The madams and young ladies inside the palace hall weren't unfamiliar with the female members of the Jiang family. The Jiang family was considered an outstanding official family in Yanjing. Whichever madam was going to entertain guests in their residence, no one would forget to invite the Jiang family's madam. Aside from Yang-shi, Ji Shuran and Lu-shi often gathered together with these madams. The second branch had no daughter, and in the main branch, there had only been Jiang You Yao in the eight years since Jiang Li left. Many had forgotten that there was still a Jiang Li. They had seen Jiang You Yao here many times, but the number of times they had seen Jiang Li was very few.
The deepest impression they had was of Jiang Li's two successive examinations, one being music, and the other being equestrian riding.
Without any noise, but soon amazed the world with a single brilliant feat. That was outsiders' impression of Jiang Li. However, those who didn't personally watch the examinations declined to comment, thinking that it was nothing more than rumors. Jiang Li didn't seem to be as good as said. Thus, the palace feast became an opportunity to confirm these hearsays.
Everyone stared at the people behind Ji Shuran.
Behind the old madam, there were Ji Shuran and Lu-shi, then Yang-shi, followed by the girls. The girl walking at the very front was Jiang You Yao.
Jiang You Yao had a smile on her face, totally sweet and refined. At a glance, her dress and bearing reflected her good life, a young lady who had never eaten human's suffering. Apart from this, Ji Shuran also put effort into making Jiang You Yao appear upright and steady. It should be known that when a male looked at a female, he looked for beauty and intelligence, which were on the female's own body. But the household of a great family chose their daughter-in-law, apart from these qualities, also depended on the daughter-in-law's temperament and ability. Whether they could manage the peace in the backyard.
In particular, Zhou Yan Bang's attempt to break the marriage arrangement a few days ago had made Ji Shuran very angry. If it were not because Ningyuan Marchioness personally visited to apologize soon after, plus Jiang You Yao truly adored Zhou Yan Bang, Ji Shuran certainly wouldn't have let the Zhou family have such an easy time.
The more outstanding Jiang You Yao was, the more it proved that in this marriage, Jiang You Yao deserved Zhou Yan Bang and was in no way trying to climb up, rather, she was more than enough.
Jiang You Yao was like a blooming flower bud, wavering gently and gracefully as she entered. Her looks were magnificent and somewhat enhanced the beauty of Yu Ming palace hall. Some young ladies whose looks were mediocre looked at Jiang You Yao and couldn't help feeling inferior.
Growing in an enviable official family, having an incomparable appearance, doted by the family, innocent and unaffected, her marriage was just as she wished, her future husband was gentle and handsome, families were well-matched, wasn't this the envy of everybody? Even though most of the young ladies present came from wealthy families, every family had their own problems. Wealthy families' daughters' lives were not as well off as seen on the surface, the hardship was in their hearts.
Jiang You Yao saw everyone's envious gazes and was proud of herself, her steps became much more lively.
Walking behind Jiang You Yao was Jiang Li.
Actually, in regard to rankings, Jiang Li ought to walk in front of Jiang You Yao. But no one told Jiang Li and Jiang You Yao used her own initiative to walk in front. Jiang Li also didn't mind these. As she saw it, whoever went first or after was not important.
Everyone stared wide as behind the flower-like Jiang You Yao, a girl like water walked out.
Compared with Jiang You Yao's splendid attire, she appeared extremely simple, too simple. But in the midst of her simplicity, her clear features resembled prominent colors in landscape paintings, giving people an infinite charm.
Jiang second miss's steps were gentle, calm and unhurried. Compared with Jiang You Yao's briskness, she appeared even more gentle and steady. If Jiang You Yao was Yanjing's brightly colored official young lady, this girl was like the mountain's delicate, spirited and intelligent little fairy. The former was likened to splendid beauty while the latter was an indifferent immortal.
