Chapter 082: Ning’er

Jiang Xuening was pleased, but many others were not.

By now, who couldn’t see that Princess Leyang did all this for Jiang Xuening?

Jiang Xuehui’s entry into the palace was certainly eye-catching, but smart people could see Jiang Xuening behind it all.

When she said the word “happy,” many in the hall secretly darkened their faces. Any good mood for fun was instantly ruined.

Shen Zhiyi then invited Jiang Xuehui to join the game.

Among the crowd, several people were clearly forcing smiles, and Xiao Shu hadn’t said a word since Jiang Xuehui appeared with that embroidered handkerchief.

As night fell, the palace lanterns in Yangzhi Zhai were lit.

Returning from Mingfeng Palace to her room, Xiao Shu, the eldest daughter of the Xiao family and the Empress Dowager’s niece, finally let all other expressions fade from her face, leaving only a cold and somber calm.

She raised her hand to gently press her forehead.

Xiao Shu slowly closed her eyes, her fingers tensing one by one. When she opened her eyes again, she swept the teacup off the table!

The palace maid beside her was startled, eyes wide in shock.

Xiao Shu’s chest heaved slightly, but she didn’t look at anyone.

In her mind, she recalled the handkerchief that had fallen from Prince Linzi’s sleeve when she met him, and the one she saw on Jiang Xuehui today…

Others might have forgotten.

But she remembered clearly.

It wasn’t Jiang Xuening. That person wasn’t Jiang Xuening!

Who could have guessed?

During this time in the palace, Prince Linzi had shown constant concern for Jiang Xuening, often speaking kindly to her. When the Yongyi Marquis’s residence was in trouble, Yan Lin had even cleared Jiang Xuening’s name.

All clues pointed to her.

That’s why she…

Her fingers clenched tighter on the table, feeling a bitter irony: not only had she failed to eliminate the real threat, but she had also exposed herself, creating a true formidable enemy…

Jiang Xuening was indeed sharp.

*

At the same time, the atmosphere in Jiang Xuening’s room was quite subtle.

After Princess Leyang’s arrangements, the room was filled with all kinds of exquisite items, soft and delicate, with a painting by a famous scholar of the previous dynasty casually hanging on the wall.

Jiang Xuehui, being knowledgeable, could recognize it at a glance.

The palace maids had naturally prepared her room, but it was no different from the other companion readers. However, when invited to Jiang Xuening’s room, she easily noticed the vast difference, a chasm, and thus had a very clear understanding of her sister’s favored status in the palace.

Jiang Xuening had changed out of her elaborate palace attire, now wearing a simple sky-blue pleated skirt with lotus patterns. Her previously carefully styled hair was let down, her long black hair cascading down her back, with a few strands playfully twirled around her slender fingers.

She looked at Jiang Xuehui with a slightly amused expression.

Jiang Xuehui, sitting opposite her, remained calm and asked, “Why did you bring me into the palace? What do you want?”

In front of Jiang Xuening was a zither, but not a special one, just an ordinary zither.

She reached out and gently plucked the strings.

Hearing the trembling sound, she leisurely said, “Now that you’re in the palace and brought that embroidered handkerchief, it’s too fake to say you don’t know why I brought you here, isn’t it?”

Jiang Xuehui looked down at the handkerchief and sighed, “You and I both know how much you hate me and what our relationship is like. If you say you’re here to help me, I absolutely don’t believe it.” Her eyebrows and eyes actually bore a slight resemblance to Wanniang.

Jiang Xuening paused her fingers on the zither strings, recalling the things she did out of jealousy in her past life: upon learning that Prince Linzi secretly favored the owner of that handkerchief, she obstructed Jiang Xuehui’s participation in the consort selection and took the handkerchief herself to “accidentally” meet Prince Linzi again. She stole Jiang Xuehui’s marriage, became Princess Linzi, and eventually the Empress, thoroughly trampling the sister she hated underfoot.

But was she ultimately happy and proud?

It seemed she wasn’t very happy or proud.

Jiang Xuehui still lived well.

