Chapter Ninety-Nine: Resolution

At the entrance of Lizheng Hall, Jiang Li stood composed.

The moment the words “the legitimate daughter of Jiang Yuanfu” were spoken, the crowd fell silent.

After all, Xiangyang was not Yanjing. People in Xiangyang held those who served as officials in Yanjing in high regard, especially the chief minister Yuanfu, who was the foremost scholar. Only then did they recall that the youngest daughter of the Ye family, Ye Zhenzhen, had married Jiang Yuanbo, who now served as the chief minister. However, after Ye Zhenzhen’s death, the Ye and Jiang families hadn’t interacted much over the past decade, and the people of Xiangyang gradually forgot about the matter.

Now, with Jiang Li openly declaring her identity, and recalling how Ye Jia’er called her “cousin” earlier, coupled with Jiang Li’s poised attire and demeanor that did not resemble a girl from a modest household, about seventy percent of the crowd believed her.

“You may be Miss Jiang, but that doesn’t give you the right to bully others!” a long-faced man shouted from within the crowd. After speaking, he quickly hid behind a burly man in front, seemingly trying to conceal his face.

“That’s right, how can you abuse your power!”

“The Jiang family is protecting their in-laws, the Ye family. Officials and merchants colluding—disgusting!”

The long-faced man’s words ignited the crowd once again. Ye Jia’er looked at Jiang Li worriedly. The Ye family was already in trouble, and now people were dragging the Jiang family into the mud. Jiang Yuanbo was a high-ranking official in Yanjing; if this caused trouble for him, what would they do?

Ye Rufeng also frowned deeply.

Jiang Li remained unmoved, smiling gently as she stood her ground. She neither hastily refuted nor panicked as if acquiescing. Her smile was as calm as water, her gaze tender but carrying an invisible authority that compelled those who met her eyes to quiet down involuntarily.

Gradually, the crowd fell silent.

Jiang Li finally spoke: “Our Jiang family is never lenient with our own daughters. My father is the most just and upright man; where is the talk of favoritism?”

Only then did the crowd recall that this young lady was sent away years ago not for killing her mother and brother, as rumored. This meant Jiang Yuanbo was indeed not a man who would shield his relatives.

But was it wise for her to remind others of her past misdeeds so openly?

Ye Jia’er and Ye Rufeng exchanged a glance, both puzzled.

Jiang Li cared little for how others perceived her. She simply asked, “May I ask where you heard that there was a problem with the Gu Xiang satin?”

“The ready-made clothing shops are all talking about it!” a woman in front replied. “Right now, all of Xiangyang knows. Prefect Tong has already taken Master Ye to the office for interrogation!”

Interrogation?

Jiang Li sneered inwardly, realizing their plan. The clearer her mind, the more sincere her smile, as she said, “I wasn’t aware that weaving matters had come under the jurisdiction of the prefect’s office.”

Her words were obscure, prompting someone to ask, “What do you mean by that?”

Jiang Li smiled and replied, “The highest official in Xiangyang is probably Prefect Tong Zhiyang. It seems he’s taken his role too far, forgetting what he should and shouldn’t oversee.”

She addressed Prefect Tong by name, startling the people around her. They hadn’t expected this young girl to be so bold and arrogant. But then again, calling him by name in front of him was not so daring, given her father, the chief minister, was backing her.

“If someone died, then sure, Prefect Tong should handle it. But I’ve never heard that weaving problems fall under his jurisdiction. Even if all the Gu Xiang satin was sold only in Xiangyang, that would be one thing. But Ye family’s Gu Xiang satin is worn by high officials and nobles in Yanjing as well. If, as you say, the satin caused deaths, it’s unlikely to be an isolated issue in Xiangyang alone. I believe the satin in other regions is problematic too.”

“If the ladies and young misses in Yanjing are also harmed by this satin, the consequences will be much graver. Such a significant matter, concerning the lives of all the people in Northern Yan, should not be left in the hands of a mere Prefect Tong. What audacity he has!”

Her last words were pronounced with a grave tone, causing a chill to run through the crowd.

A Shun, hearing this, was ready to applaud the young lady. What had started as Ye family’s trouble was now, with Jiang Li’s few words, turning into a positive matter. And Jiang Li went further, striking at Tong Zhiyang, verbally thrashing him even more. He felt immensely pleased.

