Chapter Ninety-One: Returning Home

“Why wait? This is an opportunity. After Uncle Mingxuan finishes his business, let’s return to Xiangyang together,” she said.

The words left Ye Shijie and Ye Mingxuan stunned. Tong’er’s eyes widened as well.

After a long pause, Ye Mingxuan asked doubtfully, “Did you just say you want to go back to Xiangyang with me?”

“Yes,” Jiang Li replied frankly. “I haven’t seen my grandmother or uncles for many years. When I was young and ignorant, I made many mistakes. Later, when I understood things, I deeply regretted it but never had the chance to apologize in person. Now that Uncle has come to Yanjing and will be returning to Xiangyang soon, this is the perfect opportunity.” She lowered her head slightly, a hint of guilt in her voice. “I’ve never had the chance to properly care for grandmother. Whenever I think of it, I feel uneasy.”

Ye Shijie almost scoffed instinctively. Hearing such words from Jiang Li’s lips seemed like a joke. After all, the Jiang Li he knew back then was far from cordial when the Ye family came to fetch her. But seeing the smile in her eyes, he found himself unable to voice his ridicule.

If she were lying, she would be the most skillful deceiver in the world. Those eyes were sincere beyond doubt, and even suspicion would be an insult.

Ye Mingxuan was even more speechless.

Having done business for years, Ye Mingxuan was the shrewdest and most calculating among the three Ye brothers. Unlike Ye Shijie, who had unknowingly begun to accept Jiang Li as part of the family and to acknowledge her change, Ye Mingxuan firmly believed that a person's nature rarely changes.

Moreover, even if young Jiang Li was misled into distancing herself from the Ye family back then, wouldn’t the person behind the scenes have continued to manipulate her all these years after the Ye family left? Jiang Li’s sudden awakening seemed highly improbable.

Today’s Jiang Li was indeed a stark contrast to the memory in their minds. Whether in demeanor or speech, she was among the finest ladies in Yanjing. But her sudden friendliness toward the Ye family made Ye Mingxuan wary. Perhaps she was acting on instructions from the Jiang family or Jiang Yuanbai, or maybe she had other motives. Anyone could feign friendliness.

But her sudden proposal to return to Xiangyang puzzled Ye Mingxuan.

First, although the Ye family was wealthy, Xiangyang could never compare to the prosperity of Yanjing, and the journey would be arduous. Could a pampered young lady truly endure such hardship? Secondly, if this was Jiang Yuanbai’s or the Jiang family’s plan, what benefit would there be in sending Jiang Li back to the Ye family? After all, Jiang Li alone could hardly cause any stir in the Ye household; she would be vulnerable and powerless. Would they want her to curry favor with the Ye family? Would the Jiang family bother?

“Uncle, don’t overthink,” Jiang Li said with a bright smile. “I am merely going to see grandmother, nothing more.” As if perceiving Ye Mingxuan’s thoughts, she suddenly added.

Struck to the core, Ye Mingxuan’s face showed no embarrassment, only a quick smile. “I was just thinking, the road to Xiangyang is long and arduous. How can a young lady like you endure it?”

“Don’t forget, Uncle, I lived in the monastery on Qingcheng Mountain for eight years. I fetched water and chopped wood myself. I’m not that delicate,” Jiang Li said.

She spoke plainly as if it were no shameful matter, merely recounting a past experience. Even Ye Mingxuan was momentarily taken aback.

Ye Shijie furrowed his brows.

“But… I’m afraid your father won’t be willing to let you go with us,” Ye Mingxuan mused.

“If Uncle negotiates with my father, I believe he will agree,” Jiang Li said calmly. “Mother has been dead for over ten years, and I have grown up. There’s also my third younger sister at home. I am not the only legitimate daughter, so my father’s attention won’t be solely on me.”

Her words hinted at much. After Ye Zhenzhen’s death, Ji Shuran became the new wife. To create the image of a loving mother, she had to be close to Jiang Li. But as long as the Ye family existed, Ji Shuran could never be the closest person to her. Therefore, a rift between Jiang Li and the Ye family had to arise. How this rift formed depended on the means used.

Jiang Li later realized that perhaps Ji Shuran, in coaxing the young Miss Jiang, had somehow incited her to speak ill of her own grandmother, thereby severing relations between the two families. Whether Jiang Yuanbai knew of this was unclear, but even if he did, between ties to merchants and ties to the deputy military commander, he would choose the latter.

