Chapter 82: Courting Disaster

Inside the teahouse, the lamps glowed dimly, and all was quiet outside. Jiang Li and Ye Shijie sat facing each other; Jiang Li had already withdrawn her hand from the curved blade. Yet Ye Shijie's gaze lingered on the weapon lying atop the table, as if unable to believe its presence. Only after a moment did he look up at Jiang Li and ask, “You brought a knife into the palace?”

Jiang Li had no time to explain her reasons for carrying a blade into the palace and simply asked, “Why are you not drunk?”

The young man gave a soft snort. “In my Ye family, I've seen all kinds of people in business. Those who toasted and congratulated us today—some meant it, but others clearly sought to fish in troubled waters.” He continued, “I didn't drink much. I only pretended to be drunk, wanting to see what their real intentions were. Turns out, they did have further plans. When I was led to this room, I thought they meant to do something else, but I didn’t expect you would be here as well.” He finally frowned and asked, “What does all this mean?”

Jiang Li nearly burst out laughing in exasperation. Call him dense, and yet Ye Shijie clearly kept his wits about him; otherwise, how would he have noticed their ill intentions and even feigned drunkenness to play along? But call him clever, and here he was, unable to see through the current situation or guess at the enemy's schemes.

She replied calmly, “A man and a woman alone together—naturally, after drinking, anything can happen.”

Ye Shijie nearly fell off his stool. Regaining his composure, his face flushed as he pointed at Jiang Li, stammering, “You—how can you be so shameless?”

“Is that shameless?” Jiang Li answered coolly, “I’m merely telling you what others have planned.”

“Why would they do such a thing?” Ye Shijie, clearly uncomfortable but trying to compose himself, asked with a stern expression, “Just to ruin your reputation?” In his view, the Jiang family was already mired in scandal, and Jiang Li’s identity would certainly make her a thorn in many eyes. To him, such a scheme was clearly designed to destroy her reputation—a cruel fate for any young lady.

Jiang Li retorted coldly, “You speak as if I’m dragging you down with me. Have you thought? If you get caught up in this scandal with me, would you even be able to keep your new post as assistant minister? Would the Ye family ever set foot in officialdom again?”

Ye Shijie fell silent. Her words struck home, and a cold sweat broke out on his back. The dangers of officialdom—he’d heard of them before, but until now, had been blissfully unaware. He’d only just received his appointment and not even taken office before being stabbed in the back. He wondered whose path he had obstructed to warrant such a trap.

Then anger surged in him. “So they’re aiming to kill two birds with one stone!”

“Precisely,” Jiang Li replied. “Fortunately, you didn’t fall for it, and neither did I.”

Ye Shijie finally looked Jiang Li up and down, then asked, “Did they try to drug you as well?”

Jiang Li nodded. “They did. But I didn’t drink.” Seeing Ye Shijie breathe a sigh of relief, she curled her lips slightly. “I gave it to someone else to drink.”

“You—!” Ye Shijie was furious. “How could you harm another?”

“I gave it to someone who wanted it,” Jiang Li replied indifferently. “After they drink, they’ll soon understand what it means to reap what you sow.”

Tonight, Ye Shijie felt Jiang Li was somehow different. Normally, she was gentle and slow to speak, always with a smile. Tonight, however, she seemed spurred by something, sharp-edged and no longer bothered to hide it—instead, almost as if she were looking forward to what would come.

He swallowed and asked, “What would you have done if I really had drunk myself senseless tonight?” He’d sensed something was amiss and thus avoided disaster, but curiosity got the better of him—if he hadn’t realized, and had fallen into the trap, what would Jiang Li have done? Considering what they’d been drugged with, if he’d lost control… Ye Shijie’s face reddened. How would Jiang Li have handled the aftermath?

“No harm,” Jiang Li replied coolly. “If it came to that, I’d just stab you with my knife and leave. When we’re discovered, they’d only think an assassin had infiltrated the palace. You, being wounded, would naturally regain your senses, and play along with me. The little play of ‘a man and woman meeting in secret’ would turn into ‘the new official attacked in the teahouse’ instead.”

