Chapter Thirty-Four: The Twin Hawks

When Jiang Li suddenly uttered Yun Shuang’s name, it took everyone by surprise.

Yun Shuang, mingling among the crowd, was caught off guard at being singled out. As she understood what Jiang Li had said, her first instinct was to glance at Ji Shuran’s expression.

Even through the throng of people, Yun Shuang could sense Ji Shuran’s piercing gaze upon her, as if she were staring at a corpse.

Reflexively, Yun Shuang wanted to shake her head and deny it, but Jiang Li turned to her, expressing gratitude and even a hint of admiration. “Yun Shuang warned me before to be wary of Xiang Qiao. At the time, I didn’t believe her, but now I realize I was too arrogant. Thank you, Yun Shuang.” Then, addressing Ji Shuran, she continued, “Mother may have misjudged Xiang Qiao, but she gave me the thoughtful Yun Shuang to stay by my side. I thank you for your care, Mother.”

Ji Shuran forced a smile. What she felt inside, nobody could tell.

Now, whatever Yun Shuang might say would be too late, and with so many guests present, there was truly no way to argue against Jiang Li’s words. It was true that Xiang Qiao had hidden the ruby hairpiece, but Yun Shuang, who was always with her, had dug it out and secretly placed it in Xiang Qiao’s room.

Most people in the world resent not scarcity but inequality. Both Yun Shuang and Xiang Qiao were Ji Shuran’s agents by Jiang Li’s side, but Xiang Qiao, simply with her glib tongue, had managed to receive numerous rewards from Jiang Li. Those gifts were more than what they could hope for in ten years serving Ji Shuran.

Yun Shuang grew jealous, finding Xiang Qiao increasingly disagreeable. She had overheard Tong’er and Jiang Li’s plan—knowing that to counter Ji Shuran, Tong’er would expose Xiang Qiao’s swapping of the hairpiece before the guests. Yun Shuang then quietly returned the hairpiece to Xiang Qiao’s room.

Even so, Ji Shuran’s plan was ruined. But what of it? Even if Xiang Qiao told Ji Shuran of Jiang Li’s scheme and Ji Shuran made new arrangements, it would only be a bid for favor, not harm Xiang Qiao. Yet, following Jiang Li’s plan, Xiang Qiao would be doomed.

A servant who plots against her mistress has no place in the Jiang household. Failing Ji Shuran’s orders, how could Xiang Qiao hope for a good end?

Everything went smoothly until Xiang Qiao was exposed, but then, at the last moment, Jiang Li’s words thrust Yun Shuang into the abyss.

Yun Shuang’s knees weakened, nearly collapsing.

Jiang Li’s smile became even more genuine. Ji Shuran was a suspicious woman; with just one sentence, she would begin to doubt Yun Shuang’s loyalty. After all, an airtight scheme that suddenly unraveled here must have a traitor informing Jiang Li.

Now, with the truth laid bare, the Old Madam Jiang spoke coldly: “What are we waiting for? Drag this troublemaking girl out and beat her to death!”

Xiang Qiao’s eyes widened, unable to speak through the cloth stuffed in her mouth. She could only look to Ji Shuran for help. But at such a time, why would Ji Shuran risk implicating herself? Instead, she urged, “Hurry up, didn’t you hear what Mother said?”

Struggling, Xiang Qiao was dragged away. The guests watched, a chill creeping into their hearts. The Jiang family’s rules were harsh; nothing less was expected from Jiang Yuanbai. Even if he seemed amiable, his methods were not to be underestimated.

Yun Shuang watched, her spine tingling with fear. She vaguely realized that by framing Xiang Qiao, she might have committed a grave mistake.

Jiang Li pressed her palms together, softly murmuring, “Amitabha.” All eyes turned to her, the center of the storm, the very heart of the disturbance. She bowed her head slightly, seeming to pity Xiang Qiao’s fate, and her side profile appeared ever more pure and gentle.

The Old Madam Jiang glanced at Jiang Li with an inscrutable expression, then said to Ji Shuran, “Since Xiang Qiao is gone from Li’s side, she’ll need new maids. Tomorrow, the matrons will bring some candidates, and Li can choose them herself.”

Tong’er, hearing this, quickly spoke up in her crisp voice: “Madam, the maids sweeping Fangfei Courtyard were all arranged by Xiang Qiao. Since Xiang Qiao’s conduct was lacking, please have those maids dismissed as well and select new ones, so Fangfei Courtyard may be thoroughly cleansed.”

Her words made Ji Shuran’s face burn, anger rising within her. How dared a mere maid criticize her so openly? Yet, no matter how furious she was, her expression remained unchanged.

The Old Madam Jiang replied, “Do as you say.”

Ji Shuran hurriedly agreed, then smiled at Jiang Li: “Mother failed to judge people properly before and nearly caused disaster. Let Yun Shuang return to me, Li, and you may personally select your own close maid tomorrow. Is that agreeable?”

Jiang Li showed a hint of regret. “I thought Yun Shuang was quite suitable to stay with me, but Mother’s reasoning makes sense. I’ll do as Mother wishes.”

As Jiang Li spoke, Yun Shuang was filled with terror. Jiang Li’s words were pushing her into the fire! Ji Shuran already suspected her; keeping her close would only be for torment. And Jiang Li was pouring oil on the flames!

“Today, we’ve made a spectacle for everyone,” the Old Madam Jiang said sternly, seeing the matter settled. “My Jiang household has failed in disciplining its servants, causing such a disgraceful event and disturbing your enjoyment. Allow me, on behalf of the Jiang family, to apologize to you all.”

The guests hastily protested, while Jiang Yuanbai added, “Another day, I’ll invite you all to gather again.”

Those who attended Jiang Youyao’s coming-of-age ceremony witnessed quite a drama and gained more than expected. Yet the supposed protagonist, Jiang Youyao, was almost forgotten.

Shen Ruyun and her mother, led out by Jiang family servants, couldn’t help but whisper to each other, “I think the third Miss Jiang is nothing special, but the second Miss Jiang is formidable. With just a few words, she turned the whole situation around—she must be clever indeed.”

Shen Ruyun disliked Jiang Youyao because Jiang Youyao was Zhou Bangyan’s fiancée. Today, Jiang Li changed the course of events, outwardly punishing Xiang Qiao but in truth humiliating Ji Shuran, leaving Jiang Youyao in the shadows. Jiang Li made Jiang Youyao lose her composure, which Shen Ruyun was pleased to see. Yet, that didn’t mean Shen Ruyun liked Jiang Li. If Jiang Youyao hadn’t replaced Jiang Li, then Zhou Bangyan’s fiancée would be Jiang Li now.

Both were rivals, equally disliked.

As they spoke, someone nearby called, “Miss.” Shen Ruyun and her mother turned to see two people approaching—the second Miss Jiang, who had been the center of attention, and her maid Tong’er.

The second Miss Jiang noticed them, paused, smiled, and nodded in greeting before passing by.

They were not acquainted, but it was not impolite.

Yet at that moment, Shen Ruyun suddenly felt that the second Miss Jiang’s smiling nod was strangely familiar.

Where had she seen it before?