Chapter Eighty-Five: A Battle for a Husband

Jiang Li stared fixedly at Shen Yuyong.

As Shen Ruyun's elder brother, there was no way Shen Yuyong didn't know his sister's feelings. With Princess Yongning being so tactful and considerate, personally helping his sister resolve her lifelong affairs—having witnessed all this, would Shen Yuyong not be moved?

Shen Yuyong's eyelids flickered ever so slightly, yet he said nothing.

Inwardly, Jiang Li mocked him. So indifferent, she had thought Shen Yuyong would seize the opportunity to express his gratitude with joy.

On the other end, Ji Shuran could clearly feel the agitation in Jiang Youyao, whom she held in her arms, and for a moment, she was at a loss.

If, a few days ago, Zhou Yanbang had proposed to break off the engagement with Jiang Youyao, Ji Shuran would have been furious but not overly worried. After all, if the Marquis of Ningyuan’s household had any sense, they would not destroy their own prospects. But the current predicament was far beyond what Ji Shuran could manage.

If it were only Jiang Yu'e involved, Ji Shuran could still slowly maneuver, but now the matter also entangled the younger sister of Shen Yuyong, a scholar of the Secretariat. Shen Ruyun was not someone easily dealt with. Even Zhou Yanbang, the heir of the Ningyuan Marquis, was now in jeopardy. Seeing Jiang Yuanbai’s grim face, Ji Shuran knew that in his mind, the marriage was as good as over.

Ji Shuran herself no longer wished for Jiang Youyao to marry Zhou Yanbang—after this, his prospects were ruined.

But Jiang Youyao loved Zhou Yanbang.

Ji Shuran felt a headache coming on. This was truly an unexpected disaster. Though Zhou Yanbang was the most unfortunate, was Jiang Youyao not the one most heartbroken? At this thought, Ji Shuran couldn't help but glance once more at Jiang Li.

Jiang Li stood beside Ji Heng, who was tall enough that she was half hidden by his figure, making it impossible to see her expression. Yet Ji Shuran imagined that Jiang Li must be wearing that annoying, unshakeable smile of hers.

Ji Shuran bitterly thought that Jiang Li must have been involved in this. Tonight, she’d intended to ruin the reputations of Jiang Li and Ye Shijie, but unexpectedly, it was Zhou Yanbang who was caught up in the scandal. Leaving aside Shen Ruyun for the moment, how Jiang Yu'e became entangled with Zhou Yanbang was infuriating, but Ji Shuran was sure Jiang Li had a hand in it.

But what exactly was the relationship between Jiang Li and Ji Heng? Ji Shuran dared not question Jiang Li directly; she truly feared the Duke of Su. The handsome young man was like a brilliantly colored poisonous snake, coiling protectively around Jiang Li, unintentionally placing her within his sphere of protection.

Ji Shuran was at her wits’ end.

Princess Yongning’s words left everyone momentarily at a loss for how to respond.

The truth was, Shen Yuyong was also caught in a dilemma. If he accepted the princess’s suggestion, it would seem he was too eager to resolve the matter, making the Shen family’s daughter appear cheap, as if she was desperate to marry Zhou Yanbang. But if he refused, and in front of Shen Ruyun no less… Shen Ruyun would certainly not understand.

Princess Yongning thought she understood his intent, but she was far too foolish. Matters like this should be discussed privately. Why raise such an issue now, in front of so many? If Xue Fangfei were here, she would never have done so… Shen Yuyong thought with regret.

In the end, he still did not follow the princess’s lead. Instead, he said to the Marquis of Ningyuan, “My sister has been greatly frightened today. I will take her home to rest and see a doctor. All those present have witnessed what transpired. I trust, my lord, that you will give my Shen family a proper explanation!” With that, clearly showing concern for Shen Ruyun and little desire to linger, he went to his mother’s side, supporting Shen Ruyun as they left.

Shen Ruyun was deeply disappointed, utterly unable to understand why Shen Yuyong did not follow the princess’s suggestion. She wanted to protest further, but when she looked up, she met Shen Yuyong’s stern gaze and immediately fell silent. Although he was usually kind to her, when he was truly angry, even their mother dared not provoke him.

With great reluctance, Shen Ruyun followed Shen Yuyong out.

