CHAPTER 725: CHAPTER 219 PROPHECY_2

As the height of summer arrived, the heat became unbearable. Except for at night, people hardly dared to venture out during the day. The sun seemed intent on claiming lives, casting a blinding glare. Bai Xue said that in a dozen more hot days, it’d be the Start of Autumn, and the weather would gradually cool down. With that, the summer of this year would truly be over.

That evening, Madam Jiang the Elder suddenly sent Zhenzhu to Fangfei Garden and instructed Jiang Li to go to Night Wind Hall. Jiang Li, accompanied by her maid, made her way to Night Wind Hall. As soon as she entered the room, she saw that everyone had arrived.

"Second girl," Madam Jiang the Elder pointed to a spot beside her and said, "Come, sit."

Jiang Li did as told and sat down beside Madam Jiang the Elder.

Jiang Yuanbai and Jiang Yuanping were seated to the right of Jiang Li. Jiang Yuanbai looked at Jiang Li as though he wanted to say something, but in the end, he remained silent. Since their last unpleasant parting over matters related to the Yin Household, Jiang Li hadn’t interacted much with Jiang Yuanbai. They exchanged only a few words when they saw each other, and Jiang Li thought that Jiang Yuanbai must be able to feel her distance.

"Second girl," Madam Jiang the Elder began, "Tomorrow night we will enter the palace. His Majesty is holding a celebration for the Zhaode General’s achievements. The residence has received an invitation. Since your younger sister can’t go, among the Misses of the Jiang family, you’ll be the only one attending."

"Yes," Lady Lu joined in warmly, "make sure to dress up nicely then."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Li suddenly realized, especially when Jiang Jingrui slyly winked at her. She remembered the conversation Tonger had overheard in Night Wind Hall between Jiang Yuanbai and Madam Jiang the Elder—during Emperor Hongxiao’s awarding of honors, Yin Zhan would propose marriage.

Jiang Li had always known that day would inevitably come. The calm of these past days was only temporary. Tonight’s conversation meant that this calm was ending.

"Alright." Jiang Li responded succinctly.

Seeing her so straightforward, the Jiang family members seemed hesitantly taken aback. Jiang Yuanbai, in particular, watched Jiang Li intently. He knew that she was somewhat reluctant about this matter, yet in his view, Yin Zhili was a good choice. Jiang Yuanbai had previously been worried that Jiang Li seemed to be getting too close to Jih Heng. However, after having someone investigate discreetly, he found that there was nothing between Jiang Li and Jih Heng.

Jiang Yuanbai didn’t understand what a young lady like her was thinking. Jiang Li had always been decisive, and he knew that his opinion couldn’t sway her. But now, an alliance with the Yin Household seemed to be the better option for both Jiang Li and the Jiang family.

"Jiang Li," Lady Lu said, "have you seen the Crown Prince lately?"

Jiang Li smiled and replied, "Second Aunt jokes, how could I have seen the Crown Prince while staying at home these days?"

As she spoke, the others in the room sensed a change in Jiang Li. The Jiang Li of the past, though she also acted with a smile, would still be gentle and obedient, or at least pretend to be so. Even just after she had returned to the Jiang Residence from Green City Mountain or when she was subsequently climbing the ranks within the residence, she was the same.

However, the current Jiang Li, though still smiling, no longer carried that gentleness and obedience. What was present now was a stubbornness, as if there was no longer a need to ingratiate or endure, as if she was backed by authority, making her speech more direct and confident.

Why was this so?

Jiang Li took in the varying expressions within the room and silently chuckled to herself. It was naturally because she now had the support of Ah Zhao and her father, so she no longer needed to be as cautious and strategic as before.

The atmosphere in the room became awkwardly tense. Lady Lu quickly changed the subject, but everyone listened with their own preoccupations, less than enthusiastic.

Jiang Li just accompanied them until late into the night before leaving.

As she was about to leave, Jiang Yuanbai suddenly called out to Jiang Li. They walked behind together, with Jiang Yuanbai moving slowly, he said, "Jiang Li, do you... hate me?"

He asked hesitantly, and Jiang Li turned to look at him. She remembered when she first arrived at the Jiang Residence, Jiang Yuanbai was full of youthful vigor, refined and elegant. But then, after the events with Ji Shuran, Ye Zhenzhen, and Jiang Youyao passed, she realized that what remained in this man’s eyes was deep fatigue. His face even had several new wrinkles.

Jiang Li said, "I do not hate father."

But neither did she love him.

Jiang Yuanbai seemed moved by her words, relieved, he said, "I won’t harm you, Jiang Li."

Jiang Li smiled and walked on without responding further to Jiang Yuanbai.

Human emotions are very complicated, and even Jiang Li couldn’t discern Jiang Yuanbai’s sincerity at that moment. She thought that Jiang Yuanbai might truly have fatherly feelings for Miss Jiang the Second, but he also didn’t hesitate to arrange the marriage against Miss Jiang the Second’s will. If it was really Miss Jiang the Second there, would she understand the profound intentions of Jiang Yuanbai?