Chapter Seventy-Six: Breaking the Engagement

The assessment at Mingyi Hall, both for the Upper and Lower Houses, had finally come to an end. It had begun with great clamor and concluded just as dramatically, and throughout this tumultuous process, one name became known to all: Miss Jiang Er, Jiang Li.

She swept first place in all six disciplines—literature, arithmetic, rites, music, horsemanship, and archery—a feat never before achieved since the founding of Mingyi Hall. If Miss Jiang Er had been a prodigy renowned from childhood, such an outcome would have been expected. Yet, she had only just begun her studies before being sent away, spending eight solitary years in a nunnery. This made her achievement all the more astonishing, far more so than any child prodigy.

The gambling houses of the capital made a handsome profit from this event. Almost everyone, because of the wager between Jiang Li and Meng Hongjin, had bet on Meng Hongjin; few placed their stakes on Jiang Li, and even those who did, wagered only a trifle. Thus, the house ultimately profited the most. The proprietors, naturally, were delighted with Jiang Li and praised her virtues to anyone they met—after all, one must return favor where profit is gained. In this way, her reputation improved dramatically almost overnight.

Yet, with gain comes loss; Jiang Li had become the center of attention during the assessment, especially in music and archery, where her true abilities were witnessed by all. The other young ladies could not compare. This year’s assessment saw only Jiang Li standing out, gone was the scene of many flowers vying for beauty.

People remembered Jiang Li, and those once dazzling such as Jiang Youyao were quickly forgotten. Even Meng Hongjin was recalled only because she wounded Princess Yongning in the archery field and because of her lost wager with Jiang Li—it had little to do with her own merit.

Some remembered Third Miss Jiang’s sweet and lovely appearance, while others marveled at Second Miss Jiang’s unparalleled elegance and intelligence. In a world with myriad choices, each favored their own cup, but whether one could truly obtain their heart’s desire depended entirely on fate.

At the Marquis of Ningyuan’s residence, Zhou Yanbang sat in a daze. The pages of the book before him fluttered in the breeze, yet he paid them no mind.

What he saw in his mind’s eye was the racetrack, the girl in azure, her figure like the wind—spirited and unrestrained.

He was captivated. Never before, in all his years, had he been so taken with any woman. Even his former fiancée, Jiang Youyao, whom he had once found satisfactory, was not foremost in his heart. To him, a wife was simply a woman to marry, to clothe and feed well, and entrust the household to.

Now, Zhou Yanbang realized that the only wife he desired was Jiang Li.

She was like a riddle—her indifference only stoked his obsession. Especially since she had once been his betrothed; she should have been his, if not for the misfortunes that befell her family. Watching others gaze at her on the racetrack that day filled him with displeasure.

She was his—how could others look at her so freely?

Before, her poor reputation had made it unlikely she would find a good match. But after the assessment, all of the capital knew of her talent; she was beautiful and the legitimate daughter of Jiang Yuanbo, and had already reached marrying age. It would not be long before proposals poured in—men of all kinds would vie for her hand.

This thought made Zhou Yanbang restless and uneasy. The idea of her marrying another made him feel as if his own wife was being stolen away—he was angry and regretful.

As he brooded, a servant entered. “Young Master, Madam is here.”

The Marchioness of Ningyuan entered.

Zhou Yanbang hurried to his feet. “Mother.”

She smiled warmly. “I’ve had the kitchen make some plum cakes for you. The weather is hot these days; something sweet and cool will do you good.” She noticed the disarray of books on his desk and paused, looking at him with concern. “Yanbang, do you have something on your mind lately?”

He had indeed been distracted, inattentive to household matters. She wondered if he was troubled by the recent examination at the Imperial Academy, where he had placed third. She comforted him, “Are you upset about the Academy results? Your father said it’s not your fault. We’d never heard of this Ye Shijie before, but if he can surpass Li Jing from the Right Chancellor’s house, he must have true talent. Placing third is quite respectable.”

This year, Zhou Yanbang had expected to take second place at the Imperial Academy, believing only Li Jing could surpass him. Yet, Li Jing finished second, Zhou Yanbang third, and first place went to an unknown, likely not from an official’s family in the capital.

“Mother, it’s not that…” Zhou Yanbang hesitated, finding it difficult to say. Being the only son, he was deeply cherished, and yet his request seemed absurd even to himself.

“Then what is it?” his mother pressed.

He gritted his teeth. “I don’t wish to marry the third Miss Jiang from the Grand Preceptor’s household. The one I truly want is the second Miss Jiang!”

The plate in the Marchioness’s hand fell to the floor with a crash.

...

