Chapter Forty-Five: Advancement in Learning

Regarding the various thoughts stirred up among the branches of the Jiang family by her admission to Mingyi Hall, Jiang Li paid little mind; she was teaching Bai Xue how to write. Bai Xue could recognize a few characters, but not many. Wanting to enquire about Haitang from Zaohua Village, Bai Xue needed to write a letter home. Jiang Li watched her write, teaching her characters she did not know. Tong’er listened intently, occasionally exclaiming, “Miss, you’re so clever! When I accompanied you to the temple on Mount Qingcheng, you learned so many characters by yourself. I only know how to write my own name—what a difference!”

“That’s true,” Bai Xue muttered, “if only I were the daughter of the Grand Chancellor’s household; then I’d be born knowing how to read.”

While the three laughed and chatted, Jiang Jingrui arrived. He, too, had heard the news that Jiang Li would be attending Mingyi Hall. As soon as he stepped through the door, he congratulated her, “Congratulations, truly! You managed to persuade Uncle—I must say, Jiang Li, you’ve surprised me.”

Jiang Li let Bai Xue continue writing on her own and walked over to Jiang Jingrui. “What are you doing here again?”

Jiang Jingrui’s throat caught. “Why are you always so unwelcoming? I came to remind you: don’t think Mingyi Hall is some paradise. The noble students there can be quite temperamental, and you’re a newcomer. It’s best to keep a low profile. If anyone bullies you, don’t bear it alone for pride’s sake—just use your father’s name. Don't worry about losing face. If things get truly unbearable, just leave.”

He fumbled in his sleeve and produced a small curved knife. “Here, take this for your protection.”

Jiang Li stared at the sharp blade in his hand for a moment before asking, “Are the people in Mingyi Hall monsters and fiends?”

“Just about,” Jiang Jingrui replied. “Same as the people at the Imperial Academy. Last time, I crushed a classmate’s cricket and nearly had my hand broken. I reckon it’s similar where you’re going—just take it.” He forced the knife into Jiang Li’s hand.

Jiang Li was at a loss for words, reminded of the time before her wedding when Xue Zhao had called her mysteriously into the backyard and handed her a phoenix-tipped spear. She never brought the spear to Yan Capital and had never heard of anyone gifting a bride such a thing. Of course, Xue Zhao was almost beaten by Xue Huaiyuan for it, and only after much persuasion did he take the spear back.

Still, a curved knife was easier to tuck into her sleeve than a spear, so Jiang Li reluctantly accepted it. “Alright, thank you.”

“You don’t sound the least bit sincere,” Jiang Jingrui remarked. “If it gets really bad, you can come find me across at the Imperial Academy—I’ll help you sort things out.”

Jiang Li nodded. Jiang Jingrui winked at her. “I’ll call Zhou Yanbang to help too.”

Jiang Li looked at him; Jiang Jingrui grinned, waiting for praise. But Jiang Li calmly said, “Bai Xue, see our guest out.”

And so Jiang Jingrui was briskly escorted out by Bai Xue, whose strength was not to be underestimated.

The day before entering Mingyi Hall passed in such a flurry of laughter and chaos. That evening, Ji Shuran even sent over new clothes for Jiang Li, saying that one’s appearance on the first day must be neat and proper.

Tong’er asked Jiang Li, “Miss, are you afraid?”

It was a completely unfamiliar environment, likely filled with classmates who viewed her with hostility—nothing about it seemed promising.

Jiang Li smiled. “No.”

Not afraid—in fact, she was rather pleased.

...

The next morning, Jiang Li rose early.

Mingyue and Qingfeng were surprised to see her up so soon. Tong’er explained, “Miss starts school at Mingyi Hall today. She mustn’t be late, especially on the first day, so she’s being extra careful.” Her tone brimmed with pride.

Mingyue and Qingfeng didn’t know much about such matters, but seeing Tong’er speak so confidently, they followed suit in reverence. “I hear Mingyi Hall is very hard to get into. Now Miss can attend lessons with Third Miss and the others.”

At the mention of Jiang Youyao, Tong’er snorted, muttering, “Who cares to go with them?”

On the first day, Jiang Youyao, Jiang Yu’e, and the others had left early. Normally, when sisters from the household attended school together, some introduction was expected. Jiang Li was unfamiliar with the noble girls of the capital; if no one acknowledged her, having sisters nearby would help her avoid loneliness.

Yet Jiang Youyao and her companions left without a word. Jiang Yuanbai was busy with official matters, unable to attend to this side, and Tong’er, having no one to complain to, could only stew in frustration for Jiang Li.

But Jiang Li turned back to comfort Tong’er. “If they don’t want to go with me, I find it troublesome to go with them anyway. This is better; saves us both trouble.”

Just then, the door behind them opened, and Jiang Li and Bai Xue stepped out together.

Tong’er stared in amazement. “Miss, you look beautiful!”

Not only Tong’er, but Mingyue and Qingfeng were equally stunned.

They all knew that of the four girls in the Jiang family, Jiang Youyao was the most exquisite, radiant as a flower. Jiang Yu’e was graceful, like a little jade beauty; Jiang Yuyan’s appearance was plain and not worth mentioning. As for Jiang Li, her looks were decent but rather bland.

However, since returning to the Jiang mansion after eight years in the temple, her once bland features had matured, giving rise to a unique brilliance. Unlike the noble girls of the capital, hers was a beauty in the making, hard to describe—a touch of heroism and charm.

Beauty lies in the bones, not the flesh; Jiang Li’s beauty was that of character, bearing, and elegance.

She did not wear any of the brightly colored garments sent by Ji Shuran the day before. Instead, she wore a moon-white, chest-high ruqun tied at the front with a pale yellow silk ribbon. Her hair was drawn into a bun at the side of her head, adorned with a single red bean on a wooden hairpin. Her skin was fair as jade, her eyes bright and teeth gleaming—a simple attire, yet she was exquisitely graceful.

She moved gently, approaching step by step. Mingyue and Qingfeng could not look away, and even Tong’er found herself transfixed. Jiang Li had spent eight years with her on Mount Qingcheng, yet somewhere along the way, Jiang Li’s posture and smile had grown unfamiliar. It was the same face, but as if she were a different person.

Old Madam Jiang, coming toward them, was also taken aback. The maids Jadeite and Pearl supported her, but did not step forward.

Jiang Li’s beauty was not overwhelming or dazzling, but as she walked by with a gentle smile, she seemed a peerless beauty descending from the heavens—born to be admired.

Bai Xue followed behind Jiang Li. “Miss, the gatekeeper has been notified; we can head to the carriage now.”

Jiang Li nodded and smiled. “Let’s go.”