The Double

Chapter 102: Grandfather and Granddaughter

"How could there be camel roses on this Ancient Fragrance Satin?"

As these words fell, the people around exchanged bewildered glances.

Ye Jia'er asked, "Lord Tang, what are camel roses?"

"Camel roses are a type of plant from the Western Regions," Jiang Li answered before Tang Fan could speak. "They bloom around swamps and have a fragrant scent. However, camel rose petals are poisonous. Some people have ground the petals into powder to make poison, mixing it into food or clothing. No one would notice, and over time, people would be poisoned."

Tang Fan looked at Jiang Li in surprise and after a long pause said, "How does Second Young Lady know this so clearly?"

"I happened to read about it in a book on Western Regions oddities in my father's study," Jiang Li replied with a smile.

As Jiang Yuanbai was the current Grand Secretary, it was reasonable for his residence to have many rare books. Tang Fan said, "So that's how it is. Second Young Lady is truly knowledgeable and has a remarkable memory."

Ye Rufeng and Ye Jia'er exchanged a glance. Jiang Li was younger than both of them, yet she seemed to know more than they did.

"Lord Tang, are you saying that all the Ancient Fragrance Satin here contains camel roses?" Ye Mingyu asked.

"Exactly," Tang Fan said. "There's no doubt it's camel roses."

"Camel rose petals are fragrant, and Ancient Fragrance Satin naturally carries a scent. Grinding the petals into powder and mixing them into the satin would make it difficult to detect. From this perspective, the reason Ancient Fragrance Satin causes rashes and even death is due to the camel roses," Jiang Li said.

"Second Young Lady is correct," Tang Fan said, turning to Ye Jia'er. "How could there be camel roses in the Ye family's Ancient Fragrance Satin?"

Ye Jia'er shook her head. "My lord, that's absolutely impossible. Without reason, why would the Ye family ruin its own reputation? Ancient Fragrance Satin has never had issues for so many years. If there's a sudden problem, there must be a cause. But it could never be something we did ourselves."

Tang Fan stared at her. "Perhaps the Ye family accidentally mixed camel roses into the satin during production?"

"This..." Ye Jia'er hesitated for a moment, then firmly shook her head. "My lord, the Ye family's weaving workshop is inspected piece by piece by my father and second uncle. It's impossible for there to be issues. If there were problems within the Ye family, they would have been discovered before the fabric left the workshop. We would never let defective cloth circulate."

As Tang Fan was about to say more, Jiang Li spoke from the side. "Lord Tang."

Even if Tang Fan were bold, he wouldn't disregard the words of the Grand Secretary's daughter. He adopted a posture of attentive listening.

Jiang Li said, "As far as I know, camel roses grow in the swamps of the southern Western Regions. The Western Regions are too far from Xiangyang. After all, Xiangyang isn't like Yanjing, with its constant flow of people. The weavers in the Ye family's workshop rarely leave Xiangyang year-round and shouldn't have access to camel roses. The same goes for others in Xiangyang. It would be better to investigate whether any merchants entering or leaving Xiangyang annually come from the Western Regions. If there are, the camel roses most likely came from them. Whether it was intentional targeting of the Ye family or accidental mixing into the workshop, such exotic dangerous plants aren't something commonly seen."

Hearing this, Ye Mingyu also said, "That's right. This damned camel rose must be a rare thing. I've traveled north and south for years and this is the first time I've heard of it. A Li, this thing isn't cheap, is it?""Lesser quality Tuoluo flowers cost a hundred taels of silver, while superior ones can fetch up to a thousand taels. The more vibrant the color and stronger the fragrance of the Tuoluo flower, the more potent its toxicity and the higher its value. As with the problematic Ancient Fragrance Satin, if it can kill someone, it must undoubtedly be worth over a thousand taels." Jiang Li looked at Tang Fan. "Lord Tang, forgive my bluntness, but a top-grade Ancient Fragrance Satin costs only five hundred taels. For an ordinary person to 'accidentally' mix a thousand-tael Tuoluo flower into a hundred-tael Ancient Fragrance Satin would be quite difficult. I believe it's not unreasonable to suspect someone deliberately framed the Ye family and orchestrated this conspiracy."

