The situation in Yanjing City has changed abruptly, and the dark tide in the Jiang family's mansion is surging. An elaborate conspiracy is being staged, and Jiang Li, who is in the center of the whirlpool, is unaware. When she stepped into that fragrant boudoir, who would have thought that a thrilling battle awaited her? Ji Shuran's calculations, Jiang Ruoyao's struggles, and the sudden appearance of the mysterious Tai Bu Ling were all intertwined at this moment. Can Jiang Li see through the fog and uncover the scandal that the Ji family has hidden for many years? When the truth is revealed, who can get out of the way? And the drugged Ruoyao, where will her fate go?
1. The return of Jiang Li: from the Virgin Hall to Yanjing City
Jiang Li stood in front of the gate of Jiang's house, staring at the familiar and unfamiliar lintel. Ten years ago, she was sent to the Virgin Hall on charges of "killing her mother and brother", and now she is finally back. The streets of Yanjing City are still bustling, but Jiang Li's state of mind is no longer comparable to the past.
Located on the outskirts of Yanjing City, the Virgin Hall is a place dedicated to accommodating noble women who have committed serious crimes. Jiang Li spent ten years there, experiencing unimaginable penance. From the initial discomfort to the later perseverance, Jiang Li gradually transformed in the virgin hall. She is no longer the cowardly and timid little girl, but has grown into a calm, calm and intelligent woman.
In the Virgin's Hall, Jiang Li not only learned poetry and songs, piano, chess, calligraphy and painting, but also honed her own heart. She understands that to survive in this world, Shan Ling's talent is far from enough. So, she secretly learned martial arts, mastered the skills of identifying poisons, and even studied the distribution of power among the major families in the court. These knowledge have become a powerful weapon for her to gain a foothold in Yanjing City in the future.
The opportunity for Jiang Li to return to Yanjing City is the annual annual exam. This is an examination established by the imperial court to select talents, and it can be taken by both men and women. Jiang Li relied on the knowledge accumulated in the virgin hall for ten years, and won the first place in the annual examination in one fell swoop, shocking the entire Yanjing City.
When Jiang Li returned to Jiang's house as the first place in the annual exam, she found that everything had changed. Jiang Yuanbai and Mrs. Jiang, who used to ignore her, are now very enthusiastic about her. Jiang Yuanbai even went to the gate of the mansion to greet him in person, which had never happened before. Old Madam Jiang even took Jiang Li's hand, with tears in her eyes, and said, "My good granddaughter, she is finally back." "
However, Jiang Li was not deceived by this sudden warmth. She clearly knows that the change in the attitude of the Jiang family is only because she now has use value. The identity of the first place in the annual examination made her a hot talented woman in the Suguo Mansion, and also an important bargaining chip for the Jiang family to gain a foothold in the court.
Jiang Li's return also aroused Ji Shuran's vigilance. As the head of the Jiang family, Ji Shuran was full of wariness of this stepdaughter who was once framed by her. She greeted Jiang Li with a smile on the surface, but secretly she had already begun to plan how to get rid of this potential threat.
On the third day of Jiang Li's return home, a banquet was held at Jiang's house. On the surface, it was to celebrate the return of Jiang Li, but in fact, Jiang Yuanbai took the opportunity to show the rookie of the Jiang family to the major families in the DPRK. At the banquet, Jiang Li won the admiration of everyone with her outstanding talent and calm temperament. Especially when she improvised poetry, it attracted full applause.
However, Jiang Li did not indulge in this vanity. She was keenly aware that beneath this seemingly peaceful appearance, there were all kinds of dangerous undercurrents. She knew that her return had disrupted many people's plans, and this banquet was just the beginning.
Just as the banquet was about to end, an accident happened. Jiang Ruoyao suddenly fainted and fell to the ground, her face flushed, and she looked crazy. This sudden incident plunged the originally lively banquet into chaos. Jiang Li, on the other hand, captured a hint of unusual aura in this chaos. She vaguely felt that this might be a breakthrough to uncover the secrets of the Jiang family.
