Chapter 142 Spread
The death of Ji Shi should have been a big deal, but in the Jiang Mansion, it was not as important as the death of Aunt Hu. But anyway, in just a few days, two people died in the Jiang Mansion, and the bloody truth of the past was exposed to everyone. The atmosphere in the Jiang Mansion was not cheerful. This winter was also a little colder than in previous years.

As if to make up for Jiang Li's past regrets, Madam Jiang and Jiang Yuanbo were obedient to Jiang Li and treated her with great care. Pearl and Jade, who were around the old lady, came to give her clothes and money several times. Jiang Li treated them gently and accepted them one by one. It seemed that there was no estrangement, but when Madam Jiang knew Jiang Li's reaction, she sighed deeply.

Ji was to be buried, but the outside world said that she had a sudden illness and died overnight. No matter how the outsiders pointed out, or how they were puzzled or puzzled, the Ji family, who were Ji Shuran's mother's family, did not say anything, and obviously acquiesced to this fact.

So although people in Yanjing City would sometimes chime in to ask if there was any hidden story behind Ji Shuran's death, since there was no evidence, they would just change the subject.

Ji Shuran's coffin was buried after seven days. During the seven days, only Jiang Youyao kept vigil for Ji Shuran. Jiang Bingji was too young. Jiang Li was Ji Shuran's daughter in name, but Ji Shuran killed her biological mother. How could she keep vigil for the murderer of her mother? As for the rest of the Jiang family, Ji Shuran had so many lives on his shoulders and had killed his previous wife. Anyone who kept vigil for such a murderer would be against Madam Jiang.

Jiang Youyao endured the humiliation and stood alone to keep vigil for Ji Shuran. When she first learned that Ji Shuran had died, Jiang Youyao wanted to find Old Lady Jiang and Jiang Yuanbo to argue with them, but the two refused to see her. It was Jinhua who reminded her that this was Old Lady Jiang's intention. Jiang Youyao finally realized the truth, and at the same time, she was filled with deep fear.

The Jiang family could kill her mother without hesitation, and they could kill her without hesitation! Fear overcame sadness, and Jiang Youyao didn't even have the heart to appeal for Ji Shuran's injustice. At first, she wanted to pin all her hopes on the Ji family. She just waited for the Ji family to come to the Jiang family and let them take her away. But the Ji family had not shown up since Ji Shuran's death.

There wasn't even any condolences.

At that moment, Jiang Youyao really understood that her mother and herself had been abandoned by the Ji family. From then on, she could only rely on herself in the Jiang family.

These things were passed to Jiang Li through Tong'er. Jiang Li was not surprised by Jiang Youyao's behavior. Ji Shuran always considered everything for Jiang Youyao, so Jiang Youyao was used to relying on others for help when something happened. But the Ji family might disappoint her this time. In order to maintain the relationship with the Jiang family, at least on the surface, the Ji family would not do anything to defend Ji Shuran.

Ji Shuran had been buried, Jiang Youyao had temporarily calmed down, and no trouble had occurred in the mansion. Jiang Li still went to the Ye Mansion every day to see Situ Jiuyue giving acupuncture to Xue Huaiyuan. Although there was still no improvement, at least she had something to think about.

But on this day, the rare peace was broken.

Jiang Li just woke up, asked Tong'er to comb her hair, and planned to go to the Ye Mansion for a stroll. Qingfeng suddenly ran into the inner room and said, "Miss, something happened!"

Tong'er's hand trembled, and the hairpin didn't catch her hair. The hair that was almost combed was scattered again, and the black hair hung down behind her head. Jiang Li ignored it and just looked at Qingfeng and asked, "What's the matter?"

"I went out to do some shopping today, and everyone on the street was talking about Ji's death!"

"Just say it," Tong'er asked curiously, "Didn't someone say it a long time ago?"

"No," Qing Feng was so anxious that he couldn't even speak clearly, "but they said that Ji died because she had an affair with someone and gave birth to an illegitimate child. Now the scandal has been exposed, and it was our master who did it himself!"