She spoke with a smile, but her words carried significant weight. As Tang Fan listened, his brow furrowed, and his heart grew heavier. What Jiang Li said was indeed plausible, but if it truly was a conspiracy, the matter would become far more serious. Merchants competing for profit might resort to underhanded tactics, but the Ye family served as the Grand Secretary of Northern Yan, with shops throughout the region. Anyone daring to target the Ye family must be exceptionally bold, and this likely involved important figures. On the other hand, the Jiang family was backing the Ye family, making a thorough investigation unavoidable—especially with Second Miss Jiang, who appeared amiable but was sharp-minded and impossible to deceive. She had clearly seen through the situation long ago and was waiting for someone to step forward and resolve it cleanly.

Realizing he had stumbled into a formidable trouble, Tang Fan felt frustrated. After some thought, he concluded that remaining aloof was impossible. Since he would have to offend someone regardless, he might as well do Second Miss Jiang a favor. After all, the Jiang family had maintained a stable position in court for many years, and Grand Secretary Jiang Yuanbai was known for his goodwill. By helping the Ye family now, he would earn Jiang Yuanbai's favor, which might lead to future commendations.

With this in mind, Tang Fan immediately replied, "Second Miss makes a valid point. This matter is indeed not trivial. Although investigating cases isn't under the purview of the Weaving Office Order, the Weaving Office Order sent us to Xiangyang precisely to investigate this thoroughly. Since the Ye family leads Northern Yan's textile industry, we will discuss with Prefect Tong and, starting tomorrow, thoroughly investigate those traveling between Xiangyang and the Western Regions."

"Will Prefect Tong agree?" Jiang Li frowned slightly, appearing concerned.

"Second Miss Jiang, rest assured," Tang Fan said. "This matter concerns the people of Xiangyang, and the leakage of Tuoluo flowers is dangerous. Prefect Tong will certainly agree." After all, Tong Zhiyang was merely the prefect of Xiangyang, while Tang Fan was from Yanjing City. Tong Zhiyang, accustomed to local dominance, might not realize how formidable Second Miss Jiang was, but Tang Fan knew well: at the peak of the Jiang family's influence, nearly half the court consisted of Jiang Yuanbai's protégés. Though the Jiang family had become more cautious recently, they were far from declining and must not be offended.

"In that case, I'll trouble you, Lord Tang," Jiang Li said with a smile. "I will write to my father shortly to inform him that everything is proceeding smoothly."

Hearing this, Tang Fan's spirits lifted, and his earlier hesitation about getting involved in trouble vanished instantly. Jiang Li's words almost guaranteed a favorable word to Jiang Yuanbai, and perhaps soon, his path to promotion would become smoother.

It was worth it.Jiang Li noticed the fleeting delight in Tang Fan's eyes and inwardly scoffed. Officials in Yanjing City were accustomed to climbing the ranks through nepotism, and even a minor deployment officer under the Manufacturing Commissioner was no exception. Having power certainly made things much more convenient, and she was grateful that her current identity allowed her to wield authority with ease.

Tang Fan and his group departed with the problematic Ancient Fragrance Satin, part of which would be taken back to Yanjing as evidence. The next step was to investigate the origin of the datura flowers in Xiangyang City. Jiang Li wasn't overly concerned about being unable to uncover the culprit. The Ye family had no reason to court their own ruin, and it was only a matter of time before their innocence was proven. Moreover, Tang Fan was now leaning toward Jiang Li's side, and she held leverage over Tong Zhiyang's mistress, so there was little cause for worry. However, the Ye family's reputation had already been nearly destroyed. Even if their name was cleared, it would be impossible for them to restore their former glory.

Once bitten, twice shy—the common people would likely shy away from Ancient Fragrance Satin in the future.

Returning to the Ye residence with the Ye family, Guan Shi and Zhuo Shi were both astonished upon hearing the entire story. No one had expected the sudden appearance of datura flowers.

