The Double

Chapter 109: Rescue

"Magistrate Feng, you should know whether you're an immortal or a petty ghost."

As Jiang Li's words fell, Feng Yutang's expression turned extremely unpleasant. He naturally understood her implication - Jiang Li was the daughter of the Grand Secretary, while his master was Princess Yongning. If Jiang Li and Yongning were to confront each other, both had powerful families as their backing, while he was merely a minor county magistrate, an unchangeable fact. No matter what, if he were to be sacrificed, it would be nothing more than an insignificant matter.

Feng Yutang found the situation quite tricky. Jiang Li's sudden arrival had given him no time to prepare. Yet after just a few exchanges, it was clear this Jiang Li wasn't someone easily dismissed. She was very assertive and possessed a cunning that didn't match a girl of fifteen or sixteen.

She even made people feel somewhat afraid.

"Second Miss Jiang, this humble official," Feng Yutang said with an apologetic smile, "this humble official is only following orders. Please don't make things difficult."

"Following orders?" Jiang Li laughed. "Magistrate Feng, you reign supreme in Tongxiang with no one daring to disobey your commands. The case of Magistrate Xue was also decided by your hand. You're the law in Tongxiang - whose orders are you following? Why not tell me? Perhaps I'm acquainted with them in Yanjing City."

Cold sweat dripped from Feng Yutang's forehead. He certainly couldn't reveal Princess Yongning's name. He smiled bitterly, "This humble official is merely handling matters according to procedure, Second Miss Jiang. I don't understand what you truly want. You wished to inquire about the Xue family, and I've told you everything truthfully. What more do you want now?"

Feng Yutang was originally a local ruffian, and now he was putting on a shameless face, knowing no one could do anything to him. Indeed, there were many people here, and Jiang Li had no manpower - she couldn't possibly storm the prison directly. Even if she did, it would implicate both the Ye and Jiang families. Feng Yutang was making it clear: I acknowledge your status, I respect you, but I must follow orders. What can you do to me?

Ye Mingyu frowned. This was the first time he had seen such a shameless county magistrate. Wasn't he afraid of Jiang Yuanbai's future retaliation?

Only Jiang Li understood why Feng Yutang dared to act so shamelessly - he was relying on Princess Yongning's backing behind the scenes, needing only to complete the tasks she assigned.

Although she had come hoping to see her father in prison, Jiang Li had guessed even before coming to the county office that it wouldn't be so smooth. No matter - at least she had met this newly appointed Feng Yutang. Having dealt with him before, she knew what kind of person he was. Knowing yourself and your enemy ensures victory in every battle - this wasn't a complete loss.

Feng Yutang looked at Jiang Li with composure, feeling confident again that she couldn't do anything to him. She wouldn't have someone arrest a county magistrate, would she? If the Grand Secretary's daughter acted so recklessly, the imperial censors would surely use it to impeach Jiang Yuanbai.

"I don't want anything," Jiang Li smiled gently at him. "I said I came only to ask why the Xue family was sealed. Regarding the case files, they can be reviewed with an official transfer order. Tongxiang belongs to Xiangyang, and I've already filed a petition with Xiangyang - I'm permitted to review the Xue family case files." Jiang Li drew a transfer order from her sleeve, signaling Tong'er to present it, while smiling, "Magistrate Feng, the transfer order is here. May I now review the Xue family case files?"

Feng Yutang was stunned.This county deputy position was a reward from Princess Yongning. Being able to become an official, even just a minor official in Tongxiang County, made Feng Yutang as delighted as if he had stumbled upon a tremendous bargain. After all, holding such a position offered ample opportunities for embezzlement. As county deputy, he would never be as foolish as Xue Huaiyuan, who genuinely served the people. Moreover, since he had been appointed by Yongning, he had never undergone any official evaluations and was completely ignorant of administrative procedures. Matters like transfer orders were entirely beyond his understanding. When he instinctively accepted the transfer order handed to him by Tong'er and saw the official seal of the Xiangyang Prefect on it, he hesitated for a moment before nodding and ordering his subordinates to retrieve the case files and hand them over to Jiang Li.