“Master sent silver.”

In Fragrant Blossom Courtyard, Tong’er happily placed a small wooden box on the table.

Jiang Li opened it to find rows of silver ingots. She’d heard that when Jiang Yuanbo was pleased with Jiang Youyao’s performance in the past, he would also reward her with silver. Perhaps, in the name of fairness, he had sent some to her as well.

But Jiang Li understood: if Jiang Youyao had swept the assessment, her father would have not only sent silver, but also celebrated her with enthusiasm, not just a few words of praise.

There was no surprise. Between a daughter who’d been away for eight years and one raised by his side, it was only natural that he favored the latter. Now that Jiang Youyao had lost, he would not make a grand gesture in her favor.

The difference in closeness was obvious.

She said, “Put the silver away. We’ll need it later.”

Tong’er did as told, while Mingyue knocked softly at the door.

“Come in,” Jiang Li said.

Mingyue entered, closed the door, and whispered, “Miss, I’ve inquired—Miss Meng still hasn’t returned home. Lady Meng is waiting at home, and Master Meng is handling the matter. It seems Princess Yongning refuses to let it go.”

Jiang Li nodded. She had expected as much. Meng Hongjin was in trouble, and she knew well the princess’s methods of torment. Perhaps Meng Hongjin would be left scarred for life—she was unlikely to have an easy time.

If all went as anticipated, Meng Hongjin would be released the next day, but whatever she suffered in the meantime would remain unknown—perhaps terror, perhaps permanent scars left by the princess.

The Meng family could only swallow their bitterness in silence.

Bai Xue asked, “What about the wager between you and Miss Meng?”

“I’d like to keep it, but it can’t be helped. Meng Hongjin won’t be able to appear tomorrow. Have people spread the word at the Academy gates that I understand Miss Meng’s distress, and since the wager was made in jest, let’s call it off and never mention it again.”

Tong’er was disappointed. “That’s letting her off too easily.”

Jiang Li smiled. “Even if I didn’t, Meng Youde would find a way to excuse the wager or apologize. He would never let Meng Hongjin be truly disgraced. If I had lost, my father would have done the same. The outcome was predetermined. By taking the high road, I gain a good reputation—why not?”

To outsiders, she would seem magnanimous and virtuous—talented, yet also kind. Being overly aggressive would seem petty. A word cost her nothing and changed nothing of substance—why not?

In her previous life, she’d cared little for her reputation, which allowed others to use it against her. Now she would ensure her name was virtuous and unassailable—wearing a mask made everything simpler.

“Miss, you’ve taken top honors. I heard that those who win are summoned to the palace to receive gifts from the Emperor himself.” Tong’er’s eyes sparkled. “That’s the highest honor. Afterward, no one will dare bully you again.”

Jiang Li could not help but laugh. She recalled the last time she’d seen Emperor Hongxiao—it was after Shen Yuyong had taken first place in the imperial exams, at the palace banquet where she attended as his wife. Everyone envied her, the wife of the new top scholar. Shen Yuyong was dashing and promising, and even Princess Yongning had toasted her.

Her gaze darkened slightly. Perhaps even then, the princess had set her sights on Shen Yuyong, and she herself had been but an obstacle, too foolish to realize it.

This time, entering the palace again, she would surely see the princess, and perhaps Shen Yuyong as well. But now, she was no longer a Shen family wife, but a Jiang family daughter.

Who could truly have the upper hand?

She was one step closer to those two.

...

In a residence near the Imperial Academy, the lamps glowed late into the night.

Ye Shijie sat at his desk, writing a letter.

He had placed first in the Academy’s examination and would soon enter the palace to be honored by the Emperor, and would receive an official post before long. He wanted to share the good news with his family in Xiangyang.

After a few lines about himself, Ye Shijie hesitated.

Jiang Li had also placed first at Mingyi Hall.

He did not know whether to mention her. In all these years, no one in the Ye family had spoken her name. Years ago, the words of the second Miss Jiang had chilled the family’s hearts and left the old Madam Ye gravely ill. Since then, they pretended she did not exist; even Ye Zhenzhen dared not bring her up.

Would it not be awkward to mention her now? He decided not to—but each time he put down his brush, her words replayed in his mind.

“I was just a child. My grandmother was far away in Xiangyang. My mother died early, and my father was always busy. I was mostly watched by my stepmother. What I said may not have been my own words—maybe someone coached or threatened me into saying it.”

Was it possible that someone had manipulated Jiang Li into severing ties with the Ye family simply to isolate her?

Ye Shijie realized he was inclined to believe her. In truth, he and Jiang Li had met only a few times, and spoken little—a mere two encounters, and yet he trusted her so much?

