The Double

Chapter 103: The Play Thickens

Meeting with Old Madam Ye went more smoothly than Jiang Li had anticipated. Although she had deliberately used the Ye family's troubles to draw closer to them, Jiang Li believed that even without this incident, there would have been no estrangement between Old Madam Ye and Second Miss Jiang. As long as Second Miss Jiang turned back, Old Madam Ye would always be her staunch supporter.

At any rate, a weight had been lifted from her mind.

What followed was to patiently await the results from Tang Fan's investigation. Yet no one expected the outcome to arrive so abruptly.

Three days later, Tang Fan visited the Ye residence and announced immediately upon entering: "We've found the person who brought the camelthorn flowers to Xiangyang."

Ye Minghui asked, "Who is it?"

Tang Fan shook his head. "These past few days, I've been working with Magistrate Tong to investigate the case. Following the clues, we traced it to Xiangyang's Great Sealing Pharmacy. The shopkeeper of this pharmacy sends people every six months to gather rare medicinal herbs. One of his clever assistants returned from the Western Regions two months ago. Some say he brought back many medicinal herbs, and according to descriptions from others, there seemed to be traces of camelthorn flowers among them."

"Great Sealing Pharmacy?" Ye Mingxuan pondered. "The people of Xiangyang all get their medicine from Great Sealing Pharmacy, but they've never had any conflict with our Ye family."

"We intended to arrest them quickly, but who would have thought that early this morning, the Great Sealing Pharmacy shopkeeper's entire family of seven, along with that assistant who returned from the Western Regions, were all silenced."

"Silenced?" Ye Jia'er exclaimed in shock.

"Exactly. It doesn't appear to be a revenge killing. I rather think," Tang Fan looked at Jiang Li, "it's very likely that the mastermind behind this learned of our investigation and sacrificed pawns to protect the king."

"You mean there's someone else behind this?" Ye Mingyu asked.

"If it were solely the doing of the Great Sealing Pharmacy people themselves, there would be no need for such complete elimination. Now that all the informed parties are dead, it suggests there's another pulling the strings behind the scenes," Tang Fan replied. He hadn't been entirely certain before, but seeing the suspected Great Sealing Pharmacy wiped out overnight almost confirmed that the Ye family's Ancient Fragrance Satin incident was indeed a calculated frame-up. However, the brutality of the methods and the complete disregard for consequences indicated that the opposing force was formidable.

Having already aligned with the Jiang family, it was too late to turn back now. They had no choice but to see this through.

"Magistrate Tang's suspicion of Great Sealing Pharmacy shouldn't have been leaked," Jiang Li smiled faintly. "For the pharmacy people to be silenced in such a short time—could someone have obtained advance information, thus prompting the elimination of Great Sealing Pharmacy? This would suggest there's a mole..."

"Absolutely impossible!" Tang Fan hurriedly assured. "We were dispatched to Xiangyang by the Weaving Office Order specifically to thoroughly investigate this matter. We have no connection with Great Sealing Pharmacy and would never leak information." He feared Jiang Li might suspect that his people had tipped off the other side, leading to the elimination of the witnesses from Great Sealing Pharmacy.

"Magistrate Tang needn't be anxious. Since I've entrusted this matter entirely to you, I naturally believe you'll give us a proper account. It's just that this development is quite unexpected—the moment we focus on Great Sealing Pharmacy, not a single living soul remains. Don't you find it too coincidental? Magistrate Tong has many subordinates—could it be that someone from his office inadvertently leaked information, giving someone the opportunity to act?" Jiang Li said with a light laugh.Tang Fan's gaze toward Jiang Li shifted slightly as he sighed inwardly. Tong Zhiyang had thoroughly offended this Second Miss Jiang. The implication in Jiang Li's words suggested she suspected Tong Zhiyang was colluding with those who framed the Ye family—that he had obtained information and informed the other party, who then sent people to exterminate everyone at Great Sealing Pharmacy. While this was possible, Jiang Li's timing in bringing it up was clearly meant to suppress Tong Zhiyang. Once Jiang Li returned to Yanjing City and reported this to Jiang Yuanbai, the latter could easily find some pretext to have Tong Zhiyang scrutinized thoroughly, inevitably uncovering some clues.

