Chapter Forty-One: Persuasion

Jiang Jingrui exhausted himself arguing in Fangfei Courtyard, spitting words until his mouth was dry, but he could not sway Jiang Li’s resolve. In the end, he could only speak helplessly: “I’ve said all that needs to be said. If you insist on being so stubborn, I have nothing left to say. If you wish to seek out Uncle, then go ahead. If it doesn’t work, have your maid let me know, and I’ll discuss with you about approaching Grandmother.”

For him to say this much, from Jiang Jingrui’s standpoint, he had already done all he could.

Jiang Li replied, “Thank you.”

Jiang Jingrui shook his head. Jiang Li considered for a moment, then looked at him and asked, “Can I ask you a question?”

“What is it?”

“How is your scholarship?”

Hearing Jiang Li ask this, Jiang Jingrui’s face suddenly flushed red. He slapped the table and jumped up, shouting, “Jiang Li, you’re going too far! You mock me, yet I haven’t mocked you! Do as you wish, I won’t care anymore!” With that, he angrily kicked the bench and stormed off.

Tong’er curled her lip behind his back. “Second Young Master acts as if his sore spot was poked. Why is he venting his anger at Miss?”

Jiang Li hadn’t expected Jiang Jingrui to disdain studying so much. After all, the Jiang family was known for its scholarly officials and upright reputation; she had thought everyone here would be talented scholars. Yet Jiang Jingrui’s unruly behavior made Jiang Li feel a certain kinship—because Xue Zhao was much the same.

Xue Huaiyuan had only one son and one daughter. Xue Zhao, from childhood, preferred swordplay and martial arts. Xue Huaiyuan never forced his son to pick a particular path; Xue Zhao loved martial arts but dreaded reading. Whenever Xue Huaiyuan tested his lessons, Xue Zhao would find every way to slip away.

Jiang Li had covered for Xue Zhao countless times since childhood.

Now… thinking of the person no longer present, pain flickered in Jiang Li’s eyes.

Baixue finally finished brewing the floral tea. Even in the height of summer, she didn’t find it a burdensome task. She poured the tea into a small porcelain cup, dropped in a preserved plum, and set it on the table to cool. Baixue asked, “Miss, is that Mingyi Hall such a good place?”

Jiang Li smiled. “Most of the teachers at Mingyi Hall are invited from the palace. His Majesty, to expand the Imperial Academy, established official schools for both men and women. Many daughters of noble families study at Mingyi Hall. Every year, the top scorer in the school examination receives a reward from the Empress Dowager.”

Baixue listened, bewildered, and asked, “Is it difficult to get in?”

“What’s difficult about it?” Tong’er whispered, “As long as you have money and status, how could you not get in?”

“Then why can’t our Miss go in? Why doesn’t Master allow her?” Baixue questioned.

Why? To avoid bringing shame to the Jiang family, of course! Tong’er glared at Baixue, thinking she’d have to teach Baixue to speak properly in the future—she kept stabbing at their mistress’s heart.

Jiang Li’s tone remained calm. “Scholarship is secondary. My reputation is ruined. If I go out, I’ll be pointed at and disgrace the Jiang family.”

“Miss!” Tong’er couldn’t help but cry, “You mustn’t speak of yourself like that!”

“Exactly.” Baixue looked earnestly at Jiang Li. “I’ve served in many official households. Though I was never selected, I saw many young ladies—gentle in front, but harsh to their servants behind. Miss, you are the kindest person I’ve ever met. What ruined reputation? If someone like you is considered disreputable, then there are no good people left in this world!”

Tong’er chimed in, “That’s right, that’s right!”

Jiang Li laughed. She truly was a good person, at least in her past life. In this life, she didn’t plan to become evil, though perhaps she wouldn’t repay wrongs with virtue as she once had.

“I also believe I am not a person of ruined character. So I intend to talk to Father,” she said.

Tong’er was stunned, hesitating before asking, “Can Miss convince Master?”

“What do you think?” Jiang Li countered.

Before Tong’er could speak, Baixue jumped in, “I’m sure you can. As long as Miss speaks sincerely, Master will surely listen.”

Baixue was honest and straightforward, perhaps thinking all households were as harmonious as her own in Zaohua Village, unaware that in grand mansions, many things were beyond one’s control.

“Very well.” Jiang Li smiled. “I’ll go right now.”

…

Recently, Jiang Yuanbai’s affairs had not been going smoothly.

Since Jiang Youyao’s coming-of-age ceremony, many things had changed. As the Imperial Grand Tutor, he had many people watching him, eager to seize on any misstep. For this reason, Jiang Yuanbai was always cautious, but the incident during Jiang Youyao’s ceremony exposed a flaw in the main branch’s inner courtyard, like a crack, drawing constant scrutiny.

Hong Xiao Emperor grew day by day. No longer the trusting child who called him “Grand Tutor,” the monarch was now inscrutable and profound. To serve the emperor was to walk with a tiger; Jiang Yuanbai became ever more restrained. His political rival, the Right Chancellor, was recently targeting him in court, leaving Jiang Yuanbai frustrated.

It was at this time that Jiang Li suddenly came to see him, surprising Jiang Yuanbai.

When Jiang Li arrived at the study, the servant at the door hesitated, only allowing her entry after Jiang Yuanbai himself called out. Jiang Li nodded to the servant and entered, knowing full well that before long, news of her visit would reach Shuxiu Garden.

As she entered, the study was filled with the unique fragrance of ink. Jiang Yuanbai was practicing calligraphy; on the snowy white paper, he had written half the character for “calm.” Jiang Li remained silent, quietly standing behind him, even helping him grind ink.

Jiang Yuanbai paused minutely at her gesture, but soon resumed his fluid movements. His brushwork was strong and sharp, yet, when it touched the paper, it became smooth and rounded, hiding subtle meaning.

Handwriting reflects its writer. Seeing Jiang Yuanbai’s script, Jiang Li knew he was not the mediocre talent rumored in court, nor was he simply lucky to become the Grand Tutor. His mind was meticulous—someone who knew he was the best, yet always claimed to be second.

He let the one in first place become a target, while he endured till the end.

Jiang Yuanbai finished the last stroke, set down his brush, revealing a beautiful, fluid “calm” character on the paper.

It deserved praise, but Jiang Li said nothing, perhaps not understanding its meaning. Jiang Yuanbai turned to look at her, but before he could speak, Jiang Li took the initiative.

“Father, I do not wish to have a tutor teach me at home. I want to attend Mingyi Hall.”

Jiang Yuanbai’s brows furrowed. “What did you say?”

“I want to attend Mingyi Hall,” Jiang Li repeated, her tone unchanged.