A Shun and Ye Mingyu, both with some experience in the underworld, despised Tong Zhiyang’s bureaucratic airs. Yet the Ye family couldn’t afford to offend him, as he was the highest official in Xiangyang. But Jiang Li dared to speak, curse, and dominate!

They only wondered how Tong Zhiyang would feel when he heard these words.

Jiang Li’s speech indeed silenced many. Someone cautiously asked, “Miss Jiang, if this isn’t a matter for Prefect Tong, then who should handle it?”

“Of course, the weaving chamber master in Yanjing should be responsible,” Jiang Li said. “All weaving-related issues nationwide fall under their jurisdiction. If the Ye family’s Gu Xiang satin has problems, the issue should be clearly stated and reported by the prefect to the weaving chamber master in Yanjing. Then officials would be dispatched to Xiangyang to investigate thoroughly. But Tong Zhiyang went ahead and arrested people directly for interrogation without mentioning a report to the weaving chamber master. What is he trying to do? I think he’s trying to protect the Ye family!”

Across from her, Lu Ji looked amazed and said, “Miss Jiang, your skill in turning black into white is truly astonishing!”

“More than turning black and white, look how adept she is at bullying with power,” Ji Heng remarked.

After Jiang Li’s words, some in the crowd were confused, others enlightened. They were common folk; even those who held minor official positions were just petty officials, unfamiliar with the bureaucratic structure of Yanjing. They didn’t understand weaving affairs either. Jiang Li’s precise explanation didn’t seem false.

Someone asked, “Miss Jiang, can the weaving chamber master really handle these matters?”

“The land beneath your feet belongs to Northern Yan. These people are subjects of the emperor. Officials serve the people. The weaving chamber master exists precisely to resolve weaving problems, so of course they can handle it. But Tong Zhiyang is acting strangely. Not only does he fail to report the matter, but he also wants to resolve it alone—such a big issue, can he manage it himself?” Jiang Li’s tone carried just the right amount of disdain.

“Why doesn’t Prefect Tong report this matter?”

“That’s unclear,” Jiang Li said with a hint of meaning. “Perhaps Prefect Tong has been in office too long and forgotten the basic duties of his position, thinking he must personally handle everything.” Her smile was sincere. “Such a good official! When I return to Yanjing, I must tell my father about this. He’ll realize that having such a person as prefect in Xiangyang is a serious waste of talent.”

The crowd burst into laughter.

Everyone could hear the sarcasm in her words. Even a fool knew Prefect Tong was likely doomed. Miss Jiang was not someone to be trifled with. If she told Jiang Yuanbo, he’d surely grasp that Tong Zhiyang had overstepped his authority.

“Prefect Tong worries about the country and the people and wants to examine the case himself, but we can’t let him get tired,” Jiang Li teased. “I’ve already written a letter to Xiangyang. When my father receives it, he will personally explain to the weaving chamber master. I expect officials from the weaving chamber will arrive in Xiangyang soon.”

“Really?”

“I swear to you all, as Miss Jiang,” Jiang Li smiled.

Her eyes curved like crescent moons, and her smile was like spring flowers blooming, softening the previously tense atmosphere.

“I believe none of you came here just to smash Lizheng Hall, but to find a solution. If it was the Ye family’s fault, they must take responsibility. But until the weaving chamber master arrives, the Ye family doesn’t want to bear a baseless accusation. Friends who came today, it’s late and you’ve worked hard. We will do our best. Tong’er,” she instructed her maid, “bring out the silver notes.”

Jiang Li continued, “May I ask you all for a favor? Please return the Gu Xiang satin you purchased as evidence. Of course, when we collect it, we will compensate you—not only the original price but also additional damages. We will strive for a fair resolution. But please give the Ye family some time. Trust them. After all, for decades, the Ye family has never had problems. Based on past ties, asking for trust now isn’t too much, is it?”

She spoke earnestly.

A serious girl is beautiful, and her proposed solution was beautiful too—especially the silver. Ultimately, the people came seeking money. If there was a real problem, the Ye family weren’t doctors and couldn’t cure their skin rashes; at worst, they’d take the money and find a doctor.

Jiang Li applied a balance of firmness and kindness. The people couldn’t take advantage, and facing the chief minister’s daughter, they dared not cause trouble.

Moreover, Jiang Li shifted the blame onto Tong Zhiyang. If he had reported to the weaving chamber master earlier, Ye family’s problem would have been resolved long ago.