"Who would want to harm our family?" Zhuo Shi wondered, perplexed. "The Ye family has always been kind to others, distributing porridge during natural disasters and hardships. We've never made enemies. Who would use such a vicious method to tarnish the Ye family's reputation?"

"Perhaps it's another fabric merchant," Guan Shi suggested. "The Ancient Fragrance Satin business has become a monopoly, inevitably arousing jealousy."

"If it were jealousy, they wouldn't have chosen this moment," Jiang Li said. "The Ye family's business was even more prosperous two years ago. In recent years, we've set aside other ventures to focus solely on weaving. If someone wanted to target the Ye family, they would have started two years ago. Yet they chose precisely when Cousin Shijie has just entered official service…"

Her words startled everyone. Ye Mingyu looked at Jiang Li and asked, "A Li, are you saying someone wants to harm Shijie?"

Ye Shijie was the only male in the Ye family to enter official service, the family's future reliance. The matter concerned Ye Shijie, and everyone grew serious.

"It's not necessarily about harming Cousin Shijie," Jiang Li explained patiently. "Cousin Shijie has just entered official service and gained the Emperor's favor. His position is now crucial. Some may want to win him over, while others may wish to suppress him. If Cousin Shijie were alone, it would be harder to influence him, but the Ye family is different. If someone wants to manipulate Cousin Shijie, targeting the Ye family is the safest and most advantageous approach."

After careful consideration, she decided to share these thoughts with the Ye family. It was better for the family to be aware and prepared than to remain in the dark and potentially misinterpret future events.

Ye Mingyu slammed the table and stood up. "What kind of scoundrel would do this? Just to use our family to control Shijie?"

"Uncle Mingyu, this is only my speculation," Jiang Li shook her head. "I'm not entirely sure of the specifics. After all, we're in Xiangyang now, but there's no need to rush. Since the person behind this wants to frame the Ye family, and we've now exposed the trap, they failed to succeed and will inevitably reveal clues. By following those traces, we should be able to uncover some hints."

"Cousin, does Brother Shijie know about this?" Ye Jia'er asked."I know," Jiang Li replied. "In the letter, aside from asking him to write to the Weaving Office Order, I also shared my speculations. But Cousin Shijie is currently in Xiangyang. Even if someone wanted to meddle, they wouldn’t dare act openly out of respect for my father’s reputation. Cousin Shijie is clever—he’ll weigh everything carefully."

"Thank you," Ye Rufeng said stiffly, then added, "But you used the Grand Secretary’s name. If he finds out, won’t it cause trouble?" He refused to call Jiang Yuanbai his uncle, using the formal title instead. His feelings were conflicted; he detested Jiang Yuanbai, yet he had to admit that without invoking his authority, matters wouldn’t have been resolved so smoothly. Tong Zhiyang wouldn’t have been cautious, and Tang Fan wouldn’t have worked so diligently.

"Don’t worry," Jiang Li smiled. "After all, he is my father. He’s reached such a high position—it would be a waste not to make use of his influence."

Besides, this was just a small rehearsal. After this incident, the Jiang family and Prince Cheng were bound to clash eventually.

She was merely hastening its arrival.

...

The arrival of the Weaving Office Order’s assigned official brought some comfort to the Ye family. The discovery of the tuo luo plant also provided a clear direction for the case’s progress.

Three days later, Ye Mingxuan and Ye Mingyu were released.

The team Tang Fan brought conducted a thorough investigation of the Ye family’s weaving workshop but found no traces of the tuo luo flower. Every weaver in the workshop was examined, with no suspicions raised. It was unclear how Tang Fan negotiated with Tong Zhiyang, but Ye Mingxuan and Ye Mingyu were temporarily allowed to return to the Ye residence.

With the family’s pillars back, the Ye household rejoiced. Knowing that Jiang Li had orchestrated this outcome, even the usually cautious Ye Minghui finally opened his heart to her.

Ye Minghui sighed, "A Li, the Ye family owes you a great debt during this crisis. I had my reservations about you before, but it seems I was judging a noble heart by my own mean standards. I apologize." He even bowed deeply to her as a gesture of remorse.