A new generation replaces the old; the new smiles, while the old weeps unheard.

Uncle Mingxuan appeared intelligent enough to understand the implication in her words.

“Besides, now that our eldest cousin has become an assistant officer at the Ministry of Revenue,” Jiang Li smiled, “Father will surely agree to more interaction between our two families.”

People often say merchants focus on profit and disregard partings, but those who fancy themselves aloof officials are not much better. The politics of officialdom—with its fickle loyalties and cold shoulders—can be even more cruel and ugly than business.

Human nature is such. So is the world.

Ye Mingxuan looked at her meaningfully. “You are quite perceptive, A’Li.”

Jiang Li’s insight surprised him, but what surprised him more was her frankness. She concealed nothing, which made it even harder to discern her true intentions.

He was momentarily speechless.

At that moment, Ye Shijie suddenly spoke, fixing his gaze on Jiang Li and asking deliberately, “Do you truly want to return to Xiangyang to see grandmother?”

“Absolutely,” Jiang Li replied with some helplessness. Such a natural desire had become suspicious, all because of the long-standing rift between the Ye and Jiang families.

Ye Shijie studied her intently, a solemn expression crossing his youthful face, eyes scrutinizing. After a moment, he turned to Ye Mingxuan. “Since she wants to go, Uncle, you should take her back.”

Ye Mingxuan looked at him in surprise.

Ye Shijie only stared at Jiang Li, implying, “It’s rare for our cousin to have such an intention. It’s just a matter of sharing an extra pair of chopsticks. Let her go and slowly fulfill her filial duties to grandmother.”

Jiang Li smiled faintly at Ye Shijie. “Thank you, cousin.”

Though still harboring doubts, Ye Shijie was beginning to believe her.

After a long silence, Ye Mingxuan looked up and said to Jiang Li, “Then I will speak with your father first.”

“Alright,” Jiang Li replied.

…

“Are you planning to go back to Xiangyang?” In the late Feng Hall, Jiang Yuanbai frowned as he asked Jiang Li, not yet having taken off his official robes after court.

Jiang Li nodded. “Uncle Mingxuan told me grandmother’s health has been poor lately. I haven’t seen her in years and miss her dearly. Besides, I have never been to Xiangyang. After thinking it over, I feel I should go and see it for myself.”

Jiang Yuanbai glanced at Ye Mingxuan, who smiled warmly and gracefully.

Jiang Yuanbai did not dislike Ye Mingxuan much. Although the Ye family was merchant-based, Ye Mingxuan was the least like a merchant among the Ye brothers—well-read and free of the common merchant’s smell of copper coins. Hence, Jiang Yuanbai was willing to talk more with Ye Mingxuan.

Still, years without contact made this sudden interaction somewhat awkward.

“Since A’Li wishes to go, it’s best to take her back to see where Zhenzhen once lived,” Ye Mingxuan said with a smile. “Jiang sir, rest assured, we will take good care of A’Li.”

“How can that be?” Ji Shuran, following Jiang Yuanbai, spoke with concern. “The journey will be exhausting, and A’Li has never been to Xiangyang. How will she adjust to the food and lodging there?”

…

Ye Shijie was somewhat taken aback. Ji Shuran’s words implied that the Ye family might mistreat Jiang Li. To be frank, ignoring the difference between officials and merchants, the Ye family’s living standards were hardly inferior to those in the Prime Minister’s mansion.

“Mother worries too much,” Jiang Li said indifferently. “I lived in a monastery on Qingcheng Mountain for eight years and managed well. I am already used to it. Xiangyang should be livelier than Qingcheng.”

Ji Shuran was left speechless by Jiang Li’s retort. What should have been Jiang Li’s lifelong shame had turned into her merit and shield, wielded skillfully. Judging by Jiang Yuanbai’s softened expression, it worked.

Ji Shuran’s smile was strained with resentment. She had been busy comforting the heartbroken Jiang Youyao and trying to win favor with Jiang Yuanbai, leaving little time to focus on Jiang Li. How Jiang Li had entangled with the Ye family remained a mystery. A lonely girl stirring up such trouble without the Ye family’s support was already bold; with their backing, who knew what she might do?

“It’s not that I disapprove…” Jiang Yuanbai pondered.

