The Double

Chapter 63: Double Champion

"Second Young Lady has taken first place—she's the champion of this examination! Congratulations, Old Madam!"

Ji Shuran's smile froze on her face.

Jiang Youyao opened her mouth, unable to stop herself from blurting out: "What did you say?"

Her voice carried a sharp edge of panic.

"You must have heard wrong," Jiang Yu'e said with utter disbelief, shaking her head as if to convince herself. "You must have made a mistake..."

It was Lu Shi who reacted first, immediately breaking into a radiant smile. "If I heard correctly just now, Li'er has won the top honor?" She glanced at Ji Shuran's frozen smile, feeling a flash of satisfaction.

She had long held grievances against Ji Shuran, who had been acting increasingly domineering in the Jiang residence ever since her brother Ji Yanlin was promoted to Vice Metropolitan Inspector-General. Lu Shi, being proud and arrogant by nature, had always disliked Ji Shuran. Moreover, with each annual examination, the better Jiang Youyao performed, the more it highlighted the mediocrity of the two young masters from the second branch. Now that Jiang Li had unexpectedly emerged to thoroughly deflate Ji Shuran's arrogance, Lu Shi was naturally delighted.

"I never expected Li'er to be so capable," Lu Shi said without hesitation, twisting the knife in Ji Shuran's heart. "She's only been at Mingyi Hall for a short while, and it seems she never studied these subjects before. I must say, she truly takes after her father—both possess such literary talent and natural brilliance..."

With every word Lu Shi spoke, Jiang Youyao's resentment grew deeper. The anger she felt at being surpassed by Jiang Yu'e had now completely transferred to Jiang Li. Jiang Yu'e was one thing, but what right did Jiang Li have? If she couldn't even surpass someone who had just entered Mingyi Hall a few days ago, didn't that mean she was worse than worthless?

Jiang Yu'e was currently twisting her handkerchief tightly, her nails nearly digging into her palms. The joyful anticipation she felt while waiting had now been doused with icy cold water—a bone-chilling cold in the height of summer that made her fingertips turn cold, accompanied by profound bitterness.

The one thing she took pride in, the only thing that allowed her to look down on Jiang Li, was now gone! How could this be?!

Old Madam Jiang swept a casual glance around, taking in everyone's varied expressions. She said calmly, "Are you certain? Is Second Girl truly the top scorer?"

"Indeed," the servant replied. "Old Madam, please look at the published rankings—Second Young Lady took first place in calligraphy, mathematics, and etiquette. There's no doubt she's the champion!"

Jiang Youyao's legs weakened, nearly causing her to collapse.

...

In Fragrant Garden Courtyard, Jiang Li was watching Fangfei tend to the flowers.

"You're really not leaving?" Jiang Jingrui sat on a chair, gulping tea while trying to persuade her. "There's still time to escape now. At worst, people will laugh at you for going back on your word. But if you wait until there's nowhere left to run and have to kneel and apologize to Meng Hongjin, your life will truly be over. I'm telling you, you're not some heroic man—and even heroic men know when to retreat. As long as the green hills remain, there'll be no shortage of firewood. Why make things difficult for yourself?"

Despite Jiang Jingrui's playboy appearance, he was quite eloquent when it came to comforting others. Jiang Li was almost persuaded by his words. However, she merely glanced at him and said, "This is Junshan Silver Needle tea. I only brewed this one pot today. Since you're gulping it down like a cow chewing peonies, don't come here for tea anymore in the future."Jiang Jingrui slammed his teacup down in anger. "Listen to yourself! Are you really a young lady from our Jiang family? Why be so frugal? Families like ours should indulge in extravagance and revelry. You're utterly boring!"

As for the gap between humble households and wealthy families, Jiang Li couldn't be bothered to argue with him. Everyone had their own way of living—no need to force it.

Just as they were speaking, Qingfeng and Mingyue hurried in from outside. Their faces were flushed with excitement. The moment Qingfeng entered, she exclaimed, "Miss, the honor roll for Mingyi Hall has been posted!"

Before Jiang Li could respond, Jiang Jingrui set down his teacup and asked, "Well? Was your mistress at the bottom of the list?"

Seeing his expression, Jiang Li felt that his earlier claim of hoping she would win was probably insincere.

Mingyue shot Jiang Jingrui a glare. "What nonsense! Our miss is exceptionally clever, a natural scholar..."

Before she could finish, Jiang Jingrui burst into laughter. "You can't even lie convincingly."

Jiang Li watched him calmly.

Mingyue grew anxious. "I'm not lying! Everyone in the manor knows by now—our miss is the top scorer in Mingyi Hall's examination, the champion!"

She emphasized the word "champion" clearly.

Jiang Jingrui retorted, "You foolish girl, where is your sense? Even to comfort your mistress, you shouldn't spout such wild claims."

Qingfeng insisted, "It's true!"

Jiang Jingrui was about to say more, but noticing the maids' genuine agitation, he slowly stopped laughing. He tentatively looked at Jiang Li and asked, "Is it true?"

Jiang Li couldn't be bothered to answer him and instead asked, "What about the Imperial College? Who is the top scorer there?"

"It seems to be an unfamiliar name... someone surnamed Ye—Ye Shijie!"

A weight lifted from Jiang Li's heart.

Jiang Jingrui finally processed the news and exclaimed, "What's going on? You became the top scorer at Mingyi Hall, and your cousin is the top scorer at the Imperial College." He leaned closer to Jiang Li and whispered mysteriously, "Tell me the truth—did you bribe the examiners? Your cousin's family isn't short on silver, but is the Imperial College so easily swayed these days..."

He trailed off into muttering.

Qingfeng said, "The Old Madam asks you to come to Evening Phoenix Hall at once."

"Alright." Jiang Li stood up. "I'll go now."

"I'm coming too!" Jiang Jingrui rose as well. "You've brought honor to the Jiang family this time. Grandmother is sure to reward you handsomely."

Seeing his excitement, one might mistakenly think Jiang Jingrui was the one who had won the championship. After a pause, Jiang Li said, "Are you sure you want to go now?"

"Why wouldn't I?" Jiang Jingrui looked puzzled.

Jiang Li sighed. "Aren't you afraid they'll bring up your own results?"

"Not at all." Jiang Jingrui seemed almost proud rather than ashamed, shrugging indifferently. "Everyone's used to it."

Jiang Li said no more. If Jiang Jingrui didn't care, why should she play the nagging villain? She headed to Evening Phoenix Hall with Tong'er and Bai Xue.

When they arrived at Evening Phoenix Hall, the young maids standing outside greeted her with warm smiles and curious glances, likely still astonished by her achievement as the top scorer.Jiang Li paid no heed to these remarks and walked in by herself. Once inside, she discovered that Jiang Yuanbai was actually present as well.

Not only Jiang Yuanbai, but his brothers Jiang Yuanxing and Jiang Yuanping had also come. Yang Shi was speaking with Lu Shi. All three branches of the Jiang family had actually gathered together at this moment.

This was indeed rare.

Second Aunt is the leader of the Backstabbers Sect, hahahaha...

The weekend passed by in a flash...

(End of Chapter)