Ji Heng came very late.
Even so, Hong Xiao Emperor wasn't the least bit displeased, seemingly accustomed to it. Not only him, even Cheng Wang didn't dare to comment.
Jiang Li took everything in. Though it was said that many people were afraid of Duke Su because of his sinister and fierce, moody nature, Jiang Li felt that in the imperial court, Duke Su daring to do as he pleased must be relying on something else. So many people were insolent and went on a rampage, but as long as they provoked someone of a higher status, naturally the other party would give them a bitter lesson and made the insolent people firmly eat sufferings.
Yet, it seemed that the person who could give Duke Su a bitter lesson had not yet appeared. No matter how arrogant and despotic Liu taifei's group of people were, they wouldn't speak disrespectfully towards Duke Su. Including Princess Yongning, whenever she met Duke Su, she didn't speak much.
People on earth, those in a lower position fear those in a high position. Those in a high position fear those in an even higher position. Although Hong Xiao Emperor was the precious son of heaven, probably his life wasn't as carefree as Duke Su.
Jiang Li thought, to be able to do what Duke Su accomplished could be considered satisfying. At least no one dared to take unfair advantage and no one dared to insult.
Thinking like this, she felt her thought was really ridiculous and shook her head, dispelling these indescribable thoughts.
After Ji Heng paid obeisance to Hong Xiao Emperor, he looked for his position and sat down. In the palace feast, his position was actually not far from Cheng Wang's position, practically on equal footing.
Jiang Li noted that a large part of the many young ladies in the hall that were casting their eyes either on Cheng Wang or Shen Yurong turned their sights towards Ji Heng.
After all, based on appearance, all of the males in the hall were incomparable to Ji Heng. Handsome faces such as Shen Yurong and Ye Shijie seemed to be covered in dust in the face of Ji Heng.
Such a person naturally was like the moon surrounded by stars, superior to everybody.
But the current Jiang Li couldn't be happy as far as appearance is concerned. Originally, Xue Fang Fei was Yanjing's number one beauty. Ultimately, it couldn't resist high position and great wealth. Having visible good looks in the bright light was also not good.
"Duke Su is very much valued by His Majesty." Liu Xu told Jiang Li in a low voice.
"His Majesty doesn't have a trusted aid," Jiang Li smiled: "could only rely on Duke Su to settle the court." Hong Xiao Emperor's position was unstable, with Cheng Wang's faction eyeing like a prey. Previously, Cheng Wang still exercised restraint, but nowadays, the Right Minister and Cheng Wang supported each other. Cheng Wang's faction became increasingly more stable. On the other hand, Jiang Li's father, Jiang Yuan Bai, had extensive influence as the chief assistant in court. Perhaps the Jiang family didn't have the mind to rebel, but in the eyes of a monarch whose power was weak, the Jiang family's strength was a threat.
On one side was the first assistant's faction, on the other side was Cheng Wang's faction, on top of that there's Hong Xiao Emperor alone. The current Norther Yan was like the three legs of a tripod. Jiang Yuan Bai's influence was widespread; if Jiang Yuan Bai wasn't around, perhaps many affairs in the court couldn't be operated. On the one hand, Hong Xiao Emperor wanted to count on Jiang Yuan Bai to keep the stability of the court. But on the other hand, he must be on guard against Cheng Wang's cold arrow on his back. Among the three powers, Hong Xiao Emperor was instead, the weakest faction. Jiang Li felt it was tough for Hong Xiao Emperor.
Also, for the most part, the cabinet ministers of the court were divided into two factions. One faction supported Jiang Yuan Bai, which was the conservative faction. While the other faction supported Cheng Wang, which was the faction with wolf ambitions. The people Hong Xiao Emperor could use were not many at all. Even though Hong Xiao Emperor had established some of his own trusted aides in the seven years since he ascended the throne, seven years were far from enough time to grow and sufficient to compete with the other two factions. Under these circumstances, Duke Su, Ji Heng, was an exceptionally good choice.