Ye Mingxuan watched the dispute between Ji Shuran and Jiang Li with deep thought in his eyes. Their coldness was expected since Jiang Li had caused Ji Shuran to miscarry. Unexpected was Jiang Yuanbai’s stance—he seemed not to fully side with Ji Shuran.

This was no simple matter.

“Since the second young lady wishes to return to Xiangyang, let her go,” the elderly Lady Jiang, seated in a high chair, spoke in time. “If my health were better, I would also like to see her. So many years have passed,” she sighed, “the second young lady has grown up and should see it.”

Lady Jiang genuinely held some affection for the Ye family. After all, Ye Zhenzhen had been her personal choice as a daughter-in-law. Zhenzhen was simple and kind-hearted, though not very clever. As for Ji Shuran, Jiang Yuanbai’s own choice, Lady Jiang neither disliked nor liked her. The Ji family was now flourishing, and for the sake of appearances, Lady Jiang treated Ji Shuran kindly. Moreover, after Ji Shuran caused Jiang Li’s miscarriage, Lady Jiang began to regard Ji Shuran with genuine sincerity.

But recent events made Lady Jiang doubt Jiang Yuanbai’s judgment.

Jiang Li had become increasingly outstanding. Since returning from Qingcheng, she was often the talk of Yanjing. Among the Jiang daughters, Jiang Li was the smartest.

Lady Jiang’s insight was keen. Having such a bright legitimate daughter who seemed harmless was a blessing. Coupled with Ye Shijie from the Ye family, Lady Jiang believed his future official career would be promising.

It was time to mend ties with the Ye family, Lady Jiang thought. At least Ji Shuran should not assume that having the Ji family’s backing guaranteed impunity. Though the Ji family climbed upward through the favor of the imperial concubine, the Jiang family had no need to curry favor with them. Ji Shuran had forgotten her place; she needed to be reminded that this was the Jiang family, not the Ji family.

“Mother—” Ji Shuran was anxious. Lady Jiang’s words were an open rebuke. At that moment, she noticed that Jiang Yuanbai and Lady Jiang were gradually siding with Jiang Li.

She could hardly believe it.

What had Jiang Li done? She seemed to have done nothing. She neither coquetted before Lady Jiang like Jiang Bingji nor sought favor before Jiang Yuanbai like Jiang Youyao. How did she manage it?

Ji Shuran suddenly looked at Jiang Li.

Jiang Li smiled faintly.

No need to do anything. In this interest-driven official family, there might still be some semblance of familial affection. But relying on that fragile and thin affection for survival was unstable. One day, if it vanished or if the other side listened to slander, everything previously possessed could be shattered.

One must rely on oneself—this was the bitter truth Jiang Li had learned through blood and tears. She never fawned or pleaded before the Jiang family. She simply quietly did her own work to prove her worth.

A daughter without value could be trampled at will. Pearls cannot be passed off as mere stones. The Jiang family would not easily discard her as long as they deemed her useful.

“Then it’s settled,” Lady Jiang said decisively, looking at Ye Mingxuan. “If you need anything on the way, just tell us. The second young lady is also a lady of the Jiang family. Please take good care of her.”

She spoke very politely.

Ye Mingxuan quickly clasped his hands in reply. He felt strange. He had come intending only to see the ‘changed’ Jiang Li that Ye Shijie spoke of, never expecting it to end with taking her to Xiangyang.

But was Jiang Li truly unafraid? Ye Mingxuan glanced at her. The Ye family harbored some resentment toward Jiang Li; the estrangement was not easily erased. If she entered the Ye household, she would likely be coldly received at first. For a pampered young lady facing such coldness, how long could she endure? Why seek suffering in such a long and arduous journey?

Ye Mingxuan was sure Jiang Li had considered all this. She looked so clever, she must have.

Yet…

Jiang Li looked at him steadily, her eyes clear and unmistakably resolute. Anyone would see her unwavering determination.

She was steadfast, persistent, smiling at him as if returning to Xiangyang was a lifelong mission she must fulfill.

Jiang Li was indeed resolute.

No matter the cost, she must go back to Xiangyang to see her father.

It was her earnest wish.

…

On the way back, Ye Shijie and Ye Mingxuan were both silent.

Everything that had happened in the Jiang household far exceeded their expectations. Before coming, they had considered all possible outcomes, yet still were caught off guard.

