Chapter 91 Returning Hometown
"Why wait? This is an opportunity. After Uncle Mingxuan finishes his work, I will go back to Xiangyang with him."

After hearing this, Ye Shijie and Ye Mingxuan were both stunned. Tong'er also widened her eyes.

After a long time, Ye Mingxuan asked suspiciously: "Did you just say that you wanted to go back to Xiangyang with me?"

"Yes." Jiang Li answered readily, "I haven't seen my grandmother and uncles for many years. I was young and ignorant back then, and made many mistakes. I regretted it later, but I didn't have the chance to apologize in person. Now that my uncle has come to Yanjing, he will return to Xiangyang in a few days. This is a good opportunity." She lowered her head slightly apologetically: "I have never had the opportunity to be filial to my grandmother. I often feel uneasy when I think of it occasionally."

Ye Shijie wanted to sneer subconsciously. Coming from Jiang Li's mouth, these words really sounded like a joke. You know, Jiang Li didn't have such a good face to the Ye family who came to pick her up. But the words he wanted to laugh at were right beside his ears. Looking at Jiang Li's smiling eyes, Ye Shijie couldn't say anything.

If she was lying, she must be the most brilliant liar in the world. Her eyes were so sincere that they didn't seem fake, and even doubting her was an insult.

Ye Mingxuan was so shocked that he couldn't speak.

Ye Mingxuan has been doing business for many years. Among the three sons of the Ye family, he is the most shrewd one and the one with the most thoughts. Therefore, unlike Ye Shijie, Ye Shijie himself did not realize that he had unconsciously begun to regard Jiang Li as himself, and also unconsciously recognized Jiang Li's change. Ye Mingxuan firmly believed that a person's nature would not change easily.

Moreover, even if the young Jiang Li was bewitched and alienated from the Ye family, how could the people behind the scenes not strike while the iron is hot and continue to bewitch Jiang Li many years after the Ye family left. Jiang Li's sudden awakening is unreasonable no matter how you look at it.

The Jiang Li I saw today was indeed a completely different person from the one I remembered. In terms of temperament and conversation, Jiang Li was considered one of the best noble ladies in Yanjing City. As for the sudden show of goodwill towards the Ye family, Ye Mingxuan did not dare to draw conclusions easily. He thought that it was either the Jiang family or Jiang Yuanbo's instruction, or Jiang Li had other intentions. Who wouldn't be friendly on the surface?
But he suddenly proposed to go back to Xiangyang, which made Ye Mingxuan confused.

Firstly, although the Ye family is a wealthy family, Xiangyang can never compare with the prosperity of Yanjing City. And the journey is exhausting, can a spoiled young lady really bear it? On the other hand, if this matter was instructed by Jiang Yuanbo or the Jiang family, what good would it be to let Jiang Li return to the Ye family? You know, Jiang Li alone can't cause any trouble in the Ye family, but is weak. Can't do bad things, just to please the Ye family? Is it worth it for the Jiang family?
"Uncle, don't think so much," Jiang Li said with a smile, "I just went back to see grandma, that's all." As if she could see through Ye Mingxuan's thoughts, Jiang Li suddenly spoke.

Ye Mingxuan's thoughts were suddenly touched, but he didn't show any embarrassment on his face. Instead, he smiled and said, "I was thinking that the road back to Xiangyang is long and winding. How can a little girl like you endure it?"

"Uncle, don't forget, I lived in a nunnery for eight years. I had to fetch water and chop firewood by myself. I'm not that delicate." Jiang Li said.

She spoke frankly, as if she didn't feel it was a shameful thing at all, as if she was simply recounting a past experience, which made Ye Mingxuan stunned.

Ye Shijie frowned slightly.

"But... I'm afraid your father won't feel comfortable with you going back with us." Ye Mingxuan pondered.

"If my uncle goes to negotiate with my father, I believe he will let me go back." Jiang Li said calmly, "My mother has passed away for more than ten years, and I have grown up. I also have a third sister in the mansion. I am not the only legitimate daughter, and my father will not devote all his energy to me alone."

