The Double

Chapter 119 Tenderness

"Ali?"

A Shun trembled all over, looking at the man in surprise. How did County Magistrate Xue know the visitor was the young mistress? And why did he call her so intimately?

Jiang Li was also stunned. She slowly lowered her head, her breathing becoming faint as she looked at the person she was holding. Father... hadn't lost his sanity? A surge of wild joy suddenly welled up in her heart.

But that joy quickly faded.

Xue Huaiyuan opened his eyes, yet he didn't look at her. Instead, his gaze was fixed on the stone wall, or perhaps the stains splattered on it. He struggled free from Jiang Li's grasp and quickly retreated back to the corner where he had been sitting. Picking up a handful of straw from the ground, he clutched it tightly to his chest as if afraid someone might snatch it away, murmuring softly, "Ali... Ali..."

Jiang Li's nose stung, and tears threatened to fall again. Her father had not regained his senses. The reason he was calling out "Ali" was simply because that name held an immensely important place in his life—so much so that even after losing his mind, he continued to murmur it.

She thought self-mockingly, even if her father hadn't lost his sanity, he might not recognize her standing before him now. She was no longer "Ali"; she had become "Jiang Li."

"Young mistress?" A Shun asked with concern.

Jiang Li turned her head and said, "I'm fine." Watching Xue Huaiyuan huddled in the corner, muttering to himself, her heart ached with pain once more. She knew she shouldn't ask for too much. At the very least, her father was still alive, and they had been given the chance to reunite in this lifetime. That in itself was a blessing amid misfortune. Yet, seeing her father in such a state, Jiang Li couldn't help but wish she could tear Shen Yurong and Yongning into a thousand pieces. Even then, it would hardly ease the pain in her heart.

She said, "I will take County Magistrate Xue out. He is too weak. Please, Uncle Zhang, find the best physician in Tongxiang to examine him for now."

Zhang the Butcher, seeing his savior in such a state, felt intense hatred toward Feng Yutang. Without a word, he immediately went out to find a physician.

A Shun initially wanted to help support Xue Huaiyuan, but Jiang Li had already lifted him up herself. She showed no disgust toward the filth and stench on him, carefully holding his shoulders and supporting his arm. Xue Huaiyuan now resembled a two- or three-year-old child, flailing his arms and legs. In his flailing, his hand accidentally struck Jiang Li's face, leaving a dirty handprint on her fair skin.

A Shun couldn't bear to watch and said, "Young mistress, let me do it."

"I'll do it," Jiang Li replied with just two words, her tone leaving no room for doubt. A Shun withdrew his outstretched hand. This young mistress had always been patient, treating both the Ye family and strangers with gentleness. But this was the first time A Shun had seen Jiang Li display such patience, as if Xue Huaiyuan were the most precious person in the world to her, and she was willing to devote all her care to him.

Jiang Li supported Xue Huaiyuan as they walked out of the dungeon.

A Shun asked, "Young mistress, what about the others here..."

Feng Yutang was a man who couldn't distinguish right from wrong, driven solely by profit. Among those imprisoned in this jail, there might very well be innocent people like Xue Huaiyuan, who had been wrongfully accused and made into scapegoats. Xue Huaiyuan was free now, but what about the others?"Nothing serious," Jiang Li said. "Have someone bring the case files later. I'll identify the questionable points. Feng Yutang's tenure as Tongxiang County Magistrate is over. After this case, the court will soon appoint a new magistrate. When the time comes, these cases will be retried to ensure no one suffers injustice."

A Shun felt relieved.

When they reached the entrance of the county office, Xue Huaiyuan suddenly refused to go further, as if he had seen something terrifying, shouting and struggling. Jiang Li's heart ached at the sight. A Shun quickly had people restrain Xue Huaiyuan, but they dared not use too much force—Xue Huaiyuan was so emaciated they feared they might break his bones.

Ye Mingyu spotted Jiang Li from afar and approached. "A Li, you're back so soon? Feng Yutang was beaten half to death. If I hadn't stopped them since he's still useful, he would have lost his life today. Ah, you've brought Magistrate Xue back..." Ye Mingyu trailed off, having noticed Xue Huaiyuan's wretched state.

Anyone who had known Xue Huaiyuan before would be rendered speechless seeing him like this. The upright, incorruptible official had been reduced to such a pitiable condition.

After a moment of stunned silence, Ye Mingyu said, "Magistrate Xue is too pitiful..."

