The Double

Chapter 106 Returning Home

"I want to go to Tongxiang."

Ye Mingyu was taken aback.

But Jiang Li's gaze remained resolute. She had already considered this thoroughly - knowing her father was suffering in prison, she couldn't bear delaying his rescue even for a moment. Now that she was staying with the Ye family, she couldn't just disappear without explanation. She had to inform the Ye family, otherwise Old Madam Ye would worry.

However, coming up with a flawless excuse was nearly impossible. As Second Miss Jiang, this should be her "first time" visiting Xiangyang, let alone Tongxiang. To her, Tongxiang was just an unfamiliar place she'd never even heard of. Without any friends or relatives there, any lie she concocted would be full of holes.

Sure enough, Ye Mingyu immediately asked with surprise, "Why do you want to go to Tongxiang?"

"To be honest with you, uncle, it's a long story. I promised an old friend to fulfill her wish. She has a beloved in Tongxiang, and knowing I was coming to Xiangyang, she asked me to deliver a message. With all that's been happening in the Ye family recently, I forgot about it. Now that things have settled down, I remembered and plan to go find my friend's beloved in Tongxiang."

After saying this, even Jiang Li felt embarrassed. She had never told such a clumsy lie in her life, but she truly couldn't think of any better excuse.

Ye Mingyu stared at Jiang Li for a long moment before finally sighing, "A Li, if you have difficulties you can't talk about, you don't have to force yourself to explain. Why strain yourself to come up with such an excuse? Even I can tell it's made up."

Jiang Li's cheeks flushed red. Though Ye Mingyu was rough around the edges, he wasn't foolish. If he were truly slow-witted, how could he have survived the treacherous martial world? He would have long been tripped up and left unable to get back up.

"A Li, I know sometimes there are things that are hard to tell others, even family. It's alright, I won't force you to explain. I'm different from my elder brothers - we martial artists don't force people to do what they don't want to. You'll tell me when you're ready to talk, and if you can't, there must be a good reason. Though I don't know why you want to go to Tongxiang, I believe you're a sensible girl who won't act recklessly."

Ye Mingyu paused, then continued, "But the excuse you just gave would never work with my elder brothers. Especially my second brother - he's just as sharp as you. If even I don't believe it, how could you possibly fool him?"

Ye Mingyu wasn't wrong. Ye Minghui and Ye Mingxuan, perhaps because they were businessmen, weren't easily deceived.

Jiang Li sighed inwardly.

She truly disliked deceiving others, but some things simply couldn't be spoken.

Seeing Jiang Li's troubled expression, Ye Mingyu suddenly thumped his chest and said, "Don't worry, I'm your uncle. Of course I won't stand by and do nothing. Leave this to me - I'll find a way to convince Mother and my brothers about your trip to Tongxiang. You just come with me!"

"Go with you?" Jiang Li was surprised.

"Of course! How could we let a young girl like you go alone to an unfamiliar place? Even if you're brave, our family wouldn't rest easy! Either choose one of my brothers or me to accompany you!"Jiang Li: "..." If she really had to choose, she truly could only go with Ye Mingyu. Ye Mingxuan and Ye Minghui were too shrewd—they would inevitably suspect the truth. Ye Mingyu, with his straightforward and hearty nature, was the type who didn’t pry into others’ affairs. Moreover… there was no telling what dangers they might encounter on this journey. Having Ye Mingyu by her side would surely be better than going alone.

She said, "Then thank you, Uncle Mingyu."

Ye Mingyu was so delighted his eyebrows seemed to fly upward. "Hey, don’t worry! A Li, ever since you came to Xiangyang, our family has been facing troubles, and you’ve been the one helping us. I’m a grown man, yet I’ve had to rely on a young girl—my brothers would laugh at me if they found out. If you need my help, your Uncle Mingyu will naturally do everything he can."