As they neared the inn, Ye Mingxuan asked his nephew, “Shijie, do you think A’Li truly wants to see grandmother in Xiangyang?”

“I don’t know,” Ye Shijie said irritably. “She’s shrewd all over. Who can see through her?”

Ye Shijie was mature for his age, being the eldest grandson of the Ye family and destined to shoulder its future. But facing Jiang Li, he often felt helpless. He couldn’t fathom what was in her mind, yet she seemed to anticipate his thoughts. This passive feeling was unpleasant; today was no different, leaving him too weary even to talk to Ye Mingxuan.

“I think,” Ye Mingxuan pondered, “it’s not a sudden whim. She must have long wanted to return to Xiangyang but never had the chance. Today, as I visited the Jiang family, it presented the opportunity, and she took it.”

Ye Mingxuan’s guess was close to the truth. Jiang Li had been planning her return to Xiangyang early on, intending to use the Ye family to achieve her goal. From the moment she learned Ye Shijie was her cousin, she began to strategize, including building rapport with him.

“Uncle thinks she’s lying?” Ye Shijie frowned. “She must have another purpose.”

“It’s hard to say,” Ye Mingxuan shook his head. “But it doesn’t seem to be Lady Jiang’s or Jiang Yuanbai’s idea. When I mentioned it, their surprise appeared genuine.”

“Perhaps it’s her own plan,” Ye Shijie said, closing the door and sitting down. He looked at Ye Mingxuan hesitantly. “Uncle… be careful.”

“Not so,” Ye Mingxuan smiled. “From what I saw today, she’s not spiteful. Though I don’t know why she wants to return, she is family. Let’s trust her for now.” He sighed. “The Jiang family is treacherous. You saw Ji Shuran. It’s far harder for A’Li to survive there than for us. She’s a strong and clever girl.”

Ye Shijie said no more.

After a long moment, he finally said, “Don’t speak so confidently. Let’s wait and see.”

…

In Shuxiu Garden, Ji Shuran clenched her handkerchief, her fingertips turning white with rage.

Time and again, Jiang Li coaxed Jiang Yuanbai to her side, leaving Ji Shuran and her daughter powerless. The orphaned girl, once vulnerable and fearful in her domain, had now become brazen and arrogant, usurping authority.

Jiang Li’s return to the Ye family seemed trivial, but Ji Shuran sensed a deep threat. Ye Shijie, though an assistant officer, was no match for the Ji family. Lady Jiang scolded her, but Ji Shuran was not so naive as to miss the meaning. The more this happened, the more she resented it.

Thinking of Jiang Youyao, now confined and melancholy, all because of Jiang Li, Ji Shuran’s expression darkened. Fortunately, there was Jiang Bingji…

She had a son to consider and must protect Jiang Bingji. Jiang Li had already shaken the entire main branch; she must have her eyes on Jiang Bingji. Keeping Jiang Li around was a liability.

“Madam, please don’t be angry,” the maid Xun Chun stepped forward, lowering her voice. “Though the second miss is going to Xiangyang, it may not be a bad thing.”

“How so?” Ji Shuran frowned.

“The household is in turmoil now. The second miss is clever but often stirs trouble before the master. Once she leaves, you can spend more time with the third miss. The master already feels guilty about Lord Zhou’s affairs. This is a good chance. Without the second miss, the master and the third miss will get along better.”

Ji Shuran fell silent.

Indeed, before Jiang Li’s return to Yanjing, Jiang Youyao was the master’s favorite, pampered and indulged, never facing obstacles. Since Jiang Li’s return, Jiang Yuanbai showed subtle guilt toward her, which even Ji Shuran found grating, not to mention Jiang Youyao. Spoiled from childhood, Jiang Youyao bore her father’s biases on her face, unwilling to get close. Their relationship grew colder.

For example, before, if Zhou Yanbang’s matter happened, Jiang Yuanbai would never have been so lenient; he would have punished Jiang Yumei and Zhou Yanbang.

Jiang Li’s departure to Xiangyang meant she would be gone for a long time. It was a good opportunity; without Jiang Li, Jiang Youyao bore no grudge, and Jiang Yuanbai could lavish all his affection on her.

