Chapter Thirty-Nine: Enlightenment

Perhaps it was because she had already been admonished by the Old Madam Jiang, but when Jiang Li was choosing new maids, Ji Shuran offered no comment. Throughout the entire process, Jiang Li was accompanied by Pearl and Jadeite, the Old Madam's own maids. Of course, Jiang Li knew full well that whichever girls she selected, Ji Shuran would soon hear of it.

However, after the recent measures taken to reorganize Fangfei Courtyard, Ji Shuran was, for the time being, unable to meddle further.

In these past few days, peace had temporarily settled over the Jiang residence.

In Shuxiu Garden, Jiang Yuanbai had just returned from court, his brow furrowed as Ji Shuran helped him remove his outer robe.

Although Jiang Yuanbai was currently the Grand Secretary, his household was far more tranquil than those of his colleagues. When Ye Zhenzhen was still alive, there were only two concubines sent by the Old Madam Jiang. Later, when one of those concubines became pregnant, she was promoted to the status of a secondary wife. After Ye Zhenzhen died of illness, that secondary wife, stricken by grief over her daughter’s early death, soon followed. When Ji Shuran entered the household, there was only one concubine left in the main branch.

That concubine had formerly been the Old Madam’s personal maid, gentle-natured and never inclined to compete for favor—her presence in the household was more ornamental than real. After Ji Shuran’s arrival, she herself requested that the concubine be promoted to Lady Zhao. Lady Zhao, having no children, devoted herself entirely to serving Ji Shuran after she entered the household, acting more as a servant than anything else.

Thus, in the entire main branch, Ji Shuran’s position remained unshakeable.

Though the Old Madam had once grumbled about Jiang Yuanbai’s lack of heirs, when Jiang Li, at the age of eight, pushed Ji Shuran and caused her to miscarry, Ji Shuran bore no grudge and even pleaded on Jiang Li’s behalf. This left the Old Madam with a lingering sense of guilt. Later, when Ji Shuran gave birth to Jiang Bingji, the Old Madam had nothing more to say.

After all, Jiang Yuanbai, as Grand Secretary, was constantly watched by countless eyes at court; a crowded inner residence could only mean more complications, and too many concubines was not necessarily a blessing. As long as the main branch had a male heir, there was no need for further ambition.

With the Old Madam’s tacit approval and Jiang Yuanbai’s affection, Ji Shuran flourished like a fish in water. Her own son and daughter received every possible favor and indulgence. Over the years, among the sisters-in-law, Yang was not worth mentioning, and even Lady Lu had to yield to her.

But all of this was disrupted by Jiang Li’s return. In less than a month, Ji Shuran had suffered several setbacks, and this time even the usually indulgent Old Madam lost her temper. Ji Shuran could not help but feel a smoldering resentment.

After tidying away Jiang Yuanbai’s robe, Ji Shuran handed him a cup of cool tea and placed it gently in his hand, asking softly, “Master, what weighs on your brow? Is something troubling you?”

Jiang Yuanbai looked up at her.

Ji Shuran’s features were exquisitely refined, different from Ye Zhenzhen’s innocent, round-faced charm. She resembled more the graceful ladies raised in scholarly households: every word and gesture composed, painting a picture of elegance. Jiang Yuanbai’s gaze fell upon her fingers—delicate as spring onions, yet bearing a small wound. On the table nearby, an unfinished basket of embroidery still sat.

Ji Shuran was making clothes for him.

Jiang Yuanbai’s heart softened, and his recent irritation with Ji Shuran dissipated in that moment. He took her hand and chided, “How did you hurt yourself? You should let the servants handle these chores.”

Ji Shuran smiled. “Master, have you forgotten? I have never entrusted your personal garments to anyone else.”

Looking at her gentle smile, Jiang Yuanbai felt a pang of guilt, recalling how he had deliberately neglected her in recent days over the incident at the coming-of-age ceremony. “You’ve worked hard,” he said.

“It’s no hardship for me. You, Master, are the one who truly works hard,” Ji Shuran replied.

Jiang Yuanbai sighed. He had had two wives. His first, Ye Zhenzhen, had not been his own choice but was selected by the Old Madam. Back then, his career was on the rise, with many enemies at court; the Old Madam believed it best to keep a low profile and marry a woman from a less prominent family. The Ye family was wealthy and well-connected but not officialdom, thus avoiding jealousy.

Obediently, Jiang Yuanbai married Ye Zhenzhen. She was naïve and lively, untouched by the troubles of the world. Though she could not share his burdens, their life together was harmonious.

After Ye Zhenzhen’s death, Jiang Yuanbai met Ji Shuran at a night banquet. The daughter of the Vice Censor-in-Chief, Ji Shuran dazzled everyone with a single performance, her beauty and grace captivating Jiang Yuanbai at once.

If Ye Zhenzhen was the wife chosen by his mother, then Ji Shuran was the wife of his own heart. In both love and partiality, his feelings leaned more toward Ji Shuran. Even when she made mistakes, he forgave her easily. Besides, Ji Shuran had managed the main branch with perfect order for many years.

Jiang Yuanbai sighed, “Today after court, Chengde Lang Liu Yuanfeng spoke to me.”

Ji Shuran’s hand tightened around the teacup, though her smile did not waver. She probed gently, “Lord Liu? You and he have little contact. Is something the matter?”

“Back when Ye was still alive, Liu Yuanfeng’s wife and she were close—they often visited each other. Liu Yuanfeng came about Li. He reminded me that now Li has returned to the capital, I ought to find her a tutor to teach her to read and study the classics.”

At this, Jiang Yuanbai felt a headache coming on. When Jiang Li was banished to the nunnery for her grave error, she had remained there for eight years—the prime years for learning. So much time had passed, and there was no way she could have received proper instruction at the nunnery.

He was the Grand Academician, the Emperor’s teacher, a learned scholar, and yet his legitimate daughter could not even read—a laughingstock if ever there was one. Though Liu Yuanfeng’s words were blunt, there was truth in them. Jiang Yuanbai resolved to find a tutor for Jiang Li.

Hearing this, Ji Shuran breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. “So that’s all. There’s no need to worry, Master. Though society prizes talent, it is always more forgiving toward women. Li is no longer young, and even if she starts learning now, she can hardly progress far. Why not invite tutors for music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, let her dabble in each a little, just enough to pass muster? That way, when it comes time for her marriage, her future husband’s family will regard her more highly.”

“You make sense,” Jiang Yuanbai agreed, “but to only learn the basics of everything—how can a daughter of the Jiang family be so unambitious...?”

“Master,” Ji Shuran laughed softly, “one must not be so absolute. Li has never learned to read before; if you are too strict and set your expectations too high, it may only backfire.”

After considering her words for a moment, Jiang Yuanbai nodded. “We’ll do as you suggest.”

———Author’s Note———
Ali: Scoundrel, I used to be a top student, you know.