Jiang Li quickly stepped aside, indicating she couldn’t accept such a gesture, and said with a smile, "Uncle Minghui, you’re frightening A Li with such words. We are family, after all. If my mother were still alive and knew the Ye family was in trouble, she wouldn’t have stood by idly. When I was young, I was misled by others and hurt Grandmother and my uncles. Thinking back on it now, I feel deeply ashamed. I’m grateful that my uncles are willing to give me a chance to make amends."

Without claiming credit, she subtly mentioned Ye Zhenzhen and tactfully explained the past misunderstandings. Her words dissolved any remaining barriers between her and the Ye family.

Ye Mingxuan added, "You can’t be blamed for what happened back then. You were young and didn’t know better, but we, as your uncles, aren’t children. We’ve lived all these years in vain, easily swayed by schemers. You had to navigate the Jiang family at such a young age and even suffered because of that woman..." He abruptly stopped, afraid of touching on Jiang Li’s painful memories. The Ye family’s thoughts were straightforward; after spending time with Jiang Li, they saw her as gentle and kind—nothing like someone capable of harming her mother or brother. She must have been framed by Ji Shuran."Cough, cough," Ye Mingyu waved his hand, worried that Jiang Li might be upset, and changed the subject, saying, "No matter what, it's a good thing that Eldest Brother and Second Brother have returned safely. We should celebrate properly. By the way, since you're back, when will you arrange for A Li to meet Mother? It's been delayed for so long—shouldn't we get down to business?"

"That's right," Ye Jia'er chimed in, "Cousin should go see Grandmother."

Before Ye Mingyu and Ye Mingxuan were taken away by the yamen officials, Jiang Li was supposed to meet Old Madam Ye. However, due to Tong Zhiyang's actions, they dared not let Old Madam Ye notice the changes in the Ye family, so the matter was temporarily postponed. After all the delays, Jiang Li had been back in Xiangyang for almost a month without even catching a glimpse of Old Madam Ye. Initially, it was the Ye family's deliberate obstruction, and later, there were unavoidable circumstances. But now, thinking back, they felt deeply apologetic toward Jiang Li.

Jiang Li hesitated and asked, "Now... is Grandmother's health strong enough to handle it?"

As soon as she finished speaking, a kind voice came from behind the hall, saying, "Who said this old woman can't handle it? My dear girl, let your grandmother take a look at you."

Everyone turned in surprise. Jiang Li looked back and saw the curtain of the hall lifted as two maids supported a white-haired old woman, who hobbled slowly toward them.

"Grandmother!" Ye Rufeng called out, "Why have you come out?"

Jiang Li froze—this was Old Madam Ye.

Compared to Old Madam Jiang's stern and vigorous demeanor, Old Madam Ye appeared much more gentle and kind, and also much older. Her hair was entirely silver, and she wore a pine-green gemstone headband. She stopped a few steps away from Jiang Li, smiling warmly as she looked at her and called out, "My dear girl."

But Jiang Li noticed the tears in her eyes and the trembling of her hands, stirred by emotion.

Instinctively, Jiang Li responded, calling out "Grandmother," and walked up to Old Madam Ye.

Upon seeing Jiang Li, Old Madam Ye's gaze seemed to waver for a moment. She reached out her wrinkled hand, took Jiang Li's hand, and stared intently at her, as if trying to memorize every detail. She said, "In this lifetime, I am overjoyed that A Li could come to see me..."

Unlike Ye Minghui's wariness and Ye Mingxuan's caution, Old Madam Ye, much like Ye Mingyu, seemed to harbor no barriers at all—in fact, she was even more fervent than Ye Mingyu. Jiang Li believed that, in this moment, Old Madam Ye was genuinely delighted to see her long-lost granddaughter.

"Grandmother, don't you blame me for the mistakes I made back then?" Jiang Li asked softly.

Old Madam Ye laughed until tears nearly welled in her eyes, saying, "How could I? You are our Ye family's granddaughter, after all."

