The Double

Chapter 46: Liu Xu

Jiang Li's appearance silenced all the female students in Mingyi Hall.

If the rumored Second Miss Jiang were truly a crude country girl or an arrogant, ill-mannered young lady, their gossip would have mercilessly overwhelmed her. However, Jiang Li appeared no different from any well-bred official's daughter—even more amiable and gentle. Even if they wanted to criticize her, they wouldn't know where to begin.

Finally, the tall young woman who had spoken earlier took the lead again, asking, "Are you the Second Miss of the Jiang family?"

Jiang Li looked up. She had seen this young woman before—at a family banquet hosted by an official's household. She was the daughter of the Commissioner of Announcements, Meng Hongjin, who was usually very close with Jiang Youyao.

Jiang Li replied, "Yes."

"You dare to come to Mingyi Hall?" Meng Hongjin raised an eyebrow. "I heard you were sent to a nunnery at the age of seven. Surely no one there taught you the basics. Someone like you, without even hiring a tutor at home, dares to come to Mingyi Hall? Aren't you afraid you'll be utterly lost during lectures?"

Her words were sharp, and everyone in the classroom watched Jiang Li, waiting to see how she would react.

Meng Hongjin stared at Jiang Li as well, but contrary to her expectations—others would likely have been infuriated by such remarks, especially someone like Jiang Li, the daughter of a Grand Secretary—Jiang Li merely smiled and said, "There's no need for you to worry about that."

Her calm, indifferent response shut Meng Hongjin down.

Meng Hongjin hadn't expected Jiang Li to react this way. It felt like punching cotton, leaving her seething with frustration. Yet Jiang Li remained smiling, her demeanor unchanged. In her anger, Meng Hongjin "whispered" loud enough for everyone to hear, "No wonder they say the family temple purifies the mind. Look at this spineless behavior."

"If you wish to purify your mind, you may also spend some time at the family temple," Jiang Li said softly.

"You!" Meng Hongjin was furious. Jiang Youyao spoke up to mediate, "Second Sister, how can you speak to Hongjin like that?" She looked deeply concerned and turned to Meng Hongjin, saying, "Hongjin, my second sister has just returned to Yanjing and doesn't understand the rules. I apologize on her behalf."

Meng Hongjin replied, "It's nothing. Besides, it's your second sister's fault. Why are you apologizing? Youyao, you're just too soft-hearted, too easily bullied."

Jiang Li glanced at Jiang Youyao and spoke calmly, "Third Sister, you really are too soft-hearted. I haven't said anything, yet you've already apologized on my behalf. This young lady called me spineless, and instead of getting angry, I responded politely. Is that wrong?"

Just as Jiang Youyao was about to speak, Jiang Li continued, "I've heard that in some places, it's not reason that determines victory but status and position. Is Mingyi Hall such a place? Clearly, I am in the right, yet I must admit defeat. Could it be that this young lady's status is far superior to mine? If so, then I have no choice but to apologize. May I ask, what rank does your father hold?"

As soon as she finished speaking, the entire classroom fell silent. Then, some students nearly failed to suppress their laughter. Meng Hongjin's face flushed bright red, and she was left speechless.Jiang Li accused them of being unreasonable while simultaneously insulting Meng Hongjin's family background without hesitation. Everyone knew Jiang Li's father was the current Grand Secretary, while Meng Hongjin's father held the position of Chengxuan Official—no matter how prominent, it could never compare to the Grand Secretary. What made it worse was Jiang Li's earnest tone when posing the question, instantly turning Meng Hongjin into a laughingstock.

The atmosphere grew awkward, and Jiang Youyao found herself at a loss for words. Defending Meng Hongjin would mean undermining her own father, while agreeing with Jiang Li would surely earn her Meng Hongjin's resentment. Resenting Jiang Li's cunning, Jiang Youyao had no choice but to shoot a meaningful glance at Jiang Yu'e.

Reluctantly, Jiang Yu'e cleared her throat softly, breaking the silence as she awkwardly shifted the topic. "Second Sister, let's not dwell on that for now. Since you've just started classes, you need to choose a seat. Fourth Sister and I share a group, Third Sister is with Miss Meng, and because you arrived so late, you'll have to ask if anyone is willing to partner with you."

Who would be willing to partner with her? Jiang Li didn't need to think to know the answer—undoubtedly, no one.

Sure enough, as Jiang Li stood in the classroom, no one spoke up to invite her to sit beside them.

Bai Xue couldn't enter the classroom and waited outside the carriage with the maids of the other young ladies. Those maids seemed to disdain Bai Xue's sturdy build, leaving her isolated outside. Unbothered, Bai Xue crouched alone by the rockery, basking in the sun with stray cats.

Amid the silence, a voice suddenly called out, "There's no one on my side. You can sit here."

Jiang Li was somewhat surprised to see a girl in a cyan dress stand up from the front and look in her direction.

The girl had delicate features, though her slightly square jaw gave her a resolute and steadfast appearance. There was a faint resemblance to Madam Liu in her expression, and Jiang Li suddenly realized—this was Liu Xu, the daughter of the Chengde Official.

Without hesitation, Jiang Li walked toward the desk beside Liu Xu. Mocking laughter followed from behind: "Liu Xu, you actually dare to sit with her? Aren't you afraid she might push you down the stairs one day? Don't say we didn't warn you if your life ends up in danger."

Liu Xu silently ignored the remarks, acting as if she hadn't heard them. Jiang Li smiled cheerfully as she sat down beside her. Liu Xu frowned slightly, a trace of reluctance visible in her expression, but she said nothing.

Jiang Li understood—likely, Madam Liu had received news of her attending Mingyi Hall and instructed Liu Xu to look after her. In truth, it was perfectly natural for a young girl to fear someone rumored to have killed her own mother and brother. That Liu Xu could suppress her fear and fulfill Madam Liu's request was already commendable.

Noticing Jiang Li's gaze, Liu Xu tightened her lips and turned her head away. Jiang Li couldn't help but smile inwardly—this was quite an endearing girl.

The murmurs behind them continued unabated, and Jiang Li could even hear someone questioning Jiang Youyao. She knew Jiang Youyao and Jiang Yuyan would spare no effort in tarnishing her reputation.

Before long, however, someone entered the hall—a female instructor dressed in a pine-colored robe, her hair tied in a high bun, with narrow eyes, thin lips, and a slender frame. As soon as she stepped in, the noise in Mingyi Hall ceased immediately.

She was a strict instructor.

Gazing at the woman before her, Jiang Li felt her thoughts drift momentarily.This female instructor’s surname was Ji, with the given name Luo. At Mingyi Hall, she taught "Etiquette" among the Six Arts.

Ji Luo was also a person who strictly adhered to propriety—in Jiang Li’s view, even to the point of being somewhat rigidly conservative. Proud and aloof, Ji Luo had once greatly admired Shen Yurong, publicly praising his exceptional talent. Yet toward her, who was then still Xue Fangfei, she had been somewhat harshly pitiful.

As a woman herself, she could naturally tell that Ji Luo harbored affection for Shen Yurong.

Later, when the affair of Xue Fangfei’s adultery spread throughout Yanjing, Ji Luo had even paid a visit, rebuking her face-to-face for failing to uphold womanly virtue and expressing deep sympathy for Shen Yurong’s plight.

However, Jiang Li lowered her gaze, wondering whether Ji Luo would still be so devoted if she were to learn of Shen Yurong’s true nature.

(End of Chapter)