The Double

Chapter 117: Debt of Gratitude

Since Feng Yutang took office in Tongxiang, no one dared to utter the words "County Magistrate Xue" on the streets. Not just outside—even within their own homes, these three syllables had become a collective taboo, a name no one ventured to speak aloud.

As time passed, it seemed as though people had forgotten what "County Magistrate Xue" truly represented. It symbolized a glimmer of hope in desperate times, the sole beacon of justice when faced with injustice, the embodiment of righteousness and conscience.

Yet, in truth, no one had truly forgotten. It was like smoldering embers of humiliation buried deep, waiting only for someone to bring a spark—just the slightest touch would set them ablaze.

Today, the three words "County Magistrate Xue" began to quietly resurface throughout Tongxiang, spreading like spring breeze over night grass. Some grew restless with anticipation, while others trembled with unease.

That night, in a house on Blue Stone Alley, a lamp was lit.

Its glow was faint, illuminating a room of people sitting or standing, all wearing expressions of despair.

Ye Mingyu, seated on a low stool, slammed his fist on the table in frustration. "This is too difficult!" he exclaimed.

He, Jiang Li, and six of their subordinates had split into groups early that morning, going door-to-door to visit Tongxiang's residents. Out of over five hundred households, they had only managed to approach several dozen from dawn till dusk. While dozens might seem substantial, only the impoverished scholar Mo Wenxuan had been willing to step forward as a witness for Xue Huaiyuan. And even that was only after Mo Wenxuan's blind mother overheard and sternly rebuked him, compelling him to come forward with a resolve born of desperation.

Ye Mingyu didn't know what to say. Should he blame these commoners for ingratitude? But they were merely trying to protect their families. Rather than faulting them, it was more fitting to condemn Feng Yutang for his despicable methods. Yet, could these commoners truly claim no responsibility at all? If they had offered even slight resistance, perhaps County Magistrate Xue's imprisonment wouldn't have seemed so tragic.

The world is always full of helpless circumstances.

"It's alright, Uncle," Jiang Li said with a gentle smile. "It's not entirely without gains. Having at least one person is better than none, right? If we have one today and another tomorrow, by the end of five days, we might gather five in total. That's not insignificant."

One of the guards muttered under his breath, "Out of 568 households, only five are willing to stand up. How disheartening."

Jiang Li continued to smile, but Ye Mingyu sensed a fleeting sorrow in his niece's expression—as if, through these events in Tongxiang, she had glimpsed the unreliability of human hearts. Ye Mingyu felt a pang of sadness himself but quickly shook it off, mentally chiding himself. He wanted to comfort Jiang Li but, clumsy with words, struggled to find the right ones. He sighed inwardly, thinking how much better it would be if that handsome Duke from last night were here. Perhaps Jiang Li, with her youthful heart, would momentarily forget her troubles at the sight of her beloved.

But Ji Heng was nowhere to be found.

So, Ye Mingyu clumsily changed the subject. "Speaking of which, several times today, I felt like someone was following us. There was even a sense of killing intent. I was ready for a fight, but then the feeling vanished. How strange."

"Me too! Me too!" the guards in the room chimed in excitedly. "I had the same feeling today and thought I was just imagining things."

"Could it be ghosts? How is it that all of us felt it?""I think it's the bandits from Tongxiang. They originally intended to rob us on the road and extort us, but when they saw how skilled our brothers were, they became intimidated and retreated on their own."

"That makes sense. I think that's exactly what happened!"

"Go on, get out of here," Ye Mingyu waved his hand dismissively. "What do you know? Don't try to claim credit for everything. Who would bother robbing you? Do you look wealthy? If anyone's going to be robbed, it should be me. Besides, are there even bandits in Tongxiang? This place is so poor that any bandits would have starved to death long ago!"

The room fell silent at once. Ye Mingyu turned to Jiang Li and asked, "A Li, was it that so-called Duke who helped with this matter, right?"

Ye Mingyu didn't know Ji Heng's name and thought "Duke" was an official title, so he kept referring to Ji Heng as "Duke" in every conversation. Jiang Li found this both amusing and exasperating as she replied, "Most likely, yes."

