Chapter Eighty-Four: Turmoil

“Madam, the young master is in trouble!”

The Lady of Ningyuan Marquis was startled, and demanded sternly, “What happened? Why are you so panicked?”

The maid was about to speak, but seeing the astonished gazes of the ladies gathered around the Lady of Ningyuan Marquis, she faltered, her face flushing red, stammering as if unable to bring herself to say it.

The Lady of Ningyuan Marquis, seeing the maid’s manner, felt a sinking in her heart, as if a heavy stone had dropped within her.

Concerned for her own fiancé, Jiang Youyao could not restrain herself and stepped forward, asking, “What has happened to Lord Zhou?”

The maid seemed only then to notice Jiang Youyao, growing even more flustered, dodging her questions but her gaze lingered furtively on Mrs. Yang.

Mrs. Yang felt quite confused, but Ji Shuran suddenly glanced at Jiang Li. Seeing Jiang Li standing upright, a faint smile at her lips, a dreadful suspicion filled her mind.

“Whatever it is,” the Lady of Ningyuan Marquis could no longer care for decorum, addressing the maid, “Where is the young master? Take me to him at once!”

The maid’s voice trembled with tears, “The master and others are all at Yuxiu Pavilion... There are many gentlemen present, madam... The young master is really in trouble this time!”

Her words were vague, but the crowd, seeing her demeanor, understood well enough. If it were merely something unfortunate, why the secrecy? Clearly, it was a scandal. Since there were many witnesses, it wouldn’t be concealed for long. Upon returning to the mansion, the master would surely know.

Hearing this, the Lady of Ningyuan Marquis swayed, nearly collapsing. She had been mistress of the household for many years and could guess from the maid’s demeanor what had happened. Yet, with so many present, the matter was dire. A scandal was best kept secret, but the more who saw, the harder it would be to hide.

Jiang Li stood beside Ji Heng, her face adorned with a gentle smile. Zhou Yanbang, she thought, was either foolish or far too reckless. Emperor Hongxiao and his ministers discussed state affairs in a side hall not far from Yuxiu Pavilion. So close were the two locations, once Shen Ruyun raised an uproar, the gentlemen were able to arrive swiftly and see the truth of the matter.

Thus, Zhou Yanbang’s misdeeds became known to the entire court—a result well worth her efforts.

Ji Heng found Jiang Li’s smile intriguing and stood silently as she did, his fan resting against his lips to hide a trace of amusement.

Jiang Youyao, however, was too distraught to consider much else. The matter concerned Zhou Yanbang, and so she ignored everything, saying, “Yuxiu Pavilion? Madam, let me accompany you. Mother,” she tugged at Ji Shuran’s sleeve, “let’s go together and see.”

Ji Shuran wished to cover Jiang Youyao’s mouth. Her words might seem harmless, but in Yan Dynasty, intimacy between betrothed couples was not unusual. Yet the ladies who guessed the truth now looked at Jiang Youyao with sympathy.

Ji Shuran felt caught in an awkward position, unsure whether to go or stay. Madam Liu spoke slowly, “Whatever the case, staying here is no solution. Soon, everyone will return home after the banquet. Let’s head to the water corridor and depart; it’s getting late.”

She offered the Lady of Ningyuan Marquis’ son a way out.

Liu Xu turned her head disdainfully. If it were her, she wouldn’t offer them any escape—she would witness the spectacle herself.

The Lady of Ningyuan Marquis smiled gratefully at Madam Liu, “Yes, let’s return for now.” Her steps, however, were unsteady.

Jiang Li observed but said nothing. Ji Shuran approached, looking into Jiang Li’s eyes and asked softly, “Li’er, do you know what happened?”

She suspected Jiang Li.

Jiang Li feigned surprise, shaking her head, “I’ve been with Lord Ji the whole time. How would I know about Lord Zhou? Mother, your words are strange.”

Ji Shuran looked at Ji Heng again, whose beauty was striking, yet the amber gaze she cast caused a chill to run through Ji Shuran.