Ye Mingyu couldn't recall when Jiang Li had gone to Tong Zhiyang to request such a document. Besides, given the strained relations between Tong Zhiyang and the Ye family, why would he so easily grant Jiang Li a transfer order?

A faint smile played on Jiang Li's lips. This so-called transfer order was not actually issued by Tong Zhiyang himself. Instead, she had used Tang Fan's influence, leveraging the Weaving Office Order from Yanjing to investigate the case and obtain Feng Yutang's seal. Tang Fan, hoping to secure Jiang Yuanbai's connections in Yanjing, was naturally willing to assist. Jiang Li, well-versed in the flaws of the Northern Yan official system, seized this loophole to achieve her goal of accessing the case files related to the Xue family.

Since Qiong Zhi had discovered that Xue Huaiyuan was imprisoned, Jiang Li was determined to examine his case files and identify any discrepancies. To prepare in advance, she had fabricated this transfer order. However, upon meeting Feng Yutang in person, she realized she need not have gone to such lengths. Feng Yutang was nothing more than a corrupt official who understood nothing beyond indulging in pleasure. As long as she provided a plausible excuse, he would believe her without question.

Tong'er took the delivered case files and handed them to Jiang Li.

Jiang Li glanced at the files, confirming their authenticity, then smiled at Feng Yutang and said, "Thank you, Lord Feng. I have no further business."

Feng Yutang, who had already found dealing with Jiang Li somewhat vexing, was eager for her to leave. He wanted to send a message via carrier pigeon to Princess Yongning as soon as possible to seek guidance on what to do next. This Second Miss Jiang was clearly intent on reinvestigating Xue Huaiyuan's case. Though he couldn't fathom how Xue Huaiyuan was connected to the Grand Secretary's daughter, Feng Yutang had no desire for any mishaps at this critical juncture. If he angered Princess Yongning, the consequences would be dire.

"Very well, very well," Feng Yutang replied with a squinting smile, adding, "Is Second Miss Jiang planning to depart…"

"I'm not leaving," Jiang Li interjected. "I intend to stay in Tongxiang for a while."

"St-stay for a while?"

"Indeed," Jiang Li said, eyeing him. "Lord Feng, you seem rather displeased?"

"No… no…" Feng Yutang forced a laugh. "How could I be? Has Second Miss Jiang arranged for accommodation? If not, I can make the arrangements on your behalf."

"That won't be necessary. We have quite a few people with us, and I wouldn't want to disturb Lord Feng's official duties," Jiang Li replied with a faint, mocking smile. "I assume Lord Feng is quite busy. There's no need to see us off—we'll take our leave now."

Feng Yutang had no choice but to offer an ingratiating smile. This Jiang family young lady seemed to possess eyes that could see right through him. How did she know he was in a hurry to contact Princess Yongning?

"Then… I won't see you out," Feng Yutang said.Jiang Li shot him a glance, exchanged a few words with Ye Mingyu, and Ye Mingyu sheathed the saber at his waist. Leading Jiang Li, he swaggered past Feng Yutang and strode away.

Watching the retreating figures of Jiang Li and her companions, Feng Yutang felt an inexplicable unease. After sitting for a moment, he suddenly snapped back to reality, kicked his attendant, and said, "Quick! Fetch me paper, brush, and ink!"

...

Jiang Li and Ye Mingyu stepped out of the county office gates.

As they reached the entrance, an elderly woman, hunched over and carrying a night-soil bucket, passed in front of Jiang Li. She lifted her eyelids to scrutinize them briefly, then quickly lowered her gaze and hobbled away without looking back.

Jiang Li felt a stir in her heart, but Ye Mingyu spoke first, "What's the deal with that new county magistrate? I've never seen such a magistrate in my damn life! Is this what a magistrate should be? How can someone like that even hold the position?"

He was still seething over Feng Yutang's disrespectful gaze toward Jiang Li.

"It's alright, Uncle Mingyu. Someone like him won't last long as county magistrate," Jiang Li reassured him, though her own mood remained heavy.