There was something behind her words. When Ye Zhenzhen died, Ji Shuran became the second wife. If she wanted to create the impression of a loving mother, she had to make Jiang Li close to her. As long as the Ye family was there, Ji Shuran would definitely not be the person closest to Ji Shuran. Therefore, there had to be a gap between Jiang Li and the Ye family. As for how this gap was created, it depended on what means were used.

This is what Jiang Li thought of later. It was probably because Ji Shuran coaxed the young Second Miss Jiang at that time, and for some reason, Second Miss Jiang spoke ill of her grandmother, and the relationship between the two families broke down. It is hard to say whether Jiang Yuanbai knew about it, but even if he knew, he would rather choose the in-law of the Deputy Chief Censor than the in-law of the Deputy Chief Censor.

The old are replaced by the new, and we can only see the new laughing, but not the old crying.

Uncle Mingxuan seemed to be a smart man and would definitely understand what she meant.

"Besides, my eldest cousin has become a deputy minister of the Ministry of Revenue," Jiang Li said with a smile, "Father will definitely agree that our two families can visit each other more often."

Everyone says that businessmen value reason over separation, but in reality, how noble can the officials who claim to be noble be? The human relationships in officialdom are sometimes even more hideous and ugly than those in the business world, where people become indifferent when they leave.

Such are human hearts and such are desires.

Ye Mingxuan looked at her meaningfully: "Ali really understands."

Ye Mingxuan was surprised that Jiang Li was so transparent, and what surprised him even more was Jiang Li's frankness. Jiang Li didn't hide anything, which made people even more confused about what she wanted to do.

He was speechless for a moment.

At this moment, Ye Shijie suddenly spoke. He looked at Jiang Li and asked word by word, "Do you really want to go back to Xiangyang to see your grandmother?"

"Absolutely true." Jiang Li felt helpless. Skill was a very natural thing, but because of the estrangement between the Ye family and the Jiang family many years ago, this request became very strange and suspicious.

Ye Shijie looked at Jiang Li steadily, a serious look appeared on the boy's face, his eyes were full of scrutiny. After looking for a while, he turned his head and said to Ye Mingxuan: "Since she wants to go, uncle, you take her back."

Ye Mingxuan looked at him in surprise.

Ye Shijie just stared at Jiang Li, and said something with a hint of meaning: "It's rare that my cousin has such a thoughtful heart. It's just a matter of adding an extra pair of chopsticks. Let her go to her grandmother and show her filial piety."

Jiang Li smiled at Ye Shijie: "Thank you, cousin."

Ye Shijie still had doubts about her, but he finally began to believe her.

After a long silence, Ye Mingxuan raised his head and said to Jiang Li: "Then I will discuss it with your father first."

"Okay." Jiang Li said.

……

"Are you going back to Xiangyang?" In Wanfeng Hall, Jiang Yuanbai, who had just returned from court and had not yet had time to take off his official uniform, asked Jiang Li with a frown.

Jiang Li nodded: "I heard from Uncle Mingxuan that grandma's health has not been good recently. I haven't seen grandma for many years. I really miss her." Jiang Li said: "Besides, I have never been to Xiangyang. After thinking about it, I should go and see it."

Jiang Yuanbai looked at Ye Mingxuan, and Ye Mingxuan smiled gently.

Jiang Yuanbai was not very disgusted with Ye Mingxuan. Although the Ye family was a merchant family, the second master of the Ye family, Ye Mingxuan, was the one who looked the least like a businessman in the Ye family. He was well-read and did not have too much of the smell of money of a businessman. Therefore, Jiang Yuanbai was willing to say a few more words to Ye Mingxuan.

But even if you are willing, it would still be a bit awkward to suddenly start contact after not having any contact for so many years.

"Since Ah Li is so willing, why not take her back to see the place where Zhen Zhen used to live." Ye Mingxuan said with a smile, "Don't worry, Lord Jiang, we will take good care of Ah Li."

"How can that be possible?" Ji Shuran, who was following Jiang Yuanbo, said worriedly, "It's been a long journey, and Li'er has never been to Xiangyang before. How can she get used to the food and accommodation there?"

