The Double

Chapter 39: Official Studies

The matter of Jiang Yuanbai seeking a tutor for Jiang Li soon reached Jiang Li herself.

The one who informed Jiang Li was none other than Jiang Jingrui, the young master from the second branch.

Of the two Jiang family young masters, Jiang Jingyou was older with a milder temperament, though his academic achievements were average. He was constantly pressured by Lu Shi to strive for the top scholar title. Jiang Jingrui, with his fiery temper, faced no such demands—everyone was simply relieved if he avoided causing trouble outside.

After being ridiculed by Jiang Li last time, Jiang Jingrui had stayed away from Fragrant Garden Courtyard for quite some days. Whenever he spotted Jiang Li, he would detour to avoid her. Jiang Li, of course, paid him no mind. But today, Jiang Jingrui appeared once again at the entrance of Fragrant Garden Courtyard.

Mingyue and Qingfeng, embroidering by the doorway, were startled to see him and greeted, "Second Young Master."

Jiang Jingrui cleared his throat lightly, asked if Jiang Li was inside, and then swaggered in.

Inside, Jiang Li was reading. Tong'er, aware of the previous tension between Jiang Li and Jiang Jingrui, remained silent by her side. Bai Xue was brewing floral tea in a corner of the room. Carefree by nature, she noticed Tong'er didn't greet him and thus didn't rise either, staying seated on her small stool watching the teapot.

Finding himself ignored, Jiang Jingrui felt both awkward and irritated. He plopped down opposite Jiang Li, glanced at the book before her, and said, "What book are you reading? Can you even understand it?"

His words were as unpleasant as ever, fitting for a spoiled young master. Jiang Li looked up and asked, "What do you want?"

Strangely, Jiang Jingrui felt quite pleased that Jiang Li finally acknowledged him. He didn't mind the disrespectful attitude from everyone in the room and immediately replied, "I came to tell you something—Uncle is planning to hire a tutor for you!"

A tutor? Jiang Li was surprised.

"I came to tell you as soon as I heard. I overheard Aunt telling Uncle that with your aptitude, it's impossible for you to learn anything substantial. They just want to find an ordinary tutor to teach you some basics, so you won't embarrass yourself in public. It's all for show."

"How outrageous!" Tong'er's handkerchief fell to the floor with a slap. "What's wrong with our young lady's aptitude? She's very capable!"

Jiang Jingrui glanced at Tong'er and shook his head. "Aunt isn't seriously looking for someone to teach your young lady—she'd rather she remained ignorant. I heard Uncle has left the matter entirely to Aunt. Any tutor she finds will likely make things difficult for Jiang Li."

Jiang Li remained silent. Jiang Jingrui coughed softly again, seeming somewhat embarrassed, and said, "I'd like to help, but our second branch never interferes with the first branch's affairs. If I mentioned this to my mother, she'd scold me to death. I think you should go to Grandmother. She's fair-minded, and if I put in a good word for you, any tutor she selects should be decent."

Jiang Li stared at him. It seemed that after their last confrontation, Jiang Jingrui had ultimately chosen to side with her. Whether it was due to his past friendship with the former Second Miss Jiang or his inherent compassion, it proved the young man wasn't so bad after all.

Jiang Li said, "Thank you for coming to warn me." This time, her tone was much softer.Noticing the change in Jiang Li's tone, Jiang Jingrui felt inexplicably pleased, only to snap back to reality and wish he could slap himself. He was the little tyrant of the Jiang family—even Jiang Youyao dared not provoke him lightly, and he himself looked down on almost everyone. Yet when it came to Jiang Li, someone with a tarnished reputation and little standing in the household, Jiang Jingrui always felt a trace of fear or reverence.

It was as if he constantly wanted to curry favor with her.

Jiang Jingrui mentally cursed himself and asked Jiang Li, "What are you planning now? When do you intend to see Grandmother? Let me know, and I'll go with you."

His willingness to stand by her side showed he was still a passionate young man.

Jiang Li replied, "I just don’t understand why Father insists on hiring a tutor for me. You know, noble young ladies in the capital usually attend the official girls' school."

"Official girls' school?" Jiang Jingrui stared blankly for a moment before exclaiming, "Are you joking? The young ladies who attend the official girls' school are either wealthy or noble. Mingyi Hall in Yanjing City only accepts female students who are both virtuous and talented. Even the least accomplished among them are exceptional compared to ordinary people. If you were to go..."

If you were to go, you’d be a laughingstock! Jiang Li understood what Jiang Jingrui left unsaid.

"But," Jiang Jingrui added curiously, "you actually know about the official girls' school in Yanjing? You’ve done quite a bit of research."

Jiang Li smiled without confirming or denying. When she first came to Yanjing, she had gained fame for her beauty, and her literary talents were widely recognized. She had even debated principles with the instructors of Mingyi Hall and formed friendships with them.

At the time, she did all this to open more doors for Shen Yurong. A top scholar having a brilliantly talented wife to share his intellectual pursuits always added to his prestige.

Of course, her beauty and her talents, once the scandal of her alleged affair emerged, became her downfall, her sins.

Jiang Li had no intention of staying cooped up in the Jiang residence. If she never stepped out, she would have no chance to encounter Shen Yurong and his circle. If Jiang Yuanbai really hired a tutor for her, confining her studies to the inner quarters of the Jiang residence would inevitably limit her opportunities.

Besides, when it came to reading and writing, she was second to none. Her goal in entering Mingyi Hall was not truly to study but to make a name for herself.

With fame, the Jiang family would no longer treat her as a dispensable young lady—she would gain status. With status, she would attract allies. Once she had a circle of friends, she could gradually approach Princess Yongning.

Would it take long? Not at all. At Mingyi Hall, her talents would allow her to gain renown in the shortest time possible. It was the simplest method.

Seeing her lost in thought, Jiang Jingrui waved a hand in front of Jiang Li’s eyes and asked, "Have you decided when to see Grandmother?"

"I’m not going to see Grandmother," Jiang Li said. "I want to see Father."

"Uncle?" Jiang Jingrui was taken aback. "You won’t be able to persuade Uncle. Once he decides something, no one can change it unless Grandmother intervenes. Since he’s already delegated the task of finding a tutor to Aunt, it’s set in stone. Going to him will be a waste of effort—don’t end up upsetting yourself."

"Thank you for the reminder," Jiang Li replied. "But I still need to see Father.""Why are you so stubborn?" Jiang Jingrui said impatiently.

"Not stubborn," Jiang Li smiled, "but persistent."

She would persist until the very end.

Ali: I won't attend any mediocre university—I'm aiming for Tsinghua [smile]

(End of Chapter)