grateful. Jiang Li thought inexplicably, if a person formed an alliance with Ji Heng, that would truly be the best thought out business in the world. Because Ji Heng would use his utmost effort to sweep any unnecessary obstructions for the ally, ¡°idle people¡±, many things would be done with half the effort.

    Ye Ming Yu heard this and suddenly could not say a word. Thinking about it, though the man¡¯s looks were too magnificent, at least he still knew to protect Jiang Li thoroughly. Though he was not allowed to be the niece¡¯s husband, being a friend was good.

    ¡°Uncle Ming Yu, all of you should rest early.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°You must be tired today, gain your strength at night, we still have to continue tomorrow morning.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu nodded, they went out to recruit people today, their mouths and tongues were dry and parched, running so far, their waists also sore and aching, they should wash up and rest properly. Thus, he did not argue with Jiang Li and brought his subordinates to rest first.

    Jiang Li sat facing the table.

    At first, Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue thought that she was about to rest, seeing the state, they asked in surprise, ¡°Miss, why aren¡¯t youying down to rest?¡±

    ¡°I still have to write a book for a while to distribute to uncle and the others tomorrow. I¡¯ll sleep when I¡¯m done.¡± Jiang Li pressed her forehead and said, ¡°Bai Xue, help me pour a cup of warm tea over.¡±

    ¡­¡­

    The sky was clear after the snow passed. The weather on the second day was extremely good.

    Early in the morning, Jiang Li, Ye Ming Yu and the others parted ways, each one going to their assigned households.

    Now she no longer feared Feng Yu Tang¡¯s people assassinating her from the back. Anyway, Ji Heng would help her to solve them. She could expose her back to Ji Heng assuredly.

    < >

 Chapter 118.2: Part 2: Kindness

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 118 Part 2: Kindness

    She visited the most households on yesterday¡¯s trip. Ye Ming Yu did not visit as many households as her. That¡¯s only because she knew each household¡¯s address in Tongxiang, which saved a lot of time. When she passed through the Qingzhi Lane gate in the early morning, she saw Aunt Chun Fang whom she saw on the first day of her arrival. Aunt Chun Fang was carrying her basket, standing in the garden, looking cautiously at Jiang Li and her crowd that were walking further away. Her lips stammered, as if wanting to say something, but in the end, she did not say anything.

    Jiang Li did not look at her. Her time was too short, she did not have the time to attend to each person. The fates between people relied on karma. There were things that you had worked hard for and it¡¯s predestined if it did not work out. There was no need to be unreconciled.

    For the whole day yesterday, starting from the first household, which was Dai Yun, until thest household, at least on Jiang Li¡¯s end, not a single person was persuaded. It¡¯s untrue to say that she wasn¡¯t disappointed, but today she still had to continue. She must ept whatever the oue was.

    In the distance, a door of a house could already be seen.

    Jiang Li walked up to the family¡¯s door, hesitated for a while before finally knocked on the door.

    The man in this family was a butcher, known as butcher Zhang. He was born with a fierce and evil look, extremely frightful. Children would cry when he nced at them. Jiang Li remembered that when Xue Zhao was young, he was very afraid of this butcher Zhang, always feeling that the butcher¡¯s knife in butcher Zhang¡¯s hand was very scary. But she, as Xue Fang Fei, only remembered that every time she passed through where the meat was disyed, this man rigidly pulled the corner of his mouth, seemingly wanting to show a gentle smile towards her, yet it looked very awkward.

    She knocked three times before someone came to open the door.

    The one who opened the door was butcher Zhang.

    After so many years, butcher Zhang was still the same as before without any change. Such a cold winter day, but he only wore a thin, coarse shirt with the sleeves rolled up, probably for the convenience of cutting meat. He was tall and plump, his face looked fierce. Due to killing pigs all year round, there was a greasy feeling and a fishy meat smell emanating from him. Perhaps he woke up early in preparation to spread the meat as there¡¯s a bucket in his hand covered with a white cloth. Jiang Li knew that there¡¯s fresh pork under the cloth.

    Butcher Zhang was also carrying a long knife, ced above the bucket. The knife was extremely long and sharp. It¡¯s unknown whether it stemmed from seeing too much blood, seeing the ray of light from the knife made people feel cold.

    Jiang Li¡¯s gaze couldn¡¯t help falling onto the long knife.

    Butcher Zhang lowered his head to look at Jiang Li and put the bucket in his hand onto the ground with a ¡®thump¡¯. He spoke in a bad tone, ¡°Who are you looking for?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m looking for you.¡± Jiang Li took her gaze back, ¡°My name is Jiang Li.¡±

    Butcher Zhang said, ¡°I know you; yesterday it was you who started from the east city wall, going from house to house to ask about County Deputy Xue¡¯s affair. Asking people to stand up and be a witness for Master Xue!¡±

    Butcher Zhang¡¯s voice was gruff, even more fierce and severe than what Jiang Li heard. There was no expression when he talked to Jiang Li, but the meat across his face trembled.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Jiang Li looked calmly at him. ¡°Whether County Deputy Xue was a good official or not, whether he corrupted the disaster relief silver or not, it¡¯s not possible for the people in Tongxiang not to know. I want to ask this uncle whether you are willing to stand up to testify, redress the injustice for the innocent county deputy?¡±

    Butcher Zhang fixed his gaze on Jiang Li.

    The fact was, his eyes were very small, practically just a squint, which made it difficult for people to guess his expression. Butcher Zhang was just alone by himself, without a wife until now because he was too ugly and too fierce, thus no one dared to get close to him. Looking at Jiang Li from above, it looked as if he was about to raise his butcher¡¯s knife at Jiang Li.

    But in the next moment, he suddenly burst into a heartyugh.

    Jiang Li had never seen butcher Zhangugh like this before. She had seen the other party trying to squeeze out a friendly smile when he saw her before, seen him exposing a shy smile to the good-looking girl on the street, seen his smooth smile when he chopped of the bones, but she had never his carefree and heartyugh. It was as if his long-cherished wish came true, a happy, fulfilledugh.

    He said, ¡°Littledy, I¡¯ve been waiting for you in the house since early morning and thought that you weren¡¯ting, but finally you are here. I¡¯m willing to stand up! Follow you in helping Master Xue to reverse his verdict!¡±

    This time, it¡¯s Jiang Li¡¯s turn to be bbergasted.

    In the midst of butcher Zhang¡¯sughter, after thinking, Jiang Li asked, ¡°Why are you willing?¡±

    ¡°Why am I willing?¡± Butcher Zhang looked at her, as if she asked a funny question. He said, ¡°You should ask me, why am I unwilling? You can say that Master Xue is like my second parent. In that year, someone tried to frame me, saying that my pork killed people, saying that I am a murderer. I was used wrongly and was sent to prison, suffering while imprisoned. If it were not due to Master Xue who was perceptive, examined my case seriously and dered me as innocent, then I wouldn¡¯t be here today!¡± He held the long knife in passing, ¡°Hey, although I¡¯m a butcher that kills pigs, I¡¯m not an ingrate who forgets favors!¡±

    Jiang Li knew about this matter. When Xue Huai Yuan had just taken office, the previous county deputy epted bribes. In that case, it was clear that the son of a wealthy personmitted a crime, but he gave money to the former county deputy and looked for a scapegoat. It was clearly not butcher Zhang who poisoned the person to death, but he resolutely said that it was butcher Zhang¡¯s meat that killed people. Butcher Zheng became a scapegoat and the former county deputy epted bribes, so he definitely did not care about the innocence of a butcher. Moreover, butcher Zhang looked fierce and no one doubted the usation.

    After Xue Huai Yuan took office, he immediately noticed the doubtful point in this case and did not hesitate to offend the powerful and influential family in Tongxiang to reverse the verdict on butcher Zhang. Fortunately, at the end, the evidence was conclusive and butcher Zhang¡¯s innocence was returned, saving his life. Afterwards, butcher Zhang recognized Xue Huai Yuan as his benefactor.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been in prison and know the taste of being used wrongly. Nobody believes that a person like Master Xue is greedy for silver! Initially, I was thinking of a method, that is, to take the life of Feng Yu Tang, the dog official. But thought that even if such, the imprisoned Master Xue still could not be saved. Therefore, it dragged this long. At first I was thinking of robbing the execution ground five dayster. It¡¯s fine even if it was just me alone, even if I die, I will die together with my benefactor. The benefactor also will not feel injustice and say that it was a wrong thing to save me that year!¡±

    < >

 Chapter 118.3: Part 3: Kindness

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 118 Part 3: Kindness

    Butcher Zhang looked at Jiang Li, ¡°Little girl, I see your group of people are not ordinary people, and family backgrounds are not low, also not afraid of Feng Yu Tang¡¯s power. All along, you kept thinking of redressing Master Xue¡¯s injustice. I believe you! Since it¡¯s like so, count me in, whatever you want me to do, I won¡¯t object even in extreme danger! Anyway, I don¡¯t have any rtives and reasons, just alone by myself, only have this butcher¡¯s knife. I¡¯ll carry this butcher¡¯s knife to kill those animals that are worse than dogs!¡±

    Jiang Li did not expect to hear such wordsing out of butcher Zhang¡¯s mouth. She suddenly felt that she never really knew this butcher Zhang, this man, whose body was full of unyielding integrity. She never expected that in Tongxiang, where every person avoided Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s name due to the intimidation of Feng Yu Tang¡¯s power, there¡¯s still a person who was secretly working out a strategy to redress her father.

    Perhaps butcher Zhang was not the first, perhaps there were still others like him. Feng Yu Tang could suppress the words and actions of the people, but he could not suppress the people¡¯s hearts.

    Jiang Li¡¯s heart was also aroused in an instant.

    She gave butcher Zhang a deep courtesy

    Butcher Zhang jumped in fright and promptly said, ¡°Little girl, what are you doing?¡±

    ¡°I thank you on behalf of County Deputy Xue.¡± Jiang Li said earnestly, ¡°We know the things done by Feng Yu Tang in Tongxiang. Not everyone could step out to stand up for County Deputy Xue. I¡¯m very thankful that you can.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be thankful for,¡± Butcher Zhang waved his hands, ¡°at that time, when I was the target of scorn, when everyone yelled at me, only Master Xue was willing to believe me and did not disdain me. Without Master Xue, I would have been tortured in prison and died. I often looked at the sun outside and said to myself, being able to feel all these are all due to Master Xue¡¯s credit. My life originally belongs to Master Xue. Master Xue has difficulty, it¡¯s impossible for me to ignore, or else, am I still a human? I heard that killing too many living creatures will make a person go to hell. I never believe this, but I believe that forgetting favors and viting justice will make you go to hell.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to go to hell!¡± He said.

    Jiang Li looked at this man¡¯s fierce appearance and felt that he was cute. The two people looked at each other andughed.

    ¡­¡­

    The second day, until night, when Ye Ming Yu and the others met, Jiang Li discovered that the only person willing to stand up to be a witness was just butcher Zheng alone.

    After seeing butcher Zhang, she went to other households and each and everyone of them showed a difficult expression, hemming and hawing. Jiang Li did not force them, if others were not willing, she would naturally stop. Ye Ming Yu and the other bodyguards also ended up empty-handed. Ye Ming Yu was somewhat deted.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, ¡° Jiang Li encouraged, ¡°Didn¡¯t we still find one person? I¡¯ve said it before, one person a day and we can find five people. It¡¯s okay.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu looked at Jiang Li without speaking. He sighed, not because he could not find anybody, rather, because he was disappointed with the people¡¯s hearts.

    Jiang Li wrote about every family and each household in a book, and it¡¯s true that each and every one of them had received Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s help. Then, now that Xue Huai Yuan was in difficulty, just because of Feng Yu Tang¡¯s influence, no one dared to stand up?

    He was a little angry knowing this, but just like a basin of cold water poured on Ye Ming Yu¡¯s burning heart, he cooled down. He liked the rivers andkes¡¯ principle of debt of gratitude coupled with duty to avenge. Kindness was kindness, hatred was hatred. But the visit to Tongxiang made him see the frustration on the street. He had no way to criticize because each person had their own justification. However, his chest was not smooth, as if blocked by anger, making him depressed.

    He looked at Jiang Li, a 15 ¨C 16 years old little girl facing these sessive blows, how could she stay calm? As if being rejected was just a normal thing. If it was changed to Ye Jia Er and Ye Rufeng who encountered these circumstances, afraid the two of them had long been discouraged.

    But not Jiang Li.

    Jiang Li really would not feel broken-hearted because of this. In fact, after she had died once, she was still willing to treat people with kindness as before and would not be vicious just because she had suffered cruelty. However, she also had no expectation of people¡¯s hearts.

    Just like after bing Jiang second miss, towards Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s fatherly love, towards the sentiment with old madam Jiang, and the young and old rtives in the Jiang family, it¡¯s true that she wasn¡¯t the real Jiang second miss, but she also did not put in much feelings. As far as how the Jiang family treated her, she did not mind, because she did not have any expectations.

    In the end, Shen Yurong and Princess Yongning changed her. She was not clear whether this change was a good or bad thing, but there were times where she could feel the indifference in her bones. Watching the people who were rted to her with the cool eye of a bystander just like watching the bustling noise of people who had nothing to do with her.

    It resembled¡­.. It resembled Ji Heng.

    Perhaps her current self was the same as Ji Heng in their bones. Ji Heng¡¯s purpose was to achieve his wish in politics while her goal was revenge. She was alive to reach her goal, it went without saying that it¡¯s tedious and dull.

    Jiang Li retreated her thoughts, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, uncle, there are still three days left. Tomorrow, I want to start to report to Xiangyang Magistrate, establish Feng Yu Tang¡¯s charges, and suspend County Deputy Xue¡¯s beheadingmand. On thest day, we can wee county deputy Xue when he¡¯s released from prison and bring these people from Tongxiang to the capital.¡±

    ¡°Tong Zhi Yang will agree?¡± Ye Ming Yu asked.

    ¡°He won¡¯t be allowed to disagree, the rule is like this. Moreover, the Weaving Unit leader, Master Tang, has not yet departed. Master Tang knows the advantages and disadvantages, he would persuade Tong Zhi Yang.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°Of course, it will be better if we can find more people to testify.¡±

    ¡­¡­

    Jiang Li did not stop to rest. Early in the morning of the third day, she still woke up very early, divided the routes with Ye Ming Yu¡¯s subordinates and went to convince those people who had received Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s grace.

    Aunt Chun Fang did not go out anymore, just standing in her garden, her eyes following the departing Jiang Li and her group of people. She was in a daze, it¡¯s not known what she was thinking about.

    It¡¯s another day of leaving early and returningte.

    < >

 Chapter 118.4: Part 4: Kindness

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 118 Part 4: Kindness

    In the evening of this day, Jiang Li and Ye Ming Yu came empty-handed. However, Ye Ming Yu¡¯s subordinate persuaded a couple who opened a noodle shop, called Ah Guai husband and wife. In that year, the husband and wife were deceived and there were problems with thend deed, which nearly caused the noodle shop to be forcibly taken away, losing their capital. Xue Huai Yuan investigated the case and let Ah Guai husband and wife to take back thend deed thus not causing them to be homeless and destitute.

    Consequently, Ah Guai husband and wife had always been thankful to County Deputy Xue. Now Xue Huai Yuan was imprisoned, Ah Guai husband and wife had the mind to protest the unfairness for Xue Huai Yuan, but they did not know what they could do and always felt that their standing up would be overrating themselves. The appearance of Jiang Li and her people made them overjoyed, as if they finally knew what they could do, so they agreed without thinking much.

    ¡°Altogether, three people were found.¡± Ye Ming Yu said, ¡°Are we going to send the order to Xiangyang tomorrow?¡±

    Jiang Li nodded, ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu asked, ¡°Then do we continue to look for people?¡±

    ¡°Look.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°The more people there are, this matter will be bigger. Whether it would go to the Imperial Court of Judicial Review or reported to the Imperial Court, as long as it can make people unable to suppress it and make all the people under the sky see it, tearing thisyer of skin, see how much trouble can the current Tongxiang County Deputy make.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu said, ¡° I understand, then let¡¯s continue!¡±

    On this night, Jiang Li slept very steadily. In her dream, she met Xue Zhao and her father. The three people were on the road home to Qingshi Lane. In the night, Xue Zhao had a sword on his shoulder, proudly wielding a set of sword movements in front of Jiang Li and was scolded by Xue Huai Yuan whileughing.

    The warmth made Jiang Li reluctant to wake up.

    Until Bai Xue came to softly wake her up, ¡°Miss, you should get up.¡±

    These days, Jiang Li had gotten up very early. There¡¯s no way, time must not be wasted. She still recalledst night¡¯s beautiful dream in her mind, the dream that made her hate waking up from. However, her movements were still sober and firm. In a short time, she had made herself presentable. After eating a little, she was all ready to leave.

    Out of the 568 households, they had not visited half of them. While out of the other half, there were only three people willing to stand up.

    Sad? Perhaps; but it was more d that it was not none at all, which would be the worst oue.

    Ye Ming Yu greeted Jiang Li with a smile, ¡°Ah Li, today will be busy again.¡±

    Jiang Li also smiled, ¡°Today also hard work for uncle and all the brothers.¡±

    Everyoneughed and went out the door, but were suddenly stunned in the garden.

    Aunt Chun Fang was standing at the gate, dressed thinly, unknown how long she had waited, her body was shivering slightly. Seeing Jiang Li, her eyes brightened.

    ¡°Aunt Chun Fang?¡± Jiang Li looked doubtfully at her, ¡°Why are you here?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ I¡­ ¡° Chun Fang stammered, as if finally summoning her courage after a long time, she said, ¡°Miss, I, I¡¯m willing to stand up, to testify for Master Xue!¡±

    Jiang Li stared nkly.

    ¡°I¡¯ve thought about it, Master Xue has helped us so much. If we don¡¯t care, that means we don¡¯t have any conscience. I¡¯m willing to stand up!¡±

    This timid woman seemed to have gained courage for no reason. Her voice increased suddenly, her head was raised, speaking resolutely.

    Neither Jiang Li nor Ye Ming Yu expected her to say this.

    After a long time, Jiang Li smiled and said, ¡°Thank you, Aunt Chun Fang.¡±

    Chun Fang blushed, waving her hand in a flurry as if she could not ept it. She said, ¡°It¡¯s not just me, there¡¯s still them.¡±

    From the corner, she saw two people walk out. They were Dai Yun who was leading Ping An over.

    Ping An saw Jiang Li and showed a sweet smile. Dai Yun said, ¡°Miss Jiang, I¡¯ve thought it over. Master Xue saved Ping An so we must not be this heartless to Ping An¡¯s benefactor. We, mother and daughter, always received Master Xue¡¯s help while living in Tongxiang. We can¡¯t let a good person suffer injustice because of our selfishness. We are willing to go forward.¡±

    Jiang Li looked at her. Dai Yun tightly pulled Ping An¡¯s hand. She seemed to have struggled for a few days before making her decision. Still, she was here with Ping An now.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Jiang Li smiled, ¡°With you, Master Xue¡¯s case will be much easier. I think Master Xue¡¯s rehabilitated days won¡¯t be far.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not just us.¡± Chun Fang said, ¡°Look outside.¡± She pointed in one direction.

    Jiang Li took a few steps forward.

    At the mouth of Qingzhi Lane, unknowingly, numerous people were densely packed together for a long time. Some were outside, some were inside, crowding the alley, making the alley imprable. At least there were a hundred people here. There were men and women, at a nce, there were the people of Tongxiang.

    Seeing Jiang Li, they shouted loudly, ¡°Miss Jiang, we are all willing to be witnesses for Master Xue!¡±

    ¡°Miss Jiang, take us to help Master Xue! The grace of dripping water have to be paid back with gushing spring. We have all received Master Xue¡¯s kindness, now it¡¯s our turn to repay Master Xue!¡±

    ¡°We know Miss Jiang¡¯s n, we came specially looking for Miss Jiang. What Miss Jiang wants us to do, we will do, as long as we can save Master Xue!¡±

    Jiang Li looked at everything in front of her eyes in a daze.

    Ye Ming Yu and his subordinates took two steps forward and saw the scene in front of him. In a low voice he said, ¡°Oh my goodness¡­..¡± His voice was filled with wonder.

    Inparison with the situation when they visited door to door in thest few days and met with rebuff, today, everything did not seem real, as if they were dreaming. These people in Tongxiang, the old, weak, women, child, they were all there. On their faces, there¡¯s an undoubted courage of throwing caution to the wind.

    Those people whom Xue Huai Yuan had once helped, those who had shrunk back into their houses for whatever reasons, the people who did not dare to stand up went through the struggle, hesitation, unease, until justice prevailed over fear. They finally stood up.

    Is the human heart worth the expectation?

    Is the human heart not worth the expectation?

    Pin An struggled to let go of her mother¡¯s hand, ran forward and pulled Jiang Li¡¯s hand. She called out in a soft voice, ¡°Sister, we are willing to stand up.¡±

    Jiang Li¡¯s eyes heated up, unable to speak.

    < >

 Chapter 119.1: Part 1: Father

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 119 Part 1: Father

    They did not seem to have to ask the remaining few hundreds of household one by one.

    The people who suddenly poured out were enough to be Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s witnesses. Moreover, these people heard Jiang Li said that they needed to enter Yanjing to reverse the verdict for Xue Huai Yuan, and one after another expressed their willingness to go. At this point, they did not have to be worried about the problem of having enough people like before.

    Ye Ming Yu was very happy, patting his chest and ensuring everyone that he would provide the carriage and lodging in the capital. Tong¡¯s er and Bai Xue were also very happy. Ye Ming Yu, who got some free time, said to Jiang Li, ¡°Ah Li, now that we havepleted the task ahead of time, what should we do?¡±

    ¡°There are so many people now, Feng Yu Tang¡¯s men were half solved. The unarmed people already have deep grudge against Feng Yu Tang from earlier, it¡¯s time to let them vent their anger. Sooner orter, the order from Xiangyang wille down, since Feng Yu Tang is fond to proim himself as ruler in Tongxiang, this time, let him taste the feeling of being ruled by people. Uncle, take these people to the yamen, we are going to sing a drama called, ¡®Tie the official and go to the pce hall¡¯.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve only heard of ¡®Tie the son to go to the pce hall¡¯, never heard of ¡®Tie the official to go to the pce hall¡¯.¡± Ye Ming Yu was delighted.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen it either, so have to carefully experience it first-hand. There¡¯s no time to lose, I think Feng Yu Tang should have received this news and plot to counter it. We must not let him escape and must catch him. Waiting for the order from Tong Zhi Yang toe down with ease, then release County Deputy Xue from prison and escort the official to enter the capital.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu heard this and loudly said, ¡°good¡±. He was most fond of doing this quickly without a moment of hesitation. These days could be considered as sullen to death. Now he was finally able to raise his eyebrows to blow off steam, catching Feng Yu Tang who he had seen unpleasing to the eye. This was truly a good thing!

    ¡°Go go go!¡± Ye Ming Yu said impatiently.

    ¡­¡­

    It was extremely quiet today in the yamen.

    Feng Yu Tang was sitting in the room, waiting for people toe with a carriage.

    He could not leave from the official residence, because he knew that this road to escape would be dangerous. Therefore, even his most doted concubine was not brought along. He only brought the gold, silver and valuables he had raked in during his time as a parent official in Tongxiang. If his subordinates in the residence and those little concubines were to find out that he swept up all these things and was running away, they would definitely be noisy. At that time, Jiang Li and her group of people would be rmed and he could no longer walk away.

    When Feng Yu Tang found out yesterday that Jiang Li went from door to door to inquire whether there was anybody willing to be a witness, he immediately knew Jiang Li¡¯s intention. No wonder, no wonder Jiang Li¡¯s group of people was able to solve Princess Yongning¡¯s assassins calmly, yet not willing to move a finger on him. Presumably, since Jiang Li was not even afraid of Princess Yongning, how could she be afraid of a person who yed a little role like him. Keeping him alive was in order to rescue Xue Huai Yuan!

    Only if he¡¯s alive, when Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s case was retried, his crimes would wash away Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s injustice!

    When he figured it out, Feng Yu Tang felt hate and anxiety. When he was driven out by Xue Huai Yuan from the yamen that year, in his heart, he detested Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s method of not showing mercy. Afterwards, feng shui turned. Who made Xue Huai Yuan offended Princess Yongning. Xue Huai Yuan was sent to jail and he often instructed the jailer to serve Xue Huai Yuan ¡°carefully¡±. He was nowcent with the spring breeze, but halfway, a chief assistant daughter suddenly attacked. She wanted to redress Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s injustice, not only that, she almost seeded.

    Xue Huai Yuan was truly born to be his nemesis!

    Jiang Li indeed had this idea, but Feng Yu Tang did not wish to do so. Xue Huai Yuan was now a handicap and had gone mad. Just for this useless person, he paid such a huge sacrifice. Moreover, once Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s verdict was reversed, the person who would take over Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s ce would be him. Although Princess Yongning was his master, she would never make a big move for a small person such as him.

    Jiang Li said something that was really true, the immortals fight, the little demons suffer a cmity. He had self-knowledge, he was not an immortal, but a little demon that would possibly suffer a cmity at any given moment. So that¡¯s why he had to search for a way to survive. He already had no way to stop Jiang Li from overturning Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s case. He had messed up his errand, Princess Yongning might wipe his opportunity to live at any time. In addition, he offended Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s daughter. If he did not walk away now, then when? As a result, first thing in the morning today, he went to the yamen, moved all his boxes here, brought a few of his trusted aides, and just waiting for a carriage toe before going on his way without dy.

    By the time Jiang Li found enough people willing to be witnesses, seven days days, he would have walked far. As for how Jiang Li and Princess Yongning fight, let them go at each other, he would have made his getaway. Everything no longer had anything to do with him!

    In the midst of his thoughts, Feng Yu Tangabruptly heard some movements from outside. He shook excitedly, promptly stood up from his seat and instructed his trusted aid to hurriedly lift those boxes containing banknotes and antiques. He then took the lead to walk outside while speaking with dissatisfaction, ¡°I¡¯ve said it, move quietly, what to do if discovered by other people?¡±

    Feng Yu Tang had just spoken and arrived at the yamen¡¯s entrance. His voice rapidly disappeared and he was stunned.

    Standing in front of him were Ye Ming Yu and Jiang Li.

    ¡°Master Feng.¡± Jiang Li smiled at him.

    Feng Yu Tang smiled with difficulty in return as he suddenly felt uneasy. Jiang Li smiled gently, even Ye Ming Yu gave him a meaningful smile. This man who was born like a bandit had always been cold to him, when was he ever this polite?

    ¡°Miss Jiang second.¡± Feng Yu Tang hid the calction in his heart and asked Jiang Li, ¡°Why did the two of youe so early? Is there any matter in looking for this official?¡±

    This attitude,pared to when he first met with Jiang Li, was as different as the sky and the earth. A trace of disdain shed in Ye Ming Yu¡¯s eyes. Looking at such a person who stepped on the low and held the tall, the more you saw him, the more dirty you felt.

    Jiang Li did not reply to Feng Yu Tang, instead, she looked behind Feng Yu Tang and asked in surprise, ¡°Why is Master Feng moving so many boxes, are you going faraway?¡±

    Feng Yu Tang¡¯s heart gave a ¡°thud¡±. He turned around hurriedly and used his eyes to tell his subordinates to move the boxes back. He apologetically said, ¡°How is it possible? These were things that were seized before, and were about to be returned.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Jiang Li smiled, ¡°That¡¯s good. I thought Master Feng was about to go faraway. There¡¯s some difficulty, if Master Feng went far, it¡¯s hard to handle in the future. There¡¯s some things that I want to ask Master Feng¡¯s help with.¡±

    < >

 Chapter 119.2: Part 2: Father

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 119 Part 2: Father

    Jiang Li looked polite and mild, yet Feng Yu Tang knew clearly in his heart that this littledy was not as good as she looked on the surface. He heard Jiang Li had something that needed his help with and not only did he not feel well, his whole body even broke out in cold sweat. He asked to probe, ¡°What matter does the seconddy need this official to help with?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s very simple.¡± Jiang Li spoke in an understatement, ¡°It¡¯s just asking Master Feng¡¯spany to go back to Yanjing together; go to the Imperial Court of Judicial Review to testify against County Deputy Xue¡¯s case.¡±

    Feng Yu Tang froze.

    Jiang Li looked at him quietly with tranquil eyes. However, Feng Yu Tang could see the ridicule contained in her pair of eyes.

    He said, ¡°What kind of joke is the second miss saying¡­..¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t like to joke.¡± Jiang Li shook her head.

    A feeling of humiliation burst out from Feng Yu Tang¡¯s heart. The current obstruction of Jiang Li¡¯s petite body was just like obstructing his way to survive. He itched to vigorously twist Jiang Li¡¯s neck off and once again kill to make a bloody path out. But he did not dare, Ye Ming Yu was standing beside Jiang Li and the broad sword on his waist was emitting cold air.

    ¡°Second miss, must you force this official to really do this?¡±

    Jiang Li smiled and nodded.

    The more gentle she was, the more angry Feng Yu Tang became. His anger gave birth to a fierce courage and he abruptly asked, ¡°What if the official refused?¡±

    ¡°Refused?¡± Jiang Li¡¯s smile gradually disappeared and she looked expressionlessly at him. She coldly said, ¡°Afraid I can¡¯t allow Master Feng to refuse.¡±

    Feng Yu Tang refused to show weakness, ¡°Miss Jiang second, don¡¯t push too far, are you nning to kill this official?¡±

    ¡°This has nothing to do with me.¡± Jiang Li shook her head, ¡°The ones who won¡¯t let you go are them.¡± She moved her body slightly to the side.

    Feng Yu Tang saw it.

    Behind Jiang Li, outside the yamen door that was blocked by Ye Ming Yu¡¯s guards, were the people of Tongxiang, standing densely together. It¡¯s unknown how long they had stood there, just calmly looking at Feng Yu Tang with excitement and anger in their eyes. It looked as if, if Jiang Li was not there, they would have immediately entered and killed Feng Yu Tang in anger.

    ¡°You see.¡± Jiang Li smiled.

    Feng Yu Tang¡¯s body swayed for a moment and he couldn¡¯t help taking a step back. He shook his head and mumbled, ¡°Impossible¡­..¡±

    When those people came to inform him yesterday, they said that for several days in a row, Jiang Li, Ye Ming Yu and their group of people went door to door to inquire the people in Tongxiang but could only find three people. Out of the 500 plus households in Tongxiang, they could only find three people, that was not many. Feng Yu Tang was at oncecent, thinking that his prestige among the people in Tongxiang was extremely high. Even if the noble daughter of the chief assistant came to ask, nobody dared to speak nonsense. It was precisely because of this, Feng Yu Tang believed that by the time Jiang Li gathered sufficient people willing to be witnesses, it would be a few more days.

    In the short period of one night, how could so many people follow her? What happened? What did she say to the people in Tongxiang?

    ¡°Feng Yu Tang!¡± A young man spoke with grief and indignation, ¡°You abducted my sister to be your concubine. The person only entered your mansion for three days and she died. Return my sister to me!¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s an animal, he grabbed our family¡¯s shop, my mother died of anger in the house!¡±

    ¡°He gangs up with evil tyrant and robbed our family¡¯s three antiques!¡±

    ¡°Feng Yu Tang!¡±

    One after another, the usation resounded through the sky in front of the yamen in Tongxiang county.

    During Feng Yu Tang¡¯s tenure, he oppressed the people andmitted any imaginable misdeeds. The people in Tongxiang had long been holding back. Now it burst, scaring Feng Yu Tang to retreat again and again. He tried to take out the previous prestige, but his vigor was insufficient. He could only appear fierce while being cowardly at heart and roared, ¡°What do you want to do? Are you people going to rebel?¡±

    The bellowing rage from the people was his reply.

    In the middle of the noise, Jiang Li¡¯s voice sounded exceptionally clear. She said, ¡°Master Feng, persisting in evil will bring about self-destruction. It¡¯s just that the time of revenge has note yet. Now, your time hase.¡±

    Feng Yu Tang looked at her for a while, suddenly turned around and ran!

    He knew what Jiang Li said was right. They were numerous and had power in number. If it was before, he could still let his subordinates fight, they were merely unarmed untouchables, how powerful could they get? However, his subordinates went to chase and kill Jiang Li these days and had been killed more than half. The remaining ones werecking. These untouchables rebelled at this time, it¡¯s not possible for his men to pass!

    Run away? Where can he escape?

    Jiang Li looked coldly at Feng Yu Tang¡¯s back view as he fled in panic. She waved her hand and said, ¡°Master Feng wants to run, asking everyone to help ¡®invite¡¯ Master Feng toe back.¡±

    Her voice just fell and, ¡®bang¡¯, a sound came out. The people who had long heldints against Feng Yu Tang immediately rushed to catch Feng Yu Tang. Even those subordinates carrying Feng Yu Tang were unable to withstand the people carrying sticks and bamboo and repeatedly begged for forgiveness. Jiang Li asked Ye Ming Yu¡¯s bodyguards to watch carefully. She had the mind to let these people vent their anger, but it must be guaranteed that Feng Yu Tang must not escape.

    It¡¯s been a long time since so many people appeared in the Tongxiang county¡¯s yamen. Ever since Feng Yu Tang took office, only those evil tyrants and rich people were fond ofing to the yamen. As long as there¡¯s silver, work could be handled. Themon people who came to the yamen were full of blood and tears, buried alive by that person. Over time, the yamen became a nest of devils. This was a fact known by everyone in Tongxiang.

    However, a few days after Miss Jiang¡¯s arrival in Tongxiang, the figures of themon people appeared once again in the yamen. This time, it was not ¡®the official taking unfair advantage of the people¡¯, rather, it was ¡®the official forcing the people to revolt¡¯.

    Ye Ming Yu looked at a married woman who was fiercely smashing Feng Yu Tang¡¯s head with a pole. Heughed heartily and called Jiang Li to see. He said, ¡°Now that b*astard can also taste the feeling of being trampled on.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled faintly: ¡°It¡¯s retribution.¡±

    Although Feng Yu Tang was Princess Yongning¡¯sckey and behaved ording to Princess Yongning¡¯smand, her father turning mad and suffering inhuman torture while in prison was inseparable from Feng Yu Tang. After having done these things and still wanted to escape, Feng Yu Tang really thought too beautifully.

    < >

 Chapter 119.3: Part 3: Father

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    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 119 Part 3: Father

    She would let Feng Yu Tang and Princess Yongning have a lifelong regret for all the things they had done to her.

    Jiang Li spoke to Ye Ming Yu, ¡°Uncle Ming Yu, please ask someone to hold Feng Yu Tang, don¡¯t let him slip away and look after him well.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu nodded, looked at Jiang Li turning around and asked her, ¡°Ah Li, where are you going?¡±

    Jiang Li said, ¡°Feng Yu Tang has already lost his power and influence in prison. The jailer found the news out and has long since run off. Now going to see County Deputy Xue should not have any obstruction.¡± She smiled, ¡°I think there are still many like County Deputy Xue in Tongxiang prison, being used wrongly and imprisoned. I want to let them all out. Tongxiang, this ce, is going to change.¡±

    ¡­¡­

    In the end, the people who went to prison with Jiang Li were Ye Ming Yu¡¯s servant boy, Ah Shun. There¡¯s also butcher Zhang.

    Although he got the news that the jailer had run away, just in case, Ye Ming Yu still asked Jiang Li to bring a few more people. He still wanted to guard Feng Yu Tang to avoid him escaping if there¡¯s opportunity.

    At the gate of the prison, there were sounds of chaotic footsteps. Presumably, they were the steps of those jailers who received the news that Feng Yu Tang had met with mishap at thest moments, were flustered and in a panic to leave. There were still some messy silvers on the ground. However, Ye Ming Yu had dispatched some people and the residents of Tongxiang to block the city gate. If there were people who wanted to escape, they would be blocked by them.

    Ah Shun stood at the gate, lighting a torch together with butcher Zhang and stretched his head to look inside. It¡¯s gloomy and eerie inside the prison as all the torches had been extinguished and the inside looked somewhat unclear. For fear that Jiang Li could not see the steps and fell, Ah Shun was about to remind Jiang Li to be careful but saw Jiang Li, without even lighting a torch, had walked down.

    Ah Shun, ¡°¡­..¡±

    When she was young, Xue Huai Yuan did not allow her and Xue Zhao to visit the prison. However, everytime Xue Zhao went, he always brought her in secretly. The jailer knew they were Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s children. knew that children only wanted to have fun and also knew that they would not cause any trouble, so the jailor just closed one eye. In regards to prison, Jiang Li was not at all unfamiliar. Some of the people locked inside the prison were really evil while some were forced by life tomit crimes. However, there¡¯s one point that¡¯s the same, the people inside were all guilty.

    Whenever Xue Huai Yuan came, he was always wearing his washed out official uniform. He once rescued butcher Zhang who was wrongly used, also had previously sent a truly guilty viin but lived carefreely into prison.

    Jiang Li had never thought that one day, she would see the figure of his father in prison wearing a prison uniform.

    The torches inside the prison were all extinguished, leaving the torches held in the hands of Ah Shun and butcher Zhang. The light was not enough to let people see her blurry eye sockets. Each step she took was very slow, as if she was afraid of falling. However, only Jiang Li herself knew that her hands were trembling slightly.

    She was scared.

    She was afraid to see such a father, afraid to see the father that she had looked up to as her heaven since she was young, Xue Zhao¡¯s big tree, the indomitable father, curled up into a ball and lost his clear-headedness and memory in the dark.

    Ah Shun¡¯s torch illuminated the faces of the people inside the cells one by one, the sound of grievances abruptly echoed repeatedly. No one knew how many miscarriage of justice Feng Yu Tang had actually done. Once a stranger came in, the cries of injustice would resonate. But there were more people who just raised their eyes to look at them with indifference, as if they had lost all hope of the future. These were the people who had been tortured and no longer believed in hope.

    No, no, no. Jiang Li looked one by one, those who lost an arm and a leg, seeing that they were not her father, her heart felt a bit relieved. Shortly after, she became more urgent, why hasn¡¯t she seen him?

    Until the veryst one.

    Ah Shun¡¯s torch had reached the front of the door. The person inside shrunk into the corner, unknown whether he was sleeping orying down, his back facing them, refusing to turn his head to see them. Ah Shun subconsciously nced at Jiang Li. He had never met Xue Huai Yuan and did not know his appearance, butcher Zhang knew. But everytime, before butcher Zhang recognized the person, Jiang Li had already shook her head.

    No one would have doubted that Jiang Li also recognized Xue Huai Yuan. Perhaps she was even more familiar to Xue Huai Yuan than butcher Zhang. Therefore, she could immediately determine that the person in front of her was not Xue Huai Yuan before.

    Ah Shun looked at Jiang Li to see her suddenly grabbing the door, her expression dazzled.

    He perked up, knowing this expression on Jiang Li meant that this person was Xue Huai Yuan for sure. He fished the key to the prison cell without dy and turned the lock.

    The prison door immediately opened.

    Butcher Zhang was still hesitating. Though he knew Xue Huai Yuan, this person had not turned around yet and he could not see his face at all, thus he could not be sure. Although he did not know why Ah Shun immediately opened the cell door after he nced at Miss Jiang second, butcher Zhang thought of going in first to take a look, in case it wasn¡¯t Xue Huai Yuan and Miss Jiang second was injured. He saw that the youngdy practically seemed unable to hold back and went inside with lightning speed.

    Butcher Zhang and Ah Shun were both stunned. Ah Shun said, ¡°Ah, miss cousin, the torch¡­..¡±

    Under the gloomy light of the torch, Jiang Li saw the solitary figure sitting in the corner. His head leaning against the wall, hair unkempt. That outstanding, upright and tall figure had unknowingly turned stooped like this, his body had be thin. Her brain buzzed for a while, her knees turned soft and she knelt down.

    Ah Shun was greatly rmed, nearly about to cry out. Butcher Zhang by his side pulled him, making him forcibly swallow the cry in his throat. However, he still did not understand, there¡¯s gold under a man¡¯s knees. Miss cousin was not a man, naturally going down on her knees was not so precious. But even if Xue Huai Yuan and miss cousin were former acquaintances, or connected by whatever rtions, why would miss cousin kneel down? This was truly inconceivable.

    < >

 Chapter 119.4: Part 4: Father

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 119 Part 4: Father

    What could deserve miss cousin to kneel down? Or could miss cousin¡¯s knee felt unwell after walking so she stumbled down?

    But very soon Ah Shun denied his own conjecture. He stared nkly as Jiang Li reached her hand out, supported that dirty convict and turned him slowly around, exposing his whole face.

    Butcher Zhang and Ah Shun both opened their eyes wide.

    The face of the person was so thin that it could not be called human. The cheeks were sunken, the bones protruding and the body supported by Jiang Li was as thin as a matchstick. It¡¯s not that Ah Shun had not seen a prisoner before. Most of the time, they were born fierce and vicious, with sharp mouths and monkey cheeks, and would cut a sorry figure. However, not one looked as shocking as the person in front of him.

    His entire hair had turned white, ayer of snow white. With a nce, people thought it was the snow in Tongxiang covering the person¡¯s head. Yet, the whiter the hair, the body seemed darker and thinner. Simr to a candle me about to be extinguished, soon to be blown out with just one breath.

    Butcher Zhang muttered, ¡°Master Xue¡­..¡±

    Ah Shun looked unconsciously at butcher Zhang, such an unusually thin man, an old man who seemingly has one foot on the grave, is the popr County Deputy Xue that was said to be vigorous and benevolent?

    Unexpectedly, County Deputy Xue is in such dire circumstances? It should be known that anyone who saw this prisoner would not doubt that he did not have long to live. This prisoner was going to die.

    Seeing such a person, miss cousin should be afraid, right? Ah Shun was thinking like this when immediately afterwards, he saw Jiang Li hold her hand out and slowly pulled Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s sleeve.

    With her back on him, Ah Shun could not see Jiang Li¡¯s expression. He only felt that this miss cousin seemed to be suffering, just like a repressed wounded beast, whimpering while its blood continued to flow. Drop by drop, it did not stop flowing.

    The moment the sleeve was pulled out, butcher Zhang beside him gasped lowly.

    The faint light from the torch could not conceal the scars on this pitiful man. Those scars resembled injuries from whish, also resembled injuries from knife wounds. Perhaps there were also scaldings caused by soldering irons pasted onto the skin. Those wounds were piled upyer uponyer. Before the old injuries healed, new injuries were added. Some injuries were already rotten and produced pus, emitting stench, with maggots slowly climbing on the wounds. Ah Shun felt nauseous and felt stuffy in his chest.

    He felt terrified by Feng Yu Tang¡¯s methods.

    So to speak, even prisoners on death row did not receive such punishments. This wanted people to live no better than death, not willing to make the other person happy. Jiang Li only pulled up one sleeve, exposing the other party¡¯s arm. Just one arm was like so, one could well imagine how many more scars were on Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s body.

    In this kind of dark prison which the bottom could not be seen, day in day out, without interruption suffering repeated torture. Unable to live, unable to die, no wonder Xue Huai Yuan went insane. Ah Shun even felt that if Jiang Li had note to rescue this person, the sentence a few dayster was perhaps a kind of expatriation for County Deputy Xue.

    Such days were really too hard to bear, really too hard.

    At the same time, he had doubt in his heart. Such a County Deputy Xue, even if saved, how much longer could he still live? Even if he could survive, a person who had lost his mind lost everything. What¡¯s the point of living for someone who was like a walking corpse?

    As he was thinking, a low howl was abruptly heard in the prison.

    Ah Shun was startled and looked towards the direction of the sound. However, he discovered in surprise that the person emitting the sound was no one else but miss cousin, Jiang Li.

    The person who was always calm and smiling gently, who could be serious in the face of the crazy crowd in Li Zheng Tang, was kneeling on the ground and let out a voice that seemed both happy and sad. She slowly bent down and held Xie Huai Yuan¡¯s shoulders, crying bitterly and loudly.

    Ah Shun stared nkly, butcher Zhang also did not say a word. The originally noisy prison full of the voices of the young and old shouting their grievances due to their arrival, had calmed down at an unknown time. Only the sound of the girl crying bitterly could be heard.

    The sound of weeping was like an infection. In the dark cell, the faint light swayed. As if after tasting all the happiness, anger, sorrows and joy after many years had passed, there was an opportunity to start again, painfully crying tears of joy. Also felt as if standing before the surging Yangtze River, the time that had passed could not return, there¡¯s a sorrow of missing out on worldly affairs.

    It made people feel sad and distressed upon hearing.

    The girl was not afraid of the stench and maggots on the prisoner¡¯s body. She still held him tightly, like a little girl who got lost in the crowd and finally saw her father, clutching at thest straw, without any worry, crying loudly with ease.

    Jiang Li¡¯s heart was in so much grief.

    Xue Huai Yuan was a few years older than Jiang Yuan Bai. In those days, Xue Huai Yuan was also a handsome man. Although he could not bepared with Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s sophistication, he had strength of character. The lofty father became old this quickly, so fast, he had not even yet reached old age, yet his hair had all turned white. If it were not because of encountering a huge shock, what¡¯s the reason for this?

    His body was full of scars. Those unbearable days, if Jiang Li thought of this, she felt pain like a knife twisted in her heart. If she had quickly returned to Tongxiang when she had just be Jiang Li, would her father had received less torture? Perhaps, if she did not attract Shen Yurong at that time, there would be no Princess Yongning, and she would be able to stay in Tongxiang peacefully with Xue Zhao and her father until they were old.

    The world messed with people, the messed up people apuded.

    The bones of the person under her were so prominent, as if his body was only bones without any skin and flesh. Even for meals, Feng Yu Tang only gave a little food to Xue Huai Yuan, letting him endure the cold.

    Suddenly, in the midst of Jiang Li¡¯s painful voice, a weak voice sounded like it was in a dream.

    ¡°Ah Li?¡±

    What a hard and painful chapter to trante, especially this part, both thementing and the description.

    < >

 Chapter 120.1: Part 1: Tenderness

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 120 Part 1: Tenderness

    ¡°Ah Li?¡±

    Ah Shun was shocked and looked at the person with astonishment. How, this county deputy Xue, how does he know miss cousin? And still called her so familiarly?

    Jiang Li was also stunned. She slowly lowered her head, breathed lightly, and looked at the person she was hugging. Father¡­.. Did not lose his mind? A burst of ecstasy burst in her heart.

    But the ecstasy very soon disappeared.

    Xue Huai Yuan opened his eyes, but did not look at her. Instead, he was looking at the stone wall, or more like the ssh of dirt on the wall. He struggled to get out of Jiang Li¡¯s hand and quickly returned to the corner he was at before. From the ground, he hugged the straws with both hands and tightly held it in his bosom, as if afraid that someone would take it away. He mumbled, ¡°Ah Li¡­.. Ah Li¡­..¡±

    Jiang Li¡¯s nose was sour, her tears about to fall again. Father was not sober, therefore, he kept calling the name ¡°Ah Li¡±. However, because this name upied a very important part in his life, so even after he had gone mad, his mouth still muttered this name.

    That¡¯s right, sheughed at herself, even if father has not lost his mind, he still might not necessarily be able to recognize her standing in front of him. She is not ¡°Ah Li¡±, but ¡°Jiang Li¡±.

    ¡°Miss cousin?¡± Ah Shun was somewhat uneasy.

    Jiang Li turned her head and said, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± There was a sharp pain in her heart as she looked at Xue Huai Yuan who had withdrawn to the corner and was talking to himself. She knew that she should not make so many unreasonable demands, at least her father was still alive. It was already a very lucky thing that in the midst of unfortunate things, the father and daughter still had the chance to meet in their lifetime. However, upon seeing this kind of father, in her heart, Jiang Li wished she could chop Shen Yurong and Princess Yongning to pieces. Even so, it was still difficult to reduce the ache in her heart.

    She said, ¡°I¡¯ll take County Deputy Xue out. County Deputy Xue¡¯s body is too weak, so please ask uncle to look for the best doctor in Tongxiang toe and take a look.¡±

    When butcher Zhang saw his benefactor looking like this, he also extremely hated Feng Yu Tang. Hearing Jiang Li¡¯s instructions, without saying a word, he immediately went out to look for a doctor.

    Originally, Ah Shun wanted to help support Xue Huai Yuan, however, Jiang Li had already personally supported Xue Huai Yuan. She did not disdain the stench and filth on Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s body in the slightest, and gently and carefully supported his shoulder and pulled his arm. The current Xue Huai Yuan was just like a two or three years old child, dancing around, iling his arms. In a careless moment, he pped Jiang Li¡¯s face and a dirty hand print immediately appeared on the fair face.

    Ah Shun could not stand looking at this and said, ¡°Miss cousin, better let me do it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡± Jiang Li only said two words, but it was in a firm tone. Ah Shun withdrew the hand he had extended. This miss cousin always had a lot of patience, gentle in treating the Ye family members and towards strangers. However, this was the first time Ah Shun saw Jiang Li with this kind of patient appearance, as if Xue Huai Yuan was the most precious thing in the world for her and she was willing to give all her heart and soul to take care of him.

    Jiang Li supported Xue Huai Yuan out of prison.

    Ah Shun asked, ¡°Miss cousin, the remaining people¡­..¡±

    Feng Yu Tang did not make distinction between good and evil and put profit before anything else. Those locked up in prison might have been wrongly used like Xue Huai Yuan, good people who became scapegoats. Xue Huai Yuan was not out, then what about the remaining people?

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°Let someone send their files over in the evening. If there¡¯s any doubtful point, I¡¯ll bring it out. Feng Yu Tang was, in the end, the county deputy of Tongxiang. After this incident, the court would very quickly dispatched a new county deputy. At that time, ask for these cases to be re-examined and it would not wrong the people.¡±

    Ah Shun was relieved.

    As they walked to the gate of the yamen, Xue Huai Yuan seemed to have seen something frightening and suddenly screamed loudly and unwilling to walk forward. Jiang Li was extremely sad looking at him this way. At once, Ah Shun asked people to pull Xue Huai Yuan, but they did not dare to put too much strength. After all, Xue Huai Yuan was too thin, they were afraid if they were too heavy-handed, Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s bones would snap.

    Ye Ming Yu saw Jiang Li from afar and walked over to say, ¡°Ah Li, why did youe back so quickly? Feng Yu Tang has been beaten half dead, if it were not because he still has some use and let people stop, today, his life would have been over. Hey, you brought County Deputy Xue back¡­..¡± Ye Ming Yu stopped talking abruptly when he saw the sorry figure of Xue Huai Yuan.

    Anyone who knew Xue Huai Yuan in the past would be unable to say a word looking at his current appearance. The always vigorous, upright good official was now reduced to such a look.

    Ye Ming Yu was stunned for a moment before saying, ¡°County deputy Xue is too pitiful¡­..¡±

    Jiang Li said, ¡°Uncle, I ask uncle Zhang to invite a physician, first let the physician take a look at County Deputy Xue. I¡¯m afraid County Deputy Xue¡¯s body is extremely weak now. He still has to go to Xiangyang, then Yanjing. If his body is not taken care of, afraid it will be very difficult.¡± She nced at the other side and said, ¡°There are a lot of prisoners¡¯ carriages in the prison, bring one out and give one for Feng Yu Tang. No need to wait for Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s transfer order, just directly go to Xiangyang.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu nodded subconsciously. He asked, ¡°Those officials in Dongshan should not be okay to be let out, right? Feng Yu Tang¡¯s people have either been arrested or ran away and they are no longer dangerous.¡±

    Jiang Li nodded, ¡°Thank you, uncle.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu sensed that Jiang Li¡¯s mood seemed to be very bad, but he was relieved after thinking about it. Since Jiang Li had taken a lot of trouble and expended a great deal of effort to save Xue Huai Yuan and take him out of prison, she naturally had a friendship with Xue Huai Yuan. Now Xue Huai Yuan had be like this, even he, as an outsider, also sighed endlessly, not to mention Jiang Li.

    Sigh, in this world, why does an especially good person receive so much injustice?

    ¡­¡­

    Physician Zhong who was looking after Peng Xiao and the others were invited to take a look at Xue Huai Yuan.

    Feng Yu Tang had be a ¡°prisoner¡±, so physician Zhong was no longer afraid of being retaliated against and he did not need to take silvers and escape. He was also meticulous when checking Xue Huai Yuan.

