Chapter 73: The Love of Beauty

If this performance of "Eighteen Songs of the Nomad Flute" were likened to a grand drama, then whether moved to anger or fear by the performer, or swept by the grief and joy woven into the melody, the audience found their emotions tightly led along. So thoroughly had all been drawn into the moment that to suddenly spot someone entirely lucid would be enough to startle them.

Jiang Li fixed her gaze on those beautiful phoenix eyes, unable for a moment to fathom the emotion lurking within them, feeling a chill in her heart, as if she had narrowly escaped being seen through.

The capricious beauty, Duke Su, was watching her, perhaps still attempting to uncover her secrets.

Jiang Li lowered her eyes, concealing a thousand feelings within, and gracefully bowed to the audience—her piece was finished.

The crowd stared at her, dumbfounded.

For a brief moment, all ridicule, mockery, disdain, and even outright abuse ceased abruptly. If previously, Jiang Li's top placement in the earlier three examinations had failed to convince, as they had not been conducted before all, now her doubters were left with nothing to say.

The girl playing the qin upon that stage was truly the second daughter of the Jiang family.

Among the examiners, the cheerful elder, Mian Ju, was the first to speak, calling out, "Little girl, who taught you to play the qin?"

To address the Prime Minister's daughter as "little girl" was somewhat abrupt. Yet, as the emperor’s favored court musician, even Jiang Yuanbai would show him respect, so none dared object.

Mian Ju's question snapped everyone back to their senses. Indeed, all had witnessed Jiang Li's remarkable skill—her fingerwork was so practiced, she could not possibly be a novice. Judging by her composure, she must have studied for years. Yet, there were no qin masters in a temple or nunnery. Could it be that a hidden master from outside the mundane world had taught her?

Jiang Li saw the excited glimmer in Mian Ju's eyes and knew what he was thinking, so she simply went along, saying, "My master has long since traveled afar..."

Ah, so she indeed had a master of great skill!

Mian Ju could barely restrain himself, nearly rushing forward as he eagerly pressed her, "What is your master's name? Where does he live? Where has he gone? How might one find him?"

Jiang Li gave him a troubled look and replied vaguely, "I do not know..."

At this, Mian Ju was first anxious, then sighed deeply as if realizing something. "Never mind, never mind. Such great talents rarely wish to reveal their whereabouts, living like the wind, free of worldly burdens. You are indeed fortunate, little girl, to have gained such guidance at a young age—this will benefit you all your life. Why did I never have such luck? Alas!"

Jiang Li found his sighs both amusing and exasperating, but his words did dispel the doubts of others.

The surrounding audience began to discuss:

"So Miss Jiang really did have a master’s guidance—no wonder she plays so well! I think she even surpasses the third Miss Jiang."

"Indeed! Didn’t Master Mian Ju just say so? To be called a master by him is no small feat. With such a teacher, how could others compare?"

"Second Miss Jiang is truly fortunate. Perhaps she will become a renowned musician in the future. Look at Master Mian Ju—he clearly cherishes her talent."

"Pah, why would a well-born lady become a musician? There's nothing wrong with Miss Jiang."

The conversations around her had, in an instant, reversed from what they were before. Ye Shijie was startled by the sudden change, but once he understood, he could not help but laugh.

At first, he had worried for Jiang Li, yet he secretly believed she might have her own solution. That once proud and dismissive daughter of a merchant had grown into someone entirely different—cleverer, sharper than before.

Jiang Yuanbai listened to his colleagues’ praise of Jiang Li, his feelings a complicated tangle. On the one hand, any father would rejoice to see his daughter admired. On the other, looking at Jiang Youyao's aggrieved face, his heart ached.

After all, his youngest daughter, cherished since birth, had always been most skilled at the qin. Now, bested by Jiang Li, she was sure to feel crushed.

In truth, Jiang Youyao's jealousy far outweighed her sadness, her hatred greater than her disappointment. As soon as Jiang Li began playing "Eighteen Songs of the Nomad Flute," Jiang Youyao knew the tide of the day had turned because of her. She looked to Ji Shuran, who was also grave-faced, and felt a growing sense of panic.

After panic came a deep sense of shame.

To be surpassed by Jiang Li, by a girl discarded to a nunnery with nothing left—this was harder to bear than death itself. Especially with the crowd's praise for Jiang Li’s playing, it was as though she had been slapped across the face.