She said nothing further, only forced a smile and hurried ahead to consult with Madam Ji.

Ye Shijie lagged behind, catching Jiang Li’s eye, wanting to speak but hesitated, perhaps due to Ji Heng’s presence, and quietly followed the group.

Ji Heng and Jiang Li walked at the rear.

Jiang Li quickened her pace, deliberately trying to distance herself, head bowed as she strode on. Yet Ji Heng, tall and long-legged, walked leisurely, always keeping pace with her.

He said calmly, “Second Miss Jiang’s acting is far more impressive than that of Liu Sheng from the Xiangsi Troupe.”

Jiang Li felt a chill—after all, Liu Sheng had his leg broken and was thrown out for trying to climb into this lord’s bed. Was Ji Heng hinting at something?

Jiang Li pondered, but replied, “You misunderstand, Lord Ji. I have no interest in acting.”

“An actor needs no interest,” Ji Heng smiled, “as long as the performance is convincing.”

Jiang Li could not fathom Lord Su’s meaning, but had to stay alert—Ji Heng was not a trustworthy man.

Who knew what schemes he plotted? Even Emperor Hongxiao had been ensnared by him.

Thinking Ji Heng might have sided with Prince Cheng, Jiang Li shuddered.

Ji Heng had no sense of loyalty to his sovereign; such ruthlessness bordered on arrogance. Nothing seemed to matter to him.

Jiang Li felt that such a man, even handsome, was best avoided.

Ji Heng said nothing further, merely walking alongside Jiang Li. Their shadows, one delicate and slender, the other noble and flamboyant, cast by lantern light onto the ground, appeared intertwined, almost intimately matched.

Soon they crossed the water corridor, heading toward the palace exit to await their masters.

As the ladies walked, a woman’s anguished voice suddenly called, “Mother!”

Everyone turned and saw, outside a pavilion, a disheveled young woman stumbling toward Madam Shen.

It was Shen Ruyun.

Even Jiang Li was surprised. Her intention had been merely for Shen Ruyun to discover Jiang Yuer and Zhou Yanbang’s affair, incite jealousy, and draw attention. Yet now Shen Ruyun’s clothes were in disarray, her hair a mess—what had happened?

Could there be more to this?

Madam Liu, holding Liu Xu’s hand, let a fleeting smile cross her face.

Earlier, the others paid attention only to the maid reporting to the Lady of Ningyuan Marquis, but Madam Liu had caught the mention of Yuxiu Pavilion. Knowing they would pass it on the way out, she suggested leaving immediately. The Lady of Ningyuan Marquis, distracted by worry, missed the subtle hint. Even the palace regulars, like Consort Li, indifferent to others’ affairs, offered no reminder.

Madam Liu held no grudge against Ningyuan Marquis’ household, but sympathized with Jiang Li. Her friend Ye Zhenzhen’s daughter was well-behaved, yet suffered unjustly. Ningyuan Marquis’ family had betrayed their promise—how could they change the marriage midway? Hearing of Zhou Yanbang’s trouble, Madam Liu felt no pity; instead, she was delighted at heaven’s justice. With such opportunity, she would not let the others miss seeing Zhou Yanbang’s disgrace.

She would not kindly offer them an escape!

Shen Ruyun collapsed before her mother, nearly fainting, her face streaked with tears.

“Mother, mother…”

“Ruyun, what happened?” Madam Shen pressed urgently.

“Mother, Lord Zhou… he… insulted me!”

A stifled laugh sounded—some officials’ daughters couldn’t contain themselves. Women who suffered such indignity were usually furious, but would never speak out so openly. It was not about being shy, but simply improper to discuss such things publicly. Yet Shen Ruyun spoke loudly, as if fearing no one would hear. Perhaps, being from a humble family, she did not know the rules?

Madam Shen glared coldly at the laughing girl, who fell silent, terrified, and hid behind her mother.

Shen Ruyun continued sobbing breathlessly.