Feng Yutang's men had drastically reduced in number overnight, yet he remained silent and made no move. This was undoubtedly Ji Heng's doing. Today, when they openly brought up Xue Huaiyuan's case in Tongxiang, Feng Yutang's men didn't come to stop them—which would have been impossible under normal circumstances. The only explanation was that Feng Yutang had indeed sent people to interfere, but Ji Heng's men intercepted them.

One thing at a time—at least in this matter, Ji Heng had helped her and saved her a lot of trouble. She ought to be grateful. Jiang Li inexplicably thought that if someone were to form an alliance with Ji Heng, it would be the most worthwhile deal in the world. Because Ji Heng would eliminate unnecessary obstacles and "unwanted distractions" to the greatest extent for his allies, making many tasks twice as effective with half the effort.

Hearing this, Ye Mingyu immediately fell silent, thinking that although the man was overly handsome, at least he knew how to protect Jiang Li's safety. Even if he couldn't become his nephew's son-in-law, it would still be good to have him as a friend.

"Uncle Mingyu, you should rest early," Jiang Li said. "You must be tired from today. Rest well tonight to regain your energy—we have to continue early tomorrow morning."

Ye Mingyu nodded. They had spent the day recruiting people, talking until their mouths were dry and running around until their backs ached. It was time to take a bath and get some proper rest. So he didn't object to Jiang Li's suggestion and led his men to retire for the night.

Jiang Li sat back down at the table.

Tong'er and Bai Xue had assumed she would also rest and were surprised to see her still up. "Miss, why aren't you sleeping?" they asked.

"I still need to write some booklets to distribute to the uncles tomorrow. I'll sleep after I finish," Jiang Li replied, rubbing her temples. "Bai Xue, please pour me a cup of hot tea."

...

The snow had cleared, and the next day brought exceptionally fine weather.

Early in the morning, Jiang Li and Ye Mingyu went their separate ways, each visiting their assigned households.

She no longer feared that Feng Yutang's men would attempt to assassinate her from behind, as Ji Heng would handle it for her. She felt secure enough to expose her back to him without worry.

During yesterday's rounds, she had visited the most households—even more than Ye Mingyu—because she knew the roads of Tongxiang and where each family lived, saving a considerable amount of time. As she passed by the entrance of Blue Stone Alley in the morning, she saw Aunt Chunfang, whom she had met on her first day in Tongxiang. Aunt Chunfang stood in her courtyard with her basket, cautiously watching Jiang Li and her group walk away. Her lips moved as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, she remained silent.Jiang Li didn't look at her either—her time was too limited to attend to everyone. Connections between people depend on fate; some things, once you've tried your best, if they don't succeed, it's destiny, and there's no need for resentment.

The entire day yesterday, from the first household with Dai Yun to the last, at least on Jiang Li's end, not a single family had been persuaded. To say she wasn't disappointed would be a lie, but today she had to continue. No matter the outcome, she had to accept it.

In the distance, the door of the house was already visible.

Jiang Li walked up to this household, hesitated for a moment, and finally knocked on the door.

The husband of this family was a butcher, known as Zhang Tufu (Zhang the Butcher). He had a fierce and terrifying appearance, so intimidating that ordinary children would cry if he so much as glanced at them. Jiang Li only remembered that Xue Zhao had been very afraid of this Zhang Tufu as a child, always thinking the butcher's knife in his hand was utterly frightening. But as Xue Fangfei, she only recalled that every time she passed by the meat shop, the man would stiffly curl the corners of his mouth, as if trying to offer her a gentle smile, though it always looked terribly awkward.

After three knocks, someone came to answer the door.

It was Zhang Tufu himself.

After all these years, Zhang Tufu still looked exactly the same, unchanged in the slightest. On this bitterly cold winter day, he wore only a thin, coarse cloth shirt, his sleeves rolled up, likely for convenience in chopping meat. He was tall and stout, with a face full of rough, fleshy features, and carried the sticky, greasy scent of meat from years of slaughtering pigs. He seemed to have risen early to prepare for the meat shop, holding a bucket in his hand covered with a white cloth. Jiang Li knew that beneath the cloth lay fresh pork.