You are our Ye family's granddaughter, after all.

At that moment, Jiang Li's heart swelled with a bittersweet ache, almost unable to hold back the tears in her eyes, followed by a profound sense of fulfillment. She didn't know if this feeling stemmed from the blood-deep bond between the real Second Miss Jiang and Old Madam Ye, but in that instant, what she saw in the old woman's eyes was pure and utterly unguarded.

Second Miss Jiang was not unloved. Besides her deceased birth mother, Ye Zhenzhen, there was still a relative in this world who cherished her. At least she wasn't entirely alone."Mother, why are you up?" Ye Mingxuan hurried forward, glanced at Jiang Li, then at Old Madam Ye, and hesitated before saying, "How did you know A Li had come..."

Though Old Madam Ye was delighted to see Jiang Li, she showed no surprise as if it were their first meeting. Moreover, she had come directly to the main hall, seemingly aware that Jiang Li would be there all along.

Old Madam Ye looked at him and said, "I've known for a while. Since the very day A Li arrived at the Ye family."

Everyone was taken aback.

A maid beside Old Madam Ye spoke softly, "The Old Madam learned of the young mistress's return to Xiangyang as soon as she arrived. To avoid disturbing her, she ordered us not to inform others about the second young lady's return. We had thought to meet her in a few days, but then the incident with the Ye family's Ancient Fragrance Satin occurred."

This was unexpected.

But upon reflection, it made sense. In her youth, Old Madam Ye had managed the Ye family's business with Old Master Ye. Age hadn't rendered her completely unaware. She was naturally the first to know of any movement within the Ye household. Yet, to avoid putting Jiang Li in an awkward position, she had restrained herself, waiting for Jiang Li to be ready to meet her. She hadn't anticipated Ye Minghui and Ye Mingxuan being suddenly taken away.

"I originally intended to seek help from friends to rescue the eldest and second sons, but A Li stepped forward on her own," Old Madam Ye said, patting Jiang Li's hand. "I never expected A Li to be so capable. You're even more competent and clever than your mother. If she knew how wise you've become, she would be greatly comforted in heaven."

Jiang Li nodded. She hadn't realized that her every move since arriving at the Ye family had been observed by Old Madam Ye.

Ye Mingyu scratched his head and said, "Mother, we were worrying about how to arrange A Li's meeting with you, and here you are, knowing everything yet keeping silent. You've exhausted us with anxiety."

"If I hadn't pretended ignorance, how would I have seen how incompetent you all are?" Old Madam Ye sighed. "I've long warned you that a tall tree attracts the wind. The Ye family's prosperity will inevitably invite trouble, and we must remain vigilant. Yet, someone still found a loophole."

Jiang Li comforted her, "Grandmother, it's truly not Uncle Mingyu and Uncle Mingxuan's fault. They've done their best. It's easy to dodge a spear in the open but hard to guard against an arrow in the dark. This matter isn't so simple. This incident serves as a reminder. With this lesson, we'll know what to do in the future.Old Madam Ye looked at Jiang Li, both gratified and pained, and said, "My dear, that you can think so deeply at such a young age shows you've had a hard time in the Jiang family. It's our Ye family who failed you. If I had been more insistent back then and brought you to Xiangyang, you wouldn't have suffered so much hardship."

Jiang Li's intelligence was evident to all, but her former willfulness and arrogance were also well-known. That she had transformed from a spoiled young lady into someone strategic and shrewd was surely due to life's hardships. With a stepmother, stepsister, and now Jiang Bingji, her life couldn't have been easy. Wisdom comes at a price.

Jiang Li smiled and held Old Madam Ye's hand, saying, "I haven't suffered. Life in the Jiang family has been quite alright."

Old Madam Ye merely held her hand, seeming to want to say more but holding back. In the end, she simply said, "No matter what, it's good that you're back."She was genuinely overjoyed at Jiang Li's return. In Old Madam Ye's eyes, Jiang Li was merely a willful child—she had never truly been angry with her. No matter when Jiang Li returned, she would always welcome her with a warm smile, just as she did now.