She spoke so dispassionately, her tone so even, that Ye Shijie couldn’t even muster an appropriate reaction. Annoyed, he retorted, “You would really stab me? Could you really do it?”

“There’s nothing I couldn’t do,” Jiang Li replied, standing up. “An injury is bad, but it’s better than a fate worse than death.”

Her voice was so cold that Ye Shijie shivered involuntarily. He understood—Jiang Li truly would do it. To protect herself, to avoid falling into her enemies’ trap, Jiang Li could think of anything, her reason unyielding and her heart unsoftened.

Seeing Jiang Li rise to leave, Ye Shijie asked instinctively, “Where are you going?”

“The people guarding outside should be gone by now. In a while, those who plan to ‘catch us in the act’ will arrive. I have to leave, so when they arrive, they’ll only see you—then they’ll believe their own eyes.”

“Where will you go?” Ye Shijie was quick to catch on and immediately retorted, “If you appear before them now, they’ll know their plan failed.”

“Of course, I won’t show myself now,” Jiang Li smiled. “I’m going to ensure another play unfolds safely.” With that, she pushed open the door and slipped out.

Ye Shijie stood frozen. It was too dark outside to see anything, but Jiang Li’s final words left him unsettled. He was sure she’d gone to do something—to let those who plotted against them suffer the consequences.

Though the Ye family was immensely wealthy and he’d seen much intrigue and rivalry in business, he shouldn’t have been shaken by such things.

Yet he couldn’t help but shake his head and mutter, “Such courage…”

…

Unlike the smooth progress between Jiang Li and Ye Shijie, Jiang Yuer was at a loss.

Upon arriving at Yuxiu Pavilion, Jiang Yuer slipped inside in the dark. The pavilion was small, and because the business at hand was so unseemly, she dared not light a lamp, fearful of attracting attention. She could only rely on the dim glow of distant lanterns outside to make out the rough shape of the room.

There was no sign of Zhou Yanbang within.

Jiang Yuer grew anxious; perhaps from her impatience, her body felt increasingly feverish. She struggled to keep herself hidden while waves of unfamiliar heat surged through her. She wanted nothing more than to shed her outer garments and fan herself to cool down.

Surely the palace wasn’t this warm at night. Yet, for some reason, she was burning up.

Just as Jiang Yuer was about to lose control, she noticed a shadow flit past the door. Her heart quickened, and as she rose from the little chair, the door swung open. A familiar figure slipped inside.

Jiang Yuer almost teared up.

Even in the unlit room, she recognized the silhouette of Zhou Yanbang, the heir to Marquis Ningyuan. She had to admit, she’d long since noticed Zhou Yanbang. With such a handsome brother-in-law, how could she not envy Jiang Youyao and Jiang Li? In her heart, even in her dreams, she’d secretly sketched Zhou Yanbang’s countenance countless times. But in the past, he was only a fantasy; now he stood before her, vividly real.

Seeing Zhou Yanbang step inside, visibly unsettled by the darkness, he took two steps forward, hesitated when Jiang Yuer stood, then exclaimed with delight, “Second Miss!”

Jiang Yuer was about to declare she wasn’t Jiang Li—she had the words on her tongue, but at the last moment, she stopped. Perhaps the fever in her blood was addling her mind, for a bold thought flashed through her heart—what if she kept her identity secret and let Zhou Yanbang draw close?

If things went as far as they might, with the deed done and nothing to be undone, no matter what means Lady Ji tried or what excuses the Zhou family sought, after Zhou Yanbang had taken her innocence, he would have no choice but to marry her!

Jiang Yuer was no stranger to such matters. She’d often heard of young ladies and gentlemen caught in illicit affairs; if the family was wealthy and didn’t want to see their child suffer, they’d simply join the two in marriage. There might be gossip for a while, but time would erase the scandal. And even if tongues wagged for a lifetime, what did it matter so long as she lived well? The bitterness of others was only envy.

Jiang Yuer’s mind raced.

Zhou Yanbang, seeing his beloved standing silent, assumed she was shy and stepped closer, excitement in his voice, “I thought you wouldn’t come, I never expected—” He took her hand. “You really do still care for me.”

