The Double

Chapter 677: Chapter 209 Looking at Each Other_3

Yin Zhiqing walked ahead, and whether it was because of her striking beauty, even Jiang Jingrui, who had never shown any interest in "matters of men and women," found himself unable to resist glancing at her repeatedly and took the initiative to speak with her. Yin Zhiqing, on the other hand, was quite forthright. As they walked, Jiang Li suddenly realized that she and Yin Zhili were left trailing behind alone.

At first, she was bewildered, but then it dawned on her. The people present today were probably all aware of Madam Jiang the Elder’s intentions, craftily creating opportunities for them to interact. There was no need to mention Jiang Jingrui and his brothers, it seemed that the princess of Pingyang county also hoped for them to become an item.

With the absence of noise and clamor, Jiang Li’s heart calmed down. She purposefully slowed her pace, leisurely walking through the garden.

Walking beside Yin Zhili, she didn’t feel the slightest discomfort; in fact, she almost acted as if he wasn’t there at all. People tend to be that way; when someone occupies their heart, they become blind to others. Yin Zhili was a fine man, but to Jiang Li, what did that have to do with her?

Her nonchalance, in Yin Zhili’s eyes, became serenity and composure.

The young girl was dressed in a dark green satin skirt and a teal brocaded spring jacket, her hairpin adorned with red beans, and a pair of small jade earrings dangled by her ears. The varying shades of green made her stand out amidst the many vivid flowers, exuding a particularly dashing elegance.

Her profile was petite and refined, possessing a distinct delicacy different from that of an official’s daughter. She did not resemble a carefully nurtured flower brightly blooming in a garden, but rather a special plant growing by the stream in the valley, proudly standing on its own, not existing for anyone’s pleasure, captivatingly at ease.

"Since arriving in Yanjing City, I have heard many rumors about Miss Jiang the Second," Yin Zhili suddenly spoke.

His voice was gentle. Jiang Li asked, "What rumors?"

"There are indeed many rumors about the Second Miss, but the one that impressed me the most is the story of how Miss Jiang led the Tongxiang County Citizens to the capital to protest against a stone lion for the sake of vindicating Xue Huaiyuan, clearing his name. When I heard of this, I was quite surprised that there existed such a woman. Eager to meet her, I sent a request to Prime Minister Jiang." He said with an embarrassed smile, "I know it was presumptuous, but I didn’t have any other intentions, just that such a woman is truly worth getting to know."

He smiled again. "I initially thought such a woman would be passionate and straightforward, much like my sister Zhiqing. I expected her to be a spirited girl, but today, I find she is the same one I saw on the street that day. To be honest, the Second Miss is not quite like what I had imagined, but now I understand why the citizens of Yanjing City speak of the Second Miss in such terms."

Curiosity piqued, Jiang Li asked, "How do the citizens of Yanjing City speak of me?"

"They say the Second Miss of the Chief Minister’s Family is ethereal and endearing, pure and virtuous like a snow-white lotus flower. At first, I did not believe it," he said. "I always felt that the girl they spoke of seemed too fragile to have accomplished such brave deeds. Now it seems... appearances can be deceiving; I have been short-sighted."

His way of speaking was very comfortable to listen to, calm and unhurried, without any hint of aggression. Admiration was simply admiration, curiosity merely curiosity, devoid of pretense and without insincere flattery.

Jiang Li laughed, "So that is what the people say about me."

"Very similar to the Second Miss."

"What?"

"Ethereal and endearing, like a lotus flower," he said.

Such praise from a gentleman as refined as Jade would normally cause any lady to blush with shyness. Yet when Jiang Li heard it, she could only secretly laugh to herself.

So it goes, Yin Zhili still did not truly understand her. He saw only what lay on the surface. Like Jih Heng, who had reminded her more than once, she was indeed very cunning and not as gentle as she appeared.

"I also heard that the Second Miss won first place in the Six Arts examination at Mingyi Hall that year." Yin Zhili commented. "That is quite difficult."

"If the Princely Heir had been among those examined, you too would have garnered first place," Jiang Li responded.

Tonger had gathered that this Crown Prince was also skilled in both literary and martial arts, seemingly capable of anything, adept at everything. Jiang Li had no doubts about it.

"It’s a pity I wasn’t present that day; otherwise, I could have witnessed the Second Miss’s grace. Truly a regret," Yin Zhili said with a smile. "I really hope there will be another opportunity in the future."

Jiang Li smiled faintly, "The world abounds with people more talented than me. The Crown Prince will naturally see the best, but that will not be me."