Chapter Eighty-Three: Encountering Beauty

After resolving the issue with Shen Ruyun, Jiang Li felt her spirits soar. Her steps grew lighter, as if she were back on the winding country roads of Xiangyang Tongxiang, unable to resist the urge to sing.

At last, she had managed to draw Shen Ruyun into this tangled web of chaos. She had been troubled by how to lure everyone to the Pavilion of Elegance, but Shen Ruyun had unwittingly played right into her hands. With Shen Ruyun’s infatuation for Zhou Yanbang, witnessing the man she loved involved with another woman would be intolerable for her. Knowing her impulsive and thoughtless nature, Jiang Li was certain that the moment Shen Ruyun discovered this illicit affair, she would make a scene, ensuring the entire palace banquet learned of the scandal.

Thus, the world would know that Miss Jiang Fifth and Miss Jiang Second’s fiancé were sleeping together—a sister stealing her elder’s man was, of course, disgraceful, but Zhou Yanbang, as the fiancé, would also be despised. Jiang Li reasoned that Jiang Yuanbai, who valued reputation, would never allow Jiang Youyao to marry Zhou Yanbang after such a scandal. Yet Jiang Youyao was deeply enamored with Zhou Yanbang; to lose him would be like tearing out her very heart, a pain she could not bear.

As for Jiang Yuying, at best she would become a concubine to the heir of Marquis Ningyuan—but was that truly desirable? The marquis and his wife would not look kindly upon a woman who had tarnished their son’s name, and whoever Zhou Yanbang married in the future would surely torment Jiang Yuying, a woman skilled in seduction.

Shen Ruyun, discovering the affair, would inevitably become an enemy of the Marquis Ningyuan’s household. Zhou Yanbang would never develop affection for Shen Ruyun, and she would never win his heart.

In this drama, everyone received their due. Jiang Li was thoroughly satisfied.

Lost in thought, she suddenly noticed two people conversing ahead. One stood out vividly—even in the darkness, he shone like the brightest moonlight, drawing all eyes to him.

The young man wore flamboyant red robes, appearing in the night as a stunning, ethereal presence. He spoke quietly with the person opposite him, his face turned away from Jiang Li, the dim light obscuring his expression.

She had not expected to encounter Duke Su here.

Jiang Li’s heart tightened; the joy from outwitting Shen Ruyun evaporated. Whenever she met Duke Su, she felt a strange discomfort, perhaps because his beauty was so striking, so aggressive, or perhaps because his eyes, though seemingly lazy and amused, gave the impression of intense scrutiny.

Jiang Li paused. The two men noticed her, turning to look. She silently cursed, but maintained a calm façade, greeting Duke Su with measured politeness before turning to leave in another direction.

She appeared to have wandered here by accident—a casual encounter with Duke Su, nothing more, easily dismissed.

Yet inwardly, she was unsettled.

There was something familiar about the person conversing with Ji Heng. When he turned to face her, the sense of familiarity grew stronger. She could not recall where she had seen him, but was certain she had.

It puzzled her. She hardly knew Ji Heng—only a few brief meetings, even in her previous life, they were strangers. She should not know anyone in his circle. That man must not belong to Ji Heng, so who was he?

She pondered deeply, her thoughts drifting to why Ji Heng would be here, casually roaming the palace banquet. Only someone as conspicuous as Duke Su could do so, thanks to Emperor Hongxiao’s particular indulgence.

Naturally, it made sense: on one side was her own Jiang family, on the other the Right Chancellor and Prince Cheng forming an alliance. To counter them, Emperor Hongxiao could only rely on Ji Heng.

Wait—the Right Chancellor?

A thought struck her. The man speaking with Ji Heng was a subordinate of Li Jing, eldest son of the Right Chancellor.

Li Jing was a paragon of virtue and talent, fond of making friends. When Shen Ruyun became the top scholar, Li Jing, undeterred by his status, had come to congratulate Shen Yuyong. Jiang Li had accompanied Shen Yuyong in hosting guests, and remembered that among Li Jing’s bodyguards was just such a man.