Jiang Li replied, "Uncle, I've asked Uncle Zhang to fetch a physician. Let him examine Magistrate Xue first. He's likely very weak now, and we still have to return to Xiangyang and then proceed to Yanjing. Without proper recuperation, it will be difficult." She glanced toward the other side and added, "There are many prisoner carts in the dungeon. Find one for Lord Feng. We needn't wait for Tong Zhiyang's transfer order from Xiangyang; we can head back directly."

Ye Mingyu nodded instinctively. "What about the officials from Dongshan? Can they come out now? Feng Yutang's men have been either captured or fled, so they're no longer in danger."

Jiang Li nodded. "Thank you, Uncle."

Ye Mingyu sensed Jiang Li's somber mood and understood. Given how much effort she had put into rescuing Xue Huaiyuan, they must have been close. As an outsider, he felt heartbroken seeing Xue Huaiyuan in this state, let alone Jiang Li.

Ah, why do good people always suffer so much in this world?

...

Physician Zhong, who had treated Peng Xiao and the others, was summoned again to examine Xue Huaiyuan.

With Feng Yutang now a prisoner, Physician Zhong no longer feared retaliation and wouldn't have to take silver and leave his hometown. He examined Xue Huaiyuan with great care.

After finishing, he stepped out of the room. Jiang Li asked, "Physician Zhong, how is he?"

"Miss," Physician Zhong shook his head, "I've written a prescription for his physical injuries. Have someone fetch the medicine. Lord Xue has endured immense suffering; it's a miracle he's survived this long. Given his age and frail condition, it's fortunate—perhaps because that brute Feng Yutang intentionally kept him alive—that he sustained no fatal injuries. Though tortured, with proper care over time, he may recover."

Jiang Li hesitated before asking, "May I ask, Physician Zhong, Lord Xue has lost his senses and doesn't recognize anyone. Is there any chance he might regain his clarity one day?""This old man dare not make any guarantees," Doctor Zhong waved his hands repeatedly. "I'm merely a small-town physician practicing in Tongxiang. I truly cannot promise anything—please pardon my incompetence. I heard the young lady plans to take Lord Xue to Yanjing. Yanjing City has many talented and extraordinary individuals. Perhaps there you may find a miraculous doctor who can restore Lord Xue's former sanity."

Jiang Li fell silent.

Doctor Zhong wasn't the first physician to say this. In fact, she had already consulted many doctors in Tongxiang. None could restore Xue Huaiyuan's clarity of mind.

She desperately wished for her father to regain consciousness and call her "Ali" once more. For this, she would pay any price.

"I understand," Jiang Li said. "Thank you, Doctor Zhong." Since the physician was powerless to help, she couldn't force the impossible. Though disappointed, she had to gather her resolve to face what lay ahead.

Outside the house, the common folk of Tongxiang had crowded together to visit Xue Huaiyuan. Aunt Chunfang wiped her tears as she said, "How could our lord have ended up in such a state..."

"If only we had stepped forward sooner, it's all my fault..." Dai Yun held Ping An's hand, filled with regret. "I never knew his lordship was suffering such torment."

"Feng Yutang is inhuman!" Zhang Tufu exclaimed. "If we didn't still need him alive, I'd chop him down with one stroke of my cleaver!"

Jiang Li moved through the crowd and entered the inner room. Xue Huaiyuan sat on the bed, playing with a wooden doll like a child, giggling happily. Around him, Peng Xiao, He Jun, and the Gu brothers (Gu Da and Gu Er) watched with pained expressions.

When Jiang Li entered, Peng Xiao looked at her and asked, "What did the doctor say?"

Jiang Li shook her head.

Their faces immediately fell with disappointment.

"It's alright. We'll be leaving for Yanjing soon," Jiang Li said. "Once we reach Yanjing, I'll continue searching for miraculous doctors to treat Lord Xue."

"His lordship ending up like this is entirely that bastard Feng Yutang's fault!" Gu Da gritted his teeth. "I swear I'll tear him to pieces!"

"Feng Yutang is nothing but a dog—the real mastermind remains behind the scenes," Jiang Li said slowly. "Whoever made Lord Xue suffer like this must be prepared to pay the price."

"Our brothers have already guessed Feng Yutang was acting under orders," said He Jun, "but we don't know who's truly behind this or why they would go to such lengths against his lordship. Please enlighten us, young lady."

"When we reach Yanjing, you'll naturally learn who's behind it. To be honest, this case might not be enough to seriously harm her. But even if we can't take her life, stripping her of a layer of skin would still be satisfying. You four are key witnesses in this case. To silence you, the other side will stop at nothing. You may face enemies hundreds of times more sinister and terrifying than Feng Yutang. You need to think carefully..."

"We've already made up our minds," Peng Xiao interrupted Jiang Li. "We will avenge his lordship, regardless of whether we succeed or not."

