The Double-Chapter 393 - 134 Exorcism

This night, Jiang Li slept very restlessly.

The words of Jih Heng echoed in her ears like a curse. Ever since she had become Miss Jiang the Second and re-entered the Jiang Family, she thought there was nothing more to it than the indifferent human feelings and the unique superiority and inferiority practiced in the Official Family Mansion. But now, she saw that the unseen affairs within the gates of the great families could be more terrifying than those of ordinary households. The origins of Miss Jiang the Second were far more complex than she had imagined.

And her situation had become even more dangerous. If Miss Jiang the Second really knew of Ji Shuran’s disgrace, or if Ji Shuran believed that Miss Jiang the Second might know, then there was a reasonable explanation for Ji Shuran’s relentless pursuit over the years. Ji Shuran wanted peace of mind, she wanted to nip it in the bud.

It was a war, a matter of life and death. And it wasn’t just for Jiang Li herself, but also for the deceased Ye Zhenzhen, Miss Jiang the Second whose soul’s whereabouts were unknown, and Jiang Yueer, who died in unexplained circumstances.

The message brought by Jih Heng suddenly gave her another thought. Regarding Ji Shuran’s next plans, if Ji Shuran wanted to kill someone by borrowing a knife, she might as well make it easier for her. As for who would have the last laugh, it would depend on who had the more clever means.

Because she was thinking about these matters at night, she fell asleep very late, and the next day, Jiang Li got up a bit late. Seeing her wake up later than usual, Tonger and Bai Xue did not call for her.

After breakfast, Tonger came over and said, "Miss, did Lady Ji go to the palace again today?"

"Oh?" Jiang Li organized the papers on the table that the wind had blown about, and said, "She is indeed diligent in her visits to the palace."

"It’s said that Consort Li is not feeling well, appears to be sick. Lady Ji hurried into the palace early in the morning, claiming she wanted to visit her sister." Tonger added disdainfully, "Everyone knows she has a consort sister, but usually their relationship isn’t that good, making such a big fuss."

"You," Jiang Li turned her body and tapped Tonger’s forehead, "are becoming more and more outspoken. Such words should only be said in front of me, don’t let others hear them."

"Servant knows, I will be mindful," Tonger asked, "Lady Ji took Jiang Youyao with her into the palace and did not even inform the Miss. Isn’t this a slight to you?"

"What slight? It’s not like we are one family, and we have no blood relation," Jiang Li replied indifferently, "If they really wanted me to go, it would be disgusting."

Tonger nodded, "That makes sense; we will just ignore them." She went off merrily to help Bai Xue collect the morning dew.

Jiang Li stood at the table, circling the papers she had organized, her gaze however, was cast out the window. Lady Ji’s early morning visit to the palace was no coincidence. No sooner had she seen Consort Li than Consort Li fell ill. It seemed the opponent was aggressive, not giving her a chance to breathe, and had begun her attack without reservation.

If she were scared, she wouldn’t be Jiang Li. She was curious to see what kind of reason Ji Shuran and Consort Li would come up with to invite the renowned Chongxu Daoist Master of Northern Yan firmly into the Jiang Residence. She promised to give them an unforgettable welcoming gift.

"Tonger, bring the hand warmer. Let’s sit in Maternal Aunt Hu’s courtyard for a while," she said with a slight smile.

...

In the palace, within the side hall, only the lingering scent of medicine remained, with its astringent bitterness.

On the couch, the woman leaned against the pillow, half sitting and half lying, her hair uncombed and messy at the back of her head, further accentuating her pale complexion and bloodless lips.

Overnight, she seemed to have become thin and haggard. She felt completely weak, as if nightmares had plagued her sleep, waking up several times throughout the night, and towards the end, she had hardly slept at all, simply sitting up until dawn.

Upon receiving the news, Emperor Hongxiao finished the court session and rushed to see Consort Li, only to find the always smiling consort now looking gravely ill, not even having the strength to get out of bed. The Imperial Medical Bureau’s physicians had all seen to her, confirming that Consort Li’s pulse was fine and she had no ailments, but the cause of her current condition was unclear.

At first, the palace servants suspected that Consort Li might have been poisoned, but after a thorough investigation of everything in the palace, from food to clothing, nothing unusual was found. However, Consort Li’s sudden decline was alarming, even the Empress Dowager was disturbed and came to visit personally, yet Consort Li continued to weaken rapidly, seemingly at death’s door.

The Ji family members rushed over upon hearing the news. Lady Chen Ji grabbed Consort Li’s hand and said, "What on earth happened? How could such a sudden thing occur without cause?"