For most, seeing a bodyguard only once would not yield recognition after so long. But Jiang Li’s memory was exceptional; the man’s features remained vivid, as if seen yesterday—she could not be mistaken.

He belonged to the Right Chancellor.

An epiphany dawned—she felt as if she had uncovered a great secret. Ji Heng was Emperor Hongxiao’s man, yet here he was, privately conversing with the Right Chancellor’s subordinate. Could Ji Heng have ties to the Right Chancellor? Was this a case of false fronts, Ji Heng secretly won over by the Right Chancellor?

No, the Right Chancellor could not possibly buy Ji Heng. So—had Ji Heng chosen the Right Chancellor, chosen Prince Cheng?

A traitor?

As if glimpsing the tip of an iceberg, this shocking realization stopped Jiang Li in her tracks, her heart pounding.

At that moment, a languid voice sounded behind her, as if he had waited long: “Has Miss Jiang Second discovered something? Why are you so frightened?”

Jiang Li spun around.

Ji Heng stood right behind her; she had not noticed his approach. He was only a fist’s distance away, bending slightly due to his height, and as Jiang Li turned abruptly, she nearly collided with his chest, only to be held by the collar, half-lifted to meet his gaze.

He had extraordinarily beautiful eyes.

Their shape was exquisite—long and lustrous, with slightly upturned corners, imparting an alluring brilliance. Their color was remarkable, a hint of amber, translucent as glass, reflecting her own image. Their expression, neither smiling nor frowning, seemed both affectionate and detached, carrying a dangerous allure like the scent of opium, stirring one’s innermost desires.

But he was cold.

Even in this gentle, beguiling posture, with a face capable of enchanting all, Jiang Li could see the chill that ran deep to his bones.

He was a monster who could see through hearts.

Since becoming Miss Jiang Second, they had met several times—this was their first direct confrontation.

Jiang Li met his gaze, striving for composure. “You jest, Your Grace.”

Ji Heng released her collar, apparently unconcerned. “You cannot see your own eyes—are you frightened?”

She instinctively stepped back, widening the distance, feeling safer. “You are mistaken, Your Grace. I am not frightened.”

Ordinarily, Jiang Li was far too calm. But if she behaved like any other young lady, panicking, Ji Heng would surely see through her.

His eyes were too sharp.

Ji Heng studied her, then suddenly asked, “Perhaps you know the man from earlier?”

“No,” Jiang Li answered instantly. Xue Zhao had once said lies must be delivered in one breath to sound convincing. Yet Jiang Li felt uneasy—how could Ji Heng guess even this?

He was indeed frightening—a beauty with hidden depths.

Ji Heng did not press further, merely looked at Jiang Li, saying with a hint of meaning, “Each time I meet Miss Jiang Second, there’s always a good show. There’s never been such entertainment at the Duke’s mansion.” He feigned applause, his gold-threaded folding fan glinting in the night. “A pity.”

“You’re mistaken, Your Grace,” Jiang Li replied. “I am not an actress, nor is this a stage.”

“Is it?” Ji Heng’s lips curled. “But what you did, arranging the drama for Miss Jiang Fifth and the heir of Marquis Ningyuan, was truly ingenious.”

Jiang Li’s heart skipped—Ji Heng even knew that!

---

“It seems you truly have no interest in the heir of Marquis Ningyuan—a pity, for his devotion is misplaced.” Ji Heng sighed. “Even the lady of the Shen family is entangled.” He lowered his voice. “Miss Jiang Second’s scheme is no simple matter.”

Hearing such words from this handsome youth, even though his voice was low and seductive, Jiang Li felt goosebumps rise on her back.

From arranging Zhou Yanbang and Jiang Yuying, to the encounter with Shen Ruyun just moments ago—these events had only happened recently. The palace was vast; learning the details of every corner was no easy feat. Yet Ji Heng seemed to know everything instantly, which meant he had eyes and ears everywhere.