Zhou Yanbang could not conceal his joy. Jiang Li had never shown him warmth; even the few times they met, she was distant and polite. No matter how earnestly he expressed his feelings, she treated him like a stranger. The harder she was to obtain, the more he wanted her. Zhou Yanbang became obsessed, even asking Lady Ningyuan to dissolve his engagement to Jiang Youyao so he could be with Jiang Li. Lady Ningyuan had refused outright, explaining the advantages and disadvantages of the marriage, and making it clear the Jiang family would never allow their daughter to be wronged.

Realizing his wish would never be granted, Zhou Yanbang grew despondent. He tried to banish the thought, but spotting Jiang Li at the palace banquet rekindled his longing.

Jiang Li was like a flower blooming high above, pure and unspoiled. He adored her, yet feared someone else would pluck her, and wanted nothing more than to seize her for himself—never thinking that, once picked, she might not survive.

He knew that meeting Jiang Li in secret at the palace was dangerous and scandalous, especially as she was Jiang Youyao’s elder sister; if discovered, she would be condemned. Yet he’d sent the note anyway.

He doubted she would come, but still hoped—after all, she’d once thrown herself into the lake over his engagement to Jiang Youyao; surely, that meant she had some feeling for him. Perhaps she still cherished the past.

Now, seeing her standing before him, he was overjoyed, even a little smug, as if he had already claimed her heart.

When Zhou Yanbang grasped her hand, Jiang Yuer froze, not daring to speak for fear he’d recognize her. But his warm grasp only made her palm burn hotter. The scent from his body enveloped her, her head spinning, her legs unsteady; she all but collapsed into his arms.

Noticing her feverish state, Zhou Yanbang asked in surprise, “Why are you so hot? Second Miss, you—”

A small moan slipped from Jiang Yuer’s throat as she swayed.

Zhou Yanbang instinctively caught her, his hands resting at her waist, feeling her soft warmth in his embrace. Her fragrance teased his senses, and his heart raced.

He’d always desired Jiang Li; tonight, after drinking heavily, he was no different from any other man, unable to restrain his baser instincts. In his mind, since fate had played its hand, Jiang Li was already his—there was no need for shame.

He pulled her into his arms and whispered tenderly, “Lier…”

Even such intimate endearments came naturally.

Jiang Yuer only felt a ticklish sensation where his hands had passed. At first, she meant to trap Zhou Yanbang, but now her mind was clouded—she only wanted to follow her instincts and press closer, to soothe the burning within. She leaned against him, sighing in relief.

Zhou Yanbang was first surprised, but seeing her unsteady state, he understood. Jiang Li must have drunk too much and was unaware of her actions. He was grateful that it was he who encountered her—if she’d fallen into another man’s hands tonight, who could say what might have happened?

Seeing her nuzzle into his arms, his own desire surged uncontrollably. He was no inexperienced youth; his family had seen to that early on. Without further hesitation, he pressed the “Jiang Li” in his arms onto the small couch behind the screen in the darkness.

The room filled with the creaking of the bed, mingled with other sounds that would make anyone blush.

…

Meanwhile, in the palace waterside pavilion, Lady Ji, Jiang Youyao, and their circle were still admiring the lotuses.

Lady Liu noticed Jiang Li’s absence and asked Liu Xu, “Where is Second Miss Jiang?”

Liu Xu replied, “She said she felt dizzy and went to rest in the teahouse.” She shook her head in confusion. “She hadn’t drunk much tonight—how could her tolerance be so low?”

Lady Liu frowned, feeling a vague unease, but with nothing else to do, she continued chatting amiably.

Lady Ji smiled as she listened to the other ladies praise Jiang Youyao when suddenly her attendant, Granny Sun, approached and whispered something in her ear. Lady Ji nodded, a gleam of joy in her eyes.

Lady Chen looked over and, seeing Lady Ji’s satisfied smile, nodded in agreement.

Madam Lu, observing all this and noting Jiang Li’s empty seat, began to understand. She deliberately edged closer to Lady Ji and asked, “Sister-in-law, why hasn’t Lier returned?”

