The Double-Chapter 554 - 165: The Banquet_2

I wonder how Princess Yongning feels knowing her lifelong fate was decided by a young lady of the Jiang Family.

Jiang Yuanbai said, "Let’s set out."

...

This was the first time Jiang Li had come to Li Mansion in either of her two lives.

Every corner of the entrance to the Li Mansion was plastered with various "happiness" characters, and the ground was littered with firecracker remnants, a joyous sea of red. The servants had smiles on their faces, the atmosphere warm and jubilant. Anyone unaware might truly believe the Li Family was extremely pleased with this marriage.

When Jiang Yuanbai saw Li Zhongnan, he smiled and congratulated him with a "congratulations."

Li Zhongnan also cupped his hands in response and said, "Congratulations to us both." Just by this scene, one might think these were two old friends sharing warm greetings; who would have thought that these two men were at loggerheads in the imperial audience hall.

Jiang Jingrui glanced around the hall and whispered to Jiang Jingyou, "There sure are a lot of guests today."

The Right Chancellor had quite a few allies in the imperial court, or rather, there were many who aligned with his faction. Especially since Li Zhongnan had sent out invitations, even those not from Li Zhongnan’s circle found it hard to decline. Thus, practically all important figures of the Northern Yan Dynasty had been invited to the entire Li Mansion. One could spot many acquaintances just by looking around.

Jiang Li also saw Li Lian.

Li Lian was dressed quite properly today, as it was his older brother’s big day, he naturally spared no effort in offering help. It also allowed the guests to see that while the eldest son was now engaged, this second son was still unmarried. If there were suitable ladies in attendance, it would be an opportune moment for him to be seen and considered.

Jiang Li observed Li Lian, who wore a full-faced smile, looking pleased as punch, obviously enjoying recent days. She remembered what Jih Heng had mentioned and knew Jiang Youyao was right here in Li Mansion. Although she didn’t know in which courtyard Li Lian had hidden her, she was sure that Li Lian must have already warned Youyao: Today Li Xian celebrates his big day, the Jiang Family will be present, Youyao must not wander off; if she is spotted by the Jiang Family, they will insist on taking her away, and the Li Mansion will be powerless to stop them.

With Youyao’s wit, she had likely already believed Li Lian’s explanation and would hide well to avoid being discovered. Of course, Jiang Li had no intention of seeking out Youyao. If she did find Youyao, people would wonder how she knew Youyao was there; Jiang Li would be at a loss for words. It might also raise the Li Family’s suspicion of a traitor in their midst, risking the exposure of Jih Heng’s planted informant.

After all, between Jih Heng and Youyao, Jiang Li would rather choose Jih Heng; she at least could not repay kindness with ingratitude. She already felt guilty enough for being unable to repay Jih Heng, finding trouble on her behalf would be something Jiang Li herself couldn’t bear.

Her gaze swept past Li Lian and suddenly stalled, then remained fixed in place.

Not far away stood Shen Yurong. He too had received an invitation to come today; naturally, if Prince Cheng would attend, so would Shen Yurong. If Shen Yurong abstained, it would be seen as petulant—holding the happiness of Princess Yongning in the palm of his hand, he could show displeasure towards this marriage but could not act so in the presence of Prince Cheng. Firstly, it would show disrespect to Prince Cheng, and secondly, this was not what Prince Cheng wished to see.

Prince Cheng wanted to see his left and right hands in harmony, supporting each other. Even though Li Xian was taking another man’s wife, Shen Yurong was expected to be big-hearted. Now that Yongning’s situation had become a blunder, the past mistakes shouldn’t cost the future.

Shen Yurong was someone who knew how to weigh pros and cons, so he might play the hurt party in front of Princess Yongning, but in front of Prince Cheng, he would only show his magnanimity and willingness to compromise. Moreover, Jiang Li didn’t believe Shen Yurong truly held much affection for Princess Yongning.

He was not someone known for his heartfelt sincerity; in this world, he ultimately loved himself the most.

Lost in thought, Shen Yurong suddenly turned his head, coincidentally locking eyes with Jiang Li. Seeing her, he was momentarily taken aback.

Jiang Li did not hide the indifference in her gaze.

Shen Yurong hesitated for a moment and then walked toward her. He had seen Jiang Li several times before, and each time he felt an indescribable sensation. He remembered that during court discussions, Jiang Li had looked at him with that same gaze—a familiar, peculiar look. Although well-masked, Shen Yurong could still see the mockery within.