The Double-Chapter 372 - 129: Possessed by Evil_5

""Lady Ji?" Princess Yongning said with disdain, "She’s just a woman after all. If she really had any ability, how could she have tolerated Jiang Li climbing over her head and reaching the current state of affairs? It shows she is incompetent. Asking her to deal with Jiang Li, I doubt she could handle it."

"Lady Ji might not be much, but behind her is the Vice Imperial Envoy of the Ji family. Don’t forget, Princess, that Consort Li is part of the Ji family and is the sole favorite of His Majesty in the palace. Consort Li is no fool either. If Lady Ji really has no means, all she needs is to ask for a solution from Consort Li, who wouldn’t stand by idly. In that case... who will win and who will lose in the end, it’s still hard to say."

Princess Yongning nodded and said, "You do have a point. Consort Li indeed has some brains. Since that’s the case..." She looked toward Mei Xiang, "Since you’re so clever, you might as well find a way to add fuel to the flames in this matter. Whether you use your cousin or come up with a plan yourself, within a month, I want Lady Ji to make a move against Jiang Li, regardless of the outcome... there must be casualties between the two of them!"

Mei Xiang hurriedly agreed.

Only then did Princess Yongning appear to be somewhat relieved. She turned to Mei Xiang and said, "You are loyal. Rest assured, if this matter is successful, I will certainly credit you with the first merit and reward you handsomely."

Mei Xiang gratefully accepted the grace, and when she bowed her head, no one saw the fleeting unusual light in her eyes.

...

In the Jiang Residence, Ji Shuran was talking to Jiang Youyao.

Jiang Youyao was lying on Ji Shuran’s lap. Since Zhou Yanbang’s incident, Ji Shuran had been looking for suitable young talents for Jiang Youyao. There were indeed some good candidates, but Jiang Youyao seemed distracted. Ji Shuran saw that she was still not over Zhou Yanbang and, fearing that Jiang Youyao would do something improper, kept her under constant surveillance or accompanied her personally, not giving Jiang Youyao any opportunity to make a mistake.

Jiang Youyao, either out of despair or some other reason, had become much more indolent. It was not until recently when Jiang Li returned, that Jiang Youyao reignited her fighting spirit, wishing nothing more than for Jiang Li to suffer a tragic fate.

Regrettably, her wishes came to naught. Jiang Li had vindicated the Xue Family on behalf of the Tongxiang County citizens, even enhancing Jiang Li’s reputation among the populace. Moreover, her logical and appropriate speech during the court deliberations earned the praise of some court officials.

No matter how you looked at it, Jiang Li was gradually surpassing her.

Ji Shuran’s maid Xia Han came in and said, "Ma’am, the Second Miss is not in the residence. She said she was going to visit the Ye Family to see Xue Huaiyuan."

"Xue Huaiyuan," upon hearing this, Jiang Youyao snorted coldly, "Isn’t he just a madman? And to think she visits him so often. She really knows how to put on an act, fishing for compliments. Trying to gain a reputation for being kind-hearted."

Ji Shuran paid no heed to Jiang Youyao’s words, simply asking: "Have you found any link between Jiang Li and the Xue Family?"

Xia Han shook her head, "The Second Miss has been in Yanjing since she was young. The only other place she went to was Green City Mountain eight years ago. But the Xue Family has never been to Green City Mountain, there really is no connection to be found."

"That is strange indeed." Ji Shuran’s eyes flickered, "If they have no relation, why is she so concerned about Xue Huaiyuan?"

"Mother, I’ve already told you, she’s putting on a show for others, to let them see her compassionate heart. It’s disgusting."

Ji Shuran shook her head, "She’s not pretending."

Indeed, Jiang Li was a woman with schemes, and at her age, not many could conceal their emotions as well as she did. But because of this, the occasional displays of her feelings were particularly abnormal. Her care and kindness toward Xue Huaiyuan were not feigned.

Jiang Yuanbai also sensed this, so Ji Shuran had been subtly blowing in Jiang Yuanbai’s ear these past days, telling him that Jiang Li cared more for a stranger than she did for her own father.

Although Jiang Yuanbai did not voice his feelings, he likely minded it, as he had been rather indifferent toward Jiang Li lately.

For Ji Shuran, this wasn’t enough. Only by uncovering the hidden truth and grasping something substantial against Jiang Li could she win in one fell swoop.

Xun Chun suggested from the side, "This servant thinks that the Second Miss treats Xue Huaiyuan as if he were her own kin, bothering with every detail. Could the Second Miss be bewitched?"

Bewitched? A thought struck Ji Shuran.

She said, "Nonsense! Since when can be being bewitched be mentioned so casually?"

Jiang Youyao, undeterred, said, "I think she’s bewitched indeed. Otherwise, mother, why has she been like a different person since returning from Green City Mountain? If Green City Mountain can turn fools into savants, does that mean those nuns and monks are all immortals? Perhaps she has been possessed by some fox spirit that’s brought disaster to our house."