2. Ji Shuran's calculations: the game of power and desire
Ji Shuran stood in the back garden of Jiang Mansion, looking at Jiang Li, who was talking and laughing with Jiang Yuanbai from a distance, and a trace of gloom flashed in her eyes. Since Jiang Li came back, her position in the Jiang family has been in jeopardy. As the continuation of the Jiang family, Ji Shuran knows how fragile her situation is.
Ji Shuran and Liu Wencai's secret affair has lasted for many years. Liu Wencai is a six-grade petty official in the court, and Ji Shuran is a childhood sweetheart. The two had a marriage contract, but they were forced to separate due to the calculations of the Ji family. After Ji Shuran married into the Jiang family, the two secretly rekindled their old love and often had trysts in remote corners of Jiang's mansion.
That night, Ji Shuran and Liu Wencai met again in the gazebo in the back garden. Liu Wencai said softly: "Shuran, we can't go on like this anymore. You are now the mother of the Jiang family, if you are discovered, the consequences will be unimaginable. Ji Shuran sneered and said, "What are you afraid of?" As long as we are careful, no one will find out. Besides, I already have a plan to deal with Jiang Li. "
Ji Shuran's jealousy of Jiang Li is increasing day by day. Jiang Li not only ranked first in the annual examination, but also won the favor of Jiang Yuanbai and Mrs. Jiang. Ji Shuran knew very well that once Jiang Li gained a firm foothold in the court, her position would definitely not be guaranteed. For this reason, she began to plan how to frame Jiang Li.
Ji Shuran first started with Jiang Li's side. She secretly bribed Jiang Li's personal maid Tong'er and asked Tong'er to drug Jiang Li's diet. This medicine is not fatal, but it can make people delirious and make some gaffes. Ji Shuran's plan is to wait for Jiang Li to lose her temper and then take the opportunity to frame her for misconduct.
However, Ji Shuran underestimated Jiang Li's vigilance. Jiang Li learned to distinguish poison when she was in the Virgin Hall, and easily saw through Ji Shuran's plan. Not only that, Jiang Li also rebelled against the army and asked Tong'er to put the same medicine in Ji Shuran's tea.
Ji Shuran drank the cup of tea without knowing it, and lost her temper in the lobby of Jiang's mansion that night. She ran to everyone in disheveled clothes, shouting Liu Wencai's name. This scene was seen by Jiang Yuanbai and Mrs. Jiang, and Ji Shuran's reputation suddenly plummeted.
Seeing that the plan failed, Ji Shuran decided to make a desperate bet. She used her daughter Jiang Ruoyao to set a bigger trap. Ji Shuran told Ruoyao that Jiang Li came back to snatch her position and must get rid of her. The simple Ruoyao believed it and promised to assist her mother in dealing with Jiang Li.
Ji Shuran's plan was to ask Ruoyao to drug Jiang Li at a banquet. This medicine can make people lose their minds and do things that are degrading. Ji Shuran planned to take this opportunity to drive Jiang Li out of the Jiang family in one fell swoop.
On the night of the banquet, Ruoyao secretly sprinkled the medicinal powder into Jiang Li's wine glass according to her mother's instructions. However, just as Jiang Li was about to drink that glass of wine, an accident happened. Jiang Ruoyao suddenly felt dizzy and accidentally knocked over the wine glass in Jiang Li's hand.
It turned out that in order to ensure that the plan was foolproof, Ji Shuran gave Ruoyao a medicine, saying that it could enhance her memory. In fact, it is a potent poison that can drive people crazy. Ji Shuran planned to let Ruoyao "accidentally" discover Jiang Li's abnormality after Jiang Li's gaffe, so as to confirm Jiang Li's charge of disorderly behavior.
