Chapter Seventy-Nine: Ostentation

For the ladies of the Jiang family, the noblewomen and young misses present in the palace hall were hardly strangers. As the foremost household of officials in the capital, any lady hosting a banquet would surely extend an invitation to the Lady Jiang. Besides Yang, both Ji Shuran and Lu often mingled with these women. The second branch had no daughters, and in the eight years since Jiang Li’s departure, the main branch had only Jiang Youyao, so many had forgotten there was once another, Jiang Li. They were much more familiar with Jiang Youyao, seldom seeing Jiang Li.

Yet what lingered most in their memory were Jiang Li’s two remarkable performances: one in music, the other in horsemanship. Her brilliance stunned everyone; she was the very definition of “silent until extraordinary,” as outsiders described her. But those who had not witnessed her talents remained skeptical, dismissing the tales as mere rumor. Thus, this palace banquet became an opportunity to confirm the truth behind the stories.

Everyone’s attention was fixed on Ji Shuran’s retinue. Behind the matriarch, Ji Shuran and Lu walked ahead, Yang followed, and among the girls, Jiang Youyao led the way.

Jiang Youyao, sweet-faced and delicate, wore her privileged upbringing like a cloak—an heiress shielded from worldly hardships. Ji Shuran had carefully cultivated her image, ensuring she appeared poised and composed. For men seeking wives, beauty and intelligence mattered, but in grand households, temperament and ability to maintain harmony in the inner chambers were equally vital.

Especially since Zhou Yanbang had recently attempted to break off his engagement, which left Ji Shuran furious. Had it not been for Lady Marquis Ningyuan’s personal apology and Jiang Youyao’s genuine affection for Zhou Yanbang, Ji Shuran would not have let the Zhou family escape so easily.

The more outstanding Jiang Youyao appeared, the more it proved she was not marrying above her station, but rather was more than worthy of Zhou Yanbang.

Like a blossoming bud, Jiang Youyao entered gracefully, her beauty enhancing the splendor of the Jade Bright Hall. Some less striking young ladies felt a pang of self-doubt as they gazed at her.

Raised in an enviable official family, blessed with unmatched beauty, cherished by her kin, innocent and lively, destined for a smooth marriage with a handsome, gentle husband of equal status—who could not envy her? Even among the noble maidens present, each house had its own troubles; not every daughter’s life was as radiant as it appeared, with hidden sorrows.

Jiang Youyao basked in their envy, her steps light with satisfaction.

Behind her walked Jiang Li.

By household rank, Jiang Li should have preceded Jiang Youyao, but no one informed Jiang Li, and Jiang Youyao took the lead unchallenged. Jiang Li was unconcerned; to her, the order mattered little.

Thus, everyone watched as the flower-like Jiang Youyao was followed by a girl as gentle as water.

Compared to Jiang Youyao’s elaborate attire, Jiang Li seemed almost plain, so plain that her refined features stood out like bold strokes in a landscape painting—imbued with endless charm.

Miss Jiang’s steps were unhurried and composed, more gentle and steady than Jiang Youyao’s lively pace. If Jiang Youyao was the exuberant heiress of the capital, this girl resembled a graceful fairy from the mountains—one suited to the tranquility of solitude.

Some keen-eyed observers noticed Jiang Li’s slender wrist bore no jade bracelet, only a string of black prayer beads. The beads, gentle and lustrous, made her wrist appear as pure as jade.

They recalled Jiang Li had spent eight years in a mountain temple. Though the temple was now known to be a place of hidden corruption, it seemed not to have sullied Jiang Li’s spiritual purity or Buddhist aura.

She was indeed “spiritually gifted.”

Jiang Li wore a smile, different from Jiang Youyao’s; hers was a sincere, peaceful smile, as if free from worry, soothing those who saw her.

Lady Marquis Ningyuan, speaking with Lady Ji Chen, furrowed her brow.