If Jiang Li's skill was to be praised, then what did that make her?

As Jiang Youyao struggled to maintain her composure, Ji Shuran gently patted her hand and whispered, "Do not worry, it’s not over yet. You may not lose."

Ji Shuran’s words slowly calmed her, though unwilling, she managed to keep her poise.

Jiang Yuezhuo observed the shifting emotions on Jiang Youyao’s face. Though she wondered what Ji Shuran had said, she was even more puzzled by Jiang Li’s sudden prowess in music.

She had thought that Jiang Li, after returning home, would be even less than herself—a pitiful wretch. Yet, time and again, Jiang Li proved she could stand above her.

Jiang Yuezhuo glared at Jiang Li, unsure whether her resentment stemmed from her own illegitimate birth, or simply because she could not surpass Jiang Li.

At that moment, Meng Hongjin was also deeply unsettled. Whenever Jiang Li was praised, people would glance at her with pity, reminding her of the wager she had made. Seeing Meng Youde’s ashen face, she was overcome with dread. If Jiang Li triumphed in every exam, she would have to remove her outer garments before the Imperial Academy’s gate and kneel to apologize—she would become a laughingstock, and her family would be disgraced. Her father would never forgive her.

A shiver ran down Meng Hongjin’s spine, as though she could already see that dreadful outcome.

No, she assured herself, Jiang Youyao played well too. Jiang Li might not win the top spot. It couldn’t be...

Jiang Li stepped down from the stage, not returning to her family’s side, but instead joining Liu Xu, who had been beckoning her over.

Liu Xu pulled her down, overjoyed, her emotions more vivid than Jiang Li had ever seen. "Jiang Li, your 'Eighteen Songs of the Nomad Flute' was incredible! No wonder you said you’d play something no one else had chosen. I’ve never seen that piece performed at an exam before, and you played far better than Jiang Youyao. Even someone like me, with mediocre skill, could sense the atmosphere in your music. If we’re judging by 'the heart of the qin,' this round is yours!"

She spoke with the confidence of an examiner herself.

Jiang Li smiled faintly. "That may not be so." She glanced back at the stage.

On the examination platform, Mian Ju addressed Shi Yan: "Xiao Yanyan, what did you think of the Jiang girl’s playing?"

Shi Yan, ever the aloof music official, was unmoved by the nickname. "It was acceptable," he replied.

The world knew that Shi Yan was notoriously critical; most received only "unbearable" or "dreadful" from him. For him to say "acceptable" was to offer high praise.

Mian Ju, well aware of Shi Yan's temperament, clapped happily. "See? Xiao Yanyan and I think alike. We masters share the same view!"

He turned to Lady Jinghong and Xiao Deyin. "What do you think?"

Lady Jinghong hesitated.

She had accepted silver from Ji Shuran—something never before seen at Mingyi Hall. In truth, she had only done so as there seemed no one who could rival Jiang Youyao’s musical prowess. Even without her intervention, Jiang Youyao could have won on her own merit; the silver was supposedly a reward for instruction, though rather generous. Lady Jinghong accepted, thinking it a mere formality—after all, Jiang Youyao was half her disciple, and she was inclined to favor her regardless.

What she hadn’t expected was for Jiang Li to appear. To be fair, Jiang Li’s musicianship surpassed Jiang Youyao’s, especially her rare ability to grasp the "heart of the qin" at only fifteen.

Lady Jinghong loved talent, but she was also pragmatic, having spent years in the pleasure quarters as a courtesan, even if an untainted one. Jiang Li was excellent, but she had accepted Ji Shuran’s silver. Of Jiang Yuanbai’s two legitimate daughters, Jiang Li had been sent away at seven; Jiang Youyao had been raised by his side, more favored, with Ji Shuran and her powerful family behind her. Jiang Li had nothing.

"Jiang Li is very good—on par with Youyao," Lady Jinghong finally said after some deliberation.

To this, Mian Ju laughed outright. "Lady Jinghong, are you not just favoring your own disciple? In my view, Jiang Li’s skill far exceeds Jiang Youyao’s. Not to mention that 'Eighteen Songs of the Nomad Flute' is much harder than 'Wild Geese Descending on the Sandbank,' both in technique and in the depth of feeling required. Jiang Li understands the spirit of the piece; Jiang Youyao is still an outsider. Lady, are you growing more worldly with age? In a few years, you may even lose your own 'qin heart'!"