    < >

 Chapter 120.2: Part 2: Tenderness

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 120 Part 2: Tenderness

    After a while, walking out of the room, Jiang Li asked, ¡°Physician Zhong, how is it?¡±

    ¡°Thisdy,¡± Physician Zhong shook his head, ¡°I have written a prescription for the scars on the body for people to get the medicine. This period of time, Master Xue had received a lot of misery, it¡¯s an amazing thing that he could endure up to now. However, after all, he is older and his body is weak. By fortunate coincidence, perhaps it was because the animal Feng Yu Tang deliberately wanted to leave Master Xue¡¯s life, he did not let Master Xue receive any fatal injuries. Although a person is tortured, as long as they are nursed back carefully, in time, perhaps they will get better.¡±

    Jiang Li hesitated for a while before asking, ¡°Dare to ask Physician Zhong, Master Xue has now lost his mind and is unable to recognize people. Can he be sober one day in the future?¡±

    ¡°This old man does not dare to guarantee,¡± Physician Zhong waved his hand over and over again, ¡°I am just a small physician in Tongxiang, really cannot be sure, forgive the old man¡¯s ipetence. Heard that the miss wants to take Master Xue to Yanjing, there are many capable people in Yanjing, perhaps you can find a god doctor there who can help restore Master Xue¡¯s rationality.¡±

    Jiang Li was silent.

    Physician Zhong was not the first one to say this. In fact, she had already asked many physicians in Tongxiang and not a single one could make Xue Huai Yuan sober.

    She really wished her father would be sober and call her ¡°Ah Li¡±. For this, she would pay any price.

    ¡°I understand.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°Thank you Physician Zhong.¡± Physician Zhong was powerless and she could not force him. Even if she felt disappointed, she could only raise her spirits to face what she had to do next.

    The outside had already overflowed with the residents of Tongxianging to pay a visit to Xue Huai Yuan. Aunt Chun Fang wiped her tears and said, ¡°Why has the Master be like this¡­..¡±

    ¡°It would be better if we had stood up earlier, me me¡­..¡± Dai Yun, holding Ping An¡¯s hand, regretted endlessly, ¡°I did not know the Master actually suffered such torture.¡±

    ¡°Feng Yu Tang is not human!¡± Butcher Zhang said, ¡°If it were not because he still has some use now, I would have used my knife to hack him to death!¡±

    Jiang Li walked through the crowd to the front. Xue Huai Yuan was sitting on the couch, like a child, he was ying with the wooden statue in his hand whileughing gleefully. All around, Peng Xiao, He Jun and the Gu brothers had deep remorse in their eyes.

    Seeing Jiang Li, Peng Xiao looked at her and asked, ¡°What did the physician say?¡±

    Jiang Li shook her head.

    Disappointment could immediately be seen in their eyes.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, very soon we will be in Yanjing.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°When we arrive in Yanjing, I¡¯ll look for a god doctor to treat Master Xue.¡±

    ¡°Master bing like this is all the fault of Feng Yu Tang, that b*stard!¡± Gu Da fumed with anger and said, ¡°I must cut his body into pieces!¡±

    ¡°Feng Yu Tang is at best just apdog, the real person is still behind.¡± Jiang Li slowly said, ¡°Whoever makes Master Xue be subjected to such torture must bear the price of retribution.¡±

    ¡°Several of our brothers have already guessed that Feng Yu Tang received instructions from someone. However, in the end, we still don¡¯t know who was behind him, also why the Lord must receive such a ruthless hand. Miss, please let us know clearly.¡± He Jun said.

    ¡°When you arrive in Yanjing, you will naturally know who is the person behind him. Actually, this case may not be able to do anything to her, but even if her life is stable, it¡¯s still a good thing if ayer of her skin is peeled. The four of you are the witnesses to this case, in order to silence you, the other person must use extreme means. What the four of you are going to face, the enemy could be a hundred folds more sinister than Feng Yu Tang. You have to think clearly¡­..¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve thought about it,¡± Peng Xiao interrupted Jiang Li, ¡°we want to avenge the lord, regardless whether it would seed or not.

    Jiang Li gradually smiled, ¡°Good, then rely on the four of you.¡±

    ¡°We are the ones relying on Miss Jiang second.¡±

    ¡­¡­

    They resolved not to wait for Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s transfer order and go on the second day. They would immediately bring the Tongxiang residents to go to Xiangyang then directly to Yanjing, which was just a moment.

    After deciding, Ye Ming Yu soon dispatched people to pack up. The witness testimony, files and other important evidence in the yamen that were rted to Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s case were all collected to be brought as well. Since they were going to set out on the second day, everyone slept much earlier.

    Xue Huai Yuan who had lost his mind was just like a child and needed a long time of coaxing before he finally slept. This was done personally by Jiang Li. Initially, Ye Ming Yu and the others wanted to let Jiang Li rest, but Xue Huai Yuan only wanted Jiang Li to coax. When the others tried to coax him, he was immediately terrified. Only when Jiang Li was in front of him did he calm down.

    Jiang Li was also extremely patient with him, there wasn¡¯t even a bit ofint. Bai Xue and Tong¡¯er watched and had a kind of illusion that even if Jiang Yuan Bai grew old, Jiang Li would not treat Jiang Yuan Bai this patiently. Towards the Jiang family members, although Jiang Li was gentle, there was an estranged politeness. The two servant girls could perceive that Jiang Li did not put in a lot of sincerity.

    However, towards Xue Huai Yuan, she was actually genuinely gentle from the bottom of her heart.

    After coaxing Xue Huai Yuan to sleep, Tong¡¯er asked Jiang Li, ¡°Miss, are you going to rest?¡±

    Even Ye Ming Yu had gone to sleep.

    Jiang Li looked outside, it¡¯s strange, she arrived in Tongxiang for a few days and it has been snowing twice, including tonight. Tongxiang has not had snow for over a decade.

    The wind blew from outside, mixing the snowkes. Jiang Li draped a cloak over her shoulder and said, ¡°No, I¡¯ll go and see Feng Yu Tang.¡±

    Feng Yu Tang? Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue looked at each other, Jiang Li had already left the room.

    The snow white rabbit fur cloak was draped on her body and she put the hood down, leaving only a palm-sized face. Under thentern light, the small face looked even more pale, nearly the same color as jade. She neither walked fast nor slowly, but soon, she had arrived at the corner of the courtyard.

    Inside the prisoner carriage, Feng Yu Tang was huddled into a ball.

    It was snowing outside and the prisoner¡¯s car was not ced inside the room. He yelled at the person assigned to him but no one came to look at him. He had no other choice, it was too cold, he could only shrink into a ball, just like Xue Huai Yuan in the prison cell then.

    < >

 Chapter 120.3: Part 3: Tenderness

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 120 Part 3: Tenderness

    In the night, the courtyard was especially quiet. Jiang Li¡¯s footsteps produced a rustling noise as she stepped on the snow. Feng Yu Tang was like a startled rabbit, abruptly raised his head and saw Jiang Li at first sight. He subconsciously wanted to call for help, however, he stopped in the next moment.

    He knew, even if he spoke up, the seemingly gentle and benevolent young miss in front of him would not charitably give him a quilt. It could even be said that the reason he had fallen to this degree and was still locked inside the prisoner carriage was all due to this girl.

    She was a devil, who against reason, created a magic hole.

    Jiang Li stopped in front of the prisoner¡¯s carriage, quietly looking at Feng Yu Tang. This time, she did not smile, as if throwing off her gentle disguise and exposing her other self in the night.

    Feng Yu Tang asked in a hoarse voice, ¡°What is Miss Jiang seconding over for?¡±

    ¡°Coming to see you.¡± Jiang Li said.

    ¡°See me?¡± Feng Yu Tangughed. He said, ¡°Miss Jiang second, do you know what¡¯s the charge for instigating the people to imprison a court official? Even your father won¡¯t be able to save you.¡± He felt even more fear in his heart, thus he said all these. As if he could use these words to convince himself that there¡¯s nothing to be afraid of. However, he knew in his heart that he was afraid of Jiang Li, and he was afraid from the bottom of his heart.

    ¡°Very soon, it will no longer be a court official.¡± Jiang Li said indifferently, ¡°The transfer order from Xiangyang will arrive soon, Xue¡¯s case will be re-examined. All of us going to Yanjing certainly not just to redress County Deputy Xue, but it¡¯s for you.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°The things Master Feng did in Tongxiang, when let known in Yanjing, were not ordinary little things. As for Master Feng¡¯s imprisonment before the transfer order arrives or the arrest after the transfer order arrives, after all, no one will know, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    She did not smile, and when she said it so indifferently, it increasingly made people feel that her quietness hid her fierceness.

    Weakness shed in Feng Yu Tang¡¯s eyes. He could not threaten Jiang Li, on the contrary, he was threatened by Jiang Li. But how did a 15-16 years old girl seem to be able to consider all the minor details? If she were to trick a person, she would never let go of any detail. The ends of the earth, the four directions, would all be her traps. Once stepped inside, it¡¯s dead, everything was over. She would still smear the traps with grass ash to stop people from seeing any traces.

    Feng Yu Tang summoned his courage to say, ¡°Second miss, I know that you are Master Jiang¡¯s daughter and not afraid of anything. But there are some things, why did you make such a big movement for a nobody? Although I¡¯m a nobody, behind me¡­..¡±

    ¡°Princess Yongning is your Master.¡± Jiang Li interrupted him.

    Feng Yu Tang froze.

    He thought nobody knew that Princess Yongning was his master. How did Jiang Li know? Also, although she knew, she still dares to do this? Moreover, she dares to break Princess Yongning¡¯s matter?

    ¡°Master Feng, there¡¯s something that you need to know,¡± Jiang Li stared at him and slowly started talking, ¡°I treat you, a person who used torture on County Deputy Xue, like this. Princess Yongning is the instigator behind. You think, how will I deal with her?¡±

    ¡°I deal with you in order to deal with her.¡±

    ¡°He is Princess Yongning¡­..¡± Feng Yu Tang faltered, ¡°is Cheng Wang¡¯s younger sister?¡±

    ¡°Is Cheng Wang¡¯s younger sister?¡± Jiang Li mocked, ¡°Then I will deal with Cheng Wang as well. If you say that Cheng Wang is Imperial Concubine Liu¡¯s son, I will deal with her altogether. Meet a demon, kill the demon, meet a deity, kill the deity. Whoever moved Xue Huai Yuan, I will let them repay blood with blood! Therefore,¡± Jiang Li said contemptuously, ¡°you don¡¯t have to mention Princess Yongning anymore. These two words, Princess Yongning makes me have reasons to start my hand. These two words, Princess Yongning, are the beginning of a funeral!¡±

    Feng Yu Tang only felt that his hands and feet were soft.

    In the night, Jiang Li¡¯s eyes were extremely bright. He had no doubt there¡¯s a deep-trenched hatred inside. Just like the ferocity of weeds growing wildly, usually hidden under the exterior appearance of gentleness, it was all exposed now.

    She did not hesitate to expose her other self, which indicated one thing, that was, he was going to die. It¡¯s not necessary to hide herself for a person that¡¯s about to die.

    ¡°Master Feng, be assured, before the matter is over, I won¡¯t let you die.¡± She said, ¡°I can let you live properly, just like how you treat Master Xue.¡±

    She nced coldly at him, carried thentern, turned around and walked away.

    In the snow, the person covered from head to toe in a silver white cloak almost blended with the snow. What remained was the deep and shallow footprints which showed that a person had passed by.

    Feng Yu Tang only felt colderpared to just now. He didn¡¯t know if it was due to the snow or because of her.

    ¡­¡­

    Jiang Li did not return to her room after leaving Feng Yu Tang¡¯s prisoner¡¯s car.

    Inexplicably, she did not feel sleepy. Her mood was not as tranquil as it appeared on the outside.

    Father has be like this and there¡¯s no idea how to make him sober. Bringing the person back to Yanjing, facing Princess Yongning, and the fight with Princess Yongning would formally be out in the open. As a matter of fact, it was not a simple thing, but what she did in Tongxiang, after Jiang Yuan Bai became aware of it, Ji Shuran would use this opportunity to blow the pillow wind. She could notpletely assess how much and what kind of obstruction she would face from the Jiang family.

    Walking through one road, walking on another road, there would be new thorny undergrowth.

    She sat on arge rock beside the pond while thinking slowly. She only lifted her eyes when she heard Tong¡¯er, who was beside her, screamed. In the snowy night, she saw a beautying over holding an umbre.

    Ji Heng was wearing a crimson coat embroidered with ck peonies. Rough and delicate,pletely bnced. Today he did not bring his folding fan, perhaps he had put it away. He only brought a in white silk umbre and walked from the snowy distance.

    In the deep and heavy night, he was like a spec of color, illuminating the cold world.

    ¡°Duke.¡± Jiang Li did not get up and did not salute. She was truly too tired today.

    < >

 Chapter 120.4: Part 4: Tenderness

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 120 Part 4: Tenderness

    Ji Heng walked until he arrived in front of Jiang Li, stopped, and put the umbre on his hand on top of her head.

    His movements were considered gentle and affectionate. The girl was charming, the man enchanting and they looked exceptionally harmonious together. Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue looked stunned and actually forgot to obstruct.

    ¡°So sad?¡± He smiled and said, ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like you.¡±

    ¡°So gentle?¡± Jiang looked at him, ¡°It also doesn¡¯t seem like you.¡±

    Ji Hengughed, ¡°I¡¯m deeply hurt you talked about me like that. I treat you leniently, yet you said I¡¯m not gentle.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just overwhelmed by the favor.¡±

    Ji Heng asked, ¡°Now you can tell me why you want to save Xue Huai Yuan even if you be enemies with Princess Yongning.¡± He said, ¡°You and the Xue family should have no rtionship at all.¡±

    ¡°Duke,¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°I never nned to conceal anything from you. Because even if I don¡¯t want to say it, sooner orter you can investigate it yourself. Therefore, I can tell you the reason behind this. Wait for the day when I hand my life over to you, I will then tell you everything, consider it as carrying things through. You can¡¯t possibly force me, right?¡±

    She raised her head, her pair of eyes looked clearer and purer than snow.

    ¡°Why do you always show weakness to me?¡± Ji Heng was puzzled, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me I look like someone who pity the fragrance and cherish the jade? In that case¡­..¡± He looked Jiang Li up and down, then said, ¡°Are you a delicate flower?¡±

    Jiang Li asked, ¡°Am I not?¡±

    ¡°You are a man-eating flower.¡± Ji Heng said.

    Jiang Liughed.

    When the two of them first got acquainted, they were suspicious of each other, both guarding against each other. Untilter, that was, when Jiang Li abruptly spoke of Ji Heng¡¯s calction, and when she put her life in front of him. It was like they exchanged a secret, there¡¯s a feeling of empathy and alliance.

    Naturally, this could also be Jiang Li¡¯s illusion. But whether Ji Heng was acting in a y or being sincere, it was still the first time for the two of them to sit peacefully and discuss things together.

    ¡°I¡¯m going back to Xiangyang first, then to Yanjing tomorrow.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°On this journey, perhaps Princess Yongning would have gotten the news and chased to kill, or maybe Ji Shuran¡¯s people did not die. Trouble the duke to help solve the obstructions on the whole journey.¡±

    ¡°You take me as your bodyguard?¡± Ji Hengughed with ridicule, ¡°You are not afraid that I¡¯ll kill you.¡±

    ¡°My life is yours, that is your thing.¡± Jiang Li acted dumb, ¡°To defend your own thing, killing some robbers, isn¡¯t it a very normal thing?¡±

    Ji Heng¡¯s dark guards who were hiding in the dark were all dumbstruck upon hearing this. Even though Jiang Li¡¯s speech basically had no sense at all, when they heard it being said like this, they actually felt that what she said was reasonable and there¡¯s no grounds to refuse.

    ¡°It seems that what I received was not your life,¡± Ji Heng said, ¡°but a burden.¡±

    ¡°Maybe there¡¯s a day in the future where this burden can help you.¡± Jiang Li smiled.

    She said it very seriously, not a bit like making a joke. Ji Heng said, ¡°If you know what I¡¯m doing, you will not say this. For now,¡± heughed in a low voice, ¡°children¡¯s words carry no harm.¡±

    Jiang Li at this moment was at a girl¡¯s best age. But in Ji Heng¡¯s eyes, she was just a ¡°child¡±.

    Jiang Li looked at Ji Heng, calcting, if she adds both her lives¡¯ ages, Ji Heng and she will be about the same age. But at such a young age, this person does not seem like a youngster. He seems to have countless secrets and each secret is heavy. Because he¡¯s used to this kind of secrets, when he looks at others, he doesn¡¯t take many things that others could not ept as important.

    Everyone has their own secrets.

    Jiang Li said, ¡°Who knows? Maybe, when that dayes, my decision will go beyond the duke¡¯s expectation, isn¡¯t it? But first, I must live to that day.¡±

    Talking about life or death, the girl seemed not to care about it at all. However, this not caring was not because it was too far away to care about, but it was because she understood thoroughly. She understood and did not care. She did not think that she would live a long life, yet at the same time, she was not afraid.

    Ji Heng looked at her with interest. Jiang Li was a youngdy with secrets. Looking at how she did things, she did not look like a person who gave up easily, but more like a weed who crazily tried to survive through the cracks, tough and full of vitality. Yet when she said that she wanted to give her life up, she was unconstrained, as if her whole life, walking on this world solely to do just this one thing. For this matter, she strived to live. Once this matter waspleted, she no longer cared about anything else, including her life.

    ¡°This drama is very long,¡± Ji Heng smiled softly and said, ¡°It would be a pity if you are not around.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Jiang Li tilted her head to look at him, her feet swaying slowly under her skirt, just like a carefree young girl. She also smiled and said, ¡°It¡¯s my honor to be able to make the duke feel pity. If the duke can be a part of the y and sing the same drama as me, perhaps the ending of this drama would be to everyone¡¯s delight and satisfaction.¡±

    Ji Heng¡¯s beautiful long eyes narrowed, ¡°Little girl, why do you always want to pull me into the y? I¡¯ve said it before, I don¡¯t get involved in dramas.¡±

    Yes, he doesn¡¯t enter the y, because the greatest y in the world has him operating in the rear. Even the venerable nine-five at the throne room is yed in his hand. The tricky situation, all parties¡¯ power, the unstable ups and downs, power struggle; in the end, going round and round, but unaware of who they are making a wedding dress for?

    ¡°I want to stand on the duke¡¯s side. At least won¡¯t be enemies with the duke.¡± She seldom appeared lovable.

    Being a Jiang family member, the chief assistant of the Northern Yan dynasty, when the court moved, the Jiang family must certainly take a side. It had been like that since ancient times. Standing on the right side would naturally make one achieve sess, but if standing on the wrong side, nobody could expect the consequences. There¡¯s no regret in Cheng Wang¡¯s defeat, after all, it was a road that he chose himself.

    Leaving aside the fact that Princess Yongning was Cheng Wang¡¯s younger sister, merely by looking at the possibility, with a nce, Jiang Li was willing to pick the one that was impossible to lose. Ji Heng¡¯s determination and his calmness made people feel dread.

    Such a person was very likely to be the final winner.

    She had changed her strategy early on and would not meet force with force. Since they could not live together in harmony, then the attitude had to be made clear and aligned herself from the start.

    Regardless whether Ji Heng agreed or not, being able to scare the opponents was also a good thing.

    Ji Heng looked at her with a smile, as if seeing through all her attempts. Flicking off a snowke that fell on his sleeve, he said, ¡°Actually, you don¡¯t have to pretend to be lovable, Ah Li<sup>1</sup>.¡±

    Footnotes:

    <sup>1: The ¡°Ah Li¡± used here is the nickname Xue Huai Yuan used on Xue Fang Fei. °¢Àê, which means racoon. While Jiang Li¡¯s ¡°Ah Li¡±, °¢Àæ, means pear.</sup>

    < >

 Chapter 121.1: Part 1: Setting Off

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 121 Part 1: Setting Off

    ¡°Actually, you don¡¯t have to pretend to be lovable, Ah Li<sup>1</sup>.¡±

    Jiang Li looked at Ji Heng in puzzlement. His tone sounded extremely familiar, she could still clearly hear that he was calling her ¡°Ah Li*¡± and not ¡°Ah Li¡±.

    Perhaps he had seen through her from the start, just like she had seen through his schemes.

    Jiang Li shrugged, ¡°habit.¡±

    In her previous life, she was truly lovable. Though it could not be exchanged with any good oue, instead resulted in her suffering greatly, and in addition, she implicated her whole family. The current her was more prudent, as a result, acting lovable was even more skilled and it prated deeply in the bone marrow.

    Ji Heng always talked about entering the y, how was what she had experienced not a y? On the face, various colors were smeared, concealing one¡¯s own thoughts. On stage turning around hundreds and thousands of times, with subordinates running around full of murderous intent.

    Ji Heng looked at her for a moment and said, ¡°Go back.¡± He handed the umbre in his hand to Jiang Li, like an affectionate young master wholeheartedly thinking of Jiang Li, who hated for his sweetheart to suffer from a bit of cold.

    Jiang Li epted the umbre handed to her in a daze, stood up from the stone she was sitting on, and smiled timely while saying sweetly, ¡°Then many thanks, duke.¡±

    ¡°No need to thank.¡± Ji Heng said, ¡°It¡¯s a given to guard my own things.¡±

    ¡°You saying it like so,¡± Jiang Li muttered to herself, ¡°makes me feel that there¡¯s a huge backer sitting behind. I really want to charge ahead, not in the least worried that I¡¯ll invite trouble.¡±

    ¡°Are you telling me that the troubles you¡¯ve caused are not enough?¡± Ji Heng simply did not care, ¡°Whether there¡¯s a backer or not, you¡¯re still fierce.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Jiang Li nodded, ¡°I¡¯m going.¡± She noticed there¡¯s an embroidered peony at the base of the in white umbre. Supposed that one could not see if not looking carefully as it was nearly indiscernible. However, it was also the appearance that Ji Heng was used to.

    Holding the umbre, she, Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue returned to the room.

    Ji Heng did not leave immediately.

    He was standing beside the pool. He didn¡¯t know if it was his illusion, the snow falling from the sky seemed to turn slightly bigger. The wind blew sideways, the snowkes floating onto the pool¡¯s surface were sparkling and translucent before quickly disappearing.

    Wen Ji stood quietly behind Ji Heng and asked softly, ¡°Master, why do you want to help Miss Jiang second?

    Wen Ji had been following Ji Heng since he was ten years old. They had a master and servant rtionship with each other for ten years. Ji Heng was a solitary person. Others were in awe of him, feared him, calcted him, framed him, not daring to simply ask him ¡°why¡±, but Wen Ji dared.

    Ji Heng said, ¡°Holding her life to give to other people, her whole life would forever be hanging on a knife¡¯s edge, but still able to smile.¡± There seemed to be a smile in his tone, yet it also carried emptiness and desteness. ¡°Wen Ji, don¡¯t you feel that it¡¯s the same as me?¡±

    The difference was that he had fallen into the abyss and was like a flower, blooming in the darkness, while Jiang Li was splitting open a road through the thorns, trying to grab a tiny bit of sunlight through the crack in the woods.

    The road she was walking was entirely different from him, therefore, he hadpassion towards her. Just like those rare flowers in his residence¡¯s garden. Under many dangers and difficulties, they managed to climb up and grow. If they were not protected meticulously, they would be short lived and withered immediately, forever disappearing from this world.

    There were many rare flowers in this world, but there was only one Jiang Li.

    She disrupted his ns again and again during the chaos. Although it was harmless, it made him discover this ferocious, outstanding man-eating flower. Ji Heng could make out her feigned civility, make out her exploitations, and also make out her asional and genuine grief.

    He wanted to see this seemingly gentle but violent nt ced in Yanjing as the flowerbed. After fighting tooth and nail, how many would remain.

    They met through a narrow road in the midst of their schemes, tearing off each other¡¯s masks in the game of chess. Both hypocritical and also sincere, while taking advantage of each other, there also existed a trace of genuine empathy.

    It¡¯s good.

    In the short few decades of life, able to meet someone who was very simr yet entirely different from him, was truly a fascinating thing.

    Therefore, he wished her to live.

    At least, it¡¯s like this for now.

    ¡­¡­

    On the second day, Jiang Li, Ye Ming Yu and their group of people set out to Xiangyang.

    More than half of the residents in Tongxiang actively wanted to follow Jiang Li and the others to Xiangyang toin. Not just to punish Feng Yu Tang, but also to seek justice for Xue Huai Yuan who lost his mind. Jiang Li actually thought that there were too many people, but the crowd ofmoners were excited. Looking at the unclear Xue Huai Yuan, many of the people¡¯s eyes turned moist.

    Finally, aside from the elderly, women and children who could not travel far, the other people followed the team of carriages and horses.

    As for the cost of the carriages and horses, Feng Yu Tang originally plundered the wealth of the people, nning to run away bringing the gold, silver, money and valuables. He did not foresee that he waste in escaping and was blocked by the yamen¡¯s gate. It was also toote to take the several big boxes away. In the end, those gold and silver was enough for the people to travel to Yanjing.

    Before going to Yanjing, they had to first go to Xiangyang to take the transfer order and conveniently clearly exin to the Ye family the reason behind this. Unexpectedly, themoners were in a good mood. Jiang Li apanied the crazy Xue Huai Yuan and sat inside a carriage. Xue Huai Yuan did not look at her, and happily yed with the wooden statue on his own. His mouth kept calling, ¡°Ah Li¡±, ¡±Ah Li¡±, once in a while he said, ¡°I want to give it to Ah Li and Ah Zhao to y.¡±

    Jiang Li felt sad as she watched him. Taking advantage of the resting time midway through the journey, Ye Ming Yu asked Jiang Li, ¡°Ah Li, though at first we told mother and the others that I took you to help me do some things, now the matters have be big. How are we going to exin this now?¡±

    There were many residents of Tongxiang, when Ye Ming Xuan and the others saw it, they would definitely be shocked. Going back to Yanjing, plus the Imperial Court of Judicial Review group, to the extent of using Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s name to make the Weaving Unit toe over and handle things. When Jiang Yuan Bai was aware of it, it¡¯s unknown how he would reproach Jiang Li.

    These were not trivial matters, first had to see how Jiang Li would turn around.

    ¡°No matter.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°I¡¯ll exin to grandmother and the others.¡± Indeed, Ye Ming Yu was unable to exin these things as he and Xue Huai Yuan basically had no rtions at all and it¡¯s not worthwhile to do these things.

    Jiang Li was different. Even though there was no way for her to exin, the Ye family would not interrogate her, perhaps even believing that these things were instructed by Jiang Yuan Bai. On the contrary, they might not think too much.

    Footnotes:

    <sup>1: From now on, <i>Ah Li </i>for racoon will be written in Italics while the Ah Li for pear (Jiang LI) will be written normally to differentiate between the two.</sup>

    < >

 Chapter 121.2: Part 2: Setting Off

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 121 Part 2: Setting Off

    Ye Ming Yu pondered over it and felt that what Jiang Li said was right, so he agreed.

    The road back to Xiangyang was faster than when they traveled to Tongxiang. Perhaps the people could not wait to get the official order from the Xiangyang magistrate so they could enter the capital to rehabilitate Xue Huai Yuan, so they hurried on the road, faster than before and not a single person procrastinated. Feng Yu Tang, locked inside the prisoner¡¯s carriage, followed the crowd, and a few of his subordinates went forward listlessly, along with the carriage.

    They could not run, could not move, aware that their influence was gone, each and every one of them was discouraged. Jiang Li asked Ye Ming Yu¡¯s people to pay attention to Feng Yu Tang and the others, afraid that Princess Yongning¡¯s people received news and tried to kill people to shut their mouths. If Feng Yu Tang and his party were killed, there would be no evidence left.

    However, Jiang Li thought that with Ji Heng around, this kind of thing should not happen. She herself, after going around in such a big circle, only managed toplete a bit of this. Since Ji Heng loved watching dramas, allowing just anyone to mess in this drama would not let him achieve a satisfactory ending.

    When they arrived in Xiangyang, Jiang Li did not immediately return to the Ye family residence, but asked Ye Ming Yu to find a ce to settle the people first. Then she directly brought people to look for Tong Zhi Yang.

    Tong Zhi Yang was not in the magistrate¡¯s official residence, but with his outer room and son, stayed in a small, ordinary courtyard.

    The news was that after Madam Tong, He-shi, quarreled with Tong Zhi Yang, on the same day, she immediately returned to her maiden home. Father He was furious and was going to kill Tong Zhi Yang to vent He-shi¡¯s anger. Tong Zhi Yang was afraid and did not even dare to sit in the magistrate¡¯s office. In fact, he would not be able to do it anymore. His position was originally obtained by relying on He-shi. Now that he hadmitted an offense towards He-shi, he could no longer keep his official position. He hid in this small courtyard, together with his outer room and son, all day long, keeping his tail tucked between his legs and behaved well.

    Jiang Li did not speak superfluous words with Tong Zhi Yang and said, ¡°I need an official order, is Master Tong going to give or not?¡±

    Towards Jiang Li, Tong Zhi Yang was angry but did not dare to refute. He said, ¡°Miss Jiang second, I don¡¯t even dare to enter the magistrate¡¯s office now¡­..¡±

    ¡°Your madam is so domineering, but it¡¯s only because He-shi¡¯s younger sister¡¯s husband is a Prefect of the Office of Coinage in Yanjing<sup>2</sup>.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°You seem like a fair person, not afraid of being chased and killed by He-shi. In that case, let He-shi has no ce to rely on by making her younger brother-inw lose his position.¡± She nced at Tong Zhi Yang, ¡°If you make this warrant well for me, I¡¯ll make He-shi¡¯s younger brother-inw no longer be an official in Yanjing. Without anyone to rely on, the He family naturally will not dare toy their hands on you.¡±

    Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s eye lit up and he asked Jiang Li, ¡°Is what you said true?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m the chief assistant¡¯s daughter,¡± Jiang Li smiled, ¡°you don¡¯t believe me?¡±

    ¡°No, no, no,¡± Tong Zhi Yang said at once, ¡°I believe, I believe.¡± He naturally believed. It had not been long since Jiang Li came to Xiangyang, yet she managed to make the Prefect of the Weaving Chamber<sup>1</sup> from Yanjing hurried to Xiangyang in a few days to handle the Ye family¡¯s case. Looking at the order that she wanted, it was to help the criminal Xue Huai Yuan to get rid of his crimes and reverse the verdict. All these things needed to be done especially carefully and a bit of carelessness might implicate oneself. If it were not a hundred percent confident, who dared to do this. It was also because she was a daughter of the Jiang family, thus dared to do this as she had a backing. If Jiang Li said that she could do it, then it certainly could be done.

    ¡°Miss Jiang second, I still have a presumptuous request.¡± Tong Zhi Yang wiped his sweat. ¡°If He-shi¡¯s brother-inw lost his official position, then naturally, those things in the Ye family were things that they came up with. I was just following orders¡­.. I¡¯m loyal and faithful to Miss Jiang second and the Ye family! Can you let me continue sitting in this magistrate position, I guarantee in the future, I will definitely take care of the Ye family!¡± He looked at Jiang Li with eyes full of hope.

    The smile on Jiang Li¡¯s face was put away and she indifferently spoke, ¡°Master Tong, a man who is never content, is like a snake trying to swallow an elephant. Moreover, as the inws of the Jiang family, I believe whoever sat as the magistrate in Xiangyang will take care of the Ye family. This bit does not need to trouble Master Tong. Besides, the current Master Tong cannot even protect the mother and son inside the house and you, yourself are still in danger. I can make He-shi¡¯s brother-inw lost his position, at least you no longer have to hide and don¡¯t have to worry that Tong Yu will be harmed by others. It is already a fortune in the midst of adversity, it¡¯s excessive that Master Tong still wants more.¡±

    Tong Zhi Yang looked at Jiang Li and could not help shrinking his neck. Jiang Li¡¯s words were not heavy, but the warning was very clear.

    Of course Jiang Li did not intend to help Tong Zhi Yang. As far as she was concerned, the Right Minister who helped Cheng Wang would sooner orter be her opponent. He-shi¡¯s younger brother-inw was the Right Minister¡¯s person and removing him was easy for her. As soon as she arrived back in Yanjing and made the Ye family affairs known, that Prefect of the Office of Coinage would naturally be in trouble. People in bureaucracy, Jiang Li did not believe that the crafty Right Minister would talk about justice, even more to deal with a mere Prefect of the Office of Coinage.

    As for Tong Zhi Yang, a prefect who once listened to the instruction of others to frame the Ye family, she definitely would not give the other party a second chance. Now the entire city of Xiangyang already knew that the rtionship between the Ye family and the Jiang family was not that bad, so no matter who the new Xiangyang magistrate was, they would be somewhat courteous towards the Ye family. There¡¯s really no need for Tong Zhi Yang¡¯s guarantee.

    Tong Zhi Yang knew that he was in the wrong, so he did not say anything. He said to Jiang Li, ¡°Miss Jiang second, please wait for a moment.¡± Then he got up and entered the room.

    In a short while, Tong Zhi Yang brought an official order over. This official order was written following the existing temte. What Tong Zhi Yang needed to do was to stamp a seal. Thankfully, He-shi did not ask him to hand the official seal out so writing this official order for Jiang Li was a simple matter for Tong Zhi Yang.

    Jiang Li obtained the official order, took a quick look at it and saw that it was usable, and immediately smiled at Tong Zhi Yang and said, ¡°Many thanks, Master Tong.¡± Then she turned around to leave.

    Tong Zhi Yang trotted from behind and said fawningly, ¡°Miss Jiang second, don¡¯t forget the matter about the Prefect of the Office of Coinage!¡±

    ¡­¡­

    After getting the official order, Ah Shun received orders to take Jiang Li back to the Ye residence. Ye Ming Yu had settled the residents of Tongxiang carefully and had already returned to the Ye residence. Such a huge group of Tongxiang people entering Xiangyang had naturally attracted a lot of attention. Such a shocking matter, the Ye family had probably interrogated Ye Ming Yu at this time.

    Footnotes:

    Finally found a schr¡¯s note of the ranks and titles, so here it is

    <sup>1: Prefect of the Office of Coinage previously written as Zhong Guan Ling.</sup>

    <sup>2: Prefect of the Weaving Chamber previously written as the Weaving Room Unit.</sup>

    < >

 Chapter 121.3: Part 3: Setting Off

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 121 Part 3: Setting Off

    Ye Ming Yu remembered what Jiang Li said, and because Jiang Li was going to exin to the Ye family, he did not say anything and just let Ah Shun fetch the person.

    Jiang Li immediately got on the carriage and soon arrived at the Ye residence.

    Because Xue Huai Yuan and Feng Yu Tang were different from the other people, Jiang Li was afraid there would be idents and arranged the few people to settle in a courtyard in the Ye residence. She had just arrived at the residence gate when she saw the serious expressions on the servant boy, as if something major had urred in the Ye family which needed to be dealt with strictly.

    Upon seeing Jiang Li and Ah Shun approaching, the gatekeeper at once stuck his head inside and roared, ¡°Miss cousin is back! Miss cousin is back!¡±

    Jiang Li, ¡°¡­..¡±

    It was as if her return would provide reasonable exnations for things.

    Jiang Li entered the Ye residence and into Jin Hua Tang where all members of the Ye family were. Ye Ming Yu was surrounded in the center, his head lowered as if he had done something wrong.

    ¡°I¡¯ve told you not to make trouble. Is it good now? You still dislike making less trouble and even dared to tie up an official? What is going on?¡± Ye Ming Xuan scolded him.

    Ye Ming Yu was extremely aggrieved, this time it was truly not his provoking things. Although he did not cause less troubles outside on weekdays, he never participated in thisplicated officialdom. Moreover, walking in the rivers andkes, all would use a nickname, who would use their real names. However, he could not betray his niece, hey, it¡¯s really unlucky!

    As he was thinking, Jiang Li came.

    Old madam Ye first saw her and called out, ¡°Ah Li!¡±

    Jiang Li walked towards old madam Ye in a few steps.

    Old madam Ye seemed to be in better spirits after these few days. She could walk a few steps with the support of the servant girl. She pulled Jiang Li and looked over her carefully before letting out her breath. She said, ¡°I¡¯m relieved seeing that you are well.¡±

    ¡°Grandmother be relieved, I am very well.¡± Jiang Li smiled and said, ¡°Uncle took care of me all the way.¡±

    ¡°Ah Li,¡± Guan-shi could not help asking, ¡°What¡¯s actually going on? Those people outside¡­.. How did you get involved with Tongxiang¡¯s county deputy case?¡±

    Jiang Li showed an awkward expression and after a long time she said, ¡°This¡­.. Actually, it¡¯s father¡¯s meaning.¡±

    ¡°Jiang Yuan Bai?¡± Ye Ming Hui frowned, ¡°Jiang Yuan Bai let you go to Xiangyang for this matter?¡±

    ¡°It can be said so. Because I want to go to Xiangyang to see grandmother, father has other ns, so he let me go to Tongxiang for a trip. In fact, there¡¯s father¡¯s direction for these matters, I was just handling things ording to instructions. When we return to Yanjing, these things would be handed over to father to oversee personally.¡± Jiang Li smiled and said, ¡°It¡¯s me that¡¯s not good, causing worry to grandmother, uncles and aunts.¡±

    She did not hesitate to push these things to Jiang Yuan Bai. The Ye family was not interested in Jiang Yuan Bai and leaving her aside, the Ye family would not be too worried.

    Sure enough, with this exnation, the Ye family members looked at each other. Although there¡¯s still surprise on their faces, it wasn¡¯t the same as the initial impatience.

    Jiang Yuan Bai was an old fox, and the Ye family did not understand matters in the officialdom. Therefore it was not good for them to ask why this had to be done like this.

    Ye Ming Yu saw the situation and secretly raised a thumbs-up to Jiang Li. It¡¯s a good thing to study well, the family members could be persuaded in just a few words. If he had Jiang Li¡¯s eloquence, from early on, he would not have to be urged to marry by his mother, brothers and sisters-inw every year.

    It seems that people truly have to study more. Ye Ming Yu made a firm resolution to invite a teacher another day to teach him on how to talk skillfully

    Although the matters were pushed onto Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s head, Jiang Li still gave the members of the Ye family a once through exnation of Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s case. However, she did not mention that there¡¯s still someone behind Feng Yu Tang, therefore, in the Ye family member¡¯s ears, Feng Yu Tang was the one framing Xue Huai Yuan to make him be the county deputy andmitted many imaginable misdeeds.

    Ye Rufeng said, ¡°Feng Yu Tang is too muddle-headed! Pity County Deputy Xue!¡±

    ¡°Unexpectedly, there are such evil people in the world.¡± Ye Jia Er was emotional. ¡°The most awful thing is that this kind of evil person can still be an official.¡±

    Ye Ming Xuan muttered to himself for a while before saying, ¡°So to say, this time, Jiang Yuan Bai has done a good thing.¡± He nced at Jiang Li.

    Ye Ming Xuan was a smart person. Although Jiang Li pushed everything on Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s head, Ye Ming Xuan still sensed that something was amiss. What good could Jiang Yuan Bai obtain by handling the Xue family¡¯s case? Jiang Yuan Bai was not a Great Qing official who was dedicated to the country and the people. More importantly, Jiang Yuan Bai had no rtionship with the Xue family, so why did he specially ask Jiang Li to make a trip to Tongxiang just to rehabilitate the Xue family?

    Despite his doubt, Ye Ming Xuan had no other evidence, so he could only drop the topic.

    ¡°This was a good deed, and Master Xue is also a pitiful person.¡± Old madam Ye said, ¡°Ah Li, go back to Yanjing a bit earlier, an official order has a time restriction, there are many days to travel from Xiangyang to Yanjing. Set off earlier so you can arrive in Yanjing earlier.¡± Old madam Ye had a clear temper and advised Jiang Li after listening to the whole story.

    ¡°I also thought the same.¡± Jiang Li smiled and said, ¡°We are stopping over in Xiangyang for one day and will set off tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Tomorrow?¡± Zhuo-shi was surprised, ¡°so urgent?¡±

    ¡°Eldest sister-inw, we are handling proper matters, naturally cannot be dyed.¡± Ye Ming Yu said.

    ¡°What, you are going too?¡± Ye Ming Xuan asked Ye Ming Yu.

    ¡°Of course! Ah Li has also said it, with me around, Ah Li can be taken care of properly. There are so many people, don¡¯t tell me that you want Ah Li to bring so many Tongxiang residents to enter the capital by herself? You want to tire Ah Li to death? I¡¯m not the same, at that time, how many brothers did I bring when I charged into the rivers andkes? I am the most suitable person to be in the position to boss people around, guaranteed to keep Ah Lifortable. Whatever mountain thieves, bandits, robbers, no one would dare toe forward. Come one, kill one, kill two with a stroke!¡± He fiercely gestured twice.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough, I see you¡¯ll just add to the chaos if you go.¡± Ye Ming Xuan said unhappily.

    < >

 Chapter 121.4: Part 4: Setting Off

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 121 Part 4: Setting Off

    ¡°Uncle Ming Xuan, this time it¡¯s really thanks to Uncle Ming Yu¡¯s help.¡± Jiang Li smiled. ¡°I hope Uncle Ming Yu can go together to Yanjing. I feel more at ease with him around.¡± Ye Ming Yu was a very good rtive. He never asked a lot, boorish, but able to understand Jiang Li thoroughly. WIth Ye Ming Yu around, many things became easier to do.

    Ye Ming Yu heard Jiang Li speak for him and promptly straightened his body in pride. He gave Ye Ming Xuan a ¡°have you seen it¡± look.

    Ye Ming Xuan still wanted to retort, but old madam Ye spoke first. She said, ¡°Okay, since Ah Li wants old third to go, then old third, go and follow. Ah Li is a girl after all, although there are bodyguards, I¡¯m not relieved. Old third, I¡¯ll leave Ah Li to you, if Ah Li met with something unexpected, I¡¯ll question you when you return.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, mother,¡± Ye Ming Yu smiled radiantly, ¡°Be at ease with my handling!¡±

    Old madam Ye turned her head again to look at Jiang Li, reluctance in her eyes, ¡°Ah Li, you haven¡¯t stayed in Xiangyang for long, but soon have to leave¡­.. Don¡¯t know when you cane again.¡±

    Jiang Li¡¯s heart softened, she pulled old madam Ye¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Grandmother, it¡¯s okay, after I return to Yanjing and report the matter, I will find a chance to go to Xingyang again. Wait for your health to get better, then ask uncles and aunts to take you to Yanjing together. Old cousin Ye is now staying in Yanjing as an official in the Ministry of Revenue. When he¡¯s stable, it¡¯s good that our Ye family also gains a foothold in Yanjing.¡±

    The sentence, ¡°our Ye family¡±, made old madam Ye feel extremelyfortable and the smile on her face could not stop. She said, ¡°Okay, good, then I will stay in Xiangyang and nurse my health carefully. When I can walk, I¡¯ll go with your uncles and aunts to Yanjing to see Shijie and you.¡±

    Ye Ming Hui and the others at the side felt grateful. Before Jiang Li came to the Ye residence, old madam Ye was sick all the time and could not even get out of bed, not brimming with vitality like now. It had not been long since Jiang Li came to the Ye residence, nevertheless, the olddy¡¯s health was getting better day by day.

    In the end, it¡¯s better for people to have desire, with desire, everything is hopeful.

    The Ye family members chatted for a while, until it waste in the evening and only after they had eaten their meals did everyone disperse.

    Xue Huai Yuan had fallen asleep. Jiang Li took a look at him and exhorted the surrounding guards to look after him carefully before returning to her room. She did not expect to see Ye Jia Er in her room.

    Tong¡¯er steeped tea and gave a cup of warm tea to Ye Jia Er. Jiang Li entered and called her, ¡°Elder cousin.¡±

    ¡°Younger cousin.¡± Ye Jia Er stood up.

    Jiang Li asked, ¡°It¡¯s sote already, is Miss Jia Er looking for me for something?¡±

    Ye Jia Er pointed to a small box on the table with embarrassment and said, ¡°Give you.¡±

    Jiang Li opened the box to take a look and saw that it was a piece of clothing. It was a long, wide-sleeved skirt with narrow sleeves, gentle and white as pearl. However, under the lights, it produced a clear luster, like the ripple of seawater, sparkling tiny blue lights.

    ¡°We took out and processed those peacock feathers that my third uncle brought back. We first made sample cloths and came up with a few bolts of materials, yes, roughly the material will look like this.¡± Ye Jia Er said, ¡°Because we are still exploring, there are many defects. So far, only this piece was sessful. My father, uncle and I have agreed to turn this cloth into clothes and give it to you. This is the idea you came up with, the ancient fragrant satin cannot be done anymore, we have to make a new material that isparable to ancient fragrant satin¡­.. Younger cousin, what do you think of this material?¡±

    Jiang Li said, ¡°Very beautiful.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Ye Jia Er¡¯s expectation seemed to havee true all of a sudden, her eyes looking at Jiang Li was packed with uncontainable happiness.

    ¡°I never tell lies.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m assured after hearing you say so. Younger cousin, in Yanjing, you have seen many good things, since you said that it¡¯s good, then it¡¯s definitely okay. I believe you.¡± Ye Jia Er was very happy, ¡°We had a discussion, the pattern of this material is just like the water in the ocean, so it will be called ripple pattern.¡±

    ¡°Ripple pattern¡­..¡± Jiang Li contemted for a while, then looked at her, ¡°This name is very nice.¡±

    ¡°I came up with it.¡± Ye Jia Er bashfully pinched the corner of her skirt. This usually natural and unrestrained girl showed a bit of shyness. She said, ¡°I was thinking, younger cousin is the chief assistant¡¯s daughter, so you must know many nobledies. If younger cousin wear this to go out and people like the clothes you are wearing, then they will naturally inquire about the materials and where to make it. That will be an opportune time to introduce the ripple pattern.¡± She paused before continuing, ¡°Younger cousin, don¡¯t think that we as merchants value money and profits like this, it¡¯s just that the current Ye family will not be able to get up if we don¡¯t quickly put out something that could rece ancient fragrant satin. The Ye family¡¯s business will sooner orter copse. I don¡¯t want to let grandmother and grandfather¡¯s sweat and blood be wasted. Since my surname is Ye, I must carry this responsibility.¡±

    She hesitatingly said, ¡°I know my request is too much¡­..¡±

    ¡°Not too much.¡± Jiang Li said.

    Ye Jia Er looked at her.

    ¡°Although my surname is not Ye, my mother¡¯s surname is Ye. The blood of the Ye family flows in half of my body, so naturally I also have to assume the Ye family¡¯s duty.¡± Jiang Li smiled and said, ¡°Moreover, I don¡¯t think there¡¯s anything bad with this. Now there¡¯s merely this one ripple pattern cloth, presumably it¡¯s not easy to produce. The rare something is, the greater is its value. The rarer ripple pattern cloth is, the heavier people¡¯s thirst for it will be.¡±

    ¡°This is the Ye family¡¯s opportunity. Elder cousin, grab the chance, I believe, the Ye family¡¯s business does not have to worry about not having a qualified sessor to carry on.¡±

    These were Jiang Li¡¯s sincere words. Supposed that Ye Jia Er did not understand the Ye family¡¯s industry at all, no matter how wealthy the Ye family was, after a generation, when the Ye family¡¯s three brothers grew old, sooner orter, the family properties would fall apart.

    However, Ye Jia Er was clearly very clever and she inherited the Ye family¡¯s business acumen. It had shown since she was at a young age.

    ¡°Elder cousin, hand this matter to me,¡± Jiang Li gently caressed the clothes in the small box and said, ¡°I will definitely wear this at a suitable time, when many people¡¯s eyes can focus on it.¡±

    Ye Jia Er stared nkly at Jiang Li. After a while, she suddenlyughed and nodded vigorously.

    ¡°Mm!¡±

    < >

 Chapter 122.1: Part 1: Fuma1

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 122 Part 1: Fuma<sup>1</sup>

    On the second day, Jiang Li, Ye Ming Yu and their group of people, together with the Tongxiang residents set off on the road to Yanjing.

    Thanks to the wealth of the people that Feng Yu Tang had plundered, they did not have to worry about the transportation and travel cost. It¡¯s just that since there were many people, the journey naturally went slower. However, since they set off early, it did not pose any hindrance.

    The Ye family reluctantly bid farewell to Jiang Li. Most of all, old madam Ye who stood by the gate of the city walls and kept following Jiang Li¡¯s rear view with her eyes until she could no longer be seen before heading back.

    Inside the carriage, Xue Huai Yuan sat together with Jiang Li. These days, everyone was ustomed to see Jiang Li treating Xue Huai Yuan this closely. Although the cleaned Xue Huai Yuan looked thin, his former clear and handsome appearance had been restored to some extent. In fact, Xue Huai Yuan was born with good looks. Otherwise Xue Fang Fei and Xue Zhao, the brother and sister, would not look so outstanding.

    Jiang Li took many clean clothes from the Ye residence for Xue Huai Yuan to wear. If he did not always y by himself like a child, the former appearance could vaguely be seen.

    Ye Ming Yu got into the carriage when he was free and saw Jiang Li patiently wiped the snack crumbs on Xue Huai Yuan with her handkerchief. Ye Ming Yu watched and suddenly had a strange illusion. Jiang Li and Xue Huai Yuan clearly had no rtions, nor did they have any family rtionship. Talking about appearance, there weren¡¯t any simrities at all. However, he didn¡¯t know why, perhaps their mannerism, or perhaps their features, to his surprise, there was a trace of resemnce.

    They looked like a pair of father and daughter.

    Realizing his thought, Ye Ming Yu trembled, secretly scolding himself for thinking too much. How could Jiang Li and Xue Huai Yuan be father and daughter; Jiang Li¡¯s father was the all powerful chief assistant in Yanjing. These words were not just insulting Jiang Yuan Bai, but they were also insulting Ye Zhen Zhen.

    Throwing away the messy idea in his head, Ye Ming Yu asked, ¡°Ah Li, there are still a few days of travel. Your father has not yet known what you have done but when we arrive in Yanjing, he will definitely know. At that time, he certainly won¡¯t let you out. It¡¯s better for you to instruct me on what to do next. Or you can write them down and I will do it ordingly.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu was able to more or less see what Jiang Li did in Tongxiang. Although she used Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s name, Jiang Yuan Bai might not necessarily know about it. In Tongxiang, his daughter stirred up such a huge matter. Without mentioning Jiang Yuan Bai, Jiang Li was a noble daughter, plus her identity as the chief assistant¡¯s daughter, it¡¯s really not good for her to show her face as it¡¯s easy to create troubles. Although Ye Ming Yu was unreasonable, he could not stop Jiang Li from returning to her house.

    But once Jiang Li went home, she might not be able toe out for a long time.

    Yanjing was not like the rivers andkes and the Jiang family was not like the Ye family. Ye Ming Yu thought of pulling Jiang Li out but he did not know if he could seed. As so, it¡¯s better to make some preparations in case Jiang Li could note out for a period of time. Ye Ming Yu could follow Jiang Li¡¯s directions and did not need Jiang Li to show up to carry through the matter.

    Jiang Li smiled and shook her head to say, ¡°No need. In Yanjing, the rtionships between government officials areplicated. The Ye family is a merchant family, if there are people wanting to pressure, it¡¯s possible for this matter to be pressed down. It will not be the same with me because behind me is an official family and it will naturally make people pay attention. Initially, it¡¯s better for the Xue family¡¯s case to be bigger and noisier. The bigger and noisier it is, the other person will be anxious and in their anxiety, there will be slip-ups, then our chance will arrive.¡±

    ¡°But¡­..¡± Ye Ming Yu hesitated, ¡°your father¡­..¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will convince him.¡± Jiang Li said with a smile. Jiang Yuan Bai was a clever person. With her actions, the Ye family had offended the Right Prime Minister, and the Xue family¡¯s case would offend Princess Yongning. The offense had been done, the previous harmonious surface would soon be broken. Once it started, it¡¯s difficult to stop.

    Jiang Yuan Bai understood this truth, it¡¯s out of the question for him to not do anything at this time. Therefore, they either had to continue with this matter and give the other party a hard hit or stop halfway and let the other person grab the opportunity.

    In his career, Jiang Yuan Bai was very shrewd and not as muddled as in his home. Jiang Li believed that he would make the same choice as her.

    However¡­.. how would Princess Yongning in Yanjing look when she learns of what she had done?

    She must be quite flustered.

    ¡­¡­

    Yanjing was located in the north and not a day passed without snow during winter.

    In the heavy snow, the poor families still had to brave the cold wind and went out to work with their thin clothing. In the icy street, earning a few copper coins a day for their family¡¯s expense.

    It¡¯s much better in wealthy and noble families where the earth dragon burned and the houses were warm. Those delicate sisters could still sit in the house, holding the hot-water bottles given by their servant girls, looking outside at the snowscape while reciting poetry, painting, reading or ying musical instruments.

    In the princess¡¯s residence, it was as warm as spring.

    The floor was cushioned with a long woolen nket embroidered withplicated design, even stepping barefoot would not feel cold. Therefore, the woman in the prime of her youth sitting at the tall seat was only wearing a thin muslin dress despite the winter day, slightly exposing the angle of her twin lotus embroidery undergarment. Tender and beautiful like a lotus about to bloom in summer.

    Shey on a person¡¯s knees.

    The elegant man smiled as he looked at the person on his knees.

    Her rosy lips spat out a lingering verse, ¡°The ubed hair in the past fell on the shoulders like silk. Wrist extends to the youth¡¯s knees, how is it not pitiful¡­..¡± When speaking thest word, her voice was ambiguous, her neck raised and the red lips softly printed on the man¡¯s thin lips.