Second Miss Jiang was not to be trifled with; it was best not to offend her. With this realization, Tang Fan became even more courteous when speaking to Jiang Li. "We found some scattered pollen of the camelina plant in the backyard of the Great Sealing Pharmacy's staff quarters. Although the pharmacy was wiped out, we can roughly conclude that the staff were responsible. Once we gather enough evidence, we can clear the Ye family's name."

"But the mastermind hasn't been found, right?" Ye Minghui said gravely. "If they fail this time, what if they plot against us again? We finally found a lead, and now the Great Sealing Pharmacy has been silenced. How can the common people trust the Ye family's explanation? They might even think our family is colluding with officials, using excuses to cover up. The Ye family's reputation is already ruined. Leaving aside other matters, the Ancient Fragrance Satin business will likely cease from now on. What are we to do about that?"

Ye Minghui's words were filled with anguish, yet they were not without reason. Tang Fan replied, "Our Weaving Office Order will try to inform the public of the truth…" but even he felt his words were feeble. Even if the Weaving Office Order spoke out, the Ye family's Ancient Fragrance Satin business—their main trade—would likely collapse. This blow had severely weakened the Ye family.

"Uncle Minghui," Jiang Li interjected, "investigating cases isn't the responsibility of the Weaving Office Order. To uncover clues about the mastermind, we must rely on Prefect Tong. Let's entrust this matter entirely to Prefect Tong and have him investigate. If even he can't find anything, we'll escalate it level by level. If even the Magistrate of the Capital in Yanjing can't resolve it, I can have my father petition the emperor—there's always a way out."

She spoke casually, but Tang Fan listened with trepidation, thinking to himself that Prefect Tong's career was as good as over. Fortunately, he had sided with the Jiang family from the start. Otherwise, given Second Miss Jiang's meticulous and unforgiving nature, he would have faced relentless retaliation later.

Not daring to delay, Tang Fan discussed the next steps in detail with Jiang Li before taking his leave.

After Tang Fan left, Ye Rufeng couldn't help but ask, "The people at Great Sealing Pharmacy had no grudge against us. Why would they be used as pawns to sabotage our Ye family?"

"Men die for wealth, birds for food," Ye Mingxuan instructed his son. "If they were willing to be pawns, it was either for benefits or under threat. If the Weaving Office Order hadn't intervened this time, the Ye family would have been doomed. Those who thrive by stepping on others' blood will eventually pay the price. Look—a perfectly good pharmacy is now completely gone."Since the people were already dead, further investigation would be futile. Ye Mingxuan sighed with deep regret.

"But at least it served as a warning to us, didn't it?" Jiang Li smiled.

"However, the Ancient Fragrance Satin business is now severed," Guan Shi sighed. "Mother will inevitably learn of this matter sooner or later. The Ye family's estate was built by Father and Mother with their own hands, especially the Ancient Fragrance Satin. Now it has been ruined in our hands..." She couldn't bring herself to continue.

Old Madam Ye was in poor health and couldn't stay outdoors for long periods, needing to rest in bed. Apart from meeting and chatting with Jiang Li, she was usually spared these trivial matters. However, it was unclear whether the bedridden Old Madam Ye might hear about these things from the servants.

Thinking about the Ye family's future difficulties, everyone was weighed down with anxiety. When they dispersed, Jiang Li tugged at Ye Mingyu's sleeve. Understanding her intention, Ye Mingyu followed her into the room to talk.

"Uncle Mingyu, are Suqin and Tong Yu doing well now?" Jiang Li asked. Suqin and Tong Yu were Tong Zhiyang's mistress and son.

"Don't worry, I've settled them properly. These days, Tong Zhiyang has been like a mad dog, sending people everywhere to investigate the mother and son. If it weren't for his fear of the He family, I think he would mobilize all his government personnel to search for them!"

Jiang Li said, "It's fine. Let's have someone deliver a message to Tong Zhiyang today."

"What message?" Ye Mingyu asked suspiciously. "I've been worrying about how to handle this mother and son. Now that the Ancient Fragrance Satin matter is settled, keeping them with me serves no purpose. I was thinking of directly informing the He family and letting them deal with Tong Zhiyang."