This was family.

Jiang Li's eyes welled up with tears, unsure whether she was moved by Old Madam Ye's forgiveness or reminded of her own circumstances.

If Xue Huaiyuan were still here, even Xue Fangfei, who had made the mistake of misjudging people, would surely have been forgiven.

But unfortunately, Xue Fangfei's family—the only people in this world who could have forgiven her—were all gone. And she could find no reason to forgive herself, left to walk this path alone, punishing her enemies while also punishing herself.

"Yes," Jiang Li concealed the glimmer of tears in her eyes, instantly replacing it with a gentle, smiling expression as she said, "I'm back."

...

The Ye family's reconciliation after so many years, with everyone now harmonious and joyful, could not be kept from their neighbors for long.

In the black-and-white mansion adjacent to the Ye residence, guards crouched on the eaves, watching servants diligently dig into the flowerbeds and plant seedlings one by one.

Duke Su Ji Heng had a particular fondness for exotic flowers. Even in Xiangyang, even if it was just a temporary residence, the servants dared not neglect this duty. Since Xiangyang was not as abundant in resources as Yanjing City, the errand boys rose early and returned late, scouring the area for uniquely beautiful flowers to plant in the courtyard.

Strangely enough, having grown accustomed to the lavish floral displays of the Duke's estate, the guards found the barrenness of this residence unsettling. Now, with flowers being planted, the place immediately felt more pleasing to the eye, as if a weight on their chests had been lifted with a relieved sigh.

"Old Madam Ye and Second Miss Jiang have already met," Wen Ji reported. "Nothing out of the ordinary occurred."

Nothing out of the ordinary meant everything had gone smoothly.

Beside Ji Heng, Lu Ji inquired, "Did they get along well?"

"Extremely well," Wen Ji replied. "Like family."

Lu Ji sighed. "Second Miss Jiang is truly remarkable. In such a short time, she's managed to erase all barriers between herself and the Ye family."

The past friction between Jiang Li and the Ye family might seem simple on the surface, but bridging that gap was no easy task. Especially after more than a decade, misunderstandings don't simply vanish with time. Those left unresolved tend to snowball, eventually becoming as immovable as boulders—difficult not only to shatter but even to budge.

Yet Jiang Li had accomplished just that.

"People who stand by you in times of crisis naturally evoke gratitude," Ji Heng remarked by the window, waving a hand dismissively. Though his words were complimentary, they carried a hint of mockery.

"Indeed, that's where Second Miss Jiang's cleverness lies," Lu Ji nodded. "The rift between her and the Ye family seemed impossible to mend, but then the Ye family encountered trouble, and she happened to be there to resolve their urgent crisis. Stepping forward at such a critical moment, sharing their hardships—how could the Ye family possibly treat her coldly? Moreover, Second Miss Jiang is skilled at handling people, appearing sincere. I suspect she has long since won the Ye family's hearts, and thoroughly so."

He sighed again. "How fortunate for her to encounter such an opportunity. One might call it luck."

"Luck?" Ji Heng flicked his fan open. "She knew this would happen long ago and was merely waiting for the play to begin. These days, people are too easily moved by their own sentiments."

After a moment of silence, Lu Ji said, "Sir, the Weaving Office Order officials have arrived. Regarding the matter in Xiangyang, should we intervene? It appears Tong Zhiyang is not one to shoulder responsibilities, and his mistress is now in Ye Mingyu's grasp. While the Ye family is secure, the situation may shift."

"No need," Ji Heng replied.

Under the overcast sky, the peonies painted on his folding fan seemed dulled by the gloomy weather. Only his crimson robes remained a vivid splash of color in the world, steadfast and brilliantly vibrant."That Li family boy is hardly fit for great responsibilities," Ji Heng said slowly. "He's not even as capable as that young girl. Li Lian can no longer interfere in the Ye family's affairs. As for whether he'll stumble and fall, let him pray for his own good fortune." A strange light flickered in his eyes. "But that Jiang family's young girl... if only she weren't surnamed Jiang."

(End of Chapter)