Some people with good eyes saw there wasn't any jade bracelet or jewelry on Jiang Li's slim wrist, rather a string of black Buddhist prayer beads was hung. The gentle and sleek prayer beads lined her skin, making her wrist appear bright as jade.
Some people recalled that Jiang Li had stayed in the nunnery in the mountain for eight years. Though that nunnery was now known as a place concealing wicked deeds, it seemed that it didn't affect Jiang Li. Among the pollution, she still had a Buddhist nature and clarity.
She was very "spiritual".
The corner of the girl's lips were also raised into a smile. Different from Jiang You Yao's smile, Jiang Li's smile seemed to come from the bottom of her heart, very gentle and comfortable. It was as if she had no worries and made those who saw her feel their heart and mind soothed.
Ningyuan Marchioness, who was chatting with Ji Chen-shi, raised her eyebrows.
Ever since Zhou Yan Bang mentioned rescinding the marriage agreement with Jiang You Yao, Ningyuan Marchioness was sore in her heart. Although she was good friends with Ye Zhen Zhen at that time, Ye Zhen Zhen had passed away for so many years. As the daughter left behind by Ye Zhen Zhen, naturally she wasn't as doted on as Ji Shuran's biological daughter. In addition, afterwards, Jiang Li harmed Ji Shuran and caused her to miscarry. With a bad reputation, Ningyuan Marchioness also stopped thinking of having family ties with the Jiang family.
Even if the Jiang family had a big business, such a vicious and merciless young lady, whose reputation had swept rock bottom, no other family dared to accept.
Unexpectedly, Ji Shuran took the initiative to look for her.
Ji Shuran seemed to completely understand her thoughts and only said that she hated to part with this marriage arrangement. Even more reluctant with such in-laws like Ningyuan Marquis's family. After thinking about it, though Jiang Li would not do, the Jiang family did not just have Jiang Li, this daughter, right?
Ningyuan Marchioness was overjoyed at the turn of events. In her opinion, there wasn't any other family better than the Jiang family to become in-laws in Yanjing. Moreover, compared to Jiang Li, Jiang You Yao was not bad. First, she was also Jiang Yuan Bai's biological daughter. Second, Jiang You Yao was satisfactory in regards to her appearance, talent or temperament. Zhou Yan Bang also saw her later on and had no objection to the marriage. Ningyuan Marchioness thought that this marriage was already settled.
Who knew that not long after Jiang Li returned to Yanjing, Zhou Yan Bang would suddenly put forward such an absurd thing.
Ningyuan Marchioness was shocked. The matter of Zhou Yan Bang wanting to break the marriage agreement was somehow known to Ji Shuran. Afraid of Ji Shuran's blame, Ningyuan Marchionesshad no choice but to come for a visit and apologized. Also let Ji Chen-shi come over to help her speak. Using emotion at first to then tell with reasons, Zhou Yan Bang no longer mentioned this shameful request. Ningyuan Marchioness was aware of her son's character and knew that Zhou Yan Bang never stopped thinking about this.
Angry and annoyed, Ningyuan Marchioness was afraid that Zhou Yan Bang would attract disaster. In the palace feast today, she planned to see the appearance of the initial betrothed Jiang Li. Ningyuan Marchioness didn't go to either of the two examinations, thus she didn't know Jiang Li's limelight. Even though she'd heard many praises from the people around her about Jiang Li's examinations, Ningyuan Marchioness snorted disdainfully.
Now she finally saw what the girl who had made her son head over heels in love looked like.
To be honest, Jiang Li's eyes and brows were like Jiang Yuan Bai, clear and delicate. However, her outline was like Ye Zhen Zhen, courageous, honest and innocent. But her expression and her smile, both neither resemble Jiang Yuan Bai's unrestrained and rigorousness nor Ye Zhen Zhen's simplicity and liveliness.
That gentleness made people defenseless, yet also made people feel she knew everything.
Ningyuan Marchioness's heart felt heavy. With this appearance, it could be totally expected that it could steal Zhou Yan Bang's heart.