    All the subordinates in the pce hall lowered their heads, not daring to take a look. When Princess Yongning and her boyfriend were being intimate, nobody dared to see

    ¡°Yongning¡­..¡± a sigh escaped from his lips.

    Footnotes:

    <sup>1: Fuma: a princess¡¯s husband.</sup>

    < >

 Chapter 122.2: Part 2: Fuma

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 122 Part 2: Fuma

    The sound of the sigh made the woman fall into a frenzy. She looked at the other person¡¯s eyes, nearly bing intoxicated in the gentleness. She suddenly said, ¡°Shen dear, when are we getting married?¡±

    The man, the current minister in the Ministry of Rites, the favorite person of Emperor Hong Xiao, Shen Yurong, was stunned. He looked as if he was abruptly pulled out as he was sinking in the warmth. He lifted his body slightly and avoided Princess Yongning¡¯s close embrace.

    Princess Yongning also sensed his estrangement and recovered from the previous indulgence. However, soon, she ignorantly leaned over and spoke with feign girly anger, ¡°Shen dear, why aren¡¯t you saying anything?¡±

    ¡°Princess,¡± Shen Yurong did not call her ¡®Yongning¡¯. He frowned, ¡°It¡¯s not been a year since my wife died¡­..¡±

    Xue Fang Fei again! Princess Yongning hated it so much. He always said to mourn Xue Fang Fei so that the people could see his sentiment. But Princess Yongning¡¯s heart was clear that these were just excuses.

    The reason why he is not willing to marry her is because that person is still in his heart!Xue Fang Fei is already dead, but he still keeps her constantly in his mind! As to why he treats her gently like honey is because she has Cheng Wang as her brother, while she is a princess. He agrees to be together with her due to power and wealth!

    It¡¯s not that Princess Yongning did not understand, but it¡¯s useless even if she understood because she loved him. The more restrained and courteous Shen Yurong was, the more she was unable to hold back. He was lukewarm, sometimes distant, sometimes close, which was a fatal poison for her. There¡¯s a Xue Fang Fei in his heart, she wanted to erase Xue Fang Fei bit by bit from his heart, let her vanish in a puff of smoke.

    What she could not obtain certainly was the best. The more she could not get Shen Yurong, the more she desired him. No matter whether Shen Yurong was sincere or not towards her, she wanted to tie Shen Yurong by her side. He could only see her, one woman, in his lifetime. Unable to get his heart, then she wanted to get the person. Now it seemed that wanting to get this man¡¯s heart still required some time, she could no longer wait and started losing her patience, so she impatiently wanted to obtain the person.

    She wanted to ask Shen Yurong to be the princess¡¯s husband.

    ¡°Shen dear,¡± Princess Yongning said tenderly, ¡°I have reached the age, mother concubine has brought up the matter of looking for a suitable match for me¡­.. I am from the imperial household and can¡¯t decide on my marriage myself. If you were not in my heart, I would have been with other people, afraid now I have be someone else¡¯s wife already.¡±

    Shen Yurong gently looked at her. Sometimes he was cold towards her, but sometimes he was affectionate towards her. Princess Yongning was messed by him until she felt ill at ease, unable to stop herself, like what happened at this time.

    As a result, her voice as well as her body softened, practically turning into a pool of water, tightly wrapping up Shen Yurong.

    ¡°Say, if mother concubine really marries me to someone else, will you be heart-broken? Will you feel regretful?¡±

    Shen Yurong said softly, ¡°Naturally broken-hearted and regretful.¡±

    Shen Yurong immediately smiled like a flower, ¡°Then what are you waiting for, as long as I exin clearly to mother concubine, this matter will be done.¡±

    ¡°But¡­..¡±

    ¡°Do you want to say that you want to observe mourning for Xue Fang Fei again?¡± Over and over again, Princess Yongning¡¯s patience finally ran out. She was still smiling, but her tone carried a chill in it. Her red fingernails ran lightly on Shen Yurong¡¯s face, ¡°Shen dear, everyone knows how Xue Fang Fei died. Because she had an illicit affair with others, she was ashamed and depressed so she died. Everyone protested unfairness for you, even if you don¡¯t observe mourning, even if you marry another person the next day, no one will say that you are at fault.¡±

    ¡°Xue Fang Fei is a dead person, but I am a living person. Observing mourning for a dead person, don¡¯t tell me that you want to continue wronging me? My elder brother has met you several times and thinks highly of you. If you let me down, elder brother will also be angry¡­.. I don¡¯t wish for the two of you to have misunderstandings because of me.¡± She hinted.

    This was clearly a threat.

    Nowadays, Shen Yurong was seen differently by Cheng Wang, but he had not yet exhibited his strengths to make Cheng Wang look at him as a confidant. Sooner orter, Cheng Wang was going to rebel and it seemed that the probability of him seeding was quite big. There¡¯s ups and downs in the world, Shen Yurong also wanted to do something major.

    Princess Yongning could be his stepping stone and could also be his stumbling block. She could be the bridge between Cheng Wang and Shen Yurong, but could also break this bridge.

    He knew she could do it.

    Shen Yurong looked at him as Princess Yongning gazed at him with a lingering smile. She murmured and pouted, ¡°Darling Shen, quickly promise me¡­.. Promise me¡­..¡±

    He knew she was spoiled and had no patience. At that time, she took a fancy to him, knew that he had a wife and quickly eliminated Xue Fang Fei. She had spent unprecedented patience on him, perhaps he should rejoice. Princess Yongning had been so patient towards him for so long, once her patience towards him was gone and looked for another person, he would forever have no more chance.

    The chance to change fate.

    Shen Yurong smiled softly.

    There¡¯s a trace of satire in his smile which quickly disappeared. In a deep and gentle tone, he said, ¡°Okay.¡±

    Princess Yongning¡¯s smile froze. She looked at him, ¡°What did you say?¡± She was prepared to be rejected again by him, but at the same time, she had made up her mind not to step back this time. Regardless of threats, promises, or force, she wanted to be Madam Shen, despite Shen Yurong¡¯s willing or unwillingness.

    But he unexpectedly said that he was willing.

    Princess Yongning jumped up. In an instant, a child-like glee appeared in her usual haughty and mean face. She held Shen Yurong¡¯s neck and said cheerfully, ¡°Shen dear, you promised! Tomorrow I¡¯ll enter the pce to inf orm mother concubine so that mother concubine can tell emperor brother about this!¡±

    Shen Yurong patted her back and hugged her. All the servants lowered their heads. The back of Princess Yongning¡¯s body was facing him, so no one saw the indifference in Shen Yurong¡¯s eyes.

    He knew where Princess Yongning¡¯s bottom line was, so he had to have a perfect restrain. Many times, having one more point was too much, and having less of one point was too little. He had to be proper, not anxious so that he could slowly obtain the things he wanted.

    When he walked out of the princess mansion, Princess Yongning was extremely reluctant.

    < >

 Chapter 122.3: Part 3: Fuma

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 122 Part 3: Fuma

    She wished Shen Yurong could stay overnight, but Shen Yurong was unwilling. He said that with identity now, there were many people who fixed their attention on him and wanted to hold a handle on him. It would be troublesome if his wrongdoing was grasped.

    Princess Yongning dropped the subject, thinking that since Shen Yurong had agreed anyway, soon she would be his legitimate wife, firmly holding Shen Yurong. She even thought that this short separation was still bearable.

    Shen Yurong walked out of the princess mansion, through the streets, and directly returned to the Shen residence.

    The top scorer¡¯s residence was dazzling, looking brand new just like when the emperor first bestowed it. The gatekeeper saluted him, when Shen Yurong walked into the courtyard, he stopped by the flowerbed.

    The gentle smile that¡¯s always on his face suddenly cracked and he bent down, as if something made him disgusted and he vomited.

    His head was dizzy and his chest felt heavy, then he seemed to see a pair of legs. He followed the legs up to see that it was his most familiar pillow person.

    The woman¡¯splexion was remarkably beautiful, capable of causing the downfall of a city. She did not say a word, merely looked at him quietly, just like in the past, without any change. However, in that pair of cold eyes, Shen Yurong could see the satire.

    The same mocking gaze when he looked at Princess Yongning.

    He reached out to touch the vague shadow. The shadow immediately scattered.

    Mother Shen¡¯s voice rang out, ¡°Yurong, what are you doing?¡±

    Shen Yurong shook, stood up straight, and said lightly, ¡°Nothing.¡± Then he returned to his room.

    It¡¯s okay, to get some things, you must lose some things. He has lost some things, although it makes people feel sad asionally, he still obtains much more.

    He finally changed his fate and was no longer that poor schr that everyone looked down on.

    A life that¡¯spletely different from the past had just begun.

    ¡­¡­

    Ten days after Jiang Li left Tongxiang, the letter that she was returning to Yanjing finally arrived in Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s hand.

    It¡¯s not just a letter about returning to the capital, there was still the rumor abuzz in Yanjing, a rumor saying that the second miss of the Jiang family made a huge noise for the sake of a guilty official in Tongxiang, Xiangyang. She also brought vigers to the capital to file awsuit.

    This matter caused a huge wave in Yanjing as there had never been such bizarre matter urring in the capital. A government official¡¯s noble daughter, without any rhyme or reason, went back to the countryside to visit her natal family and was involved in a guilty official¡¯s case. It¡¯s fine if it stopped there, she still brought vigers to enter the capital. Could she be thinking of being a fair and incorruptible official, to enter the court and be an official?

    His colleagues in court looked at Jiang Yuan Bai in a strange way. Someone from the Cheng Wang faction who did not get along well with Jiang Yuan Bai even said deliberately to him, ¡°Really, a tiger father will not have a dog daughter! Your daughter quite has your manner, intervening when one sees an injustice. This is holding up righteousness, justice!¡±

    The nobledies felt that Jiang Li was too meddlesome. Doing so much was nothing but to seek fame and to make others pay attention to her. Making so many tricks, all day long running outside to show her face, really losing the face of nobledies and taking things too far. Thankfully she was not their sister, otherwise, their reputation would be ruined.

    However, themon people were more curious about Jiang Li¡¯s past performances. That time, the scene of Jiang Li¡¯s examination was boundless and her name had spread far among the people. This time, it involved the case of a guilty official. No matter how you looked at it, it¡¯s a good drama.The people were itching to see what Jiang Li actually wanted to do, nearly bing a happy thing in Yanjing. Everyone anxiously waited, waiting for the day when Jiang Li would return to Yanjing and what kind of nice surprise she would bring to them.

    Regardless of what others thought, Jiang Yuan Bai was furious. Jiang Li and Ye Ming Xuan returned to the countryside to visit old madam Ye, how did such a huge disastere out? Unexpectedly, he did not put this on Jiang Li¡¯s head. After all, Jiang Li and Xue Huai Yuan had no rtionship to mention, so naturally, there was no justification of her involvement in this case. Jiang Yuan Bai suspected that this matter stemmed from the Ye family. It was most likely that the Ye family borrowed Jiang Li¡¯s hand to interfere in this case.

    The matter about the Ye family¡¯s ancient fragrant satin was not mentioned. The head of the Weaving Room Unit would bring the matter up to him tactfullyter. Jiang Yuan Bai knew that Jiang Li used his name to make the Weaving Room Unit handle things, but it did not matter. No matter what, the Ye family still had an inws rtionship with him. In Xiangyang, Jiang Li helping the Ye family out of troubles had no effect on the Jiang family. Even if she offended one or two people, he, as the magnificent chief assistant, was still not afraid of anyone.

    But it¡¯s different with the Xue family¡¯s case. Leaving aside the situation where Jiang Li had caused an uproar before she returned, even if Xue Huai Yuan was an honest and upright official, he was ultimately harmed to this point. Naturally, Feng Yu Tang had a backing for him to dare to be such a tyrant in Tongxiang. Jiang Yuan Bai already heard the talk that a Yanjing noble person was involved in Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s case.

    Jiang Yuan Bai did not know who this noble person was. If it was before, he might not necessarily be afraid of the consequences. However, nowadays Cheng Wang and the Right Minister watched the Jiang family like a prey. In case the Jiang family¡¯s handle was grasped, his enemies would certainly hit him when he¡¯s down. At the moment, Jiang Yuan Bai ¡®seeked stability¡¯, therefore he did not wish for any incident to ur.

    Once Jiang Li returned, he would forbid Jiang Li to go out, let her stay properly in the residence to reflect so she would know, with her identity as the Jiang family member, she could not act recklessly without taking care of her family¡¯s reputation. It¡¯s better to cut her involvement with the Xue family¡¯s case and let those people leave.

    In Shu Xiu Garden.

    Jiang You Yao had one foot inside the room, without even closing the door, she directly asked, ¡°Mother, have you heard? Jiang Li, that cheap person, ising back!¡±

    On the day Jiang Li departed, Jiang Yu¡¯e became a concubine and was lifted into Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s official residence. Jiang Yu¡¯e left hurriedly, perhaps because she was afraid if she stayed in the Jiang residence, Jiang You Yao would make things difficult for her. So soon after Jiang Li left, she entered the Zhou residence.

    Shen Ruyun would marry into the Zhou family at the beginning of spring this year.

    In the entire Jiang residence, the misses who remained were Jiang You Yao and Jiang Yuyan. Jiang Yuyan was timid and cowardly, without Jiang Yu¡¯e present, she almost did not want toe out from the third branch¡¯s courtyard. But even if she did not have such a cowardly temper, Jiang You Yao also found it beneath her to hang out with a concubine¡¯s daughter.

    < >

 Chapter 122.4: Part 4: Fuma

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 122 Part 4: Fuma

    These days, Jiang You Yao had gradually calmed down. She thought and understood thoroughly. No matter whether she could marry Zhou Yan Bang or not, there were two people that she absolutely must not let off. The first was Jiang Yu¡¯e, the other was Jiang Li. Jiang Yu¡¯e actually dared to think and like her fiance, this was a provocation! Moreover, even if Jiang Yu¡¯e seeded, that was due to Jiang Li pushing the wave. The two of them were in cohort!

    As for Shen Ruyun, before she married into the Zhou family, she could not be considered as Madam Zhou. Since it¡¯s like that, no one could expect should anything came up in the middle. Who said that she totally had no chance?

    Jiang You Yao seemed to have grown up a lot after the Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s matter. She was even more sinister and cool-headed. Sometimes, when she sat at the side, there¡¯s a bit of Ji Shuran¡¯s shadow in her expression.

    Ji Shuran frowned and told the servant girl to close the door. She reproached Jiang You Yao, ¡°What are you doing shouting loudly? Be careful your father will hear and be unhappy.¡±

    Although Jiang Yuan Bai was not very affectionate towards Jiang Li, she was, after all, his own daughter. Jiang You Yao¡¯s words and actions were insolent, naturally Jiang Yuan Bai would be annoyed if he saw it.

    ¡°But she¡¯sing back!¡± Jiang You Yao stomped her feet. ¡°Mother, haven¡¯t you figured out how to deal with her!¡±

    Ji Shuran had a bit of a headache.

    She could not cover her surprise when the news that Jiang Li was about to return to the capital came to her. The group dispatched to kill Jiang Li was first ss experts, which was arranged by her sister, Chen Ji-shi. The bodyguards that were dispatched to follow Jiang Li were not the group¡¯s opponents.

    She had been anxiously waiting in Yanjing for a reply but there was no letter. Ji Shuran was already feeling restless, until Jiang Yuan Bai received the mail.

    She clenched her teeth, it seemed that Jiang Li could avoid the cmity. Otherwise, it¡¯s not possible for those people not to seed after such a long time. She actually had this capability!

    Jiang You Yao was not aware of her secret arrangement and said impatiently, ¡°Mother, what should we do now? She was the one who harmed me and made me the object of ridicule in the capital, made me lose heir Zhou. I definitely will not let her get away with it!¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± Ji Shuran sighed, ¡°I will find a way to resolve this. Don¡¯t worry, she has not yet returned but already provoked so many troubles. Your father was already extremely unhappy, this time your grandmother also will not stand on her side. If she truly offends someone she should not offend, without my action, she will bring her own destruction. The future is long, after all, I am still the madam of the main branch, there are many opportunities to dispose of her.¡± She looked at Jiang You Yao, her expression slightly solemn, ¡°On the contrary, it¡¯s you, You Yao. Hei Zhou is already the past, in the next days, mother will look for a better husband for you and you must not remember him. It¡¯s impossible for you to still want to marry into the Zhou residence.¡±

    Jiang You Yao¡¯s eyes immediately turned red. After a pause, she said, ¡°I know, mother, I won¡¯t.¡±

    Ji Shuran instructed the maid to take a handkerchief, then she wiped her tears while speaking, ¡°Mother did not want to cause you heartbreak. You are mother¡¯s daughter, mother naturally wishes for you to live well and won¡¯t let you feel wronged. The Zhou family has decided to let Shen Ruyun enter their door, just by looking at young master Shen¡¯s identity, he would not let you to still have any rtions with heir Zhou. Of course, I also won¡¯t look at the Zhou family, that kind of household.¡±

    ¡°There are many men in the world, not just Zhou Yan Bang, this person alone. You deserve a better person. No one couldpare to you.¡± Ji Shuran spoke softly.

    Jiang You Yao buried her face in Ji Shuran¡¯s bosom. The hand hidden in her sleeve slowly clenched into a fist.

    In the end, she¡¯s still not reconciled.

    ¡­¡­

    The news about Jiang Li was abuzz. It was passed to the Jiang family, naturally it was also passed to the Zhou family.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e was doingundry in the courtyard.

    Her long hair was pulled into a married woman¡¯s bun, the clothes she was wearing was sshed with water. Unexpectedly, her life was not as goodpared to when she was in the Jiang family¡¯s third branch. The few servant girls were standing at the side, chatting nonchntly, as if they did not see Jiang Yu¡¯e working hard in doing herundry.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e felt utterly humiliated.

    She had never lived her life like a servant like this. Even if she had to fawn over Ji Shuran¡¯s mother and daughter while she was in the Jiang residence. But at least in name, she was still a Jiang family¡¯s daughter. The Jiang family also did not treat her unfairly.

    But ever since she entered the Zhou residence, what awaited her was not Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s gentleness and sweetness. So much so that on their wedding night, he merely nced at her before leaving. Up until now, he had note into her courtyard at all. She entered the door of the Zhou family as a concubine and the servants did not treat her as the Master. Theyughed at her behind her back and now, they were even braver and in front of her, they tantly did not put her in their eyes.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e wanted to find a person to chat to, but she did not know who she should look for. She must not even speak of the door of the Zhou family, and behind her, the Zhou family members said that she ¡°took advantage when the young master was drink and climbed into his bed.¡±

    Jiang Yu¡¯e hated Zhou Yan Bang, also hated Jiang You Yao and she hated Jiang Li even more. Were not it for the unexpected turn of events at that time, she would not have gone this far.

    She practically wanted to vent all her anger by beating theundry, washing and washing, when a pair of boots suddenly stopped in front of her.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e was stunned and slowly raised her head.

    Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s handsome face appeared before her eyes, and Jiang Yu¡¯e did not dare to believe what she was seeing.

    It had been many days and Zhou Yan Bang had never shown up in front of her. Jiang Yu¡¯e gradually understood. At that time, she thought Zhou Yan Bang had at least a bit of affection towards her. Now it seemed that there wasn¡¯t even a tiny bit. He hated her for ruining his official career, making a fool of him during the pce feast and terminating his marriage with the Jiang family.

    He med everything on her and punished her.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e spoke in a trembling voice, ¡°Heir¡­..¡±

    Zhou Yan Bang coldly looked at her, his previous gentle and refined appearance could not be seen at all. After the pce feast, the whole person seemed to have changed, gloomy and no one knew what he was thinking about. He swept a gaze at what Jiang Yu¡¯e was doing and said, ¡°Heard that Jiang Li is about to return to the capital.¡±

    Jiang Yu¡¯e stared nkly. She had also heard about Jiang Li¡¯s return to the capital. She heard that Jiang Li went to Xiangyang to visit the people of the Ye family. Ridiculous, what¡¯s there to see in a merchant¡¯s family. They had not contacted each other for ten years, it was all pretense.

    ¡°Jiang Yu¡¯e, do you wish to be my person?¡± Zhou Yan Bang looked at her from above, his tone was light.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e did not feel insulted, instead she felt a burst of surprise.

    ¡°When Jiang Li returns to the capital, help me draw Jiang Li out.¡± He said.

    < >

 Chapter 123.1: Part 1: Grievance

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 123 Part 1: Grievance Hello! My apology for missing a few updates, life has been extremely hectic as I am on a trip until the end of the month. On another note, this chapter only has 3 parts ^^

    Twenty dayster, Ye Ming Yu¡¯s group of carriage and horses arrived at the capital¡¯s gate.

    Although Ye Ming Yu boasted of his extensive traveling, it had been many years since thest time he came to Yanjing. When he just arrived, the feeling of both familiarity and unfamiliarity rushed at him. It actually made this tall man show an ill at ease expression.

    The people from Tongxiang had never seen this kind of situation, and everyone pointed at the bright city gate of the capital. Ping An, whose hand was pulled by Dai Yun, stared nkly at the city gate. In Tongxiang, the people guarding the city gate did not wear such formidable armors

    ¡°So this is the capital.¡± Butcher Zhang said cheerfully. He seemed to suddenly think of something, ¡°That time, Master Xue¡¯s daughter went to marry here.¡±

    Inside the carriage, Jiang Li nced at the already asleep Xue Huai Yuan and felt ayer of sadness.

    When she got married, Xue Huai Yuan had carefully warned her repeatedly. As long as there¡¯s a chance, Xue Zhao and him would visit her in the capital. However, Jiang Li understood, Xue Huai Yuan was busy with work. Although Tongxiang was just a small county, many small and big things popped out. It¡¯s not so easy for Xue Zhao to look for a suitable time.

    Sure enough, before Xue Huai Yuan could go to Yanjing, she and Xue Zhao had met their demise. When Xue Huai Yuan could really arrive in Yanjing, she was no longer Xue Fang Fei and Xue Huai Yuan had also lost his mind, meeting yet not knowing each other.

    ¡°Ah Li, let¡¯s go in.¡± said Ye Ming Yu.

    Jiang Li came out of her daze, ¡°Okay.¡±

    There were at least 100 people in this group of people. The young officers, upon seeing such a group of people suddenly arriving, thought that they were refugees. At once, the few guards encircled the group with a severe look and blocked the city gate while they interrogated them carefully.

    Jiang Li lifted the carriage curtain and went down the carriage supported by Tong¡¯er. She immediately walked towards the few guards and handed the Jiang family¡¯s token. Smiling, she said, ¡°Older brothers, I am the Jiang family¡¯s second miss. These are all the people from Tongxiang going to Yanjing toin and file awsuit.¡± From her sleeve, Jiang Li took out a piece of paper and handed it over. She said, ¡°This is a transcription of theint. Each and everyone here has their name written in it. I will make a copy for you, so when thewsuit is over and when everyone is going out of the city, everyone can bepared one by one, is it okay?¡±

    The few young officers were stunned, Second miss of the Jiang family?

    Isn¡¯t this what¡¯s rumored inside the city a few days ago? Saying the second miss of the Jiang family brought themon people from Xiangyang¡¯s rural area to reverse the verdict of a guilty official? What? They have arrived?

    Looking at the token in his hand, it was undoubtedly the Jiang family member. The young officer guarding the city restrained his curiosity and returned the token to Jiang Li and took the paper with the densely written names of the people inside. He moved his body to the side and assured the other people to open the gate. He said, ¡°Miss Jiang second, please pass through.¡±

    Since it was the Jiang family¡¯s daughter, whatever happened, the Jiang family would take responsibility, so they were not afraid and respectfully withdrew to the side.

    The city gate opened wide. The people saw the situation and looked at Jiang Li more reverently. A ce such as Yanjing city, they were simply just country folks. Without mentioning the officers guarding the city gate, it¡¯s normal formoners not to pay them any attention. In a few words, Jiang Li managed to let these young officers guarding the city gate treat her this respectfully, moreover, they still let them pass through. It could be seen the power of the Jiang family in Yanjing.

    Ye Ming Yu was also astonished, ¡°Don¡¯t say, your father¡¯s token was still useful. I remember the time when we came to Yanjing, we still needed to be inspected quite a few times. You are actually good, such arge number of people, but were passed through.¡± He also did not know whether he was bbing or sneering at the Yanjing officials who knew how to act pragmatically.

    Jiang Liughed, ¡°Human nature.¡±

    The group entered through the city gate like torrents.

    Behind, the few young officers guarding the city gate discussed in a low voice, ¡°They¡¯ve entered the capital, they¡¯ve entered the capital. The storyteller in the restaurant can have new stories. Don¡¯t know what kind of storms Miss Jiang second will trigger this time.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem right,¡± another person touched his chin, ¡°Isn¡¯t Miss Jiang second bringing all these people to reverse a verdict? Why is there a prison carriage at the back? Who¡¯s sitting in that prison carriage? Did they do personal punishment?¡±

    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t care so much. Official¡¯s matter is not something that we can care about. Miss Jiang second can be said to have made an insignificant jab in a basket. The person¡¯s father is the chief assistant, yet also does not obstruct, so we just enjoy watching the scene.¡±

    ¡°What you said makes sense. Looking at her situation, this time around, Yanjing really will not be calm.¡±

    ¡­¡­

    It was even more bustling after entering the city.

    Yanjing¡¯s streets were much wider than the ones in Tongxiang. The people and the horses filled the streets, the restaurants were magnificently decorated, performers could be seen all over the ce, and there were peddlers selling tanghulu. The residents of Tongxiang¡¯s eyes who came to Yanjing for the first time were dazzled. The older ones were slightly better; although they felt novel, they were still able to restrain themselves. However, the younger ones could not help it, they walked with amazement, nearly stumbling in their steps.

    As the Tongxiang residents looked at the novelty, the people of Yanjing were also looking strangely at this group of people. Such a big group of people who clearly were not natives, but people from outside who appeared in Yanjing. No matter how they saw it, they were too conspicuous. However, the clothes of the people apanying this group were very ordinary, it could even be said to be somewhat in. Therefore, they were not people with powerful connections who went on a journey.

    Someone recognized the bodyguards apanying the carriage and said furtively to the person next to him, ¡°Hey, isn¡¯t that the bodyguard from the chief assistant¡¯s residence?¡±

    ¡°Chief assistant¡¯s residence? No one from the chief assistant¡¯s residence has left the capital. Could it be Miss Jiang second? Wasn¡¯t it said that she is bringing a group of vigers into the capital to reverse a verdict for a guilty official? If you think about it, this is about the time for her to arrive in Yanjing.¡±

    ¡°Miss Jiang second returned with residents from Tongxiang county¡±, this news quickly swept across the entire Yanjing. Through wide streets and small alleys, everyone learned of this news and the people who enjoyed watching the bustling scene went out of their houses.

    Someone asked, ¡°Miss Jiang second, are you going to bring this group of people to the Jiang mansion?Although the chief assistant¡¯s mansion is huge, with so many people, afraid it won¡¯t be enough. Moreover, will Master Chief Assistant let these people in? Even if he was benevolent, it¡¯s possible to incur trouble ah!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, in any case, if it were me, I definitely won¡¯t do it.

    ¡°Hey, this Jiang family¡¯s youngdy is really taking things too far. Giving birth to this kind of daughter, the house is not peaceful, the house is not peaceful ah!¡±

    In the chief assistant¡¯s residence, Jiang Yuan Bai had just returned from court and took off his outer gown in the study. He was drinking the warm tea sent by Ji Shuran when someone informed from outside, ¡°Master, second miss has returned!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Jiang Yuan Bai paused in the middle of his movement to drink tea, ¡°When?¡±

    ¡°Just now, the person bringing the news is now at Wan Feng Hall, telling the old madam about this matter. He said that the second miss brought hundreds of people and the streets in Yanjing were half drowned. The people watching the bustle were on the streets, all looking at the second miss.¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s face turned from red to white. He was always smooth and slick, as both an official and a person. Though he was vain, he was not fond of being in the limelight at all. It should be known that in the court, there were many staring eyes, the more they seeked fame, the more they would provoke people¡¯s mouths. Jiang Li was so good, once she returned to the capital, she immediately made such a big wave, now afraid the entire Yanjing had paid attention to their Jiang family. If Jiang Li did something that overstep the boundary, outsiders would be able to talk about him, Jiang Yuan Bai, for a lifetime!

    ¡°I¡¯ll go to Wan Feng Hall to take a look.¡± After saying this, Jiang Yuan Bai took his outer gown and walked out. Ji Shuran, who was at the side, responded, ¡°I¡¯ll go too.¡± A trace of a smile shed on her face.

    Before she made her move, Jiang Li had made her way into her own dead end. She knew as a woman that females must not get involved in court affairs. Jiang Li was just 15 years old, but managed to turn things upside down. Without talking about other things, which good family would want such a restless person to manage the household. Jiang Li had step by step shattered her possibly good marriage.

    Of course, Ji Shuran was looking forward to Jiang Li making things noisier. The bigger and noisier things were, the harder and impossible it was to repair them. The best would be for Jiang Li to have topensate for things herself.

    An effortless victory, that¡¯s the best.

 Chapter 123.2: Part 2: Grievance

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 123 Part 2: Grievance

    When he arrived in Wan Feng Hall, old madam Jiang was talking to Jiang Yuan Ping.

    The usual smile hanging on Jiang Yuan Ping¡¯s face could not be seen, revealing a bit of seriousness. Jiang Yuan Xing was not present. Ever since Jiang Yu¡¯e married into the Zhou family as a concubine, Jiang Yuan Xing had be much more taciturn. Previously, he could still exchange a few words with the two brothers, but now, whenever they met, there was only a brief greeting, with no other exchanges like how it was before.

    However, the two brothers did not care, after all they were not brothers from the same mother.

    Seeing the arrival of Jiang Yuan Bai, old madam Jiang said, ¡°Eldest, you know about it.¡±

    ¡°Mother,¡± Jiang Yuan Bai said, ¡°son is ashamed, son did not teach Jiang Li well.¡±

    Old madam Jiang sighed, she actually thought that Jiang Li was an outstanding and clever person. Ever since Jiang Li returned from Mount Qingcheng to the Jiang residence, she had taken Jiang Li¡¯s words and actions in her eyes and felt that Jiang Li could be the smartest and most thorough younger generation in this residence. However, she was not really fond of Jiang Li. She did not know why, perhaps it was because Jiang Li always had a kind of gentle estrangement.

    Jiang Li seemed to look at her respectfully but there¡¯s no affection.

    Yet this brightest younger generation now made such a muddled mistake in such a big affair. Old madam Jiang said, ¡°I do not wish to me her, after all, she is my granddaughter. But the eldest, second girl always forgets one thing, that she is our Jiang family¡¯s daughter. Before she does something, she has to first consider the effect on our Jiang family. The disturbance of what she is doing now caused an uproar. Not mentioning the Jiang family, how about you and the second at court? How will your colleagues look at the two of you, what would the emperor think? There¡¯s also You Yao; her marriage with the Zhou family was broken, but she still has to get married. With the second girl making such a big ruckus, You Yao¡¯s marriage will get affected. She¡¯s really¡­.. What is she doing ah!¡± old madam Ye shook her head repeatedly.

    Ji Shuran heard Jiang You Yao was mentioned and immediately used the situation to her advantage. She tearfully said, ¡°Master, what mother said is right. This time, Li¡¯er really has done too much. You Yao did not do anything, it¡¯s heir Zhou, now I don¡¯t expect anything, just hoping to look for a proper marriage for You Yao¡­.. With Li¡¯er making such a fuss, which good family in Yanjing dare to get close to us. This, this, I really have no way. I¡¯m Li¡¯er¡¯s stepmother, so I don¡¯t usually dare to rebuke her and did not manage her too much. Master, you are her father, you must take care of her!¡±

    Ji Shuran wiped her tears with her handkerchief. It¡¯s hard to say whether she was truly worried about Jiang You Yao, but it looked extremely real. These words sounded ear-piercing in Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s ears and in a deep voice, he said, ¡°What dare or not dare to, you are the main madam, she calls you mother, what is it that you don¡¯t dare to manage! If she refutes in the future, bring her to me! I don¡¯t believe no one can control her in this entire Jiang residence. In the beginning, I saw that she has made progress after returning from Mount Qingcheng, but it seems that she¡¯s still the same as before. If I had known earlier, I would not have brought her back!¡±

    Ji Shuran was overjoyed upon hearing this. Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s words clearly showed his disappointment at Jiang Li. As long as the guilt he felt towards Jiang Li disappeared, and became thoroughly disappointed, sooner orter, Jiang Yuan Bai would reject Jiang Li.

    Old madam Jiang looked at Ji Shuran. How could she not know Ji Shuran¡¯s n? But she merely said calmly, ¡°Things have urred, whomever is to me can be discussedter, it¡¯s most important to decide what to do now.¡±

    ¡°Yes, eldest brother,¡± Jiang Yuan Ping also spoke up, ¡°Li¡¯er has just returned to the capital and the people in the entire capital are looking at us. We must not let her continue on like this.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve thought about it,¡± Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s face was gloomy. ¡°When they return to the residence, I¡¯ll immediately lock her up and nobody is allowed to see her! Reversing the verdict of a criminal, Tongxiang disputes, all of these have nothing to do with her, they have nothing to do with our Jiang family! Those people can make as much noise as they want, anyhow Jiang Li must not be allowed to participate! Without Jiang Li, I don¡¯t think they will get anywhere, everything will be just a joke. The people in the capital willugh it off and this thing will pass. In the future, no one will mention it anymore! I¡¯ll just take it as my Jiang family is ying in a drama to amuse the crowd!¡±

    Everyone fell silent. Now it seemed to be the best course of action. The things Jiang Li did could not be altered anymore, so what they could do was to stop her from continuing further. No matter whether Jiang Li¡¯s ¡°reversing a criminal¡¯s verdict¡± would work out or not, in the final oue, their Jiang family became aughingstock.

    Jiang Li, a little girl, meddling in politics? Xue Huaiyuan and she were unrted, why exert so much effort to help?

    Sometimes the people¡¯s spittle could drown a person to death, which was the most dreadful weapon.

    As he was talking, Jiang Jing Rui ran from outside. As soon as he entered, he immediately asked, ¡°I heard that Jiang Li has returned? Why didn¡¯t I see her?¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai spoke unhappily, ¡°has not arrived yet.¡±

    ¡°Has not yet arrived?¡± Jiang Jing Rui was baffled. ¡°Based on the news received, Jiang Li should have arrived in our residence. She should have arrived no matter how slow she travels. It¡¯s likely for her not to return to the residence.¡±

    ¡°How is it possible? Just returning to the capital, not returning home, where else could she go to, is this proper!¡± Jiang Yuan Bai spoke angrily, but there¡¯s a trace of anxiety inside him.

    Jiang Li was a smart person, acute and had her own ideas. When she¡¯s determined to do something, she must have thought about it very carefully. Could she have thought that he would lock her up and dares not return home, intending to stay outside?

    Thinking of this, Jiang Yuan Bai became furious. She simply did not regard him as her father. Moreover, does she think that by not returning, he would not have any methods to bring her back? As long as this case did not go to court, he had to tie Jiang Li back home.

    Jiang Jing Rui shrugged and no longer spoke. Right at this time, the young servant came back to give them news.

    This time around, he seemed to be more panicked than before. It was in the middle of winter, but there¡¯s sweat flowing from his forehead to his cheek. He said, ¡°Old madam, master, second miss and the others are not returning to the residence. They, they went to Chang¡¯an Gate.¡±

    Chang¡¯an Gate?

    Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s expression changed greatly.

    ¡°What are they doing in Chang¡¯an Gate?¡± Jiang Jing Rui asked curiously.

    ¡°Go to Chang¡¯an Gate, beat the stone lion, and cry grievance.¡± Jiang Yuan Bai squeezed a few words out.

    ¡­¡­

    Chang¡¯an Gate was located right in front of the pce.

    On special days, the emperor would hold religious festivals here. On ordinary days, there were officers and soldiers guarding. Nobody would usuallye here.

    In the expanse square ce, two tall and mighty stone lions stood upright. In front of each of the stone lions, there was a veryrge sheepskin drum with red paint with the drum¡¯s mallet also ced in front. It¡¯s unknown whether it was because no one had moved it for a long time, there was ayer of dust covering the face of the drum.

    The convoy stopped in front of Chang¡¯An Gate, and Jiang Li jumped down from the carriage.

    With Chang¡¯An Gate as the center, there were crowds standing in the four corners watching. When those crowds saw Jiang Li go down the carriage, their eyes brightened. Jiang Li was the protagonist of the y. Jiang Li had shown up and the good y was about to begin.

    In a restaurant not far away, a beautiful man dressed in red looked absent-mindedly at the delicate figure facing Chang¡¯An Gate. He instructed the person at the side, ¡°Watch more closely, don¡¯t let anyone enter the gap and kill the girl.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Wen Ji epted the order.

    Jiang Li made such a huge disturbance, when that master knew, would naturally be flustered. Luckily, they did not have restraint, just afraid they would act on Jiang Li secretly while hiding among the crowd. Since she was his person, it would p his face if others took her life.

    In addition, he wanted to see how Jiang Li was going to win this situation, so he must protect her at all costs.

    Jiang Li walked to the front of Chang¡¯An Gate.

    The young officers standing like statues in front of Chang¡¯An Gate stared at her.

    Jiang Li turned around, Ye Ming Yu stood beside her and the Tongxiang residents calmed down. They had arrived here, all of them knew what to do.

    ¡°I¡¯ve thought it over, this matter cannot wait, so without returning home, I went straight to this ce. Don¡¯t put off tomorrow what you can do today. Today, since we have arrived in Yanjing, we should do the first thing first. Everyone, ¡° she pointed at the two stone lions and said, ¡°This is my first timeing here. This is Chang¡¯An Gate.¡±

    < >

 Chapter 123.3: Part 3: Grievance

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 123 Part 3: Grievance

    ¡°Chang¡¯An Gate, beat the drum and cry of injustice.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°This is the final chance to get justice.¡±

    She thought, if at that time she still had a breath left and could get out from the top scorer¡¯s mansion, the first thing that she wanted to do was to rush here, hold the drum¡¯s mallet, beat the drum and cry of injustice, to speak of all the unjust treatment on her. However, it might not be possible with the situation at that time. Her opponent then was Princess Yongning, moreover, she was by herself. Just by moving her finger, Princess Yongning could easily erase all the evidence, just like she had easily erased her life.

    It¡¯s different now. Using Miss Jiang second¡¯s identity, all the people in Yanjing, from high officials and noble people tomoners, would pay attention to this matter, without any exception. In addition, there were so many people appearing beside her now. This time around, afraid it would be a bit difficult for Princess Yongning to clean up her traces cleanly.

    Furthermore, she also would not give Yongning the chance to.

    Jiang Li faced the Tongxiang residents and said, ¡°In the world, it¡¯s originally very hard for fairness and justice. Sometimes, it could not be obtained even after paying with lives. Fortunately, we were given this chance, although this chance also did note and obtained with nothing.¡± She paused before continuing, ¡°A resident suing an official is like a son attacking his father and have to bear 50 whishes. Beating the drum and crying of injustice will receive 50 whishes. If sessful, naturally, it would be to everyone¡¯s delight and satisfaction. If lost, the case would not be able to be overturned. After receiving the beating, life would also be lost.¡±

    The Tongxiang residents looked at each other, themoners in Yanjing also whispered to each other. Even Feng Yu Tang that was inside the prisoner¡¯s carriage along with the officers were somewhat astonished. They were not aware there was still this reasoning.

    Jiang Li said, ¡°This, exchanging fairness and justice, without knowing the oue, who is willing toe up? Beat this drum of injustice?¡±

    Bearing 50 whishes, at least half of the life is gone, it¡¯s possible to die if the health was not good. If so, even if they had won thewsuit, the price to pay was really too disastrous.

    Jiang Li said calmly, ¡°If no one is willing, I¡¯ll beat this drum.¡±

    The crowd suddenly straightened up.

    She looked nonchnt, as if thinking that this was the right thing to do, not at all thinking that there¡¯s anything wrong with her conduct. It should be known that Xue Huaiyuan and she had no rtions at all, but she had done many things for Xue Huaiyuan. Even so much as wanting to send her life to danger.

    ¡°How could we trouble the second miss.¡± A person came over from the crowd. He unhurriedly said, ¡°I have pledged my life to follow master, redressing the injustice on master is the duty of the subordinate. I¡¯ll beat this drum.¡± It was Peng Xiao.

    ¡°There¡¯s still me.¡± He Jun also came up. He said, ¡°Receiving 50 whishes,pared to the torture subjected by the dog official is really not worth mentioning. I¡¯ll do it too.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s still us.¡± Gu Da and Gu Er also came out, ¡°it¡¯s nothing but beating the drum, we two brothers are willing!¡±

    Ye Ming Yu burst into loudughter and said, ¡°No need for these people with thin arms and thin legs. This grandpa¡¯s<sup>1</sup> skin is rough, not afraid of beating. In my life, I have never beaten the drum and cried injustice, I¡¯ll go!¡±

    ¡°Nobody quibbles with me, how can I miss this.¡± Butcher Zhang also came up. ¡°All of you are not strong enough, I kill pigs, have great strength. When I beat the drum, the whole of Yanjing is guaranteed to hear. I¡¯ll go!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go!¡±

    It was like an infection, the residents of Tongxiang came up one by one, wanting to beat the drums and cry injustice.

    Even the delicate Dai Yun also said, ¡°I also want to beat the drum and cry grievance. Even if not for Master Xue, it will be for ourselves. The days when Feng Yu Tang was in charge are truly too bitter for us, the residents of Tongxiang. Since fairness and justice are difficult to obtain, what¡¯s 50 whishes ounted for? Second miss, let me go too!¡±

    Not a single person retreated.

    The wooden expression of the two officers guarding Chang¡¯An Gate changed for the first time. They had been guarding the two stone lions and had seen many peopleing to beat the drum and cry for injustice.

    If they were not desperate, full of injustice and without an outlet, who woulde to this ce. Those people who came were mostly people who had repeatedly wandered for a long time, but they still went back. Simply because they could not bear the ¡®price¡¯ of fairness, afraid that they would have lost their lives before they won. Those who did not go back mostly held the determination to die, thinking of perishing together with their enemy, as if rushing to the execution ground.

    However, if there were any alternative, all of them would not take the initiative to beat the drum.

    This was the first time for the two officers to see so many people who simultaneouslypeted wanting to beat the drum, without the slightest idea of shrinking back. Even the delicate madam leading the little girl had a firm gaze without wavering.

    It seemed there was indeed a huge injustice and there was nothing to fear.

    Themon people in Yanjing looked at this and gradually fell silent. Even though they wanted to see the bustling scene, people¡¯s hearts were made of flesh. So many resolute people, it seemed that things were not that simple.

    And Miss Jiang second stood in the middle of the crowd like their backbone. Her short few sentences were the aspirations of these people. People were willing to follow her because she could give them hope. Even if the hope was vague and difficult, hope was still hope.

    Hope could give people the courage to walk forward, hope could prevail over everything.

    In the prisoner cart, Feng Yu Tang suddenly burst intoughter. Hisughter was mboyant, everyone¡¯s head turned to look at him.

    A person from Tongxiang hated him very much and seeing hisughter, immediately picked up a stone from the ground and threw it at him. He bellowed fiercely, ¡°What are youughing at!¡±

    Feng Yu Tang said, ¡°Iughed at your stupidity! Iughed that the heavens have treated me generously. Regardless of how thewsuit turned out to be, before it started, half of the people here would have copsed. Perhaps there will still be people dying! In order to do something to me, you have to pay such a huge price. I am pleased and delighted!¡±

    After speaking, heughed heartily once again.

    The crowd looked at him indignantly, but they could not help admitting. What Feng Yu Tang said was a fact. This kind of feeling really made people sullen. Before the evil people got their punishments, the good people had to first lose things. Who the heck made this rule!

    Jiang Li alsoughed softly.

    Feng Yu Tang slowly stoppedughing and looked at her gloomily. He asked, ¡°Why are youughing?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯mughing at Master Feng¡¯s naivety.¡± Jiang Li spoke lighty. ¡°Receiving 50 whishes is not false, but you forgot that there are more than one person who cry injustice and hit the drum. No one has said, since this is one case, it is not feasible for all the people to receive 50 whishes.¡±

    ¡°There are 100 people here, one person receiving one is already too many, but to endure this is considered nothing.¡± Jiang Li looked at him with ridicule, ¡°What do you say? Master Feng?¡±

    Feng Yu Tang could no longerugh, and was reced by the crowd¡¯s hoots ofughter.

    ¡°It¡¯s only half a person! Then it¡¯s fine, I¡¯ll help mypanions bear a few more! My skin is thick! It doesn¡¯t matter!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t, I also want to experience it, nobody can grab!¡±

    ¡°Can you hit more than half? Hitting half and half is really tossing people, so happy!¡±

    In the small house, Ji Heng spurted augh.

    This method¡­.. She could also think out. However, she had always been an expert when it came to digging into the loopholes made by officials. She definitely would not be willing to suffer losses, she was terribly shrewd.

    Jiang Li slowly walked towards the drum.

    The huge drum sat quietly, as if it had waited for a long time. The stone lions were imposing, their heads covered with frost and snow, passing through the four seasons, and justice finally came.

    ¡°Boom¡±! The dust on the drum was scattered to the air by the thumping of the mallet, rising up, almost mingling with the snow. After the dust rose, it unexpectedly turned clear and bright.

    ¡°Boom¡±! The grievances in two lives finally found an outlet for justice. This exit was narrow and dark, and the bottom could not be seen. However, carefully following the bright light to search for a way out, and atst, the light of the day could be seen.

    ¡°Boom¡±! From heavy to clear, from chaos to orderly, was nothing but the sounds of three drum beats.

    The drumbeat resounded in Chang¡¯An Gate, startling the entire Yanjing city.

    Everyone heard.

    Footnotes:

    <sup>1: this does not imply that he¡¯s old, more like, ¡°I¡¯m your senior¡±</sup>

    < >

 Chapter 124.1: Part 1: Opponents

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 124 Part 1: Opponents

    The drum for crying injustice in front of Chang¡¯An Gate had not made any sound in many years.

    The sound of the drum resounded, startling the people in the imperial pce.

    Emperor Hong Xiao was ying chess with Li-pin in the garden. In his harem, Li-pin was the oldest, even older than Emperor Hong Xiao. Yet, she was also the one who received the most favor. Compared to those youngdies who were either arrogant and willful, or gentle and virtuous youngdies who just entered the pce, Li-pin was more charming and interesting.

    Besides, she still retained her young and beautiful appearance. In addition she had the bearing that those youngdies could not reach.

    As a result, whenever Emperor Hong Xiao had free time, he was not fond of going to the empress nor other imperial concubines, but rather sat in Li-pin¡¯s ce. He felt that saying a few sentences to Li-pin could clear off the tiredness from sitting in the court.

    It¡¯s the same today.

    Emperor Hong Xiao¡¯s ck stones had been swallowed half by Li-pin¡¯s white stones. This was one area where Li-pin was different from other women. Those women, whether they were truly bad at chess, or instinctively wanting to win but feigning to lose to the monarch, always lost to him.

    Only Li-pin, who was never willing to concede to him, had a true temperament that was hard toe by in the pce.

    ¡°I lost again.¡± Emperor Hong Xiao smiled and shook his head.

    ¡°This concubine¡¯s luck is good,¡± Li-pin was beaming and said, ¡°that¡¯s why Your Majesty will lose to me.¡±

    ¡°Save it, in chess, I have never been as good as you. Ok,¡± he jokingly said, ¡°if you were a man, I must employ you.¡±

    ¡°This concubine can only y chess, not daring to get involved in the world¡¯s major events.¡± Li-pin held the teacup with both hands and lightly sipped the tea. ¡°The great things that men do are too tiring, this concubine wishes to y chess in the garden day after day, it¡¯s good to avoid the fatigue and just bezy, without any thoughts to do these things.¡±

    Inadvertently, Emperor Hong Xiao was raised a little.

    Emperor Hong Xiao¡¯s smile became more sincere. Eunuch Su, who was waiting at the side, sighed in his heart. Don¡¯t say, the eldest daughter of the Ji family was amazing, able to amuse the emperor and made him docile. Nowadays, the emperor¡¯s sore point was nothing else but Cheng Wang¡¯s power. The young emperor could only watch, however, his heart was vignt against the surrounding people who were scrambling for power. In any case, at least Li-pin showed that she had no intention to meddle in the court¡¯s affairs, thus the emperor had more trust in her.

    No emperor would guard against this kind of concubine.

    As he was thinking, from outside the pce, a few drum beats could be vaguely heard.

    At first, the sound of the drum was not very clear. Afterwards, the sound became clearer and clearer, as if the person hitting the drum was changed to another person with greater strength, hitting the drum extremely heavily, making a huge sound. Although it was unlikely to make the sound vibrate in the ears, the sound waspletely distinct.

    Emperor Hong Xiao was dazed and asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on outside?¡±

    Eunuch Su said, ¡°Your Majesty, this ve will immediately ask around.¡± He waved to beckon a small internal attendant and instructed a few sentences before sending the attendant away. Soon, the attendant returned, bowed to Emperor Hong Xiao and Li-pin and said, ¡°Returning to Your Majesty, in Chang¡¯An Gate outside the pce, someone is hitting the drum to cry for injustice.¡±

    ¡°Beat the drum and cry injustice?¡± Emperor Hong Xiao was stunned.

    ¡°It¡¯s the second miss from the Chief Assistant¡¯s residence.¡± The attendant spoke cautiously, ¡°She brought the vigers from Tongxiang and arrived at Chang¡¯An Gate. Heard she has just returned this afternoon and went straight here.¡±

    Emperor Hong Xiao looked at Li-pin, ¡°Oh? It¡¯s your younger sister¡¯s stepdaughter.¡±

    Li-pin smiled slightly, ¡°Yes.¡± Then she spoke with astonishment, ¡°This concubine has also heard of the rumor outside before, but always thought it was just hearsay, that other people were spreading rumors. After all, I have also seen the little girl, gentle and sweet, not like someone who will cause trouble. Never thought that the rumors outside are actually true, she has really brought people to enter the capital.¡±

    ¡°Causing trouble?¡± Emperor Hong Xiao said, ¡°it¡¯s not necessarily causing trouble. I know, the person who beats the drum and cries injustice has to receive 50 whipshes. If it¡¯s truly just causing trouble, the price to pay is not worth it. He stood up and said, ¡°I will personally go out to find out what¡¯s actually going on. Listen and see what they want to express in the end. Eunuch Su, follow me.¡±

    Eunuch Su caught up at once.

    Li-pin also stood up without dy and saluted Emperor Hong Xiao¡¯s departure. She did not follow him. After being with Emperor Hong Xiao for so long, she also knew the emperor¡¯s temper. It¡¯s better for her to avoid when he¡¯s doing business. The thing the young emperor most disliked was the harem meddling in politics. Those days, Cheng Wang¡¯s mother concubine, Liu tai fei, relied on the previous emperor¡¯s pampering and her natal family¡¯s power and nearly made Cheng Wang sit on the emperor¡¯s seat. If the current dowager empress did not contend with it, afraid today that position was no longer his.

    Emperor Hong Xiao was fond of her, this fondness was precisely the weak cloud and light wind, never getting involved in the court¡¯s affairs. It was most rxing at her ce.

    However¡­.. Li-pin thought with uncertainty, regarding the Jiang Li and the Xue family¡¯s case, she actually could not make out Emperor Hong Xiao¡¯s reaction. If said to be furious, he clearly did not show an angry expression. If said to be supporting, it was not necessarily so. Year after year, it¡¯s getting harder to see the emperor¡¯s delight and anger. Many times, she also could not make out Emperor Hong Xiao¡¯s mood.

    As the Ji family¡¯s daughter, she knew that Ji Shuran met with troubles in the Jiang family due to Jiang Li. Naturally, Li-pin did not wish for Jiang Li to have a smooth road. She even had the same wish as Ji Shuran, hoping to use this matter to eliminate Jiang Li effortlessly.

    However, in the pce, even if she had the emperor¡¯s love, she had to be even more cautious and must not act blindly without thinking. She could only take one step at a time.

    Emperor Hong Xiao arrived at the study room and sat down.

    There were constant attendantsing in, carefully informing him of the circumstances in Chang¡¯An Gate. When talking about Jiang Li¡¯s speech of ¡°not just one person crying injustice and beating the drum, 100 people receiving 50 whipshes, each person only receives half a whish¡±, his face that was stretched tautly could not help smiling. He cursed while smiling, ¡°Jiang Yuan Bai, this old fox, the daughter he gave birth to is just as crafty!¡±

    Eunuch Su watched from the side. Although Emperor Hong Xiao said so, there was no anger on his face. A feeling came to his heart, at least the matter of Jiang Li bringing vigers to enter the capital and beat the drum to cry for injustice did not anger Emperor Hong Xiao. Emperor Hong Xiao did not have the thought of ming Jiang Li.