Someone said, “Then let’s do it this way. Miss Jiang, please make sure the weaving chamber officials come to Xiangyang soon.”

“Yes, no delays allowed,” Jiang Li replied. “Rest assured, please hand over your Gu Xiang satin to us. We will pass it to the weaving chamber master. I’m afraid if we don’t, Prefect Tong will insist on handling it personally again.”

The crowd laughed heartily. The hostility of before was gone. Many quickly sought their used Gu Xiang satin to give to Jiang Li.

Jiang Li signaled Ye Jia’er, who immediately ordered servants to prepare silver and manpower, relieved. Matters resolved with silver were not problems—a small loss to avoid disaster. Had Jiang Li not controlled the situation today, who knew what chaos would have erupted? Before leaving, Ye Minghui instructed that Lizheng Hall be entrusted to her and her brother. If Ye Minghui and Ye Mingxuan returned to the Jiang family to find Lizheng Hall in ruins, neither she nor Ye Rufeng would have any face.

Thinking of this, Ye Jia’er felt immense gratitude toward Jiang Li.

Ye Rufeng looked at Jiang Li with complicated feelings. Since childhood, she had disliked Jiang Li for her harsh words against the Ye family and her notorious past of killing her mother and brother. She refused to associate with her. Unexpectedly, today Jiang Li had saved the Ye family. Though she used her father Jiang Yuanbo’s name to bully others, her calm and composed demeanor was something Ye Rufeng lacked.

This person... was hard to like, yet impossible to hate. Ye Rufeng felt conflicted.

Across the street, in a teahouse, Ji Heng gazed out the window and asked, “How’s the performance?”

Lu Ji applauded loudly. “Today I learned that a fifteen-year-old girl can be so capable. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I’d think it was a fabricated legend.”

“Indeed,” Ji Heng exhaled softly. “Fifteen and already takes center stage like a pro.”

“She handled that well. But isn’t she afraid that the chief minister Jiang Yuanbo will blame her if he hears of this?” Lu Ji said. “Jiang Yuanbo is a sly old fox. Avoiding trouble is better, but his daughter seems eager to wield power.”

“Didn’t you notice?” Ji Heng tapped the window with his fan. “She deliberately brought up Jiang Yuanbo.”

“Hmm? Because Jiang Yuanbo is the chief minister, Prefect Tong would be cautious? But Tong has the Li family behind him…”

“Exactly,” Ji Heng smiled knowingly. “Miss Jiang wants to pit the Jiang family against the Li family, deepening their irreconcilable conflict.”

Lu Ji was stunned. “Why?”

“That remains to be seen.”

Just then, Lu Ji suddenly exclaimed, “Ah!”

Not far away on the street, a girl stood under an eave, her gaze piercing through the crowd, fixed on the teahouse window.

“She’s been spotted,” Ji Heng smiled, shaking his fan. “This is bad.”

Jiang Li was leaving with Tong’er.

Having temporarily resolved the Lizheng Hall trouble, Jiang Li wanted to order the guards to inquire about news from Ye Mingyu’s side. Prefect Tong seemed reckless. As Jiang Yuanbo’s daughter, even Prefect Tong would be more courteous to her out of respect for her father.

But just as she stepped out of Lizheng Hall, Jiang Li sensed eyes watching her. Following her intuition upward, she saw a familiar red robe and the gently swaying golden silk fan.

Ji Heng?

What was he doing here?!

Jiang Li’s heart jolted. Did Ji Heng follow her to Xiangyang? Unlikely. Her trip was officially to visit Madame Ye. Even if her actions were suspicious, the Duke of Su Guo, a man of great affairs, wouldn’t stalk her daily. This Duke was inscrutable, a man focused on serious matters, not trivialities.

But... Jiang Li glanced at the small window of the teahouse. From there, the entirety of Lizheng Hall was visible. The Duke, a great lover of theater, must have missed nothing of the spectacle. Perhaps he arrived before Jiang Li, already knowing Lizheng Hall’s near destruction and came to watch the drama.

Annoying.

Jiang Li took a deep breath. Regardless of the Duke’s purpose, she had to meet him, probe his intentions. If they had no dealings, he could watch the show quietly. If there was conflict... she would weigh her options and act accordingly.

She gave Tong’er and Bai Xue some instructions and walked alone toward the teahouse.

