The Double-Chapter 513 - 157 BMW

On the day of Shen Ruyun and Zhou Yanbang’s great joy, the people Jiang Yuanbai sent to search for Jiang Youyao returned disappointed. Around Marquis Ningyuan’s Mansion and its vicinity, no one resembling Miss Jiang the Third was found. Thereafter, Jiang Yuanbai seemed even more melancholic. Either the person he yearned for in his heart was unwilling to meet him, or Jiang Youyao was no longer in Yanjing City, or she was still in Yanjing City, yet unable to move about freely.

Either situation appeared to be unfavorable. For Jiang Yuanbai, the second seemed particularly heartbreaking. As time went by, his displeasure and disappointment towards Jiang Youyao had almost dissipated, overwhelmed by the instinctual concern of a father. frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓

On the contrary, Madam Jiang the Elder turned unusually firm. She stated that, since the search had turned up nothing, there was no need to continue looking in the future.

All these matters were of little concern to Jiang Li. Other than visiting Xue Huaiyuan regularly, she was simply waiting for Situ Jiuyue to finish preparing the Fake Pregnancy Medicine so that she could execute the second phase of her plan.

Unexpectedly, one day, an odd invitation arrived at the Jiang Residence.

Feicui came looking for Jiang Li in Fangfei Garden and, upon seeing her, said, "Second Miss, the old madam requests your presence at Night Wind Hall."

Tonger asked, "Sister Feicui, does the old madam suddenly seek the young lady for some important matter?"

Feicui smiled and replied, "As to the specific matter, I am not entirely sure. It seems the old madam received an invitation before sending me to fetch Second Miss." She looked towards Jiang Li; among the current young misses of the Jiang Residence, it was Jiang Li’s words that counted for something. Feicui was also willing to curry favor.

"No matter. I will know once I go and see," Jiang Li said with a smile. She couldn’t help but feel suspicious—she had just paid her respects to Madam Jiang the Elder that morning. If it were a trivial matter, Madam Jiang the Elder wouldn’t have gone to the trouble of summoning her to Night Wind Hall. But what could it be?

By the time she reached Night Wind Hall, Jiang Li’s heart couldn’t help but give a hard thump.

Madam Jiang the Elder was seated, with Jiang Yuanbai beside her. Having claimed illness to abstain from court attendance for some time, Jiang Yuanbai had simply been avoiding his colleagues’ attacks on the Jiang Family during this period, seeking some peace and quiet. Aside from sending people to inquire about Jiang Youyao’s whereabouts, he spent his time leisurely writing and reading in his study. Yet now, he too had come to Night Wind Hall and was looking at the invitation in his hand.

Jiang Li frowned slightly; it was too far for her to see the origin of the invitation clearly. She only knew that it must not be a trivial matter.

She said softly, "Father, Grandmother."

It was only then that Madam Jiang the Elder and Jiang Yuanbai saw Jiang Li come in. Madam Jiang the Elder said, "Second girl, take a seat."

Jiang Li took a seat below, and Zhenzhu poured her a cup of tea, which Jiang Li picked up to drink. She could feel the constant, appraising gaze of Madam Jiang the Elder and Jiang Yuanbai on her, and it might have been complicated. She remained composed, gently blowing away the floating froth on the tea before taking a light sip.

"Second girl," as Jiang Li swallowed the hot tea, Madam Jiang the Elder’s voice rang out. She said, "Someone has sent you an invitation."

Jiang Li looked up, revealing an appropriately measured surprise, and asked, "Just for me?"

"Yes."

"Could it be from Miss Liu Xu of Gentleman Chengde’s mansion? Perhaps from my uncle? An invitation from the Ye Residence?" Those who could invite only her must be her friends. However, unfortunately, in Yanjing City, friends of Miss Jiang the Second really could be counted on half a hand.

"It’s not them." This time, Jiang Yuanbai spoke. He looked into Jiang Li’s eyes and said, "It’s an invitation from Duke Su’s Residence."

Jiang Li was momentarily stunned.

This time, her look of astonishment didn’t seem feigned, and seeing this, Jiang Yuanbai’s expression softened slightly. If Jiang Li had appeared to have expected it, that would have aroused his suspicions.

"Duke Su’s Residence... Why would they invite me? And just me?" Jiang Li was so astonished she was almost incoherent.

Jiang Yuanbai said, "It is the old general’s birthday. Having heard of your proficiency in the Six Arts, they have invited you to attend a banquet at Duke Su’s Residence—it’s Old General Jih’s birthday celebration."

"A birthday celebration?" Jiang Li was puzzled. "That shouldn’t mean only I am invited. Haven’t father and grandmother received invitations? Are there others attending the celebration?"

She truly seemed ignorant of the situation. Jiang Yuanbai continued, "No other guests, the old general has only invited you. I came to ask, do you have any acquaintance with Old General Jih, or could it be that you have some connection with Duke Su’s Jih Heng?"