    ¡°Your Majesty, for over ten years, no one had beaten the drum and cried injustice under the foot of the emperor¡­..¡± Eunuch Su said, ¡°This time, Miss Jiang second caused a major event in Yanjing, and many eyes are staring.¡±

    ¡°Eunuch Su, why do you think she is doing this?¡± Emperor Hong Xiao asked.

    ¡°This¡­.. ve does not dare to make wild guesses.¡± Eunuch Su said, ¡°Just, don¡¯t know whether Master Jiang is aware of Miss Jiang second¡¯s actions.¡±

    ¡°Of course he didn¡¯t know.¡± Emperor Hong Xiaoughed, ¡°This Jiang family¡¯s youngdy did not even return to the Jiang residence and rushed to Chang¡¯An Gate to cry grievance. Even if in a hurry, there¡¯s still a way to return to the residence first. If it were Jiang Yuan Bai, there¡¯s no way he would let her travel this hurriedly. It¡¯s obvious that the Jiang family¡¯s miss was afraid of unforeseen idents urring, being obstructed by Jiang Yuan Bai, thus deciding to take actions before prior approval.¡±

    Eunuch Su looked at Emperor Hong Xiao, smiled and said, ¡°The Jiang family¡¯s second miss is a clever person. Last time Your Majesty still bestowed gifts to her because she had huge courage. Aristocratic families¡¯ youngdies, who dare to do these? And still mingle with themoners.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with mingling with themoners?¡± Emperor Hong Xiao said, ¡°Thend under heaven is made up of themoners, without themoners, there will be no country.

    The Jiang family¡¯s miss¡¯s vige, I have seen the memorial submitted by the official Ye Shijie! Without looking, no one knows. Just a look made me see that in this country, under the foot of the emperor, there¡¯s still such rampant bandits!¡±

    Since Ye Shijie had shown the memorial regarding the Xue family¡¯s case to the emperor, and the emperor had such an attitude, the current circumstances could be understood more clearly. At least in this Xue family¡¯s case, Miss Jiang should be stable and would not suffer. There wouldn¡¯t be any error.

    < >

 Chapter 124.2: Part 2: Opponent

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 124 Part 2: Opponent

    Emperor Hong Xiao looked at the memorial in front of him, the indictment that Ye Shijie presented was naturally filled with County Deputy Feng Yu Tang¡¯s offenses as well as the course of Xue Huai Yuan¡¯s injustice. Objectively speaking, it was clear as day, enough for him, as the emperor, to fly into a rage. However, relying on this and beating the drum crying injustice was still okay, but it¡¯s a bit too much in front of the emperor. Jiang Li bringing so manymoners from Tongxiang to enter the capital made themon people in Yanjing pay attention to them. If this case was not handled well, he, as the emperor, would lose the people¡¯s hearts. Therefore, Jiang Li was also giving him trouble.

    Weighing the pros and cons, Emperor Hong Xiao must not pay too much attention to this case. He even had to point out to Jiang Yuan Bai to teach his daughter properly. After all, what¡¯s the affair of the county deputy of Tongxiang have anything to do with her? Her surname was not Xue.

    However, in the indictment presented by Ye Shijie, something was mentioned vaguely, and this was a major matter. It was mentioned that the Master behind Feng Yu Tang was the Princess Yongning in Yanjing. Including the matter of Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s imprisonment was also instructed by Princess Yongning.

    Princess Yongning was Cheng Wang¡¯s biological sister. Emperor Hong Xiao could not help suspecting the purpose of Princess Yongning¡¯s action. Targeting the Xue family, whether it was Cheng Wang¡¯s n. It seemed that there was also no rtionship between Princess Yongning and the Xue family. Without any reason, why did she want to harm Xue Huaiyuan? Xue Huaiyuan was in Tongxiang, Yongning stayed in Yanjing, it¡¯s impossible for Xue Huaiyuan to have offended Yongning.

    Firstly, it¡¯s strange. Secondly, even if the investigation came up with nothing, as long as this matter was carried out, Yongning¡¯s reputation would receive a blow. For Cheng Wang, it might not necessarily be a good thing. As long as Cheng Wang¡¯s rebellious heart was not dead, he should cherish his feathers. His own sister was this ruthless andmitted such misdeeds, afraid his feathers were useless.

    Therefore this case must be examined. Not just examined, but tried so that the whole world would know. The best purpose could only be achieved with him personally overseeing.

    This time, Emperor Hong Xiao saw the cousins, Ye Shijie and Jiang Li, as pleasing to his eyes. If this case did not involve Princess Yongning, then it was just an ordinary case. If it involved Princess Yongning, it would be an exceptionally good sword for Emperor Hong Xiao.

    He would not push away the sword handed by others to him. On the contrary, he would hold it tightly and jab it at his opponent. Then it would not be wasteful.

    ¡°Pass the order, in three days, the Ministry of Justice will open trial, I will personally supervise.¡± He said.

    Eunuch Su retreated.

    ¡­¡­

    In front of Chang¡¯An Gate, the drum for crying for justice resounded with a deafening sound.

    Jiang Li had let go of the mallet, and the Tongxiang residents rushed forward, wanting to be first. It seemed that the depression they had held back for a long time, the misery, the oppression, were all let off with a beat and a sound. While giggling, Ping An covered her ears and crouched beside Dai Yun.

    Each person did not carry an expression of ending in mutual destruction, but was rxed and smiling, full of hope.

    These smiles infected the surrounding people of Yanjing who were watching. Unknowingly, it gave birth to a trace of expectation, an expectation that the people of Tongxiang could win thewsuit and get the justice they yearned day and night.

    Feng Yu Tang and the several people in the prisoner¡¯s cart had long ago felt extremely dejected. At this point, they no longer prayed for miracles. Feng Yu Tang was fully aware that Princess Yongning would note and save him. She might even dispatch a group of people to silence him. Perhaps the people sent to silence him were already on the way. The princess even dared to kill Jiang Li, so what did he count as, not as good as grass. In any case, he would be dead, Feng Yu Tang might as well not think about this.

    Soon, the people from the Ministry of Justice rushed over after receiving the news. Jiang Li¡¯s indictment was handed over, and the people from the Ministry of Justice carried Feng Yu Tang and his party away. They told her that a trial would be held three dayster with Emperor Hong Xiao personally overseeing.

    After hearing the words ¡°Emperor Hong Xiao personally overseeing¡±, the stone in Jiang Li¡¯s heart finally fell down. Even if Emperor Hong Xiao was a good emperor, it was unlikely for the emperor to attach importance to this case in Tongxiang. He did so precisely because of Princess Yongning¡¯s involvement.

    A monarch who originally wanted to deal with Yongning came to oversee the case was unfair from the start, but at the same time, was the utmost fairness. Her ally was the most honorable person. At least on the surface, regarding this case, it¡¯s impossible for her to exert her power.

    It¡¯s very good.

    The residents of Tongxiang were arranged properly by Ye Ming Yu and the government office also dispatched people to protect these witnesses, preventing them from being silenced. Jiang Li specifically said she wanted the people from the Ministry of Justice. Jingzhaoyin had Princess Yongning¡¯s people. At that time, Xue Zhao went looking for Jingzhaoyin, but the people from Jingzhaoyin informed Yongning, thus he lost his life in vain. Jiang Li would not make the same mistake twice. In addition to this, she also arranged for Ye Ming Yu¡¯s people to watch carefully.

    As for Ye Ming Yu and Xue Huai Yuan, they would follow Jiang Li back to the Jiang residence.

    Jiang Li was not at ease handing Xue Huaiyuan to other people to take care of. Moreover, Xue Huaiyuan only behaved slightly closer towards Jiang Li. When approached by others, Xue Huaiyuan would sometimes get scared suddenly. Ye Ming Yu was also afraid that Jiang Yuan Bai would punish Jiang Li. With him as the uncle watching over, Jiang Yuan Bai would exercise a bit more restraint and would not dare to openly beat and scold Jiang Li.

    Therefore, after the case was settled, Jiang Li and Ye Ming Yu returned to the Jiang residence.

    The gates of the chief assistant¡¯s residence were tightly closed today.

    Usually, there were two gatekeepers guarding the gate, but today, not even a gatekeeper was seen. Naturally, no one would step forward to wee them. Ye Ming Yu held his sword, raised it to his shoulder and said, ¡°Ah Li, it seems that your father mes you, he did not even let you in.¡±

    Bai Xue and Tong¡¯er were very worried. Jiang Li returned to the capital, but her first move was not to return to the residence but went to Chang¡¯An Gate to beat the drum and cry injustice. This caused disruption to Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s n. Now what¡¯s done could not be undone, the Ministry of Justice would carry out the trial was confirmed. Jiang Yuan Bai could no longer keep this matter down, so he would naturally take his anger on Jiang Li.

    ¡°Not afraid.¡± Jiang Li said calmly, ¡°The mistake I¡¯ve made was more than this. That time, even the matter of harming the mother and murdering the brother was done, wasn¡¯t I fine?¡± While speaking, she walked to the gate and knocked lightly.

    Ye Ming Yu choked, together with Jiang Li, feeling that her evil reputation seemed to sound glorious. Not just avoid mentioning it, she still took the initiative to bring it up. However, Ye Ming Yu also felt there¡¯s something questionable about the matter. Jiang Li was his niece, with their recent days of contact, although sometimes she mostly exerted a lot of effort, she was still very kind hearted. At times, she even had a hero¡¯s air of hating evil like an enemy. Such a good girl, could she harm anyone? Afraid there¡¯s a story inside.

    Now it¡¯s not the time to talk about this topic. Wait for another day, and slowly make inquiries.

    The gatekeepers did not immediately open the gate. On the contrary, the people passing by outside saw Miss Jiang second waiting, felt that it was lively and also watched from the side. Ye Ming Yu had thick skin and did not feel anything. Someone watched him and he justughed mischievously. Jiang Li was also unexpectedly calm and very patient. Waiting for a while, perhaps the people inside were unable to hold back and someone finally opened the gate.

    The servant opening the gate saw Jiang Li and called, ¡°Second miss.¡± He nced at Ye Ming Yu wielding a sword, and at Tong¡¯er who was supporting Xue Huaiyuan, and opened the gate with aplicated expression. He said, ¡°The old madam is waiting for you at Wan Feng Hall.¡±

    Jiang Li and Ye Ming Yu entered the Jiang residence.

    Jiang Li said to Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue, ¡°The two of you first support Master Xue and return to my courtyard to take care of him. Uncle and I are going to Wan Feng Hall.¡±

    Only after Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue left supporting Xue Huaiyuan did Jiang Li and Ye Ming Yu go to Wan Feng Hall.

    As soon as she entered Wan Feng Hall, Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s violent shout was heard, ¡°Evil girl, kneel down!¡±

    Jiang Li raised her eyes, and met with Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s furious eyes.

    She sometimes thought, Jiang Yuan Bai, as the head of schrs with great knowledge and learning, why whenever he punished her, always said, ¡°evil girl, kneel down¡±. As if he only feltfortable after saying this sentence. However, after thinking about it, this sentence only applied to her. At least Jiang Li had never heard Jiang Yuan Bai say this sentence to Jiang You Yao.

    Perhaps it was because Jiang You Yao had never caused trouble, or possibly because Jiang You Yao had been by his side since she was little and he could not bear letting Jiang You Yao kneel. But it did not matter.

    < >

 Chapter 124.3: Part 3: Opponent

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 124 Part 3: Opponent Surprise! An extra part to celebrate the drama adaptation!! ^^

    Kneel then just kneel, Jiang Li also never believed that her return to the Jiang residence this time would be safe and sound. Jiang Yuan Bai only asked her to kneel and did not take the whip out to make her suffer the pain of skin and flesh, so she should be rejoicing.

    She was about to kneel when Ye Ming Yu pulled her with swift movements. He roared angrily at Jiang Yuan Bai, ¡°What kneeling, why should she kneel! Listen well, Ah Li, don¡¯t kneel!¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai exploded in anger, ¡°I am her father!¡±

    ¡°I am her uncle! Oh, because you are her father, you can ask her to kneel. There¡¯s my Ye family¡¯s blood flowing in half of Ah Li¡¯s body, then shouldn¡¯t the Ye family¡¯s words also be heard. I don¡¯t allow her to kneel. What¡¯s more, everyone says that a sister¡¯s child resembles the uncle, to speak of, Ah Li does not resemble you even a bit and resembles me more. Of course she has to listen to me!¡±

    A schr meeting a soldier really could not speak rationally. It¡¯s not false that Jiang Yuan Bai was the head of the schrs, however, running into a rogue such as Ye Ming Yu, he was rendered speechless.

    Ji Shuran looked at Jiang Li and said, ¡°Li-er, in any case, he is your father. Others can¡¯t control you, but your father is in charge of you. Your surname is Jiang, not Ye.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu heard this and turned his head to look at Ji Shuran. Ji Shuran was scared from being stared at by him, took a step back, and moved her body to hide behind Jiang Yuan Bai.

    Jiang Li stood out and said, ¡°Father, it¡¯s daughter¡¯s fault. It¡¯s a mistake for participating in the Xue family¡¯s case without letting you know in advance, not returning to the residence first when arriving in Yanjing and instead went to Chang¡¯An Gate to beat the drum and cry injustice. It was an even greater mistake to borrow your name to move the weaving room unit while in Xiangyang and ask their people to investigate.¡±

    Whenever the young Xue Zhao and she made mistakes, they would confess in front of Xue Huaiyuan, admitting their mistakes voluntarily and sincerely. Jiang Yuan Bai could not continue scolding her.

    Beside, there¡¯s still Ye Ming Yu at the side watching him like a tiger watching his prey.

    Old madam Jiang, who was sitting on the couch, said in a deep voice, ¡°Second girl, talk about your mistakes another day. I want to ask you, you are not rted to that county deputy Xue in any way, without any basis, why are you involving yourself in this case? In addition, you brought along so many vigers, heard that you even brought that already crazy criminal to the residence. Are you insane? Doing all these things.¡±

    Jiang Li muttered to herself for a while then said, ¡°Actually, this matter has something to do with cousin Ye.¡±

    Ye Shijie? Not just the people of the Jiang family, even Ye Ming Yu looked over at her.

    ¡°I can only tell father about this.¡± Jiang Li said apologetically. ¡°May I discuss this with father alone?¡±

    Ji Shuran said with a smile, ¡°What matter is it that we can¡¯t listen to¡­.. Li-er, you¡­..¡±

    ¡°This matter is of great importance, I think it¡¯s better for mother not to get involved.¡± Jiang Li interrupted her.

    Ji Shuran¡¯s smile froze.

    Jiang Li became increasingly secure in her backing in her return this time. In front of the old madam and Jiang Yuan Bai, she dared to treat her like this. Ji Shuran clenched her jaw.

    Jiang Li looked at Jiang Yuan Bai with a firm gaze. Jiang Yuan Bai paused before saying abruptly, ¡°Follow me.¡±

    A smile burst on Jiang Li¡¯s face, ¡°Yes, father.¡±

    She and Jiang Yuan Bai went to his study.

    Other people were not allowed to enter Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s study. This was already the second time for Jiang Li to be here. Upon entering, Jiang Yuan Bai asked someone to guard the doors and immediately shut the doors. He asked, ¡°So what actually is your purpose? Why do you have to do this? What does this matter have anything to do with Ye Shijie?¡±

    ¡°Father, in the case of the Ye family¡¯s ancient fragrant satin, Master Tang from the weaving room unit discovered that it was someone¡¯s set up for the Ye family. Presumably, you¡¯ve known about this from the letter. The entire family of the suspected drug store was exterminated overnight, cutting off the trails. Despite that, we still found some clues. Father, the people who framed the Ye family are the Right Minister¡¯s Li family.¡±

    ¡°The Li family?¡± Jiang Yuan Bai frowned. ¡°Li Zhong Nan?¡±

    ¡°Correct.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°Not only that, there¡¯s a possibility that Li Zhong Nan is also involved in the Xue family¡¯s case in Tongxiang. Cousin Ye is a newly appointed official in the Ministry of Revenue, he has not yet had a firm foothold in the court, yet the Li family began to target the Ye family. Without a doubt, this is targeting cousin Ye. A stately Prime Minister, why spend so much thoughts on a small official? Father, the Right Minister is not targeting the Ye family but the Jiang family.¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai said coldly, ¡°Do you know what you are talking about?¡±

    ¡°The Li family and our Jiang family never get along well. Ever since the Li family got close to Cheng Wang, our Jiang family has gradually changed from the past. This point, father, as a court official, and second uncle should know best. It can still be maintained now, but in the long term, our Jiang family can no longer be supported. Now the Right Minister is already unable to hold back and has be restless, don¡¯t tell me that we can still ignore it?¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai looked at his daughter as if just knowing her for the first time. He knew Jiang Li was clever, but the kind of good at exams and brimming with talents, the backyard struggle kind of acute smartness. While the present discussion about the current political situation could not be mentioned to be on par.

    This not only required intelligence, but also structure.

    ¡°Cousin Ye also found out about this and asked me to rescue county deputy Xue in Tongxiang. I¡¯m your daughter, handling things using the Jiang family¡¯s name is more convenient. Since the Right Minister has already taken actions, it¡¯s not a solution to always evading, it¡¯s better to strike back. The Xue family¡¯s case is the best weapon for counterattack. Pulling out the Right Minister through the Xue family¡¯s case, implicating him, wouldn¡¯t it be contrary to their purpose?¡±

    She spoke so calmly as if she did not think that this might involve several hundred, or even thousands of people¡¯s interest. Jiang Yuan Bai shook his head, ¡°You spoke so simply, since ancient times, there are too many unjust, false charges to count. There¡¯s just a mere few that could be overturned. You think, how can you reverse the verdict?¡±

    ¡°Father might not know, Feng Yu Tang oppressed the people in Tongxiang,mitting all imaginable misdeeds, the people detested him so much. The number of people entering the capital alone at this time was a hundred. His case file was full of loopholes, the evidence was conclusive. The most important thing was, Feng Yu Tang privately mined gold in Tongxiang. This is a serious crime! Without someone backing him, how could he have such great courage?¡±

    ¡°You are too impulsive, the Li family is not that easy to overthrow. This time, you may be able to injure the Li family, but will make him harbor grudges against you. Once he finds an opportunity, he will crazily take revenge on the Jiang family¡­..¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me the Li family will not take action on our family if we don¡¯t strike back?¡± Jiang Li interrupted him. ¡°For example, now, we did not do anything, the Li family used the Ye family to attack us. Furthermore, has father forgotten the result when I cried injustice at Chang¡¯An Gate? In three days time, the Ministry of Justice will conduct a trial with the emperor supervising in person. The emperor is paying attention to this matter.¡±

    Jiang Li said indifferently, ¡°These years, the Right Minister and Cheng Wang walk closer together, doesn¡¯t the emperor take it into consideration? The emperor is also afraid of the consequences. The Xue family¡¯s case involves the Right Minister, thus the emperor attaches importance to it, therefore he will personally supervise it. This time, the emperor is standing on our side. Father, if the Jiang family and the emperor had not had any misgivings, at present, you should be standing by the emperor¡¯s side, right?¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Jiang Yuan Bai interrupted her in a hurry. ¡°Tired of living, you even dare to say these kinds of things!¡±

    Jiang Li looked at him quietly.

    Jiang Yuan Bai waved his hand irritably, ¡°Forget it, go out first. I understand what you are saying, I have to think about it.¡±

    Jiang Li nodded.

    She deliberately made the Xue family¡¯s case rted to the Li family. Knowing that the Right Minister was Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s sore point, she muddled the target to confuse Jiang Yuan Bai, obscuring her real purpose.

    Because if Jiang Yuan Bai knew that this case involved Cheng Wang and Yongning, he would definitely obstruct it.

    But with the opponent being the Right Minister, Li Zhong Nan, his approach might be different.

    < >

 Chapter 125.1: Part 1: Furious

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 125 Part 1: Furious

    After Jiang Li left Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s study, Jiang Yuan Bai did not look for her again.

    There was a temporary peace.

    Ye Ming Yu lived in a courtyard designated for guests, not far from Jiang Li¡¯s courtyard. Even though Xue Huaiyuan was an elderly, in the Jiang residence, it¡¯s impossible for Jiang Li to stay in one courtyard with Xue Huaiyuan. Therefore, Xue Huaiyuan stayed together with Ye Ming Yu. Fortunately, it wasn¡¯t far, so it¡¯s easy to see him at any time.

    Jiang Jing Rui rushed over after receiving news. Once he met her, he hurriedly said, ¡°Jiang Li, I know everything you did at Chang¡¯An Gate. If I¡¯d known earlier, I would have gone there to join in the fun! So many people, your father was still flying into a rage before, unexpectedly, with just a few words, he was persuaded by you. Wow, I have truly underestimated you before, you have more and more ability.¡±

    Not meeting Jiang Jing Rui for many days, but he was still the same and had not made any progress. Jiang Li inquired about the recent things happening in the Jiang residence. There was nothing special aside from Jiang Yu¡¯e entering the Ningyuan Marquis residence. She was relieved and asked him to leave.

    Tong¡¯er walked in from outside. Once she entered the room, she immediately spoke with indignation, ¡°Miss, just now, at the courtyard gate, there were a few sneaky people looking inside. Ming Yue and Qing Feng also said there were a lot of inexplicable people from afternoon til the evening. Ji-shi is looking for things again. It¡¯s really restless, we just returned to the residence, what does she want to do?¡±

    In the entire Jiang residence, only Ji Shuran had the ability to do this inexplicable surveince. Jiang Liughed and said, ¡°Up to her, now I don¡¯t have the spare time to deal with her. Besides, whatever she wants to find out, those that can be inquired has been passed from outside. If they can¡¯t find anything, they won¡¯t find anything here either. It doesn¡¯t matter, it¡¯s better to rest early. Hurrying on the journey in this period has been terribly tiring.¡±

    She settled down and soon the light inside the room was extinguished.

    The lights in Fang Fei Garden were extinguished early as Jiang Li went to bed. But in the Jiang residence, some people were unable to sleep.

    Ji Shuran pounded Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s back lightly while asking worriedly, ¡°Master, what¡¯s going on with Li-er? Regardless of what she did before, the disturbance would eventually fall on the residence. Now the noise has reached outside the residence, perhaps others regard it as your doing.¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai frowned, and also heard Jiang Li¡¯s words today. If there¡¯s anything that could move him, it was because this matter involved the Li family. To his surprise, the Li family had already moved their hands this early. If it was really the Li family who hindered from within, Jiang Li¡¯s method seemed to be the best choice. Moreover, this came from Jiang Li, in any case, on the bright side, it would look good.

    With these considerations, he waved his hand and said, ¡°Don¡¯t bother with this matter. I have my own view.¡±

    The hands hammering on his shoulder tightened slightly. She could make out Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s mood and he had obviously softened. What Jiang Li actually said to him, which made him change his opinion so quickly. It was clear that Jiang Yuan Bai was furious because of this matter when they were in Wan Feng Hall.

    However, she would never ask the things that Jiang Yuan Bai was not willing to say. This was where her clevernessy. Therefore, Ji Shuran did not continue her words and instead, changed the topic. ¡°Master, actually, it¡¯s nothing to do with me. This time, the fact that Li-er brought the crazy county deputy back can be dismissed, but today I heard the rumor that Li-er treated the crazy county deputy like a rtive, taking care of him meticulously, personally attending to his food and drink. Some people said, said that she treats him better than she treats the Master.¡±

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± Hearing thest sentence, Jiang Yuan Bai was unable to take it anymore, ¡°a bunch of nonsense!¡±

    Ji Shuran promptly said, ¡°Quell your anger, Master. I also heard what others said. Li-er is always gentle and kind, seeing the pitiful county deputy, it¡¯s natural for her to be deeply concerned. I just don¡¯t understand, these things can be done by the servants, why does Li-er, in her capacity as the Jiang family¡¯s miss, still wants to do these things herself? Does this crazy county deputy know Li-er previously? Without rhyme or reason, Jiang Li involved herself in this case in Tongxiang, is there something hidden inside?¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s chest moved up and down violently. It took a while before he calmed down. There¡¯s uncertainty in his eyes, he seemed to sink into contemtion.

    Seeing this, Ji Shuran did not continue to speak, a trace ofcency shed in her heart.

    As early as when she first knew about this, doubt appeared in her heart. Don¡¯t think that Jiang Li always appeared gentle, magnanimous, honest and kind hearted, she, who had grown to this age, could see Jiang Li¡¯s indifference and alienation. Towards the Jiang family, the reason why she was always able to let things go and did not seem to mind was because she always used the identity of a ¡°guest¡± to treat the Jiang family. As a result, Jiang Li did not have muchint on all the unfair treatments given to her by the Jiang family.

    Originally, Jiang Li was courteous and estranged, not someone who would look for trouble. She only maintained an exterior of respect for her own father, Jiang Yuan Bai, much less towards a stranger. However, the news she got back from her inquiries stated that Jiang Li seemingly had a boundless patience towards Xue Huaiyuan. She never pretended and asked other people to care about his clothes, food and daily life. She dealt with them herself meticulously, regardless of its importance, really closer than towards her own father.

    This was truly too suspicious. Unfortunately, no matter how Ji Shuran investigated, other investigations could not find the cause. But it¡¯s not urgent, just a little would enable her to make a big fuss, for example, telling such things to Jiang Yuan Bai. As such, wouldn¡¯t Jiang Yuan Bai give birth to suspicions?

    Moreover, Jiang Li recently was worrying about the Tongxiang case, so she¡¯s bound to have no time to deal with her. Being so familiar with Xue Huaiyuan, there must be something hidden inside. She would certainly discover what it was.

    When the time came, it would be Jiang Li¡¯s time of death.

    ¡­¡­

    On the second day, Jiang Li got up early in the morning.

    After eating breakfast, she wanted to go to Ye Ming Yu¡¯s courtyard to see Xue Huaiyuan. Before she went out, Bai Xue hade in first and said, ¡°Miss, someone reported that young master Ye is here to see you.¡±

    Ye Shijie? Before Jiang Li went to look for him, he had firste to the Jiang residence. Jiang Li said, ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll see him.¡±

    Arriving at Wan Feng Hall, only old madam Jiang was talking to Ye Shijie. Jiang Yuan Bai and Ji Shuran were not present. Ye Shijie saw her and called out, ¡°younger cousin.¡±

    Jiang Li replied, ¡°Older cousin Ye.¡±

    Old madam Jiang said with understanding, ¡°Second girl, your older cousin came here and has some words to say to you. The two of you go and talk, this old body is tired and will return to the room first.¡±

    Perhaps due to the Xue family¡¯s case, old madam Jiang had someints against Jiang Li and her treatment towards Jiang Li was lukewarm. Ye Shijie took all this in his eyes silently.

    Jiang Li did not mind at all. Jiang Li only spoke after old madam Jiang had left, ¡°older cousin, uncle Ming Yu is also here. I was about to go over, since you are also here, let¡¯s go and see him together.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Ye Shijie replied.

    The two of them walked together towards Ye Ming Yu¡¯s courtyard.

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard about the ancient fragrant satin matter in Xiangyang. Thanks for your help.¡± Ye Shijie said while walking.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Jiang Li smiled, ¡°although my surname is Jiang, my mother¡¯s surname is Ye, helping the Ye family is something I should do. Moreover, in this matter, if you were not in Yanjing looking for the weaving room unit, it would not have gone so smoothly. You should not thank me, you should thank yourself.¡±

    Ye Shijie shook his head, ¡°Without Master Jiang¡¯s name, the weaving room unit¡¯s action would not be so fast.¡±

    ¡°You still should not thank me,¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°at most I¡¯m just using powerful connections to intimidate people.¡±

    Ye Shijie looked at her sideways. She seemed to have grown a bit taller after many days not seeing her, looking a bit more like a youngdy. Many years ago, he would never have expected that one day he would have a calm conversation with Jiang Li like this. As if the previous misunderstanding had all disappeared.

    Of course, now that the misunderstanding between her and the Ye family had really disappeared, the Ye family had thoroughly epted her. But it¡¯s unknown whether she had thoroughly epted the Ye family.

    ¡°Older cousin Ye, will you be present at the trial two dayster?¡± Jiang Li asked.

    Ye Shijie nodded, ¡°Yes.¡± He was silent before speaking, ¡°Don¡¯t know what¡¯s the situation.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled while looking at him, ¡°How do you feel being an official these days? Have you gotten used to it?¡±

    Ye Shijie forced a smile.

    < >

 Chapter 125.2: Part 2: Furious

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 125 Part 2: Furious

    Being an official was the same as being a merchant, both needed to pay attention to the ways of the world. However, it¡¯s more difficult being an official than doing business. Leaving aside how many truly good officials could not get promoted, in the officialdom, if you want to climb up, you have to tter and maintain a good rtionship with the superiors. What those people do, you must follow along. If you did not follow, you would be firmly left out of your own faction.

    Over time, Ye Shijie became a person with no faction because he refused to go with the flow and could only forever look on without an end in sight. Don¡¯t tell him that he would only be an official in the Ministry of Revenue throughout his life? However, if he wanted to go a step further, he had to go against what he believed in.

    Ye Shijie was very worried.

    Jiang Li patted his shoulder. As if she could hear what¡¯s in his heart, she said, ¡°Elder cousin doesn¡¯t have to be worried. If you are not willing to go against your heart to obtain some things, then stick to your own thing. There wille a day when someone will see you, just like when you came first in the imperial examination, what you needed is just a chance. If you did not have any opportunity, then we will create an opportunity.¡±

    Ye Shijie was stunned and could not help but look at Jiang Li. A smile was hanging on Jiang Li¡¯s lips, just like before, but Ye Shijie felt there¡¯s something different. After returning from Xiangyang, Jiang Li seemed to have let something go and had a vigor. And the mask on her face seemed to have been lightly peeled away and she looked less anxious.

    She had even less resemnce to the previous ¡°Jiang second miss¡±, and also different from the gentle and magnanimous Jiang Li. She started to show a bit of sharpness.

    What has changed her?

    As he was pondering, Jiang Li pointed to the front and said, ¡°Wehave arrived.¡±

    Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue went first to notify.

    Soon, Ye Ming Yu¡¯s loud voice sounded from inside, ¡°Ah Li, Shijie, you came so early!¡±

    Jiang Li and Ye Shijie entered Ye Ming Yu¡¯s courtyard.

    Once inside, they saw Ye Ming Yu was in the middle of wiping Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s mouth. Two bodyguards were holding Xue Huaiyuan as he struggled forcefully. Even Ye Ming Yu was flustered.

    Jiang Li walked forward and said, ¡°Let me.¡± Taking the handkerchief, she told the two bodyguards to rx their hands and slowly cated Xue Huaiyuan.

    Xue Huaiyuan looked at her, gradually stopped struggling, and sat obediently. Jiang Li wiped his mouth with the handkerchief attentively.

    Ye Ming Yu let out a big breath and said, ¡°It¡¯s still Ah Li that has a way, I¡¯m really tired.¡±

    Ye Shijie was dumbfounded and asked, ¡°This is¡­..¡±

    ¡°This was the former county deputy of Tongxiang, Xue Huaiyuan. He is crazy now and Ah Li is afraid that someone outside will silence him, so she brought him back to the residence.¡±

    Ye Shijie turned his head to look at Jiang Li again, slightly in a daze.

    Jiang Li liked smiling, a gentle smile was always on her lips. But in the end, whether that smile was from the bottom of her heart could not be guessed by others. Sometimes, Ye Shijie felt that he could not see through Jiang Li. She had her own reason in whatever she did, but he did not seem to understand when he looked at them as a whole.

    However, Ye Shijie could be sure that the smile Jiang Li revealed in front of Xue Huaiyuan was sincere. Only by looking at the sincere Jiang Li could he understand how fake Jiang Li¡¯s smile was before. As she was meticulously wiping the corner of Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s mouth with the handkerchief, the sunlight in the winter days climbed up at the side of her face, showing an innocence and beauty that never appeared before.

    ¡°Boy,¡± Ye Ming Yu;s voice suddenly sounded in his ear, making Ye Shijie jump in fright. Ye Ming Yu whispered slyly at him, ¡°why, the younger cousin looks good? Are you mesmerized? Do you want to take her as a wife?¡±

    ¡°Third uncle!¡± Ye Shijie¡¯s face turned red and he called sternly. He had known that this third uncle would shoot his mouth off and the one who was most not on the line, but he still did not expect that he still dared to make this kind of joke.

    ¡°Okay, okay, okay, I won¡¯t say anymore.¡± Although Ye Ming Yu said so, there¡¯s a knowing smile on his face, making Ye Shijie feel even more flustered.

    After Jiang Li finished taking care of Xue Huaiyuan, she let Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue apany Xue Huaiyuan ying before walking over. She said, ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Ye Shijie said hurriedly.

    ¡°I was saying, I haven¡¯t seen my nephew, Shijie, for a long time, and he has grown so tall.¡± Ye Ming Yu stroked his chin and opened his mouth in earnest, ¡°Seeing him now, also a talented person, still young, and became an official through his own ability. He is a hard to find person in the world. It¡¯s time to give him a good wife, which family¡¯s young miss will be so blessed to get my nephew Shijie? Right, Ah Li?¡±

    Ye Shijie angrily said, ¡°Third uncle!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Jiang Li also smiled, ¡°if I meet a suitable girl, I will definitely take note for older cousin Ye.¡±

    Ye Shijie and Ye Ming Yu were both stunned. Ye Ming Yu nced at Ye Shijie and abruptly burst intoughter. He scratched his head and said, ¡°It¡¯s not urgent, settle down after his work is settled, not urgent, not urgent, take your time, take your time.¡±

    Ye Shijie did not speak.

    ¡°Uncle Ming Yu, there¡¯s no problem in the guest housest night?¡± asked Jiang Li. She was worried someone would act on the people from Tongxiang. Themon people definitely would not make trouble where the struggle was as it would undoubtedly be revealing what one intended to hide. However, Princess Yongning was different from ordinary people. She was domineering and reckless, always thinking that there were Liu taifei and Cheng Wang protecting her and that she was absolutely safe. It was uncertain what could happen.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing, the person who came to inform said that there were some movementsst night, but when they checked, there was nothing. I think you are thinking too much, Ah Li. This is the foot of the emperor, who would dare to kill under the foot of the emperor? And with so many people, there would be so many movements, don¡¯t they want their lives?¡±

    Jiang Li said, ¡°It¡¯s good, then.¡± However, she pondered in her heart. It was probably Ji Heng¡¯s people that helped in dealing with them, that¡¯s why there were some movements. Jiang Li was assured with Ji Heng¡¯s men. Although dealing with Ji Heng was like negotiating with a tiger for its pelt, being able to exploit his power could be considered as getting an advantage.

    Ye Shijie said, ¡°The emperor already instructed the Ministry of Justice to hold a trial, to speak the truth. Striking the drum for injustice can achieve this, making the emperor overseeing personally, truly has really exceeded my expectation.¡±

    ¡°What does that count as,¡± Ye Ming Yu said carelessly, ¡°Shijie, you did not see how miserable those people from Tongxiang are. Feng Yu Tang, that damn man, is really not a thing. The emperor is doing things for the people, we have paid the price 50 whishes for striking the drum and the emperor has heard. Naturally he has toe out for the people, right?¡±

    ¡°Third uncle, your thought is too simple.¡± Ye Shijie said deeply. ¡°Many things cannot be done just through logic alone. A careless step in handling this case would even cause the emperor to lose the reputation of the people, it¡¯s very tricky. I think, it¡¯s not because of the case, rather, because of the person on the case. Am I right? He looked at Jiang Li.

    Jiang Li smiled. Ye Shijie matured very quickly. From the beginning, she felt that this young man was not a person without talent. Now, in just a short time of being an official, he had understood some rules in bureaucracy.

    She said, ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s actually written inside the sealed memorandum?¡± asked Ye Shijie. ¡°You said there¡¯s a mastermind behind the Xue family¡¯s case. This person¡­.. Certainly the key that made the emperor personally supervise the case. Who is this person exactly?¡±

    The memorandum given to the emperor was not written by Ye Shijie, but by Jiang Li, and presented through Ye Shijie. Ye Shijie did not look at the memorandum at all, and did not know which people were involved in the Xue family¡¯s case. But he could feel that the key point of this casey in this person.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Ah Li,¡± with Ye Shijie expressing his thought, Ye Ming Yu also recalled. ¡°Previously, didn¡¯t you tell me that there¡¯s someone powerful and influential behind the Xue family¡¯s case, who is the mastermind. You said that I will know when we arrive in Yanjing. Now can you tell me who this person is? I want to see which powerful and influential person is so shameless, who has such a deep hatred with the Xue family and insisted on giving him a hard time.¡±

    Jiang Li looked at the two of them, sighed softly, then spat out a name.

    ¡°Princess Yongning.¡±

    ¡­¡­

    < >

 Chapter 125.3: Part 3: Furious

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 125 Part 3: Furious

    In the princess mansion, the cup that Princess Yongning threw shattered with a bang.

    She was probably very angry, and her hand was injured by the cup¡¯s fragments. The subordinates at the side saw this and were greatly startled. If something happened to Princess Yongning, they, as the subordinates, would be the unlucky ones.

    Shen Yurong beckoned with his hand and said, ¡°Get the wound medicine.¡±

    Only then did the subordinates breathe out in relief and went to look for a wound medicine. Princess Yongning had a spoiled temperament and no one could manage her. Only in front of this schr assistant, young Master Shen, did Princess Yongning curb her arrogance and their lives as subordinates had be much better. Young master Shen treated people gently, good-naturedly, and never made things difficult for them. asionally, when they made mistakes, young master Shen still helped them and persuaded Princess Yongning not to make things difficult for them. All the people in the princess mansion felt if Princess Yongning¡¯s husband in the future was this young master Shen, it would be a happy asion for the people working inside.

    Soon, the wound medicine arrived. Shen Yurong gestured for the subordinates to go out, then he pulled Princess Yongning¡¯s hand and put her hand on his leg before carefully applying the medicine.

    Princess Yongning was moved by his gentleness. He was always like this, from time to time he would be cold and detached, and from time to time he would be considerate, making her unclear. However, her heart was still stifled with anger and she hatefully said, ¡°Jiang Li!¡±

    Nowadays, it had spread in the entire Yanjing city that the second miss from the Jiang family assisted the people in Tongxiang to rehabilitate the previous county deputy, Xue Huaiyuan. Princess Yongning did not know before and was thinking of urging Liu taifei to facilitate her marriage with Shen Yurong.

    Liu taifei did not like Shen Yurong very much. After all, Shen Yurong was someone with a wife before. Moreover, even though Shen Yurong was bing more prosperous with each passing day, he did not have a family n to assist him. Liu taifei still hoped that Princess Yongning could marry into an aristocratic family, well-matched in terms of social status.

    Princess Yongning originally thought that this was already a done deal and was happily preparing for her marriage. As a result, she did not care to inquire about the matters happening in Tongxiang. Princess Yongning only found out about this when the news was passed to the princess mansion that Jiang Li had returned to the capital yesterday, then went to Chang¡¯An Gate, struck the drum, cried injustice, and had the Ministry of Justice conduct a trial.

    Princess Yongning flew into a rage. She thought Jiang Li had died long ago in Tongxiang. When Feng Yu Tang wrote to say that Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s daughter came to Tongxiang, wanted to transfer the Xue family¡¯s case, and thinking of redressing the injustice, she had already instructed Feng Yu Tang to kill Jiang Li.

    What was Jiang Li¡¯s identity? Even if she was Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s daughter, Princess Yongning was not afraid in the slightest. Firstly, the current Jiang family was not like how it used to be. Secondly, Jiang Li was not very favored in the Jiang residence. Tongxiang was so far away, who would know what happened. Even if she was captured by Feng Yu Tang, she just dispatched people to silence them and others would not be able to get hold of anything that could implicate her.

    But Princess Yongning did not expect Feng Yu Tang to be so useless, not just unable to kill Jiang Li, but instead, Jiang Li was able to catch his handle. What¡¯s more, Jiang Li would actually take it further and went as far as to bring the people of Tongxiang to cry injustice in the capital.

    Of course, when Princess Yongning learned of this, she promptly sent people to Chang¡¯An Gate to silence Feng Yu Tang. However, Jiang Li¡¯s people were so good and the assassins she sent were surprisingly unable to act.

    When it was night, Princess Yongning again sent people to go. It was unexpectedly watertight outside the guest house where the Tongxiang people stayed, and it was another failed attempt. Princess Yongning was not a fool, how could Jiang Li find such powerful people. Her tall uncle was at best just running through the rivers andkes, it¡¯s impossible for him to fight with her people. This time, Princess Yongning faintly felt there was someone supporting Jiang Li in the background.

    She thought about it but had no clues. Hitting the walls in session had already made Princess Yongning extremely vexed. She was not at all afraid that Feng Yu Tang would say her name, Feng Yu Tang neither had the guts nor any evidence. She was just resentful in her heart, Jiang Li actually saved and took Xue Huaiyuan out.

    That¡¯s Xue Huaiyuan, Xue Fang Fei¡¯s father! She wanted to kill the Xue family down to thest one. She would be annoyed if any of the Xue family¡¯s people escape!

    Originally, Princess Yongning had already loathed Jiang Li. Xue Fang Fei yed the guqin very well and Jiang Li also yed the guqin very well. Xue Fang Fei had outstanding talent and learning, and Jiang Li got the first position in Ming Yi Hall examination. Jiang Li and Xue Fang Fei had too many simrities. Every time she saw Jiang Li, it would make Princess Yongning annoyed.

    Now, Jiang Li had even messed up her n and saved Xue Huaiyuan! It¡¯s so hateful!

    ¡°Yongning, let this matter pass.¡± Shen Yurong said.

    Princess Yongning raised her head, looked at him and asked, ¡°Shen dear, what do you mean by that?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t get involved in Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s case. Even if Jiang Li brought the people of Tongxiang toin, it will not implicate you. If you caused another disturbance, then it¡¯s not certain.¡±

    There¡¯s a ¡°thump¡± in her heart; she looked at Shen Yurong for a while and did not say a word.

    She did not tell Shen Yurong about the Xue family. Inciting Feng Yu Tang to imprison Xue Huaiyuan, she did not tell Shen Yurong. Whether Shen Yurong was aware in private, Yongning was also unclear. However, Yongning guessed that Shen Yurong did not know, because with his temperament, if he knew, he would not just watch without lifting a finger. He still had feelings for Xue Fang Fei, so how could he just watch unfeelingly as Xue Fang Fei¡¯s father suffered hardship?

    Yongning being in a hurry sending people to silence people when Jiang Li brought Xue Huaiyuan to enter the capital, aside from so she would not be involved, it was more because she was unwilling to let Shen Yurong be aware. Naturally, it was impossible as the noise caused by this was so big. No matter how, Shen Yurong would know.

    However, he gently and calmly stated this, and without knowing why, there was ayer of goosebumps all over Princess Yongning¡¯s body.

    He already knew, he was even aware of her secret instructions to Feng Yu Tang on how to treat Xue Huaiyuan. Yet, no idea what his n was, but he did not stop her at all and just watched her do everything quietly.

    Princess Yongning was suddenly confused, this man, does he really love Xue Fang Fei? If he does, can he be this heartless? Then does he love her? Is he also this cruel towards her?

    ¡°Yongning,¡± his voice contained a kind of rational tenderness, ¡°I don¡¯t wish for you to meet with any mishaps.¡±

    He rarely said such pleasant words. Even though Princess Yongning knew that he was of great erudition, able to write good essays, saying one or two pleasant words should not be a hard thing, but he was always very stingy. Not to mention words of love, even tender words of concern could not be heard every day.

    But he said them today, looking at Yongning, and said sincerely.

    As a result, the confusion and uneasiness in Yongning¡¯s heart was immediately swept away, and she once again sank in his affectionate eyes.

    ¡°I just felt there¡¯s something strange about this,¡± Princess Yongning said. ¡°This is nothing but a case in a small town, even if Jiang Li brought people to cry injustice at the Chang¡¯An Gate, it¡¯s not necessary to let the Ministry of Justice hold trial. Even if holding a trial, emperor brother also does not need to personally oversee it. There are countless big and small things happening in Yanjing everyday, it¡¯s impossible to involve emperor brother in all of them. However, the emperor is not just showing interest, but looks like he is taking it seriously.¡±

    ¡°Shen dear, you are smart, can you make out why the emperor is doing this?¡±

    Shen Yurong shook his head.

    He really did not know, because the emperor¡¯s move was too abnormal. He couldn¡¯t help thinking it would be good if Xue Fang Fei was still around. With her exceptional intelligence, he could discuss things with her and could perhaps find out the truth.

    What a pity, there was only one Xue Fang Fei, and that one had died.

    He watched her die with his own eyes.

    <i>What a pair, a selfish, evil love brain and an unfeeling, deceitful, rotten jerk.</i>

    < >

 Chapter 126.1: Part 1: Broke Free

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 126 Part 1: Broke Free

    Time flew quickly and soon it was three dayster.

    These three days, Jiang Li did not do anything at home, just like before while in Tongxiang, with Ye Ming Yu looking after Xue Huaiyuan. Everyday a person was sent to the guest house where the residents of Tongxiang stayed to see their well being.

    As the most important witness, Feng Yu Tang was already taken into custody by the Ministry of Justice, while themoners were carefully protected. Jiang Yuan Bai actually did note to Jiang Li. Probably he was too vexed. If the Xue¡¯s case truly involved the Right Minster Li family, Jiang Yuan Bai was naturally also trapped.

    Jiang Li did not mind that Jiang Yuan Bai did not help her. It¡¯s already very good as long as Jiang Yuan Bai did not listen to Ji Shuran¡¯s pillow talk which might have caused a disturbance at this critical junction and obstructed her. Of course, Emperor Hong Xiao had promised to personally oversee this case, so Jiang Yuan Bai was powerless even if he really wanted to stop it.

    Could only quietly wait for the day the case would be examined.

    When the day arrived, Jiang Li woke very early. Emperor Hong Xiao said that Jiang Li had to enter the pce for the case to be handled in front of the emperor. This time it¡¯s different from the time when she entered the pce for the pce feast, this time, she would have gotten Cheng Wang and Princess Yongning¡¯s attention, in addition, Shen Yurong¡¯s. Princess Yongning must be driven mad with anger and might dare to take action on her even in the pce. However, she could not take any weapons when entering the pce. Even the dagger given by Jiang Jing Rui could not be taken into the pce at this time.

    At the moment, Jiang Li envied Ji Heng¡¯s fan. Suffice to say, Ji Heng was able to enter the pce while shaking his fan. That fan was outrageously gorgeous and exquisite, who would have thought that it was a sharp weapon that could take people¡¯s lives through opening and closing.

    In the end, the more beautiful something was, the more dangerous it was, just like the fan¡¯s owner.

    As she was lost in thought, Tong¡¯er said with a smile from behind her, ¡°Miss, your hairdo is done, see how it is?¡±

    Jiang Li looked at her reflection in the mirror. Tong¡¯er was skillful with her hands, but Jiang Li only asked her tob her hair into a simple bun with ck cloth covering her hair, without a single adornment. Against her spotless white face and her charming brows, she appeared more refined.

    Originally, Tong¡¯er felt that Jiang Li was dressed too inly, but she was satisfied after looking at Jiang Li. She said, ¡°Miss is really good-looking, whatever hairdo is done, you still look good.¡±

    Bai Xue walked in with a cloak, hesitated for a while before asking, ¡°Miss, isn¡¯t what you are wearing too simple? Will master get angry?¡±

    Jiang Li took the snow white cloak and draped it on her shoulder. She said, ¡°It¡¯s fine, only like this will it express that I attach importance to Xue¡¯s case.¡±

    She turned, white clothes and ck hair, looking indescribably elegant. She said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s carriage was already waiting outside. As the court¡¯s advisor, Jiang Yuan Bai also had to watch the trial together.However, his wife and children did not have to enter the pce. Jiang Li just came out of her courtyard and immediately saw Ji Shuran and Jiang You Yao.

    Ji Shuran paused her movement, smiled at Jiang Li and said, ¡°Li-er, why are you entering the pce so early?¡±

    ¡°Seems that second sister is in a hurry to enter the pce to redress the injustice of the Xue family.¡± Jiang You Yao sneered, ¡°I didn¡¯t know there¡¯s a female schr that wants to be an impartial official in our family. It¡¯s good as long as you don¡¯t incur disaster to the family.¡±

    ¡°You Yao!¡± Ji Shuran stopped Jiang You Yao¡¯s words and apologized to Jiang Li. ¡°You Yao is just joking, don¡¯t take it to heart, Li-er.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled and said, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± She turned slightly to the side and directly walked away, passing the mother and daughter, not even saying even one more sentence. However, the more she was like this, the more Jiang You Yao became indignant. She felt more and more that Jiang Li did not take her in her eyes at all. She stamped her feet inwardly and while clenching her teeth, said, ¡°Mother, look at her!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± The smile on Ji Shuran¡¯s face also faded. Looking at Jiang Li¡¯s back view, she said indifferently, ¡°Just see until when she can continue to be rampant?¡±

    Jiang Li walked with Tong¡¯er forward. After not seeing Jiang You Yao in this period of time, Jiang You Yao had be even more stupid. Perhaps it was because her marriage with Zhou Yan Bang fell through, her impetuousness could be seen on her face. Jiang Li did not forget that Ji Shuran had sent people to act on her. At first, she thought it was best to live together in harmony, but it¡¯s impossible now.

    Wait for Xue¡¯s case to be solved, after that, she must settle matters with Ji Shuran.

    Only by cleaning all these little demons could she concentrate in her fight. To Princess Yongning, to Shen Yurong, to Cheng Wang.

    When she reached the residence¡¯s gate, Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s carriage was already parked.

    In the carriage behind, Ye Ming Yu poked his head out from inside and greeted Jiang in a low voice, ¡°Ah Li!¡±

    Jiang Li smiled and replied, ¡°Uncle.¡±

    Ye Ming Yu and Xue Huaiyuan were in the same carriage. Today, Xue Huaiyuan was also called to the pce hall. Jiang Li was afraid some idents might happen midway. Letting Xue Huaiyuan appear like this right in front of Yongning, the murderer, Jiang Li feared Yongning might use some tricks. After finding out that Princess Yongning was the mastermind, Ye Ming Yu also treated this matter as very important and promised to follow Xue Huaiyuan closely, not giving Princess Yongning any chance to start.

    Jiang Li got into the carriage.

    Tong¡¯er lifted the carriage curtain a bit and was blown by the wind and snow that her eyes nearly could not be opened. She said, ¡°Miss, the snow outside is very strong.¡±

    Jiang Li nced outside, that¡¯s right, the wind and snow during winter in Northern Yan is always strong. Today can be considered unusually big, the big goose feather snow blew obliquely, the sky and earth are connected.

    ¡°It¡¯s better to wait for the wind toe.¡± Jiang Li smiled.

    When the wind came, blowing through the chaos, the truth woulde to light.

    ¡­¡­

    The road to the pce was actually not too far, but Jiang Li felt that the road was very long today.

    Perhaps she had waited for this time for too long. When she was Xue Fang Fei, she was not able to wait and died immediately. Now the unjust treatment of the whole Xue family could at least be fished out from under the deep, dark pool. Seeing a bit of light, the corner of the pretense must be torn open and the truth be exposed. Jiang Li felt her blood boiling even on the current cold winter day.

    It¡¯s unknown how long had passed before the carriage stopped.

    A voice sounded outside, ¡°Master, we have arrived.¡±

    When Jiang Li got off the carriage, Jiang Yuan Bai was already standing outside the carriage. He lookedplicatedly at this daughter of his. He sometimes felt guilty towards this daughter, sometimes angry, but nowadays, he felt more unfamiliar and powerless. He could not manage Jiang Li¡¯s thoughts, many times, he even could not control her actions. Jiang Li could always find other means to reach her goal.

    ¡°I¡¯m now going to see the emperor first.¡± Jiang Yuan Bai looked at her. ¡°Your third uncle and you must first go to the master in the Ministry of Justice. A subordinate will bring the two of you over.¡± He paused before continuing, ¡°You¡­.. be careful in everything.¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai also realized theplexity behind Xue¡¯s case wouldnd Jiang Li in danger. Just like what Jiang Li said, the person behind this was really the Right Minister Li Zhong Nan. Li Zhong Nan would certainly vent this resentment on Jiang Li. Many souls suffered unjust deaths in the pce, after all, Jiang Li was his flesh and blood.

    ¡°I know, thank you, father.¡± Jiang Li smiled and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, father, with uncle Ming Yu apanying me, there won¡¯t be any idents.¡±

    She actually had so much confidence in the Ye family, Jiang Yuan Bai felt an indescribable difort in his heart. Without saying more, he left first.

