Chapter 44: Entering School
Regarding the various thoughts her enrollment in Mingyi Hall would provoke among the different branches of the Jiang family, Jiang Li paid no mind. She was busy teaching Bai Xue how to write.
Bai Xue could recognize characters, though not many. In order to inquire about Haitang’s whereabouts in Zaohua Village, Bai Xue needed to write a letter home. Jiang Li watched her write, occasionally teaching her unfamiliar characters. Tong’er listened with great interest nearby, chiming in from time to time: "Miss, you're truly remarkable. When we were at the nunnery on Qingcheng Mountain, you learned so many characters on your own, while I can only write my own name. The difference is really vast."
"Exactly," Bai Xue muttered. "After all, she's the daughter of the Grand Secretary. She was born knowing how to read."
While the three of them chatted and laughed, Jiang Jingrui arrived again. He had also heard the news of Jiang Li’s enrollment in Mingyi Hall and exclaimed as soon as he entered, "Congratulations! You actually managed to convince Uncle. Jiang Li, you’ve really impressed me this time."
Jiang Li let Bai Xue continue writing on her own and walked over to Jiang Jingrui. "What are you here for again?"
Jiang Jingrui choked back his words. "Why do you always act like you don’t welcome me? I came to remind you—don’t think Mingyi Hall is some kind of paradise. The children of noble families all have their tempers, and you’re a newcomer. It’s best to keep a low profile. If anyone bullies you, don’t stubbornly endure it for the sake of pride—just drop your father’s name. And don’t worry about losing face; if things get really bad, you can always run away." He fumbled in his sleeve and pulled out a small curved knife. "Here, take this for self-defense."
Jiang Li stared at the sharp blade in Jiang Jingrui’s hand and was silent for a moment. "Are the people at Mingyi Hall like ferocious beasts?"
"Pretty much," Jiang Jingrui replied. "It’s similar to the Imperial College. Last time, I accidentally stepped on a classmate’s cricket and nearly got my arm broken. I figure your situation won’t be much different, so just take it." He forced the knife into Jiang Li’s hand.
Jiang Li was momentarily speechless, reminded of the time before her wedding when Xue Zhao had mysteriously called her to the backyard and given her a phoenix-headed spear. In the end, she hadn’t brought that spear to Yanjing City—after all, who had ever heard of giving a bride such a gift? Naturally, Xue Zhao had nearly been beaten by Xue Huaiyuan and had to beg and plead to take the spear back.
Still, a curved knife was easier to conceal in a sleeve than a phoenix-headed spear, so Jiang Li reluctantly accepted it and said, "Alright, thank you."
"Your thanks sound utterly insincere," Jiang Jingrui grumbled. "If things really get tough, you can come find me at the Imperial College across the street. I’ll help you settle it."
Jiang Li nodded. Jiang Jingrui winked at her and added, "I’ll even bring Zhou Yanbang along."
Jiang Li looked at him. Jiang Jingrui grinned, waiting for her praise, but Jiang Li calmly said, "Bai Xue, see our guest out."
And so, Jiang Jingrui was "escorted" out by the sturdy Bai Xue.
The day before her enrollment passed in such a clamorous, chaotic manner. That evening, Ji Shuran even sent over new clothes for Jiang Li, saying that one must be neatly dressed for school.
Tong’er asked Jiang Li, "Miss, are you afraid?"
A completely unfamiliar new environment, likely filled with classmates who harbored hostility toward her—it seemed nothing good would come of it.
Jiang Li smiled. "No."Not afraid, but rather very pleased.
...
The next day, Jiang Li woke up early.
Mingyue and Qingfeng were somewhat surprised to see Jiang Li rise so early. Tong'er explained to them: "Starting today, the young lady will be attending Mingyi Hall. One must never be late for daily studies, and today being the first day, we cannot be careless." Her tone was full of pride.
Mingyue and Qingfeng didn't understand these matters well, but seeing Tong'er's evident pride, they also spoke with reverence: "We've heard it's quite difficult to get into Mingyi Hall. From now on, the young lady can attend classes together with Third Young Lady and the others."
Upon hearing Jiang Youyao mentioned, Tong'er immediately snorted and muttered: "Who wants to go with them anyway."
On the first day of school, Jiang Youyao and Jiang Yu'e had left early without waiting. Generally, when sisters from the same household attend school together, they should introduce and accompany each other, especially since Jiang Li wasn't familiar with the noble young ladies in the capital. Having sisters by her side would prevent her from appearing lonely and pitiful if no one paid her any attention.
Yet Jiang Youyao and the others hadn't even bothered to inform her, leaving on their own first. Jiang Yuanbai was busy with court affairs and couldn't attend to this matter. Tong'er wanted to complain but had nowhere to do so, feeling both angry on Jiang Li's behalf and helpless.
Instead, it was Jiang Li who turned back to comfort Tong'er: "If they don't want to go with me, I find going with them troublesome anyway. This way is much better - we each mind our own business."
Just as she was thinking this, the door behind her opened, and Jiang Li emerged together with Bai Xue.
Tong'er stared blankly for a moment before suddenly exclaiming: "Young lady, you look so beautiful!"
Not only Tong'er, but Mingyue and Qingfeng were also momentarily stunned.
They all knew that among the four Jiang family girls, Jiang Youyao had the most exquisite and outstanding appearance, exceptionally gorgeous like a flower. Jiang Yu'e wasn't bad either, with delicate charm resembling a beautiful girl from a modest family. Jiang Yuyan's appearance was ordinary and not worth mentioning. As for Jiang Li, while her features were regular, they were somewhat plain.
But after spending eight years in the nunnery and returning to the Jiang residence, her previously plain features had matured, developing a unique kind of delicate beauty. Different from the noble young ladies in the capital, it was something growing within her, difficult to describe. As if carrying some heroic spirit, yet possessing a certain grace.
True beauty lies in the bones rather than the skin. Jiang Li's beauty was more like the beauty of character, the beauty of posture, the beauty of elegance.
She wasn't wearing any of the brightly colored clothes from the large trunk Ji Shuran had sent over yesterday. Instead, she wore only a moon-white high-waisted ruqun tied with a pale yellow silk ribbon at the chest. Her long hair was tied in a side bun at the back of her head, adorned with a wooden hairpin featuring a single red bean. Yet her skin was as white as jade, with bright eyes and white teeth. Despite the extremely simple attire, she appeared extraordinarily elegant and beautiful.
Her demeanor was also gentle as she walked forward step by step. Mingyue and Qingfeng couldn't help but stare transfixed, while Tong'er also found it difficult to look away. Although Tong'er had spent those same eight years with Jiang Li on Qingcheng Mountain, she didn't know when exactly Jiang Li's walking posture and smiling manner had become so unfamiliar. It was the same face, yet it seemed like a different person.
Old Madam Jiang, who was approaching from the other side, also paused in surprise. Her maids Feicui and Zhenzhu (Pearl) promptly supported her without coming forward.
Jiang Li's face couldn't be considered one that could topple cities or enchant countries, but as she approached with a gentle smile, she seemed like a peerless beauty descending from heaven.
As if she had always been such a remarkable beauty who naturally commanded attention.Bai Xue followed behind Jiang Li and said, "Miss, the gatekeeper has been informed. Let's head to the carriage now."
Jiang Li nodded with a smile and replied, "Let's go."
(End of Chapter)
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