Ever since Zhou Yanbang hinted at breaking off his engagement to Jiang Youyao, Lady Marquis Ningyuan had been uneasy. Though she once shared a close friendship with Ye Zhenzhen, Ye had been gone for years. Jiang Li, as Ye’s daughter, naturally received less affection than Ji Shuran’s own child. Moreover, Jiang Li had caused Ji Shuran to miscarry, earning a notorious reputation, and Ye Zhenzhen’s hopes of marrying into the Jiang family faded.

No matter how prominent the Jiang family, who would dare accept such a ruthless, scandalous girl?

Ji Shuran, as if sensing her thoughts, approached her proactively. She lamented the lost engagement, and the prospect of losing the Marquis Ningyuan as in-laws. But, she reasoned, Jiang Li was not the only daughter in the Jiang family.

Lady Marquis Ningyuan was overjoyed; in her view, there was no better match in the capital than the Jiang family, and Jiang Youyao was vastly preferable to Jiang Li—being Jiang Yuanbai’s legitimate daughter, beautiful, talented, and well-mannered. Zhou Yanbang had no objection, so she assumed the matter was settled.

Yet, shortly after Jiang Li returned to the capital, Zhou Yanbang voiced a preposterous idea.

Lady Marquis Ningyuan was startled, and somehow Ji Shuran learned of Zhou Yanbang’s desire to break the engagement. Fearing her wrath, Lady Marquis Ningyuan had to apologize in person and involve Lady Ji Chen. After much persuasion, Zhou Yanbang stopped mentioning the matter, but Lady Marquis Ningyuan, knowing her son’s temperament, realized his resolve had not faded.

Both angry and anxious, Lady Marquis Ningyuan worried Zhou Yanbang might stir up further trouble, so she attended the palace banquet herself to see what Jiang Li was truly like. She had missed Jiang Li’s two public performances, so despite hearing much praise, she dismissed it.

Now, at last, she saw the girl who had bewitched her son.

Objectively, Jiang Li’s features resembled Jiang Yuanbai—delicate and clear—while her contours recalled Ye Zhenzhen, innocent and sincere. Yet her gaze and smile were neither as free-spirited as Jiang Yuanbai’s nor as lively as Ye Zhenzhen’s.

Her gentleness disarmed others, yet there was a sense that she understood everything.

Lady Marquis Ningyuan’s heart sank. It was no surprise that such a girl could captivate Zhou Yanbang.

But she could not let it happen. If Zhou Yanbang refused to let go, Jiang Li would become a barrier between him and Jiang Youyao, turning a failed marriage into a feud. If that meant enmity with the Jiang family, it would be better to abandon the match altogether.

Lady Marquis Ningyuan could only sigh.

The others were unaware of her inner turmoil and focused on the Jiang girls. Jiang Youyao was alluring, Jiang Li ethereal, while Jiang Yuge seemed vulgar by comparison and Jiang Yuyan unremarkable, failing to draw attention.

Thus, the two young ladies of the main Jiang branch, each with their own merits, were recognized as equals in beauty, a fact deeply impressed upon everyone.

Once the Jiang women arrived, their status quickly drew many to greet them. Ji Shuran sat with Lady Ji Chen, Lu with her own friends, and Yang, lacking companions, sat beside the matriarch with Jiang Yuge and Jiang Yuyan, somewhat neglected.

Jiang Li went to find Liu Xu.

She had only this one close friend. Liu Xu, long bored alone, was delighted to see her. After Jiang Li greeted Lady Liu, Liu Xu pulled her aside and asked, “I heard Zhou Yanbang and Jiang Youyao’s engagement is settled?”

Jiang Li was momentarily surprised at how quickly the news had spread, but she smiled and nodded.

“It’s nothing.” Liu Xu, searching for the right words, finally patted her hand, “There are countless men in the capital better than Zhou Yanbang. Whoever you choose will be ten thousand times finer. Honestly, marrying Zhou Yanbang would be a loss for you.”

Jiang Li nearly laughed, sensing a gaze upon her. She looked up, startled to find it was her former sister-in-law, Shen Ruyun.

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Shen Ruyun’s gaze was as sharp and critical as ever, making Jiang Li feel a moment of déjà vu. It was reminiscent of her first visit to the Shen family in the capital, when Shen Ruyun had sat in the room and looked at her as one would examine a possession. Jiang Li hadn’t understood then, but she did now—that look was assessing how much benefit she could bring to the Shen family.