Jiang Li hesitated for a moment before saying, "I know this request is a bit unusual, but Uncle Mingyu, if possible, I’d like us to leave as soon as we can. Arriving in Tongxiang even a moment earlier would be better."

She couldn’t wait any longer.

A flicker of confusion crossed Ye Mingyu’s face, but he quickly scratched his head and said, "Alright, you’ve never asked for anything before. This small request… your uncle will make it happen!" He sprang to his feet and tossed out, "Go pack your things and wait for me," before heading out the door.

Jiang Li hadn’t expected Ye Mingyu to act so decisively, but it was a good thing for her. She stood up and instructed Tong’er and Bai Xue outside the door, "Let’s pack our belongings."

Jiang Li hadn’t brought much luggage with her when she first arrived at the Ye family. Since the Ye household lacked nothing, packing was done quickly.

After Tong’er and Bai Xue finished packing, both were a bit puzzled. Tong’er asked, "Miss, are we really going to Tongxiang? Is Tongxiang fun?"

Having been with Jiang Li for so many years, this was the first time Tong’er had heard of a place called Tongxiang. Unaware of Jiang Li’s purpose for going, she assumed it was for leisure and that Jiang Li and Ye Mingyu were heading there for fun.

Jiang Li smiled and said, "How should I put it? It’s somewhat interesting, but we’re not going for fun."

"Not for fun?" Bai Xue exclaimed in surprise. Just as she was about to ask more, they saw Afu, who served by Ye Mingxuan’s side, outside saying, "Young Miss, the Old Madam and the masters request your presence in the main hall."

Jiang Li smiled. Ye Mingyu had acted even faster than she had anticipated. She immediately said to Tong’er and Bai Xue, "Grab the bundles, let’s go."

Tong’er and Bai Xue hurriedly followed. When they reached the outside of the Ye family’s main hall, they could see from a distance Ye Mingyu arguing with Ye Mingxuan and Ye Minghui, occasionally being scolded by Old Madam Ye, who was seated on the couch. Spotting Jiang Li’s arrival, Ye Mingyu’s eyes lit up, and he quickly said, "A Li? You’re here! Perfect timing—come quickly and tell Mother that you’re willing to go to Tongxiang with me, right?"

Seeing Ye Mingyu’s meaningful look, Jiang Li understood immediately and said with a smile, "Yes, I’m very willing to go to Tongxiang with Uncle Mingyu."

"Sweetheart," Old Madam Ye seemed anxious, "why are you following his foolishness? Your third uncle is a reckless man, always gallivanting around. Who knows what he’s going to Tongxiang for? And taking you along—I don’t want you to suffer or be wronged."In just a few words, Jiang Li immediately understood what Ye Mingyu's idea was. Ye Mingyu probably genuinely felt that Jiang Li's clumsy lie was inadequate, so he simply fabricated one himself. He claimed he had business to attend to in Tongxiang and needed Jiang Li's help, thus proposing to take her along. Since Ye Mingyu didn't engage in serious work within the Ye family, no one would question him in detail about his plans. Even if they did, he could easily come up with a slew of excuses—no lie from his mouth would be surprising. But then, any criticism would be directed at Ye Mingyu, and no one would fault Jiang Li.

Because Jiang Li was "taken" by Ye Mingyu.

Realizing this, Jiang Li cast a grateful glance at Ye Mingyu. He had considered every angle, protecting her, and she felt deeply thankful.

Perhaps spurred by Jiang Li's appreciative look, Ye Mingyu immediately retorted loudly, "Mother, that's not fair! I'm A Li's uncle—would I ever harm her? Of course not! And with me by her side, who would dare bully A Li?"

"Having you by her side is what worries us more," Ye Mingxuan said irritably. "Seriously, what could you possibly need A Li's help with? She's just a young girl, and you're a grown man—aren't you ashamed to rely on a child?"

"Don't you go sowing discord here, Second Brother," Ye Mingyu retorted defiantly. "What's wrong with her being a girl? Just look at the Ancient Fragrance Satin incident—wasn't it A Li who resolved the trouble? A young girl? Hah! A Li isn't an ordinary girl; she's highly capable. I'm thrilled to have her help—why should I be ashamed?"