Ye Shijie was a little surprised. Ji Shuran's words made it seem as if the Ye family would treat Jiang Li unfairly. To put it bluntly, let alone the difference between officials and businessmen, the food and clothing of the Ye family were not necessarily worse than those of the people in the Prime Minister's Mansion.

"Mother, you're worrying too much," Jiang Li said indifferently, "I've lived in a nunnery in Qingcheng Mountain for eight years, and my life is not bad. I've gotten used to it. Xiangyang should be much more lively than Qingcheng Mountain."

Ji Shuran was speechless after being blocked by Jiang Li. This should have been a lifelong shame for Jiang Li, but now it seemed like Jiang Li's merit and Jiang Li's amulet, and she used it as a shield at every turn. What was infuriating was that she used it quite smoothly. Seeing Jiang Yuanbo's expression, he immediately softened towards Jiang Li.

Ji Shuran's smile was forced because of hatred. She was busy trying to comfort the heartbroken Jiang Youyao these days, and she was always cautious in order to win the favor of Jiang Yuanbo, so she had no time to pay attention to Jiang Li. She didn't know how Jiang Li got involved with the Ye family. An orphan girl could stir up such a mess without the support of the Ye family. If she had the support of the Ye family, who knows what Jiang Li could do.

"It's not that it's bad..." Jiang Yuanbai pondered.

Ye Mingxuan looked at the lawsuit between Ji Shuran and Jiang Li, and a layer of deep thought appeared in his eyes. It seemed that Ji Shuran and Jiang Li did not have a good relationship. Back then, Jiang Li pushed Ji Shuran to miscarry, so it was expected that Ji Shuran and Jiang Li were so cold, but what was unexpected was Jiang Yuanbo's attitude. Jiang Yuanbo did not seem to be completely on Ji Shuran's side.

This is not something that can be done easily.

"Since the second girl wants to go back to Xiangyang, let her go there." Old Madam Jiang, who was sitting on a high seat, spoke at the right time. She said, "If I were not in poor health, I would also like to go and see her. After so many years," she sighed, "the second girl has grown up, and it's time for her to see her."

Old Madam Jiang did have some feelings for the Ye family. After all, Ye Zhenzhen was the daughter-in-law chosen by Old Madam Jiang herself. Ye Zhenzhen was simple and cute. Although she was not smart, she was kind-hearted. Old Madam Jiang could not say that she hated Ji Shuran, the wife chosen by Jiang Yuanbai himself, but she did not like her either. It was just that the Ji family was thriving now, and out of consideration for her feelings, Old Madam Jiang was also kind to Ji Shuran. In addition, after Ji Shuran lost her child because of Jiang Li, Old Madam Jiang began to treat Ji Shuran sincerely.

But some recent events have made Old Madam Jiang wonder whether Jiang Yuanbo's vision was wrong.

Jiang Li became more and more outstanding. After returning from Qingcheng Mountain, she became the topic of discussion among the people of Yanjing City. But it must be said that among the daughters of the Jiang family, Jiang Li was the smartest one.

Old Madam Jiang had a unique vision. She thought it was good to have such a smart daughter who didn't seem to have any bad intentions. In addition, the Ye family had Ye Shijie, so Old Madam Jiang thought that Ye Shijie's future career should be good.

It's time to reconcile with the Ye family, Mrs. Jiang thought. At least, she couldn't let Ji Shuran think that as long as the Ji family was there, she would always be able to do whatever she wanted. Although the Ji family relied on Lipin to climb up, the Jiang family didn't need to please the Ji family to do anything. If Ji Shuran forgot her identity, she should be reminded that this was the Jiang family, not the Ji family.

"Mother——" Ji Shuran was a little anxious. Madam Jiang's words were like a slap in her face. At this moment, she suddenly realized that Jiang Yuanbai and Madam Jiang had gradually stood on Jiang Li's side without her realizing it.

She couldn't believe it.

What did Jiang Li do? Jiang Li seemed to have done nothing. She did not act like a spoiled child in front of the old lady like Jiang Bingji, nor did she sit on Jiang Yuanbo's lap like Jiang Youyao. How did she do it?
Ji Shuran suddenly looked at Jiang Li.

Jiang Li smiled slightly.