Jiang Li was surprised; this was unexpected. By her estimation, although Zhou Yanbang was a hypocrite, he would not molest Shen Ruyun—a stranger to him. Moreover, Jiang Yuer was present; Zhou Yanbang would not have time.

Just then, Jiang Li caught Shen Ruyun’s eyes—blinking not in sorrow but in triumphant calculation.

Thinking she was mistaken, Jiang Li looked again. This time, though Shen Ruyun’s expression was normal, her disarrayed attire and messy hair seemed deliberately arranged. No one, after such an ordeal, would remain so composed—her shoes clean, her hairpins perfectly in place, her earrings intact.

It was all too strange.

A sudden realization struck Jiang Li.

If her suspicion was correct, even as Shen Ruyun’s sister-in-law, she was astonished by her boldness.

Shen Ruyun accused Zhou Yanbang of insulting her. Jiang Youyao was furious and, before the Lady of Ningyuan Marquis could speak, declared, “Nonsense! How could Lord Zhou insult you? He is upright and honorable; you are slandering him!”

To the others, it seemed unlikely. Though Shen Ruyun was decent-looking, she paled beside Jiang Youyao. Why would Zhou Yanbang ignore a beauty and harass someone far less attractive? Unless he was a fool, it made no sense.

Shen Ruyun, vexed by Jiang Youyao’s assumption of the main wife’s attitude, sneered, “He didn’t just insult me; he also insulted your fifth miss!”

Jiang Yuer!

Ji Shuran was stunned, instinctively looking at Mrs. Yang, who was also dumbfounded. She had been searching for Jiang Yuer, and now, hearing Shen Ruyun’s words, was struck as if by lightning.

Unlike Shen Ruyun, Jiang Yuer was a concubine’s daughter. Was she to be Zhou Yanbang’s concubine? If so, would the main household tolerate it?

Mrs. Yang murmured, “Impossible…”

“Why impossible?” Shen Ruyun retorted, “The emperor and ministers witnessed it with their own eyes. Miss Jiang was… was…” She left the sentence unfinished.

The Lady of Ningyuan Marquis felt the world spinning. What had Zhou Yanbang done? Why entangle himself with two unknown young ladies? Why was the emperor present?

Zhou Yanbang was ruined!

Jiang Youyao stepped back, weak and drained. Though she protested, “Impossible,” she believed it almost entirely.

Shen Ruyun’s claim that the emperor and ministers saw it suggested truth. Jiang Youyao’s heart ached—why did Zhou Yanbang do this? Shen Ruyun was one thing, but Jiang Yuer was family. Zhou Yanbang was humiliating her! How could she face this? Was she to allow Jiang Yuer to marry as a concubine, the sisters sharing one husband? Even as main wife, Jiang Youyao would never permit it!

She still saw herself as Zhou Yanbang’s main wife, believing he would marry her despite the scandal.

Jiang Li saw clearly, however—Jiang Youyao marrying Zhou Yanbang was impossible now.

Because Shen Ruyun had entered the fray.

Without her, the scandal would be limited to Zhou Yanbang and Jiang Yuer, whose status was inferior; Jiang Youyao could easily suppress her. Zhou Yanbang’s official prospects would collapse, and the sisters would feud, saving Jiang Li trouble.

But with Shen Ruyun involved, Zhou Yanbang had “insulted” her.

She was a rising star, Shen Yuyong’s legitimate sister. Emperor Hongxiao favored Shen Yuyong, and would ensure justice for his sake. Shen Ruyun, devoted to Zhou Yanbang, would not wish him punished—the best solution was marriage.

Shen Ruyun achieved her wish.

Jiang Li was nearly certain the accusation was fabricated. Zhou Yanbang, perhaps confused, was caught by Shen Ruyun’s scheme.

She did not know how Shen Ruyun conceived it, but admired her cunning. Shen Ruyun, determined to marry Zhou Yanbang, succeeded by such means. Jiang Li had thought her foolish, but now saw she was clever at times.