    Ye Ming Yu supported Xue Huaiyuan to get down from the carriage and said, ¡°What did your father say?¡± Jiang Yuan Bai and Ye Ming Yu mutually hated each other, so as much as possible they avoided talking to each other. If it weren¡¯t out of necessity, Ye Ming Yu would not even be willing to face Jiang Yuan Bai on weekdays.

    ¡°Nothing, just reminding us to be careful in everything.¡±

    ¡°Could someone take action on us in the pce?¡± Ye Ming Yu became nervous, ¡°Impossible, right? Who dares to be so audacious under the foot of the emperor?¡±

    ¡°The heart of guarding against others must not be neglected.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°However, there should not be any danger, let¡¯s go first.¡± In fact, she was vignt, but after thinking about it, Ji Heng should have also ced his people in the pce. Since Ji Heng promised that her life would only be personally taken by him, he would not let other people assassinate her. In a way, he was the most reliable guard.

    <i>Sorry for thete post!</i>

    < >

 Chapter 126.2: Part 2: Broke Free

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 126 Part 2: Broke Free

    Even if there was truly any danger, Ji Heng would definitely appear.

    When Ye Ming Yu heard this, he did not say anything and together walked with Jiang Li following the leading pce maid.

    Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s mind was now like a five or six years old child, he looked right and left while walking inside the pce, feeling fascinated with the new surroundings. With Jiang Li here, he actually was not afraid at all. This was the first time Ye Ming Yu came to the pce and he tried very hard to appear nonchnt, looking very steady.

    Zhou De Zhao, Master Zhou from the Ministry of Justice was in charge of this case. Jiang Li was a witness, and she and Ye Ming Yu were asked to meet with Master Zhou first.

    The lips of the pce maid leading the way were very tight. Ye Ming Yu wanted to ask and get some news from her to no avail. The pce maid stopped outside a building and a person who looked like a bodyguard came from inside. After seeing Jiang Li, he said, ¡°Miss Jiang second, Master Zhou is waiting inside.¡±

    Jiang Li and Ye Ming Yu nced at each other before entering.

    Zhou De Zhao was simr in age to Jiang Yuan Bai. He had a thin stature, and a chinese face with a square chin. At a nce, he looked like a resolute person. He looked at Jiang Li and Ye Ming Yu, also swept his gaze at Xue Huaiyuan who was ying with a rattle drum. He did not speak nonsense and got right to the point, ¡°Miss Jiang second, the emperor has shown the memorandum of Xue¡¯s case to this official; do you know who is involved in this case?¡±

    ¡°Princess Yongning.¡± Jiang Li said calmly.

    Zhou De Zhao was stunned, as if not expecting Jiang Li to say it so calmly, as if it wasn¡¯t the country¡¯s princess, but an ordinary person on the street. When Emperor Hong Xiao personally talked to him about this case, Zhou De Zhao could not hide his surprise. As an official in the court, he had seen many filthy and weird things, as well as many unresolved cases ofmoners suing officials. However, this was still a first for a chief assistant¡¯s daughter to sue the country¡¯s princess.

    The evidence Miss Jiang second has is conclusive,¡± Zhou De Zhao said, ¡°the emperor also intends to redress the injustice of the people in Tongxiang. However, because this case involves the princess, it wasplicated. Miss Jiang second has to think carefully.¡±

    ¡°The arrow cannot turn back once the bow is opened.¡± Jiang Li smiled, ¡°the emperor is personally overseeing this case, it¡¯s toote for Jiang Li to feel grateful, undoubtedly will do one¡¯s utmost for the truth of this case toe to light.¡±

    ¡°Truth of this case toe to light¡±, these words were spoken with emphasis by Jiang Li.

    ¡°However, this case is not impable,¡± Zhou De Zhao said. ¡°Supposed the person behind the scene truly has something to do with the princess, just this case alone is not enough topletely eliminate the source. On the contrary, it might ce Miss Jiang second in danger. Even so, does Miss Jiang second not want to change your mind?¡±

    ¡°Master Zhou does not have to sound me out.¡± Jiang Li said with a smile, ¡°If I have had the mind to shrink back, I did not have to do all these things. Besides, still having reservation despite the emperor personally overseeing, would I not be guilty of deceiving the monarch?¡±

    Zhou De Zhao was considered an honest and upright official. But for him to be able to arrive in this position, he was not a rigid person. Reminding Jiang Li that this case could not pull Princess Yongning and would instead made Princess Yongning had grudges against her was perhaps to either probe or to warn her out of good intention. But for Jiang Li, saying all these was useless.

    Seeing Jiang Li¡¯s firm resolve, it was not good for Zhou De Zhao to say more. In any case, Jiang Li was Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s daughter; he still needed to show some face to Jiang Yuan Bai. This case would undoubtedly offend Princess Yongning. However, with the emperor¡¯s golden words, he also did not have a second choice. In a way, he was the same as Jiang Li.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Zhou De Zhao nodded and said, ¡°Miss Jiang second, tidy up for a bit, in a little while, we will enter the pce hall.¡± He paused, then continued, ¡°It¡¯s unlikely that Princess Yongning will enter the pce hall today, but His Majesty Cheng Wang will be present.¡±

    Cheng Wang was Yongning¡¯s blood-rted older brother, it¡¯s possible for Cheng Wang to make things difficult for Jiang Li.

    ¡°No matter who, ¡° Ye Ming Yu could not listen anymore, ¡°it¡¯s impossible for them to be too excessive in front of the emperor.¡±

    Jiang Li and Zhou De Zhao did not say anything. Ye Ming Yu was far away from the imperial court, so naturally he did not know. But Cheng Wang¡¯s power and arrogance was not an overnight thing. Emperor Hong Xiao wanted to conceal his strength and bide his time, avoiding the tip of the spearhead on him, so he yed the role of a respectful brother on the surface when in fact, the undercurrent was surging.

    Jiang Li sighed softly, she did not know whether she should sympathize with the current monarch of Northern Yan. Leaving aside the many people eyeing his throne covetously, the subject he most relied on, Ji Heng, also had his own n.

    ¡°Master Zhou, let¡¯s go.¡± Jiang Li collected her thoughts and sait to Master Zhou.

    Zhou De Zhao nodded.

    Xue Huaiyuan could not follow Jiang Li to the pce hall together for fear that his unclear mind would rm the holy one. So he waited with someone guarding him until the time was ripe to face the sacred one. Therefore, only Jiang Li and Ye Ming Yu followed Zhou De Zhao to the throne room. Estimating the time, the officialsing to watch the trial today should have also arrived.

    Soon they arrived at the throne room. Some officials caught sight of them and each and every one of those officials seized her up.

    Jiang Li was currently considered as a famous person in Yanjing. As long as it was an official family, no one did not know Jiang Li¡¯s name. Among the nobledies, Jiang Li¡¯s current conduct and deeds were the first time seen and heard of. Unfortunately, nobody could guess her mind. Not being a youngdy properly, stubbornly involved in this dispute, running outside and showing her face for an unrted person, it¡¯s unknown what she was pursuing.

    As they were walking, a voice suddenly sounded from behind, ¡°Master Zhou.¡±

    Zhou De Zhao and Jiang Li turned around and saw a young man walking slowly from the back garden.

    The man was dressed in luxurious brocade, his bearing extraordinary, and the person apanying beside him did not look ordinary either. He could be said to be handsome, just his pair of eyes was deep and shrewd. When he sized people up, he made people feel a bit gloomy.

    Although he called Zhou De Zhao, he frankly directed his gaze towards Jiang Li, measuring her without apprehension. Ye Ming Yu at the side was annoyed, how could he look at a youngdy like this.

    Zhou De Zhao bowed in salute and said, ¡°This lower official has seen His Royal Highness Cheng Wang.¡±

    Jiang Li also bowed in salute.

    Zhou De Zhao¡¯s words had now actually be a prophecy, it had quicklye true. Jiang Li was not willing to run into Cheng Wang here, but she did not expect, before entering the throne room, she would first meet face to face with Cheng Wang.

    Cheng Wang said, ¡°So this is Miss Jiang second.¡± He smiled slightly, ¡°This king saw Miss Jiang second¡¯s charm in the examination some time ago and it was fascinating. Never thought Miss Jiang second¡¯s ability has grown so big after not seeing for many days, truly making this prince be pleasantly surprised.¡±

    What he said was really somewhat frivolous. Ye Ming Yu showed dissatisfaction in his eyes. Jiang Li was afraid that he would cause a disturbance and said to Zhou De Zhao, ¡°Master Zhou, please first go inside with my uncle, I¡¯ll say a few words with His Royal Highness Cheng Wang and will soon follow.¡±

    ¡°How is it possible?¡± Without waiting for Zhou De Zhao to speak, Ye Ming Yu objected. He said, ¡°Let¡¯s go together.¡± Just a nce could tell that this Cheng Wang was not a good person. Ye Ming Yu also heard that the target this time was Princess Yongning. Cheng Wang was Princess Yongning¡¯s older brother, impossible for him not to vent the anger on behalf of Princess Yongning. Moreover, the words Cheng Wang just spoke could be said to bepletely unbridled. He truly did not feel reassured for Jiang Li to deal with Cheng Wang alone.

    Zhou De Zhao also felt surprised. At this time, Jiang Li did not think of immediately avoiding Cheng Wang, but took the initiative to face him. Could she not be afraid of Cheng Wang?

    Jiang Li was indeed not afraid. She looked undisturbed and calmly exined to Ye Ming Yu, ¡°It¡¯s okay, uncle. Cheng Wang and I are just a few steps away from the throne room and people oftene and go here, His Royal Highness Cheng Wang and I will not be in any danger. Just saying a few words and will soon go inside. Uncle being here will instead dy Master Zhou¡¯s business, right?¡±

    Ye Ming Yu still wanted to say something, but Zhou De Zhao had already cupped his hands in greeting and said, ¡°Since it¡¯s like that, then this lower official will first withdraw.¡± He hinted at Ye Ming Yu; Ye Ming Yu still hesitated. Seeing the meaningful look Jiang Li gave him, he paused, and reluctantly entered the throne room with Zhou De Zhao.

    < >

 Chapter 126.3: Part 3: Broke Free

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 126 Part 3: Broke Free

    Jiang Li always had her own views when doing things, Ye Ming Yu was also afraid that he would be rash and would instead mess up Jiang Li¡¯s n.

    After the two people left, Cheng Wang squinted his eyes and sized Jiang Li. His gaze held quite a deep meaning.

    The words Jiang Li said to Ye Ming Yu to reassure him were actually also said to him. This ce was just a few steps away from the throne room, with many peopleing and going, and he definitely would not be able to do anything to Jiang Li. She was quite urate, had such a big courage, and dared to speak to him alone.

    ¡°Miss Jiang second is so courageous,¡± Cheng Wang said, ¡°Chief assistant Jiang is always steady, it¡¯s unexpected that his daughter was rather brave. This king admires.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled slightly, ¡°His Royal Highness praises.¡±

    She actually epted it calmly.

    Cheng Wang was stunned before breaking intoughter. He said, ¡°Miss Jiang second always surprises people, don¡¯t know why it¡¯s always so clear in your mind. Could you be truly certain that this matter today would implicate Yongning, so you are this sure?¡±

    Jiang Li raised her head abruptly, stared at Cheng Wang, and her heart sank slightly.

    Cheng Wang had his own influence in the pce, Jiang Li was aware of this from early on. After all, it was impossible for a person who was eyeing that position not to ce his chess pieces everywhere. However, the memorial written by her should be covert. Now that Cheng Wang knew about it, it was clear that there was a spy beside Emperor Hong Xiao. Furthermore, he was able to get ess to this kind of concealed thing. Then the person must be a close person beside Emperor Hong Xiao.

    ¡°What is Miss Jiang second thinking about? Are you thinking how this king knows?¡± Cheng Wang took a step closer, suddenly lowered his voice and said viciously, ¡°There¡¯s nothing in this world that this king is not aware of. It¡¯s too naive for second miss thinking of using underhanded methods right under this king¡¯s eyes. Your father does not dare to do this, you, a yellow-haired girl*, actually have such great courage.¡±

    When he was not smiling, the gloom on his face was exposed, it was truly scary. If Jiang Li was the genuine Miss Jiang second, or perhaps another youngdy that was here, they would definitely be scared witless by Cheng Wang. But it happened to be Jiang Li, and she even had a measure in her mind; although Cheng Wang had quite a considerable influence, his temperament was like his mother concubine Liu taifei, really did not know how to exercise restraint, way too rampant, with a proud nature. It¡¯s hard to avoid suffering in the future. In terms of working out a strategy, he was not as good as Emperor Hong Xiao who had a weaker influence.

    Seeing that Jiang Li did not show panic as he was expecting, Cheng Wang became even more annoyed. He said, ¡°Miss Jiang second has big guts, but it¡¯s unknown until when this guts can be maintained. You have obviously offended this king, even your father cannot protect you!¡±

    ¡°His Royal Highness Cheng Wang.¡± At this moment, a person¡¯s voice suddenly sounded not too far away.

    Jiang Li and Cheng Wang simultaneously looked at the source of the voice and saw a young man walking quickly towards them. He saluted Cheng Wang respectfully, ¡°This lower official has met His Royal Highness Cheng Wang.¡±

    Jiang Li was stunned. This person was no one else but Ye Shijie.

    Now Ye Shijie was the newly appointed official in the Ministry of Revenue. He was appointed by the emperor himself, was rted to the chief assistant¡¯s Jiang family by marriage; in addition, he was a person with ability and he actually did a good job. Among the new talents, everyone was willing to give him face and emperor Hong Xiao also appreciated him.

    Jiang Li frowned slightly. She never thought that Ye Shijie would stand up at this time. Ye Shijie had just entered the officialdom; if Cheng Wang made things difficult for him because of this, that would be terrible. After all, she was a female; if Cheng Wang wanted to catch her handle, he could only start from the inner residence and by being attentive, Jiang Li could still cope with it. However, Ye Shijie was still a young and tender official, how could hepare with those experienced old people? Cheng Wang¡¯s subordinates only needed to deliberately make it a bit harder in official business. At that time, it was possible for Ye Shijie to inexplicably stumble.

    This young man was good, but he was still immature. In the end, there¡¯s still a bit of impulsiveness, like the previous Xue Zhao.

    ¡°Oh? Help is here.¡± Cheng Wang looked at Jiang Li, then looked at Ye Shijie. He said, ¡°Miss Jiang second and your cousin seem to have a very good rtionship. Official Ye,¡± his gloomy eyes were locked on Ye Shijie, ¡°if you were a bit more clever, you wouldn¡¯t have jumped so hastily like this. What a pity,¡± He appeared very regretful as he said, ¡° You are someone whose ability could be sharpened, this king feels really reluctant.¡±

    When these words came out, Jiang Li¡¯s heart tightened. Cheng Wang was evidently staring at Ye Shijie!

    Regardless of what he was thinking, Ye Shijie still showed the same respectful attitude as before. He said, ¡°His Royal Highnessughs, able to be lifted by His Royal Highness is this lower official¡¯s blessing.¡±

    Despite his young age, he was no longer the angry person who would fight with others endlessly on the street over a painting. When facing provocation, he knew how to avoid the spearhead and feigned foolishness.

    Cheng Wang was not angry andughed insead. He said, ¡°The two of you actually do not fear this king. This king will definitely make you regret¡­..¡±

    Before he finished speaking, he was interrupted by an easy and smiling voice. Someone¡¯s voice floated from the back garden, carrying carelessness,ziness, and a bit of a smile, ¡°Yo, isn¡¯t this Cheng Wang?¡±

    Another person came.

    Jiang Li was overjoyed upon hearing this voice. She lifted her eyes to see a person like a touch of red in the world of ice and snow. In the deep pce with heavy walls, his splendor was not diminished at all.

    His bright clothes attracted the eyes, his appearance took the souls away. Beside him, a bodyguard held an umbre for him and snowkes could not reach his body. His voice was low and husky, tempting and mellow, with a kind of enjoyment watching other people¡¯s misfortune. He said, ¡°In the early morning, what¡¯s the noise about?¡±

    It was Duke Su, Ji Heng.

    Cheng Wang was also stunned. Only after a long time did he greet Ji Heng, ¡°Duke Su.¡±

    ording to propriety, Ji Heng should also salute him. However, Ji Heng never saluted him and Cheng Wang did not dare to force him. In Cheng Wang¡¯s heart, his fear of Ji Heng far exceeded that towards Emperor Hong Xiao. He once wanted to pull Ji Heng into his side in spite of everything, but was defeated. However, Ji Heng also did not participate in Emperor Hong Xiao and the Jiang family¡¯s faction. Precisely because he maintained his neutral stance all along, Cheng Wang was extremely on guard against him, but also would not proactively make a move on him.

    He was not willing to look for unexpected trouble for himself.

    ¡°From faraway heard something about dead and alive; why, is someone about to meet with misfortune?¡± Both his hands were tucked inside his sleeve, uncaring written all over his face as he asked with a smile.

    Jiang Li gave him a courtesy and said, ¡°It¡¯s this female subject and the older cousin who provoked His Royal Highness Cheng Wang¡¯s anger, His Royal Highness Cheng Wang is right to be angry.¡±

    At this time, both Cheng Wang and Ye Shijie looked at Jiang Li.

    What¡¯s going on? Jiang Li unexpectedly sowed dissension in front of Cheng Wang? And who is the target, it¡¯s Ji Heng! That¡¯s the Duke Su who watches y from the sidelines. The meaning in her words was actually difficult to perceive, softly using, as if Ji Heng was an elder that came to mediate and was able to give fairness for Jiang Li.

    Is she insane?

    Cheng Wang spoke coldly, ¡°Miss Jiang second has quite the ability to evade, afraid you did not just annoy this king, but have offended this king. There¡¯s no one in this world who has a good end after offending this king.¡±

    He did not restrain himself despite Ji Heng¡¯s presence. No matter how temperamental Ji Heng was, he would not dare to do anything to a prince. He said this in front of Ji Heng as if he wanted to probe Ji Heng¡¯s reaction, wanting to see the rtionship between Ji Heng and Jiang Li.

    Ji Heng¡¯s beautiful phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, the corner of his lips raised in a slight smile. He downyed the situation and said, ¡°Children do not understand anything. Why should Cheng Wang fuss over minor matters? Just let it pass.¡±

    He¡¯s actually¡­¡­. persuaded?

    Both Ye Shijie and Cheng Wang stared at Ji Heng with disbelief. Ji Heng apologized without the slightest regret, truly stating his stance clearly, he was defending Jiang Li!

    Jiang Li also opened her eyes wide. She had deliberately pulled Ji Heng in, thinking of using Ji Heng¡¯s arrival to restrain Cheng Wang. But she never thought that Ji Heng would speak for her in front of Cheng Wang!

    This person used to act ording to the conditions. Even ifing into contact with the asional truth and feelings, he just gave a fleeting nce. Once the moonlight passed and the day broke, each would carry their own disguise.

    But he was actually honest this time.

    <sup>1</sup>

    Footnotes:

    <sup>1: </sup>

    < >

 Chapter 127.1: Part 1: Re-trial

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 127 Part 1: Re-trial

    Cheng Wang looked at Ji Heng with uncertainty.

    Ji Heng and the Jiang family had no rtions whatsoever. At least on this point, Cheng Wang¡¯s intelligence did not discover any traces. However, at this critical juncture, Ji Heng spoke for Jiang Li. The rtionship between them was especially intriguing.

    After quite a while, Cheng Wang finally chuckled and said, ¡°Duke Su unexpectedly has the feeling of cherishing jade<sup>1</sup>.¡±

    Ji Heng raised his eyebrows, ¡°Of course.¡±

    He was not afraid of Cheng Wang. The truth was, Cheng Wang did not dare to do anything to him. Even if his heart did not feelfortable, at most he would say a few sentences and would not be too excessive. This Duke Su was both ruthless and gloomy, he must not make him bear grudges against him, made some movements behind his back and caused unnecessary trouble for himself.

    Since it¡¯s like that, this king must not do anything to Miss Jiang second.¡± Though he did not dare to do anything to Ji Heng, Cheng Wang still dared to openly threaten Jiang Li. He said, ¡°Even if the oue of today¡¯s trial is unknown, Miss Jiang second had a clear n in mind. Hope you can alsough at the end.¡± He said with a hint of meaning, nced at Ji Heng, turned around and stormed off.

    The smile on Ji Heng¡¯s face did not stop. He spoke, unknown whether it was for Jiang Li or just talking to himself, ¡°Seems that he hase prepared.¡±

    Jiang Li came to her senses and saluted Ji Heng, ¡°Many thanks to Duke Su for helping out of trouble.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen you being this polite before.¡± Ji Heng spoke ambiguously, attracting Ye Shijie to look at the two of them.

    ¡°The past situations were forced.¡± Jiang Li also smiled, ¡°When there¡¯s a chance in the future, naturally will express thanks one by one.¡±

    ¡°Oh, your mouth is as sweet as ever.¡± He calmly blinked and asked, ¡°What are you going to do now? Don¡¯t say that I did not tell you, Cheng Wang has definitely tampered with the Xue¡¯s case. It¡¯s easy to know Feng Yu Tang¡¯s case today, but it¡¯s very difficult to get rid of Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s crimes.¡± He stared at Jiang Li, as if unintentionally telling her, ¡°Isn¡¯t the most important thing for you is to get rid of Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s crimes?¡±

    Jiang Li paused, it was indeed so. To only convict Feng Yu Tang was not difficult. Feng Yu Tang himself was a scoundrel who was covered from head to toe in filth. Just mentioning Feng Yu Tang was not enough to let the emperor personally overseeing. Even if Princess Yongning was implicated, at most it was a harmful assignment. To uncover the conspiracy behind the Xue family¡¯s case, the matter that Princess Yongning deliberately set up Xue Huaiyuan muste up. All the dirty water has already been poured onto the Xue family, the ¡°evidence¡± was also conclusive. In this situation, to clear Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s guilt is truly a bit difficult.¡±

    However, she still had one chance. Today¡¯s arraignment, rather than saying that it was led by Zhou De Zhao, it¡¯s better to say that she was the one controlling the ¡°court discussion¡±. Emperor Hong Xiao had the mind to borrow her knife to weaken Cheng Wang. She would carefully make use of this given opportunity. As long as the final purpose was the same, so what if she was used as a knife?

    ¡°He hase prepared, our preparation was also ample.¡± Jiang Li smiled and said, ¡°Jiang Li is honored that Duke Su is concerned about my affair.¡±

    Ji Heng said, ¡°You don¡¯t have to use flowery words to make me happy. I can¡¯t say much in today¡¯s arraignment. But based on your appearance, you have a way to deal with it. Then that¡¯s good.¡± He spoke neither urgently nor slowly, ¡°Your life is still in my hand. I don¡¯t wish for the person to be gone before I collect the debt. Although I don¡¯t like doing business, I¡¯ve never made a loss transaction.¡±

    Jiang Liughed.

    She sometimes felt that Ji Heng was moody, just like a person who stayed in the dark abyss, others unable to fathom him. Yet sometimes, although she felt that Ji Heng¡¯s mouth was annoying, it was also quite interesting. The most important thing was that he was a smart person. He was so sharp that he could peep into her secret corner, but never rashly investigated too deeply.

    This was probably his arrogance, but it also revealed that he was a gentleman.

    Though Jiang Li knew that ¡°a gentleman¡± and ¡°Ji Heng¡±, these words, did not match with each other.

    Ye Shijie looked at Ji Heng speaking familiarly with Jiang Li and kept silent all along. Ji Heng did not avoid him, perhaps because he did not put him in his eyes, or perhaps having confidence in him due to him being cousins with Jiang Li. However, Ye Shijie was very doubtful about Ji Heng¡¯s rtionship with Jiang Li.

    A country¡¯s duke, a chief assistant¡¯s daughter; Ji Heng and the Jiang family did not have any past, how did Ji Heng¡¯s rtionship be this close?

    Jiang Li said, ¡°The time is not early, it¡¯s fine to have idle chat some other day. There¡¯s still business today, let¡¯s go inside the pce hall now.¡±

    Ji Heng made a ¡°please¡± gesture.

    Jiang Li and Ye Shijie walked into the pce hall together.

    Even if there were many doubts in his mind, now was not the time to ask these. Ye Shijie had to restrain his thoughts and went inside the pce hall.

    Many officials had already arrived in the pce hall, each oneing today to have a ¡°pce discussion¡± were court officials. Many years ago, when the emperor from the former dynasty was still alive, as long as there were many consequential and indeterminate cases in court, the cab ministers would be summoned to have a ¡°pce discussion¡±. That time, those who had a ¡°pce discussion¡± were mostly the members of the imperial n. In the years following the reign of the former emperor, the n declined, and the ¡°pce discussion¡± became more open and even ordinary officials in court could participate.

    The basis of today¡¯s trial actually did not need so many people, but the people that Emperor Hong Xiao finally selected to the ¡°pce discussion¡± after reading through the memorandum and his permission to let Jiang Li lead made people ponder his meaning. It was a mere county government official¡¯s case, where it could be called ¡°significant¡± and managed to cause this situation. Some intelligent people began to surmise that there must be some secret in the middle.

    Ye Ming Yu saw Ye Shijie and Jiang Liing in together and loosened his breath. He was afraid that Cheng Wang would look for trouble with Jiang Li. He was relieved after seeing Jiang Li safe and sound.

    Jiang Yuan Bai also saw Jiang Li and nodded slightly at her. He was still too busy managing his own affair and had no time to take care of anything else. This case was brought out personally by his meddling biological daughter. Many of his colleagues looked at him meaningfully, they also looked at Jiang Li with quite deep meaning.

    Footnotes:

    <sup>1: to take pity to females.</sup>

    < >

 Chapter 127.2: Part 2: Re-trial

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 127 Part 2: Re-trial

    Cheng Wang stood at one end, looking coldly at Jiang Li¡¯s group. He looked very gloomy and vicious, making one terrified. Even if Jiang Yuan Bai and Ye Ming Yu were present, he was not willing to restrain himself.

    There were still many acquaintances, such as Liu Xu¡¯s father, Master Liu, Liu Yuan Feng, Ji Shuran¡¯s father, Ji Yan Lin; and Jiang Li also saw Shen Yurong.

    Shen Yurong came a bitter, but once he entered, many court councilors came and greeted him warmly in session, with the vor of currying favor with him. There¡¯s a good-natured smile on Shen Yurong¡¯s face. He was handsome, gentle and refined. In this court, he was like a clean flowing water, attracting attention.

    Ye Ming Yu also looked straight at him and said, ¡°Who is that youngster? So young, but I think his position is not small, right? He¡¯s still very handsome. Ah Li, if you and he¡­..¡± Ye Ming Yu glimpsed Ye Shijie¡¯s expression at the side and swallowed the words ¡°are together¡± he was about to say.

    Even so, Jiang Li could guess what Ye Ming Yu was about to say and could not help sneering inside.

    Shen Yurong indeed was able to deceive people with just that skin. At that time, when he was just a schr, many wealthydies wanted to marry him. Now that he was an official, wearing luxurious clothes, his disposition became more and more outstanding and he actually made people cherish him even more than before. No wonder Princess Yongning did not hesitate to conspire to murder his primary wife and marry into the Shen family. But for Jiang Li, this kind of Shen Yurong, was even more unfamiliar, even more disgusting, and she looked down on him even more.

    Shen Yurong sensed someone looking at him and following the gaze, he saw a delicate girl standing beside a man with a scar on his face not far away.

    The girl was graceful, with a slender figure, at a good age of 15 or 16 years old. Like a pear flower just blooming on a tree, fresh and lovely. Although she could not be regarded as an outstanding beauty, there was a calmness and a heroic air between her brows, for a moment, it made people unable to remove their sights. He also had a feeling of d¨¦j¨¤ vu from her sight, and he wondered where he had seen it from.

    Shen Yurong was distracted while looking at Jiang Li.

    Ye Shijie frowned. He knew Shen Yurong who was positioned in the secretariat and had met him asionally in the court. Shen Yurong treated him warmly and his temper was extremely good. He was willing to make friends with people in the court. However, he did not know why, Ye Shijied did not like this young Master Shen very much, always feeling that he handled things too amodatingly. Within a short period, he was able to secure a position in the secretariat without any enemies, how was this possible?

    After Ye Shijie became an official, he became aware of the darkness in the officialdom. A person like Shen Yurong who was like a fish back in water was naturally not so clean. He was obviously not clean, yet showed the appearance of a noble and benevolent character, really fishing forpliments.

    Ye Shijie moved sideways to obstruct Jiang Li and cupped his hands in greeting, ¡°Master Shen.¡±

    Shen Yurong snapped out of his daze and returned Ye Shijie¡¯s greeting. However, his eyes were fixed on Jiang Li.

    He had seen Jiang Li as early as when Princess Yongning sustained injury during Ming Yi Hall¡¯s examination. Vaguely remembering Jiang Li¡¯s good qin,parable to Fang Fei. She was Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s legitimate daughter. He knew one or two about Jiang Li¡¯s past. Because of plotting against her stepmother, she was sent to the monastery. In the brief few months aftering back, she was able to stand firmly in the chief assistant¡¯s residence. It could be seen that she was not someone without a brain.

    As for the rtionship with Jiang Li, Shen Ruyun was about to marry Zhou Yan Bang, so indirectly, it was originally Jiang Li¡¯s marriage. Now Jiang Li was involved in Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s case, Shen Yurong had a strange feeling. The connection between him and Jiang Li was very distant, but it seemed that there was a rope that mysteriously pulled them to be in the same ce. As a result, everything had Jiang Li¡¯s shadow.

    He looked at Jiang Li, Jiang Li also looked at him. A female looking directly at an unfamiliar man like this could be said as brazen. But Shen Yurong could clearly feel that the way Jiang Li looked at him had not a trace of admiration. There was only the look of indifference towards a stranger, as if not hiding anything. He searched her gaze but could not find anything else.

    As Shen Yurong was hesitating whether to greet Jiang Li or not, Jiang Li had already removed her sights, as if he was just an insignificant person, unworthy of her spending a bit of expression. Shen Yurong was stunned for a while before mockingly smiled at himself.

    Yes, Jiang Li was not Fang Fei, also not Princess Yongning. For her, he was just an insignificant stranger, so this was the right reaction. But he did not know why, Shen Yurong couldn¡¯t help ncing at Jiang Li who was talking to Ye Shijie. He always felt¡­.. there¡¯s something that was not quite right.

    But he was unable to say what it was.

    At that moment, the person serving in the inner chamber, eunuch Su, had already brought the retinue from behind, Emperor Hong Xiao had arrived.

    The courtw in the current dynasty was not rigorous, even the court practices were not as strict as in the previous emperor¡¯s dynasty. Some people said this was due to Emperor¡¯s Hong Xiao¡¯s weak power, so others did not fear him. It was also unknown how long the emperor could sit in this position, so all of them feeling secure.

    Before, Jiang Li also thought although Emperor Hong Xiao was not as mediocre as how he looked on the surface, he could not be called a wise ruler in history. However, ever since she knew of Ji Hen¡¯s n, Jiang Li understood that her judgment of emperor Hong Xiao was probably gravely mistaken. Ji Heng, even though he controlled the government and yed with powers, he was very proud. It was probably impossible for him to bow before a person. Within the three powers, he chose Emperor Hong Xiao, naturally it was because Emperor Hong Xiao deserved his assistance. If Ji Heng was in the highest position, in the future, Emperor Hong Xiao would be his opponent. If Emperor Hong Xiao was useless, it was an insult to choose him as his rival.

    If Ji Heng was not after the position of the emperor, and instead had other ns, then for him, whether he became the knife used by Emperor Hong Xiao or an ally standing on the same boat, either one would not be a person of no particr talent.

    This emperor had always disguised himself as harmless to let others¡¯ guards down, which might not be simple.

    Emperor Hong Xiao sat at the highest seat, the other officials lined up in their positions, and the silence in the throne room was just an instant.

    < >

 Chapter 127.3: Part 3: Re-trial

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 127 Part 3: Re-trial

    At Zhou De Zhao¡¯s request, the hundreds of Tongxiang residents jointly signed for a pce discussion to retry Xue¡¯s case.

    Jiang Li was excited. Bowing her body, along with the civil and military officials, to thank the emperor for grace, her fingers tucked inside her sleeves were already tightly clenched.

    Sess or failure would be determined here. Today¡¯s battle was the key to wash away the Xue family¡¯s grievances and uncover the truth. She would undoubtedly exert her utmost effort, even if Cheng Wang stopped her, she would not rest unless she died!

    The pce was grand and majestic, with civil and military officials standing in the hall. Jiang Li was unfamiliar with some while some others she knew well. One was once the person sharing the same pillow with her, who now became her mortal enemy. There were others who were strangers, but now turned into kins.

    Emperor Hong Xiao, seated in a high position, Looked at Zhou De Zhao and said, ¡°Beloved official Zhou, let¡¯s start.¡±

    Zhou De Zhao stood up and called out respectfully. He instructed the person behind him, and after a moment, Feng Yu Tang, who was in prison clothes, was brought inside.

    ¡°The criminal Feng Yu Tang, during his time as the county deputy of Tongxiang, used his position for personal gain, oppressing the people,mitting any imaginable misdeed.He also set up the previous county deputy Xue Huaiyuan and sent him to prison. His heart is punishable and has already been entered into the book.¡± He looked at Feng Yu Tang, ¡°Feng Yu Tang, do you recognize your guilt?¡±

    Compared to the previous Feng Yu Tang who was the county deputy of Tongxiang, the current Feng Yu Tang was like a stray dog. His disheveled hair and his dirty face went without saying, he bitterly said, ¡°Thismoner knows the crimes. As a county deputy, has indeed used my position for personal gain. But the matter of setting up Xue Huaiyuan is unfounded. From the beginning, Xue Huaiyuan was sent to prison because he was greedy and pocketed the disaster relief silver. The evidence was conclusive, and it had nothing to do with thismoner. There is no reason to add to the crime, thismoner will not admit to an unfounded crime.¡±

    ¡°Audacious!¡± Zhou De Zhao shouted angrily, ¡°In the throne room, stop using clever words to debate!¡±

    Feng Yu Tang hurriedly knelt down and said that he did not dare.

    Jiang Li looked coldly at Feng Yu Tang. She understood clearly, Feng Yu Tang was aware that it was hard for him to avoid death and readily admitted that everything was his fault. Then at least, he could still die contentedly. If he mentioned Princess Yongning, afraid it would not just be his death, but the concubines and heirs in his house would also be thoroughly killed.

    Of course, Feng Yu Tang was not someone who cherished great love, someone who would sacrifice himself to help everyone. It was because Feng Yu Tang feared Princess Yongning¡¯s power more than he feared the emperor. Thus making him rather do things in this way.

    ¡°Master Zhou,¡± Cheng Wang opened his mouth leisurely, ¡°everything is written down in the dossier. This Feng Yu Tang¡¯s crimes cannot be refuted, the evidence is undeniable. However, in regards to Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s crimes, it has been examined before. The case of Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s corruption, the silver and ount book were found in his residence and there was also a witness¡¯s testimony and material evidence. Because Feng Yu Tang is found guilty, it does not mean that Xue Huaiyuan is innocent. Everything needs concrete evidence. In front of the emperor, you cannot obtain confession under torture, please don¡¯t waste time anymore.¡±

    Saying this in front of Emperor Hong Xiao was very rude. Though in the pce discussion, it¡¯s okay for the subjects to say something, Cheng Wang¡¯s attitude clearly showed that he was biased towards Feng Yu Tang.

    The officials standing aside did not understand, only thinking that Cheng Wang was probably enjoying watching the lively scene, or perhaps because he disliked the Jiang family. It so happened that this case was brought forward by the Jiang family¡¯s youngdy, thus he was being aggressive. However, in Emperor Hong Xiao¡¯s ears, these words contained a different meaning.

    In the memorial presented by Ye Shijie, this case involved Yongning. Supposed that Cheng Wang did not do anything today, Emperor Hong Xiao still suspected that there was a misunderstanding. With Cheng Wang being like this, Emperor Hong Xiao immediately concluded that it was true that this matter really concerned Yongning. Cheng Wang¡¯s attitude showed that he knew the exact story in this matter.

    However, Emperor Hong Xiao did not say a word and sat unfathomably, watching the statements of each official below.

    Before Zhou De Zhao could speak, Cheng Wang turned his spearhead towards Jiang Li. He put on a fake smile while looking at her and said, ¡°Miss Jiang second raised this case and personally visited Tongxiang, it seems that Miss Jiang second knows more information that the others are aware of, and knows more evidence than others. Since you want to wash off the guilt of Xue Huaiyuan, would you please take out the evidence?¡±

    ¡°Correct.¡± This time, the one who spoke was actually the Right Minister, Li Zhong Nan. He cupped his hands in obeisance and said, ¡°Miss Jiang second is an outstanding woman with a clear aspiration. Leading the Tongxiangmoners on a long journey, striking the drum at the Chang¡¯An Gate and crying injustice, thinking that there¡¯s a huge injustice. A huge injustice will definitely not be so simple. Everyone present and His Majesty are all ready to hear, please speak quickly.¡±

    The Li family actually went as far as to hit a person when they were down at this moment. Jiang Yuan Bai frowned, no matter how daring and clever Jiang Li was, in the end, she was just a 15-16 years old girl. The court was unlike their own courtyard, where she could have no worry about what she said. If there¡¯s a mistake in speech, not mentioning irritating the monarch, she might also offend many people. Obviously, Cheng Wang and the Right Minister saw that Jiang Li was young and ignorant, wanting Jiang Li to speak and fall into their trap. Jiang Yuan Bai was about to help Jiang Li speak, but at this moment, Jiang Li had instead opened her mouth. And the words she said stunned each and every person in the hall.

    She said, ¡°Your Majesty, this female subject endured a long journey, bringing themoners in Tongxiang over to seek justice at Chang¡¯An Gate to sue the evil official Feng Yu Tang. Also¡­.. asking His Majesty to convict the previous county deputy Xue Huaiyuan!¡±

    ¡°Convict?¡± Emperor Hong Xiao paused before asking, ¡°Why convict?¡±

    ¡°As everyone knows, the Tongxiang county deputy, Xue Huaiyuan, was greedy for the disaster relief silver, the evidence was conclusive, a vermin in the court. Your Majesty advocates the concept of clearing and reducing taxes, yet a minor Tongxiang county deputy could be so daring, which is a disrespect to the imperial household. Merely imprisoning and beheading is not enough, this female subject thinks that he should get a thousand cuts!¡±

    Ye Shijie was stunned, and the kneeling Feng Yu Tang even forgot to bow his head and looked directly at Jiang Li. Everyone knew that Jiang Li ran around incessantly for Xue Huaiyuan, even standing on the side of Xue Huaiyuan. But now, to everyone¡¯s surprise, she said that Xue Huaiyuan should not just receive a beheading, but still wanted him to be cut into a thousand pieces. Was she mad? Or from the beginning, she did not really stand on Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s side?

    Ye Ming Yu was also shocked, absolutely did not foresee Jiang Li to say this. All along, Jiang Li had looked after Xue Huaiyuan like her own parents, even closer than towards her biological parent, Jiang Yuan Bai. Now she said this? Ye Ming Yu almost doubted that the Jiang Li in front of him was not his niece, but someone who had seeded in changing her appearance.

    <i>Phew</i>, I had a shock when wordpress kept giving an error message T^T , thankfully, clearing the browser¡¯s cache fixed everything.

    And we are back to 4 parts for the chapters for now until my schedule clears up ^^!

    < >

 Chapter 127.4: Part 4: Re-trial

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 127 Part 4: Re-trial

    Cheng Wang and Emperor Hong Xiao were alsopletely baffled. The former was puzzled, while thetter was suspicious.

    Only Shen Yurong and Ji Heng, these two people, had expressions different from the officials.

    Shen Yurong had a peculiar expression, his sight as he looked at Jiang Li carried thoughtfulness, as if he just saw Jiang Li for the first time. Ji Heng, however, did not show any worries for Jiang Li at all, instead, he did not look surprised, as if he had expected Jiang Li¡¯s response. Just, his pupils contained a bit of interest.

    ¡°Continue.¡± Emperor Hong Xiao said.

    Jiang Li bowed in salute and continued to speak humbly, ¡°Tongxiang County Deputy Xue Huaiyuan, although he held a small position, he was an official representing the Northern Yan court. From small to big, the influence caused is no small matter. Xue Huaiyuan was an official for 10 years and was only found guilty of corruptionst year. Presumably, in the previous 10 years, he had also corrupted silvers. Where these silver went to, why there wasn¡¯t any trail, were not written down in the dossier, there are a lot of doubts in these. Perhaps he was engaged in the business of selling military horses, and also suspected of treason for coborating with the enemy. He cannot be killed without investigation.¡±

    ¡°Investigated.¡± Emperor Hong Xiao moved his finger, ¡°but the evidence is all in the dossier.¡±

    Jiang Li once again bowed in salute, ¡°Precisely because of this, this female subject brought the people of Tongxiang to the capital. This female subject requests to call for a witness testimony.¡±

    ¡°Call the witness.¡± Emperor Hong Xiao waved his hand.

    Zhou De Zhao hurriedlymanded his subordinate to bring the witnesses over.

    Very soon, witnesses were brought over. Each and every one was a resident of Tongxiang. There was Dai Yun, Ping An, Mo Wen Xuan, butcher Zhang, aunt Chun Fang, and many others. It was the first time for these people to enter the capital, the first time entering the pce, and the first time meeting the emperor. Facing the civil and military officials, they were already so frightened their faces turned pale, their legs trembled, nearly unable to get up after kneeling on the ground.

    Jiang Li immediately said, ¡°Witnesses please speak about country deputy Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s corruption.¡±

    These witnesses were people who had originally received favor from Xue Huaiyuan. This time entering the capital was precisely to redress the injustice on their county deputy, how could they talk about Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s fault? Soon one by one told all the things done by Xue Huaiyuan in the past. Xue Huaiyuan loved themon people like his children, kind hearted, calm and just, and showed consideration to his subordinates. When he took office in Tongxiang, he promoted water conservancy and taught the farmers irrigation. Knowing many things and being able to do many things. In the short 10 years, he was able to let everyone in Tongxiang who could not afford clothes and shoes to develop to the present peaceful and happy life.

    These did not seem to enumerate the evidence of Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s crimes, instead they seemed to be praising him. Both Li Zhong Nan and Cheng Wang frowned, realizing that things had turned in the direction they did not want them to go.

    It was impossible for Jiang Li to get rid of Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s crimes based on evidence alone. In the pce discussion, the final decision was made by the emperor. But in this pce discussion, the scale of public opinion had clearly already leaned towards Xue Huaiyuan. The civil and military officials gradually started to sympathize with Xue Huaiyuan.

    Jiang Li remained unmoved, and did not cry out grievances for Xue Huaiyuan along with the people. Instead, she shook her head and said, ¡°A greedy person, why would he do his utmost to do practical things for themon people. These people are full of lies, no need to pay attention to them.¡±

    One by one, the witnesses were brought out. Everytime a new person was brought in, not one of them said that Xue Huaiyuan was wrong.

    Seeing that the situation was not good, Cheng Wang sneered, ¡°This Tongxiang county deputy used to deceive people. He must not be underestimated with his greed for silver. That¡¯s how he managed to use these small favors to win over the people¡¯s sentiments. Even if the evidence is conclusive, there will be people speaking up for him.¡±

    ¡°What His Royal Highness Cheng Wang said is extremely correct.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°It¡¯s just that, this county deputy was greedy for the disaster relief silver, so it could not be a one time urrence. Feng Yu Tang was in office for half a year, and he had already corrupted a lot. Half a year ago, Xue Huaiyuan was imprisoned, his family property was confiscated and recorded, this female subject invites the imperial censor to announce the inventory of the seized Xue family¡¯s property and Feng family¡¯s property. To let everyone see, how repulsive this Xue Huaiyuan ispared to Feng Yu Tang!¡±

    When Feng Yu Tang heard this, he immediately shook all over.

    What kind of person Xue Huaiyuan was, the crime of corruption was simply fabricated. Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s own property was not much while he had been in office for half a year, yet already raked in the fat and wealth of the people to the maximum. Comparing these two, naturally the strangeness could be seen!

    Sure enough, when the imperial censor came to announce the two family¡¯s property, the result was beyond everyone¡¯s expectation. Aside from the corrupted silver, Xue Huaiyuan nearly had nothing at all, not much different from just having four bare walls for a home. Even his meager official¡¯s sry was gone due to giving material assistance to themon people. It was different from Feng Yu Tang. In the short half a year, he had umted ten times of what Xue Huaiyuan possessed after ten years.

    Everyone was silent.

    Jiang Li said, ¡°Doesn¡¯t everyone feel weird? A criminal like Xue Huaiyuan, whose conduct in 10 years is actually more honest than many officials in the capital. Supposed that other corrupt officials are able to be like Xue Huaiyuan, our Northern Yan will not be worried about prosperity.¡±

    ¡°Clever words,¡± Li Zhong Nan snorted coldly, ¡°then he¡¯s always been corrupt!¡±

    Jiang Li smiled, ¡°Pass the witness.¡±

    This time, the witnesses were Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s previous subordinates, Peng Xiao, He Jun, Gu Da and Gu Er. Their blood had been boiling, precisely to redress the injustice for Xue Huaiyuan while they still remained on earth. Atst, they had arrived at this opportune moment. Without waiting for Jiang Li to open her mouth, they immediately knelt down, carefully retelling the hardships Xue Huaiyuan faced over the past 10 years.

    No one knew Xue Huaiyuan better than them, because they had apanied each other for the same 10 years. Thus their words especially made people feel as if it had happened to themselves. When they talked about how Xue Huaiyuan was framed and sent to jail, as well as when they were thrown to the mine and were cruelly tormented by Feng Yu Tang¡¯s subordinates, the seven foot boy could not help shedding tears.

    Those were tears of extreme suffering.

    Emperor Hong Xiao seemed somewhat moved; Cheng Wang internally screamed ¡®not good¡¯, and promptly said, ¡°No matter what, it was a fact that Xue Huaiyuan was corrupt, just like what Miss Jiang second said, and let Xue Huaiyuan receive the punishment of a thousand cuts.¡± He must not let Jiang Li continue.

    ¡°Slow down.¡± Emperor Hong Xiao spoke.

    < >

 Chapter 128.1: Part 1: Discovery

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 128 Part 1: Discovery

    The two words ¡°slow down¡± made Cheng Wang¡¯s heart sink.

    Although internally he was not afraid of Emperor Hong Xiao, in the presence of civil and military officials, he must not denounce Emperor Hong Xiao¡¯s opinion. Obviously, Emperor Hong Xiao at this moment was partial towards Jiang Li. Though he was aware that Emperor Hong Xiao wanted to use the Xue¡¯s case to implicate Princess Yongning, at present, Jiang Li¡¯s way of speaking truly could make people convinced.

    Sense and reason, to wash Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s guilt, ¡°reason¡± was not enough, ¡°feelings¡± need to also be there. However, Jiang Li used such a method that others were unable to reject. Step by step washing the injustice on Xue Huaiyuan.

    The cab ministers who understood this clearly looked at Jiang Li with strangeness. This pce discussion really took the breath of the people watching away.

    Jiang Yuan Bai also stared at his own daughter as if he did not recognize her. He knew Jiang Li was clever, within the younger generation of the Jiang family, Jiang Li was possibly the most intelligent one. However, such a court ability was rather excessive. Jiang Yuan Bai even felt doubt in his heart, had someone directed Jiang Li¡¯s way of handling things today? Otherwise, a nobledy with such a political method was an impossibility.

    Others would not think that this was the method Jiang Li thought of and only assumed that this was something Jiang Yuan Bai hade up with. Believing that Jiang Yuan Bai let Jiang Li speak like this in the pce hall, their recognition of Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s strategy went up a notch and they thought, Jiang Yuan Bai is really cunning.

    ¡°Continue speaking.¡± Emperor Hong Xiao said to Jiang Li.

    Jiang Li bowed, her voice crisp as she said, ¡°The words this female subject wanted to say have been said. Tongxiang county deputy Xue Huaiyuan is guilty, guilty that in the 10 years he was in office, aside from corrupting the disaster relief silver, he has lived a simple life with few desires, washed his hands and devoted to his duties, his heart as a courtier was like water, pure and honest, with moral integrity. It¡¯s rare for such a corrupt official to exist in this world, he was definitelying up with an even darker n. There was little wealth in the family, their whereabouts unknown. This female subject thinks Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s guilt is unpardonable and sincerely requests His Majesty to punish Xue Huaiyuan by hacking him to pieces!¡±

    Right Prime Minister Li Zhong Nan shut his eyes, knowing the words Jiang Li said have thoroughly washed Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s crimes.

    Reversing the truth, reversing the truth, Jiang Li¡¯s reversal of the truth could be said outstanding, making people unable to dispute.

    There was a long silence in the hall.

    After a long time, Emperor Hong Xiao¡¯s voice rang out. He said, ¡°As such, Xue Huaiyuan is not guilty, but instead meritorious. The guilt of a minister who has made five meritorious contributions deepened, perhaps there may be grievances. In Feng Yu Tang¡¯s case, he is undoubtedly found guilty. Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s corruption is a strong doubtful point. Zhou De Zhao, ¡°I¡± want you to once again investigate this case thoroughly!¡±

    When thest word fell to the ground, Jiang Li¡¯s heart seemed to be poured with hot water, gradually boiling.

    However, she just bowed down and said, ¡°This female subject once again earnestly requests for Tongxiang county deputy to be brought into the pce hall. Xie Huaiyuan is also a witness, Your Majesty might as well first see Xue county deputy¡¯s current appearance.¡±

    ¡°Bring Xue Huaiyuan in.¡± Emperor Hong Xiao spoke.

    Zhou De Zhao hurriedly asked a person to bring Xue Huaiyuan over and couldn¡¯t help ncing at Jiang Li. In the matter today, it was evident that Cheng Wang and the Right Minister were winning at the beginning. But up to now, Jiang Li had been leading by the nose. Regardless of whether the methods were thought of by Jiang Li or Jiang Yuan Bai, the Jiang family must not be underestimated. At first he thought that in the imperial court, the Jiang family¡¯s influence had weakened, especially with the Right Minister continuing to expand his strength. By the look of it now, a scrawny camel is still bigger than a horse. Leaving aside influence, based on this scheme alone, Jiang Yuan Bai did not lose to the Right Prime Minister in the slightest.

    If this continued, it¡¯s unknown who would lose in the end. It¡¯s over, they, who enjoyed watching the lively scenes, probably had to one again change their steps for the future.

    Xue Huaiyuan was quickly brought over.

    He was changed into clean clothes and his face was washed clean. His hands tightly gripped a rattle drum. The imperial bodyguards protected Emperor Hong Xiao to prevent Xue Huaiyuan from injuring him. However, when Xue Huaiyuan saw so many people, he panicked and shrank into a ball, then helplessly ran towards Jiang Li.

    Jiang Li patted Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s shoulders to cate him. Although his age was simr to Jiang Yuan Bai, Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s hair had turned all white, and he looked like an old man. Thus Jiang Li¡¯s action did not seem improper. However, her patience looked harsh in Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s eyes.

    He always felt that Jiang Li had never seen him, this biological father, with such a soft gaze.

    Xue Huaiyuan clearly depended on Jiang Li very much. After he was beside Jiang Li, he no longer made a fuss and quietly yed with the rattle drum in his hand.

    Jiang Li said to Emperor Hong Xiao, ¡°Your Majesty, this is Tongxiang county deputy, Xue Huaiyuan. Because he was imprisoned by Feng Yu Tang and was tortured inside, his mind has be unclear, just like a child. Pity the generation of honest and faithful officials, now ended up like this. If this goes out, how many honest and faithful officials in this world will be bitterly disappointed, and how many people will be faithful and true, vow loyalty and devotion to Your Majesty?¡±

    ¡°Audacious!¡± Li Zhong Nan shouted angrily, ¡°Jiang Li, you dare to question His Majesty!¡±

    ¡°Master Li, ¡° Jiang Yuan Bai said with displeasure, ¡°His Majesty has not spoken, what words are you spouting.¡±

    Jiang Li¡¯s words could be regarded as disrespectful. Cheng Wang sneered, ¡°It seems that Master Jiang teaches his daughter with his own set of rules. The words Miss Jiang second said, as a female, have overstepped the bounds of what is proper, right?!¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai dared to shout at Li Zhong Nan openly and without fear, but it was not good to do so at Cheng Wang. As he was hesitating how to speak, Duke Su, who had been quiet all along, opened his mouth.

    Ji Heng shook his fan and lightly said with a smile, ¡°Coincidentally, I have the same view as Miss Jiang second¡¯s statement.¡±

    Just this one sentence stunned the court officials. Since Ji Heng spoke up, did it mean he was helping Jiang Li speak?

    Even though this Duke Su always paid attention to his appearance, he was not someone who had tender feelings for females. To save a girl from water and fire was an even more impossible thing. As it happened, at this time, Duke Su unexpectedly faced Cheng Wang, and he still said such words with deep meaning.