Feng Yutang had actually said Xue Huaiyuan would be executed in seven days? So soon! They were determined to eliminate even a father who had lost his sanity. Jiang Li clenched her fists in hatred.

Seven days—she didn't have much time. Within these seven days, she must overturn Xue Huaiyuan's case and stop the execution at the Meridian Gate. But now, apart from a tampered case file, she had nothing. Her father had gone mad; if what they said was true, he couldn't defend himself. To clear his name, she could only rely on herself.

The people of Tongxiang were cowed by Feng Yutang's tyranny and dared not speak out. Her father's former subordinates had all been replaced, their fates unknown. She had returned to Tongxiang only to face the most unfamiliar environment. No matter how she looked at it, the odds were against her.

But she had to press on.

Ye Mingyu asked, "A Li, what do we do now?"

"Let's head back first," Jiang Li said. "Give me some time to think."

She hadn't yet figured out her next move, but time wouldn't wait. She had to make a decision quickly. One thing was certain: no matter what, she wouldn't stand by and watch Xue Huaiyuan be executed. Even if it meant storming the execution grounds, she would save her father's life.

As she pondered, a young child of about five or six timidly tugged at the hem of her robe from a distance. Jiang Li looked down to see the child slip a note into her palm before turning and running off.

Ye Mingyu asked curiously, "What happened?"

Jiang Li unfolded the note, read it quickly, then tore it to shreds. She glanced toward the upper floor of a nearby tavern and caught sight of a vibrant splash of red unfurling in the wind, particularly eye-catching.

Jiang Li said to Ye Mingyu, "Uncle Mingyu, you all go back first. I have something to attend to and will return soon."

"What are you going to do?" Ye Mingyu refused. "It's too dangerous for you to go alone. I'll come with you."

"It's not dangerous," Jiang Li insisted. "Uncle Mingyu, you go back first. I know the way and will return with Tong'er and the others later."

Seeing Jiang Li's resolute expression, Ye Mingyu sighed in frustration. "Fine, I won't go back. I'll wait right here. You were looking at that tavern next door, weren't you? Are you meeting someone? Don't worry, I won't follow you in. I'll wait outside for you."Since things had come to this point, Jiang Li had no choice but to relent. Besides, Ye Mingyu was waiting outside, and Ji Heng probably wouldn’t mind. She said, "Alright, Uncle, please wait here for a moment. I’ll be back soon."

Sure enough, Ye Mingyu was squatting by the street with his men, waiting for Jiang Li. As Jiang Li walked toward the tavern with Tong’er and Bai Xue, her mind was filled with doubts.

Why had Ji Heng come as well? At this point, even a ghost wouldn’t believe he wasn’t following her.

When soldiers approach, deploy generals to block them; when water rises, use earth to hold it back. She could only take one step at a time.

She entered the tavern.

The entire tavern was also empty. The previous tavern owner had at least left a waiter to tend the shop, but this place didn’t even have a waiter. The guard named Wen Ji stood at the entrance, watching Jiang Li enter.

It seemed this tavern had been temporarily "taken over" by the Duke. He certainly knew how to put on airs—when he was in the tavern, he had to drive everyone else out. How domineering.

Jiang Li went upstairs.

On the second floor, near the window, a young man in red was pouring tea. His movements were skilled and fluid, not the least bit clumsy. Just watching him was a pleasure.

He poured two cups of tea.

As Jiang Li approached him, Ji Heng pushed the freshly poured cup of tea toward her and made a "please" gesture.

Jiang Li sat down across from him but did not touch the tea.

"White Tip Silver Needle, Second Miss Jiang, please try it," he said with a smile, as if they were old friends catching up.

"Thank you, Your Lordship, but I’m not thirsty," Jiang Li replied.

"Could it be that the Second Miss is afraid I’ve poisoned it?" Ji Heng asked with a laugh.

Jiang Li smiled in return. "How could that be? If the Duke truly wanted my life, it would only take an instant. There’s no need to go to such lengths and waste good tea."

Ji Heng chuckled. "You seem to understand me well."

"I wouldn’t dare," Jiang Li said.