First, there was the force from Ji Heng's father, General Jin Wu, Ji Ming Han, whose former subordinate had troops and horses under his command and whose power was not weak. Second, Ji Heng's paternal grandfather, the old general, who grew up on horseback and firmly believed in being loyal and dedicated himself to the monarch, there's no need to doubt his character. Hong Xiao Emperor could employ him with ease. Third, Ji Heng, this person, was moody, vicious and merciless. This kind of person was very hard to bribe. Moreover, his whereabouts were usually a mystery. He did not intersect with the Jiang family's faction, nor was he involved in Cheng Wang's faction, clean and neat, clear and innocent.
Thus, Hong Xiao Emperor would naturally regard Ji Heng as an important confidant.
However, was Ji Heng willing to be Hong Xiao Emperor's confidant? Jiang Li couldn't help glancing at the red clad youth. She always felt that Ji Heng didn't have the moody temperament as everyone said. The reason why he was hard to figure out was not because he had no traces, but because he hid too deeply.
Jiang Li vaguely found something a bit strange, but she couldn't clearly tell where it was strange. In short, in the relationship between Hong Xiao Emperor, Cheng Wang and Ji Heng, Jiang Li sensed something different, not as simple as what was seen from outside.
Before she could figure it out, Liu Xu had already pulled the corner of Jiang Li's jacket lightly and said: "The palace feast is about to begin."
The palace feast was about to begin and everyone had to sit in their respective places.
Jiang Li had to sit together with the Jiang family's womenfolk and soon separated from Liu Xu. When she took her seat, it was between Jiang You Yao and Jiang Yu'e. The smile Jiang You Yao squeezed out for her was full of malice, Jiang Li simply couldn't bear to see.
If you don't want to smile then don't smile. There's no need to wrong herself under everyone's sight?
Hong Xiao Emperor had not yet sat down. The Empress was standing beside him and Li pin was standing slightly behind. In the end, it could also be considered standing by Hong Xiao Emperor's side. Jiang Li's eyes flashed, the affection Hong Xiao Emperor had towards Li pin was more than what she had thought.
Hong Xiao Emperor said: "I heard this year's school's red notice has come out. The occupants of the first position of the Imperial College and from Ming Yi Hall are both here in the palace hall. Where are they? Come out and let me see what kind of good youngster and good lady you are."
Jiang Li and Ye Shijie got up at the same time.
Jiang You Yao's hands that were under the table tightly wrung the handkerchief. Jiang Yu'e stared blankly at Jiang Li as she stood up, almost unable to cover the envy in her heart.
Ye Shijie got up and walked towards the middle of the palace hall. Jiang Li also followed forward closely.
Perhaps because it's the first time he faced the holy, Ye Shijie exerted a lot of effort to maintain his calm, yet a trace of nervousness still leaked out, his pace was visibly stiff as he walked. However, nobody here would comment on his nervousness. A person who could pass the Imperial College's examination and get first place was, in any case, worthy of respect.
What people didn't expect was Jiang Li, with Ye Shijie's contrast, her bearing appeared even more quiet and calm. As if she wasn't confronting the honor of the ninety five, rather as if she was just facing an ordinary family.
Hong Xiao Emperor's gaze showed some interest.
The Shang chariot's captain, Kong Liu, also came in attendance today. He was wearing familiar armor and immediately sat beside Ji Heng. He spoke in a low voice: "The little girl is not timid, quite impressive."
Ji heng shot him a glance and mildly smiled: "No kidding."
Jiang Li and Ye Shijie performed their courtesy and Hong Xiao Emperor ordered the two of them to get up. He first looked at Ye Shijie and asked: "Are you Ye Shijie?"
"Return to Your Majesty, it's precisely the common person." Ye Shijie said deferentially.
