Chapter Twenty-Three: A Familiar Face

After meeting Jiang Youyao and Jiang Jingrui, Jiang Li finally spent a great deal of time familiarizing herself with the intricate paths of the Jiang residence. The Jiang family had deep roots and their mansion was vast, but fortunately, Jiang Li possessed a sharp memory. Moreover, back in Tongxiang, though the estate was smaller, she delighted in accompanying Xue Huaiyuan on his official errands, and had traversed every nook and cranny of the town; when it came to finding her way, she was truly adept.

The days that followed were unexpectedly uneventful. Aside from Xiangqiao’s daily attempts to curry favor and Yunsuang’s imperious commands, nothing out of the ordinary occurred. Strangely enough, neither the matriarch nor the second or third branches of the family, apart from that one accidental encounter, ever sought her out—her own father, Jiang Yuanbai, was so indifferent that he didn’t even bother with appearances. Within the entire Jiang household, Jiang Li was like someone of no consequence; it seemed she had been brought back only to be left aside, destined to fade into oblivion in time.

No, she didn’t even need time—she was already forgotten.

With no one offering her any respect, Jiang Li saw no reason to force herself upon them, nor to warm herself at a cold hearth. She simply pretended it didn’t matter, avoiding the matriarch and having Tong’er bring her meals to Fangfei Courtyard, as if this way, out of sight meant out of mind.

Yet conflicts do not vanish merely by ignoring them; the current calm was merely a prelude to future unrest.

On this particular morning, the rain had cleared, leaving behind a rare coolness, so different from the usual heat. After breakfast, Jiang Li informed Xiangqiao of her intention to step out.

Yunsuang stood a little farther away, listening as Xiangqiao asked, “Second Miss, why do you suddenly wish to leave the house?”

“I’ve been back for half a month now, always cooped up inside; it’s terribly stifling. I don’t know what Yanjing looks like these days, and I simply want to go out for a stroll.” Before Xiangqiao could respond, she continued, “Besides, in a few days it will be Third Sister’s coming-of-age ceremony—I can’t show up empty-handed.”

Xiangqiao’s eyes gleamed as she asked, “Miss, are you going to pick a gift for Third Miss’s ceremony?”

“Exactly,” Jiang Li replied with a smile. “And perhaps I’ll find some other interesting things as well.”

Xiangqiao’s curiosity was immediately piqued; if she accompanied Jiang Li shopping, she might earn some rewards herself. It was said that although this Second Miss grew up in a temple, she was remarkably generous—whether due to naivete or inheriting her late mother Ye Zhenzhen’s lavish ways, her gifts were always substantial. In just half a month serving Jiang Li, Xiangqiao had received nearly as much jewelry as she used to get in an entire year.

She deliberately said, “Second Miss, you’ve been spending quite a bit lately…”

“The silver Grandmother gave me remains untouched,” Jiang Li interrupted her, smiling. “It’s more than enough for some fine purchases.”

Xiangqiao thought this over and realized it was true; Jiang Li had rewarded her with jewelry, but never spent the silver. And silver, after all, was less precious than jewelry. But Xiangqiao would never cut off her own source of rewards; thinking she might come by more today, she swallowed her words and said instead, “In that case, I’ll accompany Second Miss out—I've gone shopping in Yanjing with Third Miss before, and I know which shops are best.”

Jiang Li had already spoken, and said, “Very well, Tong’er, you come with me too. Thank you, Sister Xiangqiao.”

She intentionally, or perhaps unintentionally, ignored Yunsuang.

Two maids were enough, and Yunsuang naturally wouldn’t insist on joining. While she had never intended to accommodate this Second Miss, Jiang Li’s actions made it clear: Jiang Li had no intention of accommodating her either.

Once Jiang Li and Xiangqiao had left the room together, Yunsuang spat in annoyance and hurried off to Shuxiu Garden, to join Ji Shuran.

When Jiang Li left, the gatekeepers appeared somewhat nervous, but Xiangqiao, familiar as she was, chatted with them amiably, and arranged for two guards to accompany the Jiang family’s carriage.

Perhaps because Jiang Li was deemed unimportant, only a pitifully small number of guards were assigned—just as Jiang Li preferred.

Outside the mansion gates, Tong’er breathed a sigh of relief. Her days in the Jiang household had been stifling; fearful of causing trouble for Jiang Li, she treaded with utmost caution, as if walking on thin ice. Now that they were out, even Xiangqiao, whom she normally disliked, seemed less intolerable.

Xiangqiao wasted no time. As soon as they were out, she said, “Second Miss, the finest jewelry shop in Yanjing is Auspicious Pavilion.”

“Let’s go to Auspicious Pavilion then.” Jiang Li was unexpectedly agreeable.

In fact, the family of Jiang Li’s grandmother, the Ye clan, had made their fortune in jewelry, though not as prestigious as Auspicious Pavilion, they were known for their abundance. As Ye family’s business expanded, their focus on jewelry waned.

When they arrived at Auspicious Pavilion, the shop assistant recognized Xiangqiao and greeted her warmly, but upon seeing Jiang Li, he paused and blurted, “This honored guest…”

Xiangqiao usually came with Ji Shuran and Jiang Youyao, but today she accompanied a young lady alone. This girl was obviously riding in the Jiang family’s carriage, yet her face was unfamiliar—the assistant wondered if she was a Jiang family relative rather than a daughter.

Just as he pondered, Xiangqiao’s expression grew odd and, after hesitating, she awkwardly introduced, “This is our Second Miss.”

The assistant, upon hearing “Second Miss,” still hadn’t quite caught on, smiling warmly but puzzled—when had the Jiang family acquired a Second Miss? Then, seeing Jiang Li’s face, he suddenly realized and nearly choked on his own saliva.

Second Miss? The very one rumored to have poisoned her stepmother and brother, sent to a temple for self-cultivation!

But she was neither the fearsome, demon-faced figure of rumor, nor the sharp-tongued, vicious troublemaker he had imagined. The girl before him wore a pale blue gauze skirt and a jade-colored blouse; her makeup was simple, her head tilted slightly as she regarded him with curiosity, a faint smile at her lips.

Clear and gentle, her features graceful—a goddess’s attendant at the seat of the Buddha.

Heavens, how could this be the Jiang family’s Second Miss?

The assistant felt dizzy, unable to make sense of anything. Tong’er frowned in irritation and said, “So, young man, are you not planning to welcome your guests?”

The assistant snapped to attention, apologizing repeatedly, and stole glances at Jiang Li, seeing her gentle smile, with no sign of anger, and once again found himself befuddled.

He ushered them into the shop, thinking that, of all days, today had to be one with so few customers; not a single patron in the main hall. If only others were here to witness for themselves how the infamous Second Miss truly looked—they would surely be as astonished as he!

Jiang Li and her companions entered Auspicious Pavilion. Not far across the street stood a splendid building, glittering with gold, its music floating through the air.

By the window upstairs, two people sat. One said, “Look, someone from the Jiang family.”

The other poured tea from a slender teapot, his fingers even paler than the porcelain. “Oh,” he replied, sounding both languid and amused, “an old acquaintance.”

—Extra—

The beauty has come out to watch the show again.