Just then, noise erupted ahead; the ladies looked and saw officials clustered at the pavilion entrance.

Shen Ruyun choked, “Look, there they are.”

Jiang Youyao, already shaken, heard Zhou Yanbang was ahead and rushed forward, ignoring Ji Shuran’s protests. At Yuxiu Pavilion’s entrance, the ministers, unwilling to witness the sordid scene, stepped aside. Jiang Yuanbai was among them; seeing Jiang Youyao, he called, “Youyao.”

She ran to the entrance.

Inside, chaos reigned, an ambiguous scent lingering. Zhou Yanbang and Jiang Yuer seemed to have woken, their clothes hastily donned and disheveled. Zhou Yanbang’s face was flushed, clearly embarrassed. Jiang Yuer looked at Jiang Youyao pitifully, whispering, “Third sister.”

Jiang Youyao strode forward and, without hesitation, slapped Jiang Yuer.

Jiang Yuer swayed, but did not resist, covering her face as tears streamed down. “Third sister, I… I’m sorry.”

Jiang Youyao turned to Zhou Yanbang, asking in anguish, “Lord Zhou, how could you?”

“I… I don’t know.” Zhou Yanbang was bewildered. He remembered arranging to meet Jiang Li; when she arrived, they were intimate, but after that, his memory blurred. Only a strange woman’s scream woke him, accusing him of misconduct. Then the emperor, his father, and ministers arrived, and Jiang Yuer lay beside him.

He could recall nothing. Seeing Jiang Youyao strike Jiang Yuer, and Jiang Yuer’s tearful endurance, he felt sympathy. Jiang Youyao had always been lively and innocent; never had he seen her so fierce.

Jiang Li watched Zhou Yanbang, puzzled. Only Jiang Yuer had taken the drugged wine—why was Zhou Yanbang also muddled?

“What are you thinking, Second Miss?” Ji Heng asked suddenly.

“I’m wondering if Lord Zhou’s memory lapse is genuine or an excuse.”

Ji Heng laughed softly.

Jiang Li looked at him, and saw him shake his fan meaningfully—she understood.

He loved drama and spectacle; knowing her plan, he must have added fuel to the fire, making the scene even more lively.

Was Zhou Yanbang’s condition his doing?

Jiang Li felt complicated—Ji Heng was no good, yet had helped achieve her aim, unexpectedly.

Perhaps Shen Ruyun, seeing Zhou Yanbang confused, seized the chance for her own scheme.

A fortunate accident, perhaps?

Feeling Ji Heng had done some good, Jiang Li’s gaze softened. Yet Ji Heng seemed not to notice, still smiling as he watched the unfolding drama.

Jiang Yuanbai, unable to bear it, dragged Jiang Youyao out and handed her to Ji Shuran. Jiang Youyao, heartbroken, wept silently in her mother’s arms.

Emperor Hongxiao had already departed, unable to witness such filth.

But how would this play end? Jiang Li was curious. Zhou Yanbang would be taken home, and the Marquis’ family would make arrangements. But how would Jiang Yuer face the main household’s wrath? Having stolen Jiang Youyao’s fiancé, Jiang Li doubted Jiang Youyao would forgive her.

Moreover, Jiang Li glanced around—Shen Yuyong had yet to appear.

Just as she thought this, a figure hurried through the crowd; Shen Ruyun called, “Big brother!”

Shen Yuyong had arrived.

The Marquis, anxious about what to do next, grew more troubled. His family was powerful, but Shen Yuyong, now favored by the emperor, was not to be trifled with. With only one sister, how could he not demand justice for her?

The Marquis was in a dilemma.

Jiang Yuer’s status aside, Zhou Yanbang and Jiang Youyao were engaged. The daughter of the prime minister and the sister of Shen Yuyong—he could not offend either, but had managed to offend both.

“Yuyong, why are you only now here?” Madam Shen wailed, “Your sister has been wronged!”

