Chapter 130: The Expert

“I think she must be possessed by some evil spirit. Otherwise, Mother, why would she seem like a completely different person after returning from Qingcheng Mountain? They say Qingcheng Mountain can turn fools into geniuses, and those nuns and monks there are practically immortals, right? Could it be that she’s been possessed by some fox demon or other spirit, bringing disaster to our household?”

Jiang Youyao’s offhand remark made Ji Shuran pause and reflect deeply.

In fact, her doubts about Jiang Li were not new. When Ji Shuran first married in, she had already seen that Jiang Li was quite dull-witted. Ye Zhenzhen died young and left no one to teach her anything. After Ji Shuran came to the family, she had completely won Jiang Li over.

Jiang Li’s temperament was impulsive and thoughtless. Such a person was of little consequence in the household at first. But later, when Ji Shuran set her sights on the marriage alliance with Zhou Yanbang to pave the way for Jiang Youyao, she began to contemplate ways to sabotage Jiang Li’s prospects.

Who would have thought Jiang Li might have uncovered some secret? This thought made Ji Shuran uneasy. She did not hesitate to use the flesh in her womb to make Jiang Yuanbo despise Jiang Li, refusing to believe anything Jiang Li said.

Indeed, Jiang Yuanbo sent Jiang Li to Qingcheng Mountain. For eight years, the entire Jiang family ignored Jiang Li, leaving her to fend for herself on the mountain. Ji Shuran was astonished by Jiang Li’s tenacity; she had survived against all odds. But as Jiang Youyao’s marriage to Zhou Yanbang approached, Ji Shuran feared Jiang Yuanbo would remember this daughter, so she secretly tampered with matters.

The informants claimed Jiang Li had thrown herself into the lake; no one could tell she had been tampered with, and she was now barely clinging to life, not expected to survive the summer. Ji Shuran was relieved—until Jiang Li miraculously returned from the brink of death. Not only that, but the scandal involving Master Wujing and Nun Jing’an at Helin Temple erupted; Lady Liu from Chengde Lang’s household suddenly visited; Emperor Hongxiao himself reprimanded Jiang Yuanbo... one unexpected event after another disrupted all her plans, and Jiang Li entered the capital unharmed.

From then on, everything spiraled out of control. Jiang Li stole the limelight from Jiang Youyao at the examination grounds, Zhou Yanbang suddenly paired up with Jiang Yumei, the Ye family’s young master inexplicably became an official, and the entire Yan Capital buzzed with praise... It was as if Jiang Li had become a different person. In front of this fifteen-year-old girl, Ji Shuran found no advantage, suffering frequent setbacks.

It was not that Jiang Li had grown dull; rather, she had become cunning and scheming, yet outwardly gentle. Whenever Ji Shuran met her gaze, a chill ran through her.

How could such a deceptive girl exist?

Besides defending Jiang Youyao, Ji Shuran had her own calculations. Since Jiang Li returned from Qingcheng Mountain, her personality had changed drastically, and she had become proficient in everything. Her careful attention to Tongxiang County Deputy Xue Huaiyuan suggested secret dealings between them. Even if nothing could be uncovered, as long as suspicions were raised, Jiang Li would not remain safe.

But how to expose these doubts and achieve the best outcome must be carefully planned.

“I need to go to the palace,” Ji Shuran stood.

“To the palace? For what?” Jiang Youyao asked.

Ji Shuran smiled faintly. “To see your aunt, Consort Li.”

Consort Li was a master at killing without bloodshed. For scheming, Ji Shuran needed her help.

…

Inside the palace, Consort Li sat in the hall, listening to someone play the zither.

Opposite her was the female master of Mingyi Hall, the capital’s foremost female zither player, Xiao Deyin.

Though Xiao Deyin refused to enter the palace officially, she was friendly with Consort Li and occasionally visited to chat. For this reason, although not a palace musician, those inside treated her with great respect.

When the piece ended, Consort Li applauded and smiled. “You’ve come to see me today instead of the princess? Why not visit Her Highness the Princess Yongning?”