“She said she was feeling very dizzy,” Lady Ji replied with a gentle smile. “Who knew her tolerance was so poor? Then again, after eight years at Mount Qingcheng, where nuns are forbidden to drink, she’s hardly tasted alcohol. No wonder a little fruit wine would do her in.”

She had once again alluded to Jiang Li’s exile for the murder of her mother and brother.

The other ladies began whispering amongst themselves.

Madam Lu sneered inwardly but did not wish to see Lady Ji so complacent, so she added, “I think we should send some servants to watch over Lier. The palace is vast, and it’s her first time here—she might get lost.”

“It’s nothing to worry about,” Lady Ji replied serenely. “Yuer is with her as well, and there are palace maids to guide them. Are you suggesting the palace isn’t safe? There are guards everywhere—it’s perfectly secure.”

Madam Lu found herself at a loss for words; she could hardly question the palace’s safety with the Empress Dowager present. Moreover, as Lady Ji spoke, Madam Lu noticed Consort Li watching her from afar and quickly forced a smile, replying cordially, “I’m only concerned for the children. You’re right, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Though the Lu family was respectable, they couldn’t compare to the Ji family, especially with Consort Li so favored by Emperor Hongxiao. Who would dare challenge her?

It was wise to know when to yield.

Lady Ji was positively jubilant now, unmoved even by Madam Lu’s deliberate provocation. She had just received word that both Ye Shijie and Jiang Li had gone to the teahouse, both drugged, with incense burning to inflame desire—surely, by now, they were entangled. Soon, with witnesses and evidence, it would be easy to “discover” their affair and expose the scandal.

Jiang Li’s doom was sealed. Lady Ji’s smile grew tender as she stroked Jiang Youyao’s hair, her heart filled with triumph.

There ought never have been two legitimate daughters in the Jiang family. Her own daughter was meant to be the sole jewel of the house. Jiang Li would have to relinquish everything—her father’s favor, her legitimate status, even her future husband.

Jiang Li would lose it all.

…

The palace corridors were utterly silent.

Beneath the eaves hung glass lanterns, their flames trembling in the night breeze, their flickering shadows imbued with an air of languid sensuality.

The palace was vast, and Jiang Li walked slowly. She was in no hurry to check whether Jiang Yuer and Zhou Yanbang were “together,” for she was confident in the outcome. A woman like Jiang Yuer—low-born yet restless—had a nimble mind; given the slightest hint, she would surely grasp the opportunity.

Jiang Li sighed softly.

Within these splendid halls, nightfall concealed much filth. Who could say whether beneath the riotous flowerbeds, the soil was not nourished by bones?

She had no fear of losing her way, for she’d possessed a perfect memory since childhood and could retrace her steps after a single walk. The cool night breeze brushed her face, and oddly enough, unlike Lady Ji’s giddy satisfaction, Jiang Li felt neither joy nor excitement at her revenge. At this moment, she was utterly calm, almost detached.

To Jiang Li, Lady Ji and her daughter were ultimately strangers. The love and hatred between strangers barely stirred her heart. She acted only out of a sense of justice for the wronged Second Miss Jiang, or as the retaliation of a good-natured soul pushed to anger.

But in her heart, she hated most deeply Shen Yuyong and Princess Yongning.

She could guess easily—at this very moment, Shen Yuyong and the princess were likely using the banquet as a pretext to meet in secret. But Shen Yuyong, unlike Jiang Yuer, was cautious and meticulous, and the princess had countless people to shield her. Their scandal could not be exposed tonight.

Jiang Li felt a pang of frustration.

To approach her enemies while hiding her true intentions would take time. Yet to smile at those she hated most, suppressing her thirst for vengeance, was almost beyond her endurance.

As she mused, she suddenly caught sight of two familiar figures in the flowerbed ahead.

They were likely a noble lady and her maid. The young lady was lavishly adorned; the enamel multicolored hairpin alone was worth hundreds of taels. Among the guests tonight, she was easily one of the most distinguished. Yet, despite her finery, she seemed in low spirits. “Those people are so tiresome,” she complained. “I’m sick of their empty flattery. All they want is gossip about my brother. Do they really think they’re worthy of him? My brother is not for the likes of them.”