However, what Ji Shuran didn't expect was that Ruoyao accidentally touched the powder when she was drugged ginger pear, causing herself to be poisoned. Seeing Ruoyao going crazy in front of everyone, Ji Shuran's plan was completely exposed.
At this moment, a mysterious Taibuling suddenly appeared at the banquet. He claimed to have come by the emperor's order to investigate some strange incidents of the Jiang family in recent years. Ji Shuran suddenly felt uneasy, and she realized that what she had done over the years might be exposed.
As Tai Bu Ling's investigation deepened, Ji Shuran's affair with Liu Wencai, as well as her various behaviors to frame Jiang Li, were revealed one by one. Jiang Yuanbai was furious and ordered Ji Shuran to be placed under house arrest. And Jiang Li, with her wisdom and courage, not only cleared up her grievances, but also stood out in this power game and became the new backbone of the Jiang family.
3. Jiang Ruoyao's struggle: the truth of being drugged
Jiang Ruoyao collapsed on the floor of the banquet hall, her face flushed and her eyes out of focus. Her body trembled uncontrollably, and muffled mutters came out of her mouth. The surrounding guests panicked and retreated, for fear of being affected by the sudden madness.
Jiang Yuanbai hurriedly stepped forward to check on his daughter's situation, but was unconsciously waved by Ruoyao to open it. Old Madam Jiang sat on the main seat, her face was pale, and she was obviously extremely dissatisfied with this farce. At this moment, Jiang Li walked out of the crowd and came to Ruoyao's side calmly.
"Let me take a look." Jiang Li said, squatting down to carefully observe Ruoyao's symptoms. She gently opened Ruoyao's eyelids and probed Ruoyao's pulse. "Sister Ruoyao, this is poisoned," Jiang Li looked up and said to Jiang Yuanbai, "and it is a strong poison called 'Misty Heart San'." "
As soon as these words came out, there was an uproar in the banquet hall. Missan is a notorious poison in the rivers and lakes, which is said to make people delirious and at the mercy of others. How could this poison appear at a banquet in the Jiang Mansion?
Just when everyone was talking, Ji Shuran stood up with a pale face. "It's... How is this possible? She stammered, "How could Ruoyao be poisoned?" "
Jiang Li glanced at Ji Shuran coldly and did not speak. She took out a small porcelain bottle from her sleeve, poured out a few pills, and fed Ruoyao to take it. After a while, Ruoyao's symptoms began to ease and she gradually regained consciousness.
"Mother... I... What's wrong with me? Ruoyao asked weakly.
Ji Shuran hurriedly stepped forward and wanted to help Ruoyao up, but was stopped by Jiang Li. "Wait," Jiang Li said, "Sister Ruoyao has just detoxified and needs to recuperate." Why don't you let her tell me what happened tonight? "
Under Jiang Li's guidance, Ruoyao slowly recalled what happened. It turned out that Ji Shuran gave Ruoyao a packet of medicinal powder, saying that it was a good medicine that could enhance her memory, and asked her to take it at the banquet. Ruoyao listened to her mother's words and secretly poured the medicinal powder into the wine when she toasted Jiang Li. However, she accidentally got some powder, which led to the current situation.
Hearing this, Jiang Yuanbai was furious. "Ji Shuran! How dare you frame Pear? He almost killed his own daughter! "
Ji Shuran fell to her knees and begged for mercy again and again. "Master Mingjian, I... I just want to help Ruoyao improve her memory, who knew this would happen? "
At this moment, a middle-aged man in an official uniform walked out of the crowd. "Su Guogong, I came here on the orders of the emperor to investigate some strange incidents of the Jiang family in recent years. I didn't expect to encounter such a big case as soon as I came. "
The official identified himself as Taibuling, an envoy sent by the emperor. He ordered someone to take Ji Shuran and Ruoyao down for interrogation, and at the same time began to investigate the Jiang Mansion.