Princess Yongning also admired Xiao Deyin’s music and often invited her to play at the mansion.

Xiao Deyin smiled. “The princess has been troubled these days; it’s better not to disturb her.”

Consort Li asked, “Is it because of the Xue family case?”

Xiao Deyin nodded. “Exactly.”

Consort Li sighed. “Poor Yongning has been caught in an undeserved disaster. How did the Xue case even involve her? Rumors are spreading outside; she must be under great stress.”

Xiao Deyin said, “Indeed, it was Miss Jiang Er who went too far. The Xue case was already complicated and lacked evidence, yet she dragged Princess Yongning into the mess. For a word from Miss Jiang Er, Yongning can barely defend herself.”

“Yes,” Consort Li murmured, “I heard at the court debate, Miss Jiang Er mentioned Xue Huaiyuan’s family and Xue Fangfei. Minister Shen was present and seemed quite embarrassed.”

When the name “Xue Fangfei” was spoken, Xiao Deyin’s expression momentarily flickered.

Fortunately, Consort Li did not pursue it but changed the subject. “Miss Jiang Er is formidable. Not only at the court debate but also at the previous examination, she was the center of attention. You’ve heard her zither playing—it’s quite impressive.”

At this, Xiao Deyin’s face darkened. After that examination, many compared her rendition of “Eighteen Songs of the Hu Jia” with Jiang Li’s. Had they been in the same venue, many would have said Jiang Li outshone her. Even without such claims, people said that the future number one zither player of Yan Capital would be none other than Jiang Li.

Xiao Deyin was resentful but had to admit Jiang Li’s musical skill was likely beyond her reach now. She feared that if Jiang Li performed again, her title as the top musician would be short-lived.

Consort Li, perhaps noticing Xiao Deyin’s mood, sipped her tea. At that moment, a palace maid entered. “Your Highness, Madam Jiang has arrived.”

Xiao Deyin hurriedly stood. “I won’t disturb Consort Li any longer. Deyin takes her leave.”

Consort Li did not stop her. “Then let’s talk another day. Hongzhu, see Miss Xiao out.”

Hongzhu escorted Xiao Deyin away. Green Wu asked, “Your Highness, why mention Miss Jiang Er’s playing at the examination? Miss Xiao’s expression was quite unpleasant.”

“To upset her,” Consort Li’s smile faded. “Xiao Deyin is fiercely competitive and values reputation above all. Jiang Li is troublesome; having Xiao Deyin against her would ease my sister’s burden. But,” she sighed, “Shuran seems helpless. She came to me for help—I wonder what troubles she faces.”

Ji Shuran entered.

She bowed respectfully. Consort Li had a maid assist her to stand.

“Third Sister,” Consort Li said, “what brings you here?”

Ji Shuran looked at her elder sister. Compared to herself, Consort Li appeared younger. Not due to lack of beauty on Ji Shuran’s part, but Consort Li’s expression always carried a youthful charm, making her as enchanting as any young palace woman.

Among the three Ji sisters, Consort Li was the most beautiful, Chen Ji the most assertive, and Ji Shuran, the youngest, the most doted upon. Ji Shuran was closer to Chen Ji but admired Consort Li the most. Above all, Consort Li still commanded Emperor Hongxiao’s favor in the palace at their age.

Since childhood, Ji Yanlin had resolved to send his eldest daughter into the palace, so she always received the best of everything. Ji Shuran once resented this favoritism but came to understand as Consort Li became the family’s pillar in the palace.

Now, needing help everywhere, Ji Shuran felt even Chen Ji could not fully assist; she had to rely on her eldest sister’s sharp mind.

“Sister,” Ji Shuran addressed her casually, “you’ve seen the state of my household. Jiang Li is becoming harder to control; I must find a way to get rid of her.”

