Jiang Li’s appearance quietened the female students in Ming Yi Hall.

Supposedly, if the rumored Jiang second miss was truly a vulgar village girl, or perhaps a harsh and ill-mannered bossy young girl, then everyone’s unrestrained comments would be able to drown her straight away. However, Jiang Li didn’t seem to appear any different from any other trained young misses from official families. She was even more gentle and polite. Even if they tried to criticize her, they did not know which part they could criticize.

At last, the tall young girl just now took the lead to ask: “Are you that second miss from the Jiang residence?”

Jiang Li raised her eyes to look, she had seen this girl once during a dinner party. This was the young miss from Cheng Xuan Envoy’s¹ residence, Meng Hong Jin, who was usually on good terms with Jiang You Yao.

Jiang Li said: “Yes.”

“You actually dare to come to Mingyi Hall?” Meng Hong Jin raised her eyebrows: “It’s said that you were sent to a nunnery when you were seven and nobody taught you over there. With you being like this, instead of inviting a teacher to teach at home, you come to Mingyi Hall. Aren’t you afraid that you will be confused when listening to the lessons and won’t understand a word?”

These words were really harsh. The people in the school fixed their gazes at Jiang Li, waiting for her response.

Meng Hong Jin also stared at Jiang Li. However, against her expectation, the others listening to her words felt utterly discomfited. Moreover, Jiang Li was still the honorable chief assistant’s daughter. Jiang Li simply smiled and said: “Then there is no need for you to be troubled worrying about this miss.”

Not salty and not weak, yet able to block and return Meng Hong Jing’s words.

Meng Hong Jing didn’t anticipate Jiang Li to respond like this. She felt as if she was punching cotton and her heart was on fire. But Jiang Li was beaming and there was not the slightest change in her manner. As she was irritated, a low voice that others could hear sounded: “No wonder it’s said the temple calms the mind, look at this cowardly manner.”

“If this miss desires a calm mind, you can also stay in a temple.” Jiang Li spoke softly.

“You!” Meng Hong Jin was angered, Jiang You Yao opened her mouth to persuade: “Second sister, how could you speak like this to Hong Jing?” Looking very anxious, she said to Meng Hong Jin: “Hong Jin, my second sister just returned to Yanjing, she doesn’t understand the rules. I’m sorry.”

Meng Hong Jin said: “It’s okay. Besides, it’s your second sister’s fault, why did you apologize. You Yao, you are too soft, too easy to be bullied by others.”

Jiang Li glanced at Jiang You Yao and calmly opened her mouth: “Third sister, you are too soft, I haven’t said anything but you first apologized on my behalf. This miss said that I am cowardly. Not only did I not get angry, I only counteracted her words. Is this also considered wrong?”

Jiang You Yao was about to speak but Jiang Li once again started speaking: “I heard that in some places, the win or loss outcome is regardless of reasons. Rather, it’s according to status and identity. Don’t tell me Mingyi Hall is this kind of place? I was clearly being reasonable, but still have to concede. Could it be because this miss’s status is much higher than mine? Then I would have no choice but to acknowledge my mistake. Dare to ask this miss, what is your esteemed father’s rank?”

Footnotes:

^{1: 承宣使: Chengxuanzhi is the ancient official title of a military minister with a false title, meaning he had no fixed staff and no duty.}