Chapter 26 Uncut Jade
Shen Ruyun was extremely impatient.
Her status was now completely different from before. If Shen Yurong hadn't become the top scholar and been appointed as an Imperial Secretariat Scholar, she would have married last year - to the son of a small tavern owner in Yanjing City. Even such a match would have been considered marrying above her station.
However, ever since Shen Yurong became the top scholar and was personally appointed as Imperial Secretariat Scholar by the Hongxiao Emperor, their family's status had risen with the tide. Shen Yurong had a promising future and was a talented young man. Moreover, Shen Ruyun knew that Shen Yurong had now caught the eye of Princess Yongning, which meant their Shen family would become even more distinguished in the future. Not to mention the tavern owner's son, she now looked down even on ordinary officials' sons.
Shen Ruyun had someone in her heart - Zhou Yanbang, the famously handsome Heir of Marquis of Ningyuan in Yanjing City. In the past, Shen Ruyun could only secretly admire him from afar. Zhou Yanbang was like a cloud in the sky, while she was just mud on the ground. But now things were different. The change in status made Shen Ruyun realize that she was qualified to stand by Zhou Yanbang's side and become his wife.
However, Zhou Yanbang had been betrothed since childhood to the Second Miss Jiang, daughter of the current Grand Secretary. But Second Miss Jiang had a vicious temperament and had committed matricide and fratricide at a young age. The Ningyuan Marquis household naturally couldn't allow such a vicious young lady to enter their family, yet they couldn't break off the engagement either. So the engagement remained valid, but the bride had been changed from Second Miss Jiang to Third Miss Jiang.
The people of Yanjing City enjoyed discussing this matter, but no one thought there was anything wrong with Second Miss Jiang being replaced, nor did anyone speak up for her injustice. Because if it were them, they would also choose the charming and lovely Third Miss Jiang over the vicious and malicious Second Miss Jiang.
Today was Third Miss Jiang Youyao's hair-pinning ceremony, something everyone clearly understood. Once Jiang Youyao had her hair-pinning ceremony, her marriage to the Heir of Marquis of Ningyuan would be approaching.
It was precisely because Shen Ruyun felt unwilling that she had specifically come with Shen's mother to see what Zhou Yanbang's future wife looked like. She had even deliberately changed into bright clothing to outshine Jiang Youyao.
Those who came to watch the ceremony either wanted to curry favor with Jiang Yuanbai or were on good terms with him, so naturally they wouldn't slight Jiang Youyao. The noble young ladies all wore plain, simple clothing to avoid overshadowing the hostess. Thus, Shen Ruyun's dressing style stood out conspicuously here.
Ji Shuran also noticed Shen Ruyun's behavior and felt displeased. However, she had heard Jiang Yuanbai mention that the current Imperial Secretariat Scholar Shen Yurong's future achievements shouldn't be underestimated, and it would be best to win him over if possible. So Ji Shuran maintained a cheerful and generous appearance on the surface, dealing with the flattery from various noble ladies.
A woman who was friendly with Ji Shuran said: "I heard that your household's Second Miss returned to the capital some days ago. I wonder if she'll attend the ceremony today."
"Of course she will," Ji Shuran smiled. "She's probably still dressing up and will arrive later." Her words carried a hint that Jiang Li was disobedient and difficult to manage.
Sure enough, upon hearing this, the ladies around all cast sympathetic looks at Ji Shuran. One who was more straightforward said: "Second Miss hasn't returned to Yanjing for a long time. Who knows how much she still remembers of Yanjing's etiquette. Even when she was young, she was difficult to discipline. Now..." She didn't finish her sentence, but the remaining meaning was self-evident.Ji Shuran sighed at just the right moment. Jiang Yu'e, seated beside Yang Shi, rolled her eyes and said, "Originally, Second Sister wouldn't have made it back for Third Sister's hair-pinning ceremony. But last month, something happened at the nunnery where she was staying, and somehow, Uncle decided to bring Second Sister back."
