Chapter Sixteen: Younger Brother

The murmurs of the common folk were indistinct, but there was no need to hear them clearly; Ji Shuran already knew what they were saying. She looked at Jiang Li, who was smiling gently at her, her expression docile and her demeanor sincere.

Yet, things were no longer as they once were.

Before Ji Shuran could speak again, Jiang Li turned to the still-dazed Jiang Yuanbai and said, "Father, shall we go inside?"

Jiang Yuanbai finally regained his composure, glanced at Ji Shuran, and then nodded to Jiang Li, saying, "Very well." He stepped forward and entered first.

Ji Shuran's fingertips pressed deep into her palm within her sleeve. Jiang Yuanbai's glance had unmistakably shown his displeasure toward her. But before she could say anything, Jiang Yuanbai and Jiang Li had already walked into the house. She had no choice but to suppress her emotions and follow with a bright smile.

Jiang Youyao hurriedly whispered, "Mother, look at her—"

"Enough," Ji Shuran hissed, cutting her off. After a pause, she continued, "Your father is already angry. When we reach the hall, not a word from you."

Seeing Ji Shuran's genuine expression, Jiang Youyao felt a bit fearful. Though she harbored grievances, she dared not show them on her face.

Outside the door, Nurse Sun twisted her handkerchief anxiously. By contrast, Yuxiang felt a weight lifted from her heart. Lady Liu had placed her at Jiang Li's side not only for care on Mount Qingcheng, but also to ensure that Jiang Li, newly returned to the household, would not be bullied by the servants. After all, a girl of fourteen or fifteen, absent for years, would have little rapport with her father and would surely suffer under her stepmother's hand.

Yet, before even entering the gate of the Jiang family in Yanjing, Jiang Li had already delivered Ji Shuran and her daughter a decisive blow. Her temperament surprised everyone—not merely tolerant, but capable of well-timed retaliation, a clever girl.

Yuxiang thought that making Jiang Li uncomfortable would not be simple for Ji Shuran.

Meanwhile, Jiang Li followed Jiang Yuanbai toward the Jiang family residence.

Perhaps because Jiang Yuanbai was the Imperial Chancellor, the mansion was arranged to reflect the refined character of a scholar, not given over to luxury but rather to elegance. Corridors, courtyards, pavilions, bridges, flowers, and eaves—mostly in black and white, understated yet exquisite. Unique, and certainly costly, but compared to vulgar displays of gold and silver, much more noble.

Jiang Li even noticed a patch of emerald bamboo in one corner of the garden, reminiscent of a hermit’s abode.

She was not truly the Second Miss Jiang; the sight before her was wholly unfamiliar. Jiang Li made no effort to conceal her curiosity, openly studying her surroundings as she walked. To the servants and maids, this gaze confirmed that the Second Miss had spent too long in the wilderness, unused to wealth.

But to Jiang Yuanbai, it was uncomfortable; his daughter, no matter her faults, should not betray such rusticity and shame the Jiang family.

Jiang Li made no pretense, but Tong’er, by her side, walked with perfect decorum, determined not to disgrace her mistress, deliberately acting as if she were well-acquainted with the place. Jiang Li found this rather amusing.

When they reached the "Evening Phoenix Hall," two slender maids stood at the entrance, one on each side, dressed in pale yellow daffodil skirts, pretty and poised. As Jiang Li’s group approached, the one on the left smiled and said, "Master, Madam, the old lady has been waiting for Second Miss to return. She’s finally home."

Jiang Li glanced at the two maids. Their attire spoke of wealth, their manner friendly; clearly, they were favored by the old lady. Jiang Li responded with a courteous smile.

Both maids were startled. The Second Miss, absent for years, returning to the household, had been the subject of many rumors. Yet seeing her in person, she seemed gentle and calm, even more pleasant than the Third Miss.

She was not at all a rough country girl.

Having formed their opinions, the maids welcomed the group inside with smiles.

Despite the summer heat, the Jiang residence was cool; the abundance of trees and flowers played a part, but so did the ice stored in the cellars. The "Evening Phoenix Hall" was even cooler than the rest of the mansion; stepping inside was like entering spring, comfortable and mild.

Many people were seated in the hall. As Jiang Li’s group entered, all except those in the foremost seats rose.

"Mother, Li’er has returned," Jiang Yuanbai said, bowing slightly to the woman seated at the front.

She spoke, her voice steady and unreadable, "It’s good you’re home. Second girl, come forward and let me see you."

Jiang Li complied, stepping forward and lifting her head.

The elderly woman seated there was likely past seventy, her silver hair perfectly combed and immaculate. She wore a loose green silk robe, both light and elegant, with jade buttons adding a touch of luxury. Her face was etched with wrinkles, aged, but her eyes were sharp and commanding.

She was a brisk woman, meticulous in appearance even in old age, likely strict and discerning with herself and others, not warm but certainly capable. Intelligent and formidable.

It was no surprise. The old master Jiang had died early; the old lady had been widowed before forty, raising the Imperial Chancellor as a lone woman. She was certainly exceptional.

Jiang Li had heard from Tong’er that the old lady was strict, but fair. After Ye Zhenzhen’s death and Ji Shuran’s arrival, the old lady had not neglected Jiang Li. But after Jiang Li caused Ji Shuran’s miscarriage and the loss of the heir, the old lady lost hope in her. When Jiang Li was sent to Mount Qingcheng, the old lady spoke not a word in protest.

In short, Jiang Li and the old lady now shared only the thinnest bond, barely any affection as grandmother and granddaughter.

As she pondered, she heard hurried footsteps and a child’s voice calling, "Mother, Grandmother!"

Jiang Li turned. A maid entered, leading a child dressed in a gold-threaded jacket, about five or six years old, fair and adorable.

The child broke free from the maid’s hand upon entering and ran straight to the old lady. She quickly had her nurse help him up, and he climbed onto her lap, hugging her neck. Suddenly, he looked at Jiang Li and said crisply, "Are you the bad person who killed my brother?"

Brother? Bad person?

The words hung in the air; silence fell. Ji Shuran scolded, "Ji-ge, don’t say such things!"

Ji-ge pouted, looking aggrieved at the old lady.

The old lady said nothing. Jiang Yuanbai coughed lightly and turned to Jiang Li, saying, "Li’er, this is your brother, Bingji."

Jiang Bingji? Brother?

Jiang Li looked at the child in the old lady’s arms, then at Jiang Youyao’s sly smile, and suddenly understood.

The old lady doted on Bingji, and he called Ji Shuran "Mother." Clearly, the story about the Second Miss Jiang harming her stepmother’s unborn child—at least the claim that Ji Shuran could never conceive again—was false.

Here was the legitimate grandson of the Jiang family, Ji Shuran’s later-born son, Jiang Youyao’s younger brother, Jiang Yuanbai’s only son, Jiang Bingji.

In that instant, many things became clear to Jiang Li.

No wonder Jiang Youyao dared openly to seize the Second Miss Jiang’s marriage prospects. Ji Shuran had given birth to a son and secured her position. Ye Zhenzhen was truly a thing of the past; the main branch had completely turned a new page.

They acted with impunity!

—Extra note—

No one is popping up during the workweek...