Chapter Fifty-One: Accusation

The onlookers, who had been eagerly awaiting a dramatic lawsuit, never expected Jiang Li to suddenly utter such words.

“Very well,” Liu Zimin immediately agreed, fearing that Jiang Li might change her mind. Though he accepted, he still tried to salvage some dignity and said to Ye Shijie, “Young Master Ye, I too was deceived, which led to this misunderstanding. Though you tore up my painting, let us show mercy where mercy is due. I will not hold it against you. As for the twenty taels of silver, let’s forget about them. In deference to Second Miss Jiang, let us put this matter to rest. The painting is yours; I no longer want it.”

As the crowd murmured in surprise, Liu Zimin forced down his humiliation and resentment, bowed to Jiang Li, and left, feigning composure. The two companions behind him slunk away as well. Ye Shijie did not try to stop them, perhaps realizing that persisting would not bring him any benefit.

Ye Shijie regarded Jiang Li with curiosity, just as he was about to speak, he saw her give him a slight nod. Turning to Bai Xue, she said, “Bai Xue, return the painting to Young Master Ye. We’re going home.”

Bai Xue, ever solid and dependable, responded in a low voice. She rolled up the counterfeit “Sparrows Drinking in Spring” and handed it to Ye Shijie, then turned back to assist Jiang Li toward the carriage, showing no intention of further conversation.

Ye Shijie stared after the pair as they departed, and the bystanders gradually dispersed. He shook his head, pushing aside his many thoughts, and walked away down the street.

No one noticed, however, that in a nearby alley, a black phoenix sedan chair was parked. A guard was speaking outside, recounting the entire incident between Ye Shijie and Liu Zimin. After a while, a voice came from within the sedan.

“I see.”

Inside, a young man lounged lazily by the window, his red robes spreading across the soft couch, his expression ambiguous. “The Jiang family.”

Opposite him, a scholar in green robes stroked his goatee and smiled. “We had hoped to use the Liu boy to entangle Ye Shijie, forcing the Ye family to take action. Who would have thought that Second Miss Jiang would inadvertently resolve the situation for Ye Shijie? That throws all of your plans into disarray, sir.”

Though he spoke of regret, his face betrayed none, instead showing a certain lightness.

“Ye Shijie is but a pawn,” Ji Heng brushed non-existent dust from his sleeve. “He is of little consequence—let him go.” His beauty was striking, yet his voice carried a peculiar huskiness, a touch of languid desire that was impossible to resist.

“Besides, compared to Liu Zimin,” he added, his lips curving in a slow smile, “Second Miss Jiang is far more interesting.”

...

Bai Xue and Jiang Li returned to the Jiang residence.

In Fragrant Blossom Court, Tong’er had been waiting anxiously in the courtyard. Without Jiang Li, she found no heart for anything. Upon seeing them return, she leaped with joy, peppering Jiang Li with questions about her well-being and whether she had encountered any trouble.

Bai Xue, honest and stolid, was unlike the lively Tong’er. For instance, regarding Ye Shijie, she obeyed Jiang Li’s orders without further comment.

From Bai Xue, Tong’er learned of the trouble Jiang Li had encountered after lessons and was nearly so shocked she dropped her cup, crying out repeatedly, “Heavens!” “How hateful!” “How could people bully you like that?” “Thank goodness you’re unharmed.”

When Bai Xue finished recounting the events, Tong’er, still not satisfied, scratched her ear and suddenly thought of something. “That was too dangerous this time, miss. Though you’re kindhearted, it’s best not to rush into things in the future. You didn’t even take a single guard with you today. If that Young Master Liu had truly resorted to violence, it would have been you who suffered.”

Jiang Li only smiled, saying nothing. Tong’er then continued, “But Bai Xue said that Young Master Ye is from the Xiangyang Ye family—isn’t that your maternal family? It’s a pity you didn’t speak with him then, though it wasn’t the right occasion. Otherwise, you might have learned which branch he’s from. Still, since you helped him, he will surely be grateful.”

“I didn’t save him for a reward. If I did, it would have been better not to save him at all,” Jiang Li replied with a smile. To come to the aid of the wronged was always Xue Zhao’s principle. The Xue children were all of heroic spirit, always eager to help when encountering injustice. Even though she had died once and had given herself many excuses today, Jiang Li knew in her heart that, were it not for those reasons, she would still have stepped forward.

It was human nature.

As they were speaking, Qingfeng lifted the curtain and entered. “Miss, Sister Feicui from Evening Phoenix Hall sent word just now. The Old Madam wishes to see you.”

“Now?” Jiang Li was surprised; this was not the customary time for greetings.

“The Third Miss and others are already in Evening Phoenix Hall. They said that you quarreled with someone after lessons today,” Qingfeng replied uneasily.

“Hmph, how quick they are to report!” Tong’er fumed. “Our miss was simply helping someone, not quarreling. What a thing to say!”

Since returning to the Jiang residence, Tong’er had grown increasingly spirited, which Jiang Li rather liked. The status of those in Fragrant Blossom Court was delicate within the Jiang family; if no one dared speak up, others would truly take advantage.

Jiang Li rose to her feet. “It’s nothing. If she reported to Grandmother herself, it saves me the trouble.”

Bai Xue clenched her fists, looking ready for a fight. “Miss, I’ll go with you,” she said fiercely.

“Of course,” Jiang Li laughed. “But no fighting—we’re going to reason things out.”

In Evening Phoenix Hall, all was quiet.

Jiang Bingji sat on the Old Madam Jiang’s couch, nibbling on a plate of sugar twists. The Old Madam, however, was not coaxing him with her usual gentle smiles, but seemed deep in thought.

Jiang Yuyan sat nearby, cautious and silent. Jiang Yue’e and Jiang Youyao were together—Youyao looked rather pleased, while Yue’e’s eyes darted restlessly.

Ji Shuran was present as well, sitting just below the Old Madam, her face gentle and smiling, though tinged with worry. She kept glancing toward the door, as if awaiting someone’s arrival.

It wasn’t long before those she awaited arrived.

When Jiang Li and Tong’er entered Evening Phoenix Hall, Jiang Bingji spotted her at once and seemed about to curse, but suddenly swallowed his words for some reason.

Jiang Li pretended not to notice, entering with a bright smile. She stood in the hall, gazing at the Old Madam on the couch, and spoke gently, “Grandmother, may I ask why you have summoned me?”

The Old Madam raised her eyes to look at her.