The Double-Chapter 520 - 158: Giving Gifts_3

"I was just pondering how to reply to Auntie Three," Jiang Li said with a smile, "Father and Duke Su’s Residence aren’t very familiar, in fact, the invitation from Duke Su’s Residence was only given to me. Neither Father nor the old madam received one, so it’s natural that Auntie Three and my fourth sister didn’t get an invitation either. Of all the people in our residence, I am the only one who will be attending the banquet."

At this, Lady Yang truly froze, along with Jiang Yuyan, whose face showed confusion. Lady Yang stuttered, "How, how can this be? How could the old madam feel at ease letting a young lady like you go to the banquet alone? Moreover, this doesn’t make sense..."

"Indeed," Jiang Li furrowed her brow as if troubled, "but Duke Su’s temperament is well-known throughout Yanjing City. Given an invitation from the Duke’s Residence, even as my father’s daughter, I wouldn’t dare to brazenly refuse. I have no choice but to go, with my head held high. Although I don’t know what kind of dragon’s den or tiger’s lair lies ahead, for the sake of the Jiang family, I must prioritize the greater good."

Her statement was half-true, half-false, seemingly with an ulterior meaning. Lady Yang’s eyelids twitched, prompting her to look up at Jiang Li. Seeing Jiang Li’s earnest expression as if confiding recent troubles to a close relative, without a hint of guile, Lady Yang was somewhat puzzled.

Lady Yang probed, "But why would Duke’s Residence invite only you? Could it be..." She stepped closer, "You are of age to discuss marriage..." Lady Yang seemed to realize it was somewhat improper to speak to Jiang Li this way, and after speaking, she hurriedly stopped.

Jiang Li lowered her head, her voice faint as a mosquito’s, "As for that, I really don’t know..."

Her demeanor was clearly one of bashful shyness.

This was odd indeed—since Jiang Li’s return to Yanjing City from Green City Mountain, the Jiang family members had seen more of her gentleness, composure, and even a coolness that bordered on aloofness. So this sudden bashfulness and awkwardness were particularly pronounced.

Jiang Yuyan also stared silently at Jiang Li. fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm

Jiang Li lifted her head, meeting Lady Yang’s scrutinizing gaze. She seemed momentarily flustered and hastily said, "I am now in a hurry and do not have time to explain further; I must leave first." She turned and left past Lady Yang and Jiang Yuyan as if she were in a blind panic, eager to escape.

Jiang Li’s figure quickly disappeared. Jiang Yuyan stood still, and after a while, she asked softly, "Mother, was Second Sister lying just now?"

Lady Yang did not speak but frowned, and after a long moment said, "Whether she was lying or not, the fact that Duke’s Residence invited her alone definitely means there’s something amiss!"

On the other end, Jiang Li had reached the mansion’s gate, and Tonger was helping her onto the carriage.

Her bashfulness and nervousness had vanished, replaced once again by her usual gentle and calm countenance. Sitting in the carriage, thinking back to her behavior just before, she couldn’t help but chuckle to herself. She couldn’t pinpoint when it had happened, but she’d become someone who could enter the role at any time, perfectly controlling her own happiness and sorrows. Whatever others wished to see, she would show them.

She had long found the third branch of the family strange. Beginning from some point, the attire of Jiang Yuyan and Lady Yang of the third branch had become much more lavish than before. However, Jiang Yuanxing hadn’t received a promotion, nor had the third branch engaged in any side businesses. The improvement in the third branch’s lifestyle was just too apparent—funds in large amounts must be involved.

Moreover, since Jiang Yue married off, the third branch seemed indifferent to the estrangement with the principal and second families, and Jiang Yuanxing even forgoed the pretense of fraternal reverence and respect.

And the scandal between Ji Shuran and Liu Wencai had spread throughout Yanjing City overnight. Jiang Yuanbai had investigated all the Jiang family’s servants but found no suspects. For a long time, many people believed it was Jiang Li who had done it as revenge against Ji Shuran. However, whether it happened or not, Jiang Li herself knew. Later, she considered that besides the servants, members of the third branch were also present that day. If there was any member of the Jiang family who had drifted away in loyalty from the principal and second families, couldn’t it be the third branch?

Could the third branch be the traitor within the Jiang family? Jiang Li had been unable to find any evidence until just now when she saw Lady Yang, and suddenly thought she could use the situation to test her.

Her bashfulness and awkwardness would mislead Lady Yang. If Lady Yang misunderstood something because of that and told someone else, and if the matter was leaked, it would almost confirm that there was an issue with Lady Yang.

The carriage started moving, and Jiang Li sat inside, contemplating the tips of her fingers.

She hoped her suspicions were wrong.