Chapter Sixty-Eight: The Consequence

The wager between Jiang Li and Meng Hongjin had already yielded results for the Three Gates. If one were to compare it to the betting halls, with the contest split into upper and lower rounds, then Jiang Li had won the first half. But it wasn’t simply that Jiang Li had prevailed—she had also become the leader of Mingyi Hall, which naturally brought to mind the bet between her and Meng Hongjin. Should Jiang Li ultimately become the leader, Meng Hongjin would not merely kneel and apologize; she would have to disrobe at the entrance of the Imperial Academy, carry thorn branches on her back, and kneel there to beg forgiveness.

For a time, many of the idle sons of the capital lingered day after day in the taverns and teahouses opposite the Imperial Academy, waiting for the spectacle to unfold.

Yet the lower Three Gates still awaited adjudication. The lower gates tested “Music, Charioteering, and Archery.” Not to mention the intricacies of music, Meng Hongjin was a paragon of skill in charioteering and archery throughout all of Yan Capital; Jiang Li seemed unlikely to triumph. As for music, Jiang Li’s younger sister was the most gifted among the Jiang girls. Thus, the outcome became shrouded in uncertainty.

The red list had been posted, and the music examination was scheduled for early the next morning.

Within Shuxiu Garden, Jiang Youyao was furiously tearing apart the fan in her hand. The fan’s surface was pristine and smooth, thin as cicada wings, its embroidery vivid and lifelike; a single fan could cost ten taels of silver, but Jiang Youyao had shredded it to pieces.

“Stop that,” Ji Shuran snatched the folded fan from Jiang Youyao’s grasp. “How long do you intend to keep ripping things apart?”

“Mother, I simply cannot accept this,” Jiang Youyao spat, her voice sharp with resentment. “Why should Jiang Li be favored by Father and Grandmother? She’s only been back in the manor a short while, and both of them stand firmly on her side. Have they forgotten how Jiang Li caused your miscarriage all those years ago? My hatred burns within me—now she’s made a name for herself at the Mingyi Hall examinations. If she grows ever more arrogant, I can hardly bear it.”

Ji Shuran stroked Jiang Youyao’s long hair, her expression unmoved, and replied calmly, “Don’t think that fame is necessarily good. Jiang Li has only just returned to Yan Capital. Mingyi Hall is filled with accomplished ladies; if she flaunts herself, there will be those who resent her and do your work for you. Simply enjoy the spectacle—there’s no need to act yourself. Besides, since she’s only just returned, it isn’t the right time for me to intervene. In a few days, when rumors settle, your mother will have plenty of means.”

“Really?” Jiang Youyao seemed reassured, yet couldn’t help but ask.

“Of course,” Ji Shuran said affectionately, “You’re so impatient—still such a child.”

Jiang Youyao pouted, “I’m just worried about you, Mother.”

“No need to worry,” Ji Shuran said. “Tomorrow’s examination is music, and you’ve always excelled in this, especially after receiving guidance from the Fairy of Astonishing Flight this year. You’ve improved even more. The lower Three Gates always draw crowds; though Jiang Li took the top spot in the upper gates, no one saw it happen. People remember most what they witness directly. If you leave a lasting impression tomorrow with your music, for the next three months, the streets will echo with talk of your artistry—who will remember Jiang Li?”

Jiang Youyao’s eyes brightened.

From childhood, the daughters of the Jiang family were trained in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Jiang Youyao, as the eldest daughter of the main branch and Jiang Yuanbai’s precious jewel, lacked nothing in her upbringing. Ji Shuran valued her daughter’s talents highly, knowing she needn’t master every art, but must excel in at least one. Jiang Youyao’s greatest gift was in music.

So, from a young age, Jiang Youyao had been taught by renowned masters. Not only Mingyi Hall’s Xiao Deyin, but others as well. This year, just before the examinations, Ji Shuran even invited the reclusive Fairy of Astonishing Flight to instruct Jiang Youyao.

With her natural talent and such expert guidance, Jiang Youyao’s musical abilities were formidable. Some even whispered she might soon surpass Xiao Deyin.

Ji Shuran had great confidence in her daughter’s artistry.

“Most of those attending are families of merit and nobility. If you shine uniquely tomorrow, it will benefit you when seeking a husband in the future,” Ji Shuran observed.

Jiang Youyao blushed, uncertain what she was thinking, her demeanor suddenly shy. “But I’m not the only daughter in the Jiang family…”

“Jiang Yu’e and Jiang Youyao are not worth mentioning. As for Jiang Li, with her history of matricide and fratricide,” Ji Shuran said coldly, “no respectable family would allow such a woman into their home. If anyone does try, it’s for ulterior motives and not a good match. Jiang Li brought it upon herself—your father won’t be able to save her. The more you dazzle tomorrow, the more she’ll appear coarse—the difference between cloud and mud.”

She regarded Jiang Youyao and suddenly smiled. “The Jiang family’s heiress has always been you alone.”

“I’ll do as you say, Mother,” Jiang Youyao replied.

…

In Fragrant Blossoms Courtyard, Jiang Li herself was discussing the upcoming examination with her attendants.

Jiang Jingrui, once again arriving unbidden, seemed to bask in the reflected glory since Jiang Li had taken the top spot. He found endless excuses to visit and chat. “Tomorrow’s music exam—you’re in trouble this time. Maybe learn some basics, just enough not to embarrass yourself in public.”

Tong’er, worried, poured tea nearby. Before she turned seven, Jiang Li had barely begun her education, much less learned to play music. Later, she was exiled to Qingcheng Mountain, where daily labor left no time for music lessons. Tong’er knew well—Jiang Li had never learned music, and now she was to be tested in it. The thought made Tong’er anxious and at a loss for words.

“Will you be attending the ceremony?” Jiang Li asked.

“Of course!” Jiang Jingrui replied without hesitation. “The lower Three Gates draw crowds every year. The ladies of Mingyi Hall are all beautiful, and the young gentlemen look for future brides. Whoever shines brightest at the exam will have the most suitors next year.”

Jiang Jingrui spoke bluntly, holding nothing back. He added, “So if you want to marry, do your best; if not, just muddle through.”

“Don’t worry,” Jiang Li said with a light laugh. “Even if I take the top spot in the lower gates and dazzle the crowd, in the days to come, no one will want me.”

Tong’er and the other maids, as well as Jiang Jingrui, stared at her in confusion.

Jiang Li said, “Who would marry a woman accused of matricide and fratricide?”

Her voice was easy, without a trace of bitterness or self-mockery. It sounded rather like she was announcing something good.

And it was indeed a good thing. Jiang Li was delighted—this way, she could outshine everyone without a care.

——Extra——

A Li: Staying single keeps you safe.