Consort Li shook her head. “I saw her at the last palace banquet. I already thought she would be difficult to deal with. You’ve been in the inner quarters for years; how could you let her grow this strong? If it were me, I wouldn’t wait until now to act. This girl’s wings are spreading; removing her won’t be as easy as before.”

“I’ve thought of it,” Ji Shuran replied. “But when things exploded back then, my husband sent her to Qingcheng Mountain. I thought she was just a girl, wouldn’t amount to much, and when she was older, could be sent away, clearing the way for Bingji. Who knew the Jiang Li returning would be so sly and difficult—even I struggle to handle her.”

Consort Li looked at her. “You came to me because you want help to remove her. But I’m watched in the palace; if I assist you, trouble could come to me. Besides, with the Xue family case just resolved, if Jiang Li causes a stir now, the emperor will order a thorough investigation. Acting now isn’t wise.”

“You misunderstand,” Ji Shuran said. “I know Jiang Li can’t be put in mortal danger now, but family matters should be private.”

“What do you propose?” Consort Li asked.

“You’re familiar with many experts in the palace. I want someone to expose the suspicious things about Jiang Li since her return. No teachers on Qingcheng Mountain—how did she acquire such skills? I sometimes feel she’s become a different person, with no trace of her former self. You heard about the Tongxiang case—Jiang Li brought Xue Huaiyuan to the Jiang mansion and cared for him meticulously. Even now, she visits the Ye family daily to see him. Their relationship seems more like father and daughter than with our master. There are rumors that Jiang Li is possessed by a mountain spirit or monster, causing her strange transformation. I want you to find a renowned expert to come to our mansion and exorcise the evil spirit.”

They were all clever women; no need to spell everything out, especially between sisters—they understood immediately.

Consort Li smiled faintly. “That’s one way. But if it’s not done well, no one will believe it.”

“Exactly,” Ji Shuran said. “The expert must be credible, preferably well-known.”

“I understand,” Consort Li nodded. “I will arrange it. But if you fail, many eyes watch my position in the palace. If this drags me down...”

“It won’t happen,” Ji Shuran said sharply. If Consort Li were implicated, neither she nor Ji Yanlin would forgive her. Then she glanced at Consort Li’s belly. “If you bear a dragon heir, what’s one Jiang Li? Even if our master tries to protect her, he can’t. You and Youyao wouldn’t have to agonize over marriage alliances.”

“I wish,” Consort Li sighed. “We’ve tried everything, but I cannot conceive. Perhaps it’s fate.”

Not wanting to touch on her sister’s sorrow, Ji Shuran said no more. Pleased with the promise, she discussed family matters briefly before taking leave.

After Ji Shuran left, Consort Li told her maid Hongzhu, “Fetch my token. Invite Daoist Chongxu here.”

Hongzhu obeyed. Green Wu asked, “Consort Li, do you really want to invite Daoist Chongxu?”

“Of course,” Consort Li sighed. “My sister may be foolish, but we share the same feeling: Jiang Li cannot stay.”

…

At the Jiang residence, Jiang Li had just returned from visiting Xue Huaiyuan at the Ye family.

As soon as she entered, Qingfeng and Mingyue eagerly greeted her. When they reached the inner chamber, Qingfeng said, “Miss, not long after you left, Madam Ji went to the palace.”

“To the palace?” Jiang Li sat down, curious. “What for?”

“I bribed a maid at Shuxiu Garden to find out—it seems she went to see Consort Li,” Qingfeng said.

Tong’er was shocked and looked at Jiang Li. “Miss, could Madam Ji’s sudden visit to Consort Li be about you?”

“Exactly,” Mingyue nodded. “Since you returned, Madam Ji has been calm, but she might be plotting something. Now that she’s met Consort Li, perhaps Consort Li will take charge of some scheme.”

Qingfeng and Mingyue, who spent much time with Tong’er, had almost caught her influence; they spoke bluntly in private. Jiang Li laughed. “It’s fine. They can’t harm me anyway.”

“I worry they’ll play dirty,” Tong’er said seriously.