Zhang Tufu also had a long knife resting on top of the bucket. The blade was extremely long and sharp, and whether it was because it had seen too much blood, just the sight of it sent a chill down one's spine.

Jiang Li's gaze involuntarily fell upon that long knife.

Zhang Tufu looked down at Jiang Li, set the bucket down with a thud at his feet, and asked in an unfriendly tone, "Who are you looking for?"

"I'm looking for you," Jiang Li withdrew her gaze. "My name is Jiang Li."

Zhang Tufu said, "I know you. Yesterday, it was you, going door to door from the east of the city, asking about County Magistrate Xue, trying to get people to stand up and testify for Magistrate Xue!"

Zhang Tufu's voice was very rough, even fiercer than Ye Mingyu's, and as he spoke to Jiang Li, his expression remained blank, though the rough flesh on his face twitched slightly.

"Yes," Jiang Li looked at him calmly. "Whether County Magistrate Xue was a good official or not, whether he embezzled disaster relief funds—the people of Tongxiang wouldn't be unaware. I'd like to ask you, uncle, if you're willing to step forward as a witness to help clear the name of this innocent county magistrate?"

Zhang Tufu stared fixedly at Jiang Li.

His eyes were actually very small, almost narrowed into slits, making it difficult to discern his expression. This Zhang Tufu lived alone, without a wife or family, as his appearance was too ugly and intimidating for anyone to dare get close to him. Looking down at Jiang Li from his height, it seemed as though he might raise his butcher knife against her at any moment.

But the next moment, he suddenly burst into loud laughter.Jiang Li had never seen Zhang Tufu laugh like this before. She had witnessed him forcing out awkward, friendly smiles in her presence, shy grins at pretty girls on the street, and relaxed smiles while chopping bones with his cleaver—but never this kind of unrestrained, hearty laughter. It was the joyous laughter of someone whose long-cherished wish had finally been fulfilled, whose heart’s desire had come true.

He said, "Young lady, I’ve been waiting for you in my house since early morning, worried you wouldn’t come. I’m glad you’re finally here. I’m willing to step forward! I’ll go with you to help clear Lord Xue’s name!"

This time, it was Jiang Li’s turn to be astonished.

Amid Zhang Tufu’s booming laughter, she thought for a moment and asked, "Why are you willing to do this?"

"Why am I willing?" Zhang Tufu looked at her as if she had asked something absurd. "You should be asking why I wouldn’t be willing! Lord Xue is like a second parent to me. Back then, someone framed me, claiming my pork had poisoned and killed a person, labeling me a murderer. I was wrongfully imprisoned and suffered terribly in jail. If not for Lord Xue’s keen investigation, reopening my case and proving my innocence, I wouldn’t be alive today!" He slammed his cleaver down emphatically. "Hey, I may be a butcher who slaughters pigs, but I’m no ungrateful wretch!"

Jiang Li was aware of this incident. When Xue Huaiyuan first took office, the previous county magistrate had accepted bribes. In that case, a wealthy family’s son had committed the crime but paid off the magistrate to pin it on a scapegoat. Though Zhang Tufu had nothing to do with the poisoning, he was falsely accused of selling tainted meat. The magistrate, having taken the money, cared nothing for a butcher’s innocence.Moreover, Zhang Tufu’s fierce appearance made it easy for people to believe the worst without question.

Upon assuming his post, Xue Huaiyuan spotted the inconsistencies in the case. He risked offending the powerful family in Tongxiang to overturn Zhang Tufu’s conviction. Fortunately, with solid evidence, he cleared Zhang Tufu’s name and saved his life. From then on, Zhang Tufu regarded Xue Huaiyuan as his savior.