Jiang Yu'e's words were deliberately vague, but to the noble ladies listening, they carried another meaning. The lady who had first spoken with Ji Shuran murmured softly, "It seems the Second Young Lady of your household is quite capable."
This implied that Jiang Li's return to Yanjing was the result of her own scheming—that she was shrewd and not to be underestimated.
Madam Liu, listening to these ladies, wanted to say a few words in Jiang Li's defense. However, too many were chiming in agreement. Nearly all the guests attending the ceremony at the Jiang residence were on good terms with Ji Shuran on the surface. Even if she spoke up, no one would listen, and it might only bring more trouble upon Jiang Li.
Seeing the slight curl of Ji Shuran's lips, Jiang Yu'e felt a surge of satisfaction. The third branch of the Jiang family had always been overlooked in the household. As the daughter of an illegitimate child, she knew that relying solely on Yang Shi and Jiang Yuanxing would never get her anywhere. It was far better to curry favor with her aunt. After all, the Ji family had Li Pin, who enjoyed the emperor's favor in the palace. If she could please Ji Shuran, even the scraps would be worthwhile.
Jiang Yuyan, less sharp-witted than Jiang Yu'e, sat woodenly beside Yang Shi. Yang Shi seethed inwardly at her daughter's fawning display toward Ji Shuran, yet she had no choice but to let Jiang Yu'e act this way.
Lu Shi sat farther away, keeping to herself, a cold sneer playing on her lips as she watched Jiang Yu'e's performance with disdain.
Just as the conversation continued, the hair-pinning ceremony was about to begin.
Jiang Yuanbai and Ji Shuran rose and took their positions on the eastern steps of the courtyard. The guests stood outside the courtyard, while an attendant holding a bronze tray stood on the western steps.
Jiang Youyao arrived slowly, surrounded by her maids.
For the ceremony, Jiang Youyao wore a bright crimson long-sleeved ceremonial gown, her hair styled in double buns to facilitate the upcoming hair-pinning. Naturally charming and vivacious, her youthful radiance captivated everyone present. Doted on by Jiang Yuanbai since childhood, she was as exquisite as polished pearls and jade. The vibrant color of her attire made her stand out vividly among the guests.
Beauty is often measured by comparison. Shen Ruyun was also dressed in bright, lavish clothing, but whether in terms of cultivated elegance or sheer beauty, she fell far short of Jiang Youyao.
The young Jiang Bingji had also come to watch the ceremony. Sitting beside Old Madam Jiang, he exclaimed, "Third Sister is so beautiful!"
Hearing this, Jiang Youyao's mood lifted instantly, and she broke into a radiant smile. In the soft morning light, her smile was dazzlingly bright and utterly charming, captivating all who saw it.
The crowd stared, mesmerized.
Seeing their reaction, Jiang Youyao felt even more pleased and triumphant. She was about to speak when she suddenly sensed something amiss. The guests' gazes seemed to drift past her.
Were they looking behind her?
What was behind her?
Puzzled, Jiang Youyao turned and looked up to see a slender young girl approaching slowly.
The girl came from the other side of the courtyard. The Jiang residence's garden was lush with flowers and trees, and she seemed to part the blossoms and brush past the willows as she walked, exuding an inexplicable softness and fragrance.
Unlike Jiang Youyao's vivid brilliance, this girl wore only a pale duck-egg blue ruqun, without even an embroidered flower on it—utterly plain. It made her jet-black hair appear even darker, a small section of it pinned up with a matching cyan jade hairpin.Her face was pale, her eyes clear, and the gentle smile at the corner of her lips was as pure as the color of her long dress.
Not dazzlingly beautiful, yet delicate and translucent—if Jiang Youyao were a jewel, she would be an uncut jade.
Uncut, and no longer needing to be carved.
Jiang Youyao’s breath hitched, her nails nearly digging into her palms.
They were looking behind her.
—What was behind her?
—Behind her was Jiang Li.
They were looking at Jiang Li.
(End of Chapter)
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