Chapter Sixty-Three: Twin Chiefs

"Second Young Miss has taken first place—top scorer in this round of the academy examination. Congratulations, Madam!"

Ji Shuran’s smile froze on her face.

Jiang Youyao’s mouth fell open; she couldn’t help but blurt out, “What did you say?”

Her voice was sharp and edged with panic.

“Could it be a mistake?” Jiang Yuer’s disbelief was written all over her face. She shook her head, as if only by doing so could she convince herself. “You must have gotten it wrong…”

It was Madam Lu who reacted first, her face blooming with delight as she said, “If my ears didn’t deceive me just now, Lier has truly taken the top spot?” She cast a sidelong glance at Ji Shuran’s stiffened smile, a flicker of satisfaction passing through her heart.

She’d long harbored grievances against Ji Shuran; ever since Ji Shuran’s brother, Ji Yanlin, had climbed the ranks, Ji Shuran had grown ever more domineering in the Jiang household. Madam Lu, proud by nature, had never taken kindly to Ji Shuran. Furthermore, each year at the academy examination, the better Jiang Youyao’s results, the more it made the two young masters of the second branch appear mediocre. Now, with Jiang Li emerging from nowhere to overshadow Ji Shuran’s daughter, Madam Lu was only too pleased to see it.

“Who would have thought Lier was such a capable girl?” Madam Lu spared no mercy in twisting the knife in Ji Shuran’s heart. “She’s only just entered Mingyi Hall, and I’d heard she’d never studied these subjects before. Well, what can I say? She’s truly her father’s daughter—talented and gifted by nature…”

With each word, the resentment in Jiang Youyao’s heart only grew. The fury of being surpassed by Jiang Yuer had now shifted entirely to Jiang Li. Jiang Yuer was one thing, but who did Jiang Li think she was? If she couldn’t even outshine someone who’d only just arrived at Mingyi Hall, didn’t that mean she was more useless than useless?

Jiang Yuer twisted her handkerchief so tightly her nails nearly broke her skin. The joy of anticipation from moments ago was doused like a bucket of ice water poured over her head. Even in the heat of summer, she felt chilled to the bone, and her fingertips went cold, leaving only a deep, bitter sense of unwillingness.

The one thing she’d been proud of, the one thing that let her trample Jiang Li underfoot, was now gone as well. How could this be?

Old Madam Jiang’s gaze swept over everyone, her eyes taking in the full spectrum of their expressions. She said coolly, “Are you certain? Is it truly the second girl who’s taken first place?”

“Yes, Madam,” the servant replied. “Please look at the posted red rankings—Second Young Miss placed first in literature, mathematics, and rites. She’s unquestionably the top scorer!”

Jiang Youyao’s legs nearly gave out; she almost collapsed on the spot.

…

In Fragrant Bloom Courtyard, Jiang Li was watching Lier tend the flowers.

“You’re really not running?” Jiang Jingrui lounged in a chair, gulping down tea as he tried to persuade her: “There’s still time to escape. At worst, you’ll be mocked for not keeping your word. But if you wait until you can’t escape and have to kneel and apologize to Meng Hongjin, your life will be over. If you ask me, you’re not some iron-willed hero. Even if you were, you should know when to yield. So long as the green hills remain, there’s always wood to burn. Why make life hard for yourself?”

Despite his rakish manner, Jiang Jingrui’s words were oddly comforting, almost persuasive—Jiang Li was nearly swayed. But she simply glanced at him and said, “This is Junshan Silver Needle tea. There’s only one pot today, and you guzzle it down like a cow chewing on peonies. In the future, don’t bother coming here for tea.”

Jiang Jingrui slammed his teacup down in frustration. “Listen to yourself! Are you really a young lady of the Jiang family? Why be so frugal? We’re a wealthy house—our lives should be lavish and extravagant. You’re no fun at all!”

The difference between humble origins and a house of gold and jade was clear; Jiang Li couldn’t be bothered to argue—everyone lives their own way.

Just then, Qingfeng and Mingyue hurried in. Their cheeks were flushed with excitement. As soon as Qingfeng entered, she said, “Miss, the red rankings are posted at Mingyi Hall!”

Before Jiang Li could respond, Jiang Jingrui set down his cup. “Well? Is your young lady at the bottom of the list?”

Jiang Li watched his expression, suspecting that his hope for her to win was just talk.

Mingyue glared at Jiang Jingrui. “Nonsense! Our young lady is clever beyond compare, born to study…”

She hadn’t finished before Jiang Jingrui burst out laughing. “If you’re going to lie, at least make it believable.”

Jiang Li watched him quietly.

Mingyue grew anxious. “I’m not lying! Everyone in the household knows—our young lady took first place in the Mingyi Hall examinations. She’s the top scorer!”

She bit down hard on the words “top scorer.”

Jiang Jingrui scoffed, “You silly girl. Even if you’re trying to comfort your mistress, you shouldn’t speak such nonsense.”

“It’s true!” Qingfeng insisted.

Jiang Jingrui was about to retort, but when he saw the anxious flush on the maids’ faces, he realized something was off. He stopped smiling and looked at Jiang Li hesitantly. “Is it true?”

Jiang Li didn’t bother to answer him. She asked, “What about the Imperial Academy? Who topped their examinations?”

“I think it was someone unfamiliar, surname Ye… called Ye Shijie.”

A weight lifted from Jiang Li’s heart.

Jiang Jingrui suddenly shouted, “What’s going on? You’re the top scorer at Mingyi Hall, and your cousin is the top scorer at the Imperial Academy?” He leaned in close to Jiang Li and whispered, “Be honest, did you bribe the examiners? Your cousin’s family isn’t short of silver, but is it really that easy to bribe the Imperial Academy these days…”

He began muttering to himself.

Qingfeng said, “Old Madam wants you to go to Wan Feng Hall at once, Second Miss.”

“Very well.” Jiang Li stood up. “I’ll go now.”

“I’ll come too!” Jiang Jingrui got up eagerly. “You’ve won the Jiang family some honor—Grandmother is sure to reward you well.”

Jiang Li found his excitement amusing—anyone who didn’t know better would think he was the one who’d taken first place. She paused and asked, “Are you sure you want to go now?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” Jiang Jingrui asked, puzzled.

Jiang Li sighed. “Aren’t you worried about your own results?”

“I’m not afraid,” Jiang Jingrui replied nonchalantly, almost proud. “Everyone’s used to it by now.”

Jiang Li had nothing more to say. If he didn’t care, why should she be the bearer of bad news? So, with Tong’er and Baixue in tow, she set off for Wan Feng Hall.

When they arrived, the young maids standing outside all gave Jiang Li warm, curious smiles—clearly surprised by news of her topping the rankings.

Jiang Li ignored them and walked in. Inside, she found Jiang Yuanbo already present.

Not only him—the brothers Jiang Yuanxing and Jiang Yuanping were there as well, and Madam Yang was speaking with Madam Lu. All three branches of the Jiang family were gathered together.

A rare occurrence, indeed.