Jiang Li slowly smiled. "Good. Then we'll be counting on you gentlemen."

"Rather, it is we who will be counting on Second Miss Jiang."

...

The decision to return to Xiangyang with these Tongxiang residents the next day—without waiting for Tong Zhiyang's transfer order—and proceed directly to Yanjing was made within a quarter of an hour.

Once decided, Ye Mingyu sent people to prepare for departure. All witnesses related to Xue Huaiyuan's case, along with court records and crucial evidence from the county office, were gathered to be taken along. Since they would set out early the next day, everyone retired to bed early.Xue Huaiyuan, having lost his sanity, was like a child who required considerable effort to coax to sleep—a task Jiang Li personally undertook. Though Ye Mingyu and others had urged Jiang Li to rest, Xue Huaiyuan would only settle if she was the one comforting him. If anyone else tried, he would become extremely fearful, calming down only when Jiang Li was by his side.

Jiang Li treated him with immense patience, without a trace of complaint. Watching this, Bai Xue and Tong'er began to feel an illusion: even when Jiang Yuanbai grew old, Jiang Li might not show him such patience. Though Jiang Li was gentle with the Jiang family, there was a polite detachment about her, and the two maids could sense she hadn't invested much genuine affection in them.

But toward Xue Huaiyuan, she was sincerely and wholeheartedly tender.

After coaxing Xue Huaiyuan to sleep, Tong'er asked Jiang Li, "Miss, are you going back to rest now?"

Even Ye Mingyu had already retired for the night.

Jiang Li glanced outside. Strangely, since her arrival in Tongxiang, it had snowed twice in this town that hadn't seen snow in decades, including tonight.

The wind blew in, carrying snowflakes. Jiang Li draped her cloak over her shoulders and said, "No, I'm going to see Feng Yutang."

Feng Yutang? Tong'er and Bai Xue exchanged puzzled looks, but Jiang Li had already stepped out of the room.

Clad in a snow-white rabbit fur cloak with the hood down, only her small, palm-sized face remained visible. Under the lantern light, her pale complexion almost matched the color of jade. She walked at a steady pace and soon reached a corner of the courtyard.

Inside a prison cart, Feng Yutang was curled into a ball.

It was snowing outside, yet the cart hadn't been moved indoors. Despite Feng Yutang shouting until his voice grew hoarse, no one came to check on him. Left with no choice, he huddled tightly against the cold, much like how Xue Huaiyuan had once curled up in the dungeon.

The courtyard was exceptionally quiet at night. The sound of Jiang Li's footsteps crunching in the snow made Feng Yutang startle like a frightened rabbit. He jerked his head up, and at the first sight of Jiang Li, he instinctively wanted to cry for help, but he stopped short the next moment.

He knew that even if he pleaded, this seemingly gentle and kind young lady before him wouldn't spare him a blanket. In fact, it could be said that his current predicament—abandoned in a prison cart to fend for himself—was entirely her doing.

She was a devil, yet she bore the face of an angel.

Jiang Li stopped in front of the prison cart and quietly observed Feng Yutang. This time, she wasn't smiling, as if she had shed her gentle facade, revealing her true, other self in the darkness.

Feng Yutang asked in a hoarse voice, "What brings Second Miss Jiang here?"

"Just came to see you," Jiang Li replied.

"See me?" Feng Yutang laughed bitterly. "Second Miss Jiang, do you know what crime it is to incite commoners to imprison an imperial official? Even your father can't save you from that." The more fearful he felt, the more he spoke such words, as if trying to convince himself not to be afraid. But deep down, he knew he was terrified of Jiang Li—utterly terrified."You won't be an imperial official for much longer," Jiang Li said calmly. "The transfer order for Xiangyang will arrive soon. The Xue family's case will be retried, and we will go to Yanjing together. Of course, it's not solely to clear County Magistrate Xue's name—it's for you." She continued, "The deeds you've committed in Tongxiang, Lord Feng, would not be considered trivial matters even in the capital. As for whether we detain you before the transfer order or arrest you after, no one will know the difference, will we?"

Her expression remained impassive as she spoke, her calm demeanor only accentuating the ferocity simmering beneath the surface.

A flicker of weakness crossed Feng Yutang's eyes. He could not intimidate Jiang Li; instead, he was the one being intimidated. How could a girl of fifteen or sixteen consider every minute detail so thoroughly? If she set out to trap someone, she would leave no loophole—every direction, every corner, would be a snare. Once caught, death would be inevitable, and she would even sweep away the traces, leaving no evidence behind.

