Chapter Ninety: Uncle

After Jiang Li’s departure, inside the Wangxian Pavilion, the banquet hosted by Jin Mantang was still underway, accompanied by the lilting sounds of opera. Ji Heng lounged lazily, then asked, “What news?”

“Miss Jiang Er is very clever,” Lu Ji smiled slightly. “After all this inquiry, her replies were flawless—she’s a sharp young lady.”

“What did you inquire about?” Kong Liu asked suspiciously.

“After all, she’s Jiang Yuanbo’s daughter,” Ji Heng replied indifferently.

At the other end, a returning guard reported, “We’ve confirmed that Ye Shijie and Miss Jiang Er did not arrange a meeting beforehand; it seems they merely ran into each other on the street. But Young Master Ye Mingxuan arrived in Yanjing yesterday.”

“Ye Mingxuan is here?” Kong Liu frowned. “The Ye family’s business isn’t based in Yanjing. What’s he doing here? Visiting his nephew to congratulate him on a promotion? To come in person seems quite the effort.”

“There’s been some trouble with the Ye family’s business,” Lu Ji said. “Ye Mingxuan’s visit is likely to explore avenues here in Yanjing, to see if he can lend a hand.”

Ji Heng chuckled, “People move on quickly; no one will offer help anymore.”

“Then why not seek help from Ye Shijie? He’s now an official, and many would want to curry favor with him. Finding a breakthrough here should be easy,” Kong Liu reasoned.

Lu Ji shook his head. “The Ye family has been merchants for generations. Ye Shijie is the first to enter officialdom. Now that his career is finally picking up, the Ye family wouldn’t dare use his official position as leverage for business help. They’re not that bold.”

Kong Liu glanced at Ji Heng, who was fanning herself, and muttered, “Same kind of people, yet such different temperament.” Then he pondered aloud, “Why not go to the Jiang family? They were at least once related by marriage. Although Ye family’s matriarch has passed, Miss Jiang Er remains a connection. If Ye Mingxuan visits the Jiang family, Jiang Yuanbo, who values face greatly, wouldn’t dare turn a blind eye.”

Lu Ji sighed. “You should keep up with the latest news in the capital. Miss Jiang Er and the Jiang family haven’t had dealings with the Ye family for ten years. It’s impossible that Ye Mingxuan would go there.”

The group fell silent for a moment.

Ji Heng said, “Ye Mingxuan might still go to the Jiang family.”

“Sir?” Lu Ji was puzzled.

“Because of Miss Jiang Er,” Ji Heng replied.

...

After meeting with Jiang Jingrui, Jiang Li and he soon found Lu Shi and her group. Lu Shi’s group was remarkably calm; even after wandering for so long and seeing their son and niece disappear, they remained unflustered. When asked, Lu Shi said, “Rui’er often wanders the streets; he wouldn’t get lost. Li’er was with him both times, so rest assured.”

Jiang Li listened without expression, truly unable to see what was so reassuring about Jiang Jingrui.

She thought back to Ye Shijie and shook her head. If not for Ji Heng’s guard suddenly appearing to take her to see that wretched banquet, she might have spoken a few words to Ye Shijie. Due to his connection with the Right Minister’s youngest son Li Lian, Jiang Li suspected Ye Shijie’s official career wouldn’t be smooth sailing. Whether Li Lian had ulterior motives was unclear, but she sensed the faint scent of conspiracy.

In any case, Ye Shijie must be extremely cautious.

Time had been lost, and after a brief walk with the second branch of the family, it was time to return home. Upon returning, the matriarch had already gone to bed. Jiang Li naturally did not greet Ji Shuran and her daughter, instead retreating to her own courtyard.

She intended to sleep early, but her mind was restless, and she could not close her eyes. Ji Heng’s beautiful phoenix-like eyes kept flashing in her mind, whispering in her ear, “The eyes are the seedlings of love; your eyes have betrayed your heart.”

Even Ji Heng saw the hatred in her heart.

Jiang Li shook her head, trying to clear away the tangled thoughts. She longed to swiftly expose Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong’s ugly truths and vindicate the Xue family’s wrongful case. Yet with insufficient evidence and leverage, she had to proceed cautiously.

It was truly agonizing.