Princess Yongning’s well-intentioned efforts were utterly rebuffed by Shen Yuyong, leaving her deeply embarrassed. Inwardly, she cursed Shen Yuyong for his ingratitude, while also blaming Zhou Yanbang for causing trouble. For a moment, she even resented Zhou Yanbang himself, sneering at the Marquis of Ningyuan, “Utterly disgraceful and depraved!” and then turning on her heel to leave.

That day, the Marquis of Ningyuan lost all face before his colleagues, standing there with his face flushed bright red.

A faint smile curled at Jiang Li’s lips.

Ji Heng asked, “Second Miss Jiang, what amuses you?”

“Isn’t it just the pot calling the kettle black?” Jiang Li replied. “Is that not amusing?”

Princess Yongning called the Marquis of Ningyuan disgraceful, never considering whether she herself had the right to say such things. In Jiang Li’s eyes, Princess Yongning and Zhou Yanbang were two of a kind. Besides, Zhou Yanbang was not a murderer, while Princess Yongning had taken over another’s position with even greater shamelessness.

The Marchioness of Ningyuan finally recovered herself. Forcing down her anger and panic, she approached the entrance of Yu Xiu Pavilion, first feigning a few blows at Zhou Yanbang, then glancing at Jiang Yu'e. “Fifth Miss Jiang has also been frightened today. Go home and rest. In a few days, our Zhou family will certainly give you an explanation.”

But her words were coldly polite, making Jiang Yu'e somewhat afraid.

Shen Ruyun had accused Zhou Yanbang of taking liberties with her, but when Jiang Yu'e was discovered with Zhou Yanbang, she had hardly seemed a victim. On the contrary, it had looked like a lovers’ rendezvous. In the Marchioness’s eyes, perhaps it was Jiang Yu'e who had seduced Zhou Yanbang.

Given Jiang Yu'e’s status, the Marchioness saw no need to treat her with much respect. At best, even if she were to be given a place in the Zhou household, it would only be as a concubine. Everyone knew that the third branch of the Jiang family—Jiang Yuanxing, Jiang Yuanbai, and Jiang Yuanping—were not full siblings. Thus, there was no need to show extra courtesy to Jiang Yuanxing for the sake of the rest of the Jiang family. Giving him some sort of settlement would be easy.

Jiang Yu'e understood the scorn and disregard in the Marchioness’s tone. Humiliated and angry, she had no recourse but to cast a pleading look at Madam Yang.

At this moment, Madam Yang and Jiang Yuanxing could only bemoan their fate. Though usually, Madam Yang disliked her daughter currying favor with Ji Shuran and her daughter, as a member of the Jiang family, she understood the stakes. Jiang Yu'e becoming a mere lackey to Jiang Youyao was not without Madam Yang’s tacit consent. Now, Jiang Yu'e’s actions had offended the main branch, and there was no place for the third branch to speak up.

Especially considering that Jiang Yu'e and Zhou Yanbang had seemed mutually willing. Since it was consensual, the question of “proper settlement” did not arise.

Madam Yang could only steel herself, helping Jiang Yu'e up and leading her away, hastily exchanging a few words with Jiang Yuanbai, not daring to meet Ji Shuran’s gaze, and quickly departed.

With both young ladies involved in the scandal having left, only Zhou Yanbang remained. The Marquis’s household was eager to take Zhou Yanbang away as well. The onlookers, realizing the drama had ended, began to take their leave, each looking forward to retelling the enthralling events back at their own homes.

The Jiang family, too, prepared to return.

Jiang Youyao probably still wished to demand an explanation from Zhou Yanbang, but Ji Shuran held her tightly, and with so many eyes watching, she had to give up. Her desolate expression was even more haggard than Zhou Yanbang, who had been caught in the act.

Jiang Li followed the Jiang family, ready to return home. Just as she was about to leave, something occurred to her, and she paused, turning back.

Ji Heng was still standing there, a little surprised to see her turn.

Jiang Li offered him a light bow. “Today’s events were all thanks to the Duke’s assistance. I am deeply grateful.”

“Don’t.” The fan in Ji Heng’s hand glimmered faintly in the night. Carelessly, he said, “You were the one on stage, I was merely a spectator. Don’t get it twisted, Second Miss. I only watch, never perform.” He smiled slyly.

Jiang Li was taken aback, feeling a bit deflated. She had deliberately spoken thus, hoping Ji Heng would think today’s events were their joint effort. In the future, if Ji Heng ever considered betraying her, he would at least hesitate. Who would have thought he wouldn’t even assume that role and was so wary?

Truly cunning.

Jiang Li’s smile faded a little. She nodded and floated away with the Jiang family.