Ye Mingxuan was stunned by Ye Mingyu's shamelessness and fell speechless. Ye Minghui said sternly, "Nonsense! Whatever you do, keep your recklessness to yourself and don't drag A Li into it! Unless you can explain exactly what you're going to do?"

Ye Jia'er and Ye Rufeng glanced back and forth between them. Though Ye Mingyu's words were excessive, the younger generation of the Ye family usually enjoyed his company and couldn't bring themselves to kick him while he was down.

"Uncle Minghui, Uncle Mingxuan," Jiang Li spoke up, "I have indeed discussed this with Uncle Mingyu. As for what we're doing, let's not press him for details. I don't mind. Since coming to Xiangyang, I've wanted to explore more and see new places. I've never been to Tongxiang, so this is a chance to learn from Uncle Mingyu. Besides, we're family—there's no need to talk about helping or not. I'm not afraid of trouble. In the future, if I run into any difficulties, I might need to rely on Uncle Mingyu or all of you."

Ye Mingyu watched Jiang Li with admiration, thinking how different those educated in wealthy households were—even when twisting logic, they could sound so reasonable and refined. Look at the two toughest opponents, the eldest and second brother—weren't they rendered speechless now?

Guan Shi couldn't help but say, "But we're worried about you..."

Ye Mingyu rolled his eyes. So they were worried about Jiang Li, but not him? Was he picked up off the street by Old Madam Ye? Was he not a real member of the Ye family?"Don't worry about me," Jiang Li smiled gently. "I swear to Grandmother, uncles, and aunts that Uncle Mingyu isn't going off to fool around—he's going to do proper business. And there won't be any danger."

Her expression was tender, her words sincere, making it easy for people to unconsciously believe what she said. If Ye Mingyu had said the same thing, likely no one would have believed him.

Old Madam Ye sighed and was the first to speak. "Since A Li has made up her mind, then go ahead." She looked at Jiang Li affectionately and said, "Don't blame your uncles and aunts for speaking too much—they're just worried that a young girl like you might not be able to handle it."

Jiang Li took Old Madam Ye's hand and smiled. "I understand, Grandmother. I've grown up now and can protect myself."

Upon hearing this, Old Madam Ye felt a sudden daze, as if she were seeing the young and beautiful Ye Zhenzhen again. Back when Ye Zhenzhen was about to marry Jiang Yuanbai, Old Master Ye had worried she would suffer after marrying into the Jiang family. Ye Zhenzhen had pouted and said in a coquettish tone, "Zhenzhen has grown up and can protect herself."

In the end, she hadn't been able to protect herself.

Old Madam Ye's heart ached, and she nearly shed tears. Patting Jiang Li's hand, she said, "In that case, you should go quickly and return soon." She called a maid over to support her as she walked toward the inner room.

Jiang Li fell silent.

She could sense that Old Madam Ye must have been thinking of the past. In fact, the entire Ye family seemed to feel it. Ye Mingyu broke the somber atmosphere by exclaiming, "So it's settled, right? Since everyone agrees, we won't linger any longer. We're pressed for time! A Li, let's go. Listen to Mother—go quickly and return soon!"

Ye Minghui shot him a glare and said, "Take good care of A Li!"

...

And so, the plan to leave Xiangyang for Tongxiang was easily realized.

Sitting in the carriage, Jiang Li felt somewhat unreal inside.

Her return to Xiangyang from Yanjing City had ultimately been for the purpose of finding news about her father and making a trip back to Tongxiang in person. At best, she had hoped to offer incense at her father's grave; she had never imagined she might see him again. The thought stirred a hidden excitement within her that she could hardly contain.