Over the next few days, the Jiang Mansion was plunged into chaos. Tabring's investigation revealed many untold secrets. Ji Shuran's affair with Liu Wencai was exposed, and her various behaviors of framing Jiang Li were also exposed one by one. What's even more shocking is that the truth about Jiang Li being sent to the virgin hall ten years ago has also surfaced.
It turned out that the case of "killing mother and brother" back then was completely a conspiracy planned by Ji Shuran. In order to consolidate her position in the Jiang family, she did not hesitate to frame the young Jiang Li. And Jiang Yuanbai and Mrs. Jiang also made the big mistake of sending Jiang Li to the virgin hall because they believed Ji Shuran's lies.
As the truth was revealed, Jiang Li's grievances were finally cleared. Jiang Yuanbai was remorseful and knelt down to his daughter to plead guilty. Mrs. Jiang also wept bitterly and begged for Jiang Li's forgiveness.
And Jiang Ruoyao, after learning the truth, was extremely shocked and disappointed by what her mother did. She knelt in front of Jiang Li and apologized silently. "Sister, I... I really didn't know my mother would do such a thing. I'm sorry for you, please forgive me. "
Jiang Li helped Ruoyao up and said softly: "Sister Ruoyao, you are also a victim. All these years, you have been kept in the dark and do not know the truth. Now that everything has fallen into place, we should work together to tide over the difficulties and rebuild the Jiang family's reputation. "
It was at this time that the Taibul Order brought the Emperor's will. In view of Jiang Li's outstanding performance in the annual examination, as well as the wisdom and open-mindedness she showed in this incident, the emperor decided to crown her "Shuyi" and enter the palace to assist the crown prince.
This news stirred up a thousand waves like a stone, causing an uproar in the entire Yanjing City. Jiang Li has gone from being an abandoned girl who was wronged to becoming a high-profile court minister. And the Jiang family, because of the rise of Jiang Pear, has regained its vitality.
Fourth, Jiang Li enters the palace: a new game of thrones
The moment Jiang Li stepped into the gate of the palace, the entire Yanjing City was shaken. This abandoned girl, who was once wronged, now enters the palace as "Shuyi" to assist the prince, which is undoubtedly a legendary counterattack.
In the inner courtyard of the palace, the crown prince Li Yu was anxiously waiting for Jiang Li's arrival. As the eldest son of the emperor, Li Yu has always been in the spotlight, but his abilities are often questioned. The emperor's move is not only an affirmation of Jiang Li's talent, but also a test for the crown prince.
Jiang Li came to the prince's mansion under the guidance of the palace maid. She was dressed in a plain palace dress, with decent manners and an extraordinary temperament. When Li Yu saw Jiang Li, he hurriedly got up to greet him. "Lord Shuyi, I have admired my name for a long time. I heard that you came out on top in the annual exam, so you must have learned a lot. "
Jiang Li bowed slightly and replied respectfully: "Your Highness has praised it." The courtiers are just lucky, and they still need to learn more from His Highness. "
When Li Yu heard this, he couldn't help but secretly admire Jiang Li's humility. He invited Jiang Li to sit down, and the two began to discuss the government. Jiang Li's insights are unique, not only has a deep understanding of the current political situation, but also can put forward some novel ideas. Li Yu listened attentively, and nodded in agreement from time to time.
At this moment, a eunuch hurried in and reported that Wang Dexin, the head of the household, had asked to see him. Li Yu frowned, and was about to open his mouth to refuse, but Jiang Li said softly: "Your Highness, it is better to let the courtiers avoid it first, and you can talk to Lord Wang alone." "
Li Yu hesitated for a moment, but nodded in agreement. Jiang Li retreated to the back hall, but did not leave, but quietly observed the situation in the front hall.