Sometimes, Jiang Xuening even wondered: did Jiang Xuehui know she had stolen her marriage?

She never got to flaunt it.

Because shortly after she became Princess Linzi, Jiang Xuehui married far away from the capital, and she never had the chance to tell her the truth, flaunt it, or provoke her hatred.

“It’s good you know I won’t help you. The palace is full of dangers. Some people misunderstood some things and used methods meant for you on me, almost costing me my life,” Jiang Xuening sneered, recalling Xiao Shu’s shocked face today, feeling satisfied. “Someone saw you with that handkerchief today and their face changed. I guess your days in the palace won’t be very pleasant. As for me, I’ll just sit back and watch the show.”

Anyone else might not have guessed who was behind it.

After all, there were no obvious clues.

But Xiao Shu’s misfortune was encountering not just Jiang Xuening, but the reborn Jiang Xuening. No one knew yet about Xiao Shu’s ambition for the future Empress position, but Jiang Xuening, having fought her to the death in her past life, knew from the start that beneath that seemingly lofty face lay burning ambition and desire.

The clues were too many to not suspect her!

Jiang Xuehui immediately recalled the recent rumors: Ning’er was framed in the palace, accused of conspiring with the Heavenly Sect rebels, and almost lost her life!

Her heart chilled.

Only now did she vaguely understand: that incident was related to her!

Jiang Xuening could have told her the whole story to make her wary of Xiao Shu, but she couldn’t help but hold a grudge against Jiang Xuehui, and her sister wasn’t stupid. She didn’t need to say it and didn’t want to.

So she changed the subject.

While playing with her finger technique, thinking she must not make mistakes in her zither lesson with Xie Wei tomorrow, she casually said, “Do you know who has the handkerchief you lost?”

Jiang Xuehui stared at her, then lowered her eyes and slowly said, “I have a rough idea.”

“Zheng—”

Jiang Xuening’s fingers trembled slightly, causing the zither’s sound to quiver as well.

She suddenly raised her hand and looked back at Jiang Xuehui, her gaze sharp as if trying to see through her at that moment!

She knew!

Jiang Xuehui actually said she “roughly knew”!

If she already knew at this time, then in the previous life, when Jiang Xuening took her handkerchief to “accidentally” meet Shen Jie and stole her marriage, Jiang Xuehui must have been aware!

But she never reacted…

Jiang Xuening even thought she was unaware from beginning to end!

“What’s wrong?”

Jiang Xuehui thought that her always hostile younger sister, after today’s events, should have understood the whole situation. But why did Ning’er show such an expression after she answered truthfully?

She didn’t quite understand.

“……”

Jiang Xuening remained silent for a long time.

Looking down at the zither in front of her, she felt no desire to practice anymore. She pushed the zither away and coldly said, “I’m tired. I’ve said enough. You may leave.”

She was always this capricious. It was rare for her to sit down and talk patiently for a while. So, it wasn’t surprising when she issued a dismissal order.

Although Jiang Xuehui felt there were things left unsaid, she couldn’t ask more.

So she got up, told her to rest early, and left the room.

That night, Jiang Xuening once again couldn’t sleep.

*

The next morning, at Fengchen Hall, the palace maids added an extra seat in the second row for Jiang Xuehui, making the original eight companion readers officially nine.

The teachers were naturally very surprised.

Since Jiang Xuehui joined midway, she hadn’t learned the previous lessons. The teachers were somewhat worried. Some people didn’t like Jiang Xuehui or transferred their hatred for Jiang Xuening to her. Although they heard that the eldest daughter of the Jiang family was different from the uneducated second daughter and was a true lady, the palace’s teachings were different. Jiang Xuehui couldn’t possibly know everything, so they were waiting to see her make a fool of herself.

But what happened next was like a slap in their faces—

Jiang Xuehui not only knew everything but excelled at everything!

Although the Jiang family’s status wasn’t high, Madam Meng had raised Jiang Xuehui as a high-born lady, proficient in poetry, etiquette, and everything else!