The journey from Xiangyang to Tongxiang would take about a day. They set out in the afternoon, planning to rest at an inn by the roadside that night and arrive the following afternoon. The traveling party wasn't large. Jiang Li was unwilling to bring guards from the Jiang family, as their loyalty to her was uncertain. Although they would ensure her safety, their presence would inevitably restrict her actions. Thus, Ye Minghui selected a few of the most skilled guards from the Ye family to accompany them, along with Jiang Li's maid and Ye Mingyu's servant, A Shun.

When night fell, they rested at a roadside inn.

Although the Ye family's movements were discreet, they didn't escape the notice of their neighbor next door.

In the courtyard, Ji Heng was watering flowers in front of the flower bed.

Holding a slender-necked brass watering can lightly in his hand, he stood in the night, tilting it gently. The sparkling water droplets inside fell like transparent gems or beaded curtains, sprinkling one by one onto the petals, rolling down the stems, and disappearing into the soil.

The flowers in the bed were a vibrant mix of colors, though their variety was unknown. It was rare for him to indulge in such leisurely elegance.

Only a faint fragrance lingered in the air.Lu Ji stood behind Ji Heng, his blue robe fluttering slightly in the wind. The black-clad guard reported in an even tone, "Third Master Ye has departed for Tongxiang with Second Miss Jiang."

He said "Third Master Ye with Second Miss Jiang," not "Second Miss Jiang with Third Master Ye"—meaning Jiang Li, not Ye Mingyu, was the one leading this journey to Tongxiang.

Ji Heng gave a noncommittal "Hmm."

He continued watering the flowers with meticulous care, as if this were the only thing in the world worthy of such undivided attention, not a moment of distraction permitted.

The winter blossoms bloomed with unnatural vibrancy, creating a dissonant, haunting beauty. He took nearly half an hour to water each plant individually. When he finished, he extended his hand, and a servant took the bronze watering can from him. Ji Heng drew a silk handkerchief from his sleeve and meticulously wiped his fingers.

Turning to Wen Ji, he asked, "They left overnight?"

Wen Ji replied, "Yes."

Ji Heng chuckled softly. "Too impatient to wait even a moment."

Lu Ji, standing in the shadows, couldn't resist asking, "Sir, Jiang Li's trip to Tongxiang must be related to what was planned at Cherish Flower House with Qiong Zhi, right?"

Ever since meeting Qiong Zhi at Cherish Flower House, Jiang Li had been distraught, then promptly left for Tongxiang with Ye Mingyu. The connection seemed undeniable.

"She came to Xiangyang precisely for this journey to Tongxiang," Ji Heng said with a faint smile. "Evading the Jiang family, concealing it from the Ye family—her ultimate goal will soon come to light. Let's wait and see."

Lu Ji shook his head. "But this Second Miss Jiang's methods are truly unfathomable. Even if we know what she's doing, we may not understand why."

Just then, a handsome young servant approached and bowed respectfully. "Sir, the carriage is ready."

Lu Ji looked at Ji Heng in surprise. "Are you leaving, sir?"

Ji Heng glanced at the blooming flowers in the garden and smiled. "Yes."

"Where to?"

"Tongxiang."

"Tongxiang?" Lu Ji was even more confused. "To observe Jiang Li?"

"No," Ji Heng said softly. "To watch a play."

...

Early the next morning, the Ye family carriage set out at dawn.

Ye Mingyu seemed to understand Jiang Li's urgency, pushing the pace relentlessly. Tong'er and Bai Xue found it strange, asking Jiang Li if Ye Mingyu had some urgent business of his own to attend to so urgently.

Jiang Li knew Ye Mingyu was doing this for her sake and felt deeply grateful. Regardless, he was helping her with all his heart. She hoped the Ye family would grow stronger and become her steadfast support, but she didn't want to drag them into unnecessary conflicts.

There was no doubt that Xue Huaiyuan's imprisonment was Yongning's doing. The fact that Tongxiang's residents now avoided mentioning Xue Huaiyuan's case suggested others were involved too. If she barged in recklessly, she'd be breaking their rules—they might superficially respect her as the Grand Secretary's daughter on Yongning's orders, but in reality, they wouldn't take her seriously.

