The Double
Chapter 116 - 116 78 Entering the Palace_3

116: Chapter 78: Entering the Palace_3 116: Chapter 78: Entering the Palace_3 Jiang Li listened to her own maids’ gossip and smiled, shaking her head.

Jiang Yue sought something, merely being unable to accept her lot.

Jiang Yue longed to see herself down and out, stricken with grief, so that she could feel superior.

Jiang Yue even hoped to use Zhou Yanbang to provoke her, but what Jiang Yue didn’t understand was that Jiang Li indeed had no interest in Zhou Yanbang whatsoever.

To her, Zhou Yanbang was a stranger, and quite an annoying one at that.

Jiang Li said, “There are such people, of lowly birth yet restless, always dreaming of perching on the highest branch, believing the world to be unjust, their hearts filled with resentment.

Such people are capable of anything.”

The several maids nodded, half understanding.

Jiang Li thought to herself that, in this regard, Jiang Yue and Shen Yurong were of the same kind, those of low status who tasted the sweetness of the heights and longed even more for it, developing an obsession and stooping to any low to climb up.

The only difference was that Jiang Yue did not know how to conceal her resentment, while Shen Yurong was all too adept at it.

So adept that even his wife couldn’t perceive it, mistaking it for a passion brimming with earnest ambition.

How laughable.

Jiang Li’s smile gradually faded, and she was reminded of Jiang Youyao’s gaze in Night Wind Hall, that sense of déjà vu that still made her uncomfortable.

She had to be cautious.

Jiang Li thought for a moment, then said, “Tonger, bring me my box.”

…

The upheaval of the previous day did not dampen the joy of everyone’s trip to the palace the following day.

When Jiang Yue saw Jiang Li again, there was no coldness in her eyes because of yesterday’s incident; she still wore a smile as before and even complimented Jiang Li on her lovely dress.

Jiang Li replied, “Little Sister Five is also quite fetching.”

Jiang Yue, nearing the age of marriage, although younger than Jiang Youyao and the youngest daughter of the Jiang Family, was tall, only a bit shorter than Jiang Li and appeared not at all childish.

She wore a honey-colored widow’s gown embroidered with crab-claw chrysanthemums at the hem, her long hair done up in a trailing cloud bun, adorned with a hai tang hairpin bearing emerald and pearl droplets.

In fact, this lavish attire actually drowned out Jiang Yue’s natural grace and allure, but she herself was very pleased.

Perhaps it was because the old madam had seamstresses prepare the clothes and jewelry for the palace visit, and Jiang Yue rarely had such precious attire and jewelry, thus she did not find it disagreeable and was quite satisfied with it.

Ji Shuran apparently enjoyed such a scene, with Jiang Yuyan being average in looks and Jiang Yue overdressed; it naturally highlighted Jiang Youyao as the unparalleled beauty.

Jiang Youyao indeed took great care with her appearance.

Not to mention anything else, the rose-red brocade dress with double-layered long-tailed pheasants alone was enough to draw people’s attention.

With a golden sparrow hairpin, an Eight Treasures Bracelet, a cherry red belt around her waist, and purposeful makeup, Jiang Youyao, who usually wore light makeup, had outlined her eyebrows and rouged her cheeks for this special occasion.

Her delicate and beautiful features held their own against such heavy makeup; standing among flowers, she seemed even more charming and radiant.

If she were to enter the palace in such attire, she would indeed attract the attention of noble sons.

However, Jiang Li was puzzled why Jiang Youyao, already engaged to Zhou Yanbang, would still dress up so splendidly?

Jiang Youyao held no regard for others after all, let alone taking the initiative to attract someone’s attention.

As Jiang Li observed Jiang Youyao, Ji Shuran assessed Jiang Li, and Lady Lu exaggeratedly covered her mouth and laughed, “Had I not known these two maids, I truly wouldn’t have recognized Little Miss Li.”

Jiang Li, who usually eschewed grand attire, seemed to have her preference noted by the old madam; this time, the seamstress picked out colors that were not too bright.

But since it was an imperial audience, still some colors were needed, so she couldn’t be too plain.

She wore a Magnolia Green Embroidered Robe with a Jade Cloud Brocade Skirt underneath, a light emerald green.

The gourd bun made her look exceptionally fresh and brisk, her head unadorned save for two white jade earrings that accentuated her delicate earlobes and complemented her pale, jade-like complexion.

She did not wear heavy makeup like Jiang Youyao, only subtly traced her eyebrows, which were like painted spirals, and her eyes like ink dots; her lips were lightly tinted, yet she radiated an ethereal charm.

Next to Jiang Youyao, she appeared as if a green bamboo beside a red flower, a secluded valley amidst blazing fireworks.

While the latter was certainly endearing, the former was more likely to linger in one’s memory.

Ji Shuran turned around and gently pressed Jiang Youyao’s shoulder, upon which Jiang Youyao then refrained from her resentful gaze.