"We'll definitely need to inform the He family in the end," Jiang Li smiled, "but before that, we must make Tong Zhiyang reveal who is truly behind the harm done to the Ye family."

"He knows?" Ye Mingyu was startled.

"I doubt someone of his status as a prefect would know the other party's identity, but he should be able to provide some clues. With those clues, when I return to Yanjing City, I'm confident we can uncover the person." She looked at Ye Mingyu. "Uncle Mingyu, use Tong Yu's personal belongings to threaten Tong Zhiyang. Even if it's just for his only heir, Tong Zhiyang will tell us everything he knows."

Ye Mingyu said, "I'll go right away!"

"Be careful," Jiang Li cautioned. "Don't let anyone catch you in a compromising position."

Ye Mingyu grinned, "Don't worry!"

...

Tong Zhiyang had been having a difficult time lately.

First, what seemed like a sure thing against the Ye family was suddenly disrupted by Jiang Li, who appeared out of nowhere, allowing the Ye family to escape unscathed. Then came Tang Fan, who, under the pretext of the Weaving Office Order from Yanjing City, suppressed him in Xiangyang City, leaving him with no authority.

Most importantly, his beloved mistress Suqin and son Tong Yu had been missing all this time and still hadn't been found.

Whenever he thought about this, Tong Zhiyang felt as if a knife were twisting in his heart. Suqin was one thing—though beautiful and considerate, she was just a woman. If she were gone, he could always find another. But Tong Yu was different. He was Tong Zhiyang's only son, and given that the He family seemed incapable of producing a male heir, if Tong Yu were lost, the Tong family line would end with him. How could he not be anxious?Tong Zhiyang's greatest suspicion was that the He family had learned of the mother and son's existence and had taken them away. But upon careful consideration, given the He family's temperament, if they had discovered Suqin and Tong Yu's presence, they would never have pretended ignorance and schemed in secret—the most likely scenario would have been a direct confrontation. Moreover, even if it truly was the He family's doing, Tong Zhiyang lacked the courage to confront them, so he could only suppress his anxiety, feeling restless and uneasy.

The Weaving Office Order had acted too swiftly. Fortunately, he had promptly voiced Tang Fan's suspicions about the Great Sealing Pharmacy, preventing any mishaps on their end. Although he hadn't fully carried out his brother-in-law's plan, at least he hadn't caused any major trouble.

As he pondered this, his servant suddenly rushed in from outside, exclaiming, "Master!"

Tong Zhiyang turned impatiently. "What's all the fuss about?"

The servant closed the door, panting heavily. "Young Master... Young Master..."

"You have news about Yu'er?" At the mention of Tong Yu, Tong Zhiyang immediately stood up in agitation.

The servant handed a letter to Tong Zhiyang along with a longevity lock, saying, "This was found at the gatehouse—not sure how long it's been there. I recognized this as the young master's fastener and guessed it might be related to him." He passed both the letter and the silver lock to Tong Zhiyang.

Tong Zhiyang examined the silver lock, and his excitement instantly overflowed. "It's Yu'er's!"

Tong Zhiyang doted on Tong Yu and had specially commissioned a longevity lock when the boy was born. The one in his hand was unmistakably Tong Yu's. He eagerly tore open the letter, but the more he read, the darker his expression grew.

The servant had no idea what was happening, but he saw Tong Zhiyang fling the letter to the ground after reading it, gritting his teeth and muttering, "How dare they!"

"Master, what's wrong?" the servant asked.

"Someone has kidnapped Yu'er and Suqin," Tong Zhiyang took a deep breath. "This letter is a threat!"

"Are they demanding silver?" the servant inquired, assuming any threat would involve some form of extortion.

"If only it were about silver!" Tong Zhiyang fumed. The letter made it clear that Tong Yu and Suqin were in the kidnapper's hands, and they weren't seeking wealth. They demanded that he provide a full account of the Ye family's recent troubles—everything he knew. If satisfied, they would release the hostages; if not, Tong Zhiyang would have to keep explaining until they were content.

They were forcing Tong Zhiyang to betray his own brother-in-law!

