Chapter Fifty-Five: Both Ends Settled

“You wish to become an official?”

Ye Shijie was momentarily speechless. Jiang Li’s gaze was so pure, so clear, that it gave him the illusion of being seen through entirely. He quickly averted his eyes and responded with a noncommittal grunt from his nose.

In truth, such matters ought not to be discussed with her—after all, Jiang Li had once regarded the Ye family as enemies. Yet, inexplicably, he felt that Jiang Li was someone he could trust.

“The Imperial Academy’s entrance examination—those who excel may be appointed as officials,” Jiang Li said. “But since you’ve come from Xiangyang to seek an official post, do you mean your grandmother and the others might move here in the future?”

Ye Shijie was astonished that Jiang Li would think so far ahead. He replied, “Perhaps, once things are settled here, they will move.”

“There are both advantages and disadvantages to moving,” Jiang Li spoke thoughtfully. “If the Ye family takes root in the capital, in time your family’s reputation will grow, and if one or two of your kin enter officialdom, the Ye family could enjoy a century of prosperity. However, once you’re in the capital, there will be those who envy you, and the family will also face greater dangers.”

Ye Shijie regarded her with a peculiar look. “You think far ahead.” He knew Jiang Li had only recently returned to the capital. Back when she was sent off to the convent, his grandmother had fallen ill with worry, and Ye Shijie had felt a measure of satisfaction, for Jiang Li had been terribly heartless. Eight years away, and now she spoke of the intricate powers in the capital as if she knew them intimately.

Jiang Li smiled. “After all, I am from the capital.”

Ye Shijie scoffed, “Are people from the capital inherently superior? Ridiculous.”

Realizing her cousin’s hostility would not dissipate overnight, Jiang Li was not offended. Suddenly recalling something, she asked, “Admission to the Imperial Academy requires a recommendation. The Ye family has no officials in court—how did you enter?”

“Why do you ask?” Ye Shijie responded warily.

“Only out of curiosity,” Jiang Li replied, sensing something odd in his demeanor.

“It was the second son of the Right Prime Minister’s household who recommended me.”

“The Right Prime Minister?” Jiang Li was puzzled. “How did the Ye family come to be connected to him?”

It was well known that the current Right Prime Minister, Li Zhongnan, was Jiang Yuanbai’s archrival. Li Zhongnan had risen to power in recent years—ironically, he had once been promoted by Jiang Yuanbai himself. But as Li’s influence grew, the two men became equals and adversaries. By the time Jiang Yuanbai realized his error, it was too late; there was nothing to do but stand opposed.

Because of this, Jiang Li found Ye Shijie’s mention of Li Zhongnan rather strange.

“Li Zhongnan’s second son, Li Lian, once traveled near Xiangyang to visit relatives. He was framed and implicated in a lawsuit. I happened to pass by and helped him out of the predicament. Afterward, learning I was from the Ye family, he suggested recommending me to the Imperial Academy.”

For the Ye family, gaining entry to the Imperial Academy was like manna from heaven. If Ye Shijie could leverage his studies there into an official post, it would change the family’s fortunes. So he had readily accepted Li Lian’s offer.

After hearing this, Jiang Li felt uneasy. Leaving aside everything else, was it truly gratitude alone that moved Li Lian to recommend him? Was Li Lian really so generous and appreciative?

Jiang Li knew that when Shen Yuyong had first won the top honors in the civil examination and was basking in success, she had taken great pains to learn the character of her future colleagues. The Right Prime Minister, Li Zhongnan, had two sons: the elder was a young man widely praised as talented and virtuous, while the younger, Li Lian, was notorious for his debauchery and misdeeds. For such a scoundrel to play the part of a grateful benefactor—Jiang Li’s instincts told her something was amiss.

The more she thought about it, the more suspicious she became. Suddenly, she recalled that Liu Zimin, who had troubled Ye Shijie the previous day, was one of Li Lian’s close companions—known to be thick as thieves.

If Li Lian truly intended to repay Ye Shijie, would he not have told Liu Zimin his name? Knowing the connection, why would Liu Zimin dare trouble Ye Shijie?

Unless Li Lian was aware of Liu Zimin’s actions—perhaps even condoned or orchestrated them.

But why would Li Lian do such a thing?

In a brief moment, Jiang Li considered every possible motive she could imagine.

Ye Shijie, unaware of her thoughts, asked, “What are you thinking?”

“Cousin,” Jiang Li said seriously, “Li Lian is not a man of integrity. His reputation in the capital is terrible. If you intend to enter officialdom, it would be best not to be entangled with him. Otherwise, if you’re implicated in his affairs, it’s one thing if only you suffer, but it would be a great loss for the Ye family.”

Ye Shijie’s expression grew solemn. “Have you discovered something?”

A clever young man, Jiang Li thought with admiration. But since she had not yet figured out Li Lian’s true intentions, she dared not speculate recklessly. She could only offer gentle advice: “I don’t know yet, but from what I know of Li Lian’s character, he is certainly not one to repay kindness so nobly. The fact that he recommended you to the Academy may well hide another purpose. Cousin, you are the one who must shoulder the burden of the Ye family’s future. Be cautious in all things. As for people like Li Lian, keep your distance if you can.”

“You—”

Before Ye Shijie could speak, Jiang Li continued, “Liu Zimin and Li Lian are close friends. Yesterday, you saw for yourself the sort of person Liu Zimin is. Birds of a feather flock together. Consider this yourself.”

Jiang Li saw the flicker in Ye Shijie’s eyes—he had understood her unspoken warning.

“And you?” Ye Shijie asked. “What do you want? Though you claim yesterday was an accident, our Ye family does business with no debts or favors outstanding. Since you helped me, what price do you expect to exact? Do you wish to reconcile with the Ye family?”

Tong’er, who had been serving quietly at the side, nearly jumped at the words. The young master of the Ye family spoke so harshly, as if Jiang Li were some calculating merchant.

“How could I ask you to help me reconcile with the Ye family?” Jiang Li replied with a careless smile, extending her hand toward Ye Shijie.

He looked at the slender, fair hand before him—fingers delicate as green onions, white and soft. Yet he also noticed the calluses between her fingers.

Ye Shijie paused, suddenly recalling that Jiang Li had spent eight years in the convent. Eight years—she had been just a young girl, and who knew what hardships she had endured. Though his words were sharp, his heart was soft; seeing this, he could not help but feel a pang of sympathy.

Then he heard Jiang Li’s calm voice: “Since you insist on attributing motives to me, and if leaving things unsettled would trouble you, then please—give me something.”

“What?” Ye Shijie frowned.

“Money,” Jiang Li replied matter-of-factly. “One hundred taels of silver. Your Ye family does business; surely you are familiar with the term ‘cash on delivery.’”

———

Ah, it’s April—happy April Fools’ Day, dear readers! Spring truly is a wonderful time.