The Double

Chapter 122: Pleading for Justice

Twenty days later, Ye Mingyu's carriage procession had arrived at the gates of Yanjing City.

Although Ye Mingyu prided himself on having traveled extensively over the years, his last visit to Yanjing City had been many years ago. The sudden rush of unfamiliar yet familiar sensations made this burly man appear somewhat awkward.

The common folks from Tongxiang had never witnessed such grandeur before. Just the city gate alone had them pointing and exclaiming in awe. Ping An held Dai Yun's hand, staring dumbfounded at the young guards at the gate—back in Tongxiang, even the gatekeepers didn't wear such imposing armor.

"So this is Yanjing City," Zhang Tufu chuckled cheerfully, then suddenly remembered something. "The daughter of Magistrate Xue married here back in the day."

Jiang Li glanced into the carriage where Xue Huaiyuan had already fallen asleep, her heart sinking into gloom.

When she had married off, Xue Huaiyuan had repeatedly assured her that he would come to the capital with Xue Zhao to visit her at the first opportunity. But Jiang Li knew well that Xue Huaiyuan was constantly occupied with official duties. Though Tongxiang was a small county, its myriad affairs kept him so busy that finding a suitable time for such a journey was no easy matter.

Sure enough, before Xue Huaiyuan could make it to Yanjing, she and Xue Zhao had met with misfortune. By the time Xue Huaiyuan finally reached Yanjing City, she was no longer Xue Fangfei, and he had lost his sanity—they stood face to face yet remained strangers.

"A Li, let's enter now," Ye Mingyu said.

Jiang Li snapped out of her reverie. "Alright."

This procession numbered at least a hundred people. The young guards at the gate, seeing such a large crowd suddenly appear, initially mistook them for refugees fleeing disaster. Several guards immediately surrounded them, expressions stern, blocking Ye Mingyu at the entrance for thorough questioning.

Jiang Li lifted the carriage curtain and stepped down with Tong'er's support. She walked directly up to the guards and presented the Jiang family's passage permit with a smile. "Gentlemen, I am Second Miss Jiang. These are all commoners from Tongxiang who've come to Yanjing to file a lawsuit." She then retrieved a folded paper from her sleeve and handed it over, continuing pleasantly, "This is a transcribed copy of our petition—every person here is listed by name. I'll leave this transcript with you. After the lawsuit concludes, you can verify each person against this list when we depart the city. Would that suffice?"

The guards were taken aback. Second Miss Jiang?

Wasn't she the one recently stirring up rumors throughout Yanjing—the one said to have brought country folks from Xiangyang to overturn a convicted minister's case? How was she already here?

The passage permit in hand was indeed authentic Jiang family documentation. Suppressing their curiosity, the gate guards returned the permit to Jiang Li and accepted the densely inscribed name list. They stepped aside, signaling for the other side to open the city gates wide, announcing respectfully, "Second Miss Jiang, you may pass."

Since she was a daughter of the Jiang family, any consequences would be borne by the Jiang household—they had nothing to fear. The guards deferentially retreated to the sides.

As the city gates swung open, the commoners gazed at Jiang Li with even greater reverence. In a place like Yanjing City, their arrival marked them as country bumpkins. It would be normal even for ordinary citizens to look down on them, let alone the city guards. Yet with just a few words, Jiang Li had commanded such respect from these gatekeepers that they not only treated her courteously but granted passage—clear evidence of the Jiang family's influence within Yanjing City.Ye Mingyu also clicked his tongue in amazement: "I have to say, your father's pass token really works. I remember when we came to Yanjing City before, we had to go through multiple inspections. But you folks—such a large group—were let through just like that." It was unclear whether he was being blunt or mocking the Yanjing officials for being opportunistic.

Jiang Li smiled: "It's only natural."

The entire party then entered the city gates in a grand procession.

Behind them, several guards at the city gate whispered among themselves: "They've arrived in the capital, they've arrived. The storytellers in the teahouses finally have new material. I wonder what kind of storm Second Miss Jiang will stir up in Yanjing City this time."

"But wait," another guard stroked his chin, "didn't Second Miss Jiang bring these people to the capital to overturn a wrongful conviction? Why is there a prisoner's cart at the back? Who's inside? Are they taking the law into their own hands?"

"Hey, don't worry about it. How could we possibly meddle in official matters? Even if Second Miss Jiang causes trouble, her father is the Grand Secretary. It won't affect her. Let's just enjoy the show."

"That makes sense. Judging by this spectacle, Yanjing City is really in for some unrest."

...

Once inside the city, the scene grew even livelier.

The streets of Yanjing City were much wider than those in Tongxiang. The roads were crowded with people and horses, the taverns were grand and imposing, and street performers and hawkers selling candied hawthorns were everywhere. For the Tongxiang locals visiting the capital for the first time, it was almost overwhelming. The older ones managed to contain their excitement, though they still found it novel. The younger ones, however, couldn't help but gawk, nearly tripping over their own feet as they walked.

While the Tongxiang locals marveled at the sights, the Yanjing residents were equally intrigued by the Tongxiang party. Such a large group of obvious outsiders was hard to miss. However, their attire was plain and unassuming, so it was clear they weren't royalty or nobility.

Someone recognized the guards accompanying the procession and whispered to a companion, "Hey, aren't those the Grand Secretary's guards?"

"The Grand Secretary's residence? No one from there has left the capital recently. Could it be Second Miss Jiang? I heard she brought a group of villagers to the capital to clear a disgraced official's name. By the timeline, she should be returning to Yanjing City around now."