There is no need to do anything. In such an official family where profit is everything, there may not be no family affection at all. But it is not safe to survive by relying on that meager and fragile family affection. Who knows, one day this family affection will disappear, or the other party may listen to the slander of others, and everything they originally had can be destroyed.

People still have to rely on themselves, this is the truth that Jiang Li learned with blood and tears. She did not wag her tail and beg for mercy in front of the Jiang family, she just had to quietly do her own thing and prove her own value.

A worthless daughter can be trampled on at will, and pearls cannot be sold as fish eyes. As long as the Jiang family thinks she can be used, they will not abandon her easily.

"Let's settle it like this." Old Madam Jiang said firmly. She looked at Ye Mingxuan and said, "If you need anything on the road, you can tell us. The second girl is also a young lady of our Jiang family. Please take good care of her this time."

That's very polite.

Ye Mingxuan quickly bowed and said yes. He also felt a little strange in his heart. Today, he just wanted to see Jiang Li, who had "changed her appearance" as Ye Shijie said, but he didn't expect that in the end it would be such a result, and he even took Jiang Li to Xiangyang. But is Jiang Li really not afraid? Ye Mingxuan couldn't help but glance at Jiang Li. The Ye family did not have no complaints about Jiang Li, and some barriers were not so easy to eliminate. If Jiang Li went to the Ye family, she would definitely be ignored at the beginning. As a rich lady, Jiang Li, how long could she hold on to the indifference of others? Why bother to go through so much trouble and suffer for herself?

Ye Mingxuan didn't believe that Jiang Li hadn't thought of these principles. This little girl looked so smart, she must have thought of them a long time ago.

but……

Ye Mingxuan saw Jiang Li also looking at him. Her eyes were clear and distinct, but there was no doubt that no one would doubt her determination.

She looked at him firmly, persistently, and smiled, as if going to Xiangyang was something she had to accomplish in her lifetime.

Jiang Li was indeed very determined.

She had to go back to Xiangyang. No matter what the cost, she had to go back to see her father.

This is her wish.

……

On the way back, Ye Shijie and Ye Mingxuan were silent to each other.

Everything that happened at the Jiang family was beyond their expectations. Before coming, they had considered all possible scenarios, but they were still surprised.

When they were about to reach the door of the inn, Ye Mingxuan asked his nephew: "Shijie, do you think A Li really wants to go back to Xiangyang to see your grandmother?"

"I don't know." Ye Shijie was a little irritated. "She is full of tricks, who can see through her?"

Ye Shijie is considered precocious among his peers. After all, he is the eldest grandson of the Ye family and will shoulder the heavy burden of the Ye family in the future. But facing Jiang Li, he often feels helpless. He really doesn't understand what Jiang Li is thinking, but it seems that Jiang Li can guess what he is thinking. This passive feeling is really uncomfortable, and it is the same today. Ye Shijie doesn't even have the energy to talk to Ye Mingxuan.

"I think," Ye Mingxuan pondered, "she didn't just suddenly get excited. She must have wanted to go back to Xiangyang a long time ago, but she never had the chance. Today, when I went to visit the Jiang family, it was a good opportunity, so she brought it up."

Ye Mingxuan's guess was actually not far off. Jiang Li had indeed been preparing to return to Xiangyang early, and was also thinking of using the Ye family to achieve her goal. Jiang Li had been planning this since she knew that Ye Shijie was her cousin, including when she was talking about friendship with Ye Shijie.

"Uncle, do you think she is lying?" Ye Shijie frowned, "She has other purposes."

"It's hard to say." Ye Mingxuan shook his head, "But it seems that this was not the idea of ​​Old Madam Jiang and Jiang Yuanbo. When I mentioned this, their surprise did not seem fake."

"Maybe it was her own idea." Ye Shijie walked in, closed the door, sat down on the stool in front of the table, and looked at Ye Mingxuan, "Uncle...you guys be careful." He said hesitantly.

"Not really." Ye Mingxuan smiled, "Today I see she doesn't seem like a mean person. Although I don't know why she wants to go back to Xiangyang, she is one of our family after all, so let's trust her for now." He sighed, "The Jiang family is very treacherous. You've seen this, Ji Shuran. It's much harder for Ah Li to survive in the Jiang family than it is for us. She is a strong girl, and she's very smart."