Ji Heng’s mind was too deep, too unpredictable. Who would dare claim to understand him? The phrase "capricious" wasn’t just an empty saying. Moreover, not long ago, while immersed in a play, he had effortlessly thwarted an assassination attempt and dealt with a group of assassins without batting an eye. Jiang Li had witnessed his ruthlessness firsthand—how could she let her guard down around such a person?

But Ji Heng had still noticed her, which was why he had followed her to Tongxiang.

Jiang Li had no desire to beat around the bush with Ji Heng. Time was scarce for her now—every moment wasted diminished Xue Huaiyuan’s chance of survival. She said, "Has the Duke come to Tongxiang to watch a play as well?"

"No," Ji Heng said softly. "I came to see you."

His eyes sparkled, his lips were red, and his affectionate demeanor made him seem like a charming gentleman. But Jiang Li would never believe such nonsense. She smiled and said, "So you came to watch my play."

"I can’t help it. Second Miss Jiang is simply too unique—it’s hard not to notice you," Ji Heng remarked casually, holding his teacup and gently blowing on the leaves floating on the surface. "The Second Miss’s trip to Xiangyang was for the sake of this visit to Tongxiang, wasn’t it? And the purpose of this visit to Tongxiang is the Xue family case, correct?"

Jiang Li paused, looked up at him, and smiled. "Since the Duke already knows everything, why bother asking me?" In such a short time, Ji Heng had found out again. But there was nothing she could do to prevent it.

"I don’t understand, which is why I’m asking the Second Miss," Ji Heng said, a smirk playing on his lips. "What exactly is the relationship between the Second Miss and the Xue family?"His amber eyes were suddenly filled with genuine confusion, as if truly awaiting Jiang Li's answer, appearing like a wicked youth with malicious innocence.

"Young Duke's powers are vast. If you truly wish to know, you'll find out without me having to say anything," Jiang Li said.

"It seems the Second Young Lady is unwilling to speak."

"Haven't you already guessed, Young Duke?"

Neither yielded to the other. Both wore smiling faces and spoke in gentle tones, yet sparks seemed to fly between them like blades drawing blood. Bai Xue and Tong'er stood to the side, not daring to breathe, extremely tense.

Ji Heng unhurriedly took a sip of tea and said, "The Second Young Lady has always been invincible, but this time, matters aren't so simple."

"The things I do have never been simple," Jiang Li smiled.

"Trying to save Xue Huaiyuan is nothing but a fool's dream," he said.

Jiang Li's fingertips rested on the rim of her teacup as if casually remarking, "As long as you don't interfere, it won't be a fool's dream."

"Oh?" Ji Heng laughed. "Are you begging me?"

"If begging would work," Jiang Li looked at him, "I sincerely beg you."

Ji Heng studied her for a moment before saying, "I originally thought the Second Young Lady would never bow to anyone."

Jiang Li smiled: "Then you've misjudged me. My bones are quite light."

Ji Heng choked on his words.

But Jiang Li seemed determined to seek an answer, asking, "I wonder if you can grant my request."

Instead of answering, Ji Heng asked, "The Second Young Lady might not know what kind of people you'll encounter if you interfere with the Xue family's case."

"I know," Jiang Li gently interrupted him.

Ji Heng was slightly taken aback, looking at Jiang Li with scrutiny. At least from an outsider's perspective, Jiang Li and the Xue family had no connection whatsoever. Probably even Jiang Yuanbai himself didn't know that Jiang Li had done such things in Tongxiang. And regarding the hidden circumstances behind Xue Huaiyuan's case, very few people in all of Northern Yan knew about them. Jiang Li had no relation to the Xue family, nor to that person—could she really know?

Ji Heng suddenly recalled that during the previous Mingyi Hall examination, Jiang Li had used Meng Hongjin's hand to take a covert shot at Princess Yongning, seeming to hold quite a grudge against the princess. Given this, when she said she knew, it was probably true.

A flicker of interest suddenly appeared in Ji Heng's eyes.