What in this palace was hidden from him? Perhaps even the secret meetings between Shen Yuyong and Princess Yongning—he might know every detail.

Jiang Li’s expression darkened, which only amused Ji Heng. “What are you thinking, Miss Jiang Second?”

Jiang Li raised her head, and in that instant, resolved herself. “Your Grace enjoys watching drama—so be it. But since ancient times, the rule is that the audience remains silent. Surely Your Grace knows this custom.”

Ji Heng, hearing this, seemed to find it amusing. He leaned slightly, his tone more ambiguous: “But I insist on speaking—what can you do?”

Jiang Li felt a blockage in her chest. Truly, there was nothing she could do to Ji Heng. He was Duke Su; even as Jiang Yuanbai’s daughter, she could not touch him. Besides, his moods were unpredictable, his actions unorthodox, and she had glimpsed his sinister ambition. Whether he would expose her schemes was uncertain.

“Then I must accept my fate,” Jiang Li replied blandly.

Under the eaves, one must bow. Confronting Ji Heng head-on now would only complicate matters, achieving nothing. She had done all she could tonight; if it failed, it was simply her misfortune.

Everyone has unlucky moments, but luck never fails every time.

Ji Heng glanced at her, then laughed. “Don’t worry, I won’t reveal anything.” He lazily flicked his folding fan, brushing away nonexistent dust, “If I did, there’d be no more drama to watch. That would be… too unfortunate.”

Jiang Li relaxed a little.

Though it was just a passing remark, Ji Heng’s temperament suggested he would not break his word. “Thank you, Your Grace.”

“You seem to have a good relationship with Ye Shijie,” Ji Heng suddenly mentioned Ye Shijie. “Tonight, your coordination was exceptional—the methods of staging a show were strikingly similar. Is Ye Shijie close to you?”

Why bring up Ye Shijie? But Jiang Li quickly recalled that the Right Chancellor’s household had tried to recruit Ye Shijie, and now Ye Shijie had distanced himself… Was Ji Heng here because of that?

Weighing her words carefully, Jiang Li replied, “Ye Shijie and I are merely acquaintances. We haven’t spoken much, and I don’t know much about him. Tonight was just a coincidence.”

Ji Heng smiled thoughtfully, but said no more. Jiang Li felt uneasy under his gaze. Fortunately, he did not linger, saying, “Let’s go.”

Jiang Li: “…?”

She did not wish to stand beside Ji Heng. Never mind what her family might think, merely being observed by Ji Heng’s probing eyes was uncomfortable.

Though she had been married in her past life and was no naive girl, skilled in dealing with people, Ji Heng was simply too dangerous—like a venomous beast, its claws hidden beneath beautiful plumage and graceful form, its predatory nature masked by outward charm.

Regardless, she could not refuse Ji Heng’s request.

Jiang Li had no choice but to walk with him.

---

At the waterside pavilion, the tea had been replenished several times.

After the night banquet, the lotus viewing began. The Empress Dowager, being elderly, soon returned to her palace to rest. Lady Liu, who always opposed the Empress Dowager, found it dull and left shortly after.

Emperor Hongxiao remained to discuss state affairs with his ministers, while the ladies in the pavilion grew visibly weary.

Though the apricot wine was not intoxicating, after so much and with the night breeze, everyone felt pleasantly drowsy.

Madam Ji Chen laughed and suggested, “Sitting like this makes us sleepy; why not take a stroll? I’ve heard the lotuses at the end of the waterside corridor are in full bloom. Lady Li said a rare double lotus recently blossomed—let’s go see it and broaden our horizons.”

At this suggestion, the sleepy ladies perked up.

Someone asked, “A double lotus? I’ve never seen one. I heard a double lotus bloomed in the pond behind Baiyun Temple; many went to see it, saying it brings blessings and harmony to the household.”

