WBSGVS Chapter 23 V1

Qing Li innocently spread her hands and exchanged a knowing smile with Ji Shuxin.

Ji Shuxin gave her a thumbs-up in admiration, “Sis, your tongue is sharp!”

She had just hit Jiang Tingxue’s sore spot.

It was venomous on top of venomous.

Qing Li shook her head modestly, “Not at all.”

The two continued walking toward the palace banquet. Ji Shuxin, light on his feet, noticed that the curious onlookers had dispersed and whispered, “Sis, I finally understand why you didn’t immediately ask for a divorce.”

Fortunately, she didn’t leave too soon and secured the position of the main wife.

Now, even if Jiang Tingxue were to become the official wife, the fact that she once eagerly chased after the concubine title would be her lifelong shame. As the original wife who had been honored by Jiang Tingxue’s tea ceremony, Ji Qing Li could easily take the high ground and suppress her.

Because of this, the royal family wouldn’t grant Jiang Tingxue much honor, and Qing Li wouldn’t be at a disadvantage because of her royal status.

Qing Li placed a finger to her lips, silently signaling Ji Shuxin to keep quiet.

Ji Shuxin nodded obediently, pursing his lips, but his eyes remained bright, and his steps quickened in excitement.

Qing Li lagged slightly behind, still walking at a calm and measured pace.

The walk from the carriage stop to the banquet hall wasn’t short, and it took a fair amount of time just to reach the entrance. Finally, the palace servants greeted them and led them to their seats, arranged by the Ministry of Rites.

Due to Qing Li’s father holding a high-ranking position, they were attending as his representatives. Their seats were directly across from the Chancellor’s family. Further up, they spotted several unfamiliar faces.

But anyone seated there was undoubtedly a member of the imperial family, likely the unfortunate princes soon to be stripped of their titles.

Just before the banquet began, Jiang Tingxue appeared with red eyes, following behind Prince Yu. The two groups were separated by a good ten meters, and from a distance, Jiang Tingxue averted her gaze first.

Prince Yu noticed this and turned his eyes to Qing Li. She met his gaze without fear and smiled faintly.

Prince Yu’s face darkened instantly.

No one at Emperor Jiang’s sixtieth birthday banquet would dare cause trouble, especially Prince Yu, who was already walking on thin ice. Even if he wanted to, he would tread very carefully.

But this banquet wasn’t just a celebration. During the gift-giving part, one by one, the close relatives of the Emperor, including the specially invited feudal lords, presented their tributes.

After the final prince had given his gift, Emperor Jiang gazed at them, reminiscing. Chancellor Li chimed in with a poem on the spot, moving the emperor to tears. Emperor Jiang, claiming he was getting old and missing his brothers, suggested that since it was late December and the New Year was approaching, everyone should stay in the capital a bit longer.

With the conversation framed this way, no one could refuse.

After the banquet, everyone returned to their respective homes.

Everything seemed to have returned to normal, but under the surface, tensions were brewing.

Prince Yu became increasingly busy, frequently visiting influential officials in the capital. Jiang Tingxue wanted him to stir up trouble and avenge her, but the Ji family’s women were not to be trifled with, and Prince Yu was so preoccupied that, as Qing Li had predicted, he couldn’t find an opportunity.

The little threat Qing Li had faced was now gone, though she still rarely ventured out. There wasn’t much to entertain herself with, and in ancient times, women faced many restrictions. It was better to stay at home, eat, drink, and practice martial arts.

Even though she kept a low profile, every time she did step out, she appeared radiant, with no rumors of her being haggard after the divorce.

However, many people whispered privately that Ji Qing Li was afraid of Jiang Tingxue’s status and dared not flaunt herself.

Take Madam Zhang, for example. After finding a concubine for her son, his wife divorced him, causing the Zheng family to lose face.

But soon, that concubine became the daughter of a prince, and the Zheng family’s status rose, tying them to the royal family. Madam Zhang was overjoyed. One of her daughters-in-law, trying to please her, remarked that Ji Qing Li hadn’t been seen in public since the divorce.

Madam Zhang smugly replied, “Of course, if she runs into Tingxue, wouldn’t she be utterly humiliated?”

“Tingxue, right?” Madam Zhang asked the wealthy-looking woman next to her.

Jiang Tingxue took a sip of tea, and smiled gracefully, but did not agree. She simply responded, “Mother, why bring this up? I don’t want to hear it.”

Although she said that, the humiliation she suffered at the palace gate still haunted her. She had no desire to meet Ji Qing Li again.

Madam Zhang’s smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly changed the subject naturally, “You’re right, mentioning her ruins the mood. By the way, Tingxue, have you been feeling unwell lately?”

Jiang Tingxue paused and instinctively touched her stomach. It had been over a month since her consummation, and she was healthy, yet there was no sign of pregnancy.

She felt a bit strange but quickly pushed the thought aside, replying unhappily, “Mother, it’s only been a little while, and you’re already eager for a grandchild? Aren’t Fourth Brother’s children enough for you to dote on?”