"What?" Jiang Li frowned and stood up.

"Isn't this the truth?" Bai Xue was stunned as she held her hot tea. "Didn't the government forbid people from telling anyone about this? How did it get out?"

"No matter how it got out, it should be a good thing for us." Tong'er said happily: "Our girl was wronged in the first place. Although Ji is dead, the false accusation against her is still there. Now it's good, the truth is out, everyone knows that the girl was framed for killing her mother and brother. Our girl can finally be considered innocent for once."

"It is cleared," Bai Xue shook her head, "but if this happens, everyone in the mansion will think that the young lady told the story."

Tong'er was stunned, and Qingfeng said, "That's the truth!"

"It's unfair!" Tong'er cried, "We really didn't say a word to anyone!"

Jiang Li fell into deep thought.

Although she wanted to clear the name of the second young lady Jiang, she also knew that she had to consider the overall situation and that family scandals should not be made public. If this matter spread to the streets and alleys and everyone knew about it, it would not be good for the reputation of the second young lady Jiang, and it would also hinder Jiang Yuanbai's official career. If Jiang Yuanbai fell, the Jiang family would inevitably be cannibalized. Therefore, she never planned to tell anyone about Ji Shuran.

If she didn't say that, who said that? The servants' indentures were all in the hands of the master. Although the old lady was old, she would definitely make the servants obey her, no matter by coercion or inducement. Moreover, for the servants, saving their lives was the most important thing. Everyone knew that if they told others, they would die.

Who is it?

Before she could figure out what was going on, she suddenly heard Mingyue screaming outside: "Miss San, you can't go in."

Immediately afterwards, Jiang Youyao's angry voice was heard: "Get out!" as if pushing Mingyue down.

Jiang Youyao rushed in aggressively.

Jiang Li stood up and looked at her.

Jiang Youyao felt a sharp pain in her eyes when she saw Jiang Li. Jiang Li was wearing a plain blue silk soft satin embroidered jacket and skirt, her long hair was half combed, and there were two shiny pearls on her ears, which made her face look fair, beautiful and bright.

Her mind immediately came up with what Yinhua had told her about the jokes of the people outside: "Could Third Miss Jiang also be Ji's illegitimate daughter? Then isn't Second Miss Jiang the only legitimate daughter of the Jiang family's eldest branch? I knew it, when they were training in the Six Arts that day, Second Miss Jiang looked much more prominent than Third Miss!"

If this was said in the past, Jiang Youyao would have just sneered, but now, she sadly found that she could not refute this. Unknowingly, Jiang Li had become the latecomer, she had monopolized Jiang Yuanbo's attention, monopolized her grandmother's favoritism, and she had surpassed herself. Now, Jiang Li was the daughter of the Prime Minister, but she was called a prostitute outside!

How unfair!

"Third sister, is there something important that is causing you to rush around like this?" Jiang Li asked.

"Stop pretending to be disgusting," Jiang Youyao sneered, "You were the one who spread those rumors. My father and grandmother clearly said that this matter should not be spread outside, but you actually made it known to everyone and made the Jiang family a laughing stock. Jiang Li, what are your intentions?!"

Jiang Li shook her head: "It's not me."

The mockery on Jiang Youyao's face became even more intense: "If it's not you? Then who else could it be? In the entire Jiang family, you are the only one who hates me and my mother the most! It was you who wanted to end my life, so you spread the news. You ruined me! You ruined me!"

"I said it wasn't me. If I had to say it, I would have said it that day, not after the burial." Jiang Li said, "Besides, it wasn't me who made the Jiang family a laughing stock, it was Ji Shuran. It wasn't me who ruined you, it was Ji Shuran. All of this falls on my head. Sorry, I don't have that much ability."

When it comes to killing with words, Jiang Youyao is no match for Jiang Li. Just a few words angered Jiang Youyao, who became even more jealous. She stared at Jiang Li, muttering, "I'm going to kill you..." and rushed over!

