Chapter Eleven: Destiny's Return

After listening to Jiang Li’s words, Tong’er nodded in agreement. Then, she seemed to recall something and added, “But that Madam Liu truly is a good person.” She looked at Jiang Li with a cheerful smile. “After all these years, even I can hardly remember, but to think that you still recall Madam Liu’s appearance. Among all the ladies present, only Madam Liu was willing to speak up for you.”

Jiang Li smiled. When she had been Xue Fangfei and married into Yanjing, she often chatted with various ladies and young misses. Unlike others, she had an excellent memory from childhood. The relationship between Lady Liu of the Chengdelang’s residence and Ye Zhenzhen from the former Ye family in Xiangyang had been mentioned before. She herself had once met Madam Liu briefly and knew her to be a kind-hearted and upright woman, with a strong sense of justice and righteousness. Today, by first invoking the sympathy of an old acquaintance and then subtly hinting at the suspicious circumstances surrounding her being sent to the nunnery, there was simply no way Madam Liu would stand idly by.

“But, miss,” Tong’er began hesitantly, “even if Madam Liu mentions you to the master after returning to the capital, will he really send someone to bring you back immediately? Perhaps we should just leave with Madam Liu tomorrow morning.”

Though Tong’er spoke confidently at times, believing that Jiang Yuanbai would one day bring Jiang Li home, in truth he had ignored this daughter for years. When the day finally came, even Tong’er herself found it hard to believe.

“Don’t worry, Father will send someone,” Jiang Li replied.

Three years ago, Chengdelang had a falling-out with a protégé recommended by Vice Censor-in-Chief Ji Shuran’s father, Ji Yanlin. Chengdelang could have been promoted further, but the protégé, thanks to Ji Yanlin’s support, snatched away a lucrative post. Usurping credit and blocking one’s career—there was already tension between Liu and Ji Yanlin’s factions. Once Madam Liu returned to Yanjing and relayed this matter to Chengdelang, a clever man like him would not miss such a chance to put Ji Yanlin in a difficult position.

After all, the Ji family was at fault here. Moreover, her own father, the kind and generous Prime Minister who valued his reputation, would hardly allow his political rival to have such leverage against him by being accused of mistreating his own daughter.

“Not only will I go back, I’ll go back in grand style,” Jiang Li said, tapping the table. “If I return with Madam Liu, it’ll be seen as a last resort and won’t cause much of a stir in Yanjing. But if Father sends for me, all of Yanjing will know that the second young miss of the Jiang family is coming home. The news will spread through the noble circles of the capital. Only then will I be officially and gloriously welcomed back.”

Tong’er blinked. For some reason, she sometimes felt the second young miss had become a stranger lately. The Jiang Li of the past had been impulsive, stubborn, reckless, and fragile. Now she was gentle, calm, and formidable.

“Just wait,” Jiang Li’s eyes curved in a gentle smile. “It won’t be long now.”

The next morning, Madam Liu set out for Yanjing. The other ladies and young misses left with her, eager to depart as though fleeing from something. It was only natural; after such a scandal, womenfolk wished to avoid the taint on this Buddhist sanctuary.

Though the monks at Helin Temple were unaware, the nunnery where Jiang Li stayed had been completely emptied. Not a single nun remained—they had all been detained overnight by the authorities for questioning.

Before leaving, Madam Liu left several servants behind to protect Jiang Li, concerned for her safety. She also left her personal maid, Yuxiang, to stay with Jiang Li.

As the carriages were about to depart, Madam Liu lifted the curtain, anxiety on her face. “Second Miss Jiang, do you truly wish to remain here? No matter how I think on it, it seems unwise. Why not return to the capital with us?”

Jiang Li declined her politely yet firmly, smiling. “Thank you for your kindness, madam, but since I’ve promised my father, I must keep my word.”

At the mention of Jiang Yuanbai, Madam Liu’s expression darkened, thinking of her late friend Ye Zhenzhen. After a moment, she sighed, “Very well. Since you’re so determined, I won’t press you. Rest assured, I will persuade your father to send for you as soon as possible.” She turned to Yuxiang. “Yuxiang, take good care of Second Miss Jiang.”

Yuxiang nodded her assent.

The carriages gradually disappeared in a cloud of dust. Tong’er watched their departure, a melancholy look in her eyes. With everyone gone, who knew when someone would return?

She couldn’t help but ask, “Miss, will you really return in grand style?”

“I will,” Jiang Li replied with a gentle smile.

Of course she would return with pride and fanfare. She wanted every noble in Yanjing to know that the second young miss who had vanished without a trace was back. Only then could she reclaim her former life. The title of Second Miss Jiang would open countless doors for her, the greatest advantage being the ability to approach Princess Yongning openly.

Princess Yongning, Shen Yuyong, even the Prefect of Jingzhao—everyone who had aided and abetted evil. Father, the enemy who caused Xue Zhao’s death—she kept them all in her heart, never daring to forget for even a moment.

Yanjing was a splendid and bustling city.

Yanjing was also the perfect place for vengeance to begin.

The smile on Jiang Li’s lips deepened. Noticing this, Yuxiang, standing beside her, couldn’t help but show a trace of surprise. The second miss of the Jiang family was gentle and unassuming, her smile as clear as a blooming flower.

Yet within it, for no apparent reason, there was a faint, chilling edge.

——

Ali is the most intelligent heroine of all, and Ji Meiren is the most ruthless and merciless hero. This couple is truly a formidable pair.