He could find no connection between Jiang Li and Yongning, nor between Jiang Li and Xue Huaiyuan—he couldn't even find any association between Jiang Li and any of them. In fact, due to Jiang Li's straightforward background, her past was easily investigated. Yet everything she did seemed targeted at Yongning and the Xue family.

This was truly strange.

"Knowing this yet still acting—why would you do this, Second Young Lady?" Ji Heng smiled faintly. "It's not worth bringing great trouble upon yourself for unrelated people. Or," he said meaningfully, "are they not unrelated?"

"There's no need to test me," Jiang Li said. "If you want to know something, you'll find out without asking me. My performance might not be spectacular, but if you wish to watch the show, I must do my utmost to perform well."

"I fear disaster may strike before the play concludes."

Jiang Li laughed lightly: "The Young Duke's kind reminder—surely you're not worried about me?"Wen Ji watched from the side, marveling inwardly. There were hardly any women in this world who could resist the allure of the lord. Even those who felt no love for him would occasionally become infatuated, especially young girls who were more easily ensnared by his traps. Yet Second Miss Jiang had always remained clear-headed. Her heart seemed fortified like an impenetrable bronze wall, steadfastly resisting the lord's tenderness.

"Originally, it wasn't like this," Ji Heng's lips curved into a faint smile. "But after saying it so many times, I've actually grown somewhat concerned about Second Miss."

"That won't be necessary," Jiang Li replied. "I'll be fine."

"You sound so certain, as if you have no worries at all?" Ji Heng shook his head. "You don't know what you're facing."

"I do know," she said. "They will send someone to kill me, even though I am a daughter of the Jiang family." Yongning would not hold back just because she was Jiang Yuanbai's daughter. That woman had already lost her sanity, single-mindedly intent on tormenting the Xue family. As long as Jiang Li stood in Yongning's way, Yongning would not hesitate to eliminate her. At most, she would make Feng Yutang bear all the blame.

Jiang Li's tone was so calm, as if she were discussing what to eat for dinner rather than matters of life and death. Even Wen Ji couldn't help but glance at her.

Ji Heng sighed. "If that's the case, why are you so persistent?"

"Persistent?" Jiang Li murmured softly, as if asking herself or perhaps no one in particular. She let out a low laugh. "Perhaps. But sometimes, without something to be persistent about, life would have no meaning." She had become Second Miss Jiang not to enjoy a life of luxury, nor to experience the prestige of being the Grand Secretary's daughter, but to personally send her past enemies to the executioner's block, to appease the spirits of her departed loved ones.

Ji Heng observed Jiang Li's expression, a flicker of something peculiar in his eyes.

The girl was in the bloom of youth, radiant and lovely. She had lively, clear eyes, unlike those of other noble daughters. She was perpetually calm and composed; even when surprised, it was like a tiny pebble dropped into a deep abyss—creating only a slight ripple that quickly vanished.

She was an anomaly in Yanjing City, entirely different from the other girls there. Like a strange plant growing in a garden full of precious flowers and plants. It appeared docile and harmless, standing quietly, evoking pity. But when prey drew near, it would extend its vines, firmly capturing it without letting go, devouring it completely with absolute ferocity.

Beneath her seemingly gentle exterior lay a calm ferocity. The greatest danger of this plant was its fearlessness—whether facing venomous snakes or fierce beasts, it devoured without mercy or hesitation.

She was the most unique presence in the garden. If such a fierce and lethal plant were cultivated in a household, the entire estate would be at peace. This thought inexplicably surfaced in Ji Heng's mind.

And now, as Jiang Li lowered her gaze, she seemed to carry a trace of pitifulness. This ferocious plant also had a sorrowful appearance—astonishing and puzzling, leaving one to wonder if it was a disguise to lure prey or a momentary glimpse of genuine emotion.Noticing Ji Heng staring at her thoughtfully, Jiang Li concealed the emotions in her eyes and smiled, saying, "It's my honor to see you here, my lord. Every time I take the stage to perform, you are also present. Perhaps we are truly fated."

Ji Heng nearly laughed aloud. How amusing—this young lady was clearly gritting her teeth in hatred, yet she managed to maintain an earnest expression without a change in countenance.