“No problem.” Jiang Li thought of the small porcelain whistle in her sleeve. Now she had a trump card. Ji Heng said to blow the whistle if trouble arose; his people inside the Jiang residence would appear. This person, temporarily lent by Ji Heng, was under her command.

Perhaps thinking she had an ally, or just from seeing Xue Huaiyuan, Jiang Li couldn’t help but smile.

Tong’er looked at Jiang Li strangely, unable to understand how Jiang Li remained so carefree despite knowing Ji Shuran’s secret plotting.

“Oh, right. A message just came from the Ningyuan Marquis’s mansion,” Mingyue said, pulling out a letter and handing it to Jiang Li.

“Ningyuan Marquis’s mansion?” Baixue was surprised. “The heir is already betrothed. Why would they send an invitation now?”

“Not from Master Zhou, but the Fifth Miss,” Qingfeng explained.

“Jiang Yumei?” Jiang Li paused reading the letter. It was indeed from Jiang Yumei, merely saying she hadn’t seen Jiang Li for some time and inviting her to a small gathering at the Zhou family.

Jiang Li glanced once and tossed the letter aside.

“Miss?” Tong’er was puzzled.

“I don’t know what she’s up to. I have no interest in dealing with her,” Jiang Li said. Jiang Li and Jiang Yumei had never gotten along. Jiang Yumei sided with Jiang Youyao. After the palace banquet incident, they fell out, and Jiang Yumei was disfigured. Still, that didn’t mean Jiang Yumei and Jiang Li reconciled.

Moreover, Jiang Li believed a person’s nature doesn’t change drastically in a short time. The letter’s tone was unusually gentle, as if written by someone else. Had Qingfeng and Mingyue not shown it, Jiang Li would have doubted its authenticity.

Jiang Yumei was groveling for Jiang Li to attend the Zhou family gathering. Jiang Li disagreed. Zhou Yanbang, having realized the palace banquet was a trap, would not easily relent. He might use Jiang Yumei to stir trouble. Jiang Li had no time to play along.

“Just ignore it?” Tong’er asked. “Shouldn’t you reply to refuse? Or burn it?”

Jiang Li considered. “Don’t burn it. I’ll let it fall where Jiang Youyao’s maid passes so she can see it.”

“Why?” Baixue asked.

“Jiang Youyao’s not smart. When angry, she acts rashly. If she causes a commotion, Ji Shuran will be busy handling her and won’t focus on me for a while. Even if they don’t target me temporarily, I can figure out their intentions. It’s better to fight a prepared battle than to fight blindly. That way, it’s more exciting,” Jiang Li smiled.

The maids agreed and planned how to naturally bring the letter before Jiang Youyao.

Jiang Li dismissed them, saying she wanted to read. Sitting at her desk, she felt the silver whistle in her sleeve.

The whistle was cold; it was hard to believe Ji Heng still had people inside the mansion. Jiang Li thought for a moment and put it back.

It wasn’t safe yet; she’d test it when night fell.

…

Night blanketed the Jiang residence in silence.

Jiang Li sent Tong’er and Baixue to bed, claiming she wanted to read a little more. Once they left, she stood by the window, took out the whistle, and blew gently.

She didn’t know if Ji Heng’s people would hear or what form they’d take. She had to try.

After a moment, a shadow flickered beneath the window tree, someone standing there.

Jiang Li whispered, “Come in.”

Next instant, someone silently leapt through the window and stopped before her.

She closed the window and looked back. When she recognized the face, she was stunned.

It was none other than the Jiang family gardener, who tended the gardens daily. Jiang Li didn’t remember his name but knew of him. He was said to be hired by Ji Shuran at high price and was excellent at horticulture.

He was young, around sixteen or seventeen, delicate and handsome. His skill in caring for flowers was rare. For example, he had saved Ji Shuran’s favorite orchid from near death.

At first, Jiang Li found it incredible that such a person could be infiltrated into the Jiang household. Then she realized it made perfect sense. Ji Heng loved flowers, collected rare plants, and all his servants were skilled gardeners and handsome. This man’s presence was natural.

