Chapter Twenty-Six: The Shen Family

The third day of July marked Jiang Youyao’s coming-of-age ceremony.

From the evening before, the entire Jiang residence had been bustling with preparations. During these days, Jiang Li, already a quiet presence, was even more naturally forgotten. Even the next morning, the kitchen staff failed to remember to send food to Jiang Li in Fangfei Courtyard.

Tong’er went to the kitchen herself and managed to find only some leftover pastries. As she handed them to Jiang Li, she grumbled indignantly, “It’s just a coming-of-age ceremony. All the Jiang daughters are legitimate ladies—this kind of favoritism is truly excessive!”

Jiang Li took a piece of chestnut cake and bit into it, gently reassuring her, “Jiang Youyao is the apple of the main branch’s eye, and the coming-of-age ceremony is a significant event. Many distinguished guests are visiting these days; naturally, they cannot neglect it.”

“Miss, the way you speak—anyone who didn’t know better would think you’re an outsider,” Tong’er said. “You may not mind, but I do. And look, the servants in Fangfei Courtyard—aside from a few still sweeping outside—not a single one remains. That Yunshuang, after all, is only a maid, yet she constantly puts on airs as if she were a lady herself. And that Xiangqiao—she’s taken so much jewelry from you, but hasn’t shown herself at all today. She’s probably off currying favor with the Ji family again. Hmph! Some people can never be raised to loyalty!” Tong’er’s resentment towards Xiangqiao and Yunshuang had long been brewing; today, she finally let it out in a single breath.

“Xiangqiao has always belonged to the Ji family; these days she fawned over me only for the sake of silver. She’s emptied my jewelry box, so naturally she has no reason to flatter me anymore. As for Yunshuang, seeing me favor Xiangqiao while she gained nothing herself, it’s no wonder she resents my partiality,” Jiang Li finished her cake and took a sip of tea to cleanse her palate.

Tong’er watched her. Since their return to the Jiang residence, Ji Shuran hadn’t dared to openly mistreat Jiang Li, so her food and clothing remained passable. Consequently, Jiang Li’s complexion had improved. Her features were delicate and refined; dressed just a bit better than usual, her beauty shone through unmistakably.

There was something about her every gesture that Tong’er couldn’t quite describe, but found particularly captivating.

Jiang Li noticed Tong’er’s dazed expression and asked, “What is it?”

Tong’er snapped back to herself. “Miss, today is Third Miss’s coming-of-age ceremony. They wouldn’t dare prevent you from attending, would they?”

Up to now, no one had informed Jiang Li about attending the ceremony. Had she truly been the Second Miss, she might have felt troubled or anxious, perhaps even bewildered. After all, Second Miss Jiang had a notorious reputation; Old Madam Jiang, so protective of the family’s honor, might well want to avoid any disturbances and simply bar Jiang Li from the event.

After all, Second Miss Jiang had the stain of murdering her mother and brother, and today the heir to the Marquis of Ningyuan, Zhou Yanbang, would be present. If Second Miss Jiang saw him and remembered that her marriage had been snatched away, she might act out in distress—entirely possible.

Jiang Li smiled, “They won’t.”

Tong’er asked, “How can you be so certain?”

“Even if everyone in the Jiang residence wishes I wouldn’t attend Jiang Youyao’s ceremony, there’s one who certainly wants me there: Ji Shuran. To ensure I attend, she’ll do her best to persuade everyone and secure my place at the event.”

Tong’er stared wide-eyed at Jiang Li.

“The stage has been set. If I don’t appear, how will their drama unfold?” Jiang Li’s smile was gentle. “Impossible.”

Just as she finished speaking, Xiangqiao walked in from outside, beaming as if she had received tremendous news. Seeing Jiang Li and Tong’er seated, she said, “Second Miss, please hurry and dress up. Today is Third Miss’s coming-of-age ceremony; the distinguished guests have already started arriving. Madam and the others are waiting for you.”

Jiang Li’s face bloomed with a perfectly timed expression of delight. “How wonderful.”

How wonderful—the curtain was finally rising.

…

The Jiang residence was bustling with guests today.

Jiang Yuanbai held considerable standing at court. The ministers disliked his mediocrity and tendency to blindly echo the emperor’s wishes, yet they could not help but envy his favor with the sovereign.

The previous Grand Chancellor, at the height of his power, could nearly stand equal with Emperor Hongxiao, only to be exiled and have his estate confiscated. His fall from grace took merely three years. Yet Jiang Yuanbai had sat securely in the Grand Chancellor’s seat for over a decade, clearly not as inept as he appeared.

Whatever the case, Jiang Yuanbai was a pivotal figure at court, and scholars sought to cultivate his friendship. His daughter’s coming-of-age ceremony naturally drew many witnesses.

The principal guest officiating for Jiang Youyao was Ji Shuran’s elder sister, now Lady Ji Chen, wife to a court advisor. Ji Shuran had two sisters: one was Ji Chen, the other now resides in Emperor Hongxiao’s harem, holding the rank of Consort Li. Ji Shuran’s influence in the Jiang family stemmed not only from their rising status in court, but also from the favor shown to Consort Li.

Emperor Hongxiao was deeply fond of Consort Li.

The main hall was already filled with ladies of distinction from Yanjing, discussing recent amusements and gossip. Even Lady Liu, wife of Liuyuanfeng of the Imperial Academy, had arrived.

Though Liuyuanfeng was at odds with the Ji family, he had no direct conflict with the Jiang family, so relations remained superficially cordial. Lady Liu’s true purpose was not to witness Jiang Youyao’s ceremony, but to observe how Jiang Li was faring. Since Jiang Li’s return to Yanjing, Lady Liu had yet to see her.

Ji Shuran sat among the ladies, her beauty gentle and refined, her manners graceful and her words deft. Before long, she was on warm terms with the distinguished guests, which was, of course, due to their desire to curry favor with the Jiang family.

Jiang Yuer and Jiang Yuyan had arrived early. Jiang Yuyan wore a deep purple robe, modest and proper, her plain appearance blending into the crowd. Accustomed to remaining unnoticed, she sat quietly beside her mother, Lady Yang.

Jiang Yuer, however, was not content with obscurity. Knowing today belonged to Jiang Youyao and unwilling to outshine her, she nevertheless could not accept fading into the background like Jiang Yuyan. She wore a pale yellow gown, her hair styled in a red-bean bun, giving her the look of a delicate beauty. Her brows danced with cheer as she sought conversation with the noble girls, hoping to forge connections.

Among the noble girls, two sat to the left. One was already middle-aged, wrinkles marking her eyes, appearing older than other ladies yet dressed in extravagant finery—though, somewhat mismatched to her appearance.

Beside her sat a young woman of seventeen or eighteen, her features delicate yet narrow, with high cheekbones lending her a somewhat severe air. Her attire was lavish, making her stand out among the noble girls. Yet her brow betrayed impatience as she whispered to the lady beside her, “Mother, why hasn’t Jiang Youyao come out yet?”

These two were none other than Lady Shen and Shen Ruyun, mother and sister of last year’s top scholar, Shen Yuyong, now an official at the Secretariat.