"Aren't you afraid I might ruin your play?" Ji Heng asked leisurely.

Jiang Li looked at him and replied, "Is that so? But after careful consideration, I can't think of any reason for the Duke to do such a thing."

"Can't you think of a reason?" Ji Heng asked with a smile. "It seems Second Miss Jiang either thinks too highly of my kindness or has forgotten about the relationship between the Li family and me." As if deliberately reminding Jiang Li, he added, "During the palace banquet in the garden, didn't you see me with someone from the Li family?"

For a moment, Jiang Li felt a flicker of surprise. She had indeed recognized that the person speaking with Ji Heng was one of Li Jing's subordinates, but she hadn't shown it. Moreover, given the discord between the Jiang and Li families, and as a young lady of the inner chambers who had spent little time in Yanjing, it was unlikely she would recognize Li Jing's men. No one should have suspected anything.

Yet, unexpectedly, Ji Heng already knew she had recognized the other party. Perhaps her brief moment of astonishment had been caught by Ji Heng's observant eyes back then. At that very moment, he had already known she recognized them, and from then on, he had coldly watched her perform.

Jiang Li said, "So?"

"So?" Ji Heng echoed.

"Being with someone from the Li family must mean you're on their side?" Jiang Li smiled. "I actually think that the Duke and I might very well end up as grasshoppers tied to the same string someday."

Wen Ji, usually unflappable, was so startled he could barely maintain his composure. How dare Second Miss Jiang speak to the Duke like this? Even Prince Cheng, when trying to win Ji Heng over, hadn't dared to say such things.

Ji Heng watched Jiang Li quietly. The smile at her lips never wavered—gentle, poised, like a spring breeze directed at him.

"Are you truly clever, or just pretending?" he asked softly.

Jiang Li smiled. "Who knows?"

Silence fell in the room, and no one spoke further.

Jiang Li glanced at the tea before her—steaming Baihao Yinzhen. The weather was cold, and it had already cooled to a warm temperature. Much time had passed.

"Let's end our pleasantries here for today," Jiang Li said with a smile. "My uncle is waiting outside, and I must return. Thank you, Duke, for your reminder." She added, "I hope I can perform this play to the best of my ability, so you may enjoy it thoroughly."

Her words made it sound as if she were an entertainer meant for others' amusement, with no mention of pride. Yet, to those watching, she commanded far more respect than those young ladies in Yanjing City who put on airs and flaunted their nobility.

Jiang Li's bones were anything but light—not only were they heavy, but they were also unyielding. Perhaps her bending now was only to stand taller in the future.

Ji Heng looked at her meaningfully. "Until we meet again."

Jiang Li bowed to Ji Heng, then stood and left the tavern.

She walked hurriedly, but not as if she were rushing to escape Ji Heng. Her haste seemed driven by something more important, more urgent, as if she feared wasting even a moment. She almost broke into a jog as she headed out.

By the window, Ji Heng watched Jiang Li cross the street. Ye Mingyu, who had been crouching, stood up and glanced in their direction before leaving with Jiang Li.

"She seems truly impatient," Ji Heng remarked with a laugh.

"It's because Xue Huaiyuan is scheduled for execution in seven days," Wen Ji said. "It's a pity we can't find any connection between Second Miss Jiang and Xue Huaiyuan."

"Not Xue Huaiyuan—the Xue family," Ji Heng corrected."Shen Ruyun is Xue Fangfei's sister-in-law. Jiang Li schemes against Shen Ruyun. Xue Zhao is Xue Fangfei's younger brother, and Jiang Li pays respects at Xue Zhao's grave. Xue Huaiyuan is Xue Fangfei's biological father, and now Jiang Li is going to clear Xue Huaiyuan's name." Ji Heng's voice remained calm. "Don't you think it's too coincidental? They're all from the Xue family."

Wen Ji said, "The Xue family case involves Her Highness the Princess." While others might not know the underlying connections, they couldn't hide from them.

"Haven't you realized yet?" Ji Heng said. "She's known all along. She knows, and she isn't afraid."

Ali: Afraid of what? Don't be timid, just go for it!

(End of Chapter)