“He’s here,” Lu Ji adjusted his beard. “Sir, to be honest, I’m a bit afraid of Miss Jiang now.”

“Afraid of what?” Ji Heng toyed with his fan. “She’s just a little girl.”

“Miss Jiang isn’t ordinary,” Lu Ji smiled. “She balances severity and kindness, maneuvering through official politics with ease. She’s learned her father’s style perfectly. But I don’t understand—she spent eight years away in the convent, not by Jiang Yuanbo’s side. How could she be so adept at court rules? It’s as if Jiang Yuanbo taught her personally. Does being his flesh and blood naturally mean inheriting this?”

Ji Heng glanced at him. “Not everyone can inherit such talents.”

To outsiders, Jiang Li’s skill seemed incredible. Though she wasn’t with Jiang Yuanbo for eight years, she spent decades with Xue Huaiyuan, an upright official. Though Tongxiang had its share of corrupt officials, Xue Fangfei and Xue Zhao had seen more of courtcraft than most, and their low rank made their insights sharper.

As they spoke, a servant knocked outside. Jiang Li entered.

Inside, she saw Ji Heng and a scholar in a green robe she had met previously at the Jinmantang hall gathering.

“What a coincidence,” Ji Heng pretended surprise, “to meet Miss Jiang here.”

He feigned surprise, but Jiang Li remained noncommittal. Given Ji Heng’s habit of placing spies throughout the palace, he probably knew all about the Xiangyang situation on day one. Her every move was under this venomous beauty’s watchful eyes.

But since he was staging his own play, she had to feign ignorance, smiling, “I’m surprised too to see the Duke of Su Guo here. May I ask what brings you to Xiangyang?”

Ji Heng smiled warmly and after a pause said two words: “Official business.”

He said nothing else, but that said it all: he was not here on her account. Ji Heng had a peculiar trait—he never spoke outright falsehoods, but his words were as insincere as his captivating eyes. Often he said nothing, which was also telling.

Jiang Li’s heart eased. She did not want the Duke’s attention. Her matters must remain secret, especially from him, who might have ties to Prince Cheng. The prince and his siblings were her enemies; she would never ally with them.

Patience and tact were necessary.

“The Ye family seems to be in trouble,” Ji Heng said, looking toward Lizheng Hall nearby. “If not for you, Lizheng Hall would have been in ruins.”

Though he spoke casually, his tone carried a hint of regret. Jiang Li couldn’t help but retort, “Why does it sound like you hope Lizheng Hall becomes ruins, Duke?”

“Can’t help it,” Ji Heng answered wryly. “I love watching drama.”

That was infuriating. Jiang Li smiled forcedly, “You have a good sense of humor, turning everything into a show.”

“But performances as brilliant as yours are rare,” Ji Heng said earnestly.

“I’m like you,” Jiang Li gritted her teeth. “Not a performer.”

“That’s a pity,” Ji Heng sighed. “I was hoping to see more good drama during this visit to Xiangyang.”

“What?” Jiang Li looked at him.

His beautiful eyes shimmered like a vortex, enticing and intoxicating, half-smiling: “I have a feeling Miss Jiang will put on many great performances in Xiangyang.”

“Aren’t you here on official business?” Jiang Li smiled back. “How can you let distractions ruin your focus?”

“The show is too good to miss,” he said, staring unblinking, his tone teasing.

Jiang Li cursed him silently. Ji Heng was in his twenties, but Miss Jiang was still a young girl. Yet he shamelessly used charm to tempt her. When Xue Fangfei was disgraced, everyone condemned her for vanity and licentiousness, but no one blamed Ji Heng for wielding beauty as a weapon!

Jiang Li stared at Ji Heng for a moment, then said, “Duke, did you hear? I just scolded Tong Zhiyang outside Lizheng Hall.”

“I heard,” Ji Heng nodded.

“Do you think I was right?”

Jiang Li sought to gauge Ji Heng’s stance. She suspected Tong Zhiyang was acting on the Li family’s orders. Ji Heng knew the Li family’s young master, Li Lian. Jiang Li wanted to know if Ji Heng was aware and whether he would intervene. If he did, matters would become much more difficult.

“Miss Jiang told me to watch and not speak,” Ji Heng smiled. “I don’t know.”

He was slippery, impervious to hard or soft approaches—frustrating indeed.

Jiang Li said, “It’d be best if the Duke only watched silently.”

