Chapter Forty: The Imperial Academy

Jiang Yuanbai’s intention to find a tutor for Jiang Li was swiftly discovered by Jiang Li herself.

The one who informed her was none other than the second young master of the family, Jiang Jingrui.

There were two young masters in the Jiang family. Jiang Jingyou, the elder, was of gentle disposition, though his learning was said to be average; Madam Lu pursued him daily, urging him toward the scholar’s laurels. Jiang Jingrui, on the other hand, was hot-tempered. No one dared press him to become a top scholar; as long as he kept out of trouble, everyone was content.

After Jiang Jingrui had been ridiculed by Jiang Li the last time, he hadn’t set foot in Fangfei Court for quite some days. Even in passing, he would avoid her. Jiang Li, naturally, paid him no mind. Yet today, Jiang Jingrui appeared once more at the entrance of Fangfei Court.

Mingyue and Qingfeng were embroidering at the door. Seeing Jiang Jingrui, they were startled and called out, “Second young master.”

Jiang Jingrui cleared his throat, inquired if Jiang Li was inside, and then strode in boldly.

Inside, Jiang Li was reading. Tong’er, aware of the previous rift between Jiang Li and Jiang Jingrui, stood aside in silence. Baixue was brewing floral tea in a corner, unconcerned and still seated on her small stool, watching the kettle since Tong’er had not welcomed the guest.

Seeing no one pay him any attention, Jiang Jingrui felt a little awkward and somewhat angry. He plopped down opposite Jiang Li, noticing the book before her. “What are you reading? Can you even understand it?”

He always spoke so irritatingly; he truly was the spoiled scion he seemed to be. Jiang Li glanced at him and asked, “What brings you here?”

Noticing she finally acknowledged him, Jiang Jingrui felt inexplicably pleased. He overlooked the lack of courtesy from everyone in the room and quickly said, “I came to tell you something. Uncle is getting you a tutor!”

A tutor? Jiang Li was a little surprised.

“I heard about it and came at once to inform you. Apparently, Aunt told Uncle that with your abilities, you could never really learn anything worthwhile. They’re just getting an ordinary teacher to teach you some basics, so you won’t embarrass yourself in public—a mere formality.”

“That’s outrageous!” Tong’er’s handkerchief dropped to the floor. “What abilities do our young lady lack? She’s exceptionally gifted!”

Jiang Jingrui glanced at Tong’er and shook his head. “Aunt isn’t seriously trying to educate your mistress; she’d rather see her become a simpleton. Uncle left everything to Aunt, and the tutor she finds will surely make Jiang Li suffer.”

Jiang Li remained silent. Jiang Jingrui coughed softly, seeming a bit embarrassed. “I’d like to help, but our branch never interferes with the main household’s affairs. If I bring this up to my mother, she’d scold me endlessly. I think you’d do better to approach Grandmother. She’s fair, and I can speak for you. If Grandmother chooses a tutor, it should be much better.”

Jiang Li studied him. It seemed that after being mocked last time, Jiang Jingrui had chosen to stand by her. Whether out of past friendship with the second young lady, or because he was empathetic by nature, the young man proved decent.

Jiang Li said, “Thank you for coming to warn me.” Her tone was gentler this time.

Hearing her softer tone, Jiang Jingrui was oddly delighted. He suddenly wished he could slap himself. He was the family’s little tyrant; even Jiang Youyao dared not provoke him, and he himself looked down on everyone. Yet toward Jiang Li, whose reputation was poor and who held little status in the household, Jiang Jingrui felt a mixture of fear and awe.

Always wanting to please her, it seemed.

He mentally cursed himself and asked, “What are you planning now? When will you go see Grandmother? Let me know, I’ll go with you.”

He was willing to stand by her; he was, after all, a passionate youth.

Jiang Li said, “I just don’t understand why Father wants to choose a tutor for me. In the capital, ladies of noble birth usually attend the official girls’ academy.”

“The official girls’ academy?” Jiang Jingrui was stunned for a few seconds before replying, “Are you joking? The girls’ academy only admits the wealthy and noble. The Mingyi Hall in Yanjing only takes students of both virtue and talent. Even the least among them are exceptional compared to most. If you went…”

If you went, you’d be a laughingstock! Jiang Li understood the words Jiang Jingrui left unsaid.

“But,” Jiang Jingrui asked with curiosity, “how do you know about the girls’ academy in Yanjing? You seem to have gathered quite a bit of information.”

Jiang Li smiled, neither confirming nor denying. When she first arrived in Yanjing, her beauty made her famous, and her learning was widely known. She even debated principles with the tutors of Mingyi Hall and befriended them.

At the time, she did all this to open more paths for Shen Yuyong. A scholar’s wife of talent and charm always added luster.

Of course, her beauty and talent became her downfall when rumors of her illicit affair spread—her curse and her sin.

Jiang Li had no desire to remain in the Jiang household. If she never ventured out, she’d lose any chance to connect with Shen Yuyong and his circle. If Jiang Yuanbai really hired her a tutor, and she stayed in the inner residence learning, she would miss many opportunities.

Moreover, she was already literate and learned, no less than anyone. Her goal in entering Mingyi Hall was not truly to study, but to gain fame.

With fame, the Jiang family would not treat her as dispensable; she would gain status. With status, she would make connections, and once she had a circle of friends, she could gradually approach Princess Yongning.

Would it take long? Not at all. Within Mingyi Hall, her talent could earn her renown in the shortest time; it was the simplest method.

Jiang Jingrui, seeing her lost in thought, waved his hand before her eyes and asked, “Have you decided? When will you see Grandmother?”

“I won’t see Grandmother,” Jiang Li replied. “I want to see Father.”

“Uncle?” Jiang Jingrui was taken aback. “You won’t persuade him. Once Uncle decides, unless Grandmother intervenes, nothing changes. He’s already given Aunt full charge; it’s settled. If you see him, you’ll only waste your breath and end up upset.”

“Thank you for your advice,” Jiang Li said, “but I still want to see Father.”

“You’re so stubborn!” Jiang Jingrui said irritably.

“It’s not stubbornness,” Jiang Li smiled, “it’s perseverance.”

She would persevere to the end.

——Extra——

Ali: I won’t attend a mediocre university; I want to go to Tsinghua [smile]