He found it remarkable.

But Jiang Li was remarkable too. Despite being neglected by her family, she forced the entire capital to remember her name, and not as a symbol of disgrace—on the contrary, people now praised her talent.

A woman who had swept all six disciplines at Mingyi Hall.

He picked up and put down his brush several times, growing impatient, when his servant Yuanbao burst in.

“Master, a letter from Xiangyang has arrived!”

“Already?” Ye Shijie was surprised. “It’s not time for a reply yet.” He wrote to Xiangyang every half-month, and it took a month for round trip correspondence.

“Madam must be worried about your exam,” Yuanbao beamed. “When the old madam learns you took first, she’ll surely hold a grand banquet for three days straight!”

Ye Shijie ignored his chatter and read the letter swiftly.

Yuanbao, seeing his astonished expression, asked, “What is it, sir?”

“My father and second uncle are coming to the capital with goods. They’re already on the road, and should arrive in about seven days.”

“Ah?” Yuanbao was stunned. “Then should we still write back?”

“Of course,” Ye Shijie said. But only about himself—now, with family on the way, he could consult them about Jiang Li, rather than wrestle with it alone.

Feeling relieved, he quickly finished his letter and handed it to Yuanbao. “Send it off.”

“Right away!” Yuanbao replied cheerfully.

...

After the assessment, classes at Mingyi Hall were suspended and the students rested at home for a few days.

The next morning, Jiang Li's people announced at the Academy gates that the wager with Meng Hongjin was off and there was no need to dwell on it.

This earned her even greater respect—she had taken the wager seriously, but after winning, did not press her advantage, demonstrating generosity and kindness.

This made a mockery of Meng Hongjin.

Moreover, Jiang Li’s gentle conduct made some begin to doubt the old rumors of her murdering her mother and brother. How could such a gentle, virtuous girl commit such a crime? And as Ji Shuran was the stepmother, the suspicions grew.

These rumors reached Ji Shuran, infuriating her, but also compelling her to act even more graciously toward Jiang Li, making Jiang Li uncomfortable.

In Shuxiu Garden, the maids were especially diligent, for everyone knew their mistress was in a foul mood and feared becoming a scapegoat.

Two maids stood at the door. Inside, even the blocks of ice could not dispel the stifling heat as summer waned, making tempers short.

Ji Shuran was speaking with her elder sister, Ji Chenshi, who had come early that morning, while Jiang Yuanbo was away.

“What have you been doing lately?” Ji Chenshi asked. “Do you know what people are saying about you? Even I’ve heard the gossip—that maybe you staged the incident with Jiang Li, that perhaps you orchestrated the murder accusations.”

At this, Ji Shuran’s anger flared. “Sister, how can you blame me? This is gossip from outside; no one in my household would dare speak of it.”

“No matter who started it, the more it spreads, the worse it is for you,” Ji Chenshi warned. “It all began with that girl—how can you not handle a mere girl?”

The sisters had always been close, though Ji Chenshi was the more forceful of the two.

“That girl is slippery and cunning,” Ji Shuran grumbled. “Even you would find her difficult. Just look at Meng Hongjin—she lost both her advantage and her dignity. I thought I could benefit from Meng’s schemes, but she failed and was dragged down herself.”

“What happened?” Ji Chenshi asked, startled. “Is Meng Hongjin’s trouble connected to her as well?”

Ji Shuran recounted the events, concluding, “Since Jiang Li returned, she hasn’t suffered a single loss. She’s about the same age as Youyao, but far more shrewd. If she stays in the household, Youyao is no match for her.”

“Then she must go,” Ji Chenshi mused. “The longer she stays, the more troublesome she’ll become. It’s best to marry her off quickly.”

“Propose a marriage?” Ji Shuran considered. “Not impossible, but the master will have to agree.”

“That’s easy,” Ji Chenshi sneered. “There are plenty of seemingly respectable but actually useless young men. Find a suitable candidate, marry her off, and in a few years, no one will care.”

“Sister, help me keep an eye out. If you find anyone, I’ll find a way to persuade the master.”

Ji Chenshi agreed. As they spoke, Jiang Youyao burst in, tears streaming down her face.

Startled, Ji Shuran hurried to her. “What’s the matter, Youyao?” She scolded the maids, “How are you looking after her?”

“Mother,” Jiang Youyao sobbed, collapsing into her arms, “the heir of the Marquis of Ningyuan wants to break off our engagement…”

“What?” Ji Chenshi exclaimed.