In fact, Shen Ruyun and Xue Fangfei were not always at odds. Jiang Li remembered that before Shen Yuyong became a top scholar and official, Shen Ruyun—despite her faults—still played the role, affectionately calling her “sister-in-law.”

But once Shen Yuyong achieved high office, Shen Ruyun no longer bothered with her.

Noticing Jiang Li’s stare, Liu Xu asked, “Do you have some grievance with her? While you were gone, Shen Ruyun spread rumors that Jiang Youyao stole your engagement and is with Zhou Yanbang—clearly stirring trouble, using you as a pawn. Did you offend her somehow?”

“I haven’t offended her,” Jiang Li replied, knowing well that Shen Ruyun’s troublemaking was due to Zhou Yanbang. Others didn’t realize, but as her sister-in-law, Jiang Li knew Shen Ruyun had admired Zhou Yanbang for years. Now that she finally had the chance to marry him, Jiang Youyao had gotten ahead, so how could she not be resentful?

Perhaps she even blamed Jiang Li; if not for Jiang Li’s initial betrothal, Jiang Youyao wouldn’t have taken her place and secured Zhou Yanbang early.

Jiang Li wondered how Shen Ruyun would react if she knew her sister-in-law had blocked her own engagement. The idea amused her.

Her smile irritated Shen Ruyun even more. Shen Ruyun also found Jiang Li’s manner familiar, though she was certain it was their first meeting. The sense of familiarity made her uneasy; she snorted and turned away.

After some conversation, a palace maid announced the arrival of the Empress Dowager.

All the ladies rose to welcome her.

The Empress Dowager was not the birth mother of the reigning emperor, but a kind and devout woman, often worshipping Buddha and doing good deeds, rarely interfering in court affairs. Thus, the imperial harem was once contested by Noble Consort Xia and Lady Liu. Rumors spread that the empress, childless, would lose her position, but Noble Consort Xia’s health declined and she passed away early. The emperor was raised by the Empress Dowager, and the late emperor intended him as heir, prompting Lady Liu to restrain herself.

After the late emperor’s death, the empress became Empress Dowager, Lady Liu became Lady Liu Dowager, and her son and daughter are now Prince Cheng and Princess Yongning. Prince Cheng is older than the emperor, and the factions supporting him have always posed a threat; the emperor’s throne is far from secure.

This explains why Prince Cheng commands such respect in court.

The emperor lacks powerful maternal relatives, relying only on himself, with limited support. There is always the possibility the throne could be lost, given Prince Cheng’s advantages.

The Empress Dowager wore a deep purple brocade robe and a cloud-patterned crown. Though of advanced years, well-preserved, she stood beside the empress, scarcely appearing older, revealing traces of youthful charm. Her smile was gentle and kind.

Behind her was Lady Liu Dowager, Prince Cheng’s mother. Standing beside the Empress Dowager, Lady Liu appeared older, yet her bold attire and proud manner matched her daughter, Princess Yongning.

At the sight of Princess Yongning, Jiang Li felt a chill.

Dressed in a shimmering gold-threaded gown, Princess Yongning’s attire was a masterpiece of countless weavers. Her beauty surpassed Jiang Youyao’s youthful charm, possessing an alluring grace. She stood in the hall with the noble bearing of a favored princess, above all others.

Lady Liu Dowager was known for her pride, but the Empress Dowager ignored it; in the harem, Lady Liu’s word was law. The emperor’s influence was weak, let alone the empress, so Princess Yongning’s opinions went unchallenged.

The Empress Dowager smiled, telling everyone not to stand on ceremony, and invited them to sit. The palace banquet would soon begin.

Jiang Li watched Princess Yongning glance around, clearly searching for someone. She sneered inwardly—Princess Yongning was obviously looking for Shen Yuyong.

Her affection was real.

The women arrived early; the banquet was held in the Jade Bright Hall, which opened onto long flower pools and pavilions—after the feast, they could admire the moon and flowers, very elegant.