“Ah, women are truly fearsome,” Ji Heng chuckled quietly behind her, muttering, “Even little girls are women…”

…

On the way home, Jiang Li did not ride in the same carriage as Jiang Youyao.

Jiang Youyao likely needed a good cry with Ji Shuran, and such a disconsolate display could not be witnessed by others—especially by the thorn in her side, Jiang Li. So Jiang Li rode with the second branch.

Throughout the journey, Jiang Jingrui looked odd, as if suppressing a strong urge to speak to Jiang Li. No wonder—he must be dying to discuss the secret behind today’s scandal with Jiang Yu'e and Zhou Yanbang. But with their parents and elder brother present, he could not speak openly and therefore kept winking at Jiang Li along the way. Jiang Li knew without asking—he wanted to talk in detail at Fangfei Courtyard after returning.

But Jiang Li didn’t much care to humor him.

Tonight, Ji Shuran and her daughter’s scheme to harm her and Ye Shijie had instead ensnared Zhou Yanbang and Jiang Yu'e, and even allowed Shen Ruyun to take advantage. The waters had been muddied beyond all recognition. In truth, even Jiang Li hadn’t expected such an outcome—who could have foreseen Shen Ruyun’s sudden move?

On the surface, it seemed a happy ending for Jiang Li, but in truth, things were only just beginning.

Sooner or later, Ji Shuran would figure out that Jiang Yu'e and Zhou Yanbang’s incident was Jiang Li’s doing. After this, Jiang Youyao would never be able to be with Zhou Yanbang. She would resent Jiang Yu'e, and hate Jiang Li, the true instigator, even more.

As for Ye Shijie, Ji Shuran had failed to harm him this time, but as a newly appointed Assistant Director in the Ministry of Revenue, he was the object of envy. Who knew how many enemies he might incur, openly or secretly? Ji Shuran could easily have her own family, the Ji clan, trip him up. Though Ye Shijie had been appointed by Emperor Hongxiao himself, he had just entered officialdom and was without reliable connections. The Ye family had never held office before, so little protection could be offered.

The road ahead for her and Ye Shijie would only grow more difficult.

Yet Jiang Li thought cheerfully, no matter what, so long as she could make her enemies suffer a loss, she had not done herself ill. No matter how many challenges lay ahead, she would simply confront them one by one, as she had tonight.

Her path would become smoother with each step.

…

After returning to the estate, Jiang Li did not greet Jiang Yuanbai and the others, but went straight to Fangfei Courtyard. It was already late. Baixue and Tong’er, seeing her return safe and sound, both breathed sighs of relief. Jiang Li did not tell them what had happened at the palace banquet. She had been busy all night, dealing with Ji Heng as well, and now only wished to rest. Whatever needed saying could wait until tomorrow.

As for Jiang Yuanbai and the Old Madam, Jiang Li smiled slightly. Tonight, they certainly had no time for her; much more important matters demanded their attention.

In Late Phoenix Hall.

The Old Madam of the Jiang family sat sternly, gazing at Jiang Yuanbai.

She had lived many years and seen much. Public exposures of adultery were not unheard of, and she herself had witnessed some, such as when Xue Fangfei, wife of former top scholar Shen Yuyong, was caught in an illicit affair at Shen Mother’s birthday banquet.

She despised those lacking self-respect and detested children who brought disgrace to the family. Never had she expected such a scandal to befall their own Jiang household.

“Such is the conduct of a concubine’s son!” the Old Madam said coldly. “And the daughters they raise are just the same!” The trouble had come from the third branch, not her own son, and she did not know whether to be relieved or furious.

Jiang Yuanbai rarely saw his mother so enraged and remained silent.

“What do you intend?” the Old Madam asked.

“I intend to immediately break off Youyao’s engagement to Zhou Yanbang,” Jiang Yuanbai replied solemnly. “After this event, Youyao cannot marry into the Zhou family. No matter what happens between Yu'e and Zhou Yanbang, Youyao is my legitimate daughter. If she married into the Zhou family now, she would become the laughingstock of all of Yanjing. Zhou Yanbang is a man of poor character—though engaged to my daughter, he dallied with another Jiang girl. I do not believe he would ever treat Youyao well.”

“That is what I think too.” The Old Madam’s expression softened slightly. “The Zhou family no longer has any face to propose marriage to Youyao. It matters not; Youyao is still young. In the coming days, keep an eye out for better prospects. No matter what, a daughter of the Jiang family can easily find a husband better than that Zhou boy!”

