Chapter Seventy-Eight: Entering the Palace

“Liya, tomorrow you will accompany us to the palace,” said Old Madam Jiang. “If you lack anything or need something, tell your mother, and she will prepare it for you.”

Jiang Li inclined her head in agreement.

“This will be your first time entering the palace since returning to Yanjing. Be careful not to breach decorum. If you’re unsure, just ask. If you don’t know what to do, follow Yaoyao’s lead.” Old Madam Jiang instructed her with care. “Your clothes and jewelry are all ready. Tomorrow, you represent the Jiang family’s honor. I trust you will do well.”

It was rare for Old Madam Jiang to praise her, and Jiang Li smiled, nodding, but did not show much excitement.

Her composure unsettled Jiang Yuying, who stood aside. Since Jiang Li’s return, she had watched her status rise bit by bit. She had always resented others’ happiness, and seeing Jiang Li doing well made her eyes burn with envy. She wished Jiang Li would fall into ruin overnight, more wretched than herself.

“Liya is truly remarkable. This time, His Majesty will personally present gifts. Among the younger generation in our household, only Liya has achieved this,” said Lady Lu with a bright smile. “I heard this year’s top scholar at the Imperial Academy is Ye Shijie from the Ye family in Xiangyang. Speaking of which, our Jiang family is related to the Ye family, and he’s Liya’s cousin.”

Ye Zhenzhen had been dead for years, and the Jiang family no longer kept ties with her family. Lady Lu’s mention of Ye Shijie was clearly meant to irk Ji Shuran. After all, Ji Shuran’s nephew hadn’t even made it onto the honors board at the Imperial Academy, let alone become the top scholar.

Jiang Li sighed inwardly at the mention of Ye Shijie. She did not wish for the Ye family to be drawn into the Jiang family’s troubles. The Ye family resided in Xiangyang, and one day, when she returned to pay respects at Xue Huaiyuan’s grave, she would need their help. Entangling the Ye family with the Jiang family was unlikely to bring them any good.

She hoped the Ye family could remain untainted.

Ji Shuran smiled at Jiang Li. “Yes, I agree that Liya should spend more time with Young Master Ye. Though Zhenzhen has passed, our families are still in-laws. If Young Master Ye pursues an official career, our master can support him in the future. Helping one’s own is always better than helping outsiders.”

Jiang Li’s gaze shifted slightly at these words. Ji Shuran sounded sincere, but would she truly ask Jiang Yuanbai to support Ye Shijie? Absolutely not—Ji Shuran would only seek to suppress Ye Shijie in secret. It wasn’t Jiang Li being suspicious; after so much time in the Jiang household, she knew Ji Shuran’s true nature.

After all, Zhou Yanbang had even proposed breaking off his engagement to Jiang Yaoyao to be with her. With all this, how could Ji Shuran and her daughter not hate her bitterly?

Yet, so far, Ji Shuran and Yaoyao had been quiet, causing no trouble.

Thinking of this, Jiang Li glanced at Ji Shuran.

Ji Shuran smiled with the air of a virtuous mother, but Jiang Li found her gaze more like that of a venomous serpent coiled in the shadows, eyes narrowed, calculating, a sinister smile playing about her lips, venom dripping from her fangs.

She was plotting something.

Jiang Li’s gaze then landed on Jiang Yaoyao.

Yaoyao, still young, could not conceal her feelings as well as her mother. She tried to appear indifferent, but her eyes betrayed both hatred for Jiang Li and an inexplicable excitement. The sticky, lingering look felt eerily familiar to Jiang Li, though she couldn’t recall where she’d seen it before. She only knew it made her uncomfortable, a chill running down her spine and sharpening her vigilance.

Madam Yang, who had little say in the household, watched keenly, her sharp eyes darting from Jiang Li to Ji Shuran.

Old Madam Jiang did not speak further, instead instructing Jiang Li about palace etiquette. These were things Jiang Li already knew; she had attended the palace as Shen Yuyong’s wife before. As the daughter of an imperial official, her family’s rules were actually less strict.

By the time Old Madam Jiang finished, much time had passed. With preparations still to be made, everyone dispersed from the Hall of Evening Phoenix.

Jiang Li left the hall and headed for her own courtyard. Fangfei Courtyard was in a remote corner, away from Jiang Yaoyao and the others, so she did not have to walk with them.

She had not gone far when someone called out, “Second Sister!”

She turned to see Jiang Yuying and her sister Jiang Yuyan approaching.

Jiang Yuyan was always quiet, but Jiang Yuying never treated Jiang Li kindly. Seeing her, Jiang Li knew she was up to something.

“Second Sister, you walk so fast I could barely catch up,” Jiang Yuying said affectionately.

Jiang Li stood still, unwilling even to feign civility. “What is it, Fifth Sister?”