"Heard you came from a merchant family background, actually able to have such learning and came first in the Imperial College's examination. Not bad." Hong Xiao Emperor smiled: "I very much value your ambition to improve yourself and must properly bestow a reward. Recently, there's been an empty post in the Ministry of Revenue, I'll let you serve as the foreign official in the Ministry of Revenue. Take office immediately after the palace feast!"
Hearing the emperor, Ye Shijie was both surprised and delighted. He hurriedly kowtowed to thank the emperor: "This servant received the purpose, thank Your Majesty for the grace!"
Jiang Li was also very surprised, she absolutely didn't expect Hong Xiao Emperor to actually go as far as directly sealed Ye Shijie as the foreign official of the Ministry of Revenue. To speak of, this position didn't seem remarkable, nevertheless in Yanjing city, many people also broke their heads wishing to enter. First, this was a government official of the capital. There were many youngsters graduating from the Imperial College and for the first year, they had to be placed outside. Yet Ye Shijie was able to stay in Yanjing. Second, this official post was five ranked. The Jiang family's third branch, Jiang Yuan Xing had mingled in his official career for many years, relying on the Jiang family's reputation. Even so, he was only a seven ranked official in charge of the ancient books.
Ye Shijie had just entered his official career and soon walked ahead of many people!
The cup Li Lian was clenching slightly trembled. From the beginning, he could already see that Ye Shijie's official career would go far. He was thinking of roping him in and everything had originally gone smoothly. However, somewhere in the middle, he didn't know why, Ye Shijie suddenly alienated him. Now, Ye Shijie had really turned out as what he had expected, right away having good results once he entered officialdom. But his relationship with Ye Shijie had become further away, not like what he first thought, which was difficult to handle.
On the male seats, the corner of Jiang Yuan Xing's mouth showed bitterness. A youngster who had just entered officialdom had a higher position than him. When they returned to the residence, Yang shi would presumably quarrel with him.
Jiang Yuan Ping and Jiang Yuan Bai looked at each other. Each of them understood the meaning in the other's eyes. So to speak, Ye Shijie could be regarded as a relative of the main branch. As officials, they liked to appoint people they favored to sit in particular positions. If Ye Shijie was a material that could be made, with many promotions later, perhaps he would reciprocate in the future.
Ji Shuran frowned slightly. Ye Shijie could become a foreign official of the Ministry of Revenue in one step was something that she didn't expect. She naturally couldn't let the Ye family to do well, it's best if the Ye family was declining. In this way, no one would recall Ye Zhen Zhen and she could be the only madam of the chief assistant. However, thinking of the matter that would happen tonight, Ji Shuran's frown unfurled. Regardless how Ye Shijie was, how Jiang Li was, after tonight, this lucrative post of the foreign official of the Ministry of Revenue, Ye Shijie would not have the good fortune to enjoy. The two people with bad reputations might not be able to live past this summer. Why should she care about the present discomfort?
After Ye Shijie finished thanking the emperor, Hong Xiao Emperor smiled and looked towards Jiang Li: "I have, since earlier, been aware that there's another di daughter in the taifu's residence, but never seen all along. You are the Jiang second miss?"
Jiang Li lifted her head and smiled: "This female servant has seen Your Majesty."
Compared with Ye Shijie's tenseness, she was indeed much more tranquil and unhurried, also much at ease.
There wasn't even the slightest excitement upon meeting the Heavenly face.
The originally somewhat nervous Jiang Yuan Bai, who was afraid Jiang Li would make a mistake, relaxed his breath upon seeing this scene.
Jiang Yuan Ping said: "Elder brother, Li girl's temper was surprisingly steady."
Jiang Yuan Bai was also baffled.
Hong Xiao Emperor looked at the little girl facing him whose gaze held no fear of heaven, yet didn't let others feel rude and offensive. Rather, her gaze was extraordinarily gentle. Jiang Li's eyes were very clear and limpid, more like the gaze of a young child. Hong Xiao Emperor wasn't angry and upon spotting the prayer beads around her wrist, he recalled that Jiang Li used to stay in the nunnery for eight years. He soon asked: "Do you read the scripture on weekdays? Which one do you read?"