Jiang Yuanbai nodded in agreement.

Just then, the sound of a girl weeping erupted outside. Jiang Yuanbai turned and saw Jiang Youyao burst in, ignoring Ji Shuran’s efforts to restrain her.

The moment she entered, Jiang Youyao clung to Jiang Yuanbai’s sleeve, crying, “Father, you mustn’t break off my engagement with the young Marquis!”

Ji Shuran hurried in after her, while the Old Madam frowned. “Ji, how could you let Youyao in here?”

Ji Shuran sighed, “Mother, husband, Youyao is so heartbroken she nearly fainted several times… She’s pitiful indeed. The young Marquis’s actions are like daggers to her heart!”

Jiang Yuanbai looked down at his youngest daughter. She was clearly devastated. Usually so concerned with her appearance, now, with her makeup ruined and lips pale as paper, she paid it no mind. Jiang Yuanbai couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. In his eyes, Jiang Youyao was the greatest victim—she had done nothing wrong, yet suffered betrayal by the one she loved.

Gently, Jiang Yuanbai said, “Youyao, don’t be willful. Zhou Yanbang’s actions make him unworthy of being my son-in-law.” Seeing that she was unconvinced, he hardened his heart, “Since he could be with Jiang Yu'e, it is clear his feelings for you are shallow. If he cared for you at all, he would never have shamed you like this. I cannot marry you to a man who lacks integrity and does not cherish you!”

“No—” To everyone’s surprise, Jiang Youyao became even more stubborn. “The young Marquis does love me! He only ended up with Jiang Yu'e because… because she seduced him! She set him up! Yes, Jiang Yu'e planned it all—she’s always wanted to steal him from me, so she used such low tricks. It’s not the young Marquis’s fault, Father—it’s Jiang Yu'e’s! What you should do is punish that wretch, not break off my engagement!”

Ji Shuran inwardly cried out in alarm, while Jiang Yuanbai stared at his daughter in shock.

In his mind, Jiang Youyao had always been an innocent, naive girl. The woman before him, raving and spewing foul words, was a stranger.

Ji Shuran hastily tried to smooth things over. “She’s just too upset. There have been rumors about Yu'e…” She too wanted to cast blame on Jiang Yu'e. In her view, after all, Jiang Yu'e must have been complicit or even in league with Jiang Li.

“Nonsense!” The Old Madam, who had been watching coldly, now spoke sharply. “If Jiang Yu'e seduced Zhou Yanbang, then what about Shen Ruyun? Would the sister of a Secretariat scholar need to seduce Zhou Yanbang?”

Had Jiang Li been present, she would have laughed outright. For just as the Old Madam said, would the sister of a Secretariat scholar need to seduce Zhou Yanbang? She had even gone so far as to damage her own reputation, publicly accusing him of impropriety, just to force a marriage!

Jiang Youyao was dumbfounded.

Indeed, one might say Jiang Yu'e seduced Zhou Yanbang, but what about Shen Ruyun? They had barely known each other before. And Shen Ruyun was not Jiang Yu'e—if her family demanded Zhou Yanbang take responsibility, as Princess Yongning suggested, he would have to marry her.

Even as the chief minister’s daughter, Jiang Youyao could do nothing—unless it was she, not Shen Ruyun, who had been wronged. Then she might have had a chance to compete for Zhou Yanbang’s hand.

Seeing Jiang Youyao waver, the Old Madam continued coldly, “Regardless of what happened between Jiang Yu'e and Zhou Yanbang, our Jiang family will never allow two sisters to share a husband. Zhou Yanbang cannot be your husband.”

Jiang Youyao’s legs gave out, and she collapsed to the floor, unable to speak, sobbing uncontrollably.

She knew the Old Madam spoke the truth. She and Zhou Yanbang were finished.

All her careful planning, her effort to snatch this engagement from Jiang Li, her anticipation of a joyous marriage—if only she waited till winter, she would become the legitimate wife of the heir. Yet, just as she neared success, everything unraveled, and all her effort was for naught, only to benefit others.

Jiang Youyao’s heart was filled with bleak despair.

Just then, the sound of another woman’s sobs drifted in from outside, drawing nearer. The people from the third branch of the Jiang family entered Late Phoenix Hall.

As soon as Jiang Yuanxing entered, he dropped to his knees before the Old Madam. Behind him, Madam Yang and Jiang Yu'e also knelt.

