Chapter Sixty-Five: The Three Gates

When Jiang Li entered, Jiang Yuanbai opened his mouth as if wanting to speak, but seemed at a loss for words, so he awkwardly cleared his throat twice.

Jiang Li stepped forward and greeted, “Second Uncle, Third Uncle.”

Jiang Yuanping looked her over with a kindly smile. “Li, you’ve done well. Securing first place in the Mingyi Hall’s examination is no easy feat. I was just telling your father that you deserve a proper reward this time.”

Jiang Li bowed with a gentle smile. “Thank you, Second Uncle.”

Jiang Yuanping gazed at her with deep affection. This Second Uncle seemed to be a man of good temper—more so than Jiang Yuanbai, who always put on airs, and certainly more approachable than the timid and unassertive Jiang Yuanxing. Yet Jiang Li would never truly believe that Jiang Yuanping was simply a kindly elder. He was a tiger behind a smiling face—he might like to laugh, but anger him, and he would show his claws.

Jiang Yuanxing, standing at the far end, also smiled at Jiang Li, though his smile was cautious. “Congratulations, Li.”

As a son born to a concubine, Jiang Yuanxing—and by extension, the third branch of the family—was never held in high regard, especially with Jiang Yuanbai and Jiang Yuanping’s careers flourishing. Jiang Yuanxing, by contrast, was all but forgotten in a corner, wholly out of place with the Jiang family’s prosperity.

Madam Yang felt bitter seeing Jiang Yuanxing join in the praise. In past years, at every family examination, Jiang Yueru had always been the best among the Jiang family’s young ladies in the upper three subjects. Jiang Yaoyao excelled in music, having been taught by the most renowned teachers since childhood thanks to Lady Ji’s arrangements. Although Jiang Yueru had not enjoyed such tutors, she’d mastered literature, mathematics, and etiquette by her own diligence.

This was her only chance to shine in the Jiang family, and now it had been stolen from her. How could Madam Yang not feel resentful?

But her displeasure could not compare to that simmering in Lady Ji’s heart.

Jiang Yaoyao watched as all three patriarchs of the Jiang family—including her own father—turned their attention and praise to Jiang Li. Her resentment and indignation grew, and she could not help blurting out, “Second Sister, although you’ve taken first place this time, there will be many who find your victory hard to accept.”

The room fell silent. Jiang Li turned and looked at Jiang Yaoyao, her voice soft. “Oh?”

Noticing everyone’s eyes on her, Jiang Yaoyao hesitated, then looked at Jiang Li with deep concern. “Second Sister, you hadn’t studied at Mingyi Hall before, and you’ve not been back in the capital for long—it’s not even been ten days since you entered Mingyi Hall. To win first place without prior study… It’s truly astonishing.” Without waiting for an answer, she added in a gentle, persuasive tone, “I know your wager with Miss Meng is no small matter, and you surely don’t wish to lose. But we are the Jiang family, with Father watching from court. We mustn’t let a petty matter cast a shadow on our family’s reputation. After all, reputation is vital, and one’s character and integrity cannot be compromised.”

Jiang Li could almost applaud Jiang Yaoyao in her heart. How grand and righteous her words sounded—yet how malicious their intent, directly insinuating that Jiang Li had cheated to secure first place.

Jiang Jingrui let out a sneering laugh. “What others choose to believe is none of our concern. If they’re dissatisfied, let them be—what, should we drag Mingyi Hall’s examiners out for a beating until they change the results? There’s a saying in the gambling house: you bet, you must accept losing. So only Meng Hongjin is allowed to win, but if Jiang Li wins it must be cheating?”

His words stung Jiang Yaoyao, whose face flushed. Jiang Jingrui was a rascal; reasoning with him was futile. Jiang Yaoyao could only add him to the list of people she resented.

Lady Ji hurriedly said, “Yaoyao was only worried.” She glanced toward Jiang Yuanbai.

Although Jiang Yaoyao’s words were harsh, they were not without reason. Jiang Yuanbai gazed at Jiang Li. “Li, you had no prior training—how could you possibly come first? I’ve seen the results list. In all three subjects—literature, mathematics, and etiquette—you ranked first. You… You left for the convent at seven, barely past your first lessons, and have only just returned to Yanjing. How did you achieve such scores?”

“Father,” Jiang Li replied with a smile, “when one is eager to learn, progress is possible even without learned teachers.” She paused, as if recalling the past. “Back then, life on Mount Qingcheng was austere and dull. Fortunately, the convent’s library was rich, with many books donated by worshipers. Each night, when the days felt long and bitter, I would read to pass the time. Immersed in books, the hours passed faster, and hardship felt less harsh.”

Everyone was silent.

Jiang Li sighed softly. “I stayed on Mount Qingcheng for eight years. After reading all the convent’s books, I would borrow from the neighboring Crane Grove Temple. Over the years, the books I’ve read are no fewer than what the teachers in Yanjing’s academies have studied.” She smiled. “One doesn’t always need a teacher—read enough, and understanding will come.” As she spoke, her tone grew wistful. Though she was still a young girl, there was a trace of worldliness and sorrow, as if weathered by experience.

A wave of sympathy swept through the room.

Jiang Yuanbai felt a lump in his throat. Jiang Li had uttered no reproach, yet every word sounded like an accusation. In his mind’s eye, he saw her as a child, clutching books awkwardly in a drafty hut, the dim oil lamp casting her in loneliness and sorrow.

Blood is thicker than water. In that moment, Jiang Yuanbai’s heart softened. Whether or not Jiang Li had cheated, he no longer wished to question it.

Old Madam Jiang felt the same. She said, “You’ve done well.” The words were dry and stiff, yet they carried a note of comfort.

Lady Ji’s back stiffened. Once again, Old Madam Jiang and Jiang Yuanbai’s attitude had shifted—all because of a few words from Jiang Li, turning the situation on its head.

Rage surged in Lady Ji’s heart. How could a girl of fourteen or fifteen wield such skill, manipulating everyone’s feelings with such precision? Since entering the household, she’d gained nothing, while Jiang Li had claimed the upper hand time and again.

How absurd.

Jiang Yaoyao fell silent. Her attempts at sowing discord had failed, and even Jiang Yueru seemed to realize the shifting tide and held her tongue.

Madam Lu, on the other hand, felt a twinge of sympathy for Jiang Li. Glancing at Jiang Jingrui, she thought he looked as if he himself had been sent to the broken temple, ready to leap to Jiang Li’s defense at her command.

“Second Girl, do not become arrogant,” Old Madam Jiang said coolly. “You took first place in the upper three subjects. But the lower three—the Six Arts—are yet to be tested. I hear the Meng girl came second in the upper three. If she surpasses you in music, charioteering, or archery, you’ll still lose the wager.”

“You must win in these as well. Do you have the confidence?”

Jiang Li smiled radiantly. “I can only do my best and seek to give it a try.”

——

Suddenly, I think Ali’s earnest nonsense would win her an actress’s trophy.