“Moreover,” Xun Chun smiled again, “it’s easy to leave the Prime Minister’s mansion but hard to return. The second miss left Jiang’s gate for eight years before coming back. This position isn’t even stable yet, and she’s already eager to return to Xiangyang. Isn’t that foolish? Once she leaves, who knows when she’ll return, or…” Her voice dropped, “or perhaps never return?”

“You mean…” Ji Shuran was startled.

At the same time, Xia Han approached. “The wife of the assistant minister warned you before: many eyes watch Yanjing, and it’s hard to make a move under the emperor’s nose. But if the second miss goes to Tongxiang, the road is long and treacherous… if an accident happens, it’s natural. If something happens, the Ye family will suffer. Without an explanation, even if our household and the Ye family sever ties, the situation could improve for us.”

Ji Shuran said, “I have thought of that.”

“I have carefully managed my reputation for so many years, only to be ruined by her,” Ji Shuran sighed deeply. “Because of recent events, I’ve tried to tread carefully, but this little wretch found an opening first.” She added bitterly, “You’re right. In Yanjing, I still have some caution. After all, the Prime Minister’s daughter is watched by many factions; if anything happens, investigations will follow. But in Tongxiang, or on the way there…” A vicious gleam flashed in her eyes. “No one will find out. Even if they did, the traces will have been cleaned away. The Ye family has money, but attracting thieves because of money is common.”

Xia Han and Xun Chun nodded in agreement.

Ji Shuran reached out and brushed a qiongying flower leaf on the table. The leaf was smooth and green.

For a long time, in the Jiang household and in Yanjing, maintaining the image of a loving mother had been difficult. Because Jiang Li’s return and actions were too conspicuous, Ji Shuran could not make a move. This passivity allowed Jiang Li to gain victory after victory.

Now that Jiang Li suddenly proposed returning to Xiangyang, likely to mend ties with the Ye family and find support, Ji Shuran saw it as a grave mistake—like a general abandoning a conquered city to attack a remote outpost. Losing the watermelon to pick up sesame seeds, so to speak.

Since Jiang Li no longer wished to stay in the Prime Minister’s mansion, this was an opportunity to expel her completely, ensuring no place for her in the Jiang household.

Ji Shuran’s hand pressed hard on the qiongying leaf, suddenly crushing it into pieces, the stem snapping in half, fragments scattering on the floor.

She abruptly stood and said, “Fetch paper and pen. I must write to Father.”

Such a matter could not be handled alone; to act in Tongxiang undetected, the Ji family’s assistance was necessary.

…

While Ji Shuran plotted Jiang Li’s departure from the capital, in Fangfei Garden, Tong’er and Bai Xue were hurriedly packing.

“Take this… and this too… This dress was just made recently; we must bring it, and these shoes…”

Jiang Li laughed wryly at Tong’er. “I’m only going to Xiangyang, for at most two or three months. You’re packing as if I’m staying there forever.”

Tong’er looked dejected. “Who knows what might be missing in Xiangyang? Yanjing has everything, but Xiangyang might not. If you don’t bring enough, and it’s not available there, what will you do?” She worriedly added, “I wonder how the Ye family will treat you after all these years. Will they be kind?”

Jiang Li could not bear to tell Tong’er the truth. Far from warmth, the Ye family would likely greet her coldly. As shameless as she was to cling to them, the thought still made her blush.

“Is there anything special you want to bring, Miss?” Bai Xue asked seriously. “Or anything you want to do? Once you leave Yanjing, it will be some time before you return. If there’s a particular pastry you want, I can buy it now. Xiangyang might not have them.”

They seemed to view Xiangyang as some impoverished backwater. Jiang Li smiled inwardly. Tongxiang was poor, but Xiangyang was far from it. Its wealthy merchants alone showed it lacked nothing.

But Bai Xue’s words reminded her of something.

She smiled. “You’re right. Tomorrow, let’s go out and enjoy ourselves. Eat well and have fun. After all, we’ll be in Xiangyang a long time.”

“Really?” Tong’er’s earlier worries vanished, and she cheered.

Bai Xue was happy too.

Neither saw Jiang Li turn away, lowering her eyes with a solemn expression.

Before returning to her homeland, she had to see Xue Zhao.

Though she could not yet bring his remains home, could not let him return to his homeland, Jiang Li had to see him.

Bearing Xue Zhao’s blood feud and life, returning to Xiangyang, no matter what, she had to see him.

He was her deceased younger brother, Xue Zhao.