Jiang Yuying hadn’t expected Jiang Li to dispense with politeness. Her face fell, but she quickly recovered and smiled. “I heard something at the Hall of Evening Phoenix before you arrived. It’s about Third Sister’s marriage. Aunt said that Third Sister and the Marquis of Ningyuan’s heir are set to be wed late next winter or early spring. I thought you might not know and came to tell you.”

All this for that?

Tong’er was annoyed, but Jiang Li only smiled. “Thank you for letting me know.”

Apparently dissatisfied with Jiang Li’s indifference, Jiang Yuying scrutinized Jiang Li’s face, but saw no sign of pain or disappointment.

“In fact, Second Sister, your engagement to the Marquis’s heir was also a brilliant match. Had you not had misfortune, you would be marrying into the Marquis’s household now. The heir is one of the finest young men in Yanjing. Now Third Sister can marry him effortlessly, while you, the elder, have no match yet. I truly feel it’s unfair.”

Jiang Yuyan looked nervously at Jiang Li, wanting to stop her sister but only tugging her sleeve.

Jiang Li did not answer right away but looked at Jiang Yuying with a gentle, clear smile. The serenity of her smile made Jiang Yuying uneasy.

Jiang Yuying tried to break the silence. “Why are you staring at me, Second Sister?”

“It’s nothing,” Jiang Li replied calmly. “I’m only touched that you worry so much about me. But… does Mother and Third Sister know of your concern?”

Jiang Yuying’s face changed instantly.

She had rushed here to poke at Jiang Li’s wounds, not realizing that her “unfairness” remark, if overheard by Ji Shuran and Yaoyao, could cause trouble for herself.

She forced a smile. “It’s just a private word between us…”

Jiang Li smiled. “As for my marriage, you need not worry. My father is the Grand Chancellor, and even in the worst case, a proper match can be found in Yanjing. If Mother doesn’t worry for me, there’s still Father and Grandmother. I am the legitimate eldest daughter of the main branch—I will hardly have to marry beneath me.” She looked meaningfully at Jiang Yuying. “You, on the other hand, though not yet of age, should perhaps think more about your own future. Third Uncle’s career is uncertain, and with the standing of your parents, who knows what kind of match awaits you?”

Seeing Jiang Yuying’s face turn ashen, Jiang Li’s mood lightened, and she continued, unhurried, “In this world, talent, beauty, temperament, and virtue are important, but without family background, they are nothing. Just look at the girls in the Courtesans’ House in the capital—each is a beauty of unmatched grace and intelligence, but they will remain courtesans all their lives.”

With that, she walked away with Tong’er, not waiting for Jiang Yuying to reply.

She did not see the expression on Jiang Yuying’s face as she left.

On the way back, Tong’er laughed the entire way. Once they reached Fangfei Courtyard, she recounted the episode to Baixue and the others, laughing, “You should have seen Fifth Miss’s face! Our young lady is amazing—comparing her to the girls at the Courtesans’ House must have made her furious. Serves her right for provoking on purpose!”

“Why does Fifth Miss always pick on our young lady?” Mingyue, the youngest maid, asked curiously. “If it were Third Miss, I’d understand—both are legitimate daughters and rivals, but Fifth Miss is from the third branch and our girl has never wronged her.”

“She can’t stand seeing others do well,” Tong’er blurted. “She wants everyone to be as miserable as her. Why should she compare herself to our lady? It’s only natural our lady is superior.”

Jiang Li listened to their chatter with a smile.

What did Jiang Yuying want? Nothing but to see her miserable, to feel superior by comparison. She even tried to use Zhou Yanbang to provoke her, but Jiang Yuying didn’t realize Jiang Li had no interest in him whatsoever.

To her, Zhou Yanbang was a stranger—and an annoying one at that.

“Some people,” Jiang Li said, “born into humble backgrounds, are never content. They dream of climbing high, believing the world unjust, filled with resentment. People like that will do anything to get ahead.”

The maids nodded, half understanding.

It occurred to Jiang Li that Jiang Yuying was much like Shen Yuyong—those of low birth who have tasted privilege crave it all the more, becoming obsessed and unscrupulous in their ambitions. Jiang Yuying simply failed to hide her discontent, while Shen Yuyong was a master at it.

He hid it so well that even his own wife was fooled, thinking him passionate and ambitious.

Pathetic.

Jiang Li’s smile faded as she remembered Jiang Yaoyao’s gaze in the hall—that look she couldn’t place but which left her uneasy. She would have to be on her guard.

After a moment’s thought, Jiang Li said, “Tong’er, bring me my box.”

...

The previous day’s disturbance did not dampen the excitement of entering the palace the next morning.

When Jiang Yuying saw Jiang Li again, she showed no sign of animosity, still smiling as before and even complimenting Jiang Li’s dress.

Jiang Li replied, “You look quite nice yourself, Fifth Sister.”