Turning to Jiang Yuanbai, Jiang Yuanxing knocked his head on the floor, “Elder brother, I have wronged you. A father’s failure is the child’s fault. Yu'e’s disaster is due to my poor upbringing. Beat me if you must!”

Madam Yang wept to Ji Shuran, “Sister-in-law, I am too ashamed to face you. I know Yu'e has gone too far, but she is my own flesh and blood. You are a mother too—please, I beg you, spare her. In my next life, I’ll repay you as a beast of burden!”

Jiang Yu'e, eyes brimming with tears, kowtowed to Jiang Youyao. Unlike her parents, she could only sob, “Third sister… I was wrong…”

Thus, the entire family came to apologize. For a moment, the hall was filled with weeping, a veritable commotion.

Jiang Yuanbai was embarrassed. He had never been close to his half-brother, not out of prejudice but because Jiang Yuanxing was simply too weak and incompetent. Now, seeing him kneel so easily, Jiang Yuanbai felt no sincerity, only disdain.

Ji Shuran avoided Madam Yang’s grasp, forcing a smile. “Sister-in-law, what are you saying? How could I possibly harm Yu'e? If you refer to the marriage between our Youyao and the young Marquis, there is nothing more to be said. Our Youyao and Zhou Yanbang are impossible. Whatever plans you have for Yu'e have nothing to do with us. So there’s no need to speak of repayment.”

Madam Yang was taken aback by Ji Shuran’s decisiveness. Realizing the marriage was impossible, her heart sank. Everyone in the Jiang family knew how deeply Jiang Youyao loved Zhou Yanbang. Now that she could not enter the Zhou household, while Jiang Yu'e might, how could Jiang Youyao not resent her?

Madam Yang felt as adrift as duckweed in water, completely lost and anxious.

Meanwhile, Jiang Yu'e was secretly relieved. In truth, if she had to choose between Shen Ruyun and Jiang Youyao as Zhou Yanbang’s wife, she would rather it be Shen Ruyun. Living with Jiang Youyao every day would remind Jiang Yu'e of her own lowly status in the Jiang family, always in a subordinate position, forced to show deference just as she always had, no different from before. She would rather serve a stranger.

The joy in Jiang Yu'e’s eyes was plain to see—and it stabbed Jiang Youyao like a knife. In a flash of rage, she leapt up and lunged at Jiang Yu'e.

“Wretch!” she shrieked.

Jiang Yu'e, still kneeling pitifully, was caught off guard and thrown to the floor. Her hairpin was knocked askew, and as Jiang Youyao struck, it clattered to the ground.

Jiang Yu'e screamed in pain.

…

Sunlight spilled lazily across the carved windows. A yellow oriole perched on a crab apple branch by the door, chirping merrily.

As Jiang Li approached, the startled oriole flapped its wings and disappeared into the trees.

Jiang Li looked up at the sky—it was a fine day.

“Miss—Miss—” Tong’er came running in from outside.

Baixue was sweeping the floor. Tong’er, rushing in so quickly, slipped and nearly fell, but Baixue caught her with a single strong arm and set her upright. Gratefully, Tong’er said, “Thank you, Baixue.”

“What’s the rush?” Baixue asked curiously. “Can’t you speak slowly?”

“No, this is urgent—if I speak slowly, it won’t be fresh news anymore. Miss—” At last, she found Jiang Li standing by the window, basking in the sunlight. “There you are! Miss, I went out to the outer courtyard this morning and heard something—do you know what happened?”

Before Jiang Li could reply, Baixue interjected, “How would she know if you don’t say?”

“Hush,” Tong’er scolded. “I heard there was trouble last night at Late Phoenix Hall. For some reason, Third and Fifth Misses got into a fight.”

“They fought?” Jiang Li was surprised, then quickly understood. Jiang Yu'e and Jiang Youyao were both hot-tempered; it was no wonder they’d come to blows. She just hadn’t expected them to do so in Late Phoenix Hall, right in front of the Old Madam—how bold.

“Who won?” That was all Baixue cared about.

“Heh, Third Miss is so fierce—of course she won. I heard Fifth Miss’s face was scratched and bled; she’s been disfigured. Oddly, though, Third Madam and Third Master said nothing, only called a doctor last night, and the matter was dropped, with no blame for Third Miss. Strange, isn’t it?”

Tong’er shrugged. “No one knows why they fought.”

Jiang Li smiled. She knew very well why.

It was all for Zhou Yanbang.