Fourth Brother was Madam Zhang’s second legitimate son.

Now that Jiang Tingxue’s status had changed, she spoke with confidence, no longer catering to Madam Zhang as before.

Madam Zhang had no choice but to laugh it off. Unlike Ji Qing Li, she couldn’t afford to upset Jiang Tingxue. Even now, she could only smile and say, “What are you talking about? I was just asking. You’ve been sitting with me, an old woman, for so long. Would you like Han’er to take you out for a walk?”

“That would be nice,” Jiang Tingxue agreed readily, standing up. “I’ll take my leave now.”

She left before Madam Zhang could respond.

As soon as she turned around, the flattery on Madam Zhang’s face vanished, her lips tightened bitterly, and her complexion turned pale with anger.

So it turns out her son had married a troublemaker!

She missed the previous one; at least Ji Qing Li had been obedient before her son took a concubine.

Now that Jiang Tingxue’s status had changed, her tone and manner had changed with it. If Madam Zhang showed even the slightest dissatisfaction, Jiang Tingxue would invoke her father, the prince, forcing her to apologize.

But with the Zheng family in decline, without support, they might be forced to leave the capital altogether.

Her husband, who had lost influence in the court, was desperate to seize this opportunity, reminding her repeatedly not to offend their new daughter-in-law, or they would lose their last chance to climb the social ladder.

So, even though Jiang Tingxue now acted as if she ruled over her, Madam Zhang had no choice but to smile.

But she was furious!

Once Jiang Tingxue was out of sight, Madam Zhang clutched her chest, crying out, “Oh, someone calls a doctor! I’m so upset!”

Her daughters-in-law rose obediently, “Mother, let us help you back to rest.”

“Mother…”

Having been oppressed by Qing Li for so long, Jiang Tingxue now lorded over others.

But with Zheng Yihan, she was still the same girl from before.

Since the emperor’s punishment of three months was not yet over, Zheng Yihan had not resumed his duties and liked to shut himself away in his study.

He didn’t let anyone enter the study.

Whenever Jiang Tingxue sought him out, she would have someone announce her arrival at the door. Soon after, a handsome young man with a slightly pale face and refined features would emerge in a blue robe, looking as scholarly as ever.

“Tingxue, what’s the matter?” Zheng Yihan asked with a smile, stepping forward when he saw her.

Jiang Tingxue tilted her head and smiled sweetly, “Mother asked if you could take me out. Can you?”

Zheng Yihan nodded naturally, “Of course.”

Jiang Tingxue’s smile grew even brighter. She linked her arm with his and followed him closely, saying coyly, “You’re so kind, husband.”

Zheng Yihan smiled softly but said nothing more.

The two left in a carriage and got off to stroll the bustling streets, visiting shop after shop.

Now that Jiang Tingxue had the backing, her favorite places were the clothing and jewelry stores, without a care for the price.

Though Prince Yu was busy, to make up for the years he had neglected her, he gave her many fine things, including plenty of silver.

After making a hefty purchase, they left one shop, only to be warmly welcomed into another.

The shopkeeper, envious of the business next door, greeted them eagerly and offered a phoenix hairpin. “Madam, this is a brand-new piece, crafted by a master who spent over a month perfecting it. Would you like to take a look?”

Jiang Tingxue accepted it and turned to Zheng Yihan, asking, “Husband, what do you think?”

Zheng Yihan wasn’t interested, but he couldn’t show it. He glanced at the item with apparent seriousness but then froze for a moment. The red phoenix hairpin in her hand looked strangely familiar.

In his mind, a memory from years ago surfaced—back before he was married. He had saved up for a long time to buy a beautiful red hairpin, which he placed in the hair of someone he cared deeply for. Back then, she was radiant beyond words…

“Husband?” Jiang Tingxue, not hearing a response, furrowed her brows and gave him a gentle push.

Zheng Yihan snapped back to reality, nodded somewhat awkwardly, and said, “It’s beautiful. If you like it, let’s buy it.”

Jiang Tingxue blushed, smiling shyly, and handed him the hairpin. “Then, husband, would you put it on for me?”

Zheng Yihan picked it up. The hairpin felt cold in his hand, exquisitely crafted, and indeed of high quality. Just as he was about to place it in Jiang Tingxue’s hair, a commotion outside caught his attention. He instinctively turned his head and froze again.

Without realizing it, the hairpin slipped from his hand and fell to the ground.

Outside the shop, a group of people rode by on horseback—mostly women dressed in vibrant riding attire, their postures straight, their beauty glowing in the sunlight. Even their horses seemed unusually spirited.

Such a striking group of women, even in the more open-minded capital, was rare. In this busy area, riding horses was prohibited, so they moved slowly, allowing the passersby to take in the sight clearly, prompting envious gasps.

As Zheng Yihan watched, the group passed by the shop entrance. In the middle of the procession was none other than Ji Qingli, whom he hadn’t seen since their separation.

She looked just like she had before marriage—radiant, bold, and carefree. Compared to her married years, the spark in her eyes had multiplied tenfold.