The Double-Chapter 472 - 150: Joy Together_2

However, at the moment... Jiang Li saw Jiang Yuyan, whose clothes were also newly made as commanded by Lord Jiang the Elder. The fabric was fresh, but the gold-inlaid cloud-shaped agate hairpin on her head was not a gift from Madam Jiang the Elder. The hairpin alone must have cost one hundred taels of silver, a significant expense for the third branch of the family.

Seeing Jiang Li staring blankly at herself, Jiang Yuyan timidly asked, "Second Sister, is there something wrong?"

"Nothing," Jiang Li smiled, "I just think the hairpin on Fourth Sister’s head looks very nice."

Lady Yang’s eyes shifted as she smiled first, "What are you talking about, Little Miss Li? You’ve seen all kinds of fine jewelry, I’m afraid you wouldn’t even take a second glance at Yu Yan’s hairpin."

Lord Jiang the Elder slightly frowned; Lady Yang’s words were clearly meant for her. Among all of Lord Jiang’s daughters, the third branch’s girls had the least impressive attire. But what did it matter? She never liked Jiang Yuanxing in the first place. Had it not been for Jiang Yuanxing’s mother meddling, there wouldn’t have been any misunderstanding between her and Lord Jiang the Elder. If the third branch was capable, they were naturally free to climb the social ladder, and she wouldn’t stop them. But without the ability, she wouldn’t support them either.

Jiang Li said with a smile, "While the hairpin may not be the finest, it matches Fourth Sister perfectly, which is why it caught my eye."

Jiang Yuyan blushed and lowered her head. Her appearance was not outstanding among the Jiang daughters, but when she dressed up, she could be considered delicate. Jiang Li’s praise had left her flustered.

As Lady Yang was about to say something else, Madam Jiang the Elder already turned to Jiang Li and said, "Little Miss Li, when are Old Master Ye the Third and Shijie coming?" freeweɓnovel.cѳm

Jiang Li responded with a smile, "They should be arriving soon."

"Members of the Ye Family?" Jiang Youyao’s voice changed slightly, "Why would they come over?"

"This year, Cousin Ye and Uncle are spending the New Year in Yanjing City. Father said since they are family, it’s better to celebrate the reunion dinner together," Jiang Li said softly.

Jiang Youyao sneered, "What kind of family is that!"

"Youyao!" Jiang Yuanbai said sternly, his tone too severe, causing Jiang Youyao to fall silent immediately. However, she was still very resentful at heart. The Ye Family and the Jiang Family hadn’t interacted for many years. What now? Just because her mother had died, were they eager to cozy up with the Jiang Family again? Even if Ji Shuran had passed away, the family currently related by marriage to the Jiangs was the Ji family, not the Ye Family! If the Ye Family could come, why not the Ji family members?

It was clearly a case of "out of sight, out of mind"!

Jiang Youyao felt a cold loneliness, feeling like a lonely soul in the Jiang Residence, disliked by everyone. The more successful Jiang Li seemed, the more Jiang Youyao hated her. If it weren’t in the residence, once she had the chance, she would undoubtedly seek revenge against Jiang Li!

Jiang Li noticed her grinding teeth and immediately knew what Jiang Youyao must be thinking, shaking her head inwardly. However, she was also surprised this time when Jiang Yuanbai asked her to invite Ye Shijie and Ye Mingyu to the Jiang Residence. For Ye Shijie, it was a good opportunity. With Jiang Yuanbai’s support, Ye Shijie’s career would be smoother. The officialdom was no longer pure, and only at a high enough position could one protect those they wished to protect. Ye Shijie also had the Ye Family to look after, and as long as it didn’t violate his conscience, taking some shortcuts was not necessarily a bad thing.

Although both Ye Shijie and Ye Mingyu expressed reluctance to come, after much persuasion from Jiang Li, she finally convinced them to join.

While they were speaking, a servant came to report that the Lords of the Ye Family had arrived.

Ye Mingyu and Ye Shijie hadn’t come alone; they had also brought Xue Huaiyuan. Seeing Xue Huaiyuan, the Jiang family members were all a bit stunned. However, Ye Mingyu confidently said, "Old Master Xue is all alone in the Ye Residence, and I didn’t feel at ease leaving him there. So, I brought him along. Old Master Xue is feeling much better now. Ah, Lord Jiang is also an official, and you know, Old Master Xue was a good official back in his day, too. You can have a lot to talk about, and who knows, Lord Jiang might gain some insights."

As soon as Ye Mingyu saw Jiang Yuanbai, he wanted to tease him, but Jiang Yuanbai knew arguing with this man was hopeless. So, he just snorted coldly, paying him no heed.

As for Xue Huaiyuan, since he was here, so be it. Besides, as Ye Mingyu had said, he did seem much improved, quietly standing to one side, simply not speaking.

Therefore, this reunion dinner was missing a few people, but also had a few unexpected guests.

At the dinner table, Madam Jiang the Elder inquired gently about Ye Shijie’s recent affairs. Even though Ye Shijie didn’t hold much regard for the Jiang Family internally, he was at least more courteous than Ye Mingyu. Whatever Madam Jiang the Elder asked, he answered hospitably, very appropriately. A young man of talent with limitless prospects, and who knew how to act accordingly, brought satisfied looks to the faces of both Jiang Yuanbai and Jiang Yuanping.