His words were harsh, giving Lady Jinghong no face at all. She, who had always been flattered by scholars and poets since her days at Wangxian Tower, had never been so bluntly rebuked, and her face flushed red with shame and anger.

"Enough of that. Master Xiao, your thoughts?" Mian Ju asked Xiao Deyin.

After a moment's hesitation, Xiao Deyin unexpectedly said, "I too find Jiang Li and Jiang Youyao evenly matched."

This was to deny that Jiang Li was superior.

Mian Ju snorted, his gaze at Xiao Deyin turning cold. "Master Xiao, have you perhaps also taken Jiang Youyao as your disciple? Are you really going to twist the truth like this?"

Xiao Deyin replied, "Not so. Jiang Li played very well, but 'Eighteen Songs of the Nomad Flute' is too mournful, not as open in mood as 'Wild Geese Descending on the Sandbank.' Technique-wise, both are equally demanding, but the former is harder in terms of conveying its sorrow. As for me, I do not enjoy such mournful music; the heart of the qin is like a person’s heart, and I prefer a free and expansive spirit."

"Nonsense," Mian Ju retorted, laughing in disbelief. "So now the heart of the qin is ranked high and low? Forgive my bluntness, but, Master Xiao, your so-called 'qin heart' is hardly worthy of your title as the capital’s foremost female musician. Not to mention Lady Jinghong, even the late Lady Xue Fangfei was your superior, and in a few years, I daresay this Jiang girl will surpass you too!"

His words were unreserved, and Xiao Deyin’s face turned livid.

"Master Mian Ju, mind your words! To compare me with Xue Fangfei, whose private conduct was disgraceful—"

"As if your own character is so exemplary," Mian Ju replied with biting sarcasm.

"You—!"

The examination was not yet over, and already two judges were about to quarrel on stage. Though Mian Ju seemed easy-going, he was stubborn to the core. Lady Jinghong hurried to smooth things over, saying with a laugh, "Let’s not quarrel. There are still other students to assess. If any prove to be even more skilled, we will have our answer."

Mian Ju snorted, but let the matter drop. Yet all knew in their hearts that none of the remaining students could possibly outshine Jiang Li or Jiang Youyao.

A struggle would be inevitable in the end.

Jiang Li noticed the dispute between Mian Ju and Xiao Deyin. Though she couldn’t hear their words, she could guess it was about her and Jiang Youyao’s playing. Mian Ju, she thought, probably favored her, being a former folk musician. Her prelude—a rustic tune—would have suited his tastes.

As for Xiao Deyin, Jiang Li would once have trusted her support, but now she was not so sure.

Zhou Yanbang stared intently at Jiang Li beside Liu Xu. Her performance had stunned the crowd once more, strengthening his resolve to break off his engagement to Jiang Youyao and choose Jiang Li instead. Jiang Li was his rightful fiancée; had fate not intervened, they might already be wed. A woman like her should have always been his!

Now that Jiang Li had proven herself, surely his parents would not oppose so fiercely. Though she bore the stigma of poisoning her stepmother, the Marquis of Ningyuan was fond of him and would likely yield. He did feel guilty towards Jiang Youyao, but could always make it up to her in other ways.

While Zhou Yanbang pondered this, not far away, Shen Yuyong also seemed lost in thought.

As Jiang Li played on stage, she reminded him inexplicably of his late wife. Xue Fangfei had also been a remarkable musician. Back in Xiangyang, she would often play the qin at home, while he lingered by the wall, listening to her laughter and music.

Later, when she came to the capital, she no longer played. He became a top scholar, busy with official duties, and her music faded from memory—until today, when Jiang Li’s performance brought his wife vividly back.

Though Xue Fangfei would never have chosen such a mournful tune, though she and Jiang Li were wholly different, the memory haunted him.

His strangeness did not escape Princess Yongning, seated beside Prince Cheng. Her smile remained, but a flash of venom crossed her eyes. Seeing Shen Yuyong lost in memories, she knew he was thinking of Xue Fangfei.

The thought that he still pined for Xue Fangfei drove Princess Yongning mad with jealousy, making her hate Jiang Li by association. Why did Jiang Li have to resemble that wretched woman?

Jiang Li, of course, was unaware of the thoughts swirling around her. She only wondered whether Duke Su had noticed anything. His gaze unsettled her; could there be a deeper meaning? Yet aside from that one encounter at Mount Qingcheng, they had no connection. Even if he remembered her, it was but a passing meeting.