"Returning to Your Majesty, when the servant girl was idle, fond of copying the scriptures, usually read 《Prajnaparamita Sutra》《Avatamsaka Sutra》《Golden Light Sutra》《Lotus Sutra》on weekdays." She replied.
Hong Xiao Emperor smiled: "No wonder I see that you have a serene temperament. With your temper, you would hit it off with the Empress Dowager."
The present Empress Dowager was keen on Buddhism. These words of Hong Xiao Emperor could be considered as highly elevating Jiang Li.
Jiang Li smiled fittingly and sized Hong Xiao Emperor. This year, Hong Xiao Emperor was only 27 years old, but he appeared somewhat older than other people of the same age, looking especially steady. Probably due to his capacity as the emperor, with many matters for him to worry about. In addition, the current Northern Yan wasn't as peaceful and prosperous as what it seemed on the surface. Jiang Li was able to understand Hong Xiao Emperor a bit.
Hong Xiao Emperor also felt surprised. He had heard many rumors about Jiang Li, including harming her mother and murdering her younger brother. However, perhaps because Jiang Li lost her mother when she was young, Hong Xiao Emperor had the feeling of "fellow sufferers empathize with each other". Hong Xiao Emperor did not have much disgust towards Jiang Li. Nowadays, Jiang Li turned up first in Ming Yi Hall's examination and based on his own eyes, Jiang Li was gentle and pure, unlike the evil person heard in the rumor. So a feeling of appreciation also roused.
Hong Xiao Emperor said: "Jiang aiqing, You've raised a very good daughter. Deserved to be held like a pearl in the palm, came first in Ming Yi Hall's exam, I also have a reward." He casually waved his hand and soon someone that looked like a palace eunuch came forward, held up a cloth with both hands, and read out a long list of names.
It was nothing else but jewelry and treasures. Jiang Li had a headache listening to it. After all, Hong Xiao Emperor could not confer her with an official post. If he bestowed her with a princess title or other thing now, it would be too abrupt. Jiang Li had no love for jewelry and treasures and was calm as she listened. On the contrary, Jiang Yu'e had sour water of jealousy bubbling in her as she listened to the entire list.
Kong Liu said: "Doesn't seem so, Jiang second miss isn't a bit moved. Absolutely a person who's not eating the food of common mortals, a good female who isn't moved by splendor, wealth and rank."
The corner of Ji Heng's lips was raised, with a tease contained in his smile, he said: "There are endless conspiracies in her mind, naturally she'd remain unmoved." He familiarly glanced at Kong Liu, "not everybody is as short sighted as you."
"I'm short sighted?" Kong Liu said: "I could damn shoot with great precision!"
Ji Heng was too lazy to respond to him.
After Jiang Li thanked the emperor for his favor, she returned to her seat with everyone's sights following her. Ji Shuran smiled and praised her: "Li-er is truly giving face to our home."
"Second sister is much better than me." Jiang You Yao also complimented.
It's okay for Ji Shuran to be like this, Jiang Li knew that Ji Shuran liked doing these kinds of acts. But even Jiang You Yao endured her displeasure on the surface, which made Jiang Li flabbergasted.
Jiang You Yao should be feeling the same as Jiang Yu'e, not saying a word, but hated her in her heart.
She carefully looked at Jiang You Yao beside her and discovered a bit of anticipation and excitement hidden in her gaze and couldn't help being alert.
Nevertheless, the palace feast was about to begin.
The dishes were sumptuous, but Jiang Li was not in the mood to try them. In a flaunting way, Jiang Yu'e explained the many different types of dishes to Jiang Li, as if to prove that she had seen a wider world than Jiang Li. Or she deliberately didn't remind her how to eat certain dishes, waiting to see Jiang Li make a fool of herself. Who would have thought Jiang Li would pass unscathed, she would either simply not have picked those dishes, making Jiang Yu'e's plan to fall through.