After a while, the men arrived. Though men and women sat separately, they shared the same hall. In Northern Yan, unlike the previous dynasty, women did not need to avoid men in public, though some shy girls turned their backs.

Jiang Yuanbai entered with his brother Jiang Yuanping; Jiang Yuanxing, less close to them, appeared awkward.

Jiang Li saw Ye Shijie, who had made a name for himself and was soon to enter officialdom. Many young nobles befriended him, and he seemed comfortable among them.

Jiang Li relaxed; if Miss Jiang had strong maternal relatives, her future would be assured.

Ye Shijie, proud and radiant, was followed by the runner-up in the Imperial Academy examination, Li Jing—the eldest son of the Prime Minister’s household, who would have claimed first place but for Ye Shijie.

Li Jing’s appearance was ordinary, less appealing than his brother Li Lian. Yet fortune was fair—Li Jing lacked looks but was brilliant; Li Lian was handsome but a wastrel.

Li Jing and Li Lian entered with their father, Prime Minister Li Zhongnan, and many daring young ladies eyed the brothers.

The Prime Minister’s power had grown, rivaling the Jiang family. Where once the Jiang family led the civil officials, now their position was threatened by the Prime Minister’s rise. The Li brothers were naturally highly sought after.

Jiang Li’s gaze lingered briefly on the Li brothers before moving away; she had no intention of associating with the Li family. She had already warned Ye Shijie, and he seemed to heed her advice, keeping his distance from Li Jing and Li Lian.

No matter what the Li family plotted, Ye Shijie’s caution kept him safer.

The Imperial Academy’s top scholar was Ye Shijie, second was Li Jing, and third was Zhou Yanbang, heir to the Marquis Ningyuan.

Jiang Li soon spotted Zhou Yanbang.

Not that she sought him out, but his gaze was so blatant—too intense. Were it not for the crowd, it would have been noticed. Jiang Li felt annoyed; Zhou Yanbang’s behavior was repulsive.

Others paid little mind to Zhou Yanbang; though a promising youth, he was already engaged. But Lady Marquis Ningyuan and Ji Shuran’s mother-daughter pair watched Zhou Yanbang closely.

Seeing Zhou Yanbang enter and immediately search for Jiang Li, they grew anxious.

Lady Marquis Ningyuan’s mind buzzed—this was bad. Zhou Yanbang was so obvious, risking embarrassment and upsetting Jiang Youyao and Ji Shuran.

Ji Shuran and her daughter, meanwhile, were furious—angry at Zhou Yanbang’s weak will, and even more so at Jiang Li, the supposed instigator. If Jiang Li hadn’t tempted him, how could Zhou Yanbang be so infatuated?

Jiang Li quickly changed seats to block Zhou Yanbang’s view. She wanted no entanglement with him; after her recent public performance, her reputation was only just recovering and she didn’t wish to see it ruined again.

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Zhou Yanbang, unable to see Jiang Li, was disappointed, but soon resumed his genteel manner, chatting with others.

Jiang Li navigated the crowd and finally saw Shen Yuyong.

Today, Shen Yuyong wore official robes; Jiang Li had never seen him like this. When they were married, he was warm, gentle, and tolerant. After Lady Shen’s birthday banquet, she saw him rarely, burdened by guilt, while he remained silent.

But now Shen Yuyong was completely different.

He wore the robes of a third-rank official, having risen from humble scholar to fame. The official attire seemed to add luster to him. He remained elegant, but his eyes had grown shrewd and mature.

Jiang Li watched him converse with colleagues, who flattered him, while he looked down from above. For a moment, she thought he resembled Princess Yongning.

Both believed themselves superior, both disregarded others.

Jiang Li shifted her gaze to Princess Yongning.

Princess Yongning was unabashed in her adoration for Shen Yuyong, almost following him wherever he went. Yet, it seemed the affection was one-sided; Shen Yuyong did not glance at her.

Jiang Li sneered inwardly—naturally, with so many eyes watching, he would conceal it. Princess Yongning had her status, but Shen Yuyong was cautious, never letting anyone catch him off guard, just as he had deceived her before.