Jiang Youyao cried harder, and Ji Shuran quickly sent the maids to close the doors, asking, “What nonsense is this? Why would Zhou Yanbang break off the engagement? Did you hear a rumor?”

“It’s true—Jinhua’s older sister works at the Marquis’s residence. She bribed a servant and overheard the Marquess and the heir quarreling last night. The heir said he wants to break the engagement and marry Jiang Li!”

“Jinhua, is this true?” Ji Shuran demanded.

Jinhua knelt. “It’s true, madam. Everyone in the capital knows the engagement was set in stone, even with Jiang Li’s return. For him to change his mind now—this is an internal feud!”

“Outrageous!” Ji Shuran fumed. “Does Zhou Yanbang think our family is his plaything?”

Jiang Youyao clung to her, her face streaked with tears. “Mother, what should I do? If he marries Jiang Li, I’ll be a laughingstock. I don’t want that!”

Ji Shuran, seeing her daughter so distraught, was both angry and heartbroken. She gripped her hand. “Don’t worry, I’ll get justice for you. Our family is not to be trifled with. If he thinks he can break the engagement so easily, he’s mistaken. Whoever dares make a mockery of you will regret it for life!”

Ji Chenshi, more composed, said, “If the Marquess quarreled with the heir, it means she disagrees with his actions. Besides, he’s already broken off one engagement—how can he do so twice? Sister replacing sister? Such a scandal has never happened before. If he wants a future in politics, he won’t dare. The Marquis won’t allow it, nor will your father.”

Jiang Youyao took comfort. “So the engagement won’t be broken?”

“Of course not,” Ji Chenshi smiled. “You’re the legitimate daughter, and your father is the Grand Preceptor—who would dare?”

“But Jiang Li is also a Jiang daughter,” Youyao protested. “If only she weren’t, it would be so much easier.”

“Even so, it’s not as troublesome as you think,” Ji Chenshi said. “Now, go back; your mother and I have things to discuss.”

Jiang Youyao, seeing their serious expressions, took her leave, still weeping.

After she left, Ji Shuran spat, “Now do you see, sister, how cunning that little wench is? She’s barely back in the capital and already ensnared Zhou Yanbang—shameless!”

“Men are all the same,” Ji Chenshi said. “The unattainable is always more tempting. When Jiang Li was originally his betrothed, he never cared. Now that she’s out of reach, he’s obsessed. If he had her, he’d soon pine for Youyao again.”

“Still, the thought of my daughter’s husband longing for another makes me sick.”

“That’s why we need a plan,” Ji Chenshi said. “I originally thought to manipulate Jiang Li’s marriage, but now I see that would only make Zhou Yanbang more obsessed, blaming Youyao. I care for her as my own—how could I let her suffer?”

“But acting in the capital isn’t easy…”

“Who said anything about acting directly? There’s nothing to gain by taking her life,” Ji Chenshi replied.

“Then what?”

“Isn’t the palace banquet coming up, where those who took top honors are to be honored by the Emperor? All the noble families will be present. If something were to happen there, Jiang Li’s reputation would be destroyed.”

“You mean…”

“Remember the case of Lady Shen, the wife of the Minister of the Secretariat? She was beautiful and talented, but after making a scene before the nobility, she died disgraced, with no one to defend her. Jiang Li isn’t as talented or beautiful, and already carries a dark reputation. If she makes the slightest mistake at the banquet, she’ll never recover.”

Ji Shuran instantly saw the vision—Jiang Li being scorned by all, and the thought thrilled her.

“I’ll handle this. At the banquet, I’ll arrange for a ‘scandal.’”

Ji Chenshi gave her a look. “Foolish—it’s right before your eyes.”

Ji Shuran was puzzled.

“I hear the top scholar at the Academy is Ye Shijie, of the Ye family—Ye Zhenzhen’s maternal kin. Jiang Li and Ye Shijie are cousins; and cousin relationships can easily be misconstrued. She even helped him on the street before. Who knows what’s between them?”

Ji Shuran’s face darkened. “Ye Shijie? He’s too good for her! I’d rather she marry someone worthless.”

“Sister, think long-term. If Jiang Li marries Ye Shijie, and he rises in the ranks, she’ll have her mother’s family behind her, making it harder for us to act. But if a scandal breaks at the banquet, the Emperor will blame Ye Shijie; his career will be ruined, and both families will be shamed. They’ll have no choice but to marry, but with Ye Shijie resenting Jiang Li for destroying his future, and the Ye family blaming her, their marriage will be a misery. Then, once she’s in Xiangyang, it’ll be easier to deal with her.”

Ji Shuran was enlightened.