Afterwards, Jiang Yu'e no longer cared about Jiang Li. She was engrossed in showing her best aspects and intentionally faced sideways towards the male seats. Perhaps she's trying to be eye-catching.
Jiang Li only felt Jiang Yu'e's conduct was ridiculous. She didn't know what Yang-shi thought but if everyone in the third branch had Jiang Yu'e conduct, Jiang Li could understand the reason why after so many years, Jiang Yuan Xin was only a school secretary.
Really stupid, turning into a joke without knowing it.
In the male seating area, Zhou Yan Bang looked towards the direction where Jiang Li was from time to time.
Because Jiang Li was seated in the same place as Jiang You Yao, when others saw, they thought Zhou Yan Bang was looking at his fiancee, Jiang You Yao. The people beside him made fun of him and Zhou Yan Bang smiled in response, yet his mind wasn't there.
Breaking off his marriage agreement with Jiang You Yao and once again turning Jiang Li into his wife had become Zhou Yan Bang's obsession. It's a pity that Ningyuan Marchioness didn't agree to this matter, and when Ningyuan Marquis heard of this, he was furious. Zhou Yan Bang was also aware that his thinking was absurd; after all, the Jiang family wasn't a weak and small household, how could the marriage be destroyed over and over again?
But Jiang Li was truly different.
Everytime Zhou Yan Bang saw Jiang Li, he appreciated the beauty of Jiang Li even more. She was different from the noble ladies in Yanjing, the more she alienated him, Zhou Yan Bang became even more unwilling. Zhou Yan bang knew that after the examination, Jiang second miss's reputation had turned for the better and many sons from noble families started to eye Jiang Li. Furthermore, now, when Hong Xiao Emperor gave the rewards, Zhou Yan Bang also clearly sensed that many of the young noble sons in the surrounding were unable to take their eyes off Jiang Li.
Talented, gentle, born beautiful and pure, family background wasn't weak as the daughter of the chief assistant, and now even received His Majesty's favor. In the circle of the noble young ladies in Yanjing, she could be considered as one of the best young ladies.
Inside, Zhou Yan Bang felt anxiety grasping his heart and scratching his liver, afraid that him being like this would drive Jiang Li away. But his marriage with Jiang You Yao was already set at the end of winter next year. If there was no accident, he would miss Jiang Li.
Zhou Yan Bang was very unreconciled.
As he repeatedly looked at Jiang Li, naturally he didn't discover that his action had fallen into another person's eyes. This person was no one else but Shen Ruyun.
Shen Ruyun saw that she could finally meet her sweetheart and felt happy. However, her joy soon disappeared as if flushed with water. Although she was in the same place as Zhou Yan Bang, from the beginning, he had never looked towards her, but in Jiang You Yao's direction.
Shen Ruyun was heart broken. She loved Zhou Yan Bang but her status didn't match him before. Now that she was the sister of the top scorer, and her brother was the court official, she could stand together with Zhou Yan Bang. But Zhou Yan Bang was already engaged.
Supposed that this was just a marriage, then it's fine. But Shen Ruyun could clearly see that Zhou Yan Bang looked at Jiang You Yao with love in his eyes. That meant that Jiang You Yao was in Zhou Yan Bang's heart.
In a split second, She Ruyun's heart fell to the bottom. Aside from feeling heartbroken, she also felt unwilling and jealous. She wished for twists and turns to come up in the marriage between Zhou Yan Bang and Jiang You Yao, so this marriage could not be completed well.
Jiang Li ate the dishes and felt as if she was chewing wax. Due to seeing Shen Yurong and Princess Yongning these two people, she felt nauseous and was unable to eat the meal. But the palace feast still had to go on and she could only restrain her discomfort and reluctantly continue.