It should be...nothing.

Jiang Li resolved that if Duke Su tried to expose her affair at Mount Qingcheng, she would deny everything—there was no evidence anyway.

With that decided, she paid little attention to the remaining students. One by one, they performed: Liu Xu, Jiang Yuyan, Jiang Yuezhuo, until the last girl finished. The music exam was over; it was already afternoon.

With Jiang Youyao and, more so, Jiang Li as shining precedents, the rest sounded dull—practiced fingerwork at best, if even that. The difference was stark, obvious even to laymen.

Results for the music exam were to be posted immediately. Now, everyone’s focus narrowed to Jiang Li and Jiang Youyao.

Jiang Youyao stood below the stage, clutching Ji Shuran’s hand, unable to hide her anxiety. If she lost to Jiang Li in her best field... she could not bear to imagine how Zhou Yanbang would see her then.

Madam Lu of the second branch, seeing Jiang Youyao’s shaken confidence, smiled at Ji Shuran, "Big sister, you’ve raised two brilliant daughters. Whether Youyao or Li wins, it’s your family’s glory. Truly, they are worthy children of their father."

Ji Shuran, already uneasy, felt a surge of anger at Lu’s words but maintained her composure. "Naturally. In fact, I think Li played even better," she said, even praising Jiang Li.

Jiang Yuezhuo sneered inwardly—surely her aunt loathed Jiang Li by now. Yet she would rather see Youyao triumph over Jiang Li; how could someone with nothing compete with someone who had everything? She ought to bow her head and beg, just as she did.

The five examiners conferred.

Most of the students had no objections, but there was a deadlock between Jiang Li and Jiang Youyao.

Lady Jinghong and Xiao Deyin favored Jiang Youyao for first place; Mian Ju and Shi Yan supported Jiang Li. Neither side would yield.

"Anyone with eyes can see Jiang Li should be first! What is wrong with you?" Mian Ju exclaimed in anguish. "Can’t you hear it?"

"Master Mian Ju," said Xiao Deyin, "everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Just as we cannot sway you, you cannot sway us."

Lady Jinghong was faintly surprised.

She herself had been compelled by Ji Shuran’s silver, and her own tutelage of Jiang Youyao, to support her. Yet by any musician's standards, Jiang Li’s skill was superior. Xiao Deyin could not possibly have missed that.

Why, then, was Xiao Deyin so insistent? Could she too have accepted Ji Shuran’s silver? That was unlikely: Xiao Deyin, a teacher at Mingyi Hall, lived comfortably and had even turned down a position as a court musician—surely not one to covet wealth.

Lady Jinghong couldn’t understand it.

But Xiao Deyin was uncharacteristically stubborn.

Mian Ju was not about to give in; Shi Yan said little but was immovable. After a moment, Lady Jinghong suggested, "Perhaps we could award two first prizes?"

This had happened before, in cases where two contestants were truly equal.

Mian Ju scoffed, "But Jiang Li is clearly better!"

He would have none of it.

Neither side would relent, and the atmosphere grew tense.

The judges’ delay in posting results soon drew the crowd’s attention.

"What’s going on? Why haven’t they announced the results?"

"I saw Master Mian Ju point at the second and third Miss Jiang—perhaps they can’t decide?"

"That’s true. Both are evenly matched, though I prefer the third Miss Jiang—she’s so beautiful! She’s always won first in music before."

"I prefer the second Miss—she played 'Eighteen Songs of the Nomad Flute,' never before played here."

Jiang Youyao, seeing the delay, felt a faint hope return. Even a tie would be less humiliating than losing outright to Jiang Li.

"We can’t stay here until dark, can we?" Mian Ju grumbled. "We need a decision."

"But what else can we do?" Lady Jinghong forced a bitter smile. She and Xiao Deyin would not yield, nor would Mian Ju and Shi Yan.

They were at an impasse.

Just then, a lazy, languid voice interjected: "What’s this, still not finished?"

Everyone turned to see Duke Su, Ji Heng, awake at last. He twirled a folding fan, smiling at the judges.

Even Lady Jinghong, a married woman, was momentarily distracted by his smile before regaining her composure, apologizing, "There’s been a disagreement..."