That night, she slept restlessly. Around midnight, a heavy rain began, thunder mingling with the rain, making her even more unable to sleep until the rooster crowed thrice and dawn broke, the rain finally ceasing. Only then did she fall into a hazy slumber.

When she woke, the sun was high.

After a night of rain, the air was especially fresh. Tong’er and Baixue were watering flowers and weeding by the flowerbed at the courtyard gate. Seeing Jiang Li emerge, Tong’er straightened up and smiled, “Miss rarely rests; I let Baixue not wake you.” Seeing Jiang Li approach, she added cheerfully, “Last night’s rain was heavy; even the begonia flowers were smashed.”

Thinking of begonias, Jiang Li suddenly remembered her personal maid Begonia and wondered if Baixue’s family had heard any news of her in Zaohua Village. She asked, “Baixue, has your family sent any letters recently?”

Baixue wiped the sweat from her forehead. “No, Miss. It’s harvest season, and my family is busy with farming. I think they haven’t had time to write. After this period, letters should arrive.”

Jiang Li nodded.

As they chatted casually, a maid named Feicui, who served the matriarch, arrived. Feicui stopped at the entrance of Fangfei Garden without entering and smiled at Jiang Li, “Second Miss, the matriarch requests your presence at Wan Feng Hall.”

Baixue and Tong’er exchanged glances. The matriarch wouldn’t call for Jiang Li without reason. Jiang Li wasn’t like Jiang Bingji, who often visited Wan Feng Hall for snacks. Even if Jiang Li were willing to lower herself, the matriarch, who had been estranged from her for eight years, would feel very uncomfortable.

Tong’er asked brightly, “Sister Feicui, why does the matriarch want Second Miss at Wan Feng Hall? Is there something going on in the mansion?”

“No,” Feicui smiled, “a guest has come to the mansion and invited Second Miss to join.”

Tong’er relaxed upon hearing this. Judging by Feicui’s expression, the matriarch was not summoning Jiang Li to reprimand her, and Jiang Li hadn’t made any mistakes.

Jiang Li saw through Tong’er’s worry and could only smile wryly. Even if the matriarch had come to scold her, it wouldn’t be a big deal. She could protect herself and leave unscathed. At worst, it would be some house arrest.

Not a great matter.

She told Feicui, “Please wait a moment, Sister Feicui. I’ll change clothes and come.”

After returning to her room to put on a garment, Jiang Li, Tong’er, and Feicui went to Wan Feng Hall.

The walk from Fangfei Garden to Wan Feng Hall was usually bustling with people, but with Jiang Yuer in recuperation at the estate, Jiang Youyao under house arrest, and Jiang Yuyan timidly staying indoors, they met no one on the road—too smooth for comfort.

Jiang Li was pleased.

Feicui, leading the way, thought to herself: This Second Miss, who had spent eight years in a temple and had been back in Yanjing less than half a year, was the only one among the Jiang family ladies who remained unscathed and even earned imperial favor amid all the upheaval.

Fortunes truly turn; initially, they thought she would never return.

Thus, Feicui dared not underestimate this seemingly gentle Second Miss, and she showed her more respect in words and deeds.

---

Jiang Li noticed Feicui’s changed attitude and smiled slightly without comment. Flattering superiors and belittling inferiors was human nature. Even the Jiang household’s maids had absorbed the ways of officialdom, adept at reading the winds.

Not necessarily bad, nor good.

At least it created many opportunities for her.

Upon arrival at Wan Feng Hall, Feicui entered first and cheerfully announced, “Matriarch, the Second Miss has arrived.”

Jiang Li followed in, immediately spotting a familiar young man seated to the matriarch’s lower right. He held his head slightly high, appearing somewhat uneasy yet proud.

Jiang Li paused, puzzled: Ye Shijie? Why was he here?

She did not claim to fully understand this cousin but had a rough idea of his temperament. Ye Shijie bore some resentment toward her for past words and naturally held no warmth toward the Jiang family. His previous visit to the National Academy without calling on the Jiang family attested to this. Yet today, he brazenly came and sat near the matriarch, who seemed on good terms with him.

Before she could figure it out, the matriarch kindly said, “Little girl, come meet your uncle Mingxuan.”

Jiang Li was taken aback: Uncle Mingxuan?