But she couldn't let this matter happen. Supposed that Zhou Yan Bang didn't give up, sooner or later Jiang Li would become an obstruction in Zhou Yan Bang and Jiang You Yao's two people's world. Animosity must not be forged in a marriage. It's better not to have this marriage rather than truly forging hatred with the Jiang family.
Ningyuan Marchioness only felt a headache.
Nobody knew Ningyuan Marchioness's thoughts and was preoccupied looking at the Jiang family's girls. Jiang You Yao was beautiful and charming, Jiang Li was pure and spiritual, then Jiang Yu'e , on the contrary, looked too tacky, Jiang Yu'e looked mediocre, absolutely didn't arouse anyone's attention.
As a result, the two daughters in the Jiang family's main branch each had her own merit. At least based on appearance, they were all equally excellent. This was a fact that entered deeply into the people's hearts.
Once the Jiang family's female members showed up, due to their identities, many people came over to actively greet them. Ji Shuran naturally wanted to sit together with Ji Chen-shi. Lu-shi also stayed with the madams she was familiar with. Since Yang-shi had no good friends, and no one came over to praise her, she could only sit by old madam Jiang's side together with Jiang Yu'e and Jiang Yu Yan, looking somewhat desolate.
Without consulting anyone, Jiang Li straightaway went to look for Liu Xu.
She only had this close friend, and Liu Xu had long since been extremely gloomy being alone from earlier. She couldn't contain her joy seeing Jiang Li come over. Waiting until Jiang Li finished greeting Madam Liu, she then pulled Jiang Li to her side and said: "I heard Zhou Yan Bang and Jiang You Yao's marriage has been set?"
Jiang Li was astounded for a moment, didn't expect the news to spread this fast. She smiled and nodded.
"It's okay." Liu Xu held back for half a day and no longer held back her words of comfort. She finally clapped her hands: "There are many males better than Zhou Yan Bang in the capital. In the future, the person you'll find will certainly be 10,000 times better than Zhou Yan Bang. If you had truly married Zhou Yan bang, you'd be at a loss."
Jiang Li almost broke into laughter. She sensitively perceived a gaze sizing her up and down from another place. She raised her eyes to see and was stunned as the person who was staring at herself was no other than the previous sister-in-law, Shen Ruyun.
Shen Ruyun's gaze was as mean as ever, carrying pickiness, making Jiang Li a bit distracted. Similar to the first time she followed Shen Yurong to the Shen family in the capital. The Shen Ruyun at that time was sitting in the room, and also used the same gaze, as if seeing goods, to size her up and down. Jiang Li still didn't understand at that time, but today Jiang Li understood. That gaze was pondering what kind of advantage could be taken from her, and how much benefit could the Shen family get.
Actually, Shen Ruyun and Xue Fang Fei weren't in the same situation. Jiang Li remembered, when Shen Yurong had not yet taken office as the top scorer, Shen Ruyun, despite her reluctance, she still kept up appearances on the surface. Also affectionately called her "elder sister-in-law".
But ever since Shen Yurong became the top scorer, Shen Ruyun no longer put her in her eyes.
Seeing Jiang Li had her attention on Shen Ruyun, Liu Xu was puzzled: "Do you have any problem with her? Before you came, Shen Ruyun brought up the matter of Jiang You Yao robbing your marriage with Zhou Yan Bang. Wasn't that creating trouble using you as a raft? Where did you commit offense to her?"
"I've never offended her." Jiang Li shook her head. She was clear in her heart, the reason why Shen Ruyun used this matter was, naturally, on account of Zhou Yan Bang. Others didn't know, but she, as the elder sister-in-law, found out that Shen Ruyun had greatly admired Zhou Yan Bang for many years. Nowadays, with great difficulty, she could have the confidence to discuss marriage with Zhou Yan Bang, yet she was preceded by Jiang You Yao. How would her heart not be angry?