Once old accounts were reopened and clues followed, it would inevitably lead back to Yongning. Yongning would eventually learn Jiang Li was investigating Xue Huaiyuan's case. Having dealt with Yongning before, Jiang Li knew her nature—she wouldn't hesitate to use any vile, ruthless means to achieve her goals, regardless of Jiang Li being Jiang Yuanbai's daughter.This journey to Tongxiang was fraught with difficulties. In a way, she was entirely alone, forced to fight her battles single-handedly.

But she would never retreat, not ever.

Thanks to Ye Mingyu's hurried pace, they arrived at Tongxiang just past noon.

Despite the winter chill, Ye Mingyu was drenched in sweat. Wiping his forehead with a handkerchief, he asked Jiang Li to lift the curtain and said, "A Li, look, that's Tongxiang ahead."

Tong'er and Bai Xue peered out. When they saw the scene before them, Tong'er couldn't help remarking, "So this is Tongxiang. It's not as bustling as Xiangyang."

In the distance lay Tongxiang's main street—narrower than Xiangyang's, let alone Yanjing City. Shops of all kinds lined both sides, with numerous vendors setting up stalls along the roadside, selling trinkets like candied hawthorns.

Hearing Tong'er's comment, Ye Mingyu said, "It's much better now! Tongxiang used to be the poorest county in Xiangyang. Families here would share a single pair of shoes among siblings. There were no proper shops—peddlers came only once a month, and that counted as trade. Later, a magistrate arrived, a capable and honest official. He stayed for over a decade, and Tongxiang gradually prospered. Though it still can't compare to Xiangyang, if you'd seen the old Tongxiang, you'd be amazed."

Jiang Li froze, caught off guard by the mention of Xue Huaiyuan from Ye Mingyu's lips. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry, a strange emotion welling up in her throat, forcing her to lower her head to hide her reddening eyes.

After composing herself, Jiang Li asked softly, "What happened to that magistrate?"

"What happened?" Ye Mingyu scratched his head. "What do you mean? I've never met him, only heard about him from others. Besides, it's been years since I last visited Tongxiang, and I'm rarely in Xiangyang. I don't know these things! But I suppose, since he was such a good official, he must have been promoted by now, maybe even became a high-ranking official!"

A bitter smile tugged at Jiang Li's lips.

The truth was quite the opposite. Far from achieving greatness, Xue Huaiyuan had ended up imprisoned—a truly absurd twist of fate.

"Let's go," Ye Mingyu urged the carriage team forward.

Unlike Yanjing City or Xiangyang, Tongxiang had no guards at its gates. Perhaps because few people came and went, the stone statues at the entrance were even coated with a layer of dust. Instead of guards, there were occasional herb gatherers with baskets on their backs, likely returning from the mountains, who passed by the gate. They cast curious glances at Ye Mingyu's group, probably because they seemed unfamiliar.

Tongxiang was small, and most locals knew each other—if not by name, then by face. Upon entering, Tong'er and Bai Xue found it less lively than Xiangyang or Yanjing, but the folkways were simple and honest, giving off a unique, rustic charm.

Ye Mingyu walked up to the carriage and asked Jiang Li, "A Li, where would you like to go?" He handed the decision-making power to her, clearly intending to let her proceed with her own plans.

After a moment's thought, Jiang Li said, "With so many of us, it's inconvenient to move around. Let's find a place to settle first.""Alright, we'll stay at an inn..." Ye Mingyu hadn't finished speaking when Jiang Li interrupted him: "Staying at an inn isn't convenient here. It would be better to find a guesthouse to rent for a while."

Ye Mingyu frowned: "Rent? A Li, are you planning to stay here for a long time?"

