Chapter Twenty-Four: A Glimpse

Inside the Auspicious Pavilion, Jiang Li and her two companions were still choosing jewelry.

Perhaps it was the fear of Jiang Li’s infamous reputation that compelled the shopkeeper and his assistants to summon all their energy and attention for her. By chance, there were no other customers today, and the shopkeeper had brought out nearly every new piece for Jiang Li to select from.

Xiang Qiao had assumed Jiang Li would be picking a gift for Jiang Youyao without much care, perhaps even scheming to trip her up. Yet unexpectedly, Jiang Li chose with genuine seriousness, generously purchasing a set of red jade drop-bead phoenix hair ornaments—a collection worth three hundred taels of silver.

The box of silver Old Madam Jiang had given Jiang Li amounted to only four hundred taels. After buying this set, only a hundred taels remained.

Jiang Li herself seemed utterly unconcerned. Xiang Qiao felt she truly couldn’t fathom what the Second Miss was thinking.

The shopkeeper and assistants had served her with trembling caution, but Jiang Li had never made things difficult for them, even proving more amiable than many other noble ladies in Yan Capital. It was rather astonishing.

With the silver spent, there was no possibility of buying anything else from the Auspicious Pavilion. As the three exited, heading toward their carriage, Tong’er suddenly pointed to a nearby pawnshop and said to Jiang Li, “Miss, before leaving the capital, I pawned a jade pendant my late mother gave me at that shop. I’d like to see if it’s still there. If it is, I hope to redeem it for old times’ sake.”

Jiang Li replied, “Go ahead.” She handed Tong’er the remaining silver. “Use this.”

Tong’er couldn’t refuse and took the money, heading toward the pawnshop. Xiang Qiao remained, staring blankly at Jiang Li. The Second Miss was extraordinarily good to her servants. Even Xiang Qiao herself had benefitted greatly under her care. Speaking sincerely, having such a mistress was far better than serving Third Miss or Ji Shuran. Xiang Qiao felt a tinge of regret; if only Jiang Li weren’t the Jiang family’s Second Miss, destined to fall prey to Ji Shuran and meet a tragic end, she would have gladly followed her, living far more comfortably.

The sight of the three in front of the Auspicious Pavilion was observed by two figures at the window of a nearby restaurant, the Loft of Immortal Gazing.

Seated at a yellow pearwood table, one had thick eyebrows and large eyes, his black military attire trimmed with yellow sashes—a soldier, rough and straightforward in his manner as he poured tea. He spoke loudly, “Which Miss of the Jiang family is that? Why go to a pawnshop?”

After a moment, the man opposite answered lazily, “The second daughter.”

“The second?” The soldier smacked his lips, suddenly realizing, “Second Miss Jiang? The eldest daughter of Jiang Yuanbai, recently returned to the capital? You mean the infamous villain accused of murdering her mother and brother? Damn, can’t be!”

Of the trio in front of the Auspicious Pavilion, the maid was obvious, but the other was slender as a willow, delicate and elegant. The soldier, perhaps sharp-eyed, could just make out the Second Miss’s features, muttering, “She looks so pitiful. Is that really Second Miss Jiang? I, Kong Six, have never misjudged anyone—either you’re mistaken, or this young lady never did such things!”

His companion ignored him.

Kong Six, seeing his friend’s silence, pressed further, “...Is it really her?”

Still no response. Kong Six understood—it was indeed true. He said, “Well, appearances can be deceiving. But how do you know it’s Second Miss Jiang? You’ve met her?”

“I have,” his companion replied.

“Ah.” Kong Six shook his head. “Rumor says Second Miss Jiang is hideously ugly, but I see she’s quite pretty, fresh and elegant, isn’t she?”

“Bland and flavorless.”

Kong Six was taken aback. “What about Third Miss Jiang? She must be charming, right?”

“Mediocre and vulgar.”

“My goodness. And what about Xue Fangfei? She’s supposed to be the most beautiful woman in Yan Capital—you have to admit she’s lovely!”

“Lovely?” The man’s tone was cool. “You ask me to judge... a corpse?”

As he spoke, he finally withdrew his gaze, looking directly at Kong Six.

This young man wore a crimson robe, a collar embroidered with black-gold phoenix butterflies, casting a mysterious, seductive light on his face. His eyes were narrow and phoenix-like, the corners slightly upturned—a sign of pride, though the red mole at his eye’s corner gave his arrogance a touch of restrained allure.

His lips were thin yet vividly red, his skin pale, making his features strikingly sharp. Though his beauty was impossible to conceal, his demeanor was detached, his apparent interest tinged with indifference.

Kong Six nearly choked from the sight.

He had to admit, his companion was entitled to be critical of the world’s beauties; his own looks qualified him to disregard even those famed for their beauty.

This was Duke Su, Ji Heng.

“Enough talk of women,” Kong Six scratched his head, “The Right Chancellor’s moves have grown bolder lately—he’s secretly courting last year’s top scholar, Shen Yuyong. Shen Yuyong seems to be watching and waiting. If the Right Chancellor wins him over, the power between him and the Jiang family in court will be evenly matched.”

“Then go assist His Excellency the Right Chancellor,” Ji Heng’s voice was gentle, “Make sure the scholar is won over.”

“In a few days is Third Miss Jiang’s coming-of-age ceremony. I expect the Shen family will send someone to probe Jiang Yuanbai’s situation.”

Ji Heng said, “Shen Yuyong is favored by Emperor Hongxiao. Jiang Yuanbai and the Right Chancellor are competing to recruit him. However,” his lips curved, “he mustn’t be drawn to the Jiang family.”

“I understand,” Kong Six nodded, “The Jiang family’s days ahead will be troublesome.”

“Pitiful,” Ji Heng sighed softly. Kong Six felt a chill; he knew his companion never truly pitied anyone. On the contrary, anyone Ji Heng called ‘pitiful’ invariably ended up truly pitiable.

Perhaps moved by thoughts of the Jiang family’s future, Kong Six looked again at the figures before the Auspicious Pavilion, a sense of lament stirring within him. He said, “Second Miss Jiang’s face is so pure and innocent. The rumors about her killing her mother and brother might be a misunderstanding—perhaps she never did such things.”

“No.” Unexpectedly, Ji Heng responded, “With the looks of Second Miss Jiang, it’s entirely possible she could do such things.”

Kong Six rolled his eyes and fell silent.

—Extra—

Ji the Beauty: When it comes to looks, I’m number one in the world, regardless of gender.