What surprised everyone was that Ji Heng’s man dared openly serve as a gardener in the Jiang household.

“What’s your name?” Jiang Li asked.

“Your servant is Zhao Ke,” the gardener replied.

“Zhao Ke,” Jiang Li pondered, “How long have you been at the Jiang mansion?”

Zhao Ke was unprepared for the question. He glanced at Jiang Li but said nothing.

Jiang Li said, “Your master told me you exist, so for now, you’re not an enemy. I think Ji Heng knows I’d ask this. Since he didn’t forbid it, it’s tacit approval. Speak freely; I promise he won’t punish you.”

Zhao Ke had followed Ji Heng since childhood. Jiang Li calling Ji Heng by name surprised him. He didn’t know if Jiang Li was bold or if her relationship with Ji Heng was closer than he imagined. After hesitation, he answered, “Seven years ago.”

Seven years ago, Jiang Li had already left the Jiang family. Ji Heng was only a fourteen-year-old youth then. Sending someone to infiltrate the Jiang family so early suggested Ji Heng did not intend to ruin them.

“What do you usually do?” Jiang Li asked.

“I tend the flowers in the Jiang household. If there’s something important, I report to the master. Otherwise, I care for the plants,” Zhao Ke answered.

He was honest, but Jiang Li knew that was all he’d say. The deeper truth he probably didn’t know.

Jiang Li nodded. “Do you know Madam Ji went to see Consort Li today?”

Zhao Ke nodded.

“Why? And what did she do after returning?” Jiang Li questioned.

“I did not follow her to the palace, so I don’t know what they schemed. But I heard from a maid at Shuxiu Garden that Jiang Youyao suspects you...” He hesitated, seeming embarrassed. “That you were possessed by mountain spirits or monsters, which changed you after Qingcheng Mountain. Madam Ji decided to go to the palace after hearing this.”

Jiang Li looked at him. “You know a lot about Shuxiu Garden. Does nothing escape your eyes here?”

Zhao Ke said nothing.

“I don’t blame you,” Jiang Li said. “I know this is your master’s order, not your choice. It’s fine. Watch as you will. I’ve roughly guessed why Madam Ji went to the palace.”

Zhao Ke looked at Jiang Li in surprise. She guessed so quickly and with certainty. No hesitation. Wen Ji was right: Miss Jiang Er is cunning and bold.

Jiang Li lowered her eyes. Ji Shuran’s methods were familiar. When she married Shen Yurong and came to Yan Capital, she heard many noble secrets at social events. When a wife sought to trap a favored concubine, seeking help from Daoists or shamans was common.

But Jiang Li was no ordinary concubine; she was Jiang Yuanbo’s daughter. Ji Shuran’s plot was not so easy. Ordinary Daoists wouldn’t convince others. That’s why Ji Shuran thought of Consort Li, who had extensive connections in the palace. The expert Consort Li found would be renowned, making his words decisive.

“Daoist Chongxu,” Jiang Li said.

Zhao Ke raised his head, astonished.

“Three years ago, Consort Li was gravely ill after being framed by a favored concubine’s sorcery. Daoist Chongxu appeared and saved her. Consort Li gradually recovered. She wanted to reward the Daoist handsomely, but he refused payment and disappeared, traveling the world. No one has seen him since.”

Zhao Ke was puzzled. Though not palace secrets, such matters weren’t common knowledge. Moreover, Jiang Li was at Qingcheng Mountain three years ago—how could she know? The Empress Dowager had ordered silence on the matter as a scandal.

Yet Jiang Li knew.

Jiang Li smiled slightly, reading Zhao Ke’s doubt. She indeed knew because Shen Yurong told her, having heard from somewhere. By then, Shen Yurong was an official with access to such secrets.

“Madam Ji seeks Consort Li to find a renowned expert. None better than Daoist Chongxu. I believe,” her gaze turned cold, “this elusive Daoist will soon reappear.”