Harmony at home—there was another phrase, perhaps too shy to say aloud, that implied marital bliss. Which married woman present did not desire harmony? Even unmarried girls hoped for a future with a loving husband, a lifetime of concord. Such auspiciousness was irresistible.

Lady Li smiled, “Indeed. If you ladies wish to see it, you may.”

The ladies were delighted, eagerly echoing Madam Ji Chen’s suggestion.

Liu Xu was reluctant—she never fit in with the noble girls. But her mother, needing to socialize with her husband’s colleagues’ wives, patted Liu Xu’s head, signaling her to follow.

Ji Shuran also stood, smiling. “Li’er is resting in the teahouse at the corridor’s end. She should be feeling better now; I’ll fetch her so we can leave together soon.”

Jiang Yuyan timidly added, “Fourth Sister hasn’t returned yet.”

Jiang Li went to rest; Jiang Yuying merely went to change, yet had not returned. Yang Shi noticed, complaining, “That girl, wandering off—why isn’t she back yet?”

“No need to worry,” Jiang Youyao said. “Fourth Sister left with Second Sister; perhaps they are together. We’ll see them in the teahouse.”

Yang Shi dared not contradict Jiang Youyao, but inwardly doubted it—she knew her daughter best. Jiang Yuying and Jiang Li never got along; how could they be together? Especially at a palace banquet—Jiang Yuying would never hide in the teahouse, she would seek attention. Still, she could not show her concern, and since she did not know where Jiang Yuying was, she decided to go to the teahouse to check.

The group headed for the teahouse at the corridor’s end.

The moon had disappeared, hidden beneath layered clouds, casting only faint light. The wind rustled the lotus leaves and flowers, and the fish, sensing people, darted beneath the leaves.

Ripples sparkled, currents surged beneath.

The corridor seemed long, but with laughter and conversation, they arrived quickly. At the end, they saw a double lotus—not as splendid as the others, just two small blooms, rather unremarkable.

The group was a bit disappointed.

But the legend of “household harmony” prompted extra glances; after viewing it, they found the scenery by the pavilion more pleasing.

---

Ji Shuran smiled, “Li’er is in the teahouse here; I’ll check on her. Anyone thirsty may join me for tea.”

Some ladies, feeling thirsty, accompanied Ji Shuran.

She approached the teahouse.

Inside, only a dim, intimate light glowed. Through the window, no shadows were visible—it was eerily quiet.

Jiang Youyao laughed, “Has Second Sister fallen asleep? Why is it so silent inside?”

“Quite possible,” Ji Shuran said, feigning concern. “She said she was dizzy earlier—if she’s asleep, I hope she doesn’t catch cold.” Inwardly, she was triumphant. Surely Jiang Li and Ye Shijie had just spent a passionate night and, exhausted, had fallen asleep. The drug was at its strongest now, and with so many witnesses, theirs would be an unforgettable night.

Without hesitation, she softly called “Li’er” while pushing the door open.

The teahouse door was unlocked, opening easily.

The lamp flickered.

Ji Shuran entered.

Immediately, she sensed something was amiss. Before she could think, she saw Ye Shijie sitting by the tea table, hand supporting his face, frowning at her.

His attire was neat and spotless, tea and pastries arrayed on the table, and Jiang Li was nowhere to be seen.

It was nothing like the chaos Ji Shuran had imagined.

Her vision darkened. The other ladies, led by Jiang Youyao’s deliberately loud voice, entered: “Second Sister—”

The voice abruptly stopped.

The women were startled to see Ye Shijie, a man, present, but quickly recognized him as the top scholar at the Imperial College, newly appointed as an assistant minister. Someone asked, “Young Master Ye, why are you here?”

Jiang Youyao, eager to see Jiang Li humiliated, saw Ye Shijie calmly seated and shrieked, “Why are you here? Where’s my Second Sister—”

“Your Second Sister?” Ye Shijie frowned. “Miss Jiang Second? I haven’t seen her. I was drinking at the banquet, and a palace maid guided me here to rest. I just arrived, haven’t seen your Second Sister.” He looked at Jiang Youyao. “Perhaps she left earlier.”