"I’ve been to prison myself—I know what it’s like to be wronged. If anyone says Lord Xue embezzled silver, no one would believe it! I’d been thinking of a way to take that corrupt official Feng Yutang’s life, but even then, I knew it wouldn’t free Lord Xue from jail. Shamefully, I delayed for so long. I had planned to storm the execution ground in five days, even if I had to go alone. If I died, I’d die alongside my benefactor, so he wouldn’t feel wronged or think saving me was a mistake!"

Zhang Tufu looked at Jiang Li. "Young lady, I can see you and your companions aren’t ordinary folks. You come from respectable backgrounds, unafraid of Feng Yutang’s power, and are determined to clear Lord Xue’s name. I trust you! Since that’s the case, count me in for whatever you’re doing to help Lord Xue. Whatever you need me to do, even if it’s crossing mountains of blades or seas of fire, I won’t hesitate! I have no family, no ties—just this cleaver. I’ll take it and slaughter that beast worse than pigs or dogs!"

Jiang Li never expected such words from Zhang Tufu. Suddenly, she felt she had never truly known this man—this righteous figure. She also hadn’t imagined that, while the people of Tongxiang avoided Feng Yutang and cowered before his authority, someone had been secretly plotting to clear her father’s name all along.Perhaps Zhang the Butcher wasn't the first person—perhaps there were others like him. Feng Yutang could suppress the words and actions of the common people, but he couldn't suppress their hearts.

Jiang Li's heart also stirred with emotion in that moment.

She bowed deeply to Zhang the Butcher.

Zhang the Butcher was taken aback and quickly said, "Little girl, what are you doing?"

"I'm thanking you on behalf of County Magistrate Xue," Jiang Li said seriously. "We all know what Feng Yutang has done in Tongxiang. Not everyone is willing to stand up and speak for County Magistrate Xue. I'm very grateful that you were willing to step forward."

"There's nothing to be grateful for," Zhang the Butcher waved his hand. "Back when I was treated like a rat scurrying in the streets, with everyone shouting for my head, only Lord Xue was willing to believe in me and didn't look down on me. Without Lord Xue, I would have long been tortured to death in prison. I often look at the sun outside and tell myself that being able to feel all this is thanks to Lord Xue. My life was essentially given to me by Lord Xue—if I stood by and did nothing when he's in trouble, would I even be human? They say too much killing sends you to hell—I never believed that. But I do believe that ingratitude sends you to hell."

"Just consider me as someone who doesn't want to go to hell!" he said.

Looking at this man with his fierce appearance, Jiang Li found him endearing. The two looked at each other and both smiled.

...

The next day, when they regrouped with Ye Mingyu and the others that evening, Jiang Li discovered that Zhang the Butcher was the only witness they had managed to find who was willing to come forward.

After meeting Zhang the Butcher, every other household she visited afterward showed reluctance and hemmed and hawed. Jiang Li didn't press them—if others weren't willing, she simply let it be. Ye Mingyu and the other guards had found nothing at all, leaving Ye Mingyu somewhat discouraged.

"It's alright," Jiang Li encouraged him. "We still found one person, didn't we? I said before—even if we only find one person per day, we can still find five people. It's fine."

Ye Mingyu looked at Jiang Li but said nothing. What made him sigh wasn't the failure to find people, but his disappointment in human nature.

House after household—the register Jiang Li had provided listed every family that had genuinely received help from Xue Huaiyuan. Now that Xue Huaiyuan was in trouble, was no one willing to stand up for him just because of Feng Yutang's power?

He knew he was being somewhat petulant in thinking this way, but it felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured over his inherently passionate heart, leaving it ice-cold. He preferred the straightforward life of the jianghu, where gratitude was gratitude and grudges were grudges. But this trip to Tongxiang had shown him too much helplessness among the common people. He couldn't blame anyone, as everyone had their own reasons. Yet his chest felt uncomfortable, as if blocked by a lump of stagnant air, leaving him stifled.

He looked at Jiang Li—a girl of fifteen or sixteen facing these repeated setbacks. How could she remain so calm? As if being rejected was just the most ordinary thing. If it were Ye Jia'er or Ye Rufeng in this situation, they would likely have been disheartened long ago.