In this room, there was another person named Bai Xue who was extremely strong. When Jiang Youyao rushed over, Bai Xue put down the teacup in her hand and rushed over to block Jiang Li. Bai Xue was taller than Jiang Youyao and grabbed Jiang Youyao's hand. Jiang Youyao was twisted by Bai Xue and angrily said to Jin Hua Yin Hua on the side: "What are you still standing there for? Catch this bitch!"

Jinhua and Yinhua came to their senses and rushed forward, but Tong'er was not a pushover either. He called Qingfeng and Mingyue to fight with these people. Jiang Li didn't know whether to laugh or cry. She quickly walked out of the house, called two maids to separate the people, and asked someone to find Old Madam Jiang.

Madam Jiang's people came over quickly and saw Jiang Youyao's clothes were disheveled, but Jiang Li was calm and composed. They were shocked and told Jiang Li that Madam Jiang asked them to go to Wanfeng Hall.

Jiang Youyao was deflated at this moment, and she did not dare to act presumptuously in front of Madam Jiang's people. Even though she did not dare to do so in her heart, she had to hold it in until she arrived at Wanfeng Hall. But she saw Jiang Yuanbo was also there.

"Dad." Jiang Youyao called timidly.

Jiang Yuanbai looked at Jiang Youyao with mixed feelings in his heart.

He is not a saint, and his hatred for Ji Shuran will inevitably affect Jiang Youyao. But seeing Jiang Youyao so frightened, it is hard for him to harden his heart. Jiang Youyao grew up pampered in the Jiang family, when did she become so timid? Will his two daughters eventually take the same path, be disappointed in him as a father, and completely separate from the Jiang family?

Madam Jiang had already learned the whole story from the old woman. She looked at Jiang Youyao angrily and said, "Third girl, you have gone too far. You usually learn the rules like this, but you actually murdered your own sisters!"

"Grandma." Jiang Youyao's knees softened, and she knelt down neatly, saying, "Youyao was also impulsive. But... now everyone outside is talking about mother... mother's death. The matter has been spread all over the place. As a daughter, Youyao knows that mother has made an unforgivable mistake, so she did not plead for her mother. But mother has left and paid the price she deserves. Why don't you let go of even the dead? How does this make her feel as a child? Father, please empathize with me for once!"

Jiang Li looked at Jiang Youyao. It seemed that Jiang Youyao had grown up a little after Ji Shuran's death. At least she knew how to use the strategy of self-torture to gain sympathy from others.

"Besides, if Mother's matter gets out, the Jiang family will also be hurt. How will others view the Jiang family? Now everyone outside says that Father is lax in managing the family and that the Jiang family is in a mess. Second sister," she looked at Jiang Li, tears streaming down her face, and kowtowed to Jiang Li several times, saying, "Youyao knows that she cannot make up for the harm done to her, but please, second sister, have mercy on me and stop smearing the Jiang family. As long as you can let the Jiang family go, Youyao is willing to do anything!"

Tong'er was so angry when she heard this. She used to think that the Third Miss was a fool, but now it seems that she should not be underestimated. At least her pretending skills are exactly the same as Ji Shuran's. No wonder they say like mother like daughter. Everyone will admire her when she pretends to be pitiful. In this situation, Jiang Li seems to be aggressive, but she seems innocent.

Jiang Li said: "Third sister, I didn't do this."

"Who else could it be if not you?" Jiang Youyao sobbed, "You are the only one who hates mother the most. You want to clear your grievances, and you are the only one who can enter and leave the mansion freely every day..."

Jiang Li went to the Ye family every day, and Jiang Yuanbo and Old Madam Jiang felt guilty about Jiang Li because of the previous incident, so they did not detain Jiang Li. Unexpectedly, this would become "evidence" for Jiang Youyao.

"Although I have grievances against my father and the Jiang family, I am not willing to drag the Jiang family down with me." Jiang Li said calmly: "Although speaking out about this matter can relieve my grievances, it will put the Jiang family in a very disadvantageous position. This will not benefit me at all." Jiang Li smiled slightly, "I know very well how sad Third Sister is, but no matter how sad you are, you must weigh the pros and cons and not act impulsively."

