Chapter 11: The Inevitable Return
After listening to Jiang Li's words, Tong'er nodded in agreement, then suddenly remembered something and said, "But that Madam Liu is truly a good person." She then smiled at Jiang Li, "To be honest, after all these years, even I had nearly forgotten, yet you still remember Madam Liu's appearance. Among all the ladies present, only Madam Liu was willing to speak up for justice."
Jiang Li smiled faintly. When she was Xue Fangfei, married into Yanjing, she often engaged in casual conversations with various ladies and young misses. Unlike others, she had possessed an exceptional memory since childhood. She recalled mentions of Madam Liu from the Chengde Official's residence and her connection to Ye Zhenzhen from the former Ye family of Xiangyang.
Having briefly interacted with Madam Liu herself, Jiang Li knew her to be kind-hearted, with a strong sense of justice and intolerance for evil. Today, she had first evoked Madam Liu's sympathy by presenting herself as the daughter of an old acquaintance, then hinted at hidden circumstances behind her being sent to the nunnery. Both emotionally and logically, Madam Liu would never stand idly by.
"But miss," Tong'er spoke hesitantly, "even if Madam Liu mentions you to the master after returning to the capital, would he really send someone to bring you back immediately? Perhaps we should just leave with Madam Liu tomorrow morning."
Though Tong'er usually spoke with certainty, firmly believing that Jiang Yuanbai would eventually come to bring Jiang Li home, everyone had witnessed how Jiang Yuanbai had neglected his daughter all these years. When it came down to it, even Tong'er found it hard to believe.
"Don't worry, father will definitely send someone," Jiang Li said.
Three years ago, the Chengde Official had developed grievances with a protégé recommended by Vice Metropolitan Inspector-General Ji Yanlin—Ji Shuran's father. The Chengde Official could have been promoted further, but Ji Yanlin's protégé, leveraging his connection, snatched the lucrative position from him.
Stealing merits and hindering careers—the relationship between Official Liu and Ji Yanlin had never been smooth. Once Madam Liu returned to Yanjing and informed the Chengde Official about this matter, the clever Official would naturally seize the opportunity to make Ji Yanlin suffer.
The fault lay entirely with the Ji family. Moreover, her benevolent and tolerant biological father, the Grand Secretary, was a man who valued his reputation greatly. How could he leave a handle for his political enemies to accuse him of mistreating his own daughter?
"I'm not just going back—I'm returning with grandeur," Jiang Li tapped the table lightly. "Returning with Madam Liu would be beneath us and wouldn't cause much stir in Yanjing City. But if they send someone to escort me back, it would be different. All of Yanjing City would know that the Jiang family's Second Miss is returning to the capital. The noble circles would learn of this news, and only then would my return be formal and glorious."
Tong'er blinked, feeling that these days, the Second Miss sometimes seemed like a completely different person. The former Second Miss Jiang had been impulsive, stubborn, reckless, and fragile, while the current Second Miss Jiang was exceedingly gentle, calm, and formidable.
"Just wait," Jiang Li curved her eyes into a smile. "It won't be long now."
...
Early the next morning, Madam Liu set off back to Yanjing.
The other ladies and young misses departed with her, their eagerness to leave seeming as if they were avoiding something. It was understandable—after such a scandal in this sacred Buddhist place, the women naturally wanted to distance themselves as quickly as possible.Heling Temple was unaware, but in the nunnery where Jiang Li resided, all the nuns had left completely, not a single one remained. It was said that the nearby yamen had been notified, and the nuns here had been taken away overnight for detention and interrogation.
Before leaving, Madam Liu left a few servants and guards behind to ensure Jiang Li's safety. Her personal maid, Yuxiang, also stayed by Jiang Li's side.
As the carriage was about to depart, Madam Liu lifted the curtain and looked at Jiang Li with concern, saying, "Second Miss Jiang, are you truly determined to stay here? I've thought it over and over, and it doesn't seem appropriate. Why not return to the capital with us?"
Jiang Li gently but firmly declined, smiling, "Thank you for your kindness, Madam. But since I promised my father, I must keep my word."
Mentioning Jiang Yuanbai, Madam Liu thought of her late friend Ye Zhenzhen, and her expression darkened slightly. Coming back to her senses, she sighed and said, "Very well, since you're so resolute, I won't persuade you further. Rest assured, I will convince your father to send someone to fetch you as soon as possible." Turning to Yuxiang, she added, "Yuxiang, take good care of Second Miss Jiang."
Yuxiang nodded in agreement.
The line of carriages gradually disappeared in a cloud of dust. Tong'er watched them fade into the distance, a trace of melancholy rising in her eyes. Once they left, who knew when someone would come again...
Tong'er couldn't help but ask, "Miss, can we really return in glory?"
"We will," Jiang Li smiled.
Of course, she would return with grandeur and fanfare. She wanted every noble in Yanjing's high society to know of the existence of this long-vanished second young miss. Only then could she restore her former life. The identity of Second Miss Jiang would bring her countless advantages, and the greatest of these was the legitimate means to approach Princess Yongning.
Princess Yongning, Shen Yurong, even the Magistrate of the Capital, and all those who had abetted the wicked—she kept them all in mind, never forgetting for a moment the death of her father and Xue Zhao.
Yanjing was a prosperous and splendid place.
Yanjing was also the perfect place to begin her revenge.
The smile on Jiang Li's lips deepened. Yuxiang, standing beside her, noticed it and couldn't help feeling a flicker of surprise. The Jiang family's second young miss was gentle and unassuming, her smile as pure as a flower.
Yet, there was an inexplicable, faint trace of sharpness beneath it.
Ali was the most intelligent female lead of all generations, while Consort Ji was the most ruthless male lead of all generations.
This pairing was a terrifying duo indeed╮（╯▽╰）╭
(End of Chapter)
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