"I don't know either," Jiang Li's tone carried a hint of melancholy. "Let's take it as it comes." The matter regarding Xue Huaiyuan certainly couldn't be resolved in just a few days. How long it would drag on was impossible to determine right now. Since she couldn't give up, she had to be prepared to stay here for a long time.

Hearing this, Ye Mingyu said: "In that case, let's rent then."

Jiang Li said: "I've heard there's a place called Blue Stone Alley in Tongxiang where the guesthouses are quite good. Let's head there."

"No problem." Ye Mingyu instructed one of the carriage drivers: "Find someone and ask which direction Blue Stone Alley is in. We'll head there now."

Jiang Li returned to her seat inside the carriage.

Tong'er and Bai Xue curiously peered outside the carriage. Tongxiang was a small county where Jiang Li didn't need to conceal her identity anymore—aside from Ye Mingyu's party, there was virtually no one who could recognize her. Without needing to wear a veil, she didn't stop Tong'er and Bai Xue from their observations.

Bai Xue was relatively calm, having come from a farming family, but Tong'er was visiting such a rural area for the first time. Initially, she thought it couldn't compare to the bustle of Yanjing, but after watching the street vendors selling sugar figures and performers doing tricks for a while, she became captivated and began to find Tongxiang interesting.

The carriage rumbled along toward Blue Stone Alley.

This was the path Jiang Li knew best—the road to the Xue residence, where she and her father Xue Zhao had once lived. She had walked this route from Tongxiang's city gate to Blue Stone Alley countless times. Later, she had left Blue Stone Alley, but that departure had been permanent—she never returned. And when she finally came back, she was Jiang Li, no longer Ali.

Jiang Li grew unusually silent.

The cheerful Tong'er and Bai Xue noticed Jiang Li's unusual demeanor and gradually quieted down. They wanted to ask what was wrong, but seeing Jiang Li seemingly lost in her own emotions, they swallowed their questions and sat carefully beside her, worrying on her behalf.

After what felt like a long time, the carriage came to a stop.

Ye Mingyu's voice sounded from outside the carriage: "A Li, we're here!"

Tong'er and Bai Xue jumped down first, lifted the carriage curtain, and reached out to help Jiang Li descend.

For a moment, Jiang Li felt her hands trembling, along with her heart. She took a deep breath, placed her hand in Tong'er's, and stepped down from the carriage.

Even the air felt familiar.

The golden flowers by the gate emitted their familiar fragrance, the blue stone slabs at the alley's entrance still bore small pits from rainwater dripping off the eaves, and in the distance came the sounds of children playing and laughing. Some curious but timid onlookers peered at them from behind stone lions.

A smile tugged at Jiang Li's lips, but to Ye Mingyu's eyes, it seemed inexplicably sorrowful.

Everything was familiar, everything remained exactly as she remembered—nothing had changed except herself.

"Let's walk ahead," Jiang Li said. Though she was speaking to Ye Mingyu, she didn't wait for his response before starting forward herself.

Soon, very soon, they would reach the Xue residence. She didn't know what it looked like now—she hadn't dared to imagine. She thought she would feel apprehensive returning home, but in this moment, she realized she couldn't afford any hesitation, moving forward purely on instinct.

She was going home.

Ye Mingyu and the others quickly followed.

Suddenly, Jiang Li's footsteps halted.

About five or six steps ahead stood the gate of a residence. The compound didn't appear large—compared to the Jiang or Ye family homes, it could even be considered modest. Some of the blue stone tiles on the eaves had fallen off, whether from weathering or disrepair, leaving bare patches and a broken tree branch.

Despite the sunlight, the place gave an unwarranted impression of destitution and desolation—as if the family had been broken and scattered.Ye Mingyu and his companions, who had followed closely behind, were puzzled to see Jiang Li standing motionless in front of the mansion. Ye Mingyu whispered, "A Li?"

"Hmm." Jiang Li curled her lips into a smile, but tears instantly streamed down her face.

The Xue family's gate was sealed with an official notice—the Xue family no longer existed in this world.

(End of Chapter)