“Impossible—” Jiang Youyao was furious. “She must be hiding. Where is she?” She began searching the room.

The ladies glanced at Jiang Youyao, her behavior suggesting she was certain Jiang Li would be here—quite obsessive.

Seeing the others' looks, Ji Shuran’s heart skipped, fearing Jiang Youyao might slip up. She grabbed Jiang Youyao’s arm, smiling at Ye Shijie, “Youyao is just worried about Li’er. It’s late, and Li’er is missing—could something have happened?” She played the concerned mother.

Ye Shijie knew well that tonight’s scheme was orchestrated by this venomous woman, and beneath her loving mask lay a snake’s heart. He sneered inwardly, but outwardly remained courteous, saying, “It’s understandable for a mother to be concerned. But… next time, please knock before entering.”

Ji Shuran’s cheeks flushed.

She had wanted everyone to witness Jiang Li’s disgrace, so she had not bothered to knock. But what was going on? The teahouse was small; Jiang Li could not be hiding. Ye Shijie was neat, and there was no trace of anything unusual—not even a scent—all indicating nothing had happened between Ye Shijie and Jiang Li.

The informant had clearly reported seeing Jiang Li and Ye Shijie enter this teahouse. Ye Shijie did not seem drugged—so where was Jiang Li?

Ji Shuran grew anxious. Not seeing Jiang Li, she felt something overlooked, something about to happen.

Ye Shijie, after exchanging words with Ji Shuran, stood and bowed to the ladies. Being a man among women, it was inconvenient, and he intended to leave.

He had just reached the door when he stopped.

“Madam, Miss Jiang Second is coming,” Ye Shijie said.

Ji Shuran was startled, hurried to the door, and saw Jiang Li approaching gracefully from the distant corridor, accompanied by a handsome youth in red—Duke Su, Ji Heng.

Jiang Li, seeing the group, was puzzled. “Mother… why have you all come?”

“Li’er,” Ji Shuran asked, “weren’t you resting in the teahouse? Why weren’t you here—only Young Master Ye was present?”

Jiang Li blushed. “I stayed in the teahouse for a while, but wanted to visit the privy. After leaving, I lost my way, wandering the garden in circles.” She explained, “I didn’t know the paths, and no one passed by, so I was delayed. Thankfully, I met His Grace, who helped me out of the garden. I intended to wait in the teahouse for you, but you all came over. Is something wrong?”

Ji Shuran was speechless.

Duke Su stood beside Jiang Li, uncertain if her words were true, but Ji Shuran dared not question her—for to doubt Jiang Li was to doubt Ji Heng. Since Ji Heng said nothing, he tacitly accepted Jiang Li’s account.

Ji Shuran nearly ground her teeth to dust.

Jiang Li turned, as if only then noticing Ye Shijie. She looked puzzled. “Why is Young Master Ye here? There are many teahouses in the palace; the men’s teahouses aren’t on this side…” She left it unsaid, but her implication was clear to the ladies.

If Jiang Li had not gone to the privy or gotten lost, she and Ye Shijie would have shared the teahouse. Even if nothing happened, it would be hard to explain. For this newly appointed official, it was not good, and for Miss Jiang Second, it would damage her reputation.

But Miss Jiang Second had narrowly avoided disaster.

Thinking back to Jiang Third’s odd behavior—entering as if she knew Jiang Second would be there, and Ji Shuran not knocking—these details were intriguing.

Ji Shuran realized Jiang Li had deftly shifted suspicion onto her, and hated her for it, but could not think of a retort, so she looked to Lady Li and Madam Ji Chen for help.

Lady Li was about to speak when a maid burst in, rushing toward the Lady of Marquis Ningyuan.

The maid cried in panic, “Madam, the young master is in trouble!”

---

At last, they spoke! By rounding up, it’s practically a marriage, isn’t it?