She spoke so frankly about her complaints against the Jiang family that both Old Lady Jiang and Jiang Yuanbo were stunned. Then, Jiang Li's words made them feel complicated. Weighing the pros and cons, for the sake of the Jiang family, this was a good thing, but Jiang Li's words were too rational, too cold, and too lacking in the feeling of "home".

But the more she did this, the more Jiang Yuanbo and Madam Jiang felt guilty about her. Jiang Li walked up to Jiang Youyao and personally reached out to help Jiang Youyao up. Jiang Youyao subconsciously shrank back, trying to avoid Jiang Li's hand. Seeing this, Jiang Yuanbo frowned slightly. Seeing this, Jiang Youyao had to grit her teeth and put her hand in Jiang Li's palm.

"Third sister," Jiang Li helped her up and said, "Your mother has paid the price for the mistakes she made. No matter whether the price is enough, she is already dead, and there is no point in talking about her. Let's just forget about it. I never thought of not letting it go. Besides, watching your mother leave, as a daughter, you are heartbroken. Others may not know, but in front of me, how can you say I don't know?" She said calmly, "Of course I know."

Of course she knew, because Ye Zhenzhen was killed by Ji Shuran.

Just one sentence made Jiang Yuanbai and Old Madam Jiang no longer have any other thoughts about Jiang Li. Jiang Yuanbai only asked: "A Li, you really didn't tell anyone about this?"

"Father, you can investigate thoroughly. It's not me who did it."

Jiang Yuanbai nodded: "Okay. Let's just treat today's incident as a misunderstanding. I will find out who is behind this." He looked at Jiang Li: "If everything is fine, you can go back to the yard and rest." There was even a hint of cautious flattery in his words.

Jiang Youyao stared at the scene in front of her blankly. She suddenly realized that no matter whether it was Old Madam Jiang or Jiang Yuanbo, they were completely helpless against Jiang Li. It seemed that no matter what Jiang Li did, they would compromise.

Yes, compromise. Because Jiang Li could always easily evoke their guilt, and knew their bottom line very well, so she made the biggest demands within the bottom line.

Jiang Youyao was unwilling to give up and wanted to say something else. Old Madam Jiang had already coldly ordered the people around her to send Jiang Youyao back to Yaoguangzhu.

This means putting her under house arrest.

Jiang Youyao was shocked, and didn't understand why she was punished like this when she was clearly the victim. She wanted to ask Jiang Yuanbo for help and arouse Jiang Yuanbo's sympathy for her, but Jiang Yuanbo just looked at Jiang Li with a complicated expression. As Jiang Youyao looked at her, the fire in her eyes gradually died down.

She said nothing and let Madam Jiang's people "send" her back to the yard.

But she knew in her heart that she could no longer stay in the Jiang family. No one would stand by her side anymore. She and Jiang Li were mortal enemies, destined to fight to the death. However, now as long as she and Jiang Li had a conflict, there was no doubt that everyone in the mansion would stand on Jiang Li's side.

The position of the Prime Minister's daughter disappeared along with the death of Ji Shuran, and could never be recovered.

She had to find another way to make a living.

……

On the other side, Jiang Li returned to Fangfei Garden and sat down in the study.

Qingfeng Mingyue was busy cleaning up the mess left by the fight with Jiang Youyao's maid. Baixue and Tong'er were busy running around, but Jiang Li's heart was not as calm as she looked.

Judging from Jiang Youyao's expression, it was obvious that she was unaware of the matter. It was not Jiang Youyao who spread the news, nor was it spread by herself. The only people present that day were the Jiang family members and the servants of the Jiang Mansion. Now that the news of Ji Shuran's affair with someone has been spread, there is no room for maneuver. The Jiang family's reputation will be damaged, and it is inevitable that Jiang Yuanbo and Jiang Yuanping's official careers will be damaged. No matter how you look at it, this matter will do more harm than good to the Jiang family.