    < >

 Chapter 128.2: Part 2: Discovery

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 128 Part 2: Discovery

    Ji Heng¡¯s sudden careless sentence had made everyone present turn it over countless times in their heads. He indifferently said, ¡°Good medicine tastes bitter, loyal advice does not sound pleasing to the ears. Although Miss Jiang second¡¯s words were overstepping propriety, it still made sense. Otherwise, if the current dynasty¡¯s faithful officials are abandoned and treacherous court officials are appointed, afraid the country will no longer be a country.¡±

    The young man was handsome, looking like an evildoer. The sneer he had while saying this carried a bit of threat which was effective immediately. At least Emperor Hong Xiao listened to it. Emperor Hong Xiao said, ¡°Duke Su is right, ¡°I¡± am not someone who can¡¯t listen to the words of others. Beloved official Jiang,¡± he said to Jiang Yuan Bai, ¡°your daughter is raised very well.¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai promptly thanked the emperor for the favor, yet he was puzzled inside. Their Jiang family and Duke Su did not have the slightest dealing in the past, Jiang Li and Ji Heng also did not have any friendship. Why would Duke Su, this moody person, suddenly help Jiang Li speak?

    Unless¡­.. He looked at Jiang Li¡¯s clean face. She was no longer that arrogant and willful little girl sent to Mount Qingcheng. She had gradually grown up and turned into a youngdy with a lovely and charming appearance. Elegant, graceful and charming like the blooming snow white pear blossoms in spring, fresh and clean, attracting people¡¯s love.

    No, no, no, Jiang Yuan Bai immediately dispelled the absurd idea in his mind. Duke Su himself was born gorgeous and had seen many beautiful females. Jiang Li could at most be regarded as a small beauty, afraid she did not even enter Ji Heng¡¯s eyes. Moreover, Ji Heng, this person, was very sinister, really not a good match. Although he did not have a deep familial bond with Jiang Li, in the end, she was his own flesh and blood. He did not wish for Jiang Li to have a bleak and miserable ending and be schemed by others, which would ultimately implicate the Jiang family.

    He was lost in his own imagination when among the court officials, someone suddenly opened his mouth to speak, ¡°Xue Ling Yun, isn¡¯t this Xue Ling Yun?¡±

    Xue Ling Yun? Everyone was baffled.

    Emperor Hong Xiao asked, ¡°Who¡¯s Xue Ling Yun?¡±

    The official cupped his hands in obeisance and said, ¡°When the former emperor was still present, Xue Ling Yun repaired the canals and did irrigation works in Yanjing. The previous emperor saw he was rather talented and promoted him to a position in the Ministry of Works. However, Xue Ling Yun only worked there for a year before he resigned. Seeing Xue Huaiyuan today, this lower official discovered that this Xue Huaiyuan looks exactly the same as Xue Ling Yun. It¡¯s just that he had aged so much, so this lower official could only guess that Xue Huaiyuan is Xue Ling Yun. ¡°

    Xue Ling Yun? This name was unfamiliar to the people in the pce hall. However, the water conservancy method in the capital was known to everyone. A person who was able to lead such a project was naturally a talented person. Why did he not want to work in the Ministry of Work and be a small county deputy?

    Jiang Li was surprised. No wonder the subordinates who had followed his father for many years said before that her father had the talent to help the world yet settled down in an insignificant Tongxiang. If he was not disgusted with the practice in officialdom, he would have achieved meteoric sess in his career long ago. She often felt weird, father had such a powerful ability and could see and understand clearly the powers and the small and big things happening in the court. Why would he only be a county deputy?

    As it turned out, it was not his luck, but that father had once achieved a position as a big official, but believed that he was not suitable to be in officialdom. The courtiers in Northern Yan either overturned each other or colluded with each other. For her father, it was better to be a small county deputy and benefit themon people.

    So he even changed his name from the Ling Yun meaning rising clouds of ¡°Xue Ling Yun¡±, to the Huaiyuan of looking at the moon in the distance of ¡°Xue Huaiyuan¡±.

    When Jiang Li and Xue Zhao were born, Xue Huaiyuan was no longer working in the Ministry of Work and he had changed his name. As a result, Jiang Li did not know about this past. She only knew about this when Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s old acquaintance spoke up just now.

    This old official should have had a pretty good rtionship with Xue Huaiyuan at that time. Now seeing his old friend, he actively mentioned the reason for Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s resignation then. Having aspirations but unable to realize them was frustrating. Everyone heard and felt deeply moved and very regretful.

    Emperor Hong Xiao said, ¡°Such a talented person, but was taken as a criminal and sent to prison, leading to such a miserable state. This is my fault, and Northern Yan¡¯s loss.¡±

    All the courtiers knelt down.

    Jiang Li¡¯s heart moved. Now that Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s past matters were revealed, it actually helped her with the present affair. She did not think much and immediately said, Your Majesty, Xue Huaiyuan ended like this was all brought by Feng Yu Tang using public office to avenge private wrongs. The female subject asks for Feng Yu Tang to be punished severely!¡±

    ¡°Naturally must be severely punished!¡± Emperor Hong Xiao snorted coldly. ¡°¡°I¡± was also unaware that under the foot of the emperor, there¡¯s still such a savage person who framed a loyal person!¡±

    ¡°Master Feng¡¯s courage was not small,¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°he did not just set up a loyal person, he still privately mined in Dongshan. The court has issued a decree many years ago, personal mining without approval is prohibited and tantamount to treason, the deed is punishable!¡±

    Feng Yu Tang was already drenched in cold sweat, nearly fainting.

    ¡°But Master Feng is really strange. He has umted so much wealth in Tongxiang, but still fancy more gold. He clearly did not know his limits and was reckless. This female subject searched inside the Feng residence and found a letter with instruction for Feng Yu Tang to torture Xue Huaiyuan. But the sender of the letter was also very strange¡­..¡± Jiang Li smiled slightly, ¡°The seal on the letter was the current dynasty¡¯s Princess Yongning¡¯s seal!¡±

    After singing such a long drama, she finally reached the point!

    ¡°Audacious!¡± Cheng Wang¡¯splexion was ashen, ¡°belittling a princess of a country, do you know what is the charge for this? This can chop your head!¡±

    ¡°His Royal Highness Cheng Wang does not need to worry,¡± Jiang Li had no fear at all and coldly replied, ¡°this female subject merely stated a fact, not convicting the princess at all. Naturally, this letter could be faked, in fact, this female subject also believed that this was a trap.¡±

    Emperor Hong Xiao stared at Jiang Li. In the memorial presented by Ye Shijie, Princess Yongning was involved in it. Jiang Li mentioning this at this moment was also within his expectation. Since Jiang Li had brought it up, why did she deny it herself?

    ¡°Princess Yongning is unrted in any way to the Xue family, also does not have any connection, so why would she prompt Feng Yu Tang to harm the Xue family, ordering Xue Huaiyuan to be sent to jail. This female subject asked around and found that in the Xue family¡¯s household, Xue Huaiyuan only has a daughter and a son. His son Xue Zhao was killed by a banditst year in the capital. His daughter Xue Fang Fei is the wife of an official in the secretariat, Master Shen, who also died of an illness half a year ago. Neither Xue Zhao nor Xue Fang Fei, and the Shen family, all have any connection. From this, the female subject sees that it must not be treated as true!¡±

    I¡¯m sorry for the dy!!

    < >

 Chapter 128.3: Part 3: Disovery

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 128 Part 3: Disovery

    Xue Zhao¡¯s name was not known to the court officials, but ¡°Xue Fang Fei¡±, when these three words came out, everyone¡¯s gaze simultaneously turned towards Shen Yurong.

    In that year, Xue Fang Fei gave Shen Yurong a green hat and the people in Yanjing either looked at Shen Yurong with ridicule, with sympathy, or scolded the adulterers. In short, everyone knew about it. Half a year went by, and the stunning beauty in her generation died, bing an unremarkable topic people liked to chat about in their leisure.

    It¡¯s easy for this name to be gradually forgotten with the passing of time, but suddenly, this name was mentioned once again. It unexpectedly rted to Xue Huaiyuan, a person whose case was being followed by everyone.

    Shen Yurong still showed the same ease and gentleness on his face and elegance in his bearing. However, he looked at Jiang Li deeply, with an unknown meaning.

    Ji Heng looked at Jiang Li, the smile at the corner of his mouth deepened. Among the civil and military officials, he was the only person who was watching the pce discussion in a rxed manner. Some were cautious, some rejoiced in other people¡¯s misfortune; only him, with the carelessness of knowing everything, neither heavily nor lightly helped to push ording to her intention.

    Cheng Wang looked at Shen Yurong, a trace of annoyance shed in his heart.

    Jiang Li had a sincere expression, as if truly believing Princess Yongning¡¯s innocence, impatient to exin for Princess Yongning. However, she silentlyughed in her heart.

    This move was retreating to advance. On the surface, actively clearing the injustice on Princess Yongning, but instead, she revealed Xue Zhao and Xue Fang Fei to everybody. Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s case merely involved Xue Huaiyuan alone and originally, nothing woulde out of the investigation. The most crucial point was on Xue Fang Fei.

    Princess Yongning had marked Shen Yurong and there would inevitably be a day where she would enter the Shen family and be Madam Shen. However, when the rumor that Princess Yongning incited Feng Yu Tang to frame Xue Huaiyuan came out, it would be very difficult for Princess Yongning to marry Shen Yurong. Because if she did this, it would give the perfect reason for her framing Xue Huaiyuan. People would say, See, she wants to marry Shen Yurong, that¡¯s why she conspired against Xue Huaiyuan. So much so that Xue Fang Fei and Xue Zhao¡¯s deaths also make people doubtful.

    Repeated rumor bes a fact; public opinion is powerful enough to melt metal. If Princess Yongning wanted to wash this usation, she had to make a clear rtionship with the Shen family and never had anything to do with Shen Yurong.

    But the question was, could Princess Yongning do it?

    Jiang Li believed that Princess Yongning definitely could not do it. Otherwise, that year, she would not have killed her to get Shen Yurong. Yongning was so vicious and domineering, she had to get what she set her eyes on. She was reckless, even if she had this doubtful stigma, she would still definitely insist on marrying Shen Yurong.

    But could Shen Yurong ignore all these?

    After all, she shared the bed with this person before. Although she failed to see this person¡¯s wolf ambition in her previous life, being husband and wife for many years, she still understood his temperament. Shen Yurong was a cautious person, doing his work with thorough consideration, so he definitely would not let Yongning do this at this juncture.

    However, Yongning had reached the age to talk about marriage. It needed three to five years for the wind to turnpletely and afraid she could no longer dy. As a result, there was bound to be hostility, twists and turns between Yongning and Shen Yurong because of this.

    Then it would be her opportunity.

    Jiang Li¡¯s eyes swept through the faces of everyone in the pce hall. Cheng Wang¡¯s anger, Li Zhong Nan¡¯s annoyance, Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s surprise, Ji Yan Lin¡¯s doubt, Ye Shijie¡¯s stunned look, Shen Yurong¡¯s feigned calmness, Emperor Hong Xiao¡¯s profound look and Ji Heng¡¯s smile.

    His smile was rxed as he watched the fire burning across the river<sup>1</sup>; there¡¯s a somewhat tacit understanding of knowing each other¡¯s secrets. His pair of eyes moved, as if he had discovered an interesting thing and seemed to carry a bit of appreciation.

    He knew, he knew everything.

    Jiang Li lowered her head. She had exerted a lot of effort in this fight today. She simply did what she wanted to do.

    For Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s injustice, let Feng Yu Tang pay it back with blood. Most importantly, she had buried a seed between Yongning and Shen Yurong. This seed would germinate and break through the ground, forming an irreconcble crack in theirnd. Then Jiang Li would split this crack in two and start her road of revenge.

    She thought, this is just the beginning.

    ¡­¡­

    The pce discussion pertaining to the Xue case ended like this.

    The pce discussion started with Zhou De Lang, Cheng Wang¡¯s ridicule came next, but was then unwittingly led by Jiang Li all the way until the end. Everything was within Jiang Li¡¯s grasp.

    But this conclusion did not have any room for rebuttal.

    The people of Yanjing were also following the pce discussion closely and discussed the oue. Jiang Li brought the people of Tongxiang to Chang¡¯An Gate and sounded the drum, which already made all the people in Yanjing aware. Unexpectedly, they also found out the causes and effects of the case. Everyone was anxious about the Xue case.

    Thus, in a short period of an hour after the result of the pce discussion came out, the news had nearly been transmitted in the entire Yanjing city.

    That Xue Huaiyuan had truly received a huge injustice. He was clearly a good official, yet had been harmed to such an extent. Everyone was also aware that Xue Huaiyuan was once called Xue Ling Yun, an official in the Ministry of Works who was in charge of repairing the canals in Yanjing.

    The canals had benefited a lot of people. Hearing this piece of information, the people of Yanjing were like the people of Tongxiang, feeling indignant for Xue Huaiyuan. Feng Yu Tang was sentenced to be executed and the people spontaneously wanted to see the death of this evil person with their own eyes.

    At the same time, there was a rumor abuzz that Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s imprisonment came from the country¡¯s Princess Yongning who incited Feng Yu Tang. There was no basis to this rumor, moreover, there was no dealing between Princess Yongning and the Xue family. Consequently, when talking about it, there was no feasible reason. However, there were many people talking about it, thus the entire Yanjing poption also knew.

    It was said that Cheng Wang dispatched people to investigate the source of the rumors, but the person passing the news disappeared without a trace. Yanjing was not Tongxiang, Cheng Wang could not do as what Feng Yu Tang did and oppress the people in Yanjing. At most he punished the several people who openly discussed Princess Yongning. As for those people who discussed privately, he could not take care of them one by one.

    Without a doubt, the person spreading the rumor must be Jiang Li.

    Footnotes:

    <sup>1: watch themotion from afar without doing anything.</sup>

    < >

 Chapter 128.4: Part 4: Discovery

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    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 128 Part 4: Discovery

    Today, Jiang Li went to see Feng Yu Tang¡¯s execution.

    Actually, she did not wish to see these bloody scenes. But recalling that Feng Yu Tang was Yongning¡¯s hunting dog, and how he tormented Xue Huaiyuan in prison to the extent that he turned Xue Huaiyuan into what he was now, she must not have any misgivings. Therefore, though it was reeking of blood, she still had toe today and see Feng Yu Tang being sentenced.

    After Feng Yu Tang, it would be Yongning and Shen Yurong¡¯s turn.

    The mouth of the market was filled with the crowd watching the excitement. The people of Tongxiang had not returned and everyone had already arrived. They threw rocks and vegetables on Feng Yu Tang¡¯s face expressing their resentment. Jiang Li, wearing a bamboo hat, stood far away from the crowd, not letting anyone see her.

    Recently, Jiang Yuan Bai had allocated more bodyguards for Jiang Li. Jiang Li¡¯s way of handling things at the pce discussion had resolutely offended Cheng Wang. Cheng Wang was bound to search for an opportunity to take revenge. To prepare for any eventualities, these days, Jiang Yuan Bai did not let Jiang Li go out at all. Jiang Li had secretly gone out today.

    That day, after the pce discussion, Jiang Yuan Bai asked her why there was Princess Yongning¡¯s involvement in the case at the end. At first, she told Jiang Yuan Bai that it was not Princess Yongning, but the Right Prime Minister Li Zhong Nan. It wasn¡¯t until the pce discussion began that he heard Princess Yongning¡¯s name being mentioned. Jiang Yuan Bai was stunned, supposed he knew that this case had something to do with Princess Yongning, Jiang Yuan Bai definitely would not let Jiang Li to act.

    Jiang Li merely said, ¡°Father, this case indeed had something to do with the Right Prime Minister Li Zhong Nan. However,pared with Li Zhong Nan, Princess Yongning¡¯s letter was more exact. You have also seen what happened at the pce discussion, Li Zhong Nan helped Cheng Wang, he¡¯s Cheng Wang¡¯s person. To speak of Princess Yongning was also talking about Li Zhong Nan. In the end, the basis is the same.¡±

    ¡°But in the end, Princess Yongning was not convicted of any crime!: Jiagn Yuan Bai said.

    ¡°Really?¡± Jiang Li merely replied with a sentence, ¡°but father, if you look at it again, there will be a day when this charge will apply. Now we just need to know the result ahead of schedule, as for the future, we will see.¡±

    Jiang Yuan Bai was still doubtful, but the matter had reached this point and there was no more leeway. Moreover, Jiang Yuan Bai could also see clearly that on that day, Emperor Hong Xiao¡¯s manner during the pce discussion was clearly inclined towards Jiang Li. Perhaps he was hoping to use Xue¡¯s case to push Cheng Wang down. In any case, Jiang Yuan Bai could not pretend not to know Emperor Hong Xiao¡¯s attitude. As a result, he could only drop this matter.

    But after all, in his heart, he was unhappy with Jiang Li deciding things on her own.

    Jiang Li did not pay attention, even if Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue were considered courageous on normal days, seeing the execution being carried, they still covered their eyes. On the contrary, Jiang Li stared at Feng Yu Tang without blinking until he took hisst breath.

    Feng Yu Tang¡¯s henchmen were captured in one go and Emperor Hong Xiao appointed a new county deputy for Tongxiang, Xiangyang. Although Jiang Li did not know this county deputy very well, at least with Feng Yu Tang¡¯s lesson, he would not dare to take things too far.

    Xue Huaiyuan would be staying in the capital. Jiang Li would not be relieved letting Xue Huaiyuan go back by himself. Besides, Emperor Hong Xiao¡¯s golden words were spoken, to invite medical experts from everywhere to treat Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s illness. Jiang Li also intended to let Xue Huaiyuan stay in the capital. By inviting famous physicians from all over, see whether there would be a day when Xue Huaiyuan could get his mind back.

    But Jiang Yuan Bai definitely would not agree to him staying in the Jiang residence. Besides, in the Jiang residence, Jiang Li was also afraid that Ji Shuran would make her move on Xue Huaiyuan to get back at her. After thinking about it, she could only entrust Xue Huaiyuan to Ye Ming Yu.

    Ye Ming Yu did not n to go back to Xiangyang for the time being. Now that Ye Shijie had taken a post as an official, Ye Ming Yu suddenly had a thought, wanting to make the Ye family¡¯s business rise in the capital. With theyers of rtionship between Jiang Li and Ye Shijie, it could be assumed that the Ye family¡¯s business would be better than before. Ye Ming Yu wanted to stay together with Ye Shijie, so Xue Huaiyuan was naturally entrusted to Ye Ming Yu. Firstly, Ye Ming Yu¡¯s martial art was pretty good and there were many people from the rivers andkes beside him. At least, they could protect Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s safety. Secondly, Xue Huaiyuan had been staying with Ye Ming Yu these days, so aside from Jiang Li, Ye Ming Yu was the closest person to him.

    Ye Shijie had no objection, while Ye Ming Yuined incessantly. A good person from the rivers andkes now actually became a bodyguard and maid following Xue Huaiyuan closely. It was not a simple thing! However, Jiang Li requested him solemnly, Ye Ming Yu was softhearted and could only agree.

    After the execution, Jiang Li, together with Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue walked towards the carriage. She was thinking in her mind, for the time being, the matter in Tongxiang hade to an end. Next, she hadpletely offended Cheng Wang and Princess Yongning. Perhaps Cheng Wang would not take action so quickly, but Yongning would definitelye to the door soon.

    Very soon, she had to face the culprits who brought injustice to the Xue family, Yongning and Shen Yurong.

    The carriage was at the corner of the street. Jiang Li arrived at the carriage and went up with Tong¡¯er¡¯s help. As Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue were about to go up to the carriage, they suddenly heard Jiang Li¡¯s voice from inside: ¡°Wait.¡±

    Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue were confused.

    Jiang Li raised her eyes to look at the person in the carriage.

    The young man dressed in red not only did not me himself for being a turtledove upying the magpie¡¯s nest, instead, he had a graceful and noble stance. With his hand holding a folding fan, he spoke, full of smiles, ¡°Second miss.¡±

    Jiang Li paused, and sat in front of him, ¡°Duke Su.¡±

    To her surprise, Ji Heng brazenly came inside her carriage. Obviously, the carriage¡¯s driver had been changed long ago.

    ¡°Duke Suing to see me, is anything the matter?¡± Jiang Li asked.

    He said, ¡°You did note to see me, so I have toe see you.¡±

    Jiang Li pondered a bit, ¡°During the pce discussion, luckily Duke Su spoke on my behalf, Jiang Li can¡¯t thank you enough.¡±

    ¡°No need to feel grateful, it¡¯s Cheng Wang that¡¯s too stupid, I can¡¯t continue looking.¡± Jiang Li¡¯s shadow was reflected clearly in his beautiful eyes. Ji Heng said, ¡°However, you have gone beyond my expectation, after going around for so long, you finally brought the things about Xue Fang Fei out.¡±

    < >

 Chapter 129.1: Part 1: Obsessed

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 129 Part 1: Obsessed

    ¡°However, you have gone beyond my expectation, after going around for so long, you finally brought the things about Xue Fang Fei out.¡±

    These words made Jiang Li could not help lifting her head up to look at Ji Heng. After a moment, she smilingly said, ¡°What is Duke Su talking about. What does this have to do with Xue Fang Fei?¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Ji Hengughed, ¡°Weren¡¯t you in a hurry to redress the injustice on Xue Fang Fei, that¡¯s why you mentioned her name during the pce discussion? With you doing this, Princess Yongning will not be happy.¡±

    His wisdom was almost devil-like, nothing could be concealed from his eyes. Jiang Li did not anticipate that he could connect Xue Fang Fei¡¯s matter with Xue¡¯s case. Moreover, he thought of it very quickly.

    ¡°Why do you want to redress Xue Fang Fei¡¯s injustice?¡± Jiang Li spoke calmly. ¡°Did she not guard the woman¡¯s way and engage in an illicit affair? Official Shen cared about old affection and did not divorce her. Who knew that heavens opened their eyes and took her away, it could be said that she only had herself to me. This kind of person, why do you need to redress?¡± She mentioned herself without changing her face. If it was an ordinary person, they probably could not imagine talking about themselves like this.

    Ji Hengughed and his body suddenly leaned forward. He meaningfully measured Jiang Li¡¯s expression, smiled and in a low voice said, ¡°Why redress her, don¡¯t you know it best?¡±

    Jiang Li was startled and said, ¡°I don¡¯t understand what Duke Su is talking about.¡±

    ¡°You have a clear like and dislike.¡± Ji Heng said softly, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that you did not realize whenever you mentioned Shen Yurong, you did not even call him Master Shen. You and him should have hatred.¡± Ji Heng carelessly yed with the folding fan in his hand, ¡°You also have enmity with Princess Yongning.¡±

    His tone was stating, not questioning. He already knew since earlier, and he also believed his own judgment.

    Jiang Li pondered for a while and said, ¡°Duke¡­..¡±

    ¡°You know their rtionship.¡± Ji Heng looked at her.

    Jiang Li took a deep breath. She was not clear how much Ji Heng actually knew, however, there was one thing that she was sure of, Ji Heng knew far more than what she had thought he knew. She acted stupid persistently, yet it made this ally dissatisfied. It was better to be honest about it, keep the ultimate secret, truth and false, reveal everything, perhaps she could reap unexpected gains.

    ¡°What was Duke Su referring to? Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong being like-minded, their feelings as deep as the sea?¡± She spoke with ridicule. Ji Heng, who was listening to her, also sneered.

    ¡°There¡¯s a lot of sourness based on your tone. Do you also admire the young Master Shen?¡± Ji Heng said, ¡°Only then would you feel jealousy and hate.¡±

    ¡°Sour? Duke Su really knows how to crack jokes. I don¡¯t think Shen Yurong is worth admiring.¡±

    ¡°Then isn¡¯t it strange?¡± Ji Heng stared at Jiang Li, full of interest. ¡°Young Master Shen is handsome, gentle and refined, there are many nobledies in Yanjing who are fond of him. I think you are also at the age when you have your first awakening of love, yet you surprisingly don¡¯t like this attractive and intelligent master?¡±

    He¡¯s good, at this time, he actually discussed such an irrelevant matter with Jiang Li. Jiang Liughed sarcastically, ¡°In the final analysis, Shen Yurong was just an official in the secretariat without any family support. As far as I¡¯m concerned, he was nothing but one of the many people from a humble beginning who climbed up by hook or by crook. I am a youngdy from the Jiang family, talking about an appropriate match, he, Shen Yurong, is still not qualified.¡±

    This could be said to be extremely sarcastic. Jiang Li herself never thought that she would hear such harsh wordsing out of her mouth. If the Shen family members were here, afraid they would be crazy with anger. She just wanted to say, at that time, Princess Yongning said that her family status was too low and she did not match Shen Yurong who had achieved sess in his career. Now she was the chief assistant¡¯s noble daughter. In her eyes, even Shen Yurong, who was sessful in his career, was not worth mentioning. He was just a man who lived off a woman.

    ¡°You ran around for the people of Tongxiang, ate and drank in the same ce, without disliking the other party¡¯s low identities. When ites to Master Shen, you dislike his poor family circumstances. It seems that your prejudice against young Master Shen is very deep, do you have a blood feud with him?¡± He replied with a smile, each of his sentences was probing.

    Jiang Li said with a smile, ¡°I was just telling the truth. Besides, although Duke Su keep on praising Shen Yurong, the way I see it, Shen Yurong is not as good as a single strand of Duke Su¡¯s hair. No matter in appearance, charm, family situation, status, or civil and military, and being resourceful, Shen Yurong falls short of Duke Su by a wide margin. Rather than being confused by such an ordinary person, it¡¯s better to admire such a celestial being like Duke Su, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Ji Heng looked quietly at her. After a while, heughed abruptly and said, ¡°You can speak really well. Jiang Yuan Bai unts himself as a clean and aloof schr, yet his daughter has such a sweet mouth like honey. If my heart is not as hard as iron, afraid I really cannot bear you.¡±

    Jiang Li smiled. Of course she would not foolishly think that her ttering words would please Ji Heng. In fact, cing oneself in Ji Heng¡¯s position, afraid he had been hearing these ttering words everyday. If Ji Hen¡¯s favor was truly easy to obtain by fawning, there would not be rumors about him being ¡°temperamental¡±. However, a stretched out hand would not hit a smiling person. Moreover, she was very willing to belittle Shen Yurong and lift Ji Heng up.

    ¡°Your actions have aroused Shen Yurong and Princess Yongning¡¯s attention.¡± Ji Heng said, ¡°Next, they will deal with you.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks for Duke Su¡¯s reminder.¡± Jiang Li looked at him and spoke very earnestly, ¡°However, Duke Su also once said that my life is yours. No one could take the things in your hands, including my life. Therefore, I¡¯m not worried, because I believe in Duke Su.¡±

    ¡°Little girl, you want to confuse me to join in?¡± His pair of eyes were moving, filled with cold sobriety. He said, ¡°I said I will protect your life, but not acting as a bodyguard for you. In the Northern Yan¡¯s court, afraid you can¡¯t afford the price if you wish for my protection.¡±

    < >

 Chapter 129.2: Part 2: Obsessed

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 129 Part 2: Obsessed

    These words were very arrogant. However, Jiang Li knew that Ji Heng did not tell lies. Cheng Wang desired Ji Heng¡¯s protection, yet was rejected by Ji Heng on the surface. Cheng Wang did not even dare to have the idea of ¡°to eliminate if I couldn¡¯t use¡±, as could be seen.

    Jiang Li said, ¡°Precisely because Duke Su is the person in Northern Yan that is mostly able to protect me, that¡¯s why I hope I can get your protection. What I am nning is not within the norms of society and very difficult. Any carelessness will implicate the people beside me, that¡¯s why I have to do many things myself. But no matter how difficult it is, I still have to do it. Duke Su, things in the world are ups and downs, feng shui will turn. Although at the moment I amount very little, perhaps for you, I am just a noble young miss without any usefulness. Suppose there wille a day, give me a bit of time, I may be able to lend a powerful arm to assist you.¡±

    ¡°You are so small, but your tone is so big. Want to help me?¡± He shook his fan, ¡°you are still a bit too small.¡±

    ¡°At least, I think I am more trustworthypared to Cheng Wang.¡±

    Ji Heng helped Cheng Wang, allowing the current court to be divided into three powers. It was no easy task to have Emperor Hong Xiao rely on him and to let Cheng Wang go no further than a state of bnce. However, Jiang Li thought Cheng Wang¡¯s willingness to stay in this state would notst for long. Emperor Hong Xiao and Cheng Wang¡¯s contradiction did not take shape overnight. Theings and goings between these two people were already worth thinking over. Afraid the bloody battle for the position would arrive soon.

    At that time, it¡¯s unknown which faction the Jiang family would fall into. The Jiang family was also in the middle; if they were wrong, they would quickly be the victim in the fight. There were too many such endings since ancient times.

    Ji Heng looked at her for a while and said, ¡°You just do your own thing. I can¡¯t meddle too much inside the Jiang family. If you need my rescue in everything, then you are not worth my protection. The flowers raised in our duke residence, aside from being good looking, each one has a wonderful effect. Ah Li,¡± he called her name gently, but the words spoken seemed to want to let her see the cruelest truth on earth, ¡°in Yanjing, it¡¯s easy to continue living, but it¡¯s difficult to live well. Especially someone like you, who wants to rely on yourself. I can¡¯t call you stupid, I can only say that you are naive. But you should be d that I don¡¯t dislike your naivety. So, I won¡¯t get involved in the thing that you are constantly thinking about, the thing rting to Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s your business.¡± He said.

    Jiang Li slowly smiled.

    She said, ¡°Many thanks, Duke Su.¡±

    Ji Heng had nothing else to say and was about to get off the carriage. Thinking of something, he abruptly looked for something in his sleeve and threw it to Jiang Li, saying, ¡°If you have any need, blow this whistle, there¡¯s my person inside the Jiang residence who cane to your rescue. Consider it as a gift.¡± He did not turn around, his tone carrying a trace of a smile, like a sigh, also like a gentle blessing.

    ¡°Hope your wish can be fulfilled.¡±

    Ji Heng left, Bai Xue and Tong¡¯er suddenly saw a man getting off the carriage and jumped in fright. After seeing that it was Ji Heng, they were slightly relieved. Jiang Li and Ji Heng¡¯s rtionship seemed pretty good, at least after meeting Ji Heng, Jiang Li did not look unhappy.

    Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue are not Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s people, so naturally they did not have to report this matter to Jiang Yuan Bai. Moreover, the two of them did not stay in the residence before, and were not as pedantic as the other servant girls. Feeling that meeting a strange man privately was not so out-of-bounds.

    After they had gotten in the carriage, Tong¡¯er asked Jiang Li, ¡°Miss, why did Duke Sue to the carriage? Is anything the matter?¡±

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Jiang Li looked at the whistle on her palm. Bai Xue followed her sight and upon seeing the whistle, she said, ¡°This whistle is made finely.¡±

    At the top of the slender porcin whistle, a ck peony bloomed. Even though it was a small thing, the peony was portrayed finely and vividly. Jiang Li put away the whistle and said, ¡°Yes.¡±

    Ji Heng gave her a whistle, and also acquiesced to a fact. Although he could not guess that she was Xue Fang Fei, he had a tacit understanding in regards to the things that she was about to do, which was to deal with Shen Yurong and Princess Yongning in the future in order to express the injustice done to the brother and sister, Xue Fang Fei and Xue Zhao.

    He knew, he would not ask, he approved and at the crucial time, he would still help.

    Hence she had one more bargaining chip, and it was the biggest chip in Northern Yan¡¯s court. Even though this bargaining chip required her to pay a price, which at this moment, she still was not clear what the price would be.

    However, Jiang Li thought that this was not a money losing business, to the extent that she was nearly unafraid of the future.

    She needed to n well, as for whether it could be done or not, dared to do or not, with Ji Heng around, she was not afraid.

    ¡­¡­

    Just like Ji Heng said, Princess Yongning was flying into a rage in the princess mansion.

    Feng Yu Tang was executed and did not mention Princess Yongning¡¯s name before his death. However, Cheng Wang told Yongning that though it looked like that on the surface, they could not find out what the Ministry of Justice Zhou De Zhao managed to extract from Feng Yu Tang¡¯s mouth. Even though Emperor Hong Xiao did not perform an in-depth investigation on the surface, letting Jiang Li rehabilitate Jiang Li during the pce discussion had already shown the Emperor¡¯s attitude clearly. It was no longer a secret that Emperor Hong Xiao wanted to deal with Cheng Wang.

    A Xue family¡¯s case was interrted with the undercurrent in Northern Yan¡¯s court. Cheng Wang had already returned to discuss with Liu taifei the things concerning Emperor Hong Xiao. Emperor Hong Xiao no longer fully concealed his killing intention towards Cheng Wang, which also meant that the day was not far off, and they had to start preparing to act.

    As for Princess Yongning, she did not care about the moment in the court. In her opinion, sooner orter, the world would belong to Cheng Wang. When that day came, her status would be even higher and there was nothing that she could not get. At present, the thing she was most worried about and hated was actually Jiang Li.

    < >

 Chapter 129.3: Part 3: Obsessed

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 129 Part 3: Obsessed

    Jiang Li involved herself in the Xue family¡¯s case in the pce discussion, and that was that, after all, there was no evidence. She had persuaded Liu taifei with great difficulty to exin to Emperor Hong Xiao and select an auspicious date, intending to take Shen Yurong as the princess¡¯s husband. Shen Yurong had also agreed. Against reason, at this time, the Xue family¡¯s case was exposed, and Xue Fangfei, who had gradually been forgotten by the people in Yanjing, was mentioned again.

    Thus, no need to talk about getting married with Shen Yurong, as long as she had a bit of rtionship with Shen Yurong and walked a bit closer, those people who liked to act on groundless usations would say: In order to be together with Shen Yurong, Princess Yongning instructed Feng Yu Tang to frame Xue Huaiyuan and imprison him. This kind of tactic, perhaps, there was something behind the matter of Xue Fang Fei engaging in an illicit affair!

    Yongning did not want the dirty water on Xue Fang Fei to be washed clean and let her be the first beautiful and talented woman in Yanjing again!

    What she was most anxious about was Shen Yurong setting the marriage aside due to this case.

    Having been in love with Shen Yurong for so long, Princess Yongning had also figured out Shen Yurong¡¯s temperament. Shen Yurong was cautious and used to weigh the pros and cons. This matter was damaging to him and not beneficial at all, so he would definitely reconsider his marriage with her. At least for now, he would not get married to her. Shen Yurong could wait, but she, Princess Yongning, could not wait. What if something happened midway? She was in a hurry to possess him.

    Now Shen Yurong had retreated and Princess Yongning nearly fell out with him over this matter. Shen Yurong was extremely stubborn so this time, even Yongning felt frustrated. She could not deal with Shen Yurong, so all the hatred was transferred to Jiang Li. If Jiang Li was not so nosy and looked into Xue¡¯s case, how could the situatione to this!

    Princess Yongning suspected that Jiang Li was deliberate. She instructed Feng Yu Tang to assassinate Jiang Li, but it unexpectedly failed. She was also killed by Jiang Li and the people of Tongxiang she brought to the capital, catching her off guard. Mentioning her name in the pce discussion was clearly intentional. Jiang Li had long known that she sent people to kill her, but instead, she turned the table. Princess Yongning even had a conjecture that Jiang Li might have possibly known since earlier that she was the master behind Feng Yutang, and did not identally learn about it from the letter. The name Xue Fangfei was also not casually mentioned by her. Perhaps Jiang Li even knew about Xue Fangfei¡¯s cause of death¡­.. In the end, how much did she know?

    All of a sudden, Princess Yongning stood up, impatience on her face. She had dealt with the people who knew about Xue Fang Fei¡¯s matters. She believed in being absolutely safe in the things she did and would not let other people be aware of it. However, she did not know why Jiang Li¡¯s appearance gave birth to an uneasy feeling, always feeling that Xue Fang Fei¡¯s case was notpletely secure.

    ¡°It won¡¯t do,¡± a trace of ruthlessness shed on her face, ¡°Jiang Li must not stay alive in this world.¡±

    Xue Fang Fei was already dead, everything about Xue Fang Fei and the Xue family should be buried, just like Xue Fang Fei, with no mention from anyone. Along with time, there would be no more traces of their existence in the world. Since Jiang Li touched the Xue family¡¯s secret, even if it was just a possibility, she no longer had any reason to stay alive in this world.

    Chop the grass to eliminate the root, who let her think for herself and unfortunately, pulled a rtionship with the Xue family.

    ¡°Princess, you must not.¡± Princess Yongning¡¯s close handmaid, Mei Xiang, said, ¡°Xue¡¯s case has just passed, His Royal Highness Cheng Wang said he does not know what strategy the emperor ising up with in the dark. If something happened to Miss Jiang second at this time, wouldn¡¯t it give the emperor the chance to deal with our princess mansion. Besides, Miss Jiang second was not an ordinary person, with many bodyguards around her. It¡¯s hard to avoid leaving a mark doing things in Yanjing. Princess, it¡¯s really too risky.¡±

    Mei Xiang was Princess Yongning¡¯s trusted aide and she had full confidence in her. Princess Yongning pinched her eyebrows and said impatiently, ¡°This won¡¯t do, that won¡¯t do. Jiang Li simply does not put this princess in her eyes. Don¡¯t tell this princess to let her be this unbridled. If it were not her, how could this princess and official Shen be noisy to such an extent. This princess ate a loss in her hand, don¡¯t tell me that I can¡¯t do anything and swallow this silently? How is it possible?!¡±

    Princess Yongning is used to being domineering, indeed there had not been any situation like this where she ate a loss and was unable to say anything. Mei Xiang walked over, supported Princess Yongning toy down once again and hammered her shoulders gently. She said, ¡°Princess, it¡¯s not that we can¡¯t deal with Miss Jiang second, but rather must not do it at this time. Wait for the wind direction to change a little, it won¡¯t be toote for the princess to act.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s easy to speak.¡± Princess Yongning sneered, ¡°Whenever this princess recalls this matter, this princess itches to tear the skin on this cheap person. You want this princess to endure, it¡¯s easier said than done!¡±

    ¡°Princess, actually it¡¯s really not enduring.¡± Mei Xiang said patiently, ¡°Some things do not need the princess to do herself. Though Miss Jiang second looks gentle, she has made many enemies in the Jiang family. If someone acted on behalf of the princess, the princess does not have to do anything, just waiting to reap the benefit, isn¡¯t it a wonderful thing?¡±

    Princess Yongning heard the actual meaning of her words and asked, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°ve heard that Miss Jiang second was sent to Mount Qingcheng seven years ago due to her reputation of harming her mother and killing her brother. Think about it, her own son was killed in this youngdy¡¯s hand, how would Madam Jiang be willing? There are two di daughters in the main branch of the Jiang family. Originally, the Jiang family¡¯s third miss, Jiang You Yao, was famous in Yanjing, the envy of everyone. Who knew when Miss Jiang second returned to the capital, in half a year, she did not just obtained the first position in the examination, received the emperor¡¯s gift, she also gets the people¡¯s sentiments. All themon people in Yanjing who heard of Jiang second miss¡¯s reputation praised her.¡±

    ¡°In contrast, Miss Jiang third became duller, and people areparing. The more well-off Miss Jiang second is, who will feel more unwell? The one suffering will be Miss Jiang third. As the birth mother of Miss Jiang third, added to the former grievance, how could Ji-shi feelfortable? Therefore princess, say, currently, who is the person who hates Miss Jiang second the most, and the one who regards her as the thorn in her side?¡±

    < >

 Chapter 129.4: Part 4: Possessed

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 129 Part 4: Possessed

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­¡­. Ji-shi.¡± Princess Yongning¡¯s eyes shed. But soon, she nced at her servant girl suspiciously. ¡°How did you find out about these things so clearly? What proof do you have? It¡¯s true that Ji-shi hates Jiang Li, but Ji-shi always has a reputation for being virtuous. To protect the good reputation of Madam Jiang, so what if she has to endure? Moreover, Jiang Li was so cunning, Ji-shi may not be able to fight her.¡±

    Mei Xiang whispered, ¡°Princess, this ve¡¯s younger cousin is working in Miss Jiang third¡¯s courtyard, it¡¯s this ve¡¯s younger cousin that told this ve. She also said that Ji-shi hates Jiang Li very much. When Jiang Li went to Tongxiang, Ji-shi hired killers to harm Miss Jiang second¡¯s life while on the road. However, it¡¯s unknown why it did not seed and Miss Jiang second still arrived safely in Yanjing.¡±

    Hearing this, Princess Yongning clenched her teeth, ¡°She is really lucky.¡±

    So Your Royal Highness Princess does not need to worry, Miss Jiang second meddled in so many things and there are many people who want her life. This time, Miss Jiang second won over Xue¡¯s case, Ji-shi must not be able to bear it even more. In order to avoid further danger, Ji-shi will definitely deal ruthlessly. Princess might as well look on, if Ji-shi wins and Miss Jiang second suffers defeat, it will naturally be to everyone¡¯s satisfaction. If Ji-shi loses, then Princess has to be even more on guard against Miss Jiang second, Miss Jiang second is clearly not simple.¡±

    ¡°You are talking about Ji-shi?¡± Princess Yongning said with disdain, ¡°She¡¯s just a married woman, if she really has the ability, how could she tolerate Jiang Li climbing on her head, and still reached this stage now. It can be seen that she has no ability. I don¡¯t think she can deal with Jiang Li.¡±

    ¡°Ji-shi is nothing, but behind Ji-shi is the Vice Imperial Censor, the Ji family. Don¡¯t forget, princess, Li-pin is a member of the Ji family. Li-pin is not a fool, able to obtain His Majesty¡¯s doting in the pce. If Ji-shi truly has no way, she only needs to ask Li-pin for a method, Li-pin would not refuse. So¡­.. who will be victorious or who will be defeated in the end is still hard to say.¡±

    Princess Yongning nodded and said, ¡°What you said makes sense, Li-pin indeed has a bit of a brain. Since it¡¯s like that¡­..¡± She looked at Mei Xiang, ¡°Since you are clever, think of a good way to push the wave in this matter. Take advantage of your younger cousin, or you think of a way yourself. Within a month, I want Ji-shi to take action on Jiang Li. No matter what the result will be¡­.. The two of them must receive casualties!¡±

    Mei Xiang responded in a hurry.

    Only then did Princess Yongning seem to feel a bit happier. She looked at Mei Xiang and said, ¡°You are loyal, don¡¯t worry, if this matter seeds, your merit will be recorded and you will be greatly rewarded.¡±

    Mei Xiang thanked her joyfully. When she lowered her head, no one saw the unusual sh in her eyes.

    ¡­¡­

    In the Jiang residence, Ji Shuran was chatting with Jiang You Yao.

    Jiang You Yao wasying on Ji Shuran¡¯s knees. Ever since Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s affair had passed, Ji Shuran had been looking for a suitable talented youngster for Jiang You Yao. There were actually some good ones, but Jiang You Yao was absent-minded. Ji Shuran could see that she still had feelings for Zhou Yan Bang. Fearing that she would do something inappropriate, she asked people to constantly monitor Jiang You Yao or apany Jiang You Yao herself, not letting Jiang You Yao have the opportunity to go out and make mistakes.

    Jiang You Yao did not know whether she was decadent due to being discouraged or any other reason. It was on the day when Jiang Li returned that Jiang You Yao¡¯s fighting spirit ignited. She wished Jiang Li would end up miserably.

    Unfortunately, her wish failed. Jiang Li brought the people from Tongxiang county to redress Xue¡¯s case and made her reputation even better. And her reasoning in the pce discussion, her arguments that knew when to advance or retreat, also made some court officers praise her endlessly.

    No matter how one looked at it, Jiang Li had gradually surpassed her.

    Ji Shuran¡¯s maid, Xia Han, walked in and said, ¡°Madam, second miss is not in the residence, it was said that she went to the Ye residence to visit Xue Huaiyuan.¡±

    ¡°Xue Huaiyuan,¡± Jiang You Yao snorted upon hearing this name. ¡°Isn¡¯t he just a madman, still has to be looked at the whole time. She¡¯s really just putting on an act, wanting to be famous, to gain a reputation of being kind hearted.¡±

    Ji Shuran did not pay attention to Jiang You Yao¡¯s words and asked, ¡°Did you find out if there¡¯s any rtionship between Jiang Li and the Xue family before?¡±

    Xia Han shook her head, ¡°Second miss had always stayed in Yanjing since she was born. As for going to other ces, it was just Mount Qingcheng for eight years. The Xue family had never been to Mount Qingcheng. Not the least bit of rtions could be found between them.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s strange.¡± Ji Shuran¡¯s eyes shed, ¡°Since there¡¯s no rtions, why is she so concerned about Xue Huaiyuan?¡±

    ¡°Mother, I¡¯ve said it, she is just keeping up appearances for others to see that she has a merciful heart. Really disgusting.¡±

    Ji Shuran shook her head and said, ¡°She¡¯s really not acting.¡±

    Indeed, Jiang Li was a shrewd girl with intention. At her age, there were not many girls who were like her, able to conceal the happiness and anger on her face. However, precisely because of this, her mood was sometimes revealed. It was unusual for her to disy her emotions. Her concern and closeness towards Xue Huaiyuan was not a pretense.

    Jiang Yuan Bai also felt this. That¡¯s why these days, Ji Shuran had blown pillow winds to Jiang Yuan Bai without a trace, telling him that Jiang Li was not as close to him as towards an outsider.

    Although Jiang Yuan Bai did not say anything, inside, he must have minded. So these days, he had been indifferent towards Jiang Li.

    For Ji Shuran, this was not enough. She must uncover the secret inside and grab hold of Jiang Li¡¯s handle, only then could she win with a single strike.

    Xun Chun spoke from the side, ¡°This ve sees that the second miss treats Xue Huaiyuan as her own rtive. Second miss could not have been possessed, right?¡±

    Possessed? Ji Shuran¡¯s heart moved.

    She said, ¡°What nonsense, can you talk about being possessed so casually?¡±

    When Jiang You Yao heard this, she said in disapproval, ¡°I think she is really possessed. Otherwise, mother, why did she be different after returning from Mount Qingcheng? Mount Qingcheng could turn a fool into a clever person, then those nuns and monks are immortals, right? Perhaps she was upied by whatever fox spiritsing to our house to make trouble.¡±

    >

 Chapter 130.1: Part 1: Master

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    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 130 Part 1: Master

    ¡°I think she is really possessed. Otherwise, mother, why did she be different after returning from Mount Qingcheng? Mount Qingcheng could turn a fool into a clever person, then those nuns and monks are immortals, right? Perhaps she was upied by whatever fox spiritsing to our house to make trouble.¡±

    Jiang You Yao¡¯s unintentional words made Ji Shuran really ponder deeply.

    In fact, her suspicion about Jiang Li was not just one or two days. When Ji Shuran entered the door in that year, she could see that Jiang Li was stupid. Ye Zhen Zhen passed away early and no one guided her in anything. After Ji Shuran passed the door she managed to coax Jiang Li into obedience.

    Jiang Li was impetuous and did not use her brain. It¡¯s actually fine to raise a person like this in the residence, but afterwards, Ji Shuran saw the marriage with Zhou Yan Bang. In order to clear the road for Jiang You Yao, at this time, Ji Shuran also looked for ways to break Jiang Li¡¯s affair.

    Who knew whether Jiang Li was aware of that secret or not, which made Ji Shuran anxious. She did not hesitate to use that lump of meat in her belly precisely to make Jiang Yuan Bai reject Jiang Li and not willing to listen to Jiang Li¡¯s words.

    Jiang Yuan Bai really spurned Jiang Li and sent her to Mount Qingcheng. In the past eight years, the entire Jiang family did not show any concern about Jiang Li, not paying attention to her life or death in Mount Qingcheng. Ji Shuran was astonished at Jiang Li¡¯s tenacity to live, under that kind of situation, she had unexpectedly still lived on. However, as Jiang You Yao and Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s marriage was approaching, she was afraid that Jiang Yuan Bai would remember this daughter. Therefore she dispatched someone to do something in secret.

    The person who reported back told her that Jiang Li had jumped into theke and that no one could see any clues of their movements. Jiang Li was dying at that time and would not be able to pass the summer. Ji Shuran was relieved, but this relief did notst long as Jiang Li walked out from the Gate of Hell and to her surprise, returned alive. Not only that, the love affair between He Lin temple¡¯s Master and Jing An Master was exposed. Chengde Magistrate¡¯s madam, Madam Liu, suddenly stepped out, Emperor Hong Xiao personally beat Jiang Yuan Bai¡­.. One by one came, catching her off guard, messing up all her ns and Jiang Li safely returned to the capital like this.

    From that moment on, everything started to get out of control. She stole Jiang You Yao¡¯s limelight in the examination field, Zhou Yan Bang was suddenly found together with Jiang Yu¡¯e, the Ye family¡¯s young master inexplicably became an official, and now, the whole Yanjing sang her praises¡­.. Jiang Li seemed to have changed into another person. In front of this 16 year old girl, Ji Shuran could not get any benefit at all and suffered losses again and again.

    It really wasn¡¯t because she turned stupid, rather, it was Jiang Li who had turned smarter. She became cunning and scheming, yet her face was still warm and kind. Every time Ji Shuran saw her eyes, she felt cold all over.

    How could there be such a girl that is very good in her disguise?

    Aside from protesting on behalf of Jiang You Yao, Ji Shuran also had her own considerations. After Jiang Li returned to Yanjing, she had never mentioned that thing. Ji Shuran thought, perhaps Jiang Li did not hear what she said that year. However¡­.. She could not afford it, that secret was like a constant danger to her, she could not take any risk. Jiang Li was getting more and more difficult to deal with now, if she was not eliminated quickly, afraid it would be even more difficult when she wanted to make her move in the future.

    Jiang You Yao¡¯s words reminded Ji Shuran.

    Jiang Li¡¯s temperament had changed greatly since her return from Mount Qingcheng and was proficient in all subjects. She took care of that Tongxiang County Deputy, Xue Huaiyuan, very gently and carefully, there must be an inside story between the two of them. It did not matter if it could not be found out, as long as there was a doubtful point on her, Jiang Li must not think ofing out unscathed.

    But how to point it out, how to reach the best goal, she still could not figure it out.

    ¡°I have to go to the pce for a visit.¡± Ji Shuran stood up.

    ¡°What are you doing entering the pce?¡± Jiang You Yao asked.

    Ji Shuran smiled, ¡°Of course it¡¯s to see your aunt, Li-pin.¡±

    In regards to killing people without seeing blood, Li-pin was an expert on it. Li-pin¡¯s help.was needed toe up with a strategy.

    ¡­¡­

    In the pce, Li-pin was sitting in the hall watching someone ying the qin.

    Sitting opposite her was Ming Yi Hall¡¯s female teacher, Xiao De Yin, the current number one qin yer in Yanjing.

    Although Xiao Deyin refused to enter the pce, she was on good friendly terms with Li-pin, and asionally came into the pce to chat with Li-pin. It was precisely for this reason that although Xiao Deyin was not a qin yer in the pce, the people in the pce would be respectful to her when they saw her.

    After the song was over, Li-pin stroked her palms, smiled and said: ¡°You have the leisure toe to my ce today, why didn¡¯t you go to Her Royal Highness the Princess?¡±

    Princess Yongning also liked the sound of Xiao De Yin¡¯s qin, and invited Xiao De Yin to y in her mansion from time to time.

    ¡°Her Royal Highness the princess has been in a bad mood these days, so it¡¯s better not to disturb.¡± Xiao De Yin said with a smile.

    When Li-pin heard this, she asked, ¡°Is it because of the Xue family¡¯s case?¡±

    Xiao De Yin nodded, ¡°Correct.¡±

    Li-pin sighed: ¡°Yongning has also suffered an unjustified disaster. Out of the blue, how could the Xue family¡¯s case involve her. Now there are rumors outside, and she has to pay attention.¡±

    Xiao De Yin said, ¡°Indeed, this time, Miss Jiang second really went too far. Xue¡¯s case was originallyplicated, without any evidence, yet it also pulled Princess Yongning into this muddy water. It was just a matter of one sentence for Miss Jiang second, but for Princess Yongning, she could not exin clearly.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Li-pin sighed, ¡°Heard that during the pce discussion, Miss Jiang second also mentioned Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s rtives. When she brought up Xue Fang Fei¡¯s name. Master Shen from the Secretariat was also present, he seemed to be extremely embarrassed.

    When the words ¡°Xue Fang Fei¡± were spoken, Xiao Deyin¡¯s expression was unnatural for a moment.

    Fortunately, Li-pin did not continue this subject and said, ¡°that Miss Jiang second is also awesome, without mentioning this pce discussion, she also took the limelight in the examinationst time. You have also heard her ying the qin, it was said to be pretty good.¡±

    This time, Xiao De Yin¡¯s face became even more unsightly. It should be made aware that after the examination, many peoplepared Jiang Li¡¯s ¡°Hu Ji Eighteen Beats¡± to hers. If it weren¡¯t for the fact that she and Jiang Li were not in the same stage, she was afraid that many people would ask her topare with Jiang Li. Moreover, even if they didn¡¯t say so, others also said that the future first qin master in Yanjing must be Jiang Li.