But Mian Ju’s eyes lit up. "Your Grace, you’re just in time! Shi Yan and I think Jiang Li should be first; Lady Jinghong and Master Xiao say Jiang Youyao. Neither side can convince the other. Since you are awake, and a judge, why not decide which side you stand on?"

Lady Jinghong almost laughed in exasperation.

Of all people, Mian Ju had to choose Duke Su—no one knew why he was a judge for this event. He had napped through most of it, only waking occasionally before dozing off again. He hadn’t commented even once; he seemed to be here just for amusement. The others had tacitly ignored him, settling the other results themselves. How could a non-musician judge a music contest?

Still, Mian Ju watched him expectantly.

Ji Heng glanced at the red paper before him, pausing over the names "Jiang Li" and "Jiang Youyao," and murmured, "Jiang Li..."

"See? His Grace has spoken! He’s chosen Jiang Li!" Mian Ju was delighted.

"Patience, Master Mian Ju," Xiao Deyin said coolly. "His Grace hasn’t finished."

Xiao Deyin reasoned that the Duke, uninterested in music, cared only for beauty—and both young ladies were lovely. But Jiang Li, too, was not lacking in looks.

She glanced at Jiang Li.

Jiang Li, conferring quietly with Liu Xu, looked ethereal in her pale green dress, the picture of youthful beauty.

Jiang Youyao was indeed dazzling, but Jiang Li was no less so.

Just then, the handsome youth in red smiled, snapped his fan open, and with a casual gesture, pointed to a name on the board. "Her, then," he said indifferently.

Everyone craned to see where he pointed.

The slender gold-edged fan, light as cicada wings, indicated a single name.

Jiang Li!

Ji Heng had chosen Jiang Li.

Lady Jinghong felt an unexpected sense of relief. She had helped Jiang Youyao, but the Duke's choice was out of her hands. And Jiang Li was truly deserving.

Xiao Deyin, however, protested, "Your Grace, this is no trifling matter..." but her words died in her throat as Ji Heng cast her a cool, mocking glance, as if seeing straight through her heart.

Mian Ju seized the moment, boldly writing Jiang Li’s name at the top of the red list.

It was decided.

Xiao Deyin could only watch as Jiang Li’s name stood alone at the head of the list, beyond reversal. Ji Heng gave a soft laugh, rose, and, as if unwilling to linger, prepared to take his leave.

Yet before going, his gaze flickered almost imperceptibly toward Jiang Li.

Jiang Li, still pondering his intentions, was caught off guard by this parting glance. She thought he truly lived up to the word "capricious"—who could tell what he was thinking?

Was he really leaving?

While she was still lost in thought, the red-scarved boy began to read out the results. Liu Xu had scored in the middle range, Jiang Yuyan and Jiang Yuezhuo lower, Meng Hongjin sixth. As the top names approached, Jiang Youyao grew increasingly anxious.

Would she win?

The boy called her name, "Jiang Youyao, second class—"

Jiang Youyao felt her mind go blank, her knees buckling, barely kept upright by Ji Shuran. Once steady, she trembled, awaiting the final name, silently begging that it not be so.

But fate would not be kind.

"First class, Jiang Li!"

Those two crisp words shattered Jiang Youyao’s last hope, like a sword through her heart. Meng Hongjin felt the blow as well.

She shook her head, pinching herself to see if it was a dream, but the pain confirmed it was real.

With her earlier victories, Jiang Li had now secured four first-place finishes. If this kept up, Meng Hongjin would lose her wager and become a laughingstock in the capital.

That thought crowded out all others.

Ye Shijie, watching from afar, breathed a sigh of relief. Jiang Li’s victory seemed both incredible and fitting, and he himself smiled without realizing it.

She had won, after all.

Amid Liu Xu’s repeated congratulations, Jiang Li’s own smile was calm, not particularly excited. In truth, using her knowledge to compete here was hardly fair to the other students. Still, as the crowd roared her name, she felt a small surge of joy.

This victory had brought her a measure of fame, and would make the road ahead smoother.

She turned to look for Ji Heng, but saw only the red figure disappearing into the sunset.

Never mind, she thought. Perhaps she was overthinking—what connection could Duke Su have with her? He had merely glanced at her out of curiosity, as he might a new opera performer.

With this thought, Jiang Li was at ease.

Liu Xu was more excited than if she herself had won. "Jiang Li, you’re first! Did you hear?"

"I heard," Jiang Li replied with a smile.