In the entire Jiang family, it seems that Jiang Li is the most suspicious, because she wants to clear her name. But after excluding this point, could it be that someone who wants to deal with the Jiang family deliberately leaked the matter by taking advantage of Ji Shuran's incident?

Who could it be? The Right Prime Minister Li family? Princess Yongning? King Cheng? Or someone else hiding in the dark? If it was these people, there might be their spies among the servants of the Jiang family. From now on, I have to pay more attention to my every move in the Jiang family.

If it is not these people, but the Jiang family's own internal traitors, then we should pay more attention to it. Since ancient times, it is difficult to prevent thieves in the family. If there is a problem in the mansion, if the mansion and outside the mansion work together, the Jiang family will be in great trouble.

Jiang Li felt a little confused in her mind, and couldn't help but press her nausea. Seeing this, Tong'er thought she was worried about this matter, and came to comfort her: "Miss, don't worry too much. We are upright and have nothing to fear. Even if the master sends people to investigate, it won't be your fault. Although this matter is inexplicable, it is a blessing in disguise for you. Now everyone in Yanjing City knows that you were wronged in the past. Anyway, the world is big, and you can't be blamed anymore."

"Besides, the Ji family should be the ones having a headache now." Tong'er gloated a little, "If something happened to our daughter, the reputation of all the women in the Ji family will be affected. Not to mention the unmarried women, even the married women in the Ji family will be pointed at by others. Isn't Concubine Li the elder sister of the Ji family? If His Majesty hears about this, he might think the same of Concubine Li."

Lipin?!
Jiang Li stood up suddenly, startling Tong'er, and asked, "Miss, what's wrong with you?"

Jiang Li didn't say anything, her expression changing. She always felt that she had missed something, but she hadn't taken it to heart these days. Now that Tong'er mentioned it, she suddenly remembered it. There is another key person in the matter of Taoist Chongxu, Lipin! Jiang Yuanbai had captured Taoist Chongxu, and he also said that he would tell Emperor Hong Xiao about Taoist Chongxu.

If nothing unexpected happened, Emperor Hong Xiao should have known that Taoist Chongxu was a liar, and that Li Concubine's case of evil spirits was fake. But now it seems that there is no news in the palace. Could it be that Emperor Hong Xiao still doesn't know that Taoist Chongxu is a liar? Or did the palace conceal the news? But if it was concealed, at least the Ji family would ask Jiang Yuanbo to intercede. But since Ji Shuran's death, the Ji family has not come once, and it is clear that they don't want to be associated with this matter anymore.

The truth suddenly became confusing, and Jiang Li couldn't figure it out. She was in the Jiang family, and it would be difficult for her to know what was going on in the palace. Jiang Li couldn't help but touch the whistle in her sleeve. There was a shortcut in front of her... But would Ji Heng let Zhao Ke tell her?
It’s not a small matter after all.

……

While Jiang Li was thinking of Concubine Li, Concubine Li in the palace had also been having an uneasy time these past few days.

Ji Shuran died suddenly.

The last time Lipin saw Ji Shuran, she was still discussing with Ji Shuran how to use Taoist Chongxu to deal with Jiang Li. After leaving that day, there was no news of Ji Shuran. Not only that, Taoist Chongxu also lost contact. Lipin felt a little uneasy in her heart, but the people she sent out did not get any results. The Jiang family guarded it like an iron barrel, and no news could be transmitted.

After waiting for another two days, the news came that Ji Shuran had died suddenly of an acute illness. Lipin was shocked and suspected that something had happened, so she wrote a letter to the Ji family. But Ji Yanlin replied without saying anything, and did not allow Lipin to go to the Jiang family to express condolences. Lipin was sure that something must have happened, but what was strange was the attitude of the Ji family. When she heard that the Ji family did not participate in the Jiang family's condolences, Lipin became even more uneasy.

