Chapter 520 - 158: Giving Gifts_3
"I was just pondering how to reply to Auntie Three," Jiang Li said with a smile, "Father and Duke Su’s Residence aren’t very familiar, in fact, the invitation from Duke Su’s Residence was only given to me. Neither Father nor the old madam received one, so it’s natural that Auntie Three and my fourth sister didn’t get an invitation either. Of all the people in our residence, I am the only one who will be attending the banquet."
At this, Lady Yang truly froze, along with Jiang Yuyan, whose face showed confusion. Lady Yang stuttered, "How, how can this be? How could the old madam feel at ease letting a young lady like you go to the banquet alone? Moreover, this doesn’t make sense..."
"Indeed," Jiang Li furrowed her brow as if troubled, "but Duke Su’s temperament is well-known throughout Yanjing City. Given an invitation from the Duke’s Residence, even as my father’s daughter, I wouldn’t dare to brazenly refuse. I have no choice but to go, with my head held high. Although I don’t know what kind of dragon’s den or tiger’s lair lies ahead, for the sake of the Jiang family, I must prioritize the greater good."
Her statement was half-true, half-false, seemingly with an ulterior meaning. Lady Yang’s eyelids twitched, prompting her to look up at Jiang Li. Seeing Jiang Li’s earnest expression as if confiding recent troubles to a close relative, without a hint of guile, Lady Yang was somewhat puzzled.
Lady Yang probed, "But why would Duke’s Residence invite only you? Could it be..." She stepped closer, "You are of age to discuss marriage..." Lady Yang seemed to realize it was somewhat improper to speak to Jiang Li this way, and after speaking, she hurriedly stopped.
Jiang Li lowered her head, her voice faint as a mosquito’s, "As for that, I really don’t know..."
Her demeanor was clearly one of bashful shyness.
This was odd indeed—since Jiang Li’s return to Yanjing City from Green City Mountain, the Jiang family members had seen more of her gentleness, composure, and even a coolness that bordered on aloofness. So this sudden bashfulness and awkwardness were particularly pronounced.
Jiang Yuyan also stared silently at Jiang Li.