The news that "Second Miss Jiang has returned with the people of Tongxiang County" spread through Yanjing City like wildfire. Soon, everyone in the streets and alleys had heard, and spectators poured out of their homes.

Someone asked, "Is Second Miss Jiang planning to take all these people to the Jiang residence? The Grand Secretary's estate is large, but it probably can't accommodate so many. And would Grand Secretary Jiang even allow it? Even if he's kind-hearted... it could bring trouble!"

"I don't know, but if it were me, I definitely wouldn't do it."

"Ah, this Miss Jiang is just too unconventional. Having such a daughter brings nothing but turmoil to the household, nothing but turmoil!"

In the Grand Secretary's residence, Jiang Yuanbai had just returned from court. He had barely taken off his outer robe in his study and taken a sip of the hot tea brought by Ji Shuran when a servant rushed in to report: "Sir, Second Miss has returned to the capital!"

"What?" Jiang Yuanbai paused, teacup in hand. "When?""Just moments ago, the messenger is currently at Evening Phoenix Hall, discussing this matter with Old Madam Jiang. They say Second Young Lady brought hundreds of people, flooding half the streets of Yanjing City. The streets are packed with onlookers, all staring at Second Young Lady."

Jiang Yuanbai's face flushed red then turned pale. He had always been smooth and tactful - such was his approach to officialdom and personal conduct. Though vain, he never sought the limelight. After all, in court, countless eyes were watching. The more one stood out, the more tongues would wag. Yet here was Jiang Li, causing such a huge commotion immediately upon returning to the capital. Now probably the entire Yanjing City had taken notice of their Jiang family. If Jiang Li did anything improper, outsiders could gossip about Jiang Yuanbai for the rest of his life!

"I'll go to Evening Phoenix Hall to see," Jiang Yuanbai said, picking up his outer robe and leaving immediately. Ji Shuran responded, "I'll come too," a faint smile flashing across her face.

Before she even needed to lift a finger, Jiang Li was already digging her own grave. Even as a woman confined to domestic affairs, she knew women shouldn't meddle in court matters. Jiang Li, merely fifteen years old, was already turning everything upside down. Regardless of anything else, what respectable family would dare take such an unruly woman as their matriarch? Jiang Li was systematically destroying any chance of a good marriage she might have had.

Of course, Ji Shuran wished she would make even more trouble - the better if she stirred up something beyond remedy, best if she ruined herself in the process.

To win without bloodshed - that would be ideal.

Arriving at Evening Phoenix Hall, Old Madam Jiang was speaking with Jiang Yuanping.

The habitual smile had vanished from Jiang Yuanping's face, replaced by seriousness. Jiang Yuanxing was absent. Since Jiang Yu'e married into the Zhou family as a concubine, Jiang Yuanxing had become much more withdrawn. Whereas he used to exchange words with Jiang Yuanbai as brothers, now when they met, they only exchanged brief greetings before going their separate ways.

Not that Jiang Yuanbai and the others minded - they weren't full brothers sharing the same mother anyway.

Seeing Jiang Yuanbai arrive, Old Madam Jiang said, "Eldest, you've heard."

"Mother," Jiang Yuanbai said, "Your son is ashamed. I failed to teach Jiang Li properly."

Old Madam Jiang sighed. Actually, she thought Jiang Li was quite intelligent. Since Jiang Li returned to the Jiang family from Qingcheng Mountain, she had observed Jiang Li's every word and action, feeling that Jiang Li might be the smartest and most perceptive among the younger generation in this household. But she couldn't say she particularly liked Jiang Li - for no particular reason, perhaps because Jiang Li always maintained a gentle aloofness.

Just as Jiang Li regarded her - with respect, but without warmth.

Now this brightest junior was making such a foolish mistake in important matters. Old Madam Jiang said, "I don't want to blame her - after all, she's my granddaughter. But Eldest, Second Girl always forgets one thing - she's a daughter of the Jiang family. Before acting, she must first consider whether the Jiang family will be affected. What she's done now has caused a city-wide uproar. Never mind the Jiang family - how will you and Second Brother face others? How will your colleagues view you? What will the Emperor think? And Youyao - her engagement with the Zhou family is already broken, but she still needs to marry eventually. With Second Girl causing such a stir, Youyao's marriage prospects will also be affected. What... what kind of thing has she done!" Old Madam Jiang shook her head repeatedly.Ji Shuran, hearing Jiang Youyao mentioned, immediately seized the opportunity and said tearfully, "Master, Mother is right. This time, Li'er has truly gone too far. Youyao did nothing wrong—first with the matter of the Zhou heir, and now I only wish to secure a suitable marriage for Youyao... With Li causing such a stir, which respectable family in Yanjing City would dare associate with us? I... I truly don't know what to do. I'm Li's stepmother, and I usually dare not scold her. I can't control her, Master. You are her biological father—you must step in and discipline her!"

Ji Shuran wiped her tears with a handkerchief, and whether she was genuinely concerned for Jiang Youyao or not, her performance appeared remarkably convincing. Jiang Yuanbai found her words particularly grating and said sternly, "What do you mean, 'dare not'? You are the wife of the main branch, and she calls you Mother. There is nothing you dare not do! If she ever talks back, bring her to me! I refuse to believe there isn't a single person in the Jiang family who can't handle her. I thought she had improved after returning from Qingcheng Mountain, but it seems she's just as unruly as before. I should never have brought her back to the manor!"

Upon hearing this, Ji Shuran was overjoyed. Jiang Yuanbai's words clearly indicated his disappointment in Jiang Li. As long as