Tong Zhiyang was reluctant and resentful, but as he gazed at Tong Yu's longevity lock, his heart churned with conflict. Without Tong Yu, no matter how high his official rank or how vast his family wealth, he would have no heir. How could he stand by and watch his only lineage severed just like that?

After much deliberation, Tong Zhiyang clenched his teeth and made up his mind. People are inherently selfish, and besides, he had already done his utmost for his brother-in-law. If anyone was to blame, it was the sudden appearance of the Jiang family's second young mistress that had turned the tables. He couldn't risk his own flesh and blood for the sake of others.

"Fetch me paper and brush!" Tong Zhiyang commanded.

The servant scurried off to retrieve the items. Tong Zhiyang stared at the letter on the floor, his jaw tightening once more.The other party instructed him to write the letter and have it delivered to the He family's backyard. Tong Zhiyang had initially considered sending someone to monitor the letter, hoping to trace it back and uncover the sender's identity. However, since it was being sent to the He family—the maternal home of Lady He—no matter how bold he was, he dared not act under their watchful eyes. He feared even more that the He family might discover the existence of Suqin and her son because of him.

The other party had truly calculated every move, leaving no room for error, making one grit their teeth in frustration...

...

Jiang Li stood at the entrance of the Ye residence.

She was waiting for news of Ye Mingyu's return. Ye Mingyu had gone to retrieve Tong Zhiyang's reply letter. Although Jiang Li could roughly guess the outcome, she still needed Tong Zhiyang's letter to confirm certain details.

The sunlight lazily poured down. Winter was approaching, and the winters in Xiangyang City were warm, unlike the northern Yanjing. Even when it snowed, it wasn't very cold, more like snow-white pear blossoms drifting in the wind.

The gate of the neighboring residence opened. Jiang Li glanced over and saw Ji Heng and his guard, Wen Ji, walking out from inside.

The two of them also noticed Jiang Li. Ji Heng looked at her, smiled, and leisurely walked toward her.

There weren't many passersby at the entrance of the Ye residence, as the area was inhabited by high-ranking officials and nobles. However, Ji Heng's striking appearance immediately drew everyone's attention. Jiang Li even noticed young maidens leaning against the gates of distant residences, frequently stealing glances in Ji Heng's direction.

They didn't know Ji Heng's identity, yet even so, he stood out as the most dazzling presence here.

"Duke," Jiang Li greeted Ji Heng with a bow.

"It's rare to see Second Miss Jiang out enjoying the sun," Ji Heng said with a smile, holding a folding fan.

In the depths of winter, a folding fan was no longer necessary. If anyone else carried one, they might be accused of pretending to be refined. But when he held it, it seemed perfectly fitting, as if the golden silk folding fan was meant to be clasped in the hands of someone as beautiful as him. Of course, Jiang Li was well aware that after witnessing the peony on that golden silk fan block a knife's edge, she knew it was more than just a fan—it was also a deadly weapon, concealed in such a casual manner.

Just like its owner.

Jiang Li smiled and said, "The Duke is also in high spirits."

To others, it might seem as if the two of them were very familiar, like old friends who hadn't seen each other in a long time. But Jiang Li didn't truly believe Ji Heng considered her a friend. Beneath his gentle smile lay the coldest of hearts. As for what he intended to do, Jiang Li didn't understand, nor did she wish to.

"What is Second Miss waiting for?" Ji Heng asked. "Tong Zhiyang's confession?"

Jiang Li looked up at him. Indeed, even the slightest movement on her part couldn't escape Ji Heng's notice.

She openly admitted it: "Nothing escapes your eyes."

"Xiangyang City is, after all, quite small," Ji Heng said modestly. "No secret can remain hidden for long."

"That is true."

Wen Ji stood to the side, watching the two of them—one older, one younger—converse as if no one else were present, unable to conceal his astonishment. Ji Heng appeared gentle and affectionate, but in reality, he was not an easy person to get along with, often displaying arrogance and coldness toward strangers. It was rare for him to speak so much with anyone. Second Miss Jiang had left Qingcheng Mountain less than half a year ago. In that short time, aside from causing a stir in Yanjing City, she had also formed numerous connections with Ji Heng.Wen Ji couldn't discern what was going through his master's mind. If one said Jiang Li would eventually become a sacrificial pawn, Ji Heng had never moved against her from start to finish. If one claimed Ji Heng intended to support Jiang Li, he had never extended a helping hand against the schemes and dangers targeting her either.