She was usually low-key and rarely showed off, so few people knew.

Now, in the palace, she had to answer the teachers’ questions seriously, not daring to be careless, and easily won their admiration.

The current teachers were different from those when Jiang Xuening first entered the palace. After Zhao Yanhong’s incident, everyone knew what kind of person Xie Wei was and didn’t dare to favor Xiao Shu openly.

Jiang Xuehui was also Jiang Xuening’s sister.

Everyone knew Jiang Xuening was favored by Princess Leyang. The teachers wanted to flatter her, but Jiang Xuening’s poor academic performance made it hard to praise her.

Now, Jiang Xuehui was perfect!

Firstly, she was Jiang Xuening’s sister, specially chosen by the Princess; secondly, she was polite, gentle, and wouldn’t embarrass the teachers, unlike the prickly Jiang Xuening; thirdly, she was knowledgeable and well-read, which was rare.

The teachers no longer held back their praise and highly commended Jiang Xuehui.

In just two or three days, Jiang Xuehui, who had just entered the palace, became a favorite among the teachers at Fengchen Hall.

Originally, Xiao Shu was the undisputed star of Fengchen Hall.

Now, a new contender had emerged, gradually overshadowing Xiao Shu. The two shone brightly, each as brilliant as the other, making people marvel.

Whether Xiao Shu was happy or not was hard for others to tell.

But Jiang Xuening knew her temperament well.

In the past, Xiao Shu could remain aloof and unperturbed because no one posed a threat to her. But once she felt threatened, her previously lofty calmness would naturally become precarious due to the changing circumstances.

So, just thinking about Xiao Shu’s current mood made Jiang Xuening feel incredibly satisfied—

There was no other way.

After fighting for so long in her past life, and now being targeted by Xiao Shu due to a misunderstanding about the handkerchief, Jiang Xuening certainly couldn’t be too kind to her!

What’s more interesting was that Jiang Xuehui, despite her lower status compared to Xiao Shu, was well-liked by the teachers at Fengchen Hall. She was humble and approachable, unlike the always aloof Xiao Shu, making her very popular.

Even Chen Shuyi was willing to talk to her.

There were always rumors in the capital that the Jiang sisters didn’t get along, with Jiang Xuening being domineering and always bullying her gentle sister. So, those who didn’t get along with Jiang Xuening naturally gravitated towards Jiang Xuehui, wanting to befriend her.

You Yue felt she had gained a strong ally. One day, she walked alongside Jiang Xuehui and said with a smile, “I’ve always known you were talented, but I didn’t expect you to be this outstanding. Compared to the uneducated Jiang Xuening, you’re like heaven and earth!”

Jiang Xuehui glanced at her but said nothing.

Chen Shuyi, standing nearby, added, “You’re the legitimate eldest daughter, far more knowledgeable and capable than your sister. Yet, you endured her bullying at home. It’s truly a strange tale. If I were you, I’d seize any chance to put her in her place. Otherwise, she’d ruin the family’s reputation!”

Over the past few days, many had spoken ill of Jiang Xuening in front of Jiang Xuehui. Jiang Xuehui always listened without refuting, leading everyone to believe the sisters’ discord was real, and their gossip grew bolder.

Everyone thought Jiang Xuehui shared their enmity.

But unexpectedly, Jiang Xuehui frowned at Chen Shuyi’s words, stopped, and coldly said, “My sister may be uneducated, but she hasn’t ruined the family’s reputation. Miss Shuyi’s words are unfair. Although our family isn’t as prestigious as some, our parents are strict. If my sister makes mistakes, it’s for our parents to worry about, not Miss Shuyi.”

Everyone was stunned.

Jiang Xuehui actually defended Jiang Xuening!

Weren’t they supposed to not get along?!

Chen Shuyi’s face changed slightly, her pupils narrowing as she looked at Jiang Xuehui.

Jiang Xuehui met her gaze calmly.

