The Double

Chapter 40 Persuasion

Jiang Jingrui had talked until he was hoarse in Fragrant Garden Courtyard, yet failed to change Jiang Li's mind. Finally, he could only say helplessly: "I've said all that needs to be said. Since you insist on being so stubborn, I have nothing more to add. Go see our uncle if you wish. If it doesn't work out, have your maid come tell me, and we'll discuss approaching grandmother instead."

From Jiang Jingrui's perspective, he had already gone above and beyond his duty by saying this much.

Jiang Li said: "Thank you."

As Jiang Jingrui shook his head, Jiang Li thought for a moment and asked him: "I'd like to ask you a question."

"What is it?"

"How are your studies?"

Hearing this question, Jiang Jingrui suddenly flushed red. He slammed the table and stood up, exclaiming angrily: "Jiang Li, don't push too far! You're mocking me when I haven't even mocked you! Do whatever you want, I'm done with this!" After saying this, he kicked the stool aside and stormed off.

Tong'er made a face behind his back: "The second young master acts like someone poked his sore spot. Why take it out on you, miss?"

Jiang Li hadn't expected Jiang Jingrui to be so averse to studying. After all, the Jiang family was known for its scholarly officials, and she had thought everyone here would be talented scholars. Yet Jiang Jingrui's disgraceful behavior gave her a sense of familiarity, because Xue Zhao had been the same way.

Xue Huaiyuan only had two children, and Xue Zhao had preferred martial arts since childhood. While Xue Huaiyuan never forced any particular path on him, Xue Zhao showed great interest in martial arts but found studying utterly painful. Whenever Xue Huaiyuan wanted to test his academic progress, Xue Zhao would always find every possible excuse to escape.

Jiang Li had lost count of how many times she had covered for Xue Zhao.

Now... thinking of those who were no longer here, a flash of pain crossed Jiang Li's eyes.

Bai Xue finally finished brewing the flower tea. Even in midsummer, she didn't consider tea preparation a chore. She poured the tea into a white porcelain cup, added a preserved plum, and set it on the small table to cool. Bai Xue asked: "Miss, is that Mingyi Hall really so wonderful?"

Jiang Li smiled: "Most of the teachers at Mingyi Hall are invited from the palace. The current Emperor established official schools for both men and women to promote education. Many young ladies from imperial and noble families study at Mingyi Hall. The top performer in the annual examinations receives rewards from the Empress Dowager herself."

Bai Xue looked confused and said: "Then it must be hard to get in, right?"

"What's so hard about it," Tong'er whispered from the side: "Anyone with money and connections can get in."

"Then why can't our young lady enter? Why won't the master let our young lady attend?" Bai Xue asked.

Why? Because they're afraid she'll disgrace the Jiang family! Tong'er glared at Bai Xue, thinking she would need to teach her proper speech later - why did she always have to stab their mistress in the heart?

Yet Jiang Li's tone remained calm as she said: "Academic talent is secondary. My moral character is corrupt. If I were to go out, people would point fingers and bring shame to the Jiang family."

"Young lady!" Tong'er couldn't help exclaiming: "You mustn't speak of yourself like that!""Exactly." Bai Xue looked at Jiang Li earnestly: "This servant has previously visited many official residences. Though I wasn't selected, I've seen many young ladies who appear gentle in person but scold servants behind their backs. Young Lady is the most kind-hearted person I've ever met. What moral corruption? If someone like Young Lady is considered morally corrupt, then there are no good people left in this world!"

Tong'er chimed in: "Exactly, exactly!"

Jiang Li smiled wryly. She was indeed a good person, at least in her previous life. In this life, she didn't plan to become evil, but she probably wouldn't repay kindness with kindness like before either.

She said: "I also believe I'm not morally corrupt, so I plan to speak with Father."

Tong'er was taken aback, hesitating before asking: "Can Young Lady convince the Master?"

"What do you think?" Jiang Li countered.

Before Tong'er could respond, Bai Xue spoke up first: "This servant believes you certainly can. As long as Young Lady speaks properly with the Master, he will definitely listen."

Bai Xue was sincere in dealing with others, probably thinking all households were as harmonious as her family in Zaohua Village. She didn't understand that in deep mansion courtyards, many matters were beyond one's control.

"Good." Jiang Li smiled: "I'll go now."

...

Jiang Yuanbai had been facing some difficulties recently.

Since Jiang Youyao's hair-pinning ceremony, many things had changed. As the current Grand Secretary, numerous people watched his every move, waiting to catch his mistakes. Precisely because of this, Jiang Yuanbai always acted with extreme caution. But the incident at Jiang Youyao's hair-pinning ceremony had revealed vulnerabilities in the Jiang family's main household, creating an opening that was constantly being monitored.

The Hongxiao Emperor was growing up day by day, no longer the little child who used to depend on and trustfully call him "Imperial Tutor." The current emperor was becoming increasingly profound and unpredictable. Serving the emperor was like accompanying a tiger, making Jiang Yuanbai even more restrained. Additionally, his political rival, the Right Prime Minister, had been repeatedly targeting him in court affairs recently, leaving Jiang Yuanbai quite frustrated.

It was at this time that Jiang Li suddenly came to see him, which surprised Jiang Yuanbai.

When Jiang Li arrived at the study, the servant at the door hesitated until Jiang Yuanbai inside the study gave permission before allowing her entry. Jiang Li nodded to the servant and walked straight in, knowing full well that this servant would soon report her visit to Jiang Yuanbai's study to the Elegant Beauty Garden.

Upon entering, the distinctive fragrance of ink filled the study. Jiang Yuanbai was practicing calligraphy, with half of the character "tranquility" written on snow-white xuan paper. Without speaking, Jiang Li quietly stood behind Jiang Yuanbai and even began grinding ink for him.

Seeing Jiang Li grinding ink, Jiang Yuanbai's movements paused slightly before quickly resuming smoothly. His brushstrokes were very powerful, appearing sharp and angular, yet when they landed on paper, they became smooth and rounded, concealing hidden depths.

Seeing the handwriting was like seeing the person. Looking at Jiang Yuanbai's calligraphy, Jiang Li understood that he wasn't the mediocre talent the court claimed, who had become Grand Secretary merely by luck. This man was extremely meticulous - the type who knew perfectly well he was number one but would always claim to be second.

Thus making the actual number one a living target while he lasted until the end.

Jiang Yuanbai completed the final stroke, set down the brush, and revealed the character "calm" beautifully executed in one continuous flow on the paper.Praiseworthy as it was, Jiang Li remained silent, perhaps not having grasped the meaning. Jiang Yuanbai turned to look at her, but before he could ask, Jiang Li took the initiative to speak.

Jiang Li said, "Father, I don't wish to have a tutor come to the residence to teach me. I want to enter Mingyi Hall."

Jiang Yuanbai frowned. "What did you say?"

"I want to enter Mingyi Hall," Jiang Li repeated, her tone unchanged.

(End of Chapter)