Jiang Yuying, almost of age—though younger than Yaoyao, she was the youngest daughter of the family—was tall, only a little shorter than Jiang Li, and did not look childish at all. She wore a honey-colored skirt embroidered with chrysanthemums, her hair arranged in a flowing cloud bun adorned with a jade and coral hairpin. The ornate outfit, though rich, overwhelmed her delicate charm, but Jiang Yuying seemed pleased, likely because these fine clothes were rarely hers to wear.

Ji Shuran was content with this. Jiang Yuyan was plain, and Jiang Yuying’s heavy attire would only set Yaoyao off as the most outstanding. Yaoyao herself had put great effort into her appearance—a double-layered rose-red robe embroidered with gold, a golden sparrow hairpin, eight-treasure bracelets, a cherry-red sash, and carefully applied makeup. Usually she wore little, but today, for the palace, her brows were shaped, powder applied, rouge dabbed. Her features were fine enough to carry the look, outshining the flowers.

Such attire would certainly catch the eye of noble sons. Yet, since her engagement to Zhou Yanbang was settled, why make such an effort? Yaoyao had always looked down on others and never sought to attract attention.

As Jiang Li observed Yaoyao, Ji Shuran watched Jiang Li, while Lady Lu laughed, “If I hadn’t known these were our two girls, I’d have thought them strangers!”

Jiang Li had never liked dressing up, and Old Madam Jiang, aware of this, avoided bright colors for her outfit. Yet, since she was to meet the emperor, she could not dress too simply. She wore a robe of pale green mulan silk, a jade cloud-patterned skirt, her hair in a gourd knot, with only a pair of white jade earrings as adornment. Her fair face was set off by the simplicity, her brows like ink, her eyes clear and bright, lips lightly tinted—an ethereal beauty.

Standing with Yaoyao, she was the bamboo to Yaoyao’s red blossom, a mountain valley to her fireworks—the latter appealing, but the former unforgettable.

Ji Shuran gently pressed Yaoyao’s shoulder, and Yaoyao withdrew her resentful gaze.

Old Madam Jiang, for her part, couldn’t help but look twice at Jiang Li. She had never cared for the daughters of the third branch, and the second branch had no daughters. She had always thought Yaoyao the apple of her eye, but now, the girl raised away from home had become a polished gem, elegant and spirited. It was hard to say now who was superior.

Seeing both daughters grown and graceful, Jiang Yuanbai felt a surge of satisfaction. “Let’s depart,” he said.

Each branch took their own carriage. In Jiang Li’s carriage, Yaoyao clung to Jiang Yuanbai, perhaps to provoke Jiang Li.

Jiang Li merely smiled, unmoved, making Yuanbai uncomfortable. She could see Yaoyao was accustomed to fawning over her father, and Yuanbai’s discomfort perhaps stemmed from guilt toward this daughter.

Yet Jiang Li showed no sadness, and Yaoyao, finding her punches landing on nothing, grew frustrated. Ji Shuran, always the picture of virtue, did not intervene—after all, it was normal for a daughter to dote on her father.

Yuanbai, seeing Jiang Li’s indifference, was vaguely disappointed. His daughter had grown beautiful and accomplished, and he was proud. She bore no grudge for his past actions, never complained—perhaps out of magnanimity, but more likely, he thought, out of indifference.

She seemed to observe them all from a distance.

Sitting in the carriage, Jiang Li recalled her first time entering the palace. Back then, she was truly happy, proud of Shen Yuyong’s achievements, grateful to be his wife, and terrified of making a mistake and causing him shame. She had practiced anxiously at home, so nervous that Shen Yuyong had laughed and teased her: “Don’t worry, A-Li. If you anger His Majesty, I’ll give up my post and farm with you in Tongxiang.”

She would pretend to hit him, and he would laugh. Now, it all seemed a world away. In fact, she hadn’t disgraced herself at the palace banquet; the Empress had praised her. And Shen Yuyong would never give up power for her sake—instead, he would kill her to advance his career.

What she took for truth was a lie; what she thought a lie was reality. This time, walking the same path, she would no longer be deceived.

She would, step by step, achieve what she set out to do.

She would avenge her father and Xue Zhao, and seek justice for herself.

The carriage rolled on, and eventually Yaoyao grew silent. Each in the family was lost in their own thoughts, and time seemed to pass quickly.

After about half an hour, the carriage stopped.

“Madam, Master, we’ve arrived,” the coachman called.

Yuanbai alighted first, and the maids helped Ji Shuran and the others down. As Jiang Li stepped onto the ground before the palace gates, she gazed at the towering walls, her heart full.

It was within these walls that Princess Yongning had been raised—cruel and domineering, wielding power to oppress the people. Shen Yuyong, for the sake of a place in these gilded halls, had sacrificed her without a second thought.