But Jiang Li never was.

Indeed, Jiang Li wouldn't feel saddened by these things. In truth, even after having died once, she was still willing to treat others with kindness. She hadn't become cruel-hearted because of the cruel things she had suffered. However, she no longer held any expectations for human nature.Ever since becoming Second Miss Jiang, the paternal affection from Jiang Yuanbai and the familial bond with Old Madam Jiang, along with all the other relatives in the Jiang family, were things she never truly invested much emotion in—partly because she wasn’t the real Second Miss Jiang, but also because she simply didn’t care. She was indifferent to how the Jiang family might treat her, as she held no expectations.

Shen Yurong and Princess Yongning had ultimately changed her. She couldn’t say whether this change was for better or worse, but at times, she could feel a deep-seated indifference within herself, watching those connected to her with cold detachment, as if observing the commotion of strangers.

Just like… just like Ji Heng.

Perhaps now, she and Ji Heng were fundamentally the same kind of person. Ji Heng’s goal was to achieve his political ambitions, while her own purpose was revenge. Living for a goal might inherently be this dull and colorless.

Jiang Li pulled her thoughts back: "It’s alright, Uncle. There are still three days left. Starting tomorrow, I will report to the Xiangyang Prefect. Once Feng Yutang’s charges are confirmed, the execution order for County Magistrate Xue will be suspended. On the final day, we can bring County Magistrate Xue out of prison and take these citizens of Tongxiang to the capital to file a complaint."

"Will Tong Zhiyang agree?" Ye Mingyu asked.

"He has no choice but to agree. Those are the rules. Besides, the Weaving Office Order, Lord Tang, hasn’t left yet. He understands the stakes and will persuade Tong Zhiyang," Jiang Li replied. "Of course, it would be even better if we could find more citizens willing to testify."

…

Jiang Li’s footsteps never ceased. On the morning of the third day, she rose early again and split into several groups with Ye Mingyu’s men to persuade the citizens who had received Xue Huaiyuan’s kindness.

Aunt Chunfang no longer went out but stood in the courtyard, watching Jiang Li and the others depart, lost in thought, unsure of what was on her mind.

Another day of leaving early and returning late.

By evening, Jiang Li and Ye Mingyu had found nothing, but one of Ye Mingyu’s men managed to persuade a couple who ran a noodle shop—the Agui couple. Years ago, the Agui couple had been deceived, their land deed compromised, and they nearly lost their noodle shop, their only means of survival. Xue Huaiyuan had presided over the case, allowing the Agui couple to reclaim their land deed and avoid homelessness.

Thus, the Agui couple had always been grateful to County Magistrate Xue. Now that Xue Huaiyuan was imprisoned, they wanted to speak up for him but didn’t know what they could do, feeling as though stepping forward would be like a mantis trying to stop a chariot. The arrival of Jiang Li and her group brought them unexpected joy, as if they finally knew what they could do, and they agreed without hesitation.

"We’ve found three people in total," Ye Mingyu said. "Shall we send the order to Xiangyang tomorrow?"

Jiang Li nodded. "That’s enough."

Ye Mingyu asked, "Should we continue looking for more people?"

"Yes," Jiang Li replied. "Only with more citizens will this matter grow bigger. Whether it’s brought before the Dali Temple or presented as an appeal to the emperor, it must become something that cannot be suppressed. We must let everyone see, once the facade is torn away, what chaos the true County Magistrate of Tongxiang has caused."

Ye Mingyu said, "I understand. Let’s continue then!"

That night, Jiang Li slept very soundly. In her dreams, she saw Xue Zhao and her father. The three of them were on their way home along Blue Stone Alley, the night enveloping them. Xue Zhao, carrying his sword, proudly demonstrated a sword technique in front of Jiang Li, only to be playfully scolded by Xue Huaiyuan.

It was so warm that Jiang Li didn’t want to wake up.Until Bai Xue gently came to wake her: "Miss, it's time to get up."

