Chapter 57: Three Wagers

After entering the Hall of Righteousness, Xiao Deyin began her lecture. Jiang Li watched her familiar figure, her thoughts drifting far away.

After Shen Yuyong became the top scholar, Jiang Li had met the various teachers who instructed the six arts in the Hall of Righteousness several times. Aside from Ji Luo, who harbored obvious hostility toward her, the other teachers each had their own temperament. Among them, Xiao Deyin was the most congenial to Jiang Li.

Xiao Deyin was gentle by nature; whenever Ji Luo deliberately targeted Jiang Li, it was always Xiao Deyin who stepped in to smooth things over. Jiang Li greatly admired Xiao Deyin’s talent. As the foremost female musician in the capital, Xiao Deyin played the seven-stringed zither with extraordinary skill. She was nearly summoned into the palace by the Empress Dowager for her artistry, but Xiao Deyin preferred to remain a humble teacher at the Hall of Righteousness rather than become a court musician.

Jiang Li herself was highly accomplished in music, and the two often exchanged skills, feeling that rare affinity of kindred spirits. Yet, after Jiang Li’s scandal of illicit relations, this confidante had never once visited her. Perhaps Xiao Deyin cherished her reputation too much to associate with someone so shameless. But Jiang Li remembered something: on the day of Shen’s mother’s birthday, Xiao Deyin was among the guests, seated beside Jiang Li. Xiao Deyin repeatedly urged her to drink, and it was Xiao Deyin who helped her back to her room to rest. But when Jiang Li awoke, her world had collapsed, and Xiao Deyin claimed that halfway there, Jiang Li was taken by her own maid.

There was no evidence implicating Xiao Deyin in the events of Shen’s mother’s birthday, but Jiang Li’s intuition told her Xiao Deyin might have been involved. She couldn’t fathom the reason—if it was bribery by Princess Yongning, Xiao Deyin had declined even the chance to become a court musician, suggesting she was not greedy for wealth or status. Moreover, they had no enmity. Why assist the wicked?

Unable to unravel the mystery, Jiang Li accepted it. Now that she was back in the Hall of Righteousness, if Xiao Deyin truly harbored secrets, signs would surely emerge. And if Xiao Deyin was indeed involved, when the truth finally surfaced, she would make an excellent witness.

Jiang Li pondered quietly.

Throughout the lesson, Jiang Li’s mind wandered elsewhere. To others, she seemed inattentive and ignorant. Liu Xue was concerned and tried to advise her, but Jiang Li merely smiled and persisted in her ways. Liu Xue could only sigh and give up.

When Xiao Deyin finished the lesson, she specifically mentioned the upcoming school examination. She said, “This year, those who excel in the exam will be honored at the palace banquet and receive the Emperor’s personal commendation. This is a rare opportunity—if you are personally honored by His Majesty, it will greatly benefit your future prospects. I hope you all give your utmost effort.”

The Emperor’s personal commendation! The girls of the Hall of Righteousness instantly buzzed with excitement.

“Conversely, poor performance will bring disgrace. Having shared several years as teacher and students, I would hate for any of you to be expelled from the Hall of Righteousness.” Xiao Deyin continued, “So work diligently these next few days. The Hall will suspend regular lessons until the examination day. The details will be posted soon—make sure to read them.” With a gentle smile, she left with her zither, never once glancing at Jiang Li.

Seeing this, Jiang Li took note.

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After Xiao Deyin departed, the vibrant atmosphere lingered. Once the attendant posted the examination details, the girls flocked to read them in groups. Liu Xue tugged Jiang Li’s sleeve, her excitement barely concealed. “Let’s go see.”

Unable to refuse, Jiang Li followed her to the front of the hall. Jiang Youyao and Meng Hongjin were there as well. Liu Xue examined the details closely and sighed, “Whoever tops this year’s exam will truly shine. If I could win even one category, my father would be overjoyed.”

Jiang Li, amused by Liu Xue’s enthusiasm, smiled. “Indeed, being honored by the Emperor brings boundless glory.”

“Oh?” A sudden voice interjected—it was Meng Hongjin. She glanced at Jiang Li. “Second Miss Jiang dreams of being honored by the Emperor? You certainly dare to dream, acting as if you're the one destined to top the exam.”

Liu Xue frowned. “Meng Hongjin, that’s far too harsh.”

Meng Hongjin’s brows arched defiantly. Her father’s position wasn’t as lofty as Jiang Yuanbo’s, but it surpassed Liu Xue’s. “So it’s Miss Liu—what, are you trying to emulate Jiang Li’s ‘righteous stand’ in the street yesterday? Liu Xue, don’t say I didn’t warn you: choose your companions wisely. Second Miss Jiang has a chief minister for a father; you don’t. I hear your father, Master Liu, has run into some trouble…”

Liu Xue’s expression changed abruptly.

Though Jiang Li didn’t know exactly what had happened with Liu Yuanfeng, she sensed Meng Hongjin spoke the truth; Liu Xue’s reaction confirmed it. Liu Xue bit her lip. “Meng Hongjin, don’t slander…”

“If you insist it’s slander, so be it.” Meng Hongjin laughed triumphantly. “I just wonder why you’d offend your peers for someone destined to leave the Hall?”

“Who says she’s destined to leave?” Liu Xue blurted out in a moment of heated frustration.

“Isn’t she?” Meng Hongjin’s eyes widened, glancing around. The girls laughed; Jiang Youyao looked conflicted, as if she wanted to intervene but was too timid. Meng Hongjin giggled, “Shall we bet? Let’s wager whether Jiang Li is expelled after the exam. If you lose, you must kneel before everyone and apologize to me!”

Liu Xue was stunned, then flushed with indignation, gritting her teeth in silence. If she accepted, Jiang Li might very well come last and be expelled. If she refused, it would publicly embarrass Jiang Li.

A dilemma!

Meng Hongjin watched confidently as the others’ mocking gazes fell on Liu Xue, paralyzing her.

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Jiang Li watched, sighing inwardly. Liu Xue was still a young girl, prone to impulsive decisions and easily ensnared.

Liu Xue struggled, her gaze drifting to Jiang Li, who met her eyes calmly, without any plea. Liu Xue steeled herself and said, “Fine, I’ll—”

“Fine, I’ll bet.” Before she finished, Jiang Li cut her off, taking the wager herself. “No need for Liu Xue to risk it; I’ll bet with you. If the exam results force me to leave the Hall of Righteousness, I’ll kneel and apologize to you. Otherwise—”

“Otherwise, I’ll apologize to you,” Meng Hongjin said, overjoyed.

“That’s not all.” Jiang Li smiled. “If I remain in the Hall, you must kneel and apologize to me. If my exam results surpass yours, you must add another: kneel and apologize to me at the gate of the Imperial Academy.”

“You—!” Meng Hongjin was furious.

But Jiang Li hadn’t finished. She continued, “If not only do my results surpass yours, but I also top the exam…”

“Then you must remove your outer robe, carry a bundle of thorny sticks, and kneel at the Academy gate to apologize!”

—End of Chapter—

Ali is about to cause trouble again~

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