Chapter Twenty-One: The Cousin

In the pavilion, the three seated figures were ones Jiang Li had met just yesterday; next to Jiang Youyao sat the two illegitimate daughters of the third branch. At Jiang Youyao’s side, two maids were fanning her. The Jiang residence was cooler than outside; even in the morning, walking outdoors did not feel oppressively hot.

On the table lay chilled fruit custards with threads of rock sugar. Jiang Yuyan and Jiang Yue’e sat to Jiang Youyao’s left and right, encircling her like stars around the moon.

Jiang Youyao, upon seeing Jiang Li, did not greet her, but Jiang Yuyan, after a moment’s hesitation, called out timidly, “Second Sister.”

Jiang Li was the second daughter in the Jiang family. Jiang Yuanbai had been married to Ye Zhenzhen for three years without an heir, yet a maid in his chambers became pregnant first. By custom, such a child should not have been born, but Ye Zhenzhen was soft-hearted and could not bear to cost two lives, so the child was allowed to live. The following year, Jiang Li was born, and the maid was elevated to a concubine.

Tong’er had told her that this concubine was a dutiful and honest woman, once a maid to the Old Madam Jiang, never competing or scheming, but ill-fated nonetheless. When Jiang Li was three—two years after Ji Shuran had joined the household—the eldest Miss Jiang fell while playing in the garden and died. The concubine, bereft of her daughter, was plunged into grief and soon withdrew from all company, rarely to be seen again.

Jiang Li nodded to Jiang Yuyan and replied, “Fourth Sister.”

Jiang Yuyan, plain of feature and seemingly timid, was so surprised by Jiang Li’s acknowledgment that she quickly ducked her head, as if in fear.

Jiang Yue’e, however, studied Jiang Li intently before breaking into a smile. “It’s been years since we last met, Second Sister, you seem much gentler now. No wonder they say that the ancestral hall tempers a person’s character.”

Her smile was delicate, the picture of a refined young lady, but her words were sharp. At this, a flash of disdain flickered in Jiang Youyao’s eyes.

Jiang Li understood. The two illegitimate daughters of the third branch were likely eager to curry favor with Jiang Youyao due to their status. Jiang Youyao, in turn, used them as pawns to make trouble for her.

Jiang Li smiled faintly and replied, “The ancestral hall does indeed temper one’s character. Fifth Sister need not regret; perhaps in the future you’ll have a chance to experience it yourself. There’s plenty of time.”

“Who would want to experience—” Jiang Yue’e burst out, but before she could finish, Jiang Youyao tugged her sleeve.

Jiang Li turned her gaze to Jiang Youyao.

Ji Shuran’s own daughter did indeed resemble her—delicate and beautiful, with an oval face, a straight nose, cherry lips, almond eyes, and rosy cheeks. Raised in the prime minister’s household amidst luxury, she had a tender, pampered air. Dressed in a peach-pink gauze dress, she was like the most precious jewel in the Auspicious Pavilion—a true rarity. She was born to be cherished, her jade feet never meant to touch the dust of the earth. When she raised her brows, a thousand charms came alive; unlike Xue Fangfei’s stunning beauty, Jiang Youyao’s allure was that of a young girl in full bloom—pure, fresh, and captivating.

With such beauty, it was only natural that she should be doted upon. As the prime minister, Jiang Yuanbai would certainly lavish affection on this daughter.

Jiang Youyao was also scrutinizing Jiang Li. When Jiang Li left all those years ago, she had been only seven; now, eight years had passed, and Jiang Youyao could barely recall her features. In her mind, after eight years in the nunnery, Jiang Li should have become timid, easily trampled upon, her arrogance and bearing gone—just a wretched, disregarded girl.

Who would have thought that on her very first day back, Jiang Li had bested both her and her mother at the gates. Not only had Jiang Li’s pride not been worn away, but it had grown deeper, more restrained, hidden beneath a calm exterior. This was not a good sign—Jiang Li had grown sly and cunning.

Jiang Youyao examined Jiang Li from head to toe and was vexed to find that, though Jiang Li’s attire was less elaborate than her own, she was not outshone in the least. That fresh, pure look was exactly the type her father admired most.

Twisting the handkerchief in her hand, Jiang Youyao took a deep breath and forced a smile. “Second Sister.” Ji Shuran had warned her: at this juncture, in front of outsiders, she must never show enmity toward Jiang Li.

“Third Sister,” Jiang Li replied, her smile genuine and sincere—quite unlike Jiang Youyao’s forced expression. Anyone looking on would believe in her goodwill.

Jiang Youyao found it utterly repulsive. Suddenly, she asked, “Second Sister, you’ve already had your coming-of-age ceremony, haven’t you?”

“Yes.”

Jiang Youyao smiled. “In a few days, I’ll have mine too. Don’t forget to prepare a gift for your younger sister.”

Jiang Li paused, then answered, “Is that so? Since you’ll be coming of age, I’ll certainly prepare a congratulatory gift.”

“That’s good. I heard from Grandmother that many guests will be invited that day. You’ve just returned to the capital, Second Sister—it’s a good chance to meet people. Who knows, you may even run into old acquaintances.” Her words carried a hidden meaning.

Jiang Li paid no mind to Jiang Youyao’s implication, nor to Jiang Yue’e’s mocking smile. She merely thought how, when the second Miss Jiang came of age, she had been left alone on Mount Qingcheng, forgotten by all. Yet for the third Miss’s coming-of-age, there would be grand festivities. Both were daughters of the Jiang family, yet the difference could not have been starker.

With that, she felt a pang of sympathy for the long-deceased second Miss Jiang.

At least Xue Fangfei had never known the coldness of family neglect.

Feeling bored, she turned with Tong’er to walk in another direction, but after only two steps, nearly collided with someone.

“Can’t you watch where you’re going?” the person snapped.

“It was you who bumped into my mistress!” Tong’er retorted.

“You’re just a servant—how dare you butt in?” The voice was even more annoyed. But upon turning, the speaker paused, surprised. “Jiang Li?”

The youth before her was about Jiang Li’s age, with tanned skin and handsome features. He was Jiang Jingrui, born of the second branch and Lady Lu.

The second branch’s two young masters were quite distinct: the elder, Jiang Jingyou, took after Jiang Yuanping—chubby and always smiling; the younger, Jiang Jingrui, favored Lady Lu in looks, more handsome and with a far worse temper.

At this moment, Jiang Jingrui was clutching a small bamboo cage from which the sound of a cricket came. He must have been outside playing with crickets; his clothes were disheveled, his forehead beaded with sweat, his manner brash and unruly—a classic spoiled young master.

He showed neither the open hostility of Jiang Youyao nor the avoidance of Jiang Yuyan. In fact, his attitude seemed almost familiar.

Jiang Li considered for a moment before greeting him gently, “Cousin.”

At this, Jiang Jingrui seemed startled, taking a large step back with an expression of disgust. “What are you calling me that for?”

Jiang Li kept her smile, though she felt uneasy inside. Jiang Jingyou was a year older than her; Jiang Jingrui only ten days older. She had no idea how the former second Miss Jiang had addressed Jiang Jingrui.

Before she could decide what to say next, Jiang Jingrui looked her over and suddenly spat, “Why do you look like this now?”

Now? Like this?

Jiang Li was bewildered.

What had she looked like before?

———End of chapter———

Is there anyone fond of this second young master?