Princess Baoqing had been somewhat angry initially, but upon hearing Agua’s story, she began to feel pity.
“She is quite pitiful. Very well, I shall not hold it against her.”
The Princess looked at Jiang Li and said with a touch of reproach: “You are truly kind-hearted. Your own life is difficult enough, yet you still think of helping a little girl.”
Jiang Li replied: “My grandfather and grandmother once taught me that one should harbor kindness in their heart and help those in need whenever possible. Whether it is encountering a kidnapped woman or a little girl trapped in a human trafficker’s den, I will help if I am able.”
The Princess nodded slightly. She had no intention of dragging a five or six-year-old girl here to punish her; after all, even the laws of the court would not punish a child so young.
“You are kind-hearted, but why did you marry into the Yin family while holding a spirit tablet? As things stand now, the Yin family is not worth such sacrifice.”
Princess Baoqing was someone who easily developed sympathy for those around her, which was why she often fantasized about swapping identities with others. However, even when people swapped with her to temporarily become a “Princess,” they never dared to actually order people around as a Princess would. Only Princess Baoqing truly put herself in someone else’s shoes to experience their life. When she heard that Jiang Li had married while holding a spirit tablet, her heart ached. She felt very sad and desperately wanted to help Jiang Li, especially since Jiang Li had also helped her before.
Jiang Li lowered her head and said: “The marriage contract between the Jiang family and the Yin family was set while my grandfather was alive. Even if there are no elders left in the Jiang family, I cannot break the engagement.”
“But the eldest young master of the Yin family is no longer here. If the Yin family had any sense, they wouldn’t let you marry into their household.”
The Princess still remembered when Jiang Li was young and entered the palace with her grandmother; at that time, she had been a clever little girl, yet now she had become so bound by rules.
Jiang Li’s peach-blossom eyes brimmed with mist as she looked up at the Princess: “Others say my husband died on the battlefield, but his body was never recovered. Perhaps he is still alive and is only unable to return due to some reason.”
The Princess felt even more pity: “You silly child, how can you be so deeply devoted? Very well, I shall not meddle in your affairs anymore. If you encounter trouble in the future, come and find me.”
In the Princess’s view, the Yin household was not a good place, and who knew how they would mistreat Jiang Li in the future. The Princess issued this warning in advance so that if Jiang Li truly suffered bullying, she would think to come to her.
“Thank you, Your Highness, for your concern. I have no way to repay you, but if there is anything I can do to assist you in the future, please do not hesitate to command me.”
As Jiang Li bowed, a porcelain bottle rolled out from her sleeve and onto the ground.
Princess Baoqing asked curiously: “What is this?”
Jiang Li hurriedly bent down to pick it up and replied: “It is a beauty pill; it has miraculous effects on scars on a person’s face. I wanted to give it to Your Highness initially, but I was worried that the pill might harm you.”
Ever since she was disfigured over a decade ago, Princess Rongan had tried countless remedies, some even sent by the Emperor himself. After all, she had sustained her injuries while saving the Emperor. However, over time, the scars on the Princess’s face had faded, and although they remained unsightly, she had long ago ceased to have any expectations for such treatments. Still, since it was in Jiang Li’s possession, the Princess grew interested.
“Oh? Why are you unwilling to offer it to me now? Surely you don’t think I would punish you if the scars didn’t disappear?”
“No, I simply haven’t made up my mind, thinking the beauty pill might not be stable enough. However, I have carefully considered its components; Your Highness could crush the pill and apply it to your face. While the effect might be less potent, it would still be useful.”
The Princess’s interest deepened: “You know medicine as well?”
“When I was young, I studied some rudimentary medical knowledge under the ‘White Divine Doctor,’ though I am not an expert.”
Hearing this, the Princess realized that Jiang Li was not as simple as she appeared. If this child were to leave the Yin family in the future, she could certainly lead a good life on her own.
“Very well, I shall accept it.” The Princess looked at the matron: “Go and invite the palace physician.”
Jiang Li handed over the beauty pill. After the physician arrived, he poured out the pill and carefully examined it.
A moment later, the physician said: “Replying to Your Highness, the components of this pill are mild and will not cause any harm. You may take it with confidence.”
After the Princess nodded, she took the porcelain bottle and consumed the pill inside.
Jiang Li wanted to stop her, but she was too late. She had confirmed the ingredients would not harm anyone, but she could not guarantee it would be effective for the Princess. Then again, she reasoned, since it was a reward from the system, the results shouldn’t be bad.
The Princess laughed: “That’s enough, go back to the flower hall. Today at the flower-viewing banquet, I am still intent on playing matchmaker.”
Many noble families in the capital chose to marry off their children, but often it was arranged by the fathers, and the bride and groom rarely saw each other before the wedding. The Princess loved a lively atmosphere, so she hosted the flower-viewing banquet, which provided an opportunity for these people to see one another.
As they exited the side hall, the physician asked Jiang Li: “I wonder where you obtained the pill? If there are more, might you sell one to this old man?”
Jiang Li was not surprised that the physician was interested; after all, even she had been extremely curious after receiving the pill. Although Jiang Li had one more in her possession, she intended it for the First Prince.
“Please don’t take offense, sir, but I obtained this pill elsewhere and have none left. If you wish, I can give you the formula, though I cannot guarantee that having the formula will allow one to create the pill.”
The physician had not held much hope, but hearing this, his eyes lit up. However, he did not want the formula, saying: “If that is the case, I should not covet what belongs to others. This formula is priceless, and even if I wanted to buy it, I could not afford it. If you manage to produce the pill in the future, I will come to buy it from you.”
Jiang Li nodded slightly and agreed: “Very well, I will keep that in mind.”
Reminded by the physician, Jiang Li realized she should try to make the beauty pill herself. Although the system provided them, she couldn’t simply summon them at will. If she could produce them, she could sell them in the Jiang family’s shops. However, these matters could not be rushed; until she had officially separated from the Yin family, she could not let them know she possessed such skills.
Upon returning to the flower hall, the Princess invited the female guests to the garden to view the flowers. In the Princess’s garden, male guests were already present.
Although Yin Ranshuang had been humiliated earlier, she did not forget to search the crowd for Wei Zizhang. Before she could find him, she was drawn by another figure.
Yin Ranshuang’s gaze fixed directly on him, and she instantly lost her composure.
Jiang Li noticed Yin Ranshuang’s gaze and looked at the person she was watching.
Oh no, it was Wei Zhaoheng.
Jiang Li grew anxious. If Yin Ranshuang met Wei Zhaoheng early this time, would she change her mind and develop feelings for him?
If that were the case, then they would be in serious trouble.