    < >

 Chapter 130.2: Part 2: Master

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    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 130 Part 2: Master

    Xiao De Yin was unwilling to concede, but she had to admit that her skill was worse than Jiang Li¡¯s skill in ying the qin. That¡¯s why she was afraid, how long would her reputation as the number one qin yer be kept if Jiang Li once again yed the qin in a different setting.

    It¡¯s unknown whether Li-pin noticed herplexion; Li-pin held the teacup on the table and took a sip. Right at this moment, a pce maid entered and said, ¡°Imperial concubine, Madam Jiang is here.¡±

    Xiao De Yin hurriedly got up, ¡°Then, De Yin will withdraw for leave and will not disturb concubine Li-pin anymore.¡±

    Li-pin did not urge her to stay and said, ¡°Since it¡¯s so then we will chat another day. Hong Zhu, send Teacher Xiao.¡±

    Hong Zhu apanied Xiao De Yin¡¯s departure. Lu WU asked, ¡°Concubine, why did you bring up the matter about Miss Jiang second¡¯s ying in the qin in the examination? ve saw that Teacher Xiao¡¯splexion was not very good.¡±

    ¡°I just want her to feel unhappy.¡± Li-pin¡¯s smile gradually disappeared. She said, ¡°This person, Xiao De Yin, is the mostpetitive and ces reputation more important than anything else. Jiang Li is so troublesome, with one more Xiao De Yin to deal with her, my younger sister will live a bit better. However,¡± she sighed, ¡°Shuran should have no way to deal with it, that¡¯s why she came looking for my help, or maybe she ran into something.¡±

    Ji Shuran came in.

    When she entered, she first saluted respectfully on the ground. Li-pin asked a pce maid to help her up.

    ¡°Third sister,¡± Li-pin said, ¡°Why are you here?¡±

    Ji Shuran looked at her older sister who looked younger than herself. It really wasn¡¯t because Ji Shuran was not pretty enough, but even though Li-pin was older than her, Li-pin always carried a naive and pampered young girl¡¯s look. This made her appear no different from all the other young females in the harem and even made her more graceful.

    Among the three Ji sisters, Li-pin was the most good looking one, the one with the most strong temperament was Chen Ji-shi, while she, because she was the youngest, was the one who was most doted on. Ji Shuran and Ji Chen-shi were the closest, but she most admired this eldest sister. Not mentioning anything else, just based on their age, Li-pin could still dominate Emperor Hong Xiao¡¯s love in the pce.

    Ji Yan Lin had decided early on to send this eldest daughter to the pce. Therefore whatever the family ate or used, the best were always given to Li-pin. Ji Shuran was not sensible when she was young, so she alwaysined about the partial treatment. When she grew up, and Li-pin became someone in the pce the Ji family relied on, only then did she slowly be sensible.

    Especially now, she needed help everywhere, but felt that Chen Ji-shi was unable topletely help her. So she requested help from this delicate eldest sister.

    ¡°Older sister,¡± Ji Shuran did not call her concubine, but called her like ordinary sisters. She said, ¡°You have seen the circumstances in my residence. Jiang Li, this girl, is bing harder and harder to control. I am looking for a way to eliminate her.¡±

    When Li-pin heard this, she shook her head and said, ¡°I could see during the previous pce feast that Jiang Li is someone hard to deal with. Youngest sister, you have been immersed in the backyard for so many years, how could you have ignored her growth until she reached this degree? If it were me, I would not have waited until now to take action. Now this girl¡¯s wings have hardened, it¡¯s not so easy to eliminate her like before.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that I have never thought of eliminating her, but the matter in that year was too sudden.¡± Ji Shuran said, ¡°Master sent her to Mount Qingcheng, I thought she was merely a little girl and would not be able to make any waves. When she became older, find someone to send her out, and she still could pave the way for Bing Ji. Who knew Jiang Li¡¯s temperament would change so much when she returned, iparably cunning, even I find it hard to deal with her.¡±

    Li-pin looked at her and said, ¡°You came looking for me now, wanting me to help me eliminate her. Leaving the fact that I¡¯m in the pce, with eyes staring everywhere, if I took on the task to help you, it would only provoke trouble for myself. Moreover, now Xue¡¯s case has just passed, if Jiang Li soon got into an ident, His Majesty would certainly let the authorities investigate thoroughly. You want to take action is not a wise move.¡±

    ¡°Sister, you¡¯ve misunderstood me.¡± Ji Shuran said, ¡°I naturally know that Jiang Li¡¯s life must not be threatened at this time. However, if it¡¯s a family matter, others should not be able to take care of it, right?¡±

    Li-pin asked, ¡°What¡¯s your thought?¡±

    ¡°Sister, in the pce, you should know many talented people. I found many dubious points after Jiang Li returned to Yanjing. There were no teachers in Mount Qingcheng, how did she have so many skills? Moreover, many times I feel¡­.. I feel that she has be a different person, there wasn¡¯t any shadow of the previous person. You have also heard about the Tongxiang case this time, before, Jiang Li took Xue Huaiyuan to stay in the Jiang residence, attending to him without any regards. Even now, she still goes to the Ye residence everyday to visit Xue Huaiyuan. That attitude, she was more like a father daughter to Xue Huaiyuan than towards our Master. There are rumors in the residence saying that Jiang Li was touched with evil. There are many fox-spirits and demons in Mount Qingcheng, perhaps something attached itself to her body that¡¯s why she became so strange¡­¡­. I¡¯m thinking of asking my sister to help me look for a person, best to find a talented and famous person toe to our ce and drive evil¡­..¡±

    They were all smart people, with tacit understanding. Without saying things too clearly, especially since they were sisters, they would understand with just a bit of speech.

    Li-pin understood and smiled slightly, ¡°This is also a method, but if it is not done well, afraid you can¡¯t convince others.¡±

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Ji Shuran said, ¡°So that Master is a very important point.¡± This ¡°Master¡± must be someone that could make people believe, preferably someone well-known.

    ¡°I know,¡± Li-pin said, ¡°I will arrange this. But youngest sister, you have to seed in this. Nowadays, there are many people eyeing my position in the harem, if you lose, it will implicate me¡­..¡±

    ¡°It won¡¯t.¡± Ji Shuran trembled inside. If it really implicated Li-pin, let alone Li-pin, even Ji Yan Lin would not spare her. Thinking of this, she looked at Li-pin¡¯s lower abdomen, ¡°Actually¡­.. As long as older sister conceives a dragon child, an insignificant Jiang Li will not amount to anything. Master could not protect her even if he wanted to, and there¡¯s You Yao, she does not need to be so confused over a marriage.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t I want to?¡± Li-pin drew a long sigh, ¡°all methods have been used, but can¡¯t conceive, it¡¯s probably fate.¡±

    ¡­ and we are here, one of the favorite plot in Chinese drama¡­. calling a master to exorcise evil XD

    < >

 Chapter 130.3: Part 3: Master

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    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 130 Part 3: Master

    Afraid of touching Li-pin¡¯s sore point, Ji Shuran did not dare to say more. She was still very happy receiving Li-pin¡¯s promise and chatted about family matters for a while before excusing herself.

    After Ji Shuran left, Li-pin spoke to her close female servant, Hong Zhu: ¡°Take my invitation card, ask Taoist priest Chong Xu toe.¡±

    Hong Zhu epted the order and left. Lu Wu said, ¡°Concubine really wants to invite Taoist priest Chong Xu?¡±

    ¡°Of course, Li-pin sighed, ¡°Although this younger sister of mine is confused, her feelings on this one thing are the same as mine.¡± Her eyes darkened, ¡°Jiang Li must not stay.¡±

    ¡­¡­

    In the Jiang residence, Jiang Li had just returned from visiting Xue Huaiyuan in the Ye residence.

    As soon as she entered the courtyard, Qing Feng and Ming Yue hurriedly weed her. Once they entered the room, Qingfeng said, ¡°Miss, Ji-shi entered the pce soon after you left.¡±

    ¡°Entered the pce?¡± Jiang Li sat down and said strangely, ¡°What is she doing in the pce?¡±

    ¡°ve secretly bribed a servant girl from Warm and Graceful Courtyard and heard that Ji-shi went to the pce to see Li-pin.¡±

    After hearing this, Tong¡¯er was rmed. She looked at Jiang Li, ¡°Miss, Ji-shi suddenly went to see Li-pin, is it because of your matter?¡±

    ¡°Must be,¡± Ming Yue nodded at the side, ¡°ve also thought of this. After miss returned to the residence, Ji-shi has been quiet, but that does not mean that she was not plotting something. Meeting Concubine Li at this time, isn¡¯t it because she wants Concubine Li to lead in thinking of a devious move?¡±

    Qing Feng and Ming Yue were nice and proper maids, after being with Tong¡¯er for some time, they were led astray and were blunt when speaking in private. Jiang Li smiled and said, ¡°It¡¯s okay, anyway they cannot deal with me.¡±

    ¡°Just fearing they will use tricks.¡± Tong¡¯er said solemnly.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Jiang Li thought of the small whistle tucked inside her sleeve. Now she had one more chip, Ji Heng said she could blow the whistle if something came up and the person he had arranged inside the Jiang residence would appear. This person could be said to temporarily belong to her and how to use this person should be based on her arrangement.

    Perhaps because she thought that she had one more person in her hand to use, or perhaps it¡¯s because she just saw Xue Huaiyuan that Jiang Li felt happy, and she couldn¡¯t stop the smile on her face.

    Tong¡¯er looked strangely at Jiang Li and did not understand how she was not on guard and seemed happy after clearly knowing that Ji Shuran was secretly scheming against her?

    ¡°Yes, the Marquis of Ningyuan¡¯s residence also sent a post.¡± Ming Yue took out a post from her sleeve and handed it to Jiang Li.

    ¡°The Marquis of Ningyuan¡¯s residence?¡± Bai Xue was astonished, ¡°The heir of Marquis Ningyuan¡¯s marriage is already set, why did he still send a post to Miss?¡±

    ¡°It is not Zhou heir,¡± Qing Feng said, ¡°Fifth Miss sent the post.¡±

    ¡°Jiang Yu¡¯e?¡± Jiang Li opened the post, took a look and saw that the post was indeeding from Jiang Yu¡¯e. It¡¯s written that she had not seen Jiang Li for a long time and invited Jiang Li to go to the Zhou residence to get together.

    Jiang Li merely nced at it before throwing the post to the side.

    ¡°Miss?¡± Tong¡¯er was puzzled.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what she is nning, I really don¡¯t have the mind to deal with her.¡± Jiang Li said. Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s post was short of writing ¡°there¡¯s nothing good in going¡±. In the Jiang residence, she and Jiang Yu¡¯e never dealt with each other. Jiang Yu¡¯e stood on Jiang You Yao¡¯s side, afterwards, due to the happening in the pce feast, Jiang Yu¡¯e and Jiang You Yao had a falling out and Jiang Yu¡¯e was even disfigured. Even so, that did not mean that the rtionship between Jiang Yu¡¯e and Jiang Li was reconciled.

    Moreover, Jiang Li thought that a person¡¯s character would not suddenly change greatly within a short period of time. The words written by Jiang Yu¡¯e in this post were extremely gentle, as if another person was writing it. If it were not taken out by Qing Feng and Ming Yue, Jiang Li would definitely suspect that the post was not written by Jiang Yu¡¯e at all.

    Jiang Yu¡¯e was so humble just to ask herself to get together at the Zhou residence, Jiang Li did not believe thatter on Zhou Yan Bang did not figure out that she had calcted him during the pce feast. He might be unreconciled, afraid he wanted to use Jiang Yu¡¯e hand to do something. She did not want to waste energy to apany them performing.

    ¡°Just ignore it?¡± Tong¡¯er asked. ¡°Does this ve need to burn it or keep it? Miss still has to reply to the post and refuse.¡±

    Jiang Li pondered for a while and said, ¡°Don¡¯t throw it, find a way to drop it on the road that Jiang You Yao¡¯s servant girl usually passes through to let Jiang You Yao see.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the reason for doing this?¡± Bai Xue was puzzled. ¡°When the third miss sees it, wouldn¡¯t she be even more angry?¡±

    ¡°Yes, her brain is not good, once angered, she would do something out of bound. I think with her making a lot of noise, Ji Shuran would be busy coping with her and has no spare time to deal with me, then there will be a few days of peace. Their not dealing with me for the time being will allow me to get to the bottom of what they want to do. Don¡¯t fight a war you¡¯re not prepared for. This battle, won¡¯t it be more exciting if you are prepared?¡±

    The few maids considered it for a while and decided that this was feasible. Thus they discussed how to deliver this post naturally to Jiang You Yao.

    Jiang Li sent them out, telling them that she was going to read. She stayed seated in front of the desk and felt the whistle in her sleeve.

    The whistle looked cold, it¡¯s hard to believe that one of Ji Heng¡¯s people was hiding in this residence. Jiang Li thought for a while before putting the whistle back.

    It¡¯s not very secure now, wait until night time and she would try.

    ¡­¡­

    At night, the entire residence sank into silence.

    Jiang Li let Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue go to sleep, iming she still wanted to read. After the two servant girls departed, Jiang Li stood by the window, took out the whistle from her sleeve and lightly blew.

    She did not know if Ji Heng¡¯s person would hear and in what form they would appear, she wanted to try. She stood calmly and waited patiently.

    A momentter, a figure suddenly shed under the tree in front of the window, and then someone seemed to be standing under the window.

    Jiang Li said softly, ¡°Come in.¡±

    The next moment, that person entered by jumping through the window noiselessly and stopped in front of her.

    < >

 Chapter 130.4: Part 4: Master

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 130 Part 4: Master

    Jiang Li closed the window, turned her head to look, but she was stunned when she saw the other person¡¯s face clearly. This was no one else but the Jiang family¡¯s gardener who helped to take care of the gardens everyday. Jiang Li did not remember his name, but she knew there was such a person. It was said that this person was invited by Ji Shuran to the residence with a high price as he was skilled in tending the flowers and nts.

    He did not look very old, seemed to be around 16 or 17 years old. He looked young and attractive. It was said that his skill in looking after the flowers and nts was rare, the orchid that Ji Shuran was most fond of was nearly dead and this person brought it back to life.

    At first, Jiang Li thought it was incredible, as she didn¡¯t anticipate this person to lurk in the Jiang family with this identity. But after thinking about it, it seemed very natural. It¡¯s widely known that Ji Heng loved flowers the most, and there were the world¡¯s strange flowers and nts in his residence. Each and every one in his residence could grow flowers, in addition, each person was handsome. This person was both good at growing flowers and handsome. Indeed he was a person from Ji Heng¡¯s residence. It¡¯s just that no one thought that Ji Heng¡¯s people were so bold and dared to openlye to the Jiang residence as a gardener.

    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Jiang Li asked.

    ¡°This subordinate is called Zhao Ke.¡± The gardener said.

    ¡°Zhao Ke,¡± Jiang Li muttered for a while, ¡°how long have you been in the Jiang residence?¡±

    Zhao Ke did not expect that Jiang Li would ask this question. He nced at Jiang Li, not replying to her. Jiang Li said, ¡°Since your master told me of your existence, for the time being, you and I should not be enemies. I think Ji Heng should be clear that I would ask this question. Since he did not refute, that means he acquiesced. Just speak, I guarantee he will not punish you for this.¡±

    Zhao Ke had been following Ji Heng since he was young. Jiang Li straightforwardly saying ¡°Ji Heng¡±, this distinguished name, made Zhao Ke bbergasted. He did not know whether Jiang Li¡¯s courage was too big or whether the rtionship between Jiang Li and Ji Heng were closer than he thought. In short, Zhao Ke hesitated before finally saying, ¡°Seven years.¡±

    Seven years ago, Jiang Li had already left the Jiang residence then. At that time, Ji Heng was just a 14 years old youngster, but unexpectedly he let someone hide in the Jiang residence. However, it had been so many years and the Jiang family did not find out. It seemed that he sent someone to the Jiang residence not for the destruction of the Jiang family.

    ¡°What do you usually do daily?¡± Jiang Li asked.

    ¡°As the gardener, if there¡¯s any big matter, then report to the superior, if there¡¯s no big matter, tend to the flowers and nts.¡± Zhao Ke replied.

    Although he was very frank, Jiang Li knew it was only up to here. Zhao Ke would not speak of any deeper things, or perhaps, he simply did not know.

    Jiang Li nodded, ¡°You should know that Ji Shuran went to the pce to meet Li-pin today, right?¡±

    Zhao Ke nodded.

    ¡°Why did she meet with Li-pin? What did she do after she returned?¡± Jiang Li asked.

    Zhao Ke said, ¡°This subordinate did not follow to the pce and was not aware what kind of n Ji-shi and Li-pin, these two people, came up with. But today, a servant from the Warm and Graceful Courtyard said, Jiang You Yao suspected that¡­..¡± He hesitated for a while, seemingly feeling that the words were somewhat hard to speak. After a pause, he continued, ¡°a mountainous demon spirit is attaching itself to you, thus the change in temperament after your return from Mount Qingchen. Ji-shi was just listening to these words when she suddenly decided to go to the pce.¡±

    Jiang Li briefly looked at him, ¡°You can actually hear the matters in Warm and Graceful Courtyard so clearly. Could the movements in my courtyard also be unable to escape from your eyes?¡±

    Zhao Ke was silent.

    ¡°I don¡¯t intend to me you.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°I know this is your master¡¯smand and has nothing to do with you. It¡¯s okay, if you want to take a look, just take a look. I can probably guess Ji-shi¡¯s purpose in entering the pce.¡±

    Zhao Ke looked at Jiang Li, she guessed it so quickly? Not just that, Jiang Li was calm and had no trace of hesitation. It seemed that what Wen Ji said was right, This Jiang second miss had quite some ideas in her mind and her courage was huge.

    Jiang Li lowered her eyes. Ji-shi¡¯s way of doing things was really not unfamiliar. When she married Shen Yurong and had just arrived in Yanjing, when Shen Yurong was flushed with sess, she, as Madam Shen, had to go out and socialize. At that time, she heard many famous secrets happening behind noble and wealthy residences. As long as a primary wife wanted to set up a favored concubine, she would look for a Taoist priest for assistance, it was a verymon thing.

    Of course, Jiang Li was not the usual favored concubine, but Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s daughter. If Ji Shuran wanted to set her up, it was not such an easy matter. The usual Taoist priest would not be sufficient for others to believe. Therefore, Ji Shuran thought of Li-pin. In the pce, Li-pin had a lot more connections. With Li-pin looking for a master, the person must have a famous reputation and only his words would be absolutely effective.

    ¡°Taoist priest Chong Xu.¡± Jiang Li said.

    Zhao Ke lifted his head and looked at Jiang Li in astonishment.

    ¡°Three years ago, Li-pin was framed for using witchcraft by a pampered concubine and was at death¡¯s door. Luckily, Taoist priest Chong Xu appeared and rescued Li-pin¡¯s life; only then Li-pin gradually took a turn for the better. Li-pin wanted to thank this taoist priest with arge sum of money, but this Taoist priest refused. Afterwards, he wandered outside and his tracks were never found.¡±

    Zhao Ke was puzzled. These things, although they were not secrets in the pce, could not be easily known by others. Moreover, three years ago, Jiang Li was still in Mount Qingcheng, how could she know all these? The Empress Dowager at that time believed that this happening in the pce was a scandal and did not let anyone spread it outside, so everyone in the pce was given an order not to speak of it.

    Yet Jiang Li was still aware.

    Jiang Li smiled slightly. She could see Zhao Ke¡¯s doubt, but she really knew this matter. Shen Yurong was the one who told her of this afterwards, she did not know where Shen Yurong found out about this from. However, at that time, he was already an official and could naturally ess these secret news.

    ¡°Ji-shi went looking for Li-pin, precisely wanting to borrow Li-pin¡¯s hand to look for this person. No person other than this Taoist priest Chong Xu would be more suitable. I think,¡± her eyes shone coldly, ¡°this secretive Taoist priest Chong Xu would soon appear once again.¡±

    < >

 Chapter 131.1: Part 1: Aunt

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 131 Part 1: Aunt

    Jiang Li¡¯s heart eased, probably from having guessed Ji Shuran¡¯s n.

    The worst thing was to be in a passive position, not knowing what one was going to face and had no preparation. However, with knowledge, no matter what predicament had to be confronted, a chance could still be found by following the trails, there would still be a way.

    Jiang Li knew Princess Yongning had already stared at her after Xue¡¯s case. Moreover, no need to say what Shen Yurong was thinking on that side. The domineering Princess Yongning would definitely look for a reason to trouble her in the future. Before this, if the mother and daughter stayed peaceful, Jiang Li also would not spend much time on this. However, Ji-shi was stubborn and never changed her nature, therefore, Jiang Li felt that leaving Ji-shi in the Jiang residence was not a good idea.

    She had to get rid of these idlers.

    Zhou Ke had left, Jiang Li sat on the couch and a question floated in her heart. Why did Ji-shi want to pursue her relentlessly? Even if Ye Zhen Zhen left a child behind, when she reached the age, she could be sent out to marry, there really was no need to kill her. Even if she wanted to grab the marriage with Zhou Yan Bang, there was no need to put Jiang Li to death. Back then, it was known to everyone that Jiang Li harmed the mother and killed her younger brother, there was no room for rebuttal as everyone had seen it. However, prior to this, it was said that Jiang Li and Ji Shuran got along harmoniously.

    There was no uncalled hatred, though afterwards the rumors said that Jiang Li was deliberately calcting, pretending to be amicable with her stepmother. Up to the point when the stepmother was pregnant then she pushed Ji Shuran to miscarry. However, Jiang Li felt that she was too young at that time, and with the environment surrounding her, there was no one who could instruct her to scheme like this. How did she reach this stage, even Ji Shuran could be schemed by her.

    Jiang Li felt there was something amiss in this matter, but since it had urred a long time ago, many events and situations were no longer good to investigate. Nowadays, Ji Shuran pressed hard step by step, which actually made Jiang Li determined to investigate this matter carefully. Supposed there was still a secret hidden in this matter, it would be a tool to deal with Ji Shuran.

    Regardless, she would go to Zhao Ke to ask him tomorrow.

    Soon, Jiang Li fell asleep while thinking of this.

    In Bright Jade residence, Jiang You Yao was also unable to sleep.

    Her servant girl, Jin Hua, was walking along the corridor following Jiang Li¡¯s servant girl, Tong¡¯er, closely today. Tong¡¯er dropped a post and did not realize it. Jin Hua picked up the post and opened it to take a look. Unexpectedly, it was a post for Jiang Li from the Ningyuan Marquis Residence. Without dy, she gave this post to Jiang You Yao.

    Jiang You Yao could not sleep and caressed the post repeatedly. The post was actually not written by Zhou Yan Bang, rather, it was Jiang Yu¡¯e. Thinking of Jiang Yu¡¯e, Jiang You Yao hated so much she was fuming with anger. Zhou Yan Bang originally should be Jiang Yu¡¯e¡¯s brother inw, but now he became her husband. Her sweetheart was now hugging Jiang Yu¡¯e to sleep peacefully every night. Although Jiang Yu¡¯e was just a concubine and Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s main wife was Shen Ruyun, thinking that Jiang Yu¡¯e, the disdainful daughter of the third branch who she had never put in her eyes in the past, actually snatched her husband, Jiang You Yao could not help wanting to tear Jiang Yu¡¯e to pieces.

    However, right now, Jiang Yu¡¯e was already brought into the Ningyuan Marquis¡¯s residence. Soon, Shen Ruyun and Zhou Yan Bang¡¯s marriage would also happen. Jiang You Yao had no way at all. She wanted to look for Zhou Yan Bang, but she did not know how she should clearly exin to Zhou Yan Bang. She did not believe Zhou Yan Bang did not have even a slight affection for her. If it weren¡¯t for being calcted, they should have been good together.

    ¡°Jiang Li¡­..¡± Jiang You Yao looked at the post in front of her. Jiang Yu¡¯e and Jiang Li never dealt with each other, and she always stood by her side. Why did she invite Jiang Li to gather after she married into the Zhou family¡¯s house? No need to mention her, after all Jiang You Yao injured Jiang Yu¡¯e and caused a scar to be left on her forehead. The two sisters were not even willing to maintain a peaceful surface. However, Jiang Yu¡¯e did not even want to meet with her blood rted sister, Jiang Yuyan, let alone invite Jiang Li. This was worth thinking over.

    At the pce feast, Ji Shuran once said that originally the ones calcted were Jiang Li and Ye Shijie. But somehow, the ones that met with mishap were Zhou Yan Bang and Jiang Yu¡¯e. Jiang Li must have done something in the middle and Jiang Li probably reached some kind of an agreement with Jiang Yu¡¯e. Only in this way would Jiang Yu¡¯e be willing. The appearance of this post now proved that Ji Shuran¡¯s conjecture was right.

    Only if Jiang Li and Jiang Yu¡¯e had friendship in secret would the current noisy situation be possible.

    Jiang You Yao did not tell Ji Shuran about the post. She received the post and had no intention to return it to Jiang Li. She decided to reply to the post to Jiang Yu¡¯e using Jiang Li¡¯s name, changing the time and meeting ce to see what Jiang Yu¡¯e and Jiang Li were nning in the end.

    She must expose them.

    ¡­¡­

    The residents of a few courtyards in the Jiang residence passed through this night in contemtion. When Jiang Li woke up, it was a rare day when the sun came out during Yanjing¡¯s winter.

    The snow in the courtyard had not melted, when oney their eyes on the snow, tiny warm lusters appeared, warming people¡¯s hearts. As usual, Jiang Li nned to go to Xue Huaiyuan after eating. Emperor Hong Xiao already said that he would recruit divine doctors from all over the world to treat Xue Huaiyuan to see if there was any opportunity to awaken Xue Huaiyuan¡¯s sanity.

    These days, there was an endless stream of doctors who came to Ye residence, and there were even pce doctors sent by Emperor Hong Xiao, but aftering to see Xue Huaiyuan, they shook their heads one after another, saying that he could not be treated.

    Jiang Li was very disappointed at the beginning, but Ye Mingyuforted her, no matter what, it was a good thing that Xue Huaiyuan was still alive, and there was hope if he was still alive. Moreover, the current Xue Huaiyuan did not have to remember those dreadful things during his imprisonment, nor did he have to know the bad news of the tragic death of his children, so he might be happier. When he regained his senses and epted the great blow that fate had brought him, he might feel the preciousness of those days when he could not remember anything.

    Listening to Ye Ming Yu saying so, Jiang Li feltplicated. On one hand, she wished her father could recover, so in this life and at this age, they could still recognize each other. On the other hand, she felt it was too cruel to let her father recall all those unjust things. She could not treat a pitiful, old man like this.

    < >

 Chapter 131.2: Part 2: Aunt

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 131 Part 2: Aunt

    No matter what, she still had to visit Xue Huaiyuan every day.

    Jiang Yuanbai watched her every move coldly, Jiang Li knew that her actions made Jiang Yuan Bai displeased, but she didn¡¯t care at the moment, she couldn¡¯t leave her biological father alone.

    As she was going to the Ye residence, Jiang Li ran into an unfamiliar madam in the corridor.

    The madam was not young, it could be seen from her features that she was graceful in her youth. She was not dressed like a servant, neither was she dressed gorgeously, with only one servant girl beside her. She looked extremely ordinary, so t like a pool of stagnant water that had been silent for many years, not a slightest color could be stirred.

    They met in the corridor and the madam¡¯s servant girl greeted Jiang Li, ¡°Second miss.¡±Only then did the madam slowly look at Jiang Li, followed by a soft call, ¡°Second miss.¡±

    Jiang Li looked at her carefully, the other party remained the same, without any fluctuation, as if thousands of years had passed without any sorrow and joy, and there was nothing on earth that concerned her. Jiang Li called, ¡°Aunt Hu.¡±

    Aunt Hu, the only concubine in the main branch. Although the Jiang family was rich and powerful, the interior was not as harmonious as seen on the outside, there was a point that Jiang Li felt pretty good. Even if the Jiang family had several sons, Jiang Yuan Bai, Jiang Yuan Ping, and the concubine-born Jiang Yuan Xing, they only had sons born out of the primary wives. Even if there were concubines, they did not bear any sons. It was said that old master Jiang favored his concubine and had a son out of her, which was Jiang Yuan Xing. Because of this, he did many confused things. Old madam Jiang was disgusted with the favored concubine and was not fond of Jiang Yuan Xing. It did not stop at this, in addition, she changed the custom of the family lintel and did not allow sons to be born out of concubines.

    And Aunt Hu was the only concubine in the entire Jiang residence who gave birth to a child.

    Originally, Aunt Hu was the servant girl beside old madam Jiang. As her master, old madam Jiang gave her to Jiang Yuan Bai. Later, Ye Zhen Zhen had been married for three years but did not bear any sons, yet the bed-warmer servant girl was pregnant first. At first, old madam Jiang wanted to give this servant girl a bowl of soup to abort the fetus, but Ye Zhen Zhen was softhearted and pleaded for her to let the child be born.

    The baby born was a daughter, which was the Jiang family¡¯s eldest miss. Soon after, Jiang Li was born. The bed-warmer servant girl became a concubine. It was said that Aunt Hu did not fight over nor snatch, behaved very well, and got along well with Ye Zhen Zhen. Ye Zhen Zhen died soon after giving birth to Jiang Li, and Aunt Hu was in low spirits for a while.

    Afterwards, Ji Shuran entered the door. When Jiang Li was two years old, the eldest miss was ying on the rockery in the garden, fell down due to carelessness and could not be saved. From then on, Aunt Hu was grieving day and night, nearly bing hysterical. All day long, she stayed in the garden, holding a pillow and singing nursery songs, almost never appearing in front of anyone. The old madam recalled the many years of master and servant rtionship and found a servant girl to wait upon her. Anyway, the Jiang family was not short of this silver, treating it as adding another pair of chopsticks, and it did not hinder anything.

    Aunt Hu looked at Jiang Li and slightly lowered her head.

    A trace of doubt shed in Jiang Li¡¯s heart. Everyone said Aunt Hu was slightly hysterical, Jiang Li had only seen her once from afar during a family banquet. Now that she had seen her from up close, although this Aunt Hu looked dull, her eyes were not muddy like those madmen. This was different from Xue Huaiyuan, she was erratic but still sober.

    Jiang Li pondered for a while and suddenly said, ¡°The sun is shining very nicely today, this ce does not seem far from Aunt Hu¡¯s courtyard. Aunt Hu, I¡¯ll go to your ce to sit, you should not refuse, right?¡±

    Several people were stunned.

    Bai Xue and Tong¡¯er did not understand, Jiang Li and Aunt Hu did not have any contact, Aunt Hu was like a transparent figure in the Jiang residence. Why would Jiang Li take the initiative to make friends with Aunt Hu?

    The maids beside Aunt Hu were also surprised. Perhaps they were ustomed to living a lonely life in the Jiang residence, aside from the old madam¡¯s people, practically no one seemed to remember them. Even Jiang Yuan Bai had probably forgotten that there was this concubine. However, Jiang Li¡¯s manner was amiable, with a smile on the corner of her lips, making it hard for people to refuse.

    Jiang Li just smiled and looked at Aunt Hu.

    After a while, Aunt Hu softly said, ¡°Okay.¡±

    Aunt Hu¡¯s courtyard was even worse than Jiang Li¡¯s ¡°Fang Fei Courtyard¡±. At least after going through some things, Ji Shuran did not dare to treat Fang Fei Courtyard so severely on the surface. However, for Aunt Hu¡¯s courtyard, Jiang Li could only say if she did not know Aunt Hu, she would probably doubt whether this courtyard was given for a concubine to live or for the servant to live.

    In other words, the servant girls beside Ji Shuran and Jiang You Yao lived in a morefortable ce than Aunt Hu. This courtyard was small, but it had a feeling of destion. There was no ce for decorations to be ced. In the room, all the property amounted to a bed, a table and a few chairs.

    Aunt Hu¡¯s servant girl went to prepare tea for Jiang Li. Jiang Li saw that there were only two tea cups and a teapot with a missing mouth. As for snacks on the table, there were none.

    The servant was a little embarrassed, but Aunt Hu was very calm, as if she did not think that there was anything wrong. She had an indifferent and light appearance, Jiang Li thought that she looked more like a nun than the nuns in Mount Qingcheng. Without any desire nor demands, as if she was about to leave with the wind in the next moment.

    ¡°Aunt Hu, this ce is really cold.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°During winter days, why did you not burn charcoal?¡±

    The servant seemed to have finally found a person who could speak up for them, she looked so wronged and her tears almost came out as she said, ¡°The ve and maids went to the kitchen to ask for charcoal, but the charcoal they gave was damp. Even after they were dried and burnt inside the house, it was the lowest grade charcoal and the smoke produced caused people to cough¡­.. Second miss, if you pity our aunt, please go to the kitchen to say something. Our aunt has gotten frostbites many times this winter and there¡¯s an old injury on her knees.¡±

    Jiang Li said, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you look for mother? The management of the household is in mother¡¯s hands. This little thing, mother will decide for you.¡±

    The servant girl was suddenly silent, Aunt Hu said, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, it¡¯s be a habit, I am not cold.¡±

    < >

 Chapter 131.3: Part 3: Aunt

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 131 Part 3: Aunt

    Her voice was soft, almost inaudible unless you listened carefully. Jiang Li observed her, this woman was by no means a person with hysteria, and she did not hide her clear-headedness in front of her. The person she wanted to conceal this from was not her, but the target she wanted to confess this to was her.

    For what?

    Jiang Li smiled, ¡°I heard when mother had just given birth to me, Aunt Hu often hugged me. So many years have passed, and there are many things that I cannot recall clearly. Seeing Aunt Hu feels very unfamiliar, but there is also a feeling of being very dear.¡±

    Of course this was nonsense, she was not the real second miss of the Jiang family. However, even if she was the real Jiang second miss, she would probably not remember these things. After all, Jiang Li was really very young at that time.

    But this sentence seemed to evoke Aunt Hu¡¯s distant memories. Her gaze seemed far away and she slowly said, ¡°Yes, back then¡­..¡±

    She did not continue.

    Jiang Li said, ¡°That time, the eldest sister fell from the rockery, what actually happened?¡±

    The sudden question stunned all the people in the room.

    Bai Xue and Tong¡¯er were so shocked they were rendered speechless. Although Aunt Hu seemed well, mentioning the past pain in front of a mother, in case Aunt Hu crumbled and triggered her hysteria, how could this be good?

    Aunt Hu¡¯s servant girl seemed to have received terrible news and her body shuddered slightly.

    Aunt Hu looked at Jiang Li, something seemed to shed in her eyes. She asked, ¡°Say, what do you mean?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just asking, is there a secret behind eldest sister¡¯s death? For instance, she was harmed by someone?¡±

    She spoke boldly and without restraint, one blow after another, the servant girls did not know what kind of expression would be fitting. However, Jiang Li looked calm, as if what she was asking was just an ordinary matter.

    But Aunt Hu¡¯s serene expression was broken.

    She said, ¡°Second miss, speak cautiously. Some words cannot be spoken in this residence.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why, aunt, you have to feign hysteria, pretending not to know the hidden secret, ying deaf and mute, only then can you stay alive by luck. But suffering from a hammering heartache day after day, you cannot walk out from your daughter¡¯s death.¡± She swept her gaze at the things on the table in the room.

    The eldest young miss of the Jiang family died young and could not enter the Jiang family¡¯s ancestral hall. So Aunt Hu arranged the eldest young miss¡¯s memorial tablet in her room. She worshiped her everyday and the scent of incense remained in her room all year round. There were still some children¡¯s toys on the table like rattle drums and other things. It could be seen that Aunt Hu was still unable to let go until now.

    It had been many years, she should have been able to let go. Brooding like this, unable to let go, feeling sad, incapable of getting over it, wasn¡¯t it because there was something behind her daughter¡¯s death? It was actually an injustice and she was not reconciled. However, she had no other way and could only hold her resentment and hatred, living with forbearance.

    However, she did not dare to forget it for even a moment.

    Jiang Li looked at her and started to talk gently, ¡°Aunt Hu, if eldest sister were still alive, she should be getting married this year. She was older than me and must be very beautiful.¡±

    Aunt Hu closed her eyes slightly. Jiang Li saw her hands slowly clenched and rxed on the table. She looked at Jiang Li and said, ¡°Second miss, this concubine does not know anything.¡±

    Jiang Li looked quietly at her for a while before speaking, ¡°Is that so? Then it¡¯s a pity,¡± she got up and patted her clothes carelessly and said, ¡°I originally thought that perhaps I could help if there was truly something hidden inside. I¡¯m not helping Aunt Hu, I just pity my eldest sister.¡±

    Aunt Hu moved her lips but did not speak. Jiang Li called Bai Xue and Tong¡¯er to leave, while walking, she said, ¡°I still have something to do today and am not going to stay here longer. Aunt Hu does not have charcoal here and it¡¯s really too cold. If Aunt has something to say to me, Aunt can look for me in Fang Fei Garden. There is enough charcoal in Fang Fei Garden and it¡¯s not cold. I think Aunt should sit in Fang Fei Garden more often, after all¡­.. My mother and you had previously had a good rtionship.¡±

    After saying this, she no longer turned her head and immediately stepped out of the door without any other greeting.

    Aunt Hu did not look at her anymore, but just focusing on the tea in her cup. The tea leaves was rough and of poor quality and it was still carefully stored by the servant girl, only taken out when there was a guest. However, there was no guest in this courtyard all year round, and the tea had been kept for a long time. The room was damp and the quality had changed.

    The servant girl called, ¡°Aunt¡­..¡±

    Aunt Hu sighed softly and said, ¡°Second miss has grown up.¡±

    The servant girl did not speak.

    ¡°If my daughter was still here¡­..¡± She murmured, ¡°she should have grown up too.¡±

    ¡°Aunt, what should we do now?¡± The servant girl asked in a low voice, ¡°It¡¯s hard to avoid madam knowing that the second miss hase over.¡±

    ¡°The seconddy and the madam would not end unless one of them died.¡± Aunt Hu lowered her eyes serenely and said, ¡°Now is the time.¡±

    Bai Xue and Tong¡¯er seemed to have juste out of their senses after walking out of Aunt Hu¡¯s courtyard.

    ¡°Unexpectedly, Aunt Hu seems to be fine, there was no hysteria at all.¡±Tong¡¯er said, ¡°The first ve heard the people in the residence say that Aunt Hu did not recognize anyone. Meeting her today, it was obvious that she is very sober.¡±

    ¡°ve also thinks it¡¯s strange.¡± Bai Xue chimed in, ¡°This Aunt Hu and the Aunt Hu in this ve¡¯s mind arepletely different.¡±

    ¡°How is it different?¡± Jiang Li asked.

    ¡°ve can¡¯t point it out, but always thinks that the Aunt Hu in other people¡¯s mouths and this Aunt Hu is not the same.¡± Bai Xue look around and saw that there was no one before leaning close to Jiang Li and asked quietly, ¡°Just now Miss said that there is something concealed in eldest miss¡¯s death, what does it mean? It couldn¡¯t be that the eldest miss was harmed by others, right?¡±

    Tong¡¯er also looked at Jiang Li nervously.

    They had also heard about such things happening in big families. However, the Jiang family could rtively be said to be simpler inparison. No one would have thought of this. But just now, the meaning revealed when Jiang Li and Aunt Hu were talking caused their hairs to stand on end when they recalled it.

    < >

 Chapter 131.4: Part 4: Aunt

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 131 Part 4: Aunt

    It¡¯s not certain yet, don¡¯t speak nonsense.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°Don¡¯t let anyone else know about this, let¡¯s first take a look at the rest.¡±

    Bai Xue and Tong¡¯er were silent at once.

    However, Jiang Li already had a guess in her heart. Since Aunt Hu did not deny it, the eldest young miss¡¯s death was indeed not an ident. Moreover, Aunt Hu¡¯s reminder seemed to prove that she did not speak up because she had apprehension of someone.

    The third branch of the Jiang family was born of a concubine and could not be mentioned. The Jiang family¡¯s second branch also did not need to get rid of the main branch¡¯s concubine. Only the main room¡­.. The Jiang family¡¯s eldest young miss only met with mishap after Ji Shuran entered the door. Based on Jiang Li¡¯s current understanding of Ji Shuran, she would not be surprised if Ji Shuran did something.

    If Ji Shuran really had something to do with the eldest young miss¡¯s death, Jiang Li had a whole new respect towards Aunt Hu. Able to endure the hatred of a blood feud, not attaching herself to Ji Shuran and instead living in dire straits. This was absolutely not struggling while at death¡¯s door, but rather, waiting for an opportunity. Once an opportunity arose, she woulde out for vengeance, just like her.

    Now, what needed to be done was to ask clearly.

    After leaving the Jiang residence, Jiang Li still went to the Ye residence to visit Xue Huaiyuan. However, because she was thinking of Aunt Hu¡¯s things, she was absent-minded while she was at the Ye residence.

    Seeing her like this, Ye Shijie thought Jiang Li was worried that she had offended Cheng Wang since the Xue¡¯s case involved Princess Yongning. He said, ¡°Recently, Cheng Wang has been busy with his own affairs. His Majesty intends to cut down Cheng Wang¡¯s power, so Cheng Wang does not have the leisure to consider Xue¡¯s case. You don¡¯t have to be anxious.¡± He paused for a while before continuing, ¡°On the contrary, I am worried about Princess Yongning. It¡¯s said that this princess handles things without scruples. Bring more bodyguards when you go out these days. If possible, no need to go to the Ye residence every day, third uncle and I will take good care of Master Xue.¡±

    Jiang Li came back to her senses and looked at Ye Shijie. She recalled the first time she saw Ye Shijie and how he looked at her with hostility. Nowadays, he actually considered things for her sincerely. This was exactly the mystery of fates between people, thinking about it moved people. She smiled, ¡°I¡¯m fine, in any case, there¡¯s still the Jiang family behind me to rely on. On the contrary, you and I are tied together. If Yongning and Cheng Wang want to deal with me, they might take their anger out on you. It was even more difficult for you in officialdom, you have to be careful when handling things. If possible, put down your principles for the time being. Suppose that others¡¯ principles are too different from yours, you can look for my father¡¯s help. My father looks at benefits the most, now that you are an official, if you get promoted, it will be advantageous for him. So he is more likely to help.¡±

    Ye Shijie felt somewhat weird. When Jiang Li brought up Jiang Yuan Bai, it was as if she was not talking about her own father, but a stranger. However, Ye Shijie knew clearly that what Jiang Li said was not wrong. Although Jiang Li was younger than him, many times, Jiang Li seemed to look at things with more experience than him.

    He really did not know how to raise such a personality.

    Ye Shijie did not continue to speak. Jiang Li turned around to look for Xue Huaiyuan for a bit and talked to Ye Ming Yu for a while before returning to the Jiang residence.

    She could not guess what Princess Yongning was going to do. It¡¯s good if everything was well. These days, aside from the Ye residence, it¡¯s better for her not to go anywhere else to prevent any idents urring.

    When she returned to the Jiang residence, Jiang Li stood by the window when it was night time and blew the whistle engraved with peony once again.

    This time Zhao Ke appeared very quickly. Although he did his utmost to appear cold, Jiang Li could still see the frustration in his eyes.

    ¡°What is Miss Jiang second¡¯s instruction?¡± Zhao Ke asked.

    Jiang Li said, ¡°Zhao Ke, you entered the Jiang residence seven years ago, at that time, I had already left for Mount Qingcheng. Although you were also not in the Jiang residence before, I think your master should have let you investigate the things happening in the Jiang residence.¡±

    Zhao Ke was a bit puzzled, ¡°This subordinate does not understand.¡±

    ¡°I think, perhaps you know some secrets in the Jiang family, things that other people don¡¯t know, the things I did not know before. Since you know, it¡¯s better to share them with me and let me know?¡±

    She spoke lightly, yet Zhao Ke who heard this was startled. In a short period, hisplexion turned a bit paler, looking a bit indescribable towards Jiang Li. He said, ¡°This subordinate¡­.. This subordinate is really not someone who pries for other people¡¯s secrets.¡±

    He was not one of those loose tongue women who liked to gossip on the street, who usually loved inquiring about other families¡¯ gossip. Jiang Li¡¯s words simply treated him as a servant boy, and she still said it so justifiably!

    ¡°Naturally, there¡¯s no need for you to pay attention to little things.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°But you should know about a big matter like human life, right? Don¡¯t talk about anything else, the eldest daughter of the Jiang family, my faher¡¯s first concubine born daughter, when she was ying in the garden many years ago, she fell from the rockery and died. However, today I heard a rumor that the Jiang family¡¯s eldest daughter¡¯s death was not entirely an ident. Zhao Ke, do you know the secret inside?¡±

    ¡­¡­

    In the Duke¡¯s mansion, the lights in the study room were still bright.

    Wen Ji, the bodyguard, was standing inside the study room. He bowed at the person in front of him and said, ¡°Miss Jiang second blew the whistle again tonight.¡±

    The young man dressed in red sat in front of the desk, his robe spread softly on the ground. During winter days, a thick carpet was spread on the ground. The splendid robe on top of the carpet below seemed to produce a shine like glittering gems.

    ¡°Oh?¡± Ji Heng asked, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°Inquiring the cause of the eldest young miss¡¯s death many years ago.¡±

    Puff, Lu Ji, who was drinking tea at the moment, almost spurted his tea. He said, ¡°Miss Jiang second actually asked Zhao Ke to inquire about this?¡±

    That was Zhao Ke, one of the best skilled masters in the duke¡¯s residence, Zhao Ke, was unexpectedly used as a spy to ask around for secret gossip. He¡¯s used so casually?

    Ji Heng told Jiang Li to blow the whistle if there were any important matters, but Jiang Li blew the whistle too frequently. Could this still be considered as an important matter?

    ¡°She is not being polite,¡± Ji Hengughed, there was no anger on his face. He only said, ¡°Really not treating me as an outsider.¡±

    This author¡­.. could even insert descriptions of our ML clothes for ast minute appearance. How in love is she with our ML? ^^!

    < >

 Chapter 132.1: Part 1: The Truth

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    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 132 Part 1: The Truth

    In the Jiang residence, Jiang Li stared at Zhao Ke without moving her attention.

    Initially, Zhao Ke did not say anything, in the end, he was defeated and said, ¡°When this subordinate entered the Jiang residence, the eldestdy had passed away. Master asked the subordinate to keep watch in the Jiang residence and this subordinate also inquired about things that could be asked. However, the conflicts in the back house were not something that this subordinate inquired about, so this subordinate only had a rough idea.¡±

    ¡°Speak.¡± Jiang Li said.

    ¡°Although this subordinate did not personally see the death of the eldest miss, the Jiang family¡¯s main branch kept this matter a secret. After that, the birth mother of the eldest miss, Aunt Hu, moved to the side courtyard and several times, her life was almost in danger.¡±

    Jiang Li¡¯s eyes hardened, ¡°Why do you say this?¡±

    ¡°Those were all unexpected idents, but Aunt Hu¡¯s fortune was pretty good, every time she managed to get away by luck. Afterwards, old madam Jiang saw how pitiful she was and often helped. Moreover, Aunt Hu fell sick from time to time and there were no longer any traces of this person in the residence.¡±

    Jiang Li pondered and asked, ¡°Zhao Ke, just tell me whether the eldest daughter¡¯s death had anything to do with Ji Shuran.¡±

    Zhao Ke obviously was not ustomed to talk about these kinds of things with people. He hesitated for a while before saying, ¡°Nine out of ten.¡±

    ¡°Sure enough¡­..¡± Jiang Li muttered. She looked at Zhao Ke and asked incisively, ¡°Then how much do you know about my affair?¡±

    Zhao Ke, ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°At that time, my reputation of harming my mother and murdering my brother was spread throughout Yanjing. As far as the Jiang family was concerned, it was a big matter. Since you came to the Jiang residence to gather intelligence, it¡¯s impossible to overlook this point. So how much do you know about this matter? For instance, why did I want Ji Shuran to miscarry? Wasn¡¯t my rtionship with Ji Shuran pretty good before? I was young yet unexpectedly had the skill to do these, could there be something hidden inside?¡±

    The happenings of that year happened too long ago, Tong¡¯er simply did not know. As for Bai Xue, she only came inter. It was said that the servant girls and those middle-aged servants were driven away from the residence on the grounds that they were unable to look after her. She simply could not find those people in the know now. The trail left by the matter was no other than a reputation of being malicious. However, Jiang Li wasn¡¯t the real Jiang second miss and had no memory of that matter. She basically had no idea what the truth was.

    Zhao Ke said, ¡°Second miss, although it was a major event in the Jiang family, when you went to Mount Qingcheng in that year, in the eyes of the people of Yanjing, you have undoubtedly been abandoned by the Jiang family. Master let this subordinate to hide in the Jiang family not to spend effort investigating the matter of an abandoned child.¡±

    Jiang Li, ¡°¡­¡­.¡±

    Ji Heng¡¯s subordinates surprisingly had the same temperament as Ji Heng. What he said could be considered very impolite. Of course, there was nothing wrong with what he said. A noble daughter, who was banished to cultivate in a nunnery thousands of miles away. No matter how you look at it, this youngdy, perhaps would be unable to return to Yanjing for the rest of her life. Really spending a lot of thought for a youngdy who had been forgotten by everyone would be weird.

    ¡°Besides,¡± Zhao Ke continued, ¡°why does second miss ask this subordinate about this? Wouldn¡¯t second miss be the clearest about the truth of the matter?¡±

    He actually counterattacked. Perhaps, Ji Heng¡¯s subordinate was also like him, with sharp insight, and was able to grasp the important points. Jiang Li smiled, ¡°What I saw in that year was one-sided. Ji Shuran concealed herself and I could only see a part of her which may not be the real her. Maybe the truth behind it is something even deeper, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Zhao Ke said, ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Zhao Ke, you really don¡¯t know anything about Ji Shuran¡¯s miscarriage back then?¡±

    Zhao Ke replied, ¡°Subordinate is not aware.¡±

    Jiang Li observed his expression and was certain that he really did not lie. Her mind cleared up, she pondered and said, ¡°Okay, you don¡¯t have to bring up Ji Shuran. The next few days, I need you to do three things on my behalf. The first one, help me find out as much as possible the cause of Jiang eldest miss¡¯s early death in that year. If the inquiries were insufficient, let me know as many trifle things about the eldest miss. The second thing, in recent days, is to take note of whether there is a master roaming on the street. I think Taoist priest Chong Xu should have arrived. The third matter,¡± She paused, ¡°I need an expert in ventriloquism. There are many capable people in your duke residence, I think you should also know quite a few people like this.¡±

    After saying these three things, Zhao Ke¡¯s face became very unsightly. He surprisingly didn¡¯t ask Jiang Li why she wanted him to do these three things, but just said unwillingly: ¡°Miss Jiang Second, you are this subordinate¡¯s master. ¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not your master, but your master lent you to me, so I can assign things to you.¡± Jiang Li smiled, ¡°Otherwise, you go back and protest with your family, or else, leave the Jiang family and change to another person?¡± ¡±

    Zhao Ke felt extremely depressed. He was one of the best people from the duke mansion. In terms of kung fu, disguise, intelligence, any one of these, when taken out, made people praise. Thus he was given the dangerous task of hiding in the Jiang residence. As a result, nowadays second miss Jiang was using him. Not only was she not polite in the slightest, she was still so offhanded about it. Those who did not know would think he was her servant boy and she was his proper master.

    Using a talented person for an insignificant matter, killing chicken with an ox knife, truly preposterous!

    However, he still did not dare to speak to Ji Heng and asked to swap the person.

    Leave it, just this time. Moreover, when Master knew that he was being ordered around like this, he would definitely remind this second miss not to go overboard and would also sympathize with him. Zhao Ke had no choice but to say, ¡°Okay, if there¡¯s nothing else, this subordinate will withdraw.¡±

    Jiang Li called him and asked, ¡°ording to your words, are you going to tell your Master word for word?¡±

    ¡°Miss Jiang second,¡± Zhao Ke said solemnly, ¡°The Lord is this subordinate¡¯s master.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°then you can add another sentence in passing. The things that you can¡¯t find out about, if your master can find out about it, don¡¯t know if he can help instead?¡±

    Zhao Ke looked at Jiang Li, dumbstruck. This person actually went so far as to want a mile after being given an inch. She not only dared tomand him, she even dared to put forward this kind of request to his master?!

    < >

 Chapter 132.2: Part 2: Truth

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 132 Part 2: Truth

    Because the shock he received was too great, although there was no expression on his face, he immediately disappeared with a wooden face from the window.

    Jiang Li closed the window and returned to the couch while thinking about Zhao Ke¡¯s words. The things happening in that year were so difficult to unearth, it seemed to prove that Ji Shuran did many things in secret.

