Chapter 45 Part 1 - Entering School
Chapter 45 Part 1: Entering School
Jiang Li didn’t care at all that the matter of her going to attend Ming Yi Hall had incurred different thoughts in each person from each branch in the Jiang residence. She was teaching writing to Bai Xue.
Bai Xue could recognize some characters, but not too many. In order to find out Haitang’s whereabouts in Zao Hua Village, Bai Xue needed to write a letter home. While observing her as she wrote, Jiang Li taught her some characters that she wasn’t familiar with. Tong’er was also listening with great interest from the side. From time to time she said: “Young lady is really amazing. Slave servant and the young lady went to the nunnery in Mount Qingcheng together, but the young lady recognizes so many characters. Slave servant could only write my own name. This difference is so big.”
“Exactly,” Bai Xue mumbled, “isn’t she the chief assistant’s young lady? Born and immediately able to recognize words.”
When the three people were chatting and laughing, Jiang Jing Rui came again. He also received the news that Jiang Li was going to attend Ming Yi Hall. Once he stepped inside he immediately spoke: “Congratulations, congratulations, you really managed to convince eldest uncle. Jiang Li, this time you truly made me have a whole new level of respect.”
Jiang Li released her hold and let Bai Xue write by herself. She walked over to Jiang Jing Rui and spoke: “What are you here for?”
Jiang Jing Rui’s throat felt blocked: “Why do you always look as if you don’t welcome me. I came over to remind you, don’t think that Ming Yi Hall is a good place. How much temper do the children of nobility have? You are a new face, a newcomer, it’s best if you know your place. If there’s anyone bullying you, don’t bear it stubbornly to save face and use your father’s name. Also don’t be afraid of losing face, if you really come across something excessive, it’s fine to run away.” He shook his sleeve and took out a small blade from inside: “Here, give you this. Take it for self protection.”
Jiang Li gazed at the sharp blade in Jiang Jing Rui’s hand and was silent for a moment before speaking: “Are the people in Ming Yi Hall extremely dangerous?”
“Almost.” Jiang Jing Rui spoke: “Same as the people in the Imperial College. Last time I stepped on a fellow student’s long-horned grasshopper to death and my hand was nearly broken. I reckon it won’t be much different from your place. Just take it.” He firmly stuffed the blade into Jiang Li’s hand.
Jiang Li was somewhat speechless and seemed to recall the time when she was getting married. At that time, Xue Zhao secretly and mysteriously called her to the backyard and gave her a short spear. In the end, that short spear wasn’t brought along to Yanjing. Nobody had ever heard of giving this kind of thing to a bride. Naturally, Xue Zhao was almost beaten up by Xue Huaiyuan. Only after persistent persuasion did he get the short spear back.
No matter what, a blade was after all better than a short spear to tuck into her sleeve. Jiang Li accepted it reluctantly and said: “Okay, many thanks.”
“Your thanks really had no sincerity.” Jiang Jing Rui spoke again: “If it’s really not good, you can look for me in the Imperial College. I’ll help you settle things.”
Jiang Li nodded, Jiang Jing Rui winked at her: “I’ll also call Zhou Yan Bang out.”
Jiang Li looked at him, Jiang Jing Rui pulled the corners of his mouth up, waiting for Jiang Li’s praise. But instead he heard Jiang Li spoke calmly: “Bai Xue, send the guest out.”
Jiang Jing Rui was “sent” out by the strong Bai Xue.
The day before entering school was spent busily and noisily. When it was evening, Ji Shuran even sent someone to deliver new clothes over, saying that it’s important to look neat and tidy when entering school.
Tong’er asked Jiang Li: “Is the young lady afraid?”
A totally new and unfamiliar environment, and very likely to face the hostility of the fellow students. It seemed nothing good would happen.
Jiang Li laughed: “No.”
Not afraid, but actually very happy.