Perhaps she even hated herself too. If it were not due to the former marriage agreement between Jiang second miss and Zhou Yan Bang, how could Jiang third miss occupy the magpie's nest and set Zhou Yan Bang since earlier.
Jiang Li thought to herself, how would Shen Ruyun react if she knew that her own sister-in-law hindered her marriage? Thinking of this, she couldn't help feeling funny.
Jiang Li's smile fell into Shen Ruyun's eyes and she found it even more offensive. Moreover, Shen Ruyun always felt that Jiang Li's demeanor seemed very familiar. However, Shen Ruyun was sure that this was the first time that she saw Jiang Li. This feeling of familiarity made Shen Ruyun feel not particularly pleasant. She snorted and turned her head, no longer looking at Jiang Li.
After chatting and laughing for a while, a palace maid came from outside to announce the arrival of the Empress Dowager.
All the ladies got up at the same time to greet the Empress Dowager.
The current Empress Dowager was not Hong Xiao Emperor's birth mother. She had a benevolent temper and frequently made merits by paying respects to Buddha and disregarding the affairs of the world. Precisely due to this, at that time, Xia guifei and Liu shufei contended in the harem. In addition, there's a rumor that the empress was childless and her position as the empress could not be kept. But afterwards, Xia guifei's health wasn't good and she passed away early. Then Hong Xiao Emperor was raised under the Empress Dowager's knee. The late Emperor intended to support Hong Xiao Emperor to be the crown prince and only then Liu shufei restrained herself a bit..
Afterwards, the late Emperor passed away, the empress became the Empress Dowager and Liu shufei became Liu taifei. Liu taifei's son and daughter was precisely the current Cheng Wang and Princess Yongning. Cheng Wang was a bit older than Hong Xiao Emperor thus the force supporting Cheng Wang was restless. The road for Hong Xiao Emperor to sit in the emperor seat was not smooth at all.
This was also why one third of the people in the current court were respectful towards Cheng Wang.
Hong Xiao Emperor didn't have support from any outer relatives. What he had was just his own, but those supporting him weren't many. Perhaps one day, this royal seat had to be handed over, what Cheng Wang possessed seemed to be much more than Hong Xiao Emperor.
The Empress Dowager wore a dark purple gold satin palace dress and cloud crown. To speak, the Empress Dowager was also advanced in age, but probably due to good maintenance, standing beside the Empress, she didn't seem that much older. It could be seen that she was charming when young. Her lips carried a smile and she looked very amiable.
Following immediately behind the Empress Dowager was Cheng Wang's consort mother, Liu taifei. Standing together with the Empress Dowager, Liu taifei appeared much older. Despite this, it didn't affect her disposition. She actually wore bright colored clothes and her haughty looks was precisely the same as Princess Yongning.
The moment Jiang Li saw Princess Yongning, her blood instantly turned cold.
Princess Yongning was dressed from head to foot in a gold picked muslin with brilliant lights and vibrant colors. That thin piece of clothes was precisely made from the blood of countless weaving girls. She was also a delicate flower. Comparing her with Jiang You Yao's girly tenderness, Princess Yongning was much more charming. Standing in the middle of the hall, she had the posture of the heaven's arrogant female, aloof and remote, not paying attention to anybody.
It's rumored that Liu taifei was proud and the Empress Dowager didn't want to bicker with her. In the entire harem, Liu taifei practically had the final say. Hong Xiao Emperor's power was weak, no need to even mention the Empress. As a result, nobody dared to refute whatever Princess Yongning said.
When the Empress Dowager saw everyone get up, she smiled and told them not to stand on ceremony and told everyone to sit down. Soon the palace feast began.
Jiang Li saw Princess Yongning glanced left and right as if searching for someone and she sneered in her heart. Princess Yongning being like this was certainly looking for Shen Yurong.
Contrary to what one might expect, she treated Shen Yurong with clear adoration.
The womenfolk came early, and the feast was held in Yu Ming Hall. There's a long flower pond pavilion outside of Yu Ming Hall. After the night feast, one could admire the full moon and the flowers, very sophisticated.