He merely watched the drama unfold with amusement from the sidelines—neither inclined to assist nor to add insult to injury.

And Second Miss Jiang was quite a remarkable person herself. Facing the unpredictable Duke Su, she never showed a trace of fear. Forget that she was just a young girl—even someone older wouldn't converse with Ji Heng with such composure.

"Second Miss seems to have already guessed who it is," Ji Heng remarked with a smile, glancing at her.

"I suspect it's the Li family," Jiang Li stated bluntly.

Perhaps surprised that Jiang Li would voice it so directly without any attempt to conceal, Ji Heng looked slightly taken aback and remained silent. The next moment, Jiang Li asked, "Your Lordship has known all along, haven't you?"

She tossed the question right back at him.

She truly wasn't afraid of him in the slightest.

Ji Heng replied, "Why ask me?"

"Because Xiangyang is too small—no secret can escape Your Lordship's notice," Jiang Li answered matter-of-factly. Her smiling eyes curved like crescent moons, appearing innocent and utterly adorable, yet every word carried sharp insight.

Ji Heng laughed as well and asked, "Want to know?"

Jiang Li merely looked at him with a smile. Ji Heng then waved his fan and said, "It cannot be said."

Though he claimed it couldn't be said, he had essentially revealed it. Jiang Li nodded. To this day, she still couldn't see through which side Ji Heng stood on. Leaving aside his relationship with Prince Cheng and the Hongxiao Emperor, even his connections with the Right Prime Minister's family remained shrouded in mystery. He seemed acquainted with the Li family's eldest son, Li Jing, yet when it came to the Li family's affairs and their failed plans, he offered no assistance. If they were allies, he was certainly a most vexing one.

As they spoke, a chestnut steed galloped closer from the distance. The rider didn't pull the reins, merely whistled, and the horse came to an abrupt halt before the gate.

It was Ye Mingyu returning.

Dismounting, Ye Mingyu saw Jiang Li standing with a man of breathtaking beauty. The man was dressed in red robes, excessively handsome yet without a hint of femininity. Though he wore a smile, his narrow phoenix eyes held no warmth. Having lived a life steeped in bloodshed, Ye Mingyu instinctively sensed danger and subconsciously moved to pull Jiang Li behind him, away from this man.

"Uncle Mingyu," Jiang Li called out.

"A Li, who is this...?" Ye Mingyu looked at Ji Heng. When had such a figure arrived in Xiangyang? He had no recollection.

Jiang Li hesitated for a moment before saying, "He's a young master residing in the neighboring residence. We've met a few times."

In the end, she didn't reveal Ji Heng's identity.

Ji Heng smiled and said to Jiang Li, "Your secret has returned, Second Miss. You should hurry back now." His tone carried a meaningful weight.

With Ye Mingyu present, Jiang Li couldn't elaborate further. She nodded to Ji Heng and followed Ye Mingyu into the Ye residence.

After the two had left, Wen Ji asked, "My lord, do you need me to...?"

Ji Heng blocked him with his fan and said, "No need." He glanced at the tightly shut gates of the Ye residence and smiled. "No need to watch to know what she's going to do. Xiangyang is about to be turned upside down."

...

Ye Mingyu and Jiang Li returned to Jiang Li's courtyard.Tong'er and Bai Xue hurriedly poured tea for Ye Mingyu. Seeing there was no one else around, Ye Mingyu immediately asked eagerly, "A Li, who was that man just now? Though you didn't say it outright, I could tell he's no ordinary person, and you two seemed to have some past acquaintance."

Seeing she couldn't hide it from him, Jiang Li replied, "He is the current Duke Su, Ji Heng."

"Duke Su?" Ye Mingyu gasped sharply. He had heard of Duke Su's name before, but to the common folk of Xiangyang like him, Duke Su was simply too distant—almost like a legend. Witnessing a legend in person always felt surreal.

