Chapter Sixty-Nine: Enemies

The next day, Jiang Li rose even earlier than usual.

Tong’er was bustling about early in the morning, gesturing at what hairstyle would best match which outfit for Jiang Li. Bai Xue, who used to work in the fields at home, was not skilled in these matters, so she left everything to Tong’er.

Since returning to the Jiang household, Tong’er had not been idle; she made great efforts to ensure that Jiang Li appeared no less elegant than Jiang Youyao.

When they finally left the courtyard, they saw Jiang Youyao standing at the entrance of Wan Feng Hall, speaking with Jiang Yuanbai. She was tugging at Jiang Yuanbai’s sleeve, acting coquettish and sweet, the very image of a pampered child.

Jiang Yuanbai was gazing down at Jiang Youyao with fatherly affection and did not immediately notice Jiang Li. Lady Ji, standing nearby, clearly saw Jiang Li out of the corner of her eye, but deliberately waited until Jiang Li approached before smiling as if just noticing her. “Li’er is here.”

Jiang Yuanbai looked over instinctively.

Jiang Li also cast her gaze toward Jiang Youyao.

Today was an important day—even Tong’er knew to plan carefully for Jiang Li, so Lady Ji would certainly do the same for Jiang Youyao. Jiang Youyao was dressed in a floor-length gown of misty rosy clouds, embroidered with birds and flowers, draped with a gauzy white plum blossom shawl, making her look ethereal. Ruby and jade earrings hung by her ears, bright and lustrous, setting her beauty off like a blossom, elegant and peerless. She, too, sized up Jiang Li’s attire.

Now, all of Jiang Li’s clothes were selected and tailored under Lady Ji’s instructions. After the incident at the gate upon Jiang Li’s return, Lady Ji made sure that the clothes she prepared were perfectly fitted and undeniably sumptuous, but not necessarily suitable for Jiang Li. Jiang Li’s frame was slender and her features delicate; such extravagant attire overwhelmed her. The jewelry was elaborate and heavy, making her appear top-heavy and awkward.

Though the outfit could not be faulted, standing beside Jiang Youyao, Jiang Li immediately became her foil.

If she had truly been the second young lady of the Jiang family, she might have worn such finery to assert her status. But Jiang Li was not—she had never yearned for luxurious dresses. To become Jiang Youyao’s backdrop was something she absolutely would not accept. Thus, she did not wear the clothes Lady Ji had prepared.

Instead, she wore a simple laurel-green ruqun with a high-waisted silk skirt, her hair drawn up in a plain bun, adorned with only a single jade hairpin. Her attire could not have been simpler, yet its simplicity highlighted her features—her brows and eyes clear, her bearing elegant and otherworldly, a quiet beauty like an orchid painting hidden in a secluded valley—tranquil, unassuming, and effortlessly lovely.

Standing beside Jiang Youyao, Jiang Li was not outshone in the least. In fact, Jiang Youyao’s conspicuous brightness served only to emphasize Jiang Li’s more subtle beauty.

Jiang Youyao’s face showed her displeasure.

Jiang Yuanbai cleared his throat and asked Jiang Li, “Are you ready?”

Jiang Li replied with a gentle smile, “Yes.”

Today’s examination required the entire Jiang family’s attendance, including the Dowager Madam. No sooner had this been mentioned than Jiang Yuer’s voice rang out; she and Jiang Yuyan approached from behind, smiling. “Second Sister and Third Sister look so beautiful today.”

Both Jiang Yuer and Jiang Yuyan were finely dressed, though their family’s status could not compare to Jiang Li and Jiang Youyao’s. Still, they had put effort into their appearance. Jiang Yuer seemed excited and cosied up to Jiang Youyao as usual, while Jiang Yuyan remained timid and quiet, standing aside with her head bowed.

“Since everyone is ready, let’s be off,” said the Dowager Madam, supported by Pearl and Jade.

The group boarded the carriages and set out for the examination grounds.

After about the time it takes for three sticks of incense to burn, they arrived.

The Mingyi Hall’s examination field was formerly a martial arts ground from the previous dynasty, where military scholars were once selected. After the founding emperor of the current dynasty moved the capital, the field lay unused for years. It was during the reign of Emperor Hongxiao that the martial grounds were converted into a testing site for the Mingyi Hall’s three entrance examinations.

The square was already packed with people. The best seats were reserved for the families of noble candidates, and among them were influential officials and even members of the royal family, all seeking suitable brides for their sons, just as Jiang Jingrui had mentioned.

By the time Jiang Li arrived, many were already present. Liu Xue, who was with Madam Liu, spotted Jiang Li and quickly came over to greet her. Jiang Li took her hand and greeted Madam Liu together. Madam Liu was delighted. “I heard Second Miss Jiang topped the previous examination. I haven’t had the chance to congratulate you yet. I hope you’ll achieve top marks again today.”

Jiang Li smiled and nodded. “Thank you, Madam.”

Liu Xue leaned in and whispered, “Look, Meng Hongjin.”

Jiang Li followed Liu Xue’s gaze and saw Meng Hongjin some distance away, staring at her. In the past, Meng Hongjin would certainly have come over to hurl some harsh words, but today she kept her distance, only watching with venom in her eyes. Clearly, Jiang Li’s success in the last exam had subdued her, at least for now.

“How is your zither playing?” Liu Xue murmured. “Today’s music examiners include Xiao Deyin, the Fairy of Astonishing Grace, Shi Yan, Mian Ju, and even the Duke of Su.”

“The Duke of Su?” Jiang Li was astonished. Xiao Deyin and the Fairy of Astonishing Grace were expected, Shi Yan and Mian Ju were no surprise, but why would Ji Heng, the Duke of Su, be present? He was known to love opera, but music and opera were worlds apart—what business did he have here?

Jiang Li was puzzled.

“Who knows. The examiners are all appointed by His Majesty himself,” Liu Xue said, shaking her head. “I’ve never heard you play. How skilled are you, truly?”

Her tone was filled with concern for Jiang Li.

Jiang Li smiled. “Not too bad.”

Liu Xue let out a sigh of relief. “No matter what, as long as you pass, that’s enough. There’s no need to be top in everything.” She was trying to comfort Jiang Li.

Jiang Li replied, “We’ll see when the time comes.” As she glanced around, her gaze suddenly settled on one spot.

Among the seats reserved for the nobility, in a small pavilion not far away, a young woman dressed in a golden gauze gown was leisurely plucking purple grapes from a crystal jar. The grapes were clear and dewy, like violet jewels in the glass, making her slender, fair fingers appear even more delicate and dazzling.

The young woman’s bearing was proud, her head slightly raised, her eyes bright and alluring, with a touch of coquettish charm.

Liu Xue noticed Jiang Li’s unwavering stare and followed her gaze. “Princess Yongning? I didn’t expect her to attend today.”

Jiang Li gazed at Princess Yongning, the very culprit who, in her previous life, had brought her family to ruin. Her chest rose and fell violently, but her face remained serene, with a faint smile and eyes as cold as ice.

Since Princess Yongning was here, it stood to reason Shen Yuyong would also be present.

All her enemies were gathered. How perfect.