She then noticed beside Ye Shijie a middle-aged man dressed in silver-white robes with a silver crown and a golden belt. He looked scholarly but more distinguished than an ordinary scholar, pale-faced, clean-shaven, slender, with a sharp, insightful gaze.

He stood and smiled at Jiang Li, “A Li has grown so tall, I almost didn’t recognize you.”

For a moment, Jiang Li was dazed. This Uncle Mingxuan called her “A Li,” and she briefly thought of Xue Huaiyuan calling her “A Li” as well.

Ye Mingxuan’s eyes flickered with surprise as he appraised Jiang Li.

From Ye Shijie, he had learned many things: the bet with Meng Hongjin at Mingyi Hall, the dazzling feat at the inspection grounds, the incident at the palace banquet when Jiang Li forced Ye Shijie with a dagger to act wisely—each event was hard to reconcile with the image of the somewhat willful, hurtful little girl from his memories.

Ten years had passed since Ye Mingxuan last saw Jiang Li. After Ye Zhenzhen’s death, the Ye family had feared Jiang Yuanbo’s remarriage and possible mistreatment of Jiang Li, prompting thoughts of bringing her back to Tongxiang. Though the Ye family could not rival the Jiang family in official status, they would sincerely protect Jiang Li, ensuring her lifelong comfort.

Unexpectedly, the reality was that the nearly five-year-old Jiang Li had once scorned the Ye family publicly, insulting merchants and wounding many. Ye family’s matriarch fell gravely ill afterward, and the Ye family harbored resentment.

How could such a young child speak so harshly? She seemed to have inherited the Jiang family’s coldness and the secret pragmatism of officials—more calculating than merchants.

It was truly hard to let go.

Now, standing before Ye Mingxuan was a girl in a pale green blouse and light blue skirt, tall and slender, remarkably graceful. Her lips curved in a gentle smile; her expression was mild, no longer sharp or hostile—exceedingly soothing.

She was truly different from before.

Ye Mingxuan vaguely saw his deceased sister Ye Zhenzhen in her, yet upon closer look, Jiang Li was not the same. Ye Zhenzhen was bright and pure, like a fluffy little creature nurtured in sunlight, carefree and adorable. Jiang Li was like a pear blossom growing alone by a stream, weathering storms unseen, blooming white and elegant from resilience.

His old grievances faded from Jiang Li’s clear eyes without his knowledge.

Perhaps it was blood ties that prevented him from truly antagonizing her, or perhaps Jiang Li’s gentle appearance had already separated her from the five-year-old girl he remembered.

He gave her a sincere, warm smile.

The matriarch noticed Ye Mingxuan’s appreciation and sighed softly in relief. Ye Shijie had become an assistant minister of the Ministry of Revenue—an impressive rank for his age. With past marital ties, the Ye family could aid the two Jiang branches in their careers. Hence, upon Ye Shijie and Ye Mingxuan’s visit, the matriarch’s first thought was to mend relations.

She knew about Jiang Li’s harsh words toward the Ye family. She did not believe the Ye family had completely forgiven her, but Jiang Li was not the same as before. The matriarch hoped Jiang Li would meet them before discussing matters further.

Seeing Ye Mingxuan’s warm attitude towards Jiang Li, the matriarch felt reassured. At least the Ye family would not claim the Jiang family mistreated Ye Zhenzhen’s daughter or deliberately corrupted her.

Ye Mingxuan laughed, “You probably don’t recognize me now. Last time we met, you were just a little thing.” He gestured to his knee, “This tall.” He said, “I’m your mother’s second eldest brother; you can call me Uncle Mingxuan.”

“Uncle Mingxuan,” Jiang Li said softly.

She liked him but wondered if it was because he had called her “A Li” earlier, reminding her of Xue Huaiyuan.

“Uncle Mingxuan came to Yanjing on business and wanted to see you.” The matriarch smiled. “He brought gifts, which will be moved to your courtyard later.”

Jiang Li smiled knowingly. How could Ye Mingxuan have brought gifts for her? Probably bought nearby, since he and the Jiang family had no recent contact. His sudden visit was surely because Ye Shijie told him about her.

Jiang Li glanced at Ye Shijie, who avoided her gaze, seeming guilty.