Summoning his courage, Feng Yutang said, "Second Young Lady, I know you are Minister Jiang's daughter and fear nothing. But why go to such lengths for a minor figure like me? Though I am insignificant, my master—"

"Princess Yongning, your master," Jiang Li interrupted him.

Feng Yutang froze.

He had believed no outsider knew his master was Princess Yongning. How could Jiang Li know? And knowing, how dare she act against Princess Yongning's interests?

"Lord Feng, there is something you must understand," Jiang Li stared at him, speaking slowly. "For you, who tortured County Magistrate Xue, I treat you this way. Princess Yongning is the mastermind behind it all—what do you think I will do to her?"

"Dealing with you is my way of dealing with her."

"But she is Princess Yongning..." Feng Yutang stammered, "the sister of Prince Cheng?"

"Sister of Prince Cheng?" Jiang Li sneered. "Then I will deal with Prince Cheng as well. If you tell me Prince Cheng is Consort Liu's son, I will deal with him too. I will slay any ghost or god that stands in my way. Whoever harmed Xue Huaiyuan will pay in blood! So," she said contemptuously, "do not mention Princess Yongning again. Those four words alone are reason enough for me to act. Those four words mark the beginning of the death knell!"

Feng Yutang felt his limbs grow weak.

Under the night sky, Jiang Li's eyes shone with an intense brightness, and he saw in them a deep-seated hatred. A ferocity that grew wildly like weeds, usually concealed beneath a gentle exterior, was now fully exposed.

Her willingness to reveal this other side of herself could only mean one thing: he was about to die. For a man destined to die, there was no need to hide her secrets.

"Don't worry, Lord Feng, I won't let you die before this is over," she said. "I will keep you alive and well, just as you did with Lord Xue."

She cast him an icy glance, lifted her lantern, and turned to leave.

In the snow, her silver-white cloak nearly blended into the whiteness, leaving only the deep and shallow footprints as proof of her passage.

Feng Yutang felt even colder than before. He couldn't tell if it was because of the snow or because of her.

…Leaving Feng Yutang's prison cart, Jiang Li did not return to her room.

Strangely, she felt no drowsiness, and her heart was not as calm as it appeared on the surface.

Her father had already fallen into such a state, and it was unclear how he would regain consciousness. Taking him back to Yanjing and confronting Princess Yongning would formally ignite their conflict. This was no simple matter. Moreover, once Jiang Yuanbai learned of her actions in Tongxiang, and with Ji Shuran seizing the opportunity to whisper in his ear, she could not fully anticipate the obstacles she would face within the Jiang family.

Having cleared one path, she now treaded another, only to encounter new thorns.

She sat on a large rock by the pond, lost in thought, until Tong'er beside her gasped in surprise. Lifting her gaze, she saw a figure approaching through the snowy night, holding an umbrella.

Ji Heng wore a crimson cloak embroidered with black peonies, striking a perfect balance between ruggedness and refinement. Today, he had finally forgone his golden silk folding fan—perhaps he had put it away—and instead carried a plain white silk umbrella as he walked from afar through the snow.

In the deep of night, heavy with dew, he was like a splash of vibrant color, illuminating the cold world.

"Duke," Jiang Li did not rise or bow. Today, she was simply too exhausted.

Ji Heng walked up to Jiang Li, paused, and held the umbrella over her head.

His movements could be described as tender and affectionate, while the girl's delicate beauty and the man's enchanting allure created an unusually harmonious pairing. Tong'er and Bai Xue stared in a daze, forgetting even to intervene.

"So sorrowful?" he said with a laugh. "That doesn't seem like you."

"So gentle?" Jiang Li looked at him. "That doesn't seem like you either."

Ji Heng laughed heartily. "Your words wound me. I've been lenient with you, yet you say I'm not gentle."

"I'm merely overwhelmed by the favor."

Ji Heng asked, "Now, can you tell me why you saved Xue Huaiyuan, even if it means making an enemy of Princess Yongning?" He added, "You and the Xue family should have no connection at all."

"Duke," Jiang Li replied, "I don't intend to hide anything from you. Even if I don't speak, you'll eventually uncover the truth yourself. So, I will tell you the reason—on the day I entrust my life to you, I will reveal everything, ensuring a proper beginning and end. You won't force me, will you?"

She raised her head, her eyes purer than the snow.

"Why do you always act vulnerable around me?" Ji Heng wondered. "Do I look like someone who pities the fairer sex? Even if I were..." He glanced Jiang Li up and down. "Are you a delicate flower?"

Jiang Li asked, "Am I not?"

"You're a man-eating flower," Ji Heng said.

Jiang Li laughed.