To pair Jiang Li and Ye Shijie would ruin him, destroy the Ye family’s hopes, and consign her to a resentful marriage—where she would never know peace.

Once in Xiangyang, Ji Shuran would have a thousand ways to make her life hell.

“Thank you, sister,” she said sincerely.

“Compared to the Imperial Concubine Li, you and I are still far behind,” Ji Chenshi replied. “Go comfort Youyao—she’s been humiliated, and mustn’t do anything rash to ruin our plans.”

Ji Shuran nodded and left.

...

Meanwhile, Tong’er reported back to Jiang Li.

“They say Third Miss is in a terrible mood—crying, and punishing all her servants. But someone saw her in tears…”

Jiang Li set down her book. “Crying?” She didn’t think she’d provoked Youyao—she’d been in the house since the assessment.

“Yes, and no one knows why. Lady Ji comforted her for ages, but then Master got angry again.”

Jiang Li was puzzled. Having just arrived at the Jiang household, she had few informants; beyond her own courtyard, she relied on Tong’er’s patchy information.

Just then, someone called her name outside—Jiang Jingrui.

“Second Young Master is here again,” Tong’er grumbled. “He comes so often we’re running out of tea!”

Jiang Jingrui, seeing her expression, protested, “You should be grateful I come! I’m the Second Young Master—others beg me to visit. You should treat me better. What’s with that look?”

Jiang Li ignored his nonsense. “What do you want?”

He peered about theatrically, dragged her inside, and closed the door. Jiang Li was exasperated—if there was a spy in her courtyard, they’d know a secret meeting was afoot.

She waited as he made himself at home, accepting tea from Bai Xue.

“If you don’t speak, I’ll leave,” she warned.

“Wait, I have a big secret to tell you.” He winked.

“Out with it.”

He cleared his throat and whispered, “Did you know? The Marquis of Ningyuan’s heir wants to break off his engagement with Jiang Youyao!”

“What?” Even Jiang Li, half-expecting it, was shocked. Zhou Yanbang had already broken one engagement—with the second Miss Jiang, who was then replaced by Jiang Youyao. Now he wanted to do it again?

“I knew you didn’t know,” he gloated. “Guess why?”

Jiang Li had some idea, but it seemed too absurd. Zhou Yanbang was not so reckless. “I have no idea.”

“It’s because of you!” He laughed. “He saw you excel at Mingyi Hall and now regrets his choice. He wants to marry you instead!”

“How ridiculous!” Tong’er slammed down the teapot in anger. “My lady is not a servant to be picked up and discarded at will. The Zhou family is outrageous!”

Jiang Jingrui was puzzled. “What’s there to be angry about? Zhou Yanbang isn’t so bad—he’s considered a fine match. And if you marry him, Youyao will be furious. That proves you’re better than her.”

Jiang Li could almost laugh. She’d never seen anyone as thick-headed. “Why would I need proof? I’m not marrying just to spite Jiang Youyao. And besides—however good Zhou Yanbang is, I don’t pick up what others have discarded.” She was not Princess Yongning, after all.

Jiang Jingrui stared, dumbfounded—she truly looked down on Zhou Yanbang.

“Why are you angry with me? This was his idea.”

“Did Father agree?” Tong’er asked.

“Of course not,” Jiang Jingrui scoffed. “Last time, he broke off the engagement because… well, something happened and you went to the nunnery. Now, Youyao hasn’t done anything wrong. How could Uncle allow it? He’s already furious enough not to go confront the Zhou family himself.”

“Has the Zhou family sent anyone?” Jiang Li asked.

“Of course not. Zhou Yanbang may be mad, but his parents aren’t. The servants overheard their argument and passed it along to our household. I heard Youyao cried herself sick and Aunt Ji had to comfort her.”

No wonder Youyao was in tears.

“How did you know?” Jiang Li asked.

“I heard my mother and nurse talking. She’s always up to date on family news.”

Jiang Li was speechless.

“That Zhou Yanbang,” Jiang Jingrui said, “he’s definitely bewitched by you. If you marry him, Youyao will be furious. But she brought it on herself—when you were sent away, Aunt Ji quickly arranged for Youyao to take your place. Some things just can’t be taken by force.”

He sounded almost proud of Jiang Li.

But she knew that Zhou Yanbang’s actions would only make Ji Shuran and her daughter hate her even more—perhaps fatally so.

Given their ruthless natures, she doubted Jiang Youyao would let her go. To sever Zhou Yanbang’s hopes, they might even seek her destruction.

And the upcoming palace banquet would be the perfect opportunity.

Jiang Li’s gaze fell—danger was drawing near.

—End of chapter—

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