Jiang Li had been smiling at the young woman’s grumbling, but her smile faded as she recognized her: Shen Yuyong’s younger sister, her own former sister-in-law, Shen Ruyun.

Shen Ruyun had evidently slipped away from her mother. Listening to her, Jiang Li couldn’t help but sneer inwardly. All the guests tonight were daughters of high officials, if not noble houses. Shen Ruyun’s arrogance was astounding—Shen Yuyong had no title, no inherited position, and though he was talented, he was not so powerful. Many young nobles in the capital far outshone him in lineage. Yet Shen Ruyun looked down on them all.

Jiang Li realized Shen Ruyun’s attitude was not due to any real belief in her brother’s greatness, but rather because, in her mind, only a royal princess like Yongning was fit to marry him. No minister’s daughter could compare. For her, only a member of the imperial family was suitable.

At that moment, a strange idea occurred to Jiang Li.

She knew Shen Ruyun’s secret thoughts—just as she was sure Shen Ruyun had stepped out alone tonight because she missed Zhou Yanbang. Knowing her secret, it would be a shame not to make use of it, given their past relationship.

With that, Jiang Li smiled and stepped out. “Miss Shen,” she called.

Shen Ruyun, lost in her sulk, startled at the sound and turned to see Jiang Li. She frowned but managed a greeting. “Second Miss Jiang.”

Shen Ruyun was well aware of Jiang Li. For many reasons, she disliked her—if only because Jiang Li had once been Zhou Yanbang’s fiancée. That alone was enough to earn her enmity. Worse, Jiang Li had been exiled for murder—her reputation was infamous and best avoided. In the past, Shen Ruyun would have mocked her openly. But since Jiang Li’s return to the capital and her growing influence in the Jiang family, few dared underestimate her.

Though Shen Ruyun flaunted her brother’s status, Jiang Yuanbai was the prime minister—Shen Yuyong was far beneath him.

Jiang Li smiled. “Why are you out here, Miss Shen?”

Shen Ruyun replied haughtily, “And aren’t you out here as well?”

Jiang Li was somewhat surprised. She knew her former sister-in-law was headstrong, but she’d always been well-behaved in public. As the saying goes, “a dog threatens others by relying on its master.” Clearly, Shen Ruyun’s temper had grown with her brother’s rise.

Jiang Li shook her head. “I drank too much fruit wine and felt dizzy; I came out to clear my head.” As if recalling something, she suddenly laughed. “It’s quite the fateful night, running into so many acquaintances. Just now, I even saw Young Lord Zhou; and here I am, meeting you as well.”

“Young Lord Zhou?” Shen Ruyun’s impatience vanished at once, replaced by keen interest. “You mean the Marquis Ningyuan’s heir?”

“That’s right.”

Shen Ruyun studied Jiang Li, recalling her past with Zhou Yanbang, and said acidly, “You and Young Lord Zhou seem quite close.”

Jiang Li smiled. “Not at all, we just happened to meet. He was heading to Yuxiu Pavilion in the East Garden for a rest—so that’s where we ran into each other.” She pointed. “Over there.”

“The East Garden’s Yuxiu Pavilion?” Shen Ruyun asked.

“Yes. He’d had quite a bit to drink and seemed unwell.” Jiang Li smiled, “But I must return to my mother now. You should, too—the night air is chilly.” With that, she took her leave.

Shen Ruyun stood rooted to the spot, her face shifting with indecision, biting her lip.

Her maid, a little anxious, whispered, “Miss, should we—?”

“Come, we’re going to Yuxiu Pavilion,” Shen Ruyun said, making up her mind.

“But Miss, isn’t that improper?” the maid protested.

“What’s improper about it? I’m only passing by—if I meet him, it’s pure chance!” Shen Ruyun snapped, then strode away with her maid.

After they had gone, Jiang Li stepped out from behind the roses. Shen Ruyun truly was hopelessly besotted.