The palace looked magnificent, but how many of its residents were but hollow shells? Clad in gold and silver, yet truly possessing nothing. Jiang Li pitied them, despised them, and wanted nothing to do with them.

“Second Sister, this is the palace gate,” Jiang Yuying said, alighting from another carriage.

Jiang Li smiled. Jiang Jingrui shifted uncomfortably, forced into formal attire—a torment for him. Beside him, Jiang Jingyou was as amiable as ever, a perfect copy of his father.

Other officials’ carriages arrived one after another, some of lower rank coming over to greet Yuanbai.

The Jiang family had arrived a bit late; Yuanbai needed to see the Emperor first, so they did not linger, but followed their guide inside.

Yaoyao had expected Jiang Li to be nervous and awkward on her first palace visit, hoping for a misstep. Yet, glancing over, she saw Jiang Li lifting her skirt slightly and walking with ease, as if the palace were her own garden.

Even Yaoyao, on her first visit, had been anxious, but Jiang Li appeared perfectly at home. Yaoyao wanted to find fault, but by the time they reached their destination, Jiang Li had made no mistakes.

Old Madam Jiang was pleased—of all the younger generation, only Jiang Li was new to the palace, and yet she had acquitted herself flawlessly.

In the grand hall of the Jade Bright Palace, many official wives and daughters had already gathered. All were from families of the third rank or above, their status distinguished. The evening banquet had not yet begun, so many were chatting with acquaintances. On such occasions, the girls dressed their best, hoping to make a good impression, whether of age or not. Today, many noble sons were present as well—talented young men. The prevailing atmosphere in Northern Yan was more open than before; as long as young men and women did not overstep, mutual affection could lead to marriage negotiations.

Palace banquets brought together families of equal standing—a great convenience.

Seated to the east was a mother and daughter. The girl, about sixteen or seventeen, wore a jade-green dress with a butterfly hairpin and was quite pretty. Her mother was also richly dressed, though less refined than those around her.

They were Shen Yuyong’s mother and sister, Shen Ruyun.

Now that Shen Yuyong was a Secretariat Drafter, his mother and sister naturally attended the banquet. Though widowed, it was well known in Yanjing that Shen Yuyong’s wife, Xue Fangfei, had died in disgrace. Her death was seen as a blessing. Shen Yuyong, young, accomplished, and handsome, was considered a catch; many families entertained the idea of marrying their daughters to him.

The Shen family was small, just mother and daughter. Once Ruyun married, a daughter-in-law would be mistress of the house, with no sister-in-law to contend with—an attractive prospect for many pampered girls.

For this reason, many noblewomen, seeking an alliance, came to befriend Shen’s mother. They did not disdain her humble origins, but flattered her, praising both her and Ruyun, who was quite pleased.

Nie Xiaoshuang and Zhu Xiner, who had been in the same team as Jiang Li at the archery inspection, also clustered around Ruyun.

On the other side, Liu Xu sniffed derisively and whispered to Madam Liu, “Never seen people so eager to arrange a second marriage.”

Madam Liu tapped her daughter on the forehead. “You and your sharp tongue!”

“But it’s true,” Liu Xu muttered. She disdained her classmates’ behavior. For all their noble birth, the prize was a widower. No matter Xue Fangfei’s reputation, Shen Yuyong had always appeared deeply devoted to his late wife. If he remarried so quickly, he was hardly as sincere as he seemed.

Just then, someone nearby remarked, “I hear the Marquis of Ningyuan’s heir and the Grand Chancellor’s third daughter are to be married at the end of next winter.”

At this, Shen Ruyun’s expression changed. “Is that true?”

“It is,” Nie Xiaoshuang replied. “My mother mentioned it—Yaoyao’s engagement to the heir was settled early, and now the date is set.”

Shen Ruyun could not help but sneer, “I remember the heir was first engaged to Second Miss Jiang.”

There was an awkward silence. Ruyun’s words were impolite; to agree would be to offend the Jiang family, and with Yuanbai as Grand Chancellor, who dared speak ill of his daughter? Yet, as the sister of a Secretariat Drafter, Ruyun was not to be dismissed either, so everyone stayed silent.

Even so, her words stuck in their minds. Indeed, the engagement had first been Jiang Li’s—now her sister had taken her place, which was hardly an honorable thing. The others glanced at the Marchioness of Ningyuan.

She seemed oblivious, chatting with Lady Ji, Ji Shuran’s elder sister, as if unaware of the topic.

Whether she heard or not, only she knew.

Liu Xu wanted to defend Jiang Li but found no words, so she kept glancing toward the entrance, wondering why Jiang Li had not arrived.

Just then, a palace maid announced the arrival of the Jiang family’s women.

Everyone looked to the door, where Old Madam Jiang led the way, followed by Ji Shuran, Lady Lu, Madam Yang, and the Jiang girls, all entering with grace.