    Although she was not the real second miss of the Jiang family she could relive her life because of her. To some degree, she couldprehend Jiang second miss¡¯s feelings of being helpless. But now, maybe the only thing she could do for second miss Jiang was to help her find the truth and not bear the charges that did not belong to her.

    On the other side, inside the Duke¡¯s residence, upon hearing news from Zhao Ke, Lu Ji was unable to sit still.

    ¡°She, she, she¡­..¡± Presumably, the green dressed schr who had never shown his emotions was unable to keep his easy and calm attitude at this moment. He said hurriedly, ¡°How can she be so brazen?¡±

    Not just brazen, she simply did not know the immensity of heaven and earth. See, how could she talk like this, not just asking an expert from the duke¡¯s mansion to work for her, she even dared to order Ji Heng. Has this girl grown up eating bears¡¯ hearts and leopards¡¯ dders? Whether or not she knows how to write the two words ¡°be afraid¡±.

    Yet, Ji Heng did not seem to take this matter seriously. He merely said, ¡°Ask about Ji Shuran¡¯s miscarriage?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Wen Ji replied, ¡°Zhao Ke said, second miss Jiang asked this.¡±

    ¡°She wants Zhao Ke to do three things, the first two can still be thought of why, but the third thing, asking for a ventriloquist¡­.. What is the meaning behind this?¡± Lu Ji shook his head, ¡°Does she want to perform a trick?¡±

    ¡°There are many in the residence. Lu Ji, look for one.¡± Ji Heng said.

    Lu Jiplied while feeling puzzled. Whatever Jiang Li wanted to do, Ji Heng always granted whatever she asked. At the beginning, Ji Heng did not even care about Jiang Li¡¯s death. Lu Ji suspected there was a secret between the two of them. Of course he would not try to find out, but Miss Jiang second could be considered powerful to be able to change Ji Heng so much like this.

    ¡°Recently, second miss Jiang seems to be investigating Ji-shi.¡± Lu Ji said, ¡°Perhaps she wants to start dealing with Ji-shi? Ji-shi has the Ji family behind her, and there is still a Li-pin in the Ji family, if second miss Jiang dealt with Ji-shi, that means she would be dealing with Li-pin. At present, Yongning also hates second miss Jiang very much, if Yongning joined hands with Li-pin, second miss Jiang¡¯s days will not pass well.¡± Lu Ji shook his head, ¡°She has always been smart, why is she doing such a thing in this crucial moment?¡±

    ¡°She has been holding it in for so long.¡± Ji Heng said: ¡°Now, she could no longer bear it. But it¡¯s also good, the enemy could not be defeated by forbearance. It¡¯s more refreshing, her being this way. ¡±

    ¡°Jiang Yuan Bai is acute in politics, but on family matters, he is not as good as this daughter.¡± Lu Ji sighed, ¡°This time, there is something to watch.¡±

    Ji Heng stared at the flickering me of the candle on the table. He was smiling, but his gaze was deep.

    There was something to watch indeed, and he also began to be curious.

    ¡­¡­

    During winter in Yanjing, the sun was always very precious. The sun came up yesterday, today¡¯s weather seemed to want to take away yesterday¡¯s good weather. Since morning, cold wind blew, mixed with the rain and snow, sting through the flower beds, causing many sprigs to break off, unable to bear the weight.

    Ming Yue and Qing Feng, wearing thick cotton-padded jackets, were in the garden, helping to sweep the broken sprigs. Jiang Li was looking out the window when Tong¡¯er said, ¡°Miss, the wind and snow is very strong today, it¡¯s better not to go to the Ye residence, okay?¡±

    Such a big snowstorm, except for themon people who had to work, as long as there was some wealth in the family, they would not leave the house. It was truly too cold. The charcoal burned prosperously in the room, and a hand stove was still held in Jiang Li¡¯s hands. Even so, she could still feel the whooshing coldness standing at the entrance of the courtyard.

    ¡°Have to go.¡± Jiang Li looked at the sky, ¡°It¡¯s really inconvenient going out right now, wait for the snow to let up in the afternoon before we go.¡±

    Tong¡¯er lowered her head in resignation. Jiang Li¡¯s answer was within her expectations. For Xue Huaiyuan, regardless of the wind or rain, Jiang Li had to go to visit. Sometimes she really did not understand, even if her youngdy was kind-hearted, and County Deputy Xue had someone taking care of him over there, why was she so persistent and unable to let go?

    As she was thinking, Bai Xue walked in from outside and said, ¡°Miss, Aunt Hu is here.¡±

    ¡°Aunt Hu?¡± Tong¡¯er was stunned.

    Jiang Li didn¡¯t look very surprised, and smiled slightly: ¡°It¡¯s much faster than I thought, Tong¡¯er, go pour tea, Bai Xue, please invite Aunt Hu inside.¡±

    When Aunt Hu came, she was still followed by the same maid from before. She seemed to have only this one maid. After all, although she was an aunt, when chatting, almost no one in the house remembered her, her title of aunt was only on the surface.

    Aunt Hu and her servant girl entered Jiang Li¡¯s room together.

    The inside and outside of the house seemed to be two different worlds. Aunt Hu and her servant girl probably had not felt such warmth in a long time. Jiang Li clearly saw the maid involuntarily drew nearer the charcoal fire a little, greedily absorbing a little warmth from the house.

    Jiang Li sighed in her heart, in the cold winter month, the master and servant were just wearing very thin cotton-padded clothes. It was hard to imagine in such a big family house where even a servant had winter clothes, these two people lived their lives miserably instead. Although old madam Jiang intended to help Aunt Hu, the housekeeper¡¯s power was in Ji Shuran¡¯s hand and it was impossible for old madam Jiang to take care of minor details. And so, the master and servant fell into these circumstances. Jiang Li did not believe that this happened without Ji Shuran¡¯s acquiescence.

    ¡°It¡¯s cold outside, drink some hot tea, Aunt Hu.¡± Jiang Li held a teacup and pushed it a bit to Aunt Hu.

    Aunt Hu took the teacup, took a sip, only then did she look a bit warm, with her pale face showing a bit of color. She said, ¡°Second miss, this concubine came today to reply the question second miss asked the other day.¡±

    < >

 Chapter 132.3: Part 3: Truth

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 132 Part 3: Truth

    Jiang Li smiled. Aunt Hu was a smart person, she did not immediately reply yesterday, none other than to weigh the pros and cons. Today, she decided quickly, it could be seen that she was clever.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Jiang Li smiled and said, ¡°I¡¯ve said it, whenever Aunt Hu is ready to speak, then it¡¯s time to speak. There¡¯s no hurry for time, I will not force you.¡±

    ¡°Second miss has the heart of a bodhisattva, naturally will not force this concubine. However, this concubine sees that the fierce battle between the second miss and Ji-shi will soon begin. This concubine has an absolutely irreconcble enmity with Ji-shi, so this concubine will naturally lean towards second miss. Coming here today is to show my heart to the second miss.¡± She said, ¡°This concubine is willing to lend a helping hand.¡±

    ¡°Lend a helping hand?¡± Jiang Liughed, ¡°Aunt Hu does not need to speak so righteously. Lending a helping hand or lending a knife to kill was just a way of speaking. Moreover, helping me, isn¡¯t it the same as helping yourself?¡±

    Aunt Hu looked at Jiang Li for a long time before she suddenly smiled. When she smiled, she showed a somewhat gentle and refined posture. She said, ¡°Second miss and Madam are really different.¡±

    The ¡°Madam¡± she spoke of was of course referring to Ye Zhen Zhen.

    Jiang Li smiled indifferently, ¡°I only interacted with my mother for a while, and I also learned about her from other people¡¯s mouths. It was said that Aunt Hu and mother were once good friends, probably Aunt knew.¡±

    ¡°Madam was a good person.¡± Aunt Hu said softly.

    ¡°Because my mother tolerated the existence of the eldest sister, while Ji-shi could not.¡±

    As soon as these words came out, several people in the room went silent. Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue did not dare to make any noise and stood quietly behind Jiang Li.

    ¡°Second miss is too bold,¡± Aunt Hu said, ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid that Master would hear these words?¡±

    ¡°Aunt overestimates my father¡¯s perceptiveness.¡± Jiang Li said indifferently, ¡°If he could really see and hear everything, there would not be so many confused things urring in this residence.¡±

    ¡°Second miss is a clear person.¡± Aunt Hu lowered her head and said slowly, ¡°Yue¡¯er falling from the rockery was indeed not an ident.¡±

    ¡°Yue¡¯er¡± was the Jiang eldest miss¡¯s nickname. In fact, whether it was the eldest miss¡¯s nickname or formal name, the entire Jiang family did not seem to remember. She was a daughter born from a concubine, if it weren¡¯t due to Ye Zhen Zhen¡¯s kindness, this life should not have existed. Therefore, Yue¡¯er¡¯s death was believed to be her fate, as she was not supposed to be born. After struggling to be born, she still could not keep her life.

    When all was said and done, whether it was fate or conspiracy, no one continued to care, aside from her birth mother.

    ¡°Speak slowly.¡±

    ¡°After I gave birth to Yue¡¯er, Madam also had second misster. Madam treated Yue¡¯er very well, if she had any good things, she would give Yue¡¯er a share. Although Yue¡¯er was a daughter of a concubine. In fact, there was not much difference with the treatment towards the seconddy. This concubine was very d to have met a good person like Madam and I only wished for Yue¡¯er to grow up peacefully, marry an honest family, and live a in life, which would also be very good. ¡±

    ¡°I did not expect Madam would go so early,ter, Ji-shi entered the door.¡± She looked at Jiang Li andughed at herself, ¡°Although Ji-shi also appeared extremely gentle and generous on the surface and treated Yue¡¯er very well, as women, we always have a kind of intuition. There was something in her eyes when she looked at Yue¡¯er.¡±

    ¡°I wanted Yue¡¯er to stay away from her and not be close to her, but I did not think that something would still happen to her.¡±

    ¡°They regarded Yue¡¯er as ymates to apany Jiang You Yao ying, but how could they treat her as an ordinary ymate? That day¡­..¡±

    That day, the Jiang family¡¯s eldest miss was ying with Jiang You Yao in the residence. Jiang You Yao was just two years old, a child who did not know anything. It was not clear what the Jiang family¡¯s eldest miss did, which caused her to bump into Jiang You Yao. Ji Shuran was furious and kicked Jiang Yue¡¯er. The Jiang family¡¯s eldest miss was four years old, the kick did not show any mercy, directly causing Jiang Yue¡¯er to fall backwards and the back of her head was knocked onto the threshold. The person died on the spot.

    Ji Shuran was flustered for only a moment before immediately making a decision, which was to let the subordinate carry Jiang Yue¡¯er to the rockery in the garden and said that Jiang Yue¡¯er was not careful and fell from the rockery, thus losing her life.

    ¡°They also did not think that Jiang Yue¡¯er was only four years old, how could she climb that kind of rockery.¡± Despite her utmost attempt to reiterate the past calmly, Aunt Hu could not help shaking slightly. She curled her fingers and randomly grabbed at something, as if wanting to hold her daughter that had disappeared. She said, ¡°My Yue¡¯er died in Ji Shuran¡¯s hands.¡±

    ¡°How did you know?¡± Jiang Li asked.

    ¡°My servant girl, her name was Bai Qin.¡± She motioned to her servant girl who was standing beside her and said, ¡°Her twin sister, called Si Qi, was by Yue¡¯er side that day. She was outside, and happened to see Ji-shi instructing others to do those things. When people were not paying attention, she ran back to the courtyard and told me.¡±

    ¡°What about the maid?¡± Jiang Li asked.

    ¡°Dead.¡± Aunt Hu lowered her head, ¡°all the people in the courtyard became scapegoats that day. Si Qi was not able to protect the youngdy and was beaten to death. I could not save her.¡±

    ¡°You know about this, why didn¡¯t you tell father?¡± Jiang Li asked.

    ¡°Second miss, do you think I haven¡¯t told the Master?¡± Aunt Hu said mockingly, ¡°It¡¯s just that no one believed me. They all said that I went insane from losing Yu¡¯er and ndered Ji-shi, even wanting to send me to the temple. If it were not for the old madam speaking up for me based on the master and servant rtionship, I¡¯m afraid something would have happened on the way to the temple early on and I would have died a violent death.¡±

    Jiang Li was silent. After a while, she said, ¡°You are saying that no one in the residence believed you?¡±

    ¡°Why should they?¡± Aunt Hu said, ¡°She was the Ji family¡¯s youngdy, now the Madam of the main branch, gentle and magnanimous, virtuous and kind. No one would believe that she would do something to a child born out of a concubine who would not obstruct her. Perhaps, there were people who felt that there was something amiss, but in that year, the Ji family was bing more prosperous. Who would offend the Ji family, the inws, for the sake of a dead person? Second miss, you have personally been in the Jiang family, where the rtionships among people were only based on interest, you ought to have seen it much clearer than me. They also have affection, but this little affection needs to pay attention to the merits and drawbacks. In the face of benefits, this affection is really weak.¡±

 Chapter 132.4: Part 4: Truth

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 132 Part 4: Truth

    She spoke while looking as if she was crying andughing at the same time, yet Jiang Li was seemingly able to see through the face of this woman who was no longer in her prime and saw her heart full of sadness and resentment.

    Aunt Hu was silent for a moment before she said softly, ¡°In this residence, there was a person who should believe me, which was Madam. Unfortunately, she had passed away. Probably this was my retribution.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Jiang Li sensitively sensed other meaning behind her words.

    ¡°Second Miss, this matter has been buried in my heart for many years.¡± Aunt Huughed miserably, ¡°In this mansion, everyone avoids me like a gue, and I haven¡¯t been able to tell this secret to others. Now that you¡¯re here, I think it¡¯s only right for you to know about it too. In fact, the death of the Madam was not idental. ¡±

    A basin of cold water seemed to be doused onto Jiang Li after hearing this. The cold weather seemed to get even colder and prated to the bone. Her smile disappeared and she asked, ¡°Aunt Hu, speak clearly.¡±

    Aunt Hu didn¡¯t seem to notice the change in Jiang Li¡¯splexion and said to herself, ¡°At the beginning, when Ji-shi has just entered the door, as long as I showed a warm, gentle and obedient attitude, Ji-shi would tolerate us mother and daughter and would not trouble us. At that time, I often went to curry favor with Ji-shi, either sending food that I made, embroidery, and so on. There was a day when I overheard Ji-shi chatting to her wet nurse, talking about how the doctor who was treating Madam¡¯s sickness had returned to Yanjing and to find a person to silence him.¡±

    ¡°What did you say?¡± Jiang Li frowned, ¡°DIdn¡¯t my mother die because her body grew weaker after giving birth to me?¡± It was said that precisely because of this, second miss Jiang med herself very much. If it were not for giving birth to her, Ye Zhen Zhen did not need to die so young.

    ¡°If she was in poor health, she could be nursed back to health slowly.¡± Aunt Hu said, ¡°But in that half a year, Madam¡¯s health steadily deteriorated. We did not think much then, but on that day I suddenly had a feeling that something was not right. After Madam¡¯s death, the several personal maids beside madam left the Jiang residence due to various reasons. They either went home to take care of their seriously ill mother or got married. Within half a year, there was no more news, and even the servant girls left beside you were no longer the ones Madam had set aside for you.¡±

    ¡°Thinking about it now, perhaps Ji-shi bribed these servant girls and the attending doctor, tampering with Madam¡¯s medicinal dishes, and caused Madam to meet with mishap.¡±

    Jiang Li shook her head, ¡°This may not be the case. My father only saw Ji-shi after my mother¡¯s passing. At that time, Ji-shi was still a young girl in her boudoir. Based on her family¡¯s lintel, in the entire Yanjing, even if there was no other family that was as high as the Jiang family, there were still a lot of ordinary young masters from official families. She did not need to be a wife to a widower.¡±

    ¡°This is also something that this concubine does not understand.¡± There¡¯s puzzlement on Aunt Hu¡¯s face, ¡°It could not be said that Ji-shi has fixed her sight on Master before and thus used such a vicious method as Ji-shi and Master had never met before.¡±

    Jiang Li was silent.

    ¡°After knowing this, this concubine did not dare to disclose it, fearing the more secrets one knows, it will be faster to die.¡± Aunt Hu said, ¡°Simply thinking, as long as this concubine could protect Yue¡¯er until she grew up, just treat it as not being aware of these things and let it rot in the stomach. Unexpectedly¡­..¡± Sheughed bitterly, ¡°This was the punishment God gave me. Madam treated me so well but I could not vent her grievance. It serves me right to lose Yue¡¯er, I only have myself to me.¡±

    Jiang Li looked at her, she knew that Aunt Hu was broken-hearted, but she couldn¡¯t continue to sympathize with Aunt Hu anymore. If Aunt Hu had revealed a little bit of these things at the beginning, the real second miss Jiang would have been wary of Ji-shi, and it would not have caused the final tragedy. Although now it seemed to everyone that she, the Jiang family¡¯s second miss, had everything except for her bad reputation in the past, only Jiang Li knew that the real second miss was no longer in the world.

    The daughter that Ye Zhen Zhen wanted to protect did not survive in the Jiang family.

    ¡°Second miss, I know you me me, and I don¡¯t have the extravagant hope that you will forgive me. My guilt will naturally be carried by me, but there are two lives lost on Ji-shi, yet she could still pass her daysfortably. I am not reconciled.¡± This time, she didn¡¯t even call herself ¡°this concubine¡±. She said, ¡°I have endured for many years, thinking how to perish together with her, but I could not get close to her. I don¡¯t have money, thus cannot order the servants. To say it bluntly, I don¡¯t even have the money to buy the poison to poison her. I also feel that letting Ji-shi die like this was letting her off lightly. Even if I kill her, others would only say that I am malicious for killing the mistress of the house, so it¡¯s well deserved that my Yue¡¯er could not live long. What about Ji-shi? She would still have a virtuous reputation, her death will not be stained, which is not what I want.¡±

    Jiang Li looked at her and said, ¡°What do you want to say by telling me this?¡±

    ¡°Second miss, I know you brought the people of Tongxiang to Chang¡¯An Gate and hit the drum of grievance for a stranger you have never met before. You can wash his injustice on his behalf. This concubine is not talking about Yue¡¯er, Madam is your biological mother, you must have a way to clear Madam¡¯s death, right?¡±

    ¡°Then what about you?¡± Jiang Li asked, ¡°Aunt Hu, what can you do?¡±

    ¡°I can¡­.. give everything.¡± The woman who was like stagnant water gradually had mes of vengeance bursting from her eyes, like a lioness carrying her child away from the hunter, radiating madness of ending in mutual destruction. She said, ¡°Including my life.¡±

    She stood up abruptly and knelt in front of Jiang Li.

    ¡°This concubine begs second miss.¡±

    Jiang Li looked at her, and for some reason, thought of herself who was at the end of her rope under house arrest in the Shen residence.

    She could not even take other people down with her.

    She said, ¡°Aunt Hu, please get up, I promise not for you. Rather, Ji-shi must die.¡±

    She should pay the price.

    That was unexpected, not just the truth of the eldest young miss¡¯s death, but also the truth behind her mother¡¯s passing.

    < >

 Chapter 133.1: Part 1: Night Scout

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    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 133 Part 1: Night Scout

    Aunt Hu sat for a while before leaving.

    As she left, Jiang Li asked Tong¡¯er to send some charcoal blocks to Aunt Hu¡¯s courtyard. Otherwise, she was afraid the two master and servant would first freeze to death before she could uncover Ji Shuran¡¯s face.

    Aunt Hu expressed that regardless of what Jiang Li wanted her to do, as long as it could avenge the Jiang family¡¯s eldest miss, she would be willing to do anything.

    After Aunt Hu walked out, Tong¡¯er closed the doors. After making sure that there was no one else inside the room, she said, ¡°Miss, although what Aunt Hu said may not be the truth, but¡­.. It¡¯s a big matter. Miss must investigate this carefully.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Bai Xue also said, ¡°if what Aunt Hu said is the truth, then Ji-shi will be charged with murder. Before she married into the family, she conspired to kill the mistress of the family. Even if shees from an official¡¯s family, when taken to Jingzhao Yin<sup>1</sup>, she still has to pay with her life.¡±

    Jiang Li waved her hands and said, ¡°Aunt Hu¡¯s words are just one side of the story. Don¡¯t tell others about this before there¡¯s a result.¡±

    Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue knew that the matter was important and at once stated that they would not say a word to anyone outside.

    Jiang Li¡¯s gaze deepened.

    At the beginning, she merely guessed that the death of the eldestdy of the Jiang family was not idental, and she made a bolder guess that Ji Shuran¡¯s miscarriage was not really as it seemed on the surface. In her view, there was an inside story behind it. But from Aunt Hu¡¯s mouth, she also learned such a surprising thing, that Ye Zhen zhen¡¯s death was inseparable from Ji Shuran.

    Although Jiang Li said that this matter was just a one sided statement from Aunt Hu, based on her intuition, Jiang Li felt that what Aunt Hu said was indeed true. However, there was one thing Jiang Li didn¡¯t understand, that was, when Ye Zhen Zhen was still alive, Ji Shuran was not married. How could she be willing toe up with a strategy to marry Jiang Yuan Bai who had been married, and even went as far as to kill Ye Zhen Zhen?

    Before this, Jiang Yuan Bai and Ji Shuran had no contact. From the information that Jiang Li heard, Ji Shuran was picked by Jiang Yuan Bai after Ye Zhen Zhen¡¯s death. It was impossible for them to have any affair before this and caused the death of his wife.

    If it¡¯s true¡­.. Jiang Li¡¯s heart was cold. Ji Shuran and Jiang Yuan Bai, wouldn¡¯t they be another Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong? Pitiful Ye Zhen Zhen, did she walk the same road as her?

    Jiang Li was letting her imagination run wild but no matter what, she could not find any clues. To find out about what actually happened, she had to start from Ji Shuran. But she did not have the manpower to inquire in the Ji family. Besides, the things in that year had passed long ago. It was as difficult as ascending to heaven to find out the few years before Ji Shuran got married.

    Because she had something on her mind, for the first time, Jiang Li did not go to the Ye residence and closed herself in her room, thinking hard for one night.

    Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue thought that Jiang Li was grieving upon receiving the abrupt information that her mother¡¯s death might be caused by someone¡¯s plot and was unable to control herself, thus shutting herself inside her room. The two people joined together tofort her. Jiang Li smiled absent-mindedly and just let the two of them not to rx observing the movements of Ji Suran and Jiang You Yao.

    When the sky turned dark and night came, Jiang Li chased Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue out like before, and she stayed in the room by herself.

    She did not know how the instructions she gave to Zhao Ke went. But Jiang Li thought from today onwards, a fourth thing had to be added, which was to investigate any matters before Ji Shuran got married, including any contacts with Jiang Yuan Bai. If there was any contact, whether or not there were any other entanglements in private.

    Investigating her father and stepmother¡¯s past was really a bit disgraceful. But Jiang Li¡¯s heart didn¡¯t have too many scruples. First, she was not really the Jiang¡¯s second miss, and it was really difficult to have a feeling of dependence on Jiang Yuan Bai as her father. Second, there was now a possibility that Jiang Yuan Bai might also be a murderer at. She upied Jiang second miss¡¯s body, so she had to be responsible for Jiang second miss¡¯s life. She could not do anything else, but at least in this matter, if Jiang second miss was still alive, she would also find a way to find out the real cause of her mother¡¯s death.

    Jiang Li clenched the whistle in her hand, hesitated for a moment before blowing the whistle softly as before.

    It was extremely quiet in the Jiang residence. It waste at night, and everyone was asleep. There was the sound of wind and snow outside and her yard was very far from the main courtyard. Although it was called Fang Fei Courtyard, there was only the shadow of a single tree at night. Not only were there not the glittering jewels of fragrant flowers, it was instead very deste. The night seemed lonely and cold, and there was not even the sound of an insect.

    Zhao Ke did note.

    Jiang Li frowned and put the whistle in her mouth again, blowing it softly one more time. The sound produced by the whistle was crisp but not loud. Hearing it was like the sound of a bird¡¯s chirping, and it did not draw anyone¡¯s attention at night. She did not know how the people in the ducal residence could differentiate the sound.

    Zhao Ke¡¯s figure was still not seen.

    Jiang Li was very puzzled. ording to reason it shouldn¡¯t. Every day, Zhao Ke would return to the Jiang residence at night. She had blown the whistle twice and Zhao Ke appeared quickly both times. Was he truly dissatisfied because she had ordered him around and asked Ji Heng to be reced? But at least the person recing him should have appeared. Or he had a task tonight and was not at the residence?

    Jiang Li waited for a while, but there was no movement. Looking outside, the wind and snow were so great, almost captivating people¡¯s eyes. Zhao Ke certainly would note, after letting out a sigh, she reached her hands out to close the door and turned back.

    This turning made Jiang Li almost scream.

    Under the swaying light, before the small table, a person had been sitting there since an unknown time. He was using the folding fan in his hand to brush the snowkes on his robe away. He should have juste in, there was a chill all over his body from the wind and snow. But again, he was wearing a deep red robe, as a result, the cold night seemed to have some color and there seemed to be a sweet atmosphere in the room.

    He raised his head, showing a handsome face that could confuse all living beings, his smile was both pure and confusing, his eyes filled with the dim lights of the night, and said, ¡°What is it?¡±

    Jiang Li put the hand covering her mouth down, took one step forward and called, ¡°Duke.¡±

    Ji Heng supported his head with the fan and looked at her while smiling.

    ¡°Why are you here?¡±

    ¡°I saw you blowing the whistle twice,¡± Ji Heng said, ¡°What business are you looking for Zhao Ke for?¡±

    Footnotes:

    <sup>1: name of the title of the official in charge of the capital and the surrounding area, aka governor.</sup>

    < >

 Chapter 133.2: Part 2: Night Scout

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 133 Part 2: Night Scout

    ¡°It¡¯s pertaining to some things in the house.¡± Jiang Li was a little confused with Ji Yu¡¯s purpose ining, and didn¡¯t know how to gloss over it. Thinking that Zhao Ke should have told him everything, she didn¡¯t hide it.

    ¡°Heard that you look for my subordinates, inquiring about the inside story of you pushing Ji Shuran to miscarry?¡±

    Jiang Li said, ¡°Indeed, but Zhao Ke did not know the secret inside.¡±

    ¡°Naturally, Zhao Ke did not know,¡± he gave Jiang Li a nce, the corner of his mouth pulled up, ¡°I know.¡±

    Jiang Li was stunned.

    Ji Heng yed with the folding fan in his hand and said carelessly, ¡°The small things and big things happening in the high ranking and noble residences in Yanjing, whether I am willing to know or not willing to know, are all known by me. I happen to know the things happening in the Jiang residence that year.¡±

    ¡°Duke,¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°can you tell me?¡±

    ¡°Can.¡± Ji Heng replied in a very straightforward manner. However, his next sentence made Jiang Li frown. He smiled and said, ¡°Little girl, this is your own experience, why are you asking me?¡±

    His gaze was moving, deep and shallow, all full of affection. Under the lights, his amber eyes were like wine that was swaying slightly in a ss. As long as you looked more, you would be intoxicated. However, this wine seemed to be mixed with delicious poison, drunk to others, but from a deeper perspective, it was terrifyingly clear-headed.

    ¡°I only know the oue, not the cause.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°After all, I was very young then and I did not understand very well.¡±

    ¡°Is this the reason you found for yourself?¡± Ji Heng asked.

    ¡°Sort of.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°Is this reason enough to convince the Duke?¡±

    Ji Heng shook his head regretfully, ¡°Of course it¡¯s not good.¡± But soon heughed, ¡°However, since you have blown the whistle, your question today, I will tell you what I know. So, this will not hinder me telling you the inside story behind Ji Shuran. You may ask.¡±

    Jiang Li looked at him. This man¡¯s every gesture could hook the soul away. In this way, ordinary conversations were also used by him to tease, making people¡¯s minds ripple. Appearing distant and near, unable to figure out, if it was other people, afraid they would have fallen into the trap.

    ¡°Before my mother¡¯s death, did Ji Shuran have a love affair with my dad?¡± Jiang Li asked.

    Ji Heng paused slightly. He looked at Jiang Li and spoke with interest, ¡°It seems that you have found more things out?¡±

    ¡°A little bit.¡±

    Ji Heng said, ¡°No.¡± Seeing Jiang Li fixing her gaze at him, he added, ¡°Before Ji-shi married Jiang Yuan Bai, they had no contact with each other.¡±

    Jiang Li secretly breathed a sigh of relief, she really didn¡¯t want the truth to be like this. If Jiang Yuanbai really joined forces with Ji-shi to kill his wife, it would be too cruel for Ye Zhen Zhen, and too pitiful for the real Jiang second miss. It was enough to have one Xue Fangfei in the world, and there was no need for more miserable women.

    ¡°You seem to be pleased about this.¡± Ji Heng said.

    ¡°At least it proved that my father is not a murderer and it is safe for me to stay in the Jiang residence. Isn¡¯t it worth being happy about?¡±

    Ji Heng was nomittal and said, ¡°Jiang Yuan Bai is not that daring. Ji Shuran and your father did not have any love affair, because there was another person who was having an affair with her.¡±

    This time, Jiang Li was truly surprised.

    She was always gentle and calm, seldom showing shock like this. It looked a little childish, and it did not seem to be her. Ji Heng was amused by her appearance. He supported his chin and said, ¡°Why, do not believe?¡±

    ¡°I just¡­.. feel it¡¯s very strange.¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°I see Ji-shi is very attentive towards my father. For so many years, she has put in a lot of effort for my father, that¡¯s why in the main branch, there was no other woman aside from an almost hysterical and forgotten aunt. She being like this, I thought she had my father in her heart, thus her possessiveness. I never thought that she actually has someone else in her heart.¡±

    In the end, she was a maiden, but when she talked about this topic, she was not shy at all, and still spoke calmly and rationally, as if she had experienced the ups and downs of the sea of love, therefore she was able to see so thoroughly. Ji Heng¡¯s eyes shed slightly which quickly disappeared. He said, ¡°Now Ji Shuran loves your father, but back then¡­¡­ She and her older male cousin were stuck together like glue. ¡±

    Jiang Li¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°Older male cousin?¡±

    She had never heard Ji-shi had an older male cousin.

    ¡°This older male cousin was called Liu Wen Cai. Oh, he was a bit more charming than Jiang Yuan Bai. In those years, he and Ji-shi could be said to be romantic and unrestrained.¡±

    It turned out that many years ago, Ji Shuran and Liu Wen Cai had a rtionship. That Liu Wen Cai was handsome and extraordinary, understood women¡¯s minds quite well, and Ji Shuran, who had her first awakening of love, was not Liu Wencai¡¯s opponent. She went as far as getting together with Liu Wen Cai in secret, without the knowledge of the Ji family members, almost to the stage of setting her own marriage. Liu Wen Cai actually could be regarded as well-matched with Ji Shuran, but his family had already arranged another marriage for him. Ji-shi was still beautifully dreaming of Liu Wen Caiing to marry her, but Liu Wen Cai had already married someone else.

    Ji-shi was resentful in her heart and was determined to retaliate against Liu Wen Cai. She wanted to get married too, not only that, she still wanted to marry someone better than Liu Wen Cai, a man with a higher status than Liu Wen Cai. However, although there were many suitable young men in Yanjing, she could not find someone for a while, and it was even harder to find someone better than Liu Wen Cai. Ji Yan Lin¡¯s idea was to let Ji Shuran marry the son of his colleague to pull the rtionship closer. That colleague¡¯s son was foolish and obese, with many concubines in his residence. How could Ji-shi look at him? Consequently, Ji-shi became more anxious.

    Ji-shi saw Jiang Yuan Bai by chance at a banquet at this time. Jiang Yuan Bai was younger then, and although he was not as attractive as Liu Wen Cai, he was refined and had a graceful bearing. Ji Shuran found out Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s position in court, weighed it for a while, and felt that Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s position was higher than the son of the colleague that Ji Yan Lin wanted to marry her to.

    If she could marry Jiang Yuan Bai, she could get away from the nightmare of living day to day with a foolish and obese man, and she could also retaliate against Liu Wen Cai. Ji Shuran made up her mind to get married to Jiang Yuan Bai, which was the best choice. The only problem was that Jiang Yuan Bai already had a wife.

    < >

 Chapter 133.3: Part 3: Night Scout

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 133 Part 3: Night Scout

    At that time, Jiang Yuan Bai had just had Jiang Li. It was said that Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s wife, Ye Zhen Zhen, hurt her base when she gave birth. A bold thought came out in Ji Shuran¡¯s mind, if Ye Zhen Zhen died of serious illness because of this, Jiang Yuan Bai would have to remarry. Ji Shuran did not care about marrying a widower, as far as she was concerned, it was better to marry Jiang Yuan Bai than marry Ji Yan Lin¡¯s colleague¡¯s son.

    Ji Shuran bribed the doctor who diagnosed Ye Zhenzhen¡¯s pulse, and promised huge interests to Ye Zhen Zhen¡¯s servant girls. No one expected Ye Zhen Zhen to have an enemy, let alone thought that someone would do such a crazy thing in order to marry into the Jiang family. Ji Shuran waited patiently, and she really managed to aplish this. Ye Zhen Zhen passed away.

    After Ye Zhen Zhen¡¯s death, Ji Shuran disclosed to Madam Ji, instead of being the wife of Ji Yan Lin¡¯s colleague¡¯s son, it would be better to be Jiang Yuan Bai¡¯s second wife. Jiang Yuan Bai had a high position in court and based on rtions, he could help promote the Ji family to higher positions. Madam Ji told Ji Yan Lin about this and he felt it was pretty good, thus arranged a banquet for Jiang Yuan Bai to meet Ji Shuran.

    At that banquet, Ji Shuran naturally put a lot of effort, and had asked people earlier on what kind of music Jiang Yuan Bai liked and what kind of manner of dressing he liked. Only then would Jiang Yuan Bai fall in love with Ji Shuran at first sight.

    After Ji Shuran entered the Jiang family, those servants belonging to Ye Zhen Zhen in the past were either dead or scattered. Of course, all of them were wiped out by Ji Shuran one by one. No one knew about it aside from Ji Shuran¡¯s confidant. As Ji Shuran gave birth to two children in the Jiang family and gained a firm foothold, it would not be known even more.

    Ji Heng said, ¡°Before Zhao Ke came to the Jiang family, I asked him to inquire about everything in the Jiang family. Wen Ji also found out that all of Mrs. Jiang¡¯s subordinates had idents within half a year, and none of them were spared, which is confusing. I didn¡¯t expect to find out such a secret. ¡±

    Jiang Li was already speechless from shock.

    She did not doubt Ji Heng¡¯s words at all. He was naturally arrogant, and it was not worthwhile to speak falsely about this. She was shocked by Ji Shuran¡¯s shamelessness and audacity. Comparing the difference between Ji Shuran and Princess Yongning, it was precisely Ji Shuran¡¯s ruthlessness that was concealed behind her gentle exterior appearance, while Princess Yongning was not afraid to show it.

    But what they did was the same, secretly killing the wives and exterminating the sessor.

    ¡°Liu Wen Cai¡­..¡± Jiang Li mumbled, ¡°Where is that person now?¡±

    ¡°The Liu family met with mishapter, old master Liu was demoted, left Yanjing and settled in Yu Zhou. They are no longer on equal ground with the Ji family. However¡­..¡± Ji Heng looked at Jiang Li, ¡°Eight years ago, Liu Wen Cai came to Yanjing.¡±

    Eight years ago, it was exactly the year when Jiang Li pushed Ji Shuran and caused her to miscarry. The year when she was sent to Mount Qingcheng?

    ¡°He came looking for Ji Shuran?¡± Jiang Li asked.

    ¡°Should be.¡± Ji Heng said carelessly, ¡°In this world, many people still enjoy the feeling of reliving past experiences.¡±

    Jiang Li felt a wave of nausea, but she still asked what needed to be asked. She asked, ¡°Ji Shuran relived past experiences with him?¡±

    ¡°More than that,¡± Ji Hengughed, ¡°there¡¯s still a vile spawn.¡±

    Jiang Li¡¯s brain was hazy for a while, shortly after, everything seemed to be clear at once, she understood everything now. With eagerness in her voice, she said, ¡°This seed of adultery, is it the one that I pushed and was miscarried?¡±

    ¡°Correct.¡± Ji Heng sighed, as if pitying her. In a gentle voice he said, ¡°For a child produced out of an illicit affair, Jiang Yuan Bai sent you to Mount Qingcheng to stay for eight years. You feel aggrieved, right?¡±

    Jiang Li bit her lip: ¡°No, Ji Shuran and Liu Wen Cai had a child out of an affair, but until now, no one has found out, so no one should have found out at that time. In this case, as long as she didn¡¯t take the initiative to say it, who would know that this child did not belong to the Jiang family. Ji Shuran would rather not have this child, would rather get rid of this child, and wanted me to leave home, unless¡­¡­ She was afraid that someone would know that the child belonged to Liu Wencai, and out of fear, she did not hesitate to have a miscarriage. As for me¡­¡­ Was she afraid that I knew about this? What did I see? ¡±

    It was as if a sh of light suddenly appeared in the sky, illuminating everything. Jiang Li had not yet analyzed further when she heard Ji Heng¡¯s voiceing through from nearby. He said, ¡°I also thought of this, however, Ah Li, why did you use the identity of a spectator to talk about your own matter?¡±

    Jiang Li quivered, opposite her was Ji Heng¡¯s gaze with his unfathomable smile.

    She was under shock just now and forgot to conceal it. The line ¡°what did I see¡± disclosed strangeness. She asked herself in this way, why would normal people ask themselves like this?

    ¡°I¡­..¡± Jiang Li¡¯s mind rapidly thought of a way to respond. She said, ¡°I don¡¯t know these, I don¡¯t remember whether I have seen Liu Wen Cai and Ji Shuran¡¯s rtionship, thus I¡¯m asking myself.¡±

    After saying this, she herself was puzzled. If Jiang second miss really saw Liu Wen Cai and Ji Shuran having an affair, why didn¡¯t she say it at that time? After so many years, why didn¡¯t she say it? Could it be that Jiang second miss actually didn¡¯t see or hear anything, but Ji Shuran thought that Jiang second miss knew the inside story, and would rather kill by mistake than slip through the, so she borrowed Jiang Li¡¯s hand to get rid of the evil seed in her abdomen, and she could also make the Jiang family loathed and abandoned Jiang Li, therefore killing two birds with one stone?

    She looked at Ji Heng. He obviously did not believe this answer, because his nod was extremely half-hearted. Just like an adult seeing through a child¡¯s clumsy lie from the start and did not wish to perform an in-depth investigation, thus nodded insincerely, expressing his eptance.

    But Jiang Li also did not weigh on this too much. Ji Heng seemed like an omniscient treasure-trove, while she waspletely ignorant about the Jiang family. Her biggest w was fortunately could be filled by Ji Heng, so she wished Ji Heng could tell her everything.

    ¡°Where is Liu Wen Cai now?¡± Jiang Li asked. If possible, find Liu Wen Cai, and he could be regarded as one evidence.

    Ji Heng said, ¡°Dead.¡±

    ¡°Dead?¡± Jiang Li was surprised.

    < >

 Chapter 133.4: Part 4: Night Scout

    < >

    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 133 Part 4: Night Scout

    ¡°Ji Shuran personally instructed the person to be killed.¡± Ji Heng said it casually as if talking about daily life, but his words made Jiang Li¡¯s blood run cold. He said, ¡°Before the miscarriage, she dispatched people to kill him. Reportedly,¡± he had a mocking smile, ¡°Liu Wen Cai had a beautiful dream of relying on Ji Shuran to once again enter Yanjing and lived the days of being a wealthy young master. Ji Shuran promised to give him silver and let him open a casino in the best district. On the second day, he was found dead in his room. He unexpectedly died from drinking.¡±

    Jiang Li was speechless

    A day being husband and wife, a hundred days of grace. After all, Liu Wen Cai and Ji Shuran had many years of affections. Even if Liu Wen Cai took someone else as his wife, many yearster, when he returned to Yanjing, Ji Shuran was still involved with him. This showed that Ji Shuran was afraid that she still had feelings for him.

    Still had lingering feelings, yet able to kill him without looking back?

    Ji Heng seemed to be able to see her iprehension and said, ¡°Ji Shuran did not love him.¡±

    ¡°Not love?¡±

    ¡°Liu Wen Cai was down and out.¡± Ji Heng said indifferently, ¡°He had nothing at all while Ji Shuran is the chief assistant¡¯s wife. How could she still look at Liu Wen Cai? She was together with Liu Wen Cai to retaliate against that year when Liu Wen Cai abandoned her. From the beginning, she thought of discarding Liu Wen Cai, not just that, she still wanted the other person¡¯s life. No wonder people in the world said,¡± he sighed, ¡°the mouth of the green bamboo snake and the needle tail behind the wasp are neither poisonous; the most poisonous is a woman¡¯s heart.¡±

    The tone as he sighed in his speech was full of the distinct casualness and ridicule of someone watching a y.

    ¡°At the beginning, I didn¡¯t feel,¡± Jiang Li said, ¡°I didn¡¯t think that I was obstructing Ji Shuran¡¯s way. Even if I did, there was no need to take my life. But from what you said, I understand. Ji Shuran is such a person, venomous from her bones. Even if I don¡¯t provoke her, she will still get rid of me. Because she¡¯s malicious.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you just found out now?¡± Ji Heng said, ¡°You fought with her, I thought you knew this from long ago.¡±

    The corners of his mouth were raised in a smile, hiszy tone was mild as he spoke, as if he did not mind at all. However, Jiang Li knew that each word that Ji Heng said was worth pondering over. On the surface, he seemed to suffer a loss as he took the initiative to visit and calmly shared with her the secret information that he knew today. But in actuality, Ji Heng also got a lot of things on this trip.

    Afraid he had already suspected that there was something wrong with her as Jiang second miss.

    Jiang Li was not surprised, regardless of what Ji Heng guessed, she would never change what she set out to do.

    Jiang Li looked at Ji Heng, ¡°No matter what, many thanks for telling me this.¡±

    ¡°Actually, I initially did not want to tell you these.¡± Ji Heng stared at her, continued speaking while looking as if he was pondering. ¡°You seem both kindhearted and naive, and the truth is always cruel. But¡­.. Ah Li,¡± When he called ¡°Ah Li¡±, the usually ordinary two words seemed to contain boundless spring, full of emotion. He said, ¡°If you want to survive, you have to walk a bit further, and you must see the facts clearly as early as possible. Anyway, you can ept it, right?¡±

    Jiang Li also smiled and said, ¡°Good medicine tastes bitter, loyal advice is unpleasant on the ears, the words you said to His Majesty have the same justification as the words you said to me. Duke informed the facts to me, just expressing my gratitude is stillte.¡±

    ¡°However, knowing the truth and living soberly is an exhausting thing.¡±

    ¡°Is it?¡± Jiang Li fixed her eyes on his, ¡°Isn¡¯t this how Duke is living?¡±

    For a split second, Jiang Li felt that even the tear mole under his eyes became a bit brighter. The smile on his lips froze, or perhaps disappeared. His gaze towards Jiang Li, his expression did not have the usual tease nor provocation, did not have the exploring nor the scrutiny, merely a sh ofplexity.

    After a long time, he smiled once again and said, ¡°To be seen through by a little girl, if spoken outside will make a person lose face.¡±

    ¡°No one in this world will dare to think that you¡¯ve lost face.¡± Jiang Li smiled.

    Ji Heng reached out suddenly and grabbed her chin.

    His fingertips were slightly cold, it was hard to imagine that such a gorgeous person had no warmth in his fingers, as if he was carrying the coldness from outside. He leaned to the side, pressed his body forward, and looked at Jiang Li from the top. The smile at the corner of his mouth deepened and he murmured, ¡°Your mouth is too sweet, making people really want to have a taste.¡±

    Jiang Li froze.

    She was by no means afraid of Ji Heng, even if Ji Heng was moody or ambitious, the inner thoughts that she managed to pry into and see were not without any traces. But when Ji Heng made ambiguous moves towards her, she was somewhat embarrassed and at aplete loss. She could not push him away, in fact, she could not do it either. She was aware that Ji Heng was being yful, teasing her evilly. But when the breath of the other person was getting closer, the shadow casted by his long eyshes could be seen, and her clear figure could be seen in his pupils. She could see his amused gaze, saw his slightly upturned, rosy lips¡­.. Jiang Li abruptly lowered her eyes, avoiding Ji Heng¡¯s meaningful eyes, refusing to reveal her weakness to Ji Heng.

    His lips stopped a hair¡¯s breadth away from her lips.

    Instead, in aughing tone of voice, he said, ¡°As it turns out, you still know to be afraid of me. I thought you have reached the stage of having no scruples towards me.¡±

    Jiang Li regained her space and she was greatly relieved.

    The next moment, Ji Heng let go and sat back in his original position,ughingzily at her.

    There weren¡¯t any ws that could be picked in his appearance under the light. With his gorgeous smile, he resembled a mythical goblin that reaped lives.

    Jiang Li¡¯s gaze staggered. It was truly¡­.. too dazzling.

    ¡°Already scared and don¡¯t dare to look at me anymore? Isn¡¯t your guts very big?¡± He withdrew his fan and got up. He said, ¡°Let¡¯s stop here today, it¡¯s no longer early. In the future, if you have any requirements, you are free to blow the whistle. Zhao Ke will reply to your questions, sometimes,¡± he smiled brightly, ¡°I will alsoe.¡±

    Jiang Li said, ¡°There is no need for that.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not up to you.¡± He drew the windows open, left a sentence ¡°until we meet again, little guy¡±, and in a moment, the shadow of this person disappeared from inside the room.

    Only the mes from the candle were flickering and there seemed to be a lingering fragrance.

    My girly heart was squealing by the end of the chapter. Ji Heng is the type of male who would perform a kabedon, agree? (????-)?

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 Chapter 134.1: Part 1: Exorcism

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    Marriage of the Di Daughter Chapter 134 Part 1: Exorcism

    This night, Jiang Li slept unsteadily.

    Ji Heng¡¯s words echoed in her ears like a curse. Since she became Jiang second miss, since she once again entered the Jiang family, she thought aside from the Jiang family having light rtionships and having the characteristic of an official¡¯s residence of stepping on those lower and praising those higher, there was nothing else. Now she saw that the dirty affairs in a noble family were more terrifying to listen topared to ordinary families. Jiang second miss¡¯s experience was even moreplicated than what she had envisioned.

    Moreover, the environment she was staying in now was even more dangerous. Supposed Jiang second miss really knew about Ji Shuran¡¯s scandal, perhaps Ji Shuran thought Jiang second miss probably knew, then there¡¯s a rational reason for Ji Shuran¡¯s relentless pursuit and setback towards her over the years. Ji Shuran wanted to be at ease, cut the weeds and eliminate the roots.

    This was a war, where I would live when you die. It was not just for Jiang Li alone, there¡¯s Ye Zhen Zhen¡¯s death and the real Jiang second miss whose soul had gone to an unknown ce. In addition, there was also the dubious death of Jiang Yue¡¯er.

    The news brought by Ji Heng made her suddenly think of another way. With regard to Ji Shuran¡¯s n to lend someone¡¯s knife to kill, perhaps she could take advantage of the situation to her benefit. As for who wouldughst, just wait and see whose trick was more powerful.

    Due to pondering about things during the night and it was already veryte when she finally fell asleep, the next day, Jiang Li woke up a bitter. Tong¡¯er and Bai Xue knew that it was seldom that she slept untilte and did not call her.

    After Jiang Li had breakfast, Tong¡¯er came over and said, ¡°Miss, today Ji-shi went to the pce again.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Jiang Li put away the papers on the table that were blown all over by the wind and said, ¡°She is so diligent in going to the pce.¡±

    ¡°Heard that Concubine Li-pin was unwell, maybe she is sick. Ji-shi hurriedly entered the pce early in the morning and said that she was going to see her sister.¡± Tong¡¯er said, then spoke with a rather disdainful look: ¡°Who doesn¡¯t know that she has a Li-pin as a sister, but I haven¡¯t seen them having such a good rtionship on weekdays, really making such a big deal.¡±

    ¡°You ah,¡± Jiang Li turned her body sideways and tapped Tong¡¯er¡¯s forehead, ¡°really getting more and more outspoken. These words can only be said in front of me and cannot let others hear.¡±

    ¡°This servant knows, this ve has propriety.¡± Tong¡¯er asked, ¡°Ji-shi also brought Jiang You Yao to enter the pce, but did not inform miss. Isn¡¯t it disgracing Miss¡¯s face?¡±

    ¡°How can this be called disgracing my face, after all, we are not the same family and have no blood rtions,¡± Jiang Li said without paying any heed, ¡°If she really asked me to go as well, that would be making people disgusted.¡±

    Tong¡¯er nodded, ¡°It makes sense, then we will not pay attention to them.¡± She happily helped Bai Xue to gather the morning dew.

    Jiang Li stood in front of the table, her hand made circles on the papers that were put together just now, yet her sights were set outside. Ji-shi entered the pce first thing in the morning today, it was absolutely not random. On the surface, it was to see Li-pin as Li-pin fell ill. It seemed that the other side¡¯s momentum was like a torrential rush, simply not giving her the chance to take a breather and deal with her immediately and without restrain.

    However, if said that she was afraid, she was not Jiang Li. She wanted to see what reason Ji-shi and Li-pin were going to use to properly invite the Taoist master Chong Xu who was famous in Northern Yan to go to the Jiang residence. She guaranteed to give the other party an unforgettable-for-a-lifetime meeting gift.

    ¡°Tong¡¯er, take the hand stove. Let¡¯s go to Aunt Hu¡¯s courtyard to sit.¡± She smiled slightly.

    ¡­¡­

    In the pce, in the side hall, there was only the smell of medicine, carrying a bitter astringent taste.

    On the sofa, a woman was leaning on a pillow, half sitting and halfying down. Her hair was not tied into a bun, the length of it scattered behind her head. Herplexion was pale against her garments and her lips had no color.

    She seemed to have wasted away, bing wan and sallow overnight. She felt there was no strength in her entire body as she was gued by nightmares at night, woke up several times and almost did not sleep. Finally she just sat until dawn broke.

    After Emperor Hong Xiao got the news, he rushed to see Li-pin after court. What he saw was the always full of smiles Li-pin looked like someone with a serious illness today, she did not even have the strength to get down from the bed. The imperial physicians had alle over and verified that there was no problem with Li-pin¡¯s health, nor did she contract any disease. As for how the present situation came about, they were not clear on the cause.

    At first, the pce maids suspected Li-pin to be poisoned, but after thorough examination of the entire pce up and down, Li-pin¡¯s food and clothing were normal. However, Li-pin¡¯s sudden illness was very aggressive, it even rmed the Empress Dowager. She came personally for a visit, but Li-pin¡¯s changes astonished people as she rapidly became weaker, soon about to die.

    The Ji family hurried over when they got the news. Chen Ji¨Cshi pulled Li-pin¡¯s hand and said, ¡°What is actually happening? For no cause and reason, why did something like this suddenly urred?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I came to see the imperial concubine the day before yesterday and she was fine. In such a short period of time, why does she be like this?¡± Ji Shuran also wiped her tears away with a handkerchief.

    At this time, Li-pin¡¯s personal maid, Hong Zhu, knelt in front of Emperor Hong Xiao. She said, ¡°This servant has something to say, dare to tell Your Majesty.¡±

    Emperor Hong Xiao said, ¡°You speak.¡±

    ¡°A few years ago, the imperial concubine also met with this kind of thing. At that time, the imperial concubine was on the brink of crisis, it was¡­.. Taoist priest Chong Xu who found the cause and enabled the imperial concubine to avoid the cmity. Now, without any reason, the imperial concubine met with this misfortune again and no solution could be found. This servant see that there¡¯s a resemnce to the matter in that year and thought of requesting earnestly to Your Majesty to please invite Taoist Master Chong Xu to the pce to take a look at the imperial concubine. Whether or not there is an evil spirit causing the imperial concubine to have nightmares in the pce!¡±

    After saying this, Hong Zhu immediately kowtowed several times to Emperor Hong Xiao. Lu Wu at the side saw this and knelt down as well.

    Many years ago, Li-pin was hated and envied by another imperial concubine. It¡¯s not known where that imperial concubine found out Li-pin¡¯s eight characters and used a loathsome technique to make Li-pin wither day by day until she nearly died. By lucky coincidence, for the Empress Dowager¡¯s birthday, the Taoist priest Chong Xu was invited to the pce and saw something wrong. He found the ce where the puppet was ced. The Empress Dowager was furious, someone actually dared to do this inside the pce. That imperial concubine was granted a poisonous cup of wine while outside, it was said that she died of an illness. Li-pin got her life back and gradually got better.

    Now, Hong Zhu suddenly brought up the matter of that year.

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