Chapter Twenty-Two: An Old Acquaintance

Although Jiang Jingrui bore a striking resemblance to Madam Lu, he was far less astute. Before Jiang Li could even speak, he began to chatter away like beans tumbling out of a bamboo tube.

"Why have you changed so much? You speak so slowly now—it's unbearable!"
"And what's with the green clothes? Do you think you're a scallion?"
"You're too thin! Has your taste worsened too? You dress so plainly you might as well not care at all."
"Tsk tsk, who would guess you’re a young lady of good family? Anyone who doesn’t know might think you’ve become a nun. Are you aiming to become an immortal?"

He finally concluded his scrutiny with, "That convent was never a good place—see how it’s changed you."

Jiang Li was left both amused and exasperated. She considered Jiang Jingrui’s actions, then carefully ventured, "Jiang... Jingrui?"

At this, Jiang Jingrui’s expression softened. "Now that sounds better! Why bother calling me 'cousin'? It gives me goosebumps all over!"

It seemed to Jiang Li that the Second Miss Jiang and this cousin were quite close—addressing each other by name in private. Judging by his boisterous, guileless manner, he must have been her ally in the past.

Jiang Jingrui folded his arms and said, "I thought I’d never see you again in this life, but I guess Uncle still has some conscience and brought you back."

"Thank you for your concern," Jiang Li replied, doing her best to sound natural.

But this attempt at normalcy only made Jiang Jingrui more uncomfortable. He suppressed his feelings and continued, "Don’t get complacent. Try to win Uncle’s favor when you can. My brothers already know you’re back in the capital... I reckon the whole of Yan Capital knows by now. They’re calling you malicious behind your back—I’ve heard it all. If you don’t want to be sent away again, you’d better wise up."

Jiang Li was speechless. Although Jiang Jingrui seemed fond of the Second Miss Jiang, he now appeared to be standing by, half gloating. His so-called advice was as likely to be well-intentioned as not, leaving Jiang Li both amused and helpless.

Jiang Jingrui shot a glance at the distant pavilion, where Jiang Youyao and the other two were still visible. He asked, "Hey, did they give you any trouble just now?"

"No," Jiang Li replied, "we just exchanged a few words."

Jiang Jingrui looked at her curiously. "What did they say?"

"In a few days, it’ll be Third Sister’s coming-of-age ceremony. She reminded me not to forget her gift."

At this, Jiang Jingrui scoffed. "A coming-of-age ceremony—she really thinks she’s a princess." He turned to Jiang Li, wagging his finger in exasperation. "Are you dense? Didn’t you catch her meaning?"

"What meaning?" Jiang Li asked, puzzled.

He sighed, putting on a world-weary air. "Once Jiang Youyao’s ceremony is over, the Marquis of Ningyuan’s family will come to discuss her marriage. Don’t you know? Zhou Yanbang is bound to attend her ceremony!"

Zhou Yanbang. Jiang Li realized with a start—Tong’er had mentioned that the heir to the Marquis of Ningyuan was named Zhou Yanbang, the very man to whom Second Miss Jiang had once been betrothed, only to have Jiang Youyao take her place.

No wonder Jiang Youyao had hinted about inviting many guests and perhaps meeting an 'old acquaintance.' That 'acquaintance' must be Zhou Yanbang. If the real Jiang Li were to encounter Zhou Yanbang at the ceremony, she would likely be overwhelmed with sorrow or act out of passion and make a scene—anything but calm, as if stabbed in the heart.

Tong’er held Jiang Li’s arm anxiously, while Jiang Jingrui prattled on, "I think you shouldn’t go to the ceremony at all. You have no idea—Zhou Yanbang has grown even more handsome, and every girl in Yan Capital admires him. You were so fond of him as a child; seeing him now, you’ll only find it harder to let go. But what’s done is done—Jiang Youyao and Zhou Yanbang are engaged. There’s no use stewing over it; it’ll only bring you pain. Better not to go at all."

Listening to him, Jiang Li thought to herself that Jiang Jingrui truly had no tact. If the real Second Miss Jiang were here to hear this advice, it would be like pouring oil on a fire, adding insult to injury—she’d be lucky not to die of anger.

When Jiang Li fell silent, Tong’er, worried she’d been reminded of sad things, asked gently, "Miss?"

Jiang Li smiled, "I’m fine. So Zhou Yanbang will be there too."

Her voice was so calm that both Tong’er and Jiang Jingrui were momentarily stunned.

They didn’t realize that Jiang Li was not the Second Miss Jiang. The real Second Miss might have thrown herself into a pond for Zhou Yanbang, but Jiang Li would not. Zhou Yanbang was nothing more than a stranger she had never met. To feel joy or sorrow for a stranger was simply too much to ask.

Zhou Yanbang could no longer upset her; whatever Jiang Youyao planned had been wrong from the start. Zhou Yanbang’s presence at the ceremony only mattered if Jiang Li cared about him. If she did not, his appearance was irrelevant.

Jiang Jingrui asked, "Even if Zhou Yanbang comes, you still want to go?" He studied her face, trying to detect any trace of sadness or pain.

But he found none.

"If I don’t go, Mother and Third Sister will be hurt, and Father will blame me. How could I not attend? Besides, there is indeed someone I want to see," Jiang Li replied.

Hearing the first part, Jiang Jingrui and Tong’er felt sympathetic. Indeed, Jiang Li could not refuse to go; if she did, Ji Shuran would only use it against her, pushing her into a trap.

But her last words left them both astonished. Did she still harbor feelings for Zhou Yanbang? Yet her expression betrayed no lingering affection.

They both assumed the 'someone' Jiang Li wanted to see was Zhou Yanbang, not knowing her true intentions.

Jiang Yuanbai was the current Grand Preceptor, the foremost scholar of the age. With his legitimate daughter coming of age, countless scholars and officials’ families would come to witness the event. Shen Yuyong, as the newly appointed top scholar and rising star among the court’s civil officials, would surely seize the opportunity to cultivate ties with Jiang Yuanbai. His sister would certainly attend the ceremony.

Moreover, Shen Yuyong’s sister, Shen Ruyun, had once been married to Xue Fangfei’s brother. Jiang Li knew that Shen Ruyun secretly admired the Marquis of Ningyuan’s heir. Jealous and competitive by nature, Shen Ruyun would surely come to see what kind of girl would become Zhou Yanbang’s future wife.

The ones Jiang Li truly wished to see were Xue Fangfei’s old acquaintances, the Shen family.

She was waiting for them to come.