Yet, Xue Fangfei was long dead, and Princess Yongning had schemed endlessly to clear the way for herself, yet still was not mistress of the Shen family. Jiang Li felt a flash of satisfaction, quickly extinguished. Truthfully, she was curious to see what would happen if Princess Yongning married into the Shen family—would it turn out as joyous as they hoped, or would resentment grow?

Next, Jiang Li spotted the Ji family, including Ji Shuran’s father Ji Yanlin and Liu Xu’s father Liu Yuanfeng. Prince Cheng arrived later and greeted the Empress Dowager.

The last to arrive was the emperor.

In both her lifetimes, this was Jiang Li’s second time seeing the emperor. At twenty-seven, he was young for a ruler. In his seven years on the throne, the Yan dynasty had remained stable, yet his position was precarious, less secure than it appeared.

Everyone in court knew Prince Cheng was his greatest threat. Seven years ago, the emperor ascended hastily after Prince Cheng’s defeat; in seven years, could he match Prince Cheng’s power?

No one knew.

Beside the emperor stood a young woman, exceptionally beautiful and frail, charming yet simply dressed. She wore a gentle smile. Liu Xu whispered to Jiang Li, “That’s Lady Li, Jiang Youyao’s aunt.”

Jiang Li realized this was Ji Yanlin’s eldest daughter, Ji Shuran’s sister, Lady Li.

She hadn’t seen Lady Li on her last palace visit, but had heard of her. Some said Lady Li, like Noble Consort Xia before her, was the emperor’s favorite. But unlike Noble Consort Xia, Lady Li had the powerful Ji family behind her.

Lady Li looked even younger than Ji Shuran, well-preserved, like a maiden. She was gentle and amiable, not commanding. Compared to the lofty Princess Yongning, she was much more approachable. Still, Jiang Li knew Lady Li could not have survived the harem and gained the emperor’s favor by being truly weak and unambitious.

Without ability, one would have been a victim long ago—how else could she stand beside the emperor, feigning humility as the victor? It was all an act.

Lady Li spoke to the emperor, who gestured, and she went to greet Lady Ji Chen and Ji Shuran.

Jiang Youyao naturally went to see her aunt; the noblewomen all looked on enviously. To have an aunt like Lady Li was more prestigious than having an empress for an aunt. Though the empress bore the crown prince, he was only five; if Lady Li had a prince, given the emperor’s affection, the succession could shift. After all, changing heirs was not unheard of.

No one knew what Ji Shuran and Lady Li discussed, but Lady Li smiled at Jiang Li. There was nothing overt in her expression, but Jiang Li felt inexplicably uneasy.

Liu Xu asked, “Aren’t you going to pay your respects?”

“They didn’t call me,” Jiang Li replied lightly. “No need.”

Liu Xu gaped, then seemed to understand, and was delighted, “That’s just like you.”

Jiang Li smiled. She was not like Jiang Yuge, who needed to ingratiate herself with Ji Shuran, nor like Jiang Youyao, who shared blood ties with Lady Li. She was Lady Li’s niece only in name; perhaps it was the first time Miss Jiang met Lady Li.

After all, Lady Li was Ji Shuran’s sister and would side with her. She was destined to be Jiang Li’s adversary; paying respects would change nothing.

Don’t do pointless things, especially those you dislike. Xue Huaiyuan had said this, and Jiang Li remembered.

As the emperor spoke with the Empress Dowager, a eunuch announced another arrival.

To come later than the emperor—this person was bold indeed. Even Prince Cheng followed protocol. Jiang Li looked up and saw a figure walking slowly along the palace corridor.

The young man wore a bright red brocade robe, the hem trailing, catching the light more dazzlingly than the jewels on the hall’s columns.

Such elaborate attire would overwhelm anyone less beautiful, making the clothes wear the person. Only a peerless beauty, flawless in all features and carrying extraordinary grace, could match it.

But on this young man, it was not merely a match—it enhanced him. Seeing him in such robes, one could only sigh: only he could do justice to such finery.

His attire shone brighter than jewels, and his beauty outshone his robes.

It was Duke Su, Ji Heng.

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Duke’s dazzling arrival once again!

End of page three.