After Wang Dexin came in, he bowed deeply to Li Yu. "Your Highness, the old minister has something important to report." He lowered his voice and said, "Recently, some people in the DPRK and China have secretly formed a party, and it seems that they have a disobedient heart. The old minister was worried that this might jeopardize His Highness's position. "
Li Yu was shocked when he heard this. "Is that true? Does Wang Qing have conclusive evidence? "
Wang Dexin shook her head. "There is no direct evidence yet, but there are signs that the situation is not optimistic. The old minister suggested that His Highness make a preemptive strike and transfer some suspicious ministers out of the capital. "
Li Yu was about to agree, but Jiang Li suddenly walked out of the back hall. "What your lord said is wrong," she said, "and rash action without conclusive evidence will cause turmoil in the DPRK and China." Why don't we investigate secretly first, find out the truth before making a decision. "
Wang Dexin didn't expect Jiang Li to be here, and her face suddenly became ugly. "Lord Shuyi, this is a secret of the DPRK and China, I'm afraid it is inconvenient for outsiders to know."
Jiang Li replied without humility or arrogance: "Lord Wang, the courtiers are ordered to assist the prince, so they naturally have the responsibility to share the worries of His Highness." Moreover, although the courtiers are foreign ministers, they are also for the country and the people. If there is anything inappropriate, please ask Lord Wang for advice. "
Seeing this, Li Yu hurriedly played a round. "Wang Qing doesn't have to worry too much, Jiang Shuyi was specially sent by me to assist Gu. Her suggestion makes sense, and we might as well take it. "
Wang Dexin saw that the prince was on Jiang Li's side, so she had to retreat stupidly. After he left, Jiang Li said to Li Yu: "Your Highness, the courtiers have a plan, I don't know whether to talk about it or not." "
Li Yu hurriedly said: "Shuyi, but it doesn't hurt to say it. "
Jiang Li said: "Wang Dexin's move, I'm afraid there are other plans." The courtiers suggested that it was possible to pretend to take his advice, but in fact secretly observe his actions. In this way, we will not only find out the truth, but also take the opportunity to learn about the movements of the various factions in the DPRK and China. "
Li Yu listened to it and agreed. "What a plan! Shuyi is really resourceful. "
In this way, Jiang Li began to assist Li Yu in secretly investigating all kinds of secrets in the court. She used her connections in the Jiang family to collect all kinds of information. At the same time, she also established her own intelligence network in the prince's mansion, paying close attention to the movements of Wang Dexin and others.
As the investigation deepens, a shocking truth gradually emerges. It turned out that Wang Dexin and others had already colluded with the second prince in an attempt to pave the way for the second prince to seize the throne by provoking the relationship between the prince and the ministers of the court.
Jiang Li told Li Yu about this discovery. The prince was shocked, but also more convinced of Jiang Li's ability. At Jiang Li's suggestion, Li Yu did not immediately expose Wang Dexin and others, but chose a more ingenious way.
They used the false information provided by Wang Dexin to set a trap. When Wang Dexin and his comrades were ready to act, Li Yu and Jiang Li were already ready. At an important court meeting, Li Yu exposed the conspiracy of Wang Dexin and others in public, and presented conclusive evidence.
This move not only shattered the ambition of the second prince, but also completely consolidated Li Yu's position as the crown prince. The emperor greatly appreciated Li Yu's performance, and at the same time was impressed by Jiang Li's talent.
5. The rise of Jiang Li: from Shuyi to the queen
Jiang Li has been in the palace for three years as Shuyi, and her intelligence and skills have been fully displayed during this time. With her assistance, the crown prince Li Yu has greatly improved his ability to govern affairs, and his prestige in the DPRK and China has increased day by day. However, with the consolidation of Jiang Li's position, she has gradually become the target of public criticism.
On this day, Jiang Li was discussing political affairs with Li Yu in the prince's mansion, and suddenly a palace maid came to report, saying that she was summoned by the queen's mother. Jiang Li and Li Yu glanced at each other, and they both realized that this was probably not a simple summons.
Jiang Li came to Kunning Palace, and saw the queen sitting upright with a solemn face. "Shuyi, do you know why you were summoned?" The queen asked.