When they first met, they were wary and suspicious of each other, guarding themselves closely. Later, when Jiang Li suddenly revealed Ji Heng's plans and placed her life in his hands, it was as if they had exchanged a secret, fostering a sense of mutual understanding and alliance.

Of course, this might just be Jiang Li's illusion. But whether Ji Heng was acting or sincere, the two of them could finally sit together and converse peacefully.

"Tomorrow, we return to Xiangyang and then to Yanjing," Jiang Li said. "Along the way, Princess Yongning might learn of our movements and send assassins, or Ji Shuran's men might persist with ill intentions. I'll have to trouble you, Duke, to help clear the obstacles along the journey.""You're treating me as your bodyguard?" Ji Heng found it amusing. "Aren't you afraid I might kill you?"

"My life belongs to you, so it's your possession," Jiang Li said playfully. "Isn't it perfectly normal to eliminate some bandits to protect what's yours?"

The hidden guards lurking in the shadows were all stunned. Though Jiang Li's words made no logical sense, they somehow sounded perfectly reasonable and left no room for refutation.

"It seems what I acquired wasn't your life," Ji Heng remarked, "but a burden."

"Perhaps one day this burden might prove useful to you," Jiang Li replied with a light laugh.

She spoke with utter seriousness, not a trace of jest in her words. Ji Heng said, "If you knew what I've done, you wouldn't speak this way. But now..." He chuckled softly, "A child's words bear no ill intent."

Jiang Li was currently at the prime of her maidenhood, yet in Ji Heng's eyes, she remained merely a "child."

Jiang Li studied Ji Heng. Calculating with the years from her previous life included, they were nearly of an age. Yet this man, despite his youth, carried himself not merely as a young person might. He seemed to harbor countless secrets, each one profoundly weighty. Having grown accustomed to such burdens, when he regarded others, many truths that the world found unacceptable held little significance to him.

Everyone has their own secrets.

Jiang Li said, "Who knows? Perhaps when that day comes, my decision will surprise even you, Duke, won't it? But first, I must live to see that day."

Speaking of life and death, the girl seemed entirely unbothered. Yet this indifference didn't stem from the distance of the matter, but rather from understanding, clarity, and acceptance after seeing through it all. She didn't believe she would live a long life, but neither did she fear dying young.

Ji Heng watched her with interest. Jiang Li was a girl with secrets. Judging by her actions, she didn't seem like someone who would easily give up—rather, she resembled wild grass fiercely surviving in the cracks, tenacious and full of vitality. Yet when she spoke of abandoning her own life, she did so with a carefree lightness, as if her entire existence in this world served but one purpose. For that purpose, she struggled to live, but once it was accomplished, she would care for nothing, not even her own life.

"This drama is a long one," Ji Heng said with a light laugh. "I would regret it if you were no longer here."

"Is that so?" Jiang Li tilted her head to look at him, her feet swaying gently beneath her skirt like those of a carefree maiden. She too smiled. "It would be my honor to earn your regret, Duke. If you were to join this play, if we were to perform it together, perhaps its ending could be more satisfying for all."

Ji Heng narrowed his beautiful, long eyes. "Little one, why are you always trying to pull me into your schemes? I've told you, I don't join plays."

Indeed, he didn't join plays, for the grandest drama of all was one he manipulated from behind the scenes. Even the sovereign seated in the Golden Luan Hall was but a pawn in his hands. The political landscape was treacherous, with various factions rising and falling, vying for power and profit. Yet in the end, after all their twists and turns, who could say for whom they were weaving the bridal gown?

"I wish to stand on your side, Duke. At the very least, not to oppose you." For once, she displayed a rare docility.

As a member of the Jiang family, leaders of the civil officials in Northern Yan, they had to choose sides in this court turmoil. Since ancient times, it had been so: choosing correctly could lead to prosperity and protection for descendants, while choosing wrongly brought unpredictable consequences. The victor becomes king, the loser a bandit—there would be no regrets, for the path was chosen by oneself.

Leaving aside that Prince Cheng was Yongning's younger sister, from a purely strategic perspective, Jiang Li preferred to align with the side that seemed unlikely to lose. Ji Heng's ruthlessness, subtle yet palpable, was truly fearsome.

Such a man stood a great chance of being the final victor.She had long since changed her strategy—she wouldn’t confront things head-on. Since peaceful coexistence was impossible, it was better to declare her stance early and choose sides.

Whether Ji Heng agreed or not, it was still a good thing to intimidate her opponents a little.

Ji Heng looked at her with a knowing smile, as if seeing through all her intentions. Brushing off a snowflake that had landed on her sleeve, she said, “You don’t have to pretend to be obedient, Ali.”

The Duke subtly flirts~

(End of Chapter)