After a while, the male counterparts also came in succession.
Males and females did not sit at the same table, but still in the same hall. Northern Yan was not like the previous dynasty, in the case of a public place with numerous people, the females did not need to evade when seeing males. However, in the end they were still a bit embarrassed, some thin-skinned young ladies would turn their body around to hide and save the embarrassment.
Jiang Yuan Bai followed by Jiang Yuan Ping; the two brothers walked in together. Due to the not-so-close relationship with the two brothers, Jiang Yuan Xing looked a bit awkward.
Jiang Li saw Ye Shijie. Ye Shijie amazed the world with a single brilliant feat and was bound to soon enter officialdom. Some noble young sons used the opportunity to make friends with him. There were many people walking by his side, Ye Shijie seemed to interact with them pretty well.
Jiang Li breathed a sigh of relief in her heart.
If Jiang second miss had a powerful outer grandparents' family, it would be great in regards to her future.
Ye Shijie was flushed with success. Following behind him was the runner up in this year's Imperial College's examination. That was the one who ought to be the first but was replaced by Ye Shijie to be number one, the Right Minister's eldest young master, Li Jing.
Li Jing was born with an average appearance. Compared to his younger brother, Li Lian, he really wasn't popular among the ladies. But the heavens were fair, Li Jing wasn't handsome enough but his talent was not shallow. Li Lian was handsome and charming, but the fact was, he was someone without learning or skills, a hedonistic son of rich parents, ignorant and incompetent.
The two brothers, Li Jing and Li Lian, came in together with the Right Minister, Li Zhong Nan. Many bold young ladies followed and sized up both brothers.
After all, nowadays, the Right Minister's power was getting bigger and bigger, almost on par with the Jiang family's. If previously the Jiang family was the head of the court official, now this Jiang family's position of the head of the court official was also in danger because of the strengthening of the Right Minister's power. Li Jing and Li Lian, these two brothers, were naturally in high demand.
Jiang Li's eyes only stayed on the two brothers for a very short time before she moved her sight away. She didn't have the intention to have any dealings with the Li family at all. What she must remind Ye Shijie had been expressed to him. Also, it seemed that Ye Shijie did very well and did not have any interaction with Li Jiang and Li Lian. Clearly he had listened to her reminder.
No matter what the Li family was planning, Ye Shijie didn't care. In any case, it's important for him to be safe.
In the Imperial College's red notice, the first was Ye Shijie, the second was Li Jing, and the third was naturally Ningyuan Marquis's heir, Zhou Yan Bang.
Very soon Jiang Li saw Zhou Yang Bang.
It wasn't because she wanted to take note of Zhou Yan Bang, rather, Zhou Yan Bang's sight on her was really undisguised and too ardent. If there were less people, afraid that everyone would find the clues. Jiang Li was a bit annoyed, Zhou Yan Bang being this way was really making people feel disgusted, extremely difficult to bear.
Others did not pay attention to Zhou Yan Bang. Although Zhou Yan Bang was a handsome and talented young man, he was already betrothed. However, Ningyuan Marchioness and Ji Shuran mother and daughter pair, kept their gazes on Zhou Yan Bang's each and every move from the moment he came in.
Seeing Zhou Yan Bang immediately searched for Jiang Li's figure the moment he came in, the few people felt anxious.
Ningyuan Marchioness's mind buzzed and she immediately felt unwell. Like this, Zhou Yan Bang wasn't afraid of being seen by people, his display was too obvious and would inevitably provoke Jiang You Yao and block her heart, making Ji Shuran unhappy.
Ji Shuran mother and daughter pair felt extreme hate. On one hand, they hated Zhou Yan Bang's weak temperament, easy to be pulled by others. On the other hand, they hated Jiang Li, the originator, even more. If Jiang Li didn't seduce him, how would Zhou Yan Bang be this obsessed!
