After a pause, Old Master Jiang added, "Actually, if the Young Master Qi doesn't mind Jiang Yonghe being just an adopted daughter of our Jiang Family and is willing to proceed with the marriage alliance, it might not be necessary to replace her with you."
Jiang Yonghe looked visibly tense.
Jiang Youli smiled and said, "It's alright, Grandfather. I’m willing."
Old Master Jiang frowned and asked her again, "Are you certain?"
Jiang Youli nodded. "I am."
Qin Yulian couldn’t hide her delight. She had expected to put in some effort to persuade Jiang Youli, but to her surprise, the matter of replacing Jiang Yonghe to marry Young Master Qi was settled effortlessly.
It seemed her daughter knew her place—marrying Young Master Qi was already a stroke of luck for someone like her.
Old Master Jiang, however, was puzzled by his granddaughter’s quick agreement. Wondering what she was up to, he said, "Very well, since that’s the case, it’s settled. I’ll find time to clarify this with the Qi Family before the engagement banquet. In the meantime, you should spend more time with Young Master Qi and get to know his character."
Jiang Youli smiled. "Understood, Grandfather."
After Old Master Jiang left, Jiang Zhao sneered, "Jiang Youli, with your background, marrying Young Master Qi—even if he’s crippled—is still climbing above your station. If not for his disability, such good fortune would never fall to you!"
Jiang Youli cast him a disdainful glance. "Jiang Yonghe, that fake heiress, marrying Qi Huan would be the real overreach—whether before or after his legs were crippled. As for me, it’s a perfect match, a union of equals, a destined pair, got it? Too bad Jiang Yonghe is shortsighted, only seeing Qi Huan’s disability and assuming he’s lost his claim to the Qi Family’s inheritance. She’s quick to discard this golden opportunity! And Jiang Zhao, next time you speak, keep your distance. Your words dirty my ears."
"You—!"
Before Jiang Zhao could finish, Jiang Youli cheerfully grabbed Zhang Susu’s hand with her left and Jiang Yehan’s with her right. "Dad, Mom, let’s go! Time to prepare for my welcome banquet!"
Zhang Susu and Jiang Yehan replied dotingly, "Of course! Our daughter will be the most dazzling princess of the evening! No one will steal your spotlight."
Jiang Zhao watched the trio leave, his face twisting in disdain. "Hmph, the most dazzling princess? I’d like to see how she humiliates herself at the banquet!"
He then turned to Jiang Yonghe, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Xiao He, you must outshine her that night. Make sure she knows how utterly inadequate she is!"
Jiang Yonghe feigned concern, lowering her voice. "Wouldn’t that be inappropriate? Uncle and Auntie might get upset..."
She knew she was no longer the Jiang Family’s true heiress. Deliberately overshadowing Jiang Youli might anger Jiang Yehan and Zhang Susu, but what she truly feared was Old Master Jiang’s displeasure.
Qin Yulian, however, waved it off dismissively. "What’s there to fear? Let them be angry! Yonghe, do as your brother says. At the banquet, crush that wretched girl’s moment and show her who the real princess of the Jiang Family is!"
Her eyes flashed with malice and resentment. The memory of Jiang Youli’s disrespect yesterday—even dosing her with some drug that left her throat sore all night—made her seethe with rage.
"Understood, Mother," Jiang Yonghe replied softly, a cold smirk curling in her heart.
Humiliating Jiang Youli would be child’s play.
With just a little effort, she could make her the laughingstock of the evening.
The thought made Jiang Yonghe’s lips curl into a confident, triumphant smile.
...
By Saturday evening, invitations for Jiang Youli’s welcome banquet had been sent out.
The Jiang residence had a dedicated venue for such events, and Jiang Yehan had spared no expense—top-tier decorations, the most luxurious wines—to ensure the world knew how much he and his wife cherished their daughter.
Despite his meticulous preparations, Jiang Yehan still worried he might have overlooked something.
"Youli, is there anything else you’d like to adjust about the venue?"
Jiang Youli admired the thoughtfully arranged space and smiled. "No, Dad, it’s perfect."
Her approval filled Jiang Yehan, a first-time father, with pride.
Zhang Susu added, "The evening gown you chose is being flown in from abroad tonight. You’ll have it in time for tomorrow’s banquet."
Touched by her parents’ devotion, Jiang Youli nodded warmly. "Great, I’ll try it on as soon as it arrives."
"Youli, you’ll look stunning! I picked the most exclusive designer gowns—no one will outshine you!" Zhang Susu, now fiercely protective, admitted, "I just don’t want you overshadowed or belittled. Had you not been switched at birth, you’d have been our treasured pearl all along."
Jiang Youli leaned against her shoulder. "Being your precious gem now is just as wonderful."
Zhang Susu’s eyes welled up. "It’s late—too late. That’s why your father and I will make sure you have the best of everything from now on."
Jiang Yehan hugged her, chuckling. "Why the tears? This is a happy occasion."
Zhang Susu laughed through her tears. "You’re right. We should be happy."
Jiang Youli clung to Zhang Susu’s arm, thinking how lucky she was to have such loving parents as the Jiang Family’s true heiress.
...
After lunch, Jiang Youli took a nap before heading out to the spot where she’d agreed to meet Qi Huan the previous day. Her priorities were treating his legs and resolving Jiang Xing’s situation.
Qi Huan had taken Jiang Xing away for treatment yesterday—she couldn’t let him die—and promised to return him today.
Qi Huan was already waiting when she arrived.
Jiang Xing, pale and weak, slumped against a pavilion pillar, his eyes burning with resentment and fear at the sight of Jiang Youli.
Ignoring his glare, Jiang Youli calmly approached Qi Huan and sat beside him on the stone bench. Her gaze was steady, radiating quiet determination.
"We’ll begin your treatment today," she said softly, her tone leaving no room for doubt.
Qi Huan nodded slightly, his eyes reflecting both hope and unwavering trust in her.
Jiang Youli continued, "I've examined your leg. It can be treated, but the tendons and bones will need to be reset. The process will be quite painful. However, as long as you can endure it and don’t delay my treatment schedule, I can heal your leg in as little as three months."
