The Double-Chapter 47 - 45 Progress in Learning

47: Chapter 45 Progress in Learning

47 -45 Progress in Learning

As for the mixed feelings the various branches of the Jiang Family would have about her enrollment at Mingyi Hall, Jiang Li didn’t care, as she was teaching Bai Xue to write.

Bai Xue could recognize characters, but not many.

In order to find out about Hai Tang’s whereabouts in Zao Hua Village, Bai Xue had to write a letter home.

Jiang Li watched her write while teaching her some characters she didn’t recognize.

Tonger listened with great interest and occasionally said, “Miss is really amazing.

When we went to the temple on Green City Mountain together, Miss recognized so many characters by herself, and I can only write my name.

What a big difference.”

“Isn’t that the truth,” Bai Xue muttered, “if not for the young lady of the Chief Minister’s Family, she would have been born able to recognize characters.”

While the three of them were chatting and laughing, Jiang Jingrui came again.

He had also heard the news that Jiang Li was enrolling in Mingyi Hall and as soon as he entered, he said, “Congratulations, congratulations, you really managed to persuade great uncle.

Jiang Li, you have truly impressed me this time.”

Jiang Li let Bai Xue write on her own and walked towards Jiang Jingrui, saying, “What brings you here again?”

Jiang Jingrui choked on his words, “Why do you always look so unwelcoming?

I came here to remind you.

Don’t think Mingyi Hall is such a great place.

Nobles’ children can be quite temperamental, and you are new to the scene.

It’s best to be cautious.

If someone bullies you, don’t be too proud to mention your father’s name.

And don’t be afraid to lose face.

If you encounter someone who is really too much to handle, running away is also an option.” He fiddled around in his sleeve and pulled out a small curved dagger, “Here, take this for self-defense.”

Jiang Li stared at the sharp blade in Jiang Jingrui’s hand and was silent for a while before asking, “Are the people in Mingyi Hall fierce like floods and wild beasts?”

“More or less,” Jiang Jingrui said, “just like the ones in the Imperial College.

Last time, I accidentally crushed a classmate’s cricket and almost had my hand broken.

I reckon it’s not much different over there.

Take this with you.” He forced the knife into Jiang Li’s hand.

Jiang Li was somewhat at a loss for words, as if seeing the secret way in which Xue Zhao had called her to the backyard before her marriage, presenting her with a phoenix-headed spear.

That spear wasn’t brought to Yanjing City by Jiang Li in the end, and she had never heard of anyone gifting such a thing to a bride.

Of course, Xue Zhao had almost been beaten by Xue Huaiyuan, and it took a lot of persuading for him to take back the spear.

However, the curved dagger was after all easier to tuck into one’s sleeve than a phoenix-headed spear, so Jiang Li reluctantly accepted it, saying, “Well then, thank you.”

“You say thanks with not the slightest hint of sincerity,” Jiang Jingrui added, “If things really get tough, you can always go to the Imperial College across the way to find me; I’ll help you sort it out.”

Jiang Li nodded her head, and Jiang Jingrui winked at her, “I’ll also call out Zhou Yanbang.”

Jiang Li looked at him, and Jiang Jingrui grinned, waiting for her praise.

However, Jiang Li calmly said, “Bai Xue, see the guest out.”

And so, the muscular Bai Xue “escorted” Jiang Jingrui out.

The day before starting school passed in such clamorous excitement.

By evening, Ji Shuran even sent over some new clothes for Jiang Li, stating that one’s appearance must be neat for starting school.

Tonger asked Jiang Li, “Are you afraid, Miss?”

A completely new environment, most likely to be filled with classmates all hostile towards her.

It seemed no good event would happen in the past.

Jiang Li smiled, “No.”

Not afraid, but actually quite pleased.

…

The next day, Jiang Li got up very early.

Ming Yue and Qingfeng were somewhat surprised to see Jiang Li up so early, and Tonger explained with considerable pride, “Miss has to attend school at Mingyi Hall starting today.

One must not be late for school, and today is the first day; carelessness is not an option.”

Ming Yue and Qingfeng didn’t understand these matters, but seeing how proud Tonger was, they followed suit with reverence, saying, “We’ve heard it’s not easy to get into Mingyi Hall.

Now Miss can go to school with the third young mistress and the others.”

Upon hearing Jiang Youyao mentioned, Tonger immediately snorted and muttered, “Who cares about going with them?”

On the first day of school, Jiang Youyao and Jiang Yue left early.

Generally speaking, when sisters from the same residence attend school, an introduction is needed, especially since Jiang Li was not familiar with the girls from Yanjing City.

If you went and no one paid you any mind, having sisters nearby would at least spare you the loneliness.

But Jiang Youyao and the others didn’t even give a notice; they simply left ahead.

Jiang Yuanbai was too busy with court affairs to attend to this matter, and Tonger had no one to complain to.

On one hand, she was frustrated on behalf of Jiang Li, and on the other, she felt helpless.

On the contrary, Jiang Li turned back to comfort Tonger, “If they don’t want to be with me, I think it’s a hassle to be with them as well.

It’s better this way; it saves everyone the trouble.”

As she thought this, the door behind her opened, and she emerged along with Bai Xue.

Tonger was stunned for a moment, then suddenly exclaimed, “Miss, you look so beautiful!”

It wasn’t just Tonger; Ming Yue and Qingfeng were also taken aback.

They all knew that among the four Jiang girls, Jiang Youyao had the most delicate and outstanding beauty, exceptionally charming and florid.

Jiang Yue also wasn’t bad; with a graceful demeanor, she was like a jade of a smaller household.

Jiang Yuyan’s appearance was unremarkable and not worth mentioning.

As for Jiang Li, her features were well-formed, yet they were somewhat bland.

But ever since she returned to the Jiang Residence after eight years in the temple, her formerly bland features had matured, and there was a unique elegance to her.

Unlike the noble girls in Yanjing City, it was something indescribable that grew within her.

It seemed to carry a hint of valor and was accompanied by charm.

Beauty lies in the bones, not in the skin, and Jiang Li’s beauty was more like the elegance of bones, the beauty of posture, the beauty of grace.

She was not wearing the brightly colored clothing sent by Ji Shuran the day before, choosing instead a plain moon-white chest-high robe with a light-yellow silk belt at the front.

Her long hair was tied up in a bun on the side of her head, adorned with a red bean on the wooden hairpin.

Her skin was as white as jade, her eyes bright and teeth glistening; an overly simple ensemble brought out her ethereal and delicate beauty.

Her demeanor was gentle, walking forward step by step.

Ming Yue and Qingfeng couldn’t help but stare, and Tonger also found it hard to look away.

Jiang Li had clearly spent the last eight years alongside her at Green City Mountain, but Tonger didn’t realize when Jiang Li’s walking posture and the curve of her smile had become so unfamiliar.

To Tonger, Jiang Li still had the same face, yet she seemed like a different person.

Madam Jiang the Elder, approaching from that direction, was also taken aback, her maids Feicui and Zhenzhu timely supporting her without stepping forward.

Jiang Li’s face might not be one that could launch a thousand ships or be dubbed the nation’s beauty, but as she walked over with a gentle smile, she seemed like an extraordinary beauty descending from the heavens.

It’s as if she was naturally such a captivating beauty who was born to be admired.

Following behind Jiang Li, Bai Xue said, “Miss, we’ve also informed the gatekeeper, we can go to the carriage now.”

Jiang Li nodded and replied with a smile, “Let’s go.”