The Double-Chapter 57 - 55 Two Paintings

57: Chapter 55: Two Paintings

57 -55: Two Paintings

“Do you aspire to become an official?”

Ye Shijie was momentarily speechless; Jiang Li’s gaze was so pure that it even gave him a clear and distinct illusion.

Ye Shijie immediately shifted his gaze away from Jiang Li and responded through his nose, considering it an answer.

In truth, he shouldn’t discuss such matters with her.

After all, Jiang Li once regarded the Ye Family as enemies.

But for some inexplicable reason, he felt that Jiang Li was trustworthy.

“At the Imperial College, if you excel in the school examinations, you can be appointed as an official,” Jiang Li said.

“But if you come from Xiangyang to be an official, does that mean your grandmother and the others will eventually move here as well?” ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com

Ye Shijie was extremely surprised that Jiang Li could think of this.

He said, “Once things stabilize here, perhaps we will move over.”

“Moving here has its advantages and disadvantages,” Jiang Li spoke her thoughts.

“By establishing a foothold in Yanjing City, the Ye Family will gain a reputation, and choosing one or two members to enter officialdom will ensure the family’s prosperity for a century.

However, once you move to Yanjing City, there may be those who are envious, and likewise, the Ye Family will be in greater danger.”

Ye Shijie looked at her oddly and said, “You do think far ahead.” He knew that Jiang Li had just recently returned to Yanjing City.

When Jiang Li was sent to the temple, Old Madam Ye was bedridden with worry, and he quite enjoyed that, considering Jiang Li was truly heartless.

After eight years, she had just returned to Yanjing City, and yet, Jiang Li seemed able to speak confidently about the powers in the capital as if she knew them well.

Jiang Li smiled and said, “After all, I am from Yanjing.”

Ye Shijie said disdainfully, “Does being from Yanjing City make one superior?

Ridiculous.”

Knowing that Cousin Ye’s hostility towards her would not dissolve anytime soon, Jiang Li was not angry.

But then she suddenly thought of something and said, “Entering the Imperial College requires a recommendation.

The Ye Family has no one serving as an official in court, so how did you get in?”

Ye Shijie said, “Why do you ask this?”

Jiang Li felt that Ye Shijie’s attitude was a bit strange and said, “Just curious.”

“It was the second young master of the Right Chancellor’s Residence who recommended me to enter,” Ye Shijie eventually answered Jiang Li’s question.

“The Right Chancellor?” Jiang Li was puzzled.

“How does the Ye Family have a connection with the Right Chancellor?”

As it happened, the current Right Chancellor was Jiang Yuanbai’s archrival.

The rise of the Right Chancellor, Li Zhongnan, occurred in recent years.

Initially, Li Zhongnan had been promoted by Jiang Yuanbai, but later, for unknown reasons, his power had grown significantly, almost enough to challenge Jiang Yuanbai.

By the time Jiang Yuanbai regretted it, it was too late, and he could only confront Li Zhongnan.

Therefore, it was very strange for Jiang Li to hear Ye Shijie mention Li Zhongnan.

“Li Zhongnan’s second son, Li Lian, once visited relatives near Xiangyang and was framed into a lawsuit.

I passed by coincidentally and helped him.

Later, when he found out I was a member of the Ye Family, he proposed to recommend me for studies at the Imperial College.”

Being able to study at the Imperial College was like a pie falling from the sky for a member of the Ye Family.

If Ye Shijie could use his studies at the Imperial College to secure a minor official position, it would mean a great deal for the Ye Family.

Thus, Ye Shijie readily accepted Li Lian’s proposal.

After listening to Ye Shijie’s story, Jiang Li found it very strange.

Not to mention anything else, did Li Lian intend to recommend Ye Shijie just because he was grateful for his help?

Was Li Lian truly that kind of grateful person?

Jiang Li knew that when Shen Yurong first became the top scholar, to understand the nature of his future colleagues in the imperial audience hall, he put in a lot of effort.

The Right Chancellor Li Zhongnan had two sons; the elder son was indeed hailed as a talented youth by everyone, while the second son Li Lian was clearly a degenerate playboy.

Such a degenerate offering gratitude struck Jiang Li as odd inherently.

It seemed that as soon as something felt off, Jiang Li would delve deeper into her thoughts.

Suddenly, she remembered that Liu Zimin, who had caused trouble for Ye Shijie yesterday, was one of Li Lian’s cronies and very close to him.

If Li Lian truly wanted to repay Ye Shijie, he wouldn’t have failed to even mention Ye Shijie’s name to Liu Zimin.

Knowing the relationship between Ye Shijie and Li Lian, how could Liu Zimin dare to trouble Ye Shijie?

Unless, Li Lian knew about Liu Zimin harassing Ye Shijie and even tacitly consented, or perhaps, he was the one who directed it.

But why would Li Lian do such a thing?

In just a brief moment, Jiang Li had speculated all the possibilities she could think of.

Ye Shijie was unaware of what Jiang Li was thinking, and seeing her lost in thought, he asked, “What are you thinking about?”

“Cousin,” Jiang Li said seriously, “Li Lian is of unsound character with a very poor reputation in Yanjing City.

If you wish to pursue a career in government, you’d best not get entangled with him.

Otherwise, if you’re implicated, it’s not just you who will suffer.

The Ye Family could face significant losses.”

Ye Shijie’s expression became grave, and he asked Jiang Li, “Do you know something?”

What a clever young man, Jiang Li praised in her heart, but at the moment, she herself had not figured out Li Lian’s intentions and couldn’t make wild guesses.

She could only hint subtly, “I don’t know yet, but I believe, given Li Lian’s nature, he certainly isn’t the type to repay a kindness.

Therefore, his recommendation for you to join the Imperial College might have ulterior motives.

Cousin Ye, you are the future bearer of the Ye Family mantle.

You must be cautious and deliberate in all you do.

As for people like Li Lian, it’s best to stay as far away from them as possible.”

“You…”

Before Ye Shijie could speak, Jiang Li continued, “Liu Zimin is one of Li Lian’s close friends, and you have seen what kind of person Liu Zimin is yesterday.

Birds of a feather flock together, think about it for yourself.”

Ye Shijie’s gaze flickered, and Jiang Li knew, he had grasped the implications of her words.

“What about you?” Ye Shijie asked.

“What are your intentions?

Even though you said what you did yesterday was unintentional, we of the Ye Family take our business dealings very seriously and believe in neither owing nor being owed.

You helped me, what is it you want in return?

Are you seeking to mend relationships with the Ye Family?”

Tonger, who was standing at the side, almost jumped up upon hearing this.

Cousin Ye’s words were truly harsh, as if Jiang Li was a calculating merchant.

“How could I possibly want you to help me mend ties with the Ye Family?” Jiang Li replied with a carefree smile, stretching her hands out to Ye Shijie.

Ye Shijie looked at the delicate hand extended before him, the fingers were like onion tips, pale and tender, but…

Ye Shijie also noticed the calluses between Jiang Li’s fingers.

Ye Shijie was taken aback, then he remembered Jiang Li had spent eight years in the temple, eight years that must have been hard on a young girl.

He had always been blunt but softhearted.

Despite his harsh words, upon seeing these signs of hardship, his heart involuntarily softened a bit.

Then he heard Jiang Li’s unhurried voice, “Since Cousin Ye insists I have an ulterior motive, it would make you uncomfortable if I continue asking for nothing.

So please, go ahead and give.”

“Give what?” Ye Shijie frowned.

“Silver,” Jiang Li stated matter-of-factly.

“One hundred taels of silver.

In business, your Ye Family should be familiar with a term called ‘cash on delivery.'”