Guilty of what? Jiang Li was puzzled.

But the matriarch’s attitude suggested that Ye Shijie’s rise to assistant minister had softened the Jiang family’s stance. As long as Ye Shijie continued to ascend and the Ye family prospered through him, mending ties was inevitable. Then Jiang Li would be a girl with an influential maternal family, making Ji Shuran less brazen than before.

Ji Shuran must be regretting deeply now. Jiang Li thought, Ji Shuran’s earlier hesitation or subtle moves were to maintain her virtuous mother image. Unbeknownst to her, Jiang Li seized the opening, and once the opportunity was missed, it would never return.

Refocusing, Jiang Li chatted with Ye Mingxuan, Ye Shijie, and the matriarch about trivial matters. The matriarch inquired about other Ye family members in Xiangyang; Ye Mingxuan answered politely. On the surface, relations had eased considerably.

Jiang Li noticed that no one else was present this time—not even Jiang Yuanbo. The matriarch probably felt it awkward to have everyone there suddenly, so she kept the group small to proceed gradually.

Before they realized it, a cup of tea was finished. Ye Mingxuan stood to leave, saying he had business and would visit again. He smiled at Jiang Li, “I’ll have your gifts moved to your courtyard now.”

“Good,” the matriarch said. “A Li, show Uncle Mingxuan your courtyard.”

She was giving them uncle and nephew some private time.

Both seasoned schemers, Ye Mingxuan readily agreed to the matriarch’s plan. Jiang Li led them back to Fangfei Garden.

Tong’er walked ahead, standing very straight. It was her first time meeting Ye Zhenzhen’s family. She feared their thoughts about Jiang Li’s dark past of killing her mother and brother, so she resolved to stay poised and dignified. Ye Mingxuan seemed approachable and not harsh.

Ye Shijie remained silent, unusually reserved today. Ye Mingxuan casually asked how Jiang Li had been, and she responded with smiles.

Ye Mingxuan was again surprised by Jiang Li’s composed demeanor. Years ago, when Jiang Li was sent to Qingcheng Mountain, the Ye family had secretly negotiated with the Jiang family. Though Jiang Li insulted the Ye family, she was still their kin. But Jiang Yuanbo’s firm stance in hiding her whereabouts forced the Ye family to abandon the matter.

Even after hearing from Ye Shijie of Jiang Li’s exploits in Yanjing, Ye Mingxuan thought that people like the Jiang family, who avoided risks and sought benefits, would not care much about a daughter who could sully their reputation.

Yet seeing the matriarch’s attitude, Jiang Li’s position in the Jiang family seemed higher than he imagined. Her manners were refined and elegant, not like someone harshly treated.

This niece seemed to harbor many unknown secrets, Ye Mingxuan thought.

Arriving at Fangfei Garden’s gate, Qingfeng and Mingyue were tidying the yard. Baixue, surprised to see Ye Mingxuan and Ye Shijie with Jiang Li, hurried to serve tea.

“These are Uncle Mingxuan and Cousin Ye,” Jiang Li said. “Baixue, serve tea.”

Ye Mingxuan was momentarily stunned upon seeing the vibrant garden.

Even in autumn, Fangfei Garden bloomed with chrysanthemums and osmanthus, fragrant and lively—not at all wan or desolate. Jiang Yuanbo liked to appear aloof and austere, favoring green plants and stark black-and-white tones representing purity. So their usual path showed no such bloom.

But Jiang Li’s courtyard, lively and at odds with the Prime Minister’s residence, instantly reminded Ye Mingxuan of his late sister Ye Zhenzhen.

Ye Zhenzhen loved lively surroundings. Before marriage, birds sang and flowers bloomed in her courtyard. Her brothers often practiced swordplay there, chopping the flowers, making Ye Zhenzhen complain to their parents.

Seeing this scene revived Ye Mingxuan’s memories, bringing tears to his eyes. The scenery remained, but the person was gone—a lamentable sorrow.

Noticing Ye Mingxuan’s changed expression, Jiang Li said, “This was my mother’s convalescent courtyard. When I returned to Yanjing, Madam gave it to me. At that time, the plants were all dead; Tong’er and Baixue worked hard to restore it to this.”

She referred to Ji Shuran as “Madam.”