Jiang Li sneered inwardly—of course, Shen Yuyong had been meeting with Princess Yongning.

Sure enough, after Shen Yuyong arrived, Jiang Li saw a graceful woman approaching from the darkness—none other than Princess Yongning.

Not a moment wasted; husband and wife, united.

Jiang Li watched Yongning, hiding her cold expression, but Ji Heng caught it all, his fingers tightening on the fan, eyes shining with strange light.

Princess Yongning approached, feigning surprise at the commotion.

Shen Yuyong comforted Shen Ruyun, then stood by Zhou Yanbang and Jiang Yuer, both uncertain what to do.

Zhou Yanbang, perhaps still affected by the drug, seemed unaware of the gravity, dazed.

Shen Yuyong faced the Marquis, declaring, “Sir, your son owes my sister an explanation.”

To be confronted so boldly by a young subordinate in front of colleagues, the Marquis was humiliated, but he knew the fault lay with Zhou Yanbang. Though angry, he managed an apologetic tone, “My failure to raise my son led to this disaster. Sir Shen, rest assured—I will see my son makes amends to your sister!”

Shen Yuyong’s defense of his sister inspired admiration among the noblewomen, who gazed at him with longing. His handsome appearance only increased their affection.

Jiang Li scoffed—such righteousness was a facade. None knew he had committed murder for ambition. Shameless.

Yet, gifted with a deceivingly handsome face, he charmed women.

Ji Heng commented, “Young Sir Shen is quite responsible.”

Jiang Li wished to ignore him, but upon hearing praise for Shen Yuyong, she retorted, “Lord Ji’s standards are low indeed.”

“Second Miss doesn’t like Young Sir Shen?” Ji Heng asked. “Strange—he is handsome and gentle. Why not?”

Jiang Li sneered, “Dead men are nothing but bones—what’s there to like?”

“Second Miss is truly transcendent,” Ji Heng said, “not swayed by appearances.”

Jiang Li recalled that Ji Heng, unlike herself, was most partial to beauty. She wondered why she argued with him, then said, “If Sir Shen is so beautiful, perhaps Lord Ji should keep him as a flower in your house.”

Implying he should be kept as a male concubine.

Ji Heng did not reply for a while. Jiang Li, thinking he might be speechless, was about to look at him when he said, “Unexpectedly, Second Miss is so knowledgeable—remarkable.”

Implying she was far from a proper lady.

Jiang Li was indifferent; she had never been a native noblewoman, nor a proper lady, preferring freedom to constraint. Let others think what they would. Now, she only wanted to see Zhou Yanbang’s fate.

Elsewhere, Princess Yongning finally finished listening to her maid’s account, her eyes turning as she stepped forward.

As Prince Cheng’s sister and Lady Liu’s favorite daughter, she commanded respect from all. Smiling, she said, “What explanation is needed? A lady’s reputation is paramount. Miss Shen is a respectable young woman—how can she marry after such disgrace?” Her gaze swept over the bewildered Zhou Yanbang, “Fortunately, your families are well matched—why not have Lord Zhou marry Miss Shen? That would please all.”

Jiang Youyao froze, looking incredulously at Princess Yongning.

Shen Ruyun, buried in her mother’s arms, struggled to hide her joy.

Jiang Yuer grew uneasy; Princess Yongning’s solution addressed only Shen Ruyun, not herself. Was it because she was a concubine’s daughter, unworthy of comparison? Jiang Yuer felt deeply humiliated, lowered her head, and stared resentfully at her dress.

Jiang Li’s hand clenched in her sleeve, her smile turning mocking.

Princess Yongning played her role perfectly, clearly seeing through Shen Ruyun’s scheme and helping her gain her wish. Perhaps not out of kindness—Princess Yongning would not stoop to please Shen Ruyun. But by aiding her, Shen Yuyong would owe her gratitude.

If there had been doubts before, Jiang Li now knew for certain that the Shen family was aware of the relationship between Princess Yongning and Shen Yuyong.

They had known all along.