"You don’t seem the least bit excited," Liu Xu pressed. "Aren’t you happy?"

"Why wouldn’t I be?" Jiang Li answered. "But I’m worried about the next two exams—horsemanship and archery."

"Right," Liu Xu remembered. "Aside from the daughters of military families, few girls here are strong in those. Do you...know how?"

If it had been before, Liu Xu would have assumed Jiang Li didn’t. But now, after so many surprises, she was no longer sure—was there anything Jiang Li couldn’t do? Arithmetic, art authentication, unheard-of qin pieces...

Jiang Li replied vaguely, "A little."

Even that startled Liu Xu, almost making her exclaim, "So you really can!"

"It’s nothing," Jiang Li laughed. "Just luck, perhaps. Who knows if I’ll be as lucky in the next two."

They chatted as they returned to the Jiang family’s spot.

Jiang Yuanbai, seeing his younger daughter’s dejected face, felt torn, but then saw his elder daughter approach, her expression complex. Jiang Li, raised in a nunnery for eight years, had managed to surpass Jiang Youyao—proof, it seemed, of greater natural talent. Yet the years wasted stung his conscience. He regretted his neglect, but could not forget the harm Jiang Li had once done to Ji Shuran. The hurt could never fully heal.

Jiang Li ignored his conflicted gaze, instead greeting Madam Lu’s effusive praise. "Jiang Li, you’ve only been at Mingyi Hall a few days and already claimed another victory. In all these years, you’re the most outstanding student ever—what others couldn’t do, you’ve done in an instant."

Her compliment subtly disparaged Jiang Youyao, implying she had failed where Jiang Li had succeeded.

Jiang Youyao seethed inwardly, her face more pitiful than ever.

Jiang Yuanbai, coughing dryly, tried to console his younger daughter. "Youyao did well, too."

Ji Shuran added, "Youyao is still young—not as skilled as Li. But Li really amazed us all today," she smiled at Jiang Li. "Youyao must learn from her in the future."

Such magnanimity astonished Jiang Li. But she thought Ji Shuran was nothing if not adaptable. As for teaching Youyao herself—not likely. Nor did she think Youyao would accept it.

Outwardly, she replied, "It’s all thanks to Mother’s guidance."

Jiang Yuezhuo, watching, sneered inwardly—who could tell what secrets lay behind these polite words? She began to be wary of Jiang Li.

"Tomorrow are the horsemanship and archery exams," the Old Madam asked. "Can you do them, Li?"

These two were combined this year into mounted archery, requiring girls to shoot while riding—a practice adopted from the military after recent invasions by the eastern nomads.

"A little," Jiang Li replied.

Jiang Youyao and Jiang Yuezhuo both started at this. How could she know that too?

Did the nunnery on Mount Qingcheng really have a Mingyi Hall of its own, teaching even mounted archery?

Jiang Yuanbai was also surprised. "Where did you learn?"

"Pilgrims once donated horses to the temple. Out of curiosity, I used to sneak rides when feeding them. The horses were tame, not hard to manage. As for archery, Tong’er and I made bows from branches and shot birds in the woods for food."

Tong’er wondered when this had happened, but nodded in support, keeping a straight face.

To the Old Madam and Jiang Yuanbai, these words were bittersweet—feeding horses, hunting birds, struggling to fill her belly. Who would think the Prime Minister’s daughter had lived so hard all these years?

Jiang Yuanbai, soft-hearted, immediately regretted his past choices.

Ji Shuran, however, seethed inwardly. Jiang Li dared to play the victim in front of her, and at such a young age, showed such cunning. If she didn’t act soon, who knew what trouble Jiang Li would bring?

Jiang Li must go, she decided. Ordinary means would not suffice.

Just as she was thinking this, she caught something out of the corner of her eye and paused.

Not far away, Meng Hongjin stood among the crowd, staring at Jiang Li. Though fleeting and faint, the malice and calculation in her gaze did not escape Ji Shuran.

First puzzled, Ji Shuran then understood, and was instantly relieved. She smiled at Jiang Li, her earlier gloom vanishing, and even echoed Jiang Yuanbai’s sentiment: "Li has suffered much these past years, but now that she’s home, those days are over. Things will only get better from now on."

Jiang Yuanbai was gratified by her kindness, but Jiang Li, hearing this, grew wary.

Something had changed—Ji Shuran suddenly seemed at ease.

But what had changed?