Ye Mingxuan’s gaze flickered slightly and asked, “How does Madam treat you?”

Jiang Li smiled faintly and evaded the question, “The tea’s ready, Uncle Mingxuan. Let’s go inside.”

Ye Mingxuan and Ye Shijie exchanged looks, then followed Jiang Li.

Tong’er stood properly, serving tea to each.

“Didn’t expect Uncle Mingxuan’s sudden visit to Yanjing,” Jiang Li said. “Quite unexpected. What brought you to the Jiang family?”

Ye Shijie cleared his throat, “I mentioned you to Uncle.”

Jiang Li said nothing; she knew sooner or later Ye Shijie would inform the Ye family about her. She hadn’t expected them to come in person, but believed Ye Mingxuan’s visit wasn’t primarily for her; meeting her was incidental.

“That’s right. Shijie told me about you, and I thought it had been a long time since I last saw you—about ten years, right? A Li, you look well. I’ve heard from Shijie how you’ve helped him multiple times. Thank you on his behalf.”

Jiang Li smiled, “We’re family, Uncle Mingxuan. No need for thanks.”

Her sincerity and gentle eyes were like clear streams; it was impossible not to believe her words were heartfelt. Ye Mingxuan found himself at a loss for words. The same girl who once scorned the Ye merchants now spoke naturally of family. The contradiction was stark, yet undeniable.

“How is grandmother?” Jiang Li asked.

“She’s not well,” Ye Mingxuan said. “Age takes its toll. She wanted to visit Shijie this time but her health wouldn’t permit.”

Jiang Li frowned. The matriarch’s poor health was troubling news.

Ye Shijie felt awkward. The matriarch’s illness stemmed from Jiang Li’s earlier insults, which had led to a serious illness and declining health thereafter.

“Grandmother can’t come; why haven’t the other uncles visited?” Jiang Li asked. She knew Miss Jiang Er had three uncles: Ye Mingxuan was second eldest; Ye Shijie’s father was eldest; there was a younger uncle.

“Xiangyang’s business has some ‘small troubles’,” Ye Mingxuan smiled. “They’ve been very busy lately.”

Though smiling, Jiang Li caught a trace of worry in his eyes. The so-called “small troubles” were surely more than he let on.

If the Ye family faced problems, it was not good. On one hand, Miss Jiang Er needed their support to strengthen her standing in the Jiang family; on the other, with Xiangyang and Tongxiang affairs intertwined, they had to rely on the Ye family’s influence to investigate.

Jiang Li considered and asked, “How long will Uncle Mingxuan stay in Yanjing? When will you return to Xiangyang?”

“This trip is mainly to see Shijie and settle some business in Yanjing. Afterward, I’ll return to Xiangyang,” Ye Mingxuan said thoughtfully. “Shouldn’t take more than ten days. It’s urgent there; I can’t linger in Yanjing.”

Even ten days felt like a delay, confirming Jiang Li’s suspicions. She glanced at Ye Shijie, who also looked burdened.

Seeing Jiang Li fall silent, Ye Mingxuan smiled, “Though this visit is for Shijie, seeing A Li was a pleasant surprise. I heard you topped Mingyi Hall and received imperial recognition. If grandmother knew, she’d be delighted. There’s no precedent for women receiving official ranks. You and Shijie are on par—he’s an official, so you should have a position too.”

This uncle was quite thoughtful. Jiang Li smiled, “Too bad I wasn’t born a son.”

Ye Shijie glanced at her. Though not a man, Jiang Li had done things many men wouldn’t dare—carrying a dagger into the palace, risking arrest and implicating the whole family. She seemed unfazed, treating it as trivial, which was remarkable.

If she were a man, she could rise to the heavens.

“By the way, I haven’t seen grandmother or the uncles for a long time,” Jiang Li said. “When I saw Uncle Mingxuan, I almost didn’t recognize you either.”

Ye Mingxuan laughed heartily, “No worries. When you and Shijie return to Xiangyang, you’ll see grandmother and your uncles. They’ll be very happy.”

That was the sentence Jiang Li had been waiting for. Her eyes curved in a smile. “No need to wait. This trip is the chance. After your business, Uncle Mingxuan, I’ll go back to Xiangyang with you and Uncle.”

—End of Chapter—