The Double-Chapter 400 - 135: Method_3

At that moment, she recognized Jih Heng at a glance and was surprised as to why Jih Heng would come to such a place. Now, it seemed like a lifetime ago. She had already left Green City Mountain, and her relationship with Jih Heng had turned into the current delicate balance—not exactly friends, but certainly not enemies either. They both knew very well not to get any closer, for one more step would be dangerous. The future was uncertain, so they maintained the status quo.

How fickle is the world’s affairs.

"Have some food first," Jiang Li said with a slight smile. "Chongxu Daoist Master will be here, but it will still be a while."

When a venerable figure is present, they often put on airs. Especially those who have been in the palace, and this esteemed person who had twice saved Consort Li’s life. If they come too quickly, it would seem as if they were overeager and losing dignity. Although Jiang Li did not quite understand, she did not mind.

"Miss, everything you requested has been arranged," Bai Xue said. "Everything is placed in the shrubbery of the garden, and Brother Zhao has already replaced everything Ji Shuran’s people had laid down." freewebnσvel.cøm

"Good," Jiang Li smiled. "Now I can rest assured."

...

An hour later, a maid from Madam Jiang the Elder’s side came over and asked Jiang Li to go to Night Wind Hall.

Jiang Li saw that the time was about right, so she took her cloak, and together with Tonger and Bai Xue, went to Night Wind Hall.

Before reaching Night Wind Hall, they heard Jiang Jingrui’s voice from inside, saying, "Tsk, our mansion is fine, what exorcism do we need? What evil spirits are there to drive away? It makes no sense."

Then Lady Lu’s voice followed, trying to stop him: "Jingrui, be quiet, this is the Emperor’s command."

Jiang Jingrui fell silent.

Jiang Li stepped in, and all the murmuring inside came to an abrupt halt. Everyone turned to look at her.

Ji Shuran stood with Jiang Youyao at her side, a nanny held Jiang Bingji in her arms. Lady Lu from the second branch, Jiang Yuanping were also present, their opinions on the matter indiscernible. Jiang Jingyou was still the smiling chubby man, identical to Jiang Yuanbai in demeanor. As for the third branch, they had become much more silent than before, possibly due to Jiang Yue’s situation. Their relationship with the other two branches had become very awkward, speaking very little even when they met. Jiang Yuyan was naturally timid and fearful, merely glancing at Jiang Li before quickly averting her gaze to look at the tips of her shoes.

Besides them, all the masters of the household today, along with the concubines and servants, both major and minor, favored and unfavored, had been notified last night to not leave the mansion. Clearly, this was to ensure the success of Chongxu Daoist Master’s ritual.

Jiang Li also saw Maternal Aunt Hu.

Maternal Aunt Hu, along with her sole maid Baoqin, stood outside the crowd, isolated as if forgotten, appearing particularly pitiable. She wore an old and yellowing cotton robe with no jewelry to adorn her. Among all the young concubines of the second and third branches, she would be mistaken for a lowly servant attending to the concubines if she didn’t speak.

Her gaze briefly met Jiang Li’s in the air before drifting away to the void. She always had that dull look on her face, and people were inclined to treat her with sympathetic tolerance, as she was someone who suffered from hysteria and was not quite clear-headed. What more could they expect from her?

But Jiang Li knew that Maternal Aunt Hu had been waiting for her opportunity for many years, which was about to come. Only Jiang Li saw the fleeting satisfaction and anticipation at the corner of Maternal Aunt Hu’s mouth.

They were all waiting for the day when the truth would be revealed, and they could exact their revenge.

"Ah Li," Jiang Yuanbai said, "today is the day Chongxu Daoist Master will perform the exorcism ritual in our mansion. Everyone in the house must participate." He explained.

A look of perfect surprise appeared on Jiang Li’s face, and she seemed a little puzzled, but she didn’t ask further and quickly nodded, saying, "I understand, Father."

Jiang Youyao was eager to taunt Jiang Li a few words, since she was always displeased by Jiang Li, but today she had been preemptively warned by Ji Shuran not to cause trouble, not to say anything extra, as someone else would take care of Jiang Li.

Ji Shuran had a simple thought about today’s situation; although she had created it, she was not the one in control from beginning to end. Whether it was Consort Li who fell ill suddenly or Chongxu Daoist Master who had come to the capital by chance, every step that led to this exorcism was coincidental. In other words, if Jiang Li had misbehaved in any way and Chongxu Daoist Master failed, Ji Shuran would definitely not be held accountable. Because this had nothing to do with her.

Of course, Chongxu Daoist Master would certainly not fail.

Just then, a servant from outside reported: "Master, Chongxu Daoist Master has arrived."

Madam Jiang the Elder said, "Go out and have a look."