You Yue couldn’t help but gasp, finally realizing: no matter how bad their relationship, they were still sisters from the same family! A sister might criticize her sibling at home, but wouldn’t allow others to insult her! Especially when it concerned the family’s reputation. Casual remarks were one thing, but openly accusing someone of ruining the family name was bound to provoke a reaction from Jiang Xuehui.

No one could respond.

The atmosphere grew awkward.

At that moment, Jiang Xuening, holding a book, opened her door and stepped out, seeing them outside Yangzhi Zhai from a distance, making it even harder to speak.

Zhou Baoying, standing among them, curiously looked at Jiang Xuening and softly asked, “We were just talking about you with your sister. Are you going to practice the zither again, Second Sister Jiang?”

Seeing this group together, Jiang Xuening knew they had nothing good to say.

When Zhou Baoying mentioned they were talking about her, some faces changed.

She smirked inwardly and said, “I’m going to see if Master Xie is there.”

Xie Wei had told her to practice finger techniques in the side hall the next day, but when she arrived, he wasn’t there.

The palace maids said he was busy with state affairs and couldn’t come.

He hadn’t appeared at Fengchen Hall for several days, not teaching a single class. Jiang Xuening could have skipped practicing, but she didn’t know when Xie Wei would be free, and the palace maids didn’t know either, so she had to go to the side hall every day and wait for a while.

If Xie Wei didn’t come, she would leave.

Today was no different.

At this moment, Shen Zhiyi was not around.

Although You Yue was completely intimidated by Jiang Xuening and didn’t dare to speak in front of her, Chen Shuyi was still there.

Hearing Jiang Xuening mention learning the zither, Chen Shuyi chuckled and glanced meaningfully at Jiang Xuehui, who had not given her face earlier, saying, “I’ve always heard that Master Xie and Master Jiang have an old friendship. Despite Jiang Xuening’s poor zither skills, he still takes the trouble to teach her. Now that Jiang Xuehui is also in the palace, proficient in all arts, it’s a pity Master Xie has been too busy to teach. Otherwise, seeing such a talented person would surely make him happy. After all, dealing with a blockhead for too long must be hard on Master Xie…”

Her words had a hint of provocation.

But Jiang Xuehui didn’t respond.

Even Jiang Xuening didn’t seem angry, still smiling as she said to Chen Shuyi, “Miss Shuyi, I’ll remember what you said today and be sure to tell the Princess tomorrow.”

“You!”

Chen Shuyi was completely taken aback by her words, using a threat of tattling right to her face!

She choked with anger, her face turning extremely ugly.

Recalling the scene of being scolded by Princess Leyang, her body trembled slightly—furious!

Jiang Xuening didn’t bother to look at her again, scoffing coldly, and walked past her with the book in her hand, not caring about the group at all, her back straight as she headed to Fengchen Hall.

Only a young eunuch was guarding the hall entrance.

Jiang Xuening walked up the steps and asked, “Is Master Xie coming today?”

The young eunuch shook his head, opened the door for her, and replied, “No news yet. But I heard Master Xie has been busy with state affairs, hasn’t slept for two nights, returned home last night, and might come today.”

Jiang Xuening nodded and entered the hall.

The Emei zither hung high on the wall, while the Jiao’an zither lay flat on the table.

She sat down at the zither table.

She put down the book in her hand, which was a medical book.

She had run into Zhang Zhe on the street the other day and saw him carrying medicine, reminding her that his mother had health issues, suffering from migraines. Since Xie Wei had been busy, she had some free time while practicing the zither and asked Shen Zhiyi to borrow a medical book from the Imperial Medical Institute. Growing up in the countryside, she had played around with traveling doctors and had a basic understanding of medicine. The book wasn’t too difficult, and she could understand it slowly.

But today, she put the book down and just stared blankly.

She had planned to bring Jiang Xuehui into the palace the day she was framed by Xiao Shu. Her sister was always outstanding, and even without the handkerchief, she could show Xiao Shu that there were always people better than her, that she wasn’t the only one who stood out.

But seeing Jiang Xuehui in the palace, she didn’t feel as calm as she thought she would.