"Why would Duke Su be here?" Ye Mingyu asked.

Jiang Li shook her head and said, "I don't know either. I met him a few times when I accompanied my father to palace banquets and exchanged some words due to my father's connections, so we're somewhat acquainted. Running into him unexpectedly in Xiangyang this time was quite a surprise, so we spoke a bit more. However," she paused before continuing, "please don't tell anyone about this, Uncle Mingyu. Given Duke Su's special status and the unknown purpose of his visit to Xiangyang, it's better to keep this quiet to avoid trouble."

"I understand." Ye Mingyu patted his chest. Though he didn't understand official matters, he knew these high-ranking officials often had private dealings, and one shouldn't get caught up in others' conflicts to become an unwitting scapegoat.

He pulled a letter from his robe and said, "This is the reply we found at He Mansion." Then he turned to praise Jiang Li: "You're truly remarkable, knowing Tong Zhiyang is terrified of his wife and having the reply sent to He Mansion. Tong Zhiyang indeed didn't dare have anyone follow, so obtaining this letter was quite easy. The only question is whether what Tong Zhiyang wrote is true or false."

As she opened the letter, Jiang Li replied, "It's true. Tong Zhiyang wouldn't risk his son's life."

She unfolded the letter and read it carefully. After a moment, she handed it to Ye Mingyu, signaling for him to read it.

While Ye Mingyu examined the letter, Jiang Li fell into deep thought.

Tong Zhiyang appeared extremely concerned about Tong Yu's safety, and the letter revealed considerable information. Regarding the Ye family's Ancient Fragrance Satin affair, even Tong Zhiyang wasn't entirely clear about the specifics. He had only received instructions from his brother-in-law, the Zhong Guanling, insisting that Tong Zhiyang must make the Ye family suffer over the Ancient Fragrance Satin matter. When the Ye family was driven to desperation, Tong Zhiyang would offer them a way out - though they'd have to pay a price, he would become their only lifeline.

It seemed someone was using the Ancient Fragrance Satin incident to force the Ye family into a corner, making a deal with them to turn them into a pawn. But Tong Zhiyang didn't know who was behind it. Though the matter came through his brother-in-law, his brother-in-law was merely a messenger. His brother-in-law had guaranteed that if this succeeded, Tong Zhiyang's official career would advance further.

The Zhong Guanling had also vaguely hinted that behind this entire affair was a powerful force involving an influential noble in Yanjing City, and they were all working for this noble.

What should have been foolproof was disrupted when Jiang Li suddenly appeared. From the moment she arrived in Xiangyang and learned about the Ancient Fragrance Satin matter, she had written to Yanjing requesting people from the Weaving Office Order to come, throwing Tong Zhiyang's entire plan into disarray. He had no choice but to write to his brother-in-law the Zhong Guanling, but the Weaving Office Order representatives arrived too quickly. Before he could receive instructions on how to proceed, the situation had slipped beyond Tong Zhiyang's control. Instead of being driven to desperation, the Ye family had found a way to survive against all odds.

This was all Tong Zhiyang knew - he had no further information. Jiang Li believed Tong Zhiyang hadn't revealed everything and was still withholding some details, such as the massacre at the Great Sealing Pharmacy. But these weren't the most important points. What mattered among what Tong Zhiyang had disclosed was that the powerful noble he mentioned - if she wasn't mistaken - was undoubtedly from Right Prime Minister Li Zhongnan's family.From the initial moment Li Lian set his sights on Ye Shijie, to Li Jing's subsequent conversation with Ji Heng, and now the conspiracy targeting the Ye family—the entire affair has become increasingly murky, seemingly without end.

"A Li," Ye Mingyu said after reading the letter, "I recognize every character in this letter, yet when strung together, I can't comprehend their meaning."

"Uncle Mingyu, to put it simply, a noble in Yanjing City has taken a fancy to the Ye family's fortune and Cousin Ye's official career, deliberately staging a 'inviting the gentleman into the jar' trap. However," she smiled, "the performance flopped."

It's May 20th today! Sending hearts to everyone, mwah mwah mwah mwah!

(End of Chapter)