This palace feast actually lasted for a long time. Each of the officials exchanged cups of wine and discussed officialdom. The madams chatted about daily affairs, exchanging interesting stories about each other's homes. The young ladies and the young sons were separated by a long curtain, stealthily and occasionally peeked at each other. If they weren't careful and happened to meet the other person's gaze, they quickly retracted their sights and pretended there was nothing. In fact, they secretly remembered the movements and looks of the other party, planning to make discreet inquiries when they returned to their residences.
Actually each has their own shape, all living things have their own unique appearance.
Between Cheng Wang and Hong Xiao Emperor, there's respect between brothers. But the turbulent undercurrent hidden beneath the surface was not known to anyone. As before, the Empress Dowager was serene, Liu taifei and the empress chatted, Li pin gently sat on one side, from time to time poured wine for the emperor. This was not something that she should do, but she did this naturally and familiarly.
There's apricot blossom wine in the white jade slender porcelain bottle on the table. Because the female members couldn't stand alcohol, the drink prepared in the night palace feast was sweet, fermented fruit wine, not intoxicating at all. A cup of tea was in front of Jiang Li, she didn't touch the wine cup at all. Following the matter during mother Shen's birthday, Jiang Li often recalled and felt if she didn't drink that cup of wine in front of her at that time, probably the scene would be different now.
Drinking would make things go wrong, since then, she had never touched a drop of alcohol. Especially in such a big situation as the palace feast. She even more didn't want to make a tiny bit of mistake.
Jiang Yu'e didn't know this and seemed very fond of the sweet taste of the fermented fruit wine. She drank until she looked tipsy, her face turned bright red, unlike the sweet and charming expression on ordinary days.
At this time, Ji Shuran smiled and was heard asking: "Why doesn't Li-er taste the apricot blossom wine?"
Jiang Li lifted her eyes and saw Ji Shuran picked up the wine cup in front of Jiang Li naturally, then poured it to the brim. She smiled, put it in front of Jiang Li and said: "The palace's apricot blossom wine and the one that our residence brewed are not the same, the flavor is purer and sweeter, also not intoxicating. There's also benefits in drinking more for girls."
Jiang Li glanced at Ji Shuran. Ji Shuran's smile was gentle and soft, but unknown why, Jiang Li suddenly had an uneasy feeling. A voice seemed to be saying in her mind, reminding her that she absolutely must not drink this cup of wine.
Jiang Li believed her own intuition and said: "Many thanks mother, but I don't have the capacity for alcohol."
"How can this be considered as wine, it's in fact just sweet sugar water." Ji Shuran laughed and said: "I noticed Li-er didn't eat much tonight. It's easy to be tired and listless in summer, drinking a bit of the apricot blossom wine would dissolve the heat."
Jiang Li's heart suddenly beat quicker. Incidentally, she caught sight of Shen Ruyun and mother Shen chatting not far from her. She was alarmed and within a split second, several scenes flitted through her mind. Suddenly, she knew where she had seen Ji Shuran's meaningful gaze and why her gaze made her feel very familiar.
Ji Shuran's expression, that sort of exerting effort to restrain anticipation but still feigned nonchalance, like the gaze of a poisonous snake laying in wait, was just like the time at mother Shen's birthday feast. Mother Shen's gaze, and also the smile when Xiao Deyin urged her to drink!
Jiang Li's complexion nearly changed in an instant.
Although the suspicion couldn't be described, Jiang Li could almost be sure that Ji Shuran, this mother and daughter's plan, was the same as those people's plan at mother Shen's birthday feast. That was to make her lose her reputation!
From being the daughter of a small official to being the noble daughter of a chief assistant and reborn, she was unexpectedly faced with the same scenario.
Jiang Li couldn't tell if she felt more angry or ridiculous. In the end, she only wanted to sneer.
It was due to this matter that her previous life was tragic. Now the person had been changed, yet the same trick was repeated. Since it was so, she would deviate from the wishes of these people.
