The Double

Chapter 64 Three Subjects

When Jiang Li arrived, Jiang Yuanbai opened his mouth as if wanting to speak but seemed at a loss for words, eventually letting out two awkward light coughs.

Jiang Li stepped forward and said, "Second Uncle, Third Uncle."

Jiang Yuanping looked at her with a beaming smile and remarked, "Our Xiao Li has done exceptionally well. To come out on top in the Mingyi Hall examination is no easy feat. I was just telling your father that you deserve a proper reward this time."

Jiang Li bowed with a smile. "Thank you, Second Uncle."

Jiang Yuanping continued to gaze at her with apparent affection. This second uncle appeared to be good-natured—compared to Jiang Yuanbai's pretentiousness and Jiang Yuanxing's timid and weak demeanor, Jiang Yuanping seemed the most approachable. However, Jiang Li didn't actually believe Jiang Yuanping was genuinely kind. He was a smiling tiger—though he liked to smile, he was still a tiger. Provoke him, and he would reveal his claws.

Jiang Yuanxing stood at the very end, looking at Jiang Li with a cautious smile. "Congratulations, Xiao Li."

As an illegitimate child of the Jiang family, Jiang Yuanxing—along with the third branch—was largely overlooked. Especially when Jiang Yuanbai and Jiang Yuanping's official careers were flourishing, Jiang Yuanxing was often forgotten in the shadows.

It was as if he didn't belong to the Jiang family's prosperity.

Yang Shi watched as Jiang Yuanxing also praised Jiang Li and felt deeply displeased. In previous years' examinations, Jiang Yu'e had always been the top among the Jiang family's young ladies in the three upper subjects. Jiang Youyao excelled in music because Ji Shuran had hired the finest tutors for her since childhood. Jiang Yu'e didn't have such excellent teachers but had genuinely mastered literature, mathematics, and etiquette through her own efforts.

The one opportunity to shine in the Jiang family had now been snatched away—how could Yang Shi not be furious?

However, her anger was nothing compared to the fury in Ji Shuran's heart.

Jiang Youyao watched as the three masters of the Jiang family, including her own father, turned their attention to Jiang Li and lavished praise on her. She felt both indignant and enraged, and couldn't help blurting out, "Second Sister, now that you've taken first place, surely many people will find it hard to believe."

The room fell silent. Jiang Li turned to look at Jiang Youyao and asked softly, "Oh?"

Aware that everyone was staring at her, Jiang Youyao hesitated, then looked at Jiang Li with feigned concern. "Second Sister, you never attended Mingyi Hall before and only returned to the capital recently. You've been at Mingyi Hall for less than ten days. To take first place without any prior study... it's truly astonishing." Without waiting for Jiang Li's response, she continued earnestly, "I know your bet with Miss Meng is no trivial matter, and you certainly don't want to lose. But we are the Jiang family—Father holds a court position. We mustn't sacrifice our foundation for minor gains. After all, reputation is important, and integrity must not be discarded."

Jiang Li felt like applauding Jiang Youyao inwardly.

What lofty and righteous words—yet so malicious, directly implying that Jiang Li had cheated to win first place.

Jiang Jingrui snorted disdainfully. "What does it matter what others think? If they are not convinced, let them be unconvinced. Are they going to drag out Mingyi Hall's examiners and beat them until they change the rankings? There's a saying in gambling—'If you lose, admit it; if you gamble, accept it.' What, is Meng Hongjin the only one allowed to win? If Jiang Li wins, it must be cheating?"

These words thoroughly humiliated Jiang Youyao. Her face flushed red. Jiang Jingrui was a troublemaker—reasoning with him was impossible. Jiang Youyao secretly resented Jiang Jingrui as well.

Ji Shuran quickly interjected, "Youyao is just concerned," and looked toward Jiang Yuanbai.

Though Jiang Youyao's words were cutting, objectively speaking, they weren't entirely unreasonable. Jiang Yuanbai stared at Jiang Li and asked, "Li'er, you never studied before—how could you come out on top? I saw the honor roll. You ranked first in all three upper subjects: literature, mathematics, and etiquette. You... went to the nunnery at seven, when you'd only just begun your education. Now you've just returned to Yanjing—how did you achieve such results?"

"Father," Jiang Li replied with a smile, "With a love for learning, one can gain knowledge regardless of whether there are erudite teachers." She paused, as if recalling something. "Back on Qingcheng Mountain, life was harsh and monotonous. Fortunately, the nunnery had many books—donated by numerous devotees. Every night, when I found life unbearable, I would read those books. Immersed in them, time passed more quickly, and the hardships became easier to endure."

Everyone was taken aback.

Jiang Li sighed softly. "I spent eight years on Qingcheng Mountain. After reading all the books in the nunnery, I went to the nearby Helin Temple to borrow more. Over the years, I've read no fewer books than the instructors in Yanjing City's academies." She smiled. "You don't necessarily need a teacher—read enough, and you'll naturally understand." As she spoke, her tone carried an inexplicable wistfulness. Though a young girl in the prime of youth, she seemed to bear the weariness of someone who had experienced much.

It made people feel an unwarranted pang of sorrow.

Jiang Yuanbai felt a lump in his throat. Jiang Li hadn't accused him of anything, yet every word seemed like an indictment. He could almost picture a young Jiang Li, still a child, clumsily holding books in a dilapidated room, accompanied only by an old lamp and ancient Buddha—living a lonely and sorrowful life.

After all, blood is thicker than water. Jiang Yuanbai's heart softened abruptly. Whether Jiang Li had cheated or not—he didn't want to, and wouldn't, pursue the matter.

Old Madam Jiang clearly felt the same. She said, "You've done very well." Her words were stiff and awkward, yet held a note of comfort.

Ji Shuran's back stiffened. Once again, Old Madam Jiang and Jiang Yuanbai's attitudes had shifted—all because of Jiang Li's few words, the situation had turned around.

Extreme rage surged in Ji Shuran's heart. This fourteen or fifteen-year-old girl seemed like a seasoned schemer, skillfully manipulating people's feelings. Since entering the residence, she had gained no advantage—instead, Jiang Li had taken the upper hand at every turn?

How outrageous.

Jiang Youyao fell silent as well. Her attempts to stir trouble had yielded no results. Even Jiang Yu'e understood the current situation and said nothing more.

Lu Shi, however, felt a twinge of sympathy for Jiang Li. Looking at Jiang Jingrui, it was as if he were the one who had been abandoned in a rundown temple—seemingly ready to champion Jiang Li at her slightest command.

"Second Girl, don't become arrogant," Old Madam Jiang said calmly. "You took first place in the three upper subjects. The three lower subjects of the Six Arts haven't been examined yet. I heard the Meng girl came in second in the upper subjects. If she surpasses you in music, charioteering, and archery, you'll still lose the bet."

"You must continue to win in these three subjects," she said. "Are you confident?"

Jiang Li smiled radiantly. "I can only try my best and see."

Suddenly felt that Ali's ability to talk nonsense with a straight face could win her an acting award ( :3ゝ∠)

(End of Chapter)