Was it because Jiang Xuehui knew early on that the handkerchief was picked up by Shen Jie?

Or was it because Jiang Xuehui was indeed as good as others said?

She grew up in the countryside, while Jiang Xuehui grew up in the capital;

She played in the water and caught fish, while Jiang Xuehui learned the arts;

She was unruly and reckless, while Jiang Xuehui was gentle and composed;

…

In her previous life, she felt unfairness, jealousy, and even hatred because of this.

In this life, accepting that she wasn’t as good as others wasn’t an easy task.

One was the eldest daughter, Jiang Xuehui, and the other was the second daughter, Jiang Xuening.

It seemed they were destined to be compared.

Not only did others compare them, but she couldn’t help but compare herself…

The medical book lay open in front of her, and Jiang Xuening stared blankly at the words on the cover, lost in thought.

She didn’t even notice someone entering from outside.

Xie Wei, dressed in his usual simple cyan robe, with his hair tied back with a jade hairpin, had originally come to Fengchen Hall for a brief visit. But when the young eunuch mentioned that the second Miss Jiang was there, he was a bit surprised.

He pushed the door open and entered.

Jiang Xuening was still sitting motionless at the zither table.

Xie Wei, holding a red-marked memorial, walked silently on the carpet, standing behind her. His gaze fell on the medical book in front of her.

“……”

There was a moment of silence.

The taste of blood mixed with the bitterness of herbs from years past surged up, and Xie Wei couldn’t help but think: What harmful remedy is this little quack, who almost killed him back then, pondering now?

She seemed lost in thought.

He walked over, raised the memorial, and lightly tapped her head, saying, “Wake up!”

Jiang Xuening was startled, almost jumping out of her seat.

She looked up to see Xie Wei with a faint smile, walking past her. There was a hint of fatigue in his expression, and he seemed paler than the last time she saw him.

Xie Wei tossed the memorial onto the desk, walked to the wall, took down the Emei zither, placed it on his zither table, and tested the strings with his fingers. Without looking up, he said, “I’ve heard that the second Miss Jiang has been coming here these past few days. You must have taken my words to heart and mastered the finger techniques, right?”

Ning’er…

Hearing these words, Jiang Xuening was stunned, not even registering the rest of his words.

Why had she never noticed before that this strange and somewhat inappropriate address sounded so pleasant and fitting?

Jiang Xuening, Jiang Xuehui.

Jiang was the family name;

Xue was just a generational name;

Only the name “Ning” belonged to her alone, distinguishing her from others.

In her previous life, when she met Xie Wei on the way back to the capital, he called her “second Miss Jiang” like everyone else. But after a few days, when they were in danger, he changed his address to “Ning’er.”

It hadn’t changed in this life either.

But she never understood why, nor did she know what was wrong with Xie Wei’s mind. In her previous life, she didn’t want to have anything to do with him. In this life, she was initially too afraid, and later got used to it, never asking or thinking about why he called her that.

A wave of emotion surged in her heart, bringing a sense of bitterness.

Everyone called her “second Miss Jiang,” which she didn’t mind before. But with Jiang Xuehui around, it sounded so harsh.

Jiang Xuening’s eyes felt warm.

She always knew Xie Wei was perceptive, unmatched in understanding people, and had experienced it before. But she didn’t know that he had seen through her so early, calling her “Ning’er” instead of “second Miss Jiang.” No wonder he was praised by everyone in the court. She was just too dull in her previous life to understand…

In her previous life, he had been harsh and hurt her pride, making her feel humiliated. In this life, she feared him and disliked him because of the zither lessons, finding him detestable.

But for these two words, she felt Xie Wei wasn’t so bad after all. Jiang Xuening sat at the zither table, looking at him, forgetting to respond.

Xie Wei, not hearing a reply for a long time, frowned and looked up, only to see the girl staring at him with red-rimmed eyes, her eyelashes trembling, and tears rolling down her cheeks.

Why was she crying again for no reason?

He paused, pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache coming on, and sighed helplessly, “Who upset you this time?”