Ji Heng just smiled without replying.

Jiang Li continued, “Tong Zhiyang has a brother-in-law named Zhong Guanling, who serves Li Lian, the right minister’s youngest son. Tong Zhiyang is actually connected to the right minister’s faction. He’s not to be underestimated.”

Ji Heng paused, his gaze thoughtful.

Lu Ji was shocked—how did Jiang Li know this? Such intricate political ties were beyond her father’s usual records. Jiang Li couldn’t have learned this by investigating official documents. How did she know?

Ji Heng said, “It seems Miss Jiang knows this thoroughly.”

“Because my father is the chief minister,” Jiang Li whispered. “Our Jiang family has many enemies. One careless step means falling into traps. The right minister Li family is my father’s mortal enemy. You must remember who their people are; otherwise, you’ll be unwittingly harmed by lowly pawns.”

Ji Heng smiled. “With Miss Jiang here, I believe the Jiang family won’t be outwitted and will thrive for a hundred years.”

“Duke jokes,” Jiang Li said. “The right minister’s backing is formidable. We dare not pit eggs against stones.”

Her expression was lively and sly. Though her tone was gentle and polite, each word was a probe. In sparring with Ji Heng, she never faltered. Lu Ji was amazed. Were this a middle-aged or young man, he wouldn’t be so surprised. But this was a mere teenager, a highborn girl.

She was clever, skillful, righteous, yet cunning in the ways of bureaucracy. Loyal and shrewd, unafraid of Ji Heng.

Truly a remarkable young lady, unlike Jiang Yuanbo at all.

“Oh?” Ji Heng raised an eyebrow. “When you scolded Tong Zhiyang at the gate, you weren’t afraid at all.”

Jiang Li smiled charmingly. “It’s for the people. For the people, I’m not afraid of Tong Zhiyang, nor even the right minister Li Zhongnan.”

Lu Ji nearly applauded.

He fancied himself a seasoned speaker, but this girl’s layered words—talking to one person one way, another differently, with no blush or nervousness—left him speechless.

Ji Heng was equally at a loss.

After a while, he laughed—part mockery, part genuine amusement—and said, “Miss Jiang, you’re admirable.”

“But you’ll likely incur the right minister’s wrath,” Jiang Li sighed. “That’s unavoidable.”

“The right minister won’t resent you,” Ji Heng smiled. “For the people.”

“That’s good,” Jiang Li said, standing and brushing dust off her sleeves—dust from the chaos at Lizheng Hall. She addressed Ji Heng politely, “I saw you here and came to greet you. Now that greetings are done, my cousins are busy, and I must help. I won’t keep you. Farewell.”

Ji Heng smiled faintly. “Farewell, Miss Jiang.”

Jiang Li smiled lightly and strode out of the teahouse. Facing Ji Heng repeatedly, though still cautious, she grew increasingly poised.

This young lady was maturing fast.

Leaving the teahouse and descending the stairs, her heart raced.

Her statement about “incurring the right minister’s wrath” was a probe. The result: Tong Zhiyang’s actions involved the right minister. Ji Heng’s remark that “the right minister won’t blame you” tacitly acknowledged Li Zhongnan’s presence.

Jiang Li lowered her eyes. With Li Zhongnan involved, it was no wonder Tong Zhiyang was so bold. But so what? This was an opportunity to escalate the matter, rally the Jiang banner, break the delicate balance between the right minister and Jiang family, and eliminate any chance Prince Cheng had to win over Jiang Yuanbo.

Let Prince Cheng and the Jiang family become irreconcilable foes, a life-or-death struggle. Only then could Jiang Yuanbo resolutely launch his attack, unhesitatingly and righteously.

That was her goal.

Inside, Lu Ji watched Jiang Li’s retreating figure and sighed deeply. “The younger generation surpasses the old. The future is formidable indeed.”

Jiang Li had given him a great lesson. At fifteen, she already possessed such cunning and strategy. Who knew what heights she’d reach in a few years.

“I’ve been fooled,” Ji Heng suddenly said.

“What?” Lu Ji asked in surprise.

“She was just probing me earlier,” Ji Heng laughed. “Tong Zhiyang is no match for her.”

He added, “That girl is quite clever.”

——— Side note ———

Jiang Li’s diplomacy gets full marks~

Every time she meets the Duke, she turns into a master debater _(:з」∠)_ MOP Chinese Edition

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