The Double-Chapter 436 - 143 Winter Solstice

Regarding the rumors about Ji Shuran, they were rampant in the streets, but in the end, the people Jiang Yuanbai sent out couldn’t find out who had spread them. This matter seemed like an unsolved case, yet its effects were very real—the reputation of the Jiang Family suffered in everyone’s eyes. At least in the imperial audience hall, there were countless petitions impeaching Jiang Yuanbai for his lack of discipline at home.

Right Chancellor’s faction took the opportunity to spread various unfavorable rumors about Jiang Yuanbai, and during such times, the more one tried to clarify, the more they were mired in the center of gossip. Jiang Yuanbai simply feigned illness and did not attend court, becoming much quieter. Jiang Yuanping was affected quite a bit as well, and the atmosphere in the Jiang Residence was not good.

In such complex circumstances, the winter of Yanjing City quietly arrived with the Winter Solstice.

On Winter Solstice Day, the snow fell heavily. Tonger stood at the entrance of the courtyard and said, "Green City Mountain has never seen such heavy snow. It’s so beautiful."

What was a common sight to the people of the North was fascinating through Tonger’s eyes. After all, they had lived in a temple for many years and rarely saw the world wrapped in a blanket of snow. Tonger asked Jiang Li, "Miss, are we still visiting the Ye Residence today?"

"Yes," Jiang Li smiled and said, "But before that, let’s go somewhere else first."

"Somewhere else?" Tonger was puzzled.

Jiang Li smiled and didn’t respond.

Outside, the snow was falling heavily; even the vendors who usually set up stalls were not out today. The streets were deserted, with very few pedestrians. Deep ruts from carriage wheels and the chaotic shapes of horse hooves were all that marred the thick snow.

When Jiang Li left the residence, the doorman mouved his lips but ultimately didn’t dare to stop her. Everyone knew that now in the main house, Miss Jiang the Second made the decisions, and the old madam had allowed her free access without the need to report—so who were they, as servants, to bar her way?

The departure from the residence went smoothly, and Jiang Li went to Cloudy Pavilion at Bailu Bay—where Xue Zhao lay in eternal rest.

Tonger and Bai Xue still remembered the place; before their last trip to Tongxiang, Jiang Li had visited once. They heard that Cloudy Pavilion had the best view of cloudy rain, and last time it was also raining. But today there was no rain; could it be that the snowy scene at Cloudy Pavilion was also remarkable? Perhaps that’s why Jiang Li took advantage of her mood to go there today?

Jiang Li asked her maids to wait outside the courtyard while she herself entered the back of Cloudy Pavilion. Under the peach tree, Xue Zhao’s grave lay quiet. It was almost completely covered by the snow, and if not for the exposed half of the tombstone’s inscription, it might have been untraceable.

Since Jiang Li returned to Tongxiang, no one had come to worship at this place. Watching silently, she couldn’t help but feel a pang in her heart. Leaving Xue Zhao alone here pained her greatly.

She bent down, found a worn broom, and cleared the snow from the front of the grave, making a small clearing. She then used a cloth from the basket to carefully wipe the tombstone before laying out offerings of incense and fruit in the cleared space.

Even though she could now leave the residence freely, she couldn’t just visit Cloudy Pavilion at will. After all, the Ye Family was her maternal family, and Xue Zhao had no relation that could barely touch Miss Jiang the Second even with a long pole. If someone were to see her and connect it to the lawsuit she fought for Xue Huaiyuan a few days ago, it could lead to trouble.

But on Winter Solstice Day, in past years, it was always Xue Zhao, she, and Xue Huaiyuan who would stay together in the house. Xue Zhao would grill the deer meat he hunted from the mountains, and Xue Huaiyuan would allow them to drink on that day. Thus, they would warm plum wine over the fire, Xue Zhao would animatedly share his dreams of the martial arts world, and she would chime in while Huaiyuan indulged them with a smile.

Now times had changed; it was still a winter day, but the living were dead, scattered, or insane. Jiang Li wasn’t yet able to bring Xue Huaiyuan to Xue Zhao’s grave, so she could only come alone.

She sat in front of the grave, setting down the parcel of deer meat wrapped in oil paper and poured a cup of plum wine for Xue Zhao, just like the old days.

After sitting for a while, she stood up, dusted the snowflakes off her clothes, and turned to leave.

Tonger and Bai Xue, waiting outside, had grown cold all over. Finally seeing Jiang Li emerge, they refrained from asking what had happened to the bamboo basket she had brought. Instead, Tonger simply said, "Shall we go back?"

Jiang Li nodded.

"Then let’s go. It’s really not good to stay out too long in this weather." Tonger stuffed the hand-warmer into Jiang Li’s hands and helped her onto the carriage.

Next, Jiang Li went to the Ye Residence.

At the Ye Residence, Ye Mingyu and his martial arts brothers were feasting and drinking heartily. When the doorman reported Jiang Li’s arrival, Ye Mingyu panicked for a moment; the room was in a mess, not fit for visitors. It was Ye Shijie who saw the situation, shook his head, and stood up to see Jiang Li himself first.