Jiang Li looked at Jiang You Yao and smilingly said: "Third younger sister also does not drink this wine."
"You Yao cannot stand anything made with apricot blossoms," Ji Shuran said: "As long as she touches them, her whole body will have rashes. Don't be deceived by the fact that she doesn't touch them, perhaps she's craving it very much in her heart."
Jiang You Yao pursed her lips and didn't speak.
However, Jiang Li was well aware that Ji Shuran was being safe. She's probably afraid that an unforeseen event might occur midway, let Jiang You Yao mistakenly drink the wine and cause a disturbance. So she made up this excuse.
But, could Ji Shuran maybe think that everything is fine as long as Jiang You Yao doesn't drink and everything will follow her wishes?
Then she was gravely mistaken.
Jiang Li smiled slightly and said indifferently: "Is that so? It's the first time I heard that third younger sister couldn't touch apricot blossoms. As it is, many thanks mother." She picked up the wine cup and brought it over, using her sleeve to cover her mouth as she sipped. Then she put the cup back.
More than half still remained.
Ji Shuran saw but didn't urge Jiang Li to drink the remaining wine in the cup. She then clipped dishes for Jiang Li, totally like a caring mother, not a single fault could be picked up.
Jiang Li's heart was cold. She lifted her sight towards the male seating area and immediately saw Ye Shijie in the middle of being urged to drink by others. After all, Ye Shijie had just been appointed as an official today and many people toasted him. So Ye Shijie also had to drink a bit. Normally, this was understandable; but Jiang Li noticed that the palace eunuch pouring the wine was somewhat too overly eager.
There were many noble sons, but against reason, that palace eunuch stood by Ye Shijie alone. Li Lian, Li Jiang were clearly at one side; Zhou Yan Bang was also on another side; Shen Yurong was also on the other side. The palace eunuch had to more or less cater to the surrounding people, yet he attentively stared at Ye Shijie alone.
Actually, in the many years of palace banquets, nobody took notice of the mannerism of a palace eunuch as they happily drank in large groups. On the contrary, Jiang Li immediately paid attention because when she was young, she followed Xue Huaiyuan to handle official business and he taught her some things occasionally. The more complicated the situation was, one had to be more mindful of the particulars.
This insignificant detail was observed by Jiang Li at this moment and everything became clear to her at last.
As it turned out, the "male adulterer" that Ji Shuran mother daughter had arranged for her was Ye Shijie.
From emotion to reason, it all seemed very fitting. She and Ye Shijie had a cousin relationship, so they had things to do with each other. She once helped Ye Shijie out of trouble on the street, which signified that their relationship could be considered as personal relationship. Naturally, a young male and female showing interest in one another could not be considered as something major. But if a scandal was exposed to the people during the palace feast, then it would become a huge fault.
As a female, her reputation would be totally destroyed and all of her effort during Ming Yi Hall's examination would be completely wasted. As well as Ye Shijie who had just been conferred a post as an official but did something so disgusting, it's indeterminate how the furious Hong Xiao Emperor would punish him but at the very least, Ye Shijie's official career would end right then and there.
The hatred between the Ye family and her would become deeper. Being married would be with grudges, not being married would also bear grudges. In short, in this lifetime, Ye Shijie and she could be considered as ruined.
It was a very thorough calculation!
Jiang Li's eyes were stricken, and she promptly lowered her head. When she lifted her head again, her smile was pure and simple as it was before.
Jiang You Yao turned around and saw the wine cup in front of Jiang Li. It was unknown since when, but the cup was already empty. She stared blankly and subconsciously asked: "When did you finish it?"
"Oh," Jiang Li replied: "it's sweet and very tasty, I've finished it. But one shouldn't drink excessively, it's enough to drink just one cup." She smiled.
Ji Shuran let go of her heart.
Jiang Yu'e on the other side put down the wine cup in front of her.