Jiang Li replied respectfully: "The courtiers don't know, please make it clear." "
The queen sneered and said, "Recently, there have been rumors in the DPRK and China that you have a too close relationship with the crown prince and are suspected of trespassing. What's more, it is said that you are bewitching the prince with the intention of getting involved in the back position. Have you ever heard of these rumors? "
When Jiang Li heard this, she replied neither humbly nor arrogantly: "Niangniang Mingjian, since the courtiers entered the palace, they have been dedicated to assisting the prince, and they have never exceeded the rules. As for those gossips, they are just people with intentions to sow discord. "
The queen stared at Jiang Li for a long time, and finally sighed. "That's it, this palace will believe you for the time being. However, you should be careful in what you say and do not give people the truth. "
Jiang Li thanked the queen and withdrew from Kunning Palace. She knew that there must be something behind this summons. After some covert investigation, Jiang Li found that it was the forces of the second prince who were making waves behind the scenes, trying to use this to hit the crown prince and her reputation.
Jiang Li informed Li Yu of the matter, and the two discussed countermeasures. Li Yu advocated directly asking the emperor for guilt in order to show his innocence. But Jiang Li has a different view.
"Your Highness," Jiang Li said, "although a direct petition can temporarily quell the rumors, it cannot eradicate the problem. Why don't we take this opportunity to fight back against the forces of the second prince. "
At Jiang Li's suggestion, Li Yu began to deliberately distance himself from Jiang Li, ostensibly keeping a distance from her. At the same time, Jiang Li secretly sent someone to spread the news, saying that she was about to be demoted to a palace maid. The news soon spread throughout the palace, and the power of the second prince really hit the plan and began to get carried away.
Just when everyone thought that Jiang Li was about to lose power, she suddenly exposed the conspiracy of the second prince's forces at the court meeting. She came up with conclusive evidence to prove that these rumors were spread by the Second Prince's faction in order to attack the crown prince.
The emperor was furious and ordered a thorough investigation of the matter on the spot. After some investigation, many of the second prince's henchmen were dismissed and investigated. The second prince himself was also severely warned and punished.
This incident not only completely shattered the ambition of the second prince, but also made Jiang Li's position more stable. The emperor praised Jiang Li's intelligence, and even intended to make her the crown princess.
However, at this moment, an unexpected news came: the queen suddenly became seriously ill.
The queen's condition was menacing, and the imperial physician in the palace was helpless. At this critical moment, Jiang Li remembered some of the medical skills she had learned in the Virgin Hall. She took the initiative to ask Ying to treat the queen.
At first, both the emperor and the crown prince had concerns. But at Jiang Li's insistence, they finally agreed to let her give it a try. Jiang Li stayed by the queen's side day and night, carefully conditioning. After half a month of careful care, the queen's condition finally improved.
After the queen recovered, her impression of ginger pear changed greatly. She personally recommended Jiang Li to the emperor, believing that she had both talent and virtue and could be regarded as the crown princess.
In this way, under the emperor's will, Jiang Li officially became the crown princess. This appointment caused quite a stir in the DPRK and China. Some people admire Jiang Li's talent, and some people have a lot of complaints about her background.
However, Jiang Li is not complacent. She knew that becoming the crown princess meant greater responsibilities and challenges. She began to fully assist Li Yu in handling the government, and at the same time did not forget to care about the people's livelihood. At her suggestion, the imperial court began to implement a series of policies to benefit the people, which won the praise of the people.
Three years later, the emperor died and was succeeded by Li Yu. At the enthronement ceremony, he announced that Jiang Li would be the queen. From an abandoned girl who was wronged to the mother of a country today, Jiang Li's experience is legendary.
However, Jiang Li knows that becoming a queen is not the end, but a new starting point. She will face more challenges and more responsibilities. After the enthronement ceremony, Jiang Li came to the Taimiao alone and bowed to the ancestors. She secretly swore that she would assist Li Yu to become a generation of Ming monarchs and make the Great Qi Dynasty more prosperous.