Chapter Fifty: Wielding Power

“The Jiang family of the capital, daughter of the chief minister, the second Miss Jiang.” Jiang Li spoke.

Her words were calm, but they cut through the noisy crowd like a blade. Those who had been arguing fell silent.

Liu Zimin had been waiting for Jiang Li to reveal her identity, intending to mock her thoroughly, but upon hearing her declaration, he froze.

The Jiang family of the capital, the chief minister’s legitimate daughter—everyone in Yanjing knew Jiang Youyao. The girl before them had just stated her name; she was the second Miss Jiang, Jiang Li, who had left the capital eight years ago.

Though the youngest son of the Tai Changqing family could swagger through Yanjing, everyone knew it was far more dangerous to offend Jiang Yuanbai, the emperor’s mentor.

But Liu Zimin was now riding the tiger; if he backed down here, how would he show his face in Yanjing again? Besides, if he admitted his guilt and people learned he had swindled Ye Shijie with a fake painting, his classmates at the Imperial Academy would laugh him to death, sullying his family’s name. His father would surely beat him senseless.

Gritting his teeth, Liu Zimin thought, “It’s not like I haven’t fought sons of families more powerful than mine in this city.” Some young masters, though their families were grand, were soft in temperament. Jiang Li was just a girl—perhaps a few harsh words would intimidate her.

Liu Zimin sneered at Jiang Li, “You may bear the Jiang name, but don’t think your father will protect you. Don’t assume that flaunting your family lets you spout nonsense. If I say this painting is genuine, then it is. You and that boy are in league—don’t bring disaster upon yourself!” He shook his fist menacingly.

This was pure intimidation.

Watching from her distant carriage, Jiang Youyao’s eyes sparkled. She wished Liu Zimin would simply strike Jiang Li here and now. If Jiang Li were injured in a public quarrel with a man, her reputation would plummet, and even Jiang Yuanbai’s favoritism would be tested.

Jiang Youyao also relished Liu Zimin’s viciousness; once he acted, he wouldn’t care about gender or severity.

“Liu Zimin,” Ye Shijie frowned, shielding Jiang Li, “the grievances between us concern no one else. Do not harm the innocent.”

Liu Zimin laughed, “That’s exactly my intention.” His gaze made it clear—Jiang Li had best stay out of this.

Had it been someone else, perhaps Jiang Li would have endured quietly. But she had inherited Xue Huaiyuan’s clear sense of justice and hatred for evil, and Ye Shijie was her kin. Jiang Li’s lips curled, “How fortunate, I am never afraid of getting into trouble. Sir, perhaps you’ve forgotten why I left Yanjing eight years ago.”

All were startled!

Eight years ago, Jiang Li had left Yanjing under the accusation of murdering her mother and brother—a grave crime. While others scrambled to conceal their misdeeds, Jiang Li seemed almost eager for everyone to know, volunteering the scandal herself.

Truly, she had a knack for touching upon the most sensitive matters.

Ye Shijie stared at Jiang Li in surprise, seemingly unprepared for her words. But Jiang Li’s expression remained serene as she looked at Liu Zimin.

Liu Zimin suddenly felt cold sweat bead on his brow.

Others might not grasp Jiang Li’s meaning, but Liu Zimin understood at once—she implied that having committed matricide and fratricide, there was little she wouldn’t dare. His threats were nothing to her.

He should have been enraged by this provocation, yet looking into Jiang Li’s eyes, he felt fear.

Yes, he was a bully—not entirely depraved, but near enough. He had even taken a few lives, but only those of powerless commoners, never anyone of equal or greater status.

When facing those with greater power, Liu Zimin’s cowardly nature forced him to reconsider. Yet, when his opponents were fearless—when they possessed that ruthless, bare-footed boldness—he faltered.

The weak grew weaker, the strong stronger; in a moment, Liu Zimin was already at a disadvantage.

Jiang Li saw the flicker in Liu Zimin’s eyes and knew he was wavering.

Xue Huaiyuan was the upright and incorruptible county magistrate of Tongxiang; he dared expose even higher-ranking officials, earning the people’s respect but his colleagues’ hatred.

That hatred extended to their children. Growing up, Jiang Li and Xue Zhao were often targeted by those children of officials.

She fared better; girls’ quarrels rarely turned violent. Xue Zhao suffered—those boys would readily resort to fists, and he often came home bruised. Over time, Xue Zhao learned that to deal with ruthless people, he had to be even more ruthless, never losing his momentum. He would first display his past deeds to intimidate, weakening his opponent’s resolve, then press his own advantage until victory was assured.

Through sheer presence and martial skill, Xue Zhao became untouchable in Tongxiang.

The moment Jiang Li saw Liu Zimin’s behavior, she knew he was a coward before the strong. With the Jiang family backing her, she barely needed to lift a finger to defeat him.

Her reputation for matricide and fratricide was infamy, but in times like these, it could inspire terror and ward off trivial troubles.

“How shameless,” Jiang Youyao muttered through clenched teeth. “Publicizing such disgraceful matters—she’s disgracing Father!”

Seeing Liu Zimin rooted in place, Jiang Li said, “Since this gentleman insists I’m lying, let’s follow his suggestion and report to the authorities. I am involved in this case, so I’ll accompany you.”

Liu Zimin was both anxious and furious!

He had only mentioned reporting to the authorities to scare Ye Shijie; with the right connections, it would be easy to ruin someone like Ye Shijie, who had no ties in Yanjing. But if Jiang Li were involved, it would be different. As the Jiang family’s daughter, the matter would be handled impartially, and in the end, he’d lose everything—no profit from Ye Shijie, and he’d drag himself and his father’s reputation into disgrace.

In an instant, Liu Zimin was sweating profusely. He looked at Jiang Li, unable to understand how a girl who had spent eight years in the temple, shunned by her family, could have such confidence and persistence.

“But,” just as Liu Zimin found himself caught between retreat and advance, Jiang Li smiled, “I believe this is all a misunderstanding. After all, you don’t seem the sort to deliberately swindle others. Most likely, you were deceived into thinking this painting was genuine. Since that’s the case, why not settle amicably—let Young Master Ye pay twenty taels of silver, and let the matter rest. What do you say?”

To Liu Zimin, Jiang Li’s words sounded like music from heaven—she was offering him an escape.

What did he say? Of course it was agreeable!