Chapter 27: Unpolished Jade

Shen Ruyun was exceedingly impatient.

Her status now was nothing like before. If Shen Yuyong had not ranked first in the imperial examinations nor been appointed as a Scholar of the Secretariat, she would have married last year to the son of a tavern owner in the capital—a match that, even so, was considered above her station.

But ever since Shen Yuyong became the top scholar and was personally appointed by Emperor Hongxiao as a Scholar of the Secretariat, her status rose with the tide. Shen Yuyong's future was limitless; he was a brilliant young man and, as Shen Ruyun well knew, he had even won the favor of Princess Yongning. With that, the Shen family’s future was destined for greatness. The son of a mere tavern owner was out of the question now, and even the sons of ordinary officials no longer caught her eye.

There was someone in Shen Ruyun’s heart: Zhou Yanbang, the heir of Marquis Ningyuan, famed throughout the capital for his handsome looks. In the past, Shen Ruyun could only watch him from afar—he was a cloud in the sky, while she was but earthbound dust. But things were different now. Her new identity gave her the confidence that she was worthy to stand by Zhou Yanbang’s side, to become his wife.

However, Zhou Yanbang had been betrothed from childhood to the second daughter of the Grand Chancellor, Miss Jiang. This second Miss Jiang was notorious for her vicious nature; at a young age, she had committed matricide and fratricide. Naturally, the Marquis of Ningyuan’s family could not permit such a ruthless girl to enter their household, but the engagement could not be broken. Thus, the marriage arrangement remained, but the bride was quietly changed from the second Miss Jiang to the third, Miss Jiang Youyao.

People throughout the capital relished the tale, but not a soul found fault with the substitution, nor did anyone sympathize with the second Miss Jiang. If it were them, they too would choose the gentle and lovely third Miss Jiang over the harsh and venomous second.

Today was the coming-of-age ceremony for the third Miss Jiang, Youyao. Everyone knew that once she came of age, her marriage to Zhou Yanbang would soon follow.

It was Shen Ruyun’s unwillingness to accept this that brought her here today, accompanying her mother to see for herself what Zhou Yanbang’s future wife was like. She had even changed into a vivid, eye-catching gown in hopes of outshining Jiang Youyao.

Those who came to observe the ceremony either wished to curry favor with Jiang Yuanbo or were already close to him. Naturally, they would not overshadow Jiang Youyao. The noblewomen all dressed in understated elegance, ensuring they did not outshine the host. In such company, Shen Ruyun’s bright attire made her stand out conspicuously.

Madam Ji, noticing Shen Ruyun’s ostentatious display, felt displeased. However, having heard Jiang Yuanbo mention that the current Scholar of the Secretariat, Shen Yuyong, was not to be underestimated and well worth befriending, she maintained a gracious and welcoming demeanor, responding to the ladies’ compliments with practiced ease.

A lady who was on friendly terms with Madam Ji said, “I hear your family’s second young lady returned to the capital recently. Will she be attending the ceremony today?”

“Of course she will,” Madam Ji replied with a smile. “She’s likely still dressing; she’ll be a bit late.” Her words, however, hinted at the second Miss Jiang’s lack of discipline.

As expected, the other ladies cast sympathetic glances at Madam Ji. One, more forthright, remarked, “The second young lady hasn’t been back to the capital in quite some time. I wonder if she still remembers our customs. She was difficult to manage even as a child, and now…” She left the rest unsaid, but the implication was clear.

Madam Ji sighed at just the right moment. Jiang Yu’e, sitting beside Lady Yang, rolled her eyes and chimed in, “Originally, Second Sister couldn’t have made it back for Third Sister’s coming-of-age, but the nunnery where she’d been staying had some trouble last month. For some reason, Uncle had her brought back.”

Her words were vague, but to the listening noblewomen, they carried another meaning: that Jiang Li’s return to the capital was thanks to her own cunning and scheming—clearly not someone to be trifled with.

Madam Liu, overhearing all this, wanted to speak in Jiang Li’s defense. But with so many voices in agreement, and everyone present outwardly friendly with Madam Ji, she knew that even if she spoke, no one would listen—she might even bring trouble to Jiang Li.

Jiang Yu’e caught the subtle smile on Madam Ji’s lips and felt pleased with herself. Their branch of the family had always been overlooked in the Jiang household, and as the daughter of a concubine, she knew she’d never amount to much with only Lady Yang and Jiang Yuanxing to rely on. It was better to curry favor with this esteemed aunt, especially since the Ji family had a favored consort in the palace. Even a few scraps from their table would be worthwhile.

Compared to Jiang Yu’e, Jiang Yu-yan was less astute, sitting woodenly beside Lady Yang. Lady Yang herself felt both angry at her daughter’s sycophancy and resigned to its necessity.

Madam Lu, sitting apart from them, watched Jiang Yu’e’s performance with a faint, mocking smile, clearly disapproving.

As the conversation continued, the ceremony was about to begin.

Jiang Yuanbo and Madam Ji rose and took their places in the courtyard, standing on the eastern steps. The guests remained outside the courtyard; officials held bronze trays, standing on the western steps.

Jiang Youyao, surrounded by her maids, walked in slowly.

For the occasion, she wore a crimson wide-sleeved formal gown and had her hair styled in twin buns, ready to be arranged for the ceremony. Naturally charming and lively, she radiated the fresh beauty of youth, enchanting all who beheld her. Raised with the utmost care by Jiang Yuanbo, she was as exquisite as a precious gem. The vivid color of her dress made her stand out among the guests.

Beauty is revealed by comparison. Though Shen Ruyun’s attire was also bright, she was no match for Jiang Youyao’s grace or looks.

Even young Jiang Bingji attended, sitting beside the old Madam Jiang, and called out, “Third Sister is so beautiful!”

Jiang Youyao, pleased by the praise, broke into a dazzling smile. In the soft morning light, her radiance and charm captivated every eye.

The entire assembly was entranced.

Jiang Youyao, sensing their admiration, felt a surge of pride and joy. Yet as she was about to speak, she suddenly realized something was amiss. The guests’ gazes were subtly shifting, their eyes drifting past her.

Were they looking at someone behind her?

What was behind her?

Puzzled, Jiang Youyao turned and looked back—only to see a slender young woman approaching with graceful steps.

The girl was coming from the other side of the courtyard, weaving gracefully through the garden’s abundant flowers and trees. She moved as if brushing aside blossoms and willow branches, exuding a gentle, fresh presence.

In stark contrast to Jiang Youyao’s vivid attire, the girl wore a simple pale teal skirt and top, without even an embroidered flower—utterly plain. Her long, ink-black hair was gathered up with a matching jade hairpin.

Her face was fair, her gaze clear, her lips curved in a gentle, serene smile—pure as the color of her dress.

Not dazzling, but luminous with an inner clarity. If Jiang Youyao was a polished jewel, this girl was an uncarved piece of jade—beautiful in its natural state, needing no further refinement.

Jiang Youyao’s breath caught, her nails nearly digging into her palms.

They were looking past her.

—What was behind her?

—Behind her was Jiang Li.

It was Jiang Li they were looking at.