Ye Shijie stopped talking.

After a long while, he said, "Don't be too talkative. Let's see first."

……

In Shuxiu Garden, Ji Shuran clutched her handkerchief, her fingertips turned white, and she was already furious.

Time and again, Jiang Li urged Jiang Yuanbo to stand on her side, and Ji Shuran and her daughter could not do anything to Jiang Li. She was an orphan who had no one to rely on and had to live under her hands in fear, but now it seemed that she was taking over the master's position and was extremely arrogant.

This time Jiang Li returned to the Ye family. It seemed like a trivial matter, but Ji Shuran felt a deep sense of crisis. Although Ye Shijie was a member of the Ministry of Revenue, how could he be compared with the Ji family? When Madam Jiang scolded her, Ji Shuran would not be so stupid as not to hear it. But the more this happened, the more unwilling she became.

Think about it, Jiang Youyao is under house arrest and is unhappy all day long, isn't it all because of Jiang Li? Fortunately, there is Jiang Bingji... Thinking of Jiang Bingji, Ji Shuran's eyebrows and eyes stern.

She also has a son, so she has to make plans for Jiang Bingji. Jiang Li has turned the whole big house upside down, so it is inevitable that she will have ideas about Jiang Bingji. Keeping Jiang Li will also be a disaster.

"Madam, don't be angry." Xunchun, the maid beside Ji Shuran, stepped forward and whispered, "Although the second young lady went to Xiangyang, it may not be a bad thing."

"Where does the good come from?" Ji Shuran frowned.

"The mansion is in a time of trouble right now, and the Second Miss is very shrewd, always making trouble in front of the Master. After the Second Miss leaves, Madam can let the Third Miss spend more time with the Master. The Master already feels guilty towards the Third Miss because of the matter with Prince Zhou, so this is a good opportunity. Without the Second Miss, the Third Miss and the Master will definitely get along better."

Ji Shuran was silent.

Indeed, before Jiang Li returned to Yanjing City, Jiang Youyao was the apple of Jiang Yuanbai's eye. It can be said that she had everything she wanted and never encountered any setbacks. After Jiang Li came back, Jiang Yuanbai always showed his guilt towards Jiang Li intentionally or unintentionally, which even she found irritating, not to mention Jiang Youyao. Jiang Youyao was spoiled since she was a child and was willful. Jiang Yuanbai was biased, and her displeasure was all shown on her face. She was also unwilling to take the initiative to get close to Jiang Yuanbai, and the relationship between father and daughter gradually faded.

For example, if the incident with Zhou Yanbang happened in the past, Jiang Yuanbai would never let it go so easily. At least he would never let Jiang Yu'e and Zhou Yanbang go.

Jiang Li left Yanjing and returned to Xiangyang. It seems that she will not be able to come back for a while. It is indeed a good opportunity. Without Jiang Li, Jiang Youyao will not have any estrangement in her heart, and Jiang Yuanbo can also give all his love to Jiang Youyao.

"Besides," Xunchun smiled again, "It's easy to leave the Prime Minister's Mansion, but it's not easy to get in. When the second young lady left the Jiang Mansion, she could not come back until eight years later. She can't wait to return to Xiangyang before she has even secured her position. Isn't this just being stupid? Once she leaves, who knows when she will come back, or..." His voice suddenly lowered, "or she may not come back at all?"

"You mean..." Ji Shuran was stunned.

Xia Han on the other side also stepped forward and said, "Last time, Madam Yilang also told you that there are many eyes watching in Yanjing City, and it is not easy to take action under the emperor's feet. But if the second young lady goes to Tongxiang, the mountains are high and the rivers are long...it is natural for an accident to happen. If something really happens, it will be the bad luck of the Ye family. The Ye family can't come up with an explanation. Even if our family and the Ye family really sever their relationship this time, there is no chance that things will get better during the Dragon Boat Festival."

Ji Shuran said: "I have thought about what you said."