These days, Jiang Li had been rising very early each day—there was no other way, time would not wait. Though her mind still lingered on the beautiful dream from the previous night that made her reluctant to wake, her movements were alert and resolute. In just a short while, she had finished washing up, eaten a little, and was ready to go out.

Five hundred and sixty-eight households remained, with half yet to be visited. And of those already visited, only three had been willing to step forward.

Was it disheartening? Perhaps, but she should be grateful—it wasn't none at all, and it hadn't reached the worst possible outcome.

Ye Mingyu greeted Jiang Li with a smile, "A Li, busy again today?"

Jiang Li smiled back, "Uncle and everyone will have to work hard again today."

They all stepped out laughing, but froze the moment they opened the courtyard gate.

Aunt Chunfang stood at the entrance, dressed thinly, shivering slightly as if she had been waiting for a long time. Her eyes lit up when she saw Jiang Li.

"Aunt Chunfang?" Jiang Li looked at her in confusion, "What brings you here?"

"I... I..." Chunfang's lips trembled, as if it took her a long time to muster courage before she said, "Miss, I... I'm willing to step forward and testify for Lord Xue!"

Jiang Li was stunned.

"I've thought it over. Lord Xue has helped us so much. It would be heartless to do nothing. I'm willing to stand up!"

This timid woman seemed to have found sudden courage, her voice suddenly growing louder as she lifted her head and spoke with determination.

Neither Jiang Li nor Ye Mingyu had expected her to say such words.

After a long pause, Jiang Li smiled and said, "Thank you, Aunt Chunfang."

Chunfang's face flushed red, and she waved her hands hurriedly as if unable to bear the gratitude. "It's not just me. There are others too."

Then two more figures emerged from the corner - Dai Yun holding Ping An's hand.

When Ping An saw Jiang Li, she gave her a sweet smile. Dai Yun said, "Miss Jiang, I've thought it over. Lord Xue saved Ping An. We can't be so ungrateful to our daughter's savior. Our mother and daughter have always received Lord Xue's help in Tongxiang. We can't let a good man suffer injustice because of our selfishness. We're willing to stand up."

Jiang Li looked at her. Dai Yun held Ping An's hand tightly, clearly showing that this decision had been a struggle for her over many days. But now, she had brought Ping An and come.

"Thank you," Jiang Li smiled. "With your help, Lord Xue's case will be much easier. I believe the day of his vindication is not far off."

"It's not just us," Chunfang said. "Look outside." She pointed in a direction.

Jiang Li took a few steps forward.

At the entrance of Blue Stone Alley, a dense crowd had gathered, some outside, some inside, completely blocking the alleyway. There were at least a hundred people - men and women, old and young, all residents of Tongxiang at a glance.

Seeing Jiang Li, they shouted loudly, "Miss Jiang, we're all willing to be witnesses for County Magistrate Xue!"

"Miss Jiang, take us to help County Magistrate Xue! For the kindness of a drop of water, one should return a spring. We've all received Lord Xue's kindness, now it's our turn to repay him!"

"We learned of Miss Jiang's plans and came specifically to find you. We'll do whatever Miss Jiang asks, as long as it can save Lord Xue!"

Jiang Li stared blankly at the scene before her.

Ye Mingyu and his men took two steps forward and also saw the situation. Ye Mingyu murmured softly, "My goodness..." his voice full of disbelief.

Compared to the situation days ago when they had been rejected at every door, today's scene felt unreal, like a dream. These Tongxiang residents, including the elderly, weak, women and children, all wore expressions of fearless courage on their faces.

Those whom Xue Huaiyuan had helped before, those who had hidden among the crowd, unwilling to step forward for various reasons - after experiencing struggle, hesitation, uncertainty and anxiety - had ultimately let justice overcome fear and stepped forward.

Is human nature worth expecting after all?Are human hearts not worth hoping for?

Ping An broke free from her mother's hand, ran forward two steps, and grabbed Jiang Li's hand, calling out softly, "Sister, we're willing to step forward."

Jiang Li's eyes grew hot, and she couldn't speak.

(End of Chapter)