The Double

Chapter 67: Consequences

The results of the upper three disciplines in Jiang Li and Meng Hongjin's wager had been announced. If this were divided into two halves like a gambling den's match, Jiang Li had won the first half. It wouldn't be so bad if Jiang Li had merely won, but she had also taken the top honors in Mingyi Hall, making people inevitably think of her wager with Meng Hongjin. If Jiang Li ultimately became the overall champion, Meng Hongjin wouldn't just kneel to apologize—she would have to kneel at the gates of the Imperial College, stripped of her outer garments and carrying thorny branches on her back.

For a time, many of the capital's idle young masters spent their days sitting in taverns and teahouses across from the Imperial College, waiting for the day they could witness this spectacle.

However, there were still the lower three disciplines to be tested. These examinations covered "Music, Charioteering, and Archery." Setting aside the qin for now, Meng Hongjin was among the best in all of Yanjing City in charioteering and archery alone. Observing Jiang Li, it seemed unlikely she stood a chance. As for musical arts, Jiang Li's younger sister, the Third Young Lady of the Jiang family, was the most accomplished. For a while, the final outcome became shrouded in uncertainty.

The results list had been posted; the "Music" examination was scheduled for early the next morning.

In the Elegant Beauty Garden, Jiang Youyao was viciously tearing apart a fan in her hands. The fan's surface was pure white and smooth, thin as a cicada's wing, with embroidery so lifelike it seemed to breathe. A single fan like this cost over ten taels of silver, yet Jiang Youyao shredded it to pieces.

"Stop tearing it," Ji Shuran snatched the folding fan from Jiang Youyao's grasp. "How long do you plan to keep this up?"

"Mother, I just can't accept it," Jiang Youyao's voice dripped with venom. "Why does Jiang Li get Father and Grandmother's protection? She hasn't been back in the manor for long, yet they've both taken her side. Have they forgotten how Jiang Li caused you to miscarry back then? I can't stand it. Now she's making a name for herself in the Mingyi Hall examinations—isn't she just flying too high? The thought of her becoming even more arrogant in the future makes me sick."

Ji Shuran gently stroked Jiang Youyao's long hair, her expression unmoved as she said calmly, "Don't think a woman gaining fame is necessarily a good thing. Jiang Li has just returned to Yanjing City. The noble ladies of Mingyi Hall are everywhere. If she draws attention, there will naturally be those resentful enough to deal with her for you. You just need to watch the show—why intervene personally? Besides, she's only recently returned to Yanjing, so it's not the right time for me to act. Wait a while longer until the gossip dies down. Your mother has plenty of methods at her disposal."

"Really?" Jiang Youyao felt slightly reassured but couldn't help asking.

"Of course," Ji Shuran looked at her affectionately. "But you're so impatient—still such a child."

Jiang Youyao pouted. "I just feel for you, Mother."

"No need to feel for me," Ji Shuran said. "Tomorrow's examination is 'Music.' You've always excelled in that area, and this year you've received guidance from Jinghong Xianzi, so you should surpass last year's performance. Every year, countless spectators come to watch the lower three disciplines. Even if Jiang Li took top honors in the upper three, no one witnessed it. People remember what they see with their own eyes. If you leave a deep impression with your qin music in the lower three disciplines, for the next three months, the streets and alleys will only be talking about your sublime musical skill. Who will remember Jiang Li then?"

Jiang Youyao's eyes lit up.The daughters of the Jiang family were taught music, chess, calligraphy, and painting from a young age. Jiang Youyao, in particular, as the legitimate daughter of the main branch and Jiang Yuanbai's cherished pearl, lacked nothing since childhood. Ji Shuran placed great importance on Jiang Youyao's talents, believing she didn't need to excel in everything but must master at least one skill. Coincidentally, Jiang Youyao's greatest aptitude lay in music.

Thus, from a young age, Jiang Youyao received instruction from various renowned masters. Not to mention Xiao Deyin from Mingyi Hall, many other esteemed teachers had also guided her. Just before this year's examination, Ji Shuran even invited the long-retired musician Jinghong Xianzi to tutor Jiang Youyao.

Naturally gifted and having received guidance from so many experts, Jiang Youyao's musical skills were already impressive. Some even speculated that in a few years, she might surpass Xiao Deyin.

Ji Shuran had full confidence in Jiang Youyao's musical abilities.

"Many attendees will be from noble and meritorious families. If you stand out uniquely during the performance, it will benefit your future marriage prospects," Ji Shuran contemplated.

Jiang Youyao's cheeks flushed crimson, and she appeared somewhat shy, as if lost in thought. She said, "But our Jiang family has more than just me as a daughter..."

"Jiang Yu'e and Jiang Youyao are not worth mentioning, and Jiang Li has a history of matricide and fratricide," Ji Shuran said coldly. "No respectable family would allow such a person to marry in. If anyone seeks her hand, they must have ulterior motives—hardly a good match. Jiang Li has brought this upon herself, and even your father won't be able to save her in the future. Moreover, the more dazzling you appear tomorrow, the more it will highlight her vulgarity—this is the difference between clouds and mud."

She looked at Jiang Youyao and suddenly smiled. "You are the only true jewel of the Jiang family."

"I'll listen to Mother," Jiang Youyao replied.

...

In Fragrant Garden Courtyard, Jiang Li was also discussing the next day's examination with everyone.

Jiang Jingrui had once again arrived uninvited. Since Jiang Li had taken first place, he seemed to bask in reflected glory, frequently visiting Fragrant Garden Courtyard to make small talk. He said, "Tomorrow's music examination—this time you're done for. Maybe you should learn the most basic pieces first, just avoid making a fool of yourself in public."

Tong'er anxiously poured tea nearby. Before Jiang Li turned seven, she was too young and had only just begun her education—let alone playing the qin. Later, she was exiled to Qingcheng Mountain. Tong'er knew those days were filled with endless chores, leaving no opportunity for qin lessons. Where would Jiang Li find a qin teacher? Jiang Li simply didn't know how to play the qin. The thought of someone who couldn't play being tested on music made Tong'er's heart ache too much to speak.

Jiang Li asked, "Will you be attending the ceremony?"

"Of course!" Jiang Jingrui replied without hesitation. "Every year, many people in the capital come to watch the three lower subjects examination. The girls from Mingyi Hall are all beautiful, and the young masters are looking for future wives—it's a chance to see them. Those who shine the brightest during the examination receive the most marriage proposals the following year."

Jiang Jingrui spoke bluntly and without restraint, pouring out everything. He added, "So if you want to marry, give it your all. If you don't, just go through the motions."

"Don't worry," Jiang Li said with a light laugh. "Even if I take first place in the three lower subjects and outshine everyone at the examination, when the time comes, no one will seek my hand."

Tong'er and the other young maids, along with Jiang Jingrui, stared at her in stunned silence.Jiang Li said, "Who would want to marry a wicked woman who killed her own mother and brother?"

Her tone was light, without the bitterness of self-mockery, as if she were speaking of something fortunate.

And it was indeed fortunate—Jiang Li felt quite pleased, for this way she could steal the spotlight without any reservations.

Ali: Staying single keeps you safe~

(End of Chapter)