"I have carefully cultivated my reputation for so many years, but in the end, it was destroyed by her. Because of what happened a few days ago, I always wanted to be careful, but I didn't expect that this little bitch would find the first opportunity." Ji Shuran took a deep breath, "You are right, I still have some concerns in Yanjing City. After all, if the daughter of the Prime Minister's family gets into trouble, people from all walks of life will come forward to investigate. But in Tongxiang, or on the way to Tongxiang..." Ji Shuran's eyes flashed with a hint of viciousness, "No one can find it, and even if they find it, the traces have been cleaned up long ago. The Ye family has silver, but it is not uncommon for thieves to be attracted by silver."

Xia Han and Xunchun nodded together.

Ji Shuran reached out and touched the leaves of the Qiongying flower on the table. The leaves were smooth and green.

All along, in the Jiang family and in Yanjing City, she had to maintain the reputation of a loving mother, and because Jiang Li's return and behavior were too high-profile, she had been unable to take action. In such a passive situation, Jiang Li won victory after victory.

Now Jiang Li suddenly proposed to return to Xiangyang, probably to reconcile with the Ye family and find a backer for herself, but she didn't know that going like this would be like a general fighting on the battlefield, losing his victorious city and turning to attack a remote highland. Losing the watermelon and picking up the sesame seeds is nothing more than this.

Since Jiang Li doesn't want to stay in the Prime Minister's Mansion, this is also an opportunity to expel her completely. There will no longer be a place for Jiang Li in the Jiang Mansion.

Ji Shuran's hand pinched the meridians of the leaves of the Qiongying flower, and suddenly she stretched out her hand and grabbed the leaves, crushing them into pieces. The roots broke in half, and broke into several pieces, falling to the ground in pieces.

She stood up suddenly and said, "Get some paper and pen. I want to write a letter to Dad."

It is difficult for one person to accomplish these things. If one wants to do it in Tongxiang without anyone noticing, he has to rely on the Ji family.

……

While Ji Shuran was discussing Jiang Li's departure from Beijing, Tong'er and Bai Xue were also busy packing their things in Fangfei Garden.

"You have to take this...you have to take this too...this dress was made a few days ago and must be taken away, and also this pair of shoes..."

Jiang Li said to Tong'er with a smile: "I'm just going back to Xiangyang for two or three months at most. You took so many things, as if I'm staying in Xiangyang."

Tong'er was disappointed: "Who knows if there will be any shortage in Xiangyang. Yanjing City has everything, but Xiangyang may not be. If the girl doesn't bring enough things and there is nothing there, how can it be done?" She turned around and said worriedly: "I don't know what the people of the Ye family are like, whether they are good to the girl, I haven't seen them for so many years, will they treat the girl affectionately..."

Jiang Li didn't have the heart to tell Tong'er. Not to mention being intimate, the Ye family would definitely look down upon her the first time they saw her. Jiang Li herself felt a little embarrassed when she thought about how shamelessly she stuck to him.

"Miss, is there anything you want to bring with you?" Bai Xue asked seriously, "Or anything you want to do. It will take some time before you return from leaving Yanjing. If you want to eat any cakes, I will go buy them later. Xiangyang may not have them."

They regarded Xiangyang as a poor and remote place. Jiang Li laughed in her heart. Tongxiang was very poor, but Xiangyang was not bad at all. There were many wealthy businessmen in Xiangyang. Just from this point, we knew that Xiangyang had everything it needed.

But Bai Xue's words reminded her of something.

She smiled and said, "That's true. How about this, let's go out for a walk tomorrow, have some good food, and have some fun. After all, we'll be staying in Xiangyang for a long time."

"Really?" Tong'er's worries disappeared as soon as she heard it, and she cheered immediately.

Snow White was also very happy.

Neither of them noticed Jiang Li turn around. She lowered her eyes slightly, her expression solemn.

Before returning to her hometown, she had to go and see Xue Zhao. Although she couldn't bring Xue Zhao's body back yet and let him return to his hometown, Jiang Li wanted to go and see him.

She returned to Xiangyang with Xue Zhao's blood feud and life in her heart. No matter what, she had to go and take a look.

That was her deceased brother, Xue Zhao.

(End of this chapter)