Because she had something on her mind, Lipin simply claimed to be sick these days and rarely left the side hall, saying that she was still not well from the past few days. Lipin's maid Hongzhu came in from outside, ran to Lipin and said, "Madam, something happened outside."

"What's the matter?" Lipin sat up.

"It is said that there is another secret behind Madam Ji's death." Hongzhu told Ji Shuran all the news she heard from outside, and then said, "Now everyone in the streets is talking about this matter. I'm afraid... I'm afraid that His Majesty also knows about it."

After hearing the news, Lipin was a little confused for a while. It took a long time for her to regain her composure.

How could Lipin not know about Ji Shuran's affairs? Chen Jishi always told her about it when she came to the palace every now and then. Lipin didn't think much of Ji Shuran, the younger sister, back then. Ji Shuran was not as strong as Chen Jishi, but the incident between Ye Zhenzhen and Liu Wencai made Lipin look at her with new eyes. After all, she was still a bit ruthless in her bones.

But this admiration has turned into disgust when it affects myself.

"How could it get out!" Lipin said angrily.

If something happened to Ji Shuran, the reputation of the entire Ji family would be damaged, including her. When people saw her, they would say, look, she is Ji Shuran's sister, and they have the same blood in their bones. Will she be so vicious and fickle in the future? In the palace, there are constant fights and struggles. There are probably countless people who want to take advantage of this incident to bring her down.

Wait, how did Ji Shuran die? Was she executed by Jiang Yuanbo because her scandal was exposed? Then why did her scandal come to light? Calculating the time, it was not long after the exorcism at Taoist Chongxu's residence?
Could it be that the fact that Taoist Chongxu was a liar has been discovered? Lipin twisted her handkerchief. If this really happened, she would be the first one to suffer! The emperor would not allow a person who deceived him to live in the world!
Just as he was thinking about it, the palace maid outside came to report that the emperor had arrived.

Concubine Li hurriedly got off the bed and stood up to greet him.

She lowered her head and caught a glimpse of the bright yellow dragon robe. The dragon robe stopped in front of her. In the past, Lipin was very courageous. She was not as respectful to Emperor Hong Xiao as other concubines in the palace. She could joke with Emperor Hong Xiao, so she was not too afraid of the dragon robe. It was this fearlessness that made her the most special one in the eyes of Emperor Hong Xiao.

But today, the bright yellow color was like a death warrant. For the first time, she was afraid of the imperial power. She was humble and fragile. When she lowered her head, she felt that time was passing by very slowly. She didn't know what fate was waiting for her.

A long, long time passed.

When cold sweat began to seep out of Lipin's forehead, a familiar voice rang out, saying, "No need to be so polite." A pair of hands helped her up.

Emperor Hong Xiao looked at her with a smile, just as doting and handsome as before. Lipin's heart gradually settled down - judging from the attitude of Emperor Hong Xiao towards her, it seemed that he was not affected by the rumors outside.

He probably doesn't know about Taoist Chongxu.

Emperor Hong Xiao reached out and tucked her long hair behind her. He then touched her sweaty forehead and frowned, "Why are you sweating so much, Lipin? It's so cold."

Lipin smiled and said, "Maybe she is still a little weak and hasn't recovered yet."

Emperor Hong Xiao nodded and ordered his servants to ask the imperial physician to come and check Lipin's pulse. Seeing that Emperor Hong Xiao's attitude was the same as before, Lipin was completely relieved.

In fact, as long as the matter of Taoist Chongxu was not known to Emperor Hong Xiao, the matter of Ji Shuran alone was not enough to completely shake her position. Lipin could have used other methods to show that she was completely unaware of the matter, or even used the strategy of self-torture.

If only she could completely distance herself from the matter and make herself the deceived person.

Fortunately, fortunately. As if she had walked through the road of life and death, Lipin showed a genuine smile and gently leaned her head on the emperor's shoulder.

Emperor Hong Xiao patted her hand as if to comfort her, but the look in his eyes was extremely cold.

(End of this chapter)