Duke Jing's younger sister

Chapter 175 Disappointment

Jiang Li was speechless and stared at him for a moment.

She knew that no matter what he said, he would not change his mind.

After the heavy rain on Dragon Boat Festival, she had known for a long time that he would change, didn't she?

but……

"You can choose another path. Your Majesty has more than one son, the prince. A good minister chooses his master to serve. You should choose a wise master to support, but the prince is definitely not a wise master!"

Jiang Li didn't understand. He could have stood in the same camp with Luo Jue and supported the third prince to ascend to the throne.

He can also reach the height he wants and gain the power he wants, right?

Why must it be the prince?

Throughout the dynasties, there have been countless people involved in party struggles.

Party strife is like a terrible nightmare and also like a gamble that costs one's life.

If you win the bet, you will be promoted to a higher position and enjoy wealth and glory.

If you lose...

She really didn't want to see him end up like that.

"Purely loyal?"

Luo Cheng chuckled, "Even if you and I are not in the court now, looking at the land of Southern Wu, which truly loyal minister can ascend to a high position?"

Pure ministers have always been used to be drowned.

Just like his father, he is cautious and careful every day, following the imperial edicts as his guiding principles, but he is still not valued by His Majesty.

Today's conversation is not destined to end happily.

Jiang Li took Xingping and left Changqing Building first.

As soon as I stepped out of the door, I saw a familiar figure.

"Prince Xiao."

She bowed slightly.

Xiao Wenyuan smiled and nodded, glancing at her meaningfully.

"I saw Luo Yan's horse outside. He should be here, right?"

Jiang Li nodded, "On the third floor, go find him yourself, Prince."

After a few simple greetings, Jiang Li got into the carriage with the help of Xingping, feeling uneasy all the way.

I had just returned to the Jiang Mansion, and before I had time to turn around the screen wall in the backyard, I heard Jiang Ke's loud crying coming from inside.

Mixed with Zou's angry rebuke of her for not living up to expectations,

"Cry, cry, cry, just cry! Your father is about to abandon us, mother and me. How can he have extra money to buy cakes for you?"

Thinking of the silver she had returned to Jiang Li, Zou felt so angry that her heart ached.

She had saved up a little money with great difficulty, but it was all taken away by that damn girl.

The more I think about it, the angrier I get!

Jiang Li frowned slightly and walked into the yard.

When Zou saw her, she glared at her coldly and began to blame Jiang Minzhi in her heart again.

It would have been great if I had listened to her earlier and betrothed Jiang Li to the Second Prince as a concubine.

This way she wouldn't have to act like the head of the family and wander around the house all day, which would be annoying to watch!

Jiang Li didn't even bother to give Zou a glance.

Of course, he couldn't see the raging anger burning in Zou's eyes.

After spending these few days together, she has become much closer to her younger sister Jiang Ke.

At this moment, Jiang Ke sat on the ground with her legs stretched out, wiping her tears with her bare hands, and sobbing.

She helped Jiang Ke up from the ground, gently brushed off the dust on her body, and asked softly,

"Ke'er, do you want to eat cakes?"

"Well..." The little girl was still sobbing softly, "Mother...don't eat..."

Jiang Li glanced at Zou calmly, then turned around and looked at Jiang Ke gently.

"Do you know why your mother won't let you eat it?"

"......have no idea."

"That's because Ke'er is well-behaved and sensible. She won't complain like some people do."

Jiang Ke's little face was red and tear-stained, just like a little cat. She stopped crying and just blinked her eyes and listened quietly to her sister.

Jiang Li took out a handkerchief and gently wiped her cheek.

"Ke'er, remember, from now on, you must keep in mind what your mother says to you, and when your father comes back, tell him everything. That way, your mother won't dare to stop you from eating cakes and pastries."

Zou was furious when she heard this. She pulled Jiang Ke over like a hen protecting her chicks.

"Jiang Li, what do you mean? I am educating my own children. When is it your turn to point fingers here?"

Jiang Li stood up slowly.

Gently smoothing the wrinkles on the skirt, she said slowly,

"She is your child, and also the child of the Jiang family. I wonder when the Jiang family became so poor that they can't even afford to buy cakes for a child?"

Zou raised the corner of her mouth, revealing a contemptuous smile.

"Oh, how can we compare our life in a poor and remote place like Liangzhou with that of the Duke's Mansion? We have to be more frugal, but not as extravagant and wasteful as you."

Jiang Li raised her eyebrows slightly, "You keep mentioning Liangzhou, and I'm becoming more and more curious about it."

"What are you curious about?"

Jiang Li looked at her sideways, with a hint of doubt in his eyes.

"To be fair, Madam Zou, you are beautiful and much younger than my father. My father was very poor at the time. Why were you willing to give yourself to him and bear children for him?"

She didn't believe there was any true love in this.

Zou was stunned at first, then chuckled and said,

"Why, are you doubting my family and intending to get close to your father?"

"You said that yourself." Jiang Li raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a faint smile.

Zou's face turned ugly in an instant.

She did approach Jiang Minzhi on purpose.

In fact, Zou had been married before, but unfortunately her husband was crushed to death in a quarry at a young age, and she became a widow.

She has a good appearance and high aspirations, and she is determined to climb up the social ladder and change her fate.

It’s a pity that I was born in this cold and bitter place of Liangzhou, where there are no truly wealthy families.

In addition, she has never been a stable person. Even if someone teases her, they are only seeking temporary pleasure and have never thought of taking her into the mansion.

That day, she saw from afar a group of soldiers riding horses into Liangzhou City.

The leading man was extremely handsome, with a pair of peach blossom eyes that were more beautiful than those of a woman.

Even though he was surrounded by yellow sand, his robe was still spotless, noble and handsome, as if he was a god descending from heaven.

Such a person is obviously above the clouds at a glance.

She couldn't help but look at him a few more times, and happened to have a tryst with the gatekeeper at night.

After making love, she thought of the young man she met during the day.

"That person..."

The wife of the soldier is quite tough. If she sneaks out to have some fun with him now, she will have to go back quickly later.

"He is the Duke of Jingguo, a big shot who can make the entire Southern Wu court tremble with just one stomp of his feet!" Bingwei's fingers kept rubbing on her soft shoulders.

Zou asked hurriedly, "Then why did he come to this hard labor city?"

Most of the people in Liangzhou City were exiled to do hard labor, so everyone jokingly called it the Hard Labor City.

"He came to visit the Jiang family in Xingzi Hutong. It is said that the Jiang family used to be quite famous, but they displeased His Majesty. When His Majesty's anger fades, the Jiang family may be able to make a comeback."

Hearing this, Zou's eyes lit up and she began to think about it. She asked in detail,

"You mean, there is still a chance for the Jiang family to revive?"

Heiwei nodded, "Based on my many years of experience, this is very likely."

The soldier had another idea and wanted to take a few more puffs while there was still time, but he was driven out by Zou and his clothes were thrown out with him.

"Don't come to me anymore. I'll have someone else soon."

With a bang, the door was slammed shut.