Jiang Li got up decisively and changed her position, concealing where she was from Zhou Yan Bang's sight. She truly didn't want to have any unclear interaction with Zhou Yan Bang. Her reputation had just gotten better after Ming Yi Hall's examination, she absolutely didn't wish for her reputation to go up in smoke because of Zhou Yan Bang.
Zhou Yan Bang couldn't find Jiang Li's silhouette and was a bit disappointed. He recovered in a twinkling of an eye and resumed his elegant, noble son style, chatting and smiling with others.
Jiang Li passed through the layers of people and eventually saw Shen Yurong.
Today Shen Yurong was wearing an official uniform, Jiang Li had never seen this kind of Shen Yurong. When they were still husband and wife, Shen Yurong was a warm, gentle and tolerant person. After mother Shen's birthday feast, the number of times she saw Shen Yurong was only a few. She was feeling ashamed at that time and Shen Yurong was simply keeping quiet.
But the current Shen Yurong was totally different from that time.
He was wearing a third ranked official government uniform. From previously being a commoner, he became famous in one stroke. The official gown worn on his body seemed to add unlimited brilliance to him. He appeared to be as gentle and cultivated as before, but in his eyes, there's maturity and sophistication.
Jiang Li saw him conversing with his colleagues who were fawning on him while he remained aloof. In a split second, Jiang Li felt that this Shen Yurong resembled Princess Yongning a lot.
The same thoughts that they were above others, the same in not taking others in their eyes.
Jiang Li moved her sight to look the other way towards Princess Yongning.
Princess Yongning didn't mask her admiring gaze at Shen Yurong, practically following Shen Yurong's movement. However, when seen like this, it was like falling flowers and flowing water was not as affectionate as imagined. Shen Yurong didn't even glance even once at Princess Yongning.
Jiang Li laughed grimly in her heart. Naturally, under the staring eyes of the crowd, of course he would cover up. Princess Yongning had her princess identity, but Shen Yurong was a cautious person. He wouldn't let anyone grab his handle. He was used to doing things cautiously, just like that time when he fooled her.
But, Xue Fang Fei had passed away. Princess Yongning used every possible means to make her, the original mate, to vacate her position. Why, up until now she remained unable to enter the Shen family? A trace of elation flashed in Jiang Li's mind. However, it disappeared in a flash. Truthfully, the current Jiang Li really wanted to see how Princess Yongning was after she married into the Shen family. It's unknown whether they would be happy and delighted as they had expected or the two people would have complaints.
Shortly after, Jiang Li saw the people of the Ji family, including Ji Shuran's father, Ji Yan Lin, there's also Liu Xu's father, Liu Yuan Feng/ Cheng Wang came a bit later. When he arrived he immediately paid respect to the Empress Dowager.
The last to arrive was Hong Xiao Emperor.
In the two lifetimes, this was the second time Jiang Li saw Hong Xiao Emperor. Hong Xiao Emperor was now 27 years old, a very young age for a monarch. Since he ascended the throne seven years ago, there had not been any major turmoil in the Yan Dynasty. Though it was so, his position as the emperor was still unstable, not as smooth and steady as what it seemed on the surface.
Every single person in the imperial court knew that Chen Wang was Hong XIao Emperor's greatest threat. Seven years ago, Hong Xiao Emperor succeeded the throne in a haste and Cheng Wang's soldiers were defeated. In these seven years, had Hong Xiao Emperor caught up with Chen Wang?
No one knew.
A young woman stood beside Hong Xiao Emperor. This woman was born extremely beautiful and delicate, lovely and moving. However, her clothes were not gorgeous at all, it could even be said as simple and clean. She kept smiling from the beginning. Liu Xu whispered in Jiang Li's ears: "That's Li pin, Jiang You Yao's maternal aunt."
Jiang Li suddenly understood, as it turned out, this was Ji Yan Lin's eldest di daughter, Ji Shuran's eldest sister, Li pin.
The last time she entered the palace to follow Shen Yurong, she didn't see Li pin, but she was aware of this person. Some people said that Li pin was akin to Xia guifei to the late emperor, the beloved woman of the late emperor. However, Li pin and Xia guifei were not the same as there's the Ji family behind Li pin while there was no one backing Xia guifei.
Jiang Li looked at Li pin, Li pin even looked a bit younger than Ji Shuran. No idea how she maintained herself usually, she looked the same as a young lady in the prime of youth. Very tender, also very amiable, nothing to pick about her. It's simply modest and easygoing compared to Princess Yongning's aloofness. However, Jiang Li knew clearly, if Li pin was truly as weak and unambitious, she wouldn't attack and cut a bloody path in the harem, becoming Hong Xiao Emperor's favored imperial concubine.
Without the ability, she would have earlier become a sacrificial victim in the law of the jungle. How would she be able to stand calmly beside Hong Xiao Emperor, with a winner's attitude pretending to be humble, those were all acts in a play.
Li pin said something to Hong Xiao Emperor and Hong XIao Emperor waved his hands. Then Li pin came to greet Ji Chen shi and Ji Shuran.
Jiang You Yao obviously should meet this aunt and the surrounding noble ladies, without exception, looked enviously at Jiang You Yao. Having an aunt like Li pin was more well-regarded than having an aunt like the empress. Although the empress gave birth to the crown prince, the crown prince was still young, had not yet reached five years old. If Li pin also gave birth to a young prince, in view of the way Hong Xiao Emperor doted on Li pin, nobody could tell for sure in which family the position of the crown prince would fall into.
After all, the matter of changing the established crown prince was not something unheard of from previous dynasties.
It was unknown what Ji Shuran said to Li pin, Li pin smiled and glanced at Jiang Li. There was no emotion indication in that glance, but Jiang Li felt an indescribable feeling of extreme unease.
Liu Xu asked: "You are not going there to give a courtesy?"
"They didn't call me." Jiang Li didn't pay much attention and said: "No need to go."
Liu Xu was stunned, after a while something seemed to dawn on her and she said happily: "Your temperament is really."
Jiang Li broke into laughter. She wasn't like Jiang Yu'e, who rushed to fawn over Ji Shuran to win favors. She also wasn't like Jiang You Yao who had blood relations with Li pin. She and Li pin only have the titular name of aunt and niece. Perhaps this was the first time the former Jiang second miss saw this Li pin.
In the end, Li pin was Ji Shuran's older sister, naturally she would side with Ji Shuran. Li pin was bound to treat her as an enemy. In this hostile standpoint, it's impossible to change anything just because Jiang Li came up and offered her courtesy.
No need to do unnecessary things, especially this was something you were actually unwilling to do. Xue Huaiyuan said this before, Jiang Li also remembered it in her heart.
Just as the emperor was in the middle of chatting with the empress dowager, a eunuch came to inform that someone was coming.
Able to come later than His Majesty, this person's courage could be considered too big. It should be made aware that even Cheng Wang, this kind of person, still abided by etiquette. Jiang Li lifted her eyes and saw in the corridor outside the palace door, a person walking neither slowly nor hastily.
The youngster wore a crimson robe weaved with gold. The corner of the gown waved, cutting a radiance under the bright lights, more dazzling than the gems inlaid in the big halls pillars.
Such complicated and gorgeous clothes, as long as the appearance was insufficient, the clothes would press the person down and make it seem that "the clothes was wearing the person". Only if it was an exceptional beauty whose five features were exquisite that not a single flaw could be picked, whose style was unmatched, could the clothes barely go well together.
But the clothes worn on the youngster's body could not only be said to barely go well with one another, it actually complemented each other well. The people couldn't help gasping seeing him in these clothes with no other choice but to admit that on this earth, he was the only one who could wear it. Definitely lived up to the name splendid clothes.
The splendid clothes were brighter than the gems, while his good looks were more ostentatious than the splendid clothes.
This was precisely Duke Su, Ji Heng.