The Double
Chapter 115 - 115 78 Entering the Palace_2

115: Chapter 78: Entering the Palace_2 115: Chapter 78: Entering the Palace_2 She had not expected that after walking only a short distance, someone called out from behind her, “Second Sister.”

Turning her head, she saw that it was her siblings, Jiang Yue and Jiang Yuyan.

Towards these two, Jiang Yuyan was the quiet one, whereas Jiang Yue had never shown a pleasant face to Jiang Li.

The moment she saw Jiang Yue, Jiang Li knew she was scheming something again.

“Second Sister, you’re walking so fast, I almost couldn’t catch up,” Jiang Yue said warmly.

Jiang Li stood still, without the slightest desire to indulge in pleasantries, and politely asked, “What is it, Fifth Sister?”

Jiang Yue hadn’t expected Jiang Li to dispense with even the pretense of politeness, and her face struggled to maintain composure, but she quickly regained her smile and said, “Today at the Night Wind Hall, before Second Sister had arrived, I heard something.” She deliberately paused before adding, “It’s about Third Sister’s marriage prospects.

Aunt said that Third Sister’s marriage to Prince Zhou has been settled, to take place next winter at the start of spring.

I thought perhaps Second Sister was unaware, so I made a special trip to inform you.”

Was it just for this matter?

Tonger felt some anger stirring within her while Jiang Li simply smiled and responded, “Thank you for letting me know, Fifth Sister.

I am aware.”

Seemingly dissatisfied with Jiang Li’s calm tone, Jiang Yue scrutinized her face thoroughly, but seeing no signs of sorrow or loss on it, she said, “Actually, Second Sister’s initial marriage prospects with Prince Zhou were a fine match.

If Second Sister had not experienced those troubles, by now it would have been you entering Marquis Ningyuan’s Mansion.

Prince Zhou is one of the best matches in all of Yanjing City, and now Third Sister gets to marry into the Zhou Family without any effort.

Second Sister is older than Third Sister, yet your marriage is unsettled.

I truly feel injustice on your behalf.”

Jiang Yuyan glanced at Jiang Li with some alarm, wanting to stop Jiang Yue’s words, but in the end, she merely tugged at Jiang Yue’s sleeve without saying anything.

Jiang Li didn’t rush to respond to Jiang Yue’s words but instead stared at her intently, a smile playing upon her lips.

Her smile was gentle and clear, containing not a single bit of malice, yet it inexplicably caused Jiang Yue to falter.

To break through the oppressive feeling, Jiang Yue asked Jiang Li, “Why is Second Sister staring at me like that?”

“It’s nothing,” Jiang Li replied nonchalantly.

“I’m just touched that Fifth Sister is so concerned about me, it’s just…” She spoke lightly, “I wonder if Mother and Third Sister are aware of Fifth Sister’s kind sentiments?”

Jiang Yue’s face changed instantly.

She had come in a rush to stab at Jiang Li’s heart, yet she didn’t realize that her words of “clamoring for justice on behalf of Second Sister” would paint a certain picture in the ears of Ji Shuran and her daughter.

Jiang Yue forced a smile and said, “This is a heart-to-heart between you and me, Second Sister…”

Jiang Li regarded Jiang Yue with a smile, “Actually, Fifth Sister needn’t worry too much about my marriage prospects.

My father is the Grand Secretary, and there will surely be an Official Family in Yanjing City willing to marry me.

Even if Mother is not concerned, I still have Father and the old madam.

I am the legitimate daughter of the Jiang Family’s main branch; surely I won’t marry below my station?” She gave Jiang Yue a meaningful look, “Fifth Sister isn’t of age yet, but perhaps you should focus on your own affairs.

Uncle’s career isn’t looking bright, and with the power uncle and aunt wield, it’s still uncertain which family you’ll marry into.”

Watching Jiang Yue’s face turn ashen in an instant, Jiang Li’s mood improved.

She continued, unhurriedly, “In this world, one must understand that talents, appearance, character, and virtue are all important, but without family background, they amount to nothing.

Otherwise, take a look at the ladies of Yihong Brothel in the capital; aren’t they all exceptionally beautiful and virtuous?

And yet they remain unmarried for life.”

Having said her piece, she didn’t wait for Jiang Yue’s reply, but drifted away with Tonger.

She naturally didn’t see the expression on Jiang Yue’s face as she left.

On their way back, Tonger giggled and stumbled all the way, and upon returning to Fangfei Garden, she told Bai Xue and the others every word without omission.

She burst into laughter, “You should have seen Fifth Miss’s face at that moment.

Ah, our young lady is truly capable; comparing Fifth Miss to the ladies of Yanjing City’s Yihong Brothel, Fifth Miss must have been furious, huh!

Serves her right for not having good intentions and deliberately provoking.”

“Why is Fifth Miss always picking on our young lady?” asked Ming Yue, the youngest and curious, “If it’s Third Miss who has issues with our young lady, it’s because both Third Miss and our young lady are legitimate daughters of the main branch, and Third Miss is jealous.

But Fifth Miss is from the third branch; our young lady hasn’t wronged her.”

“It’s just jealousy,” Tonger blurted out.

“She can’t stand seeing others do well.

She wants everyone to be as bitter and resentful as she is.

Why should that be?

Our young lady is the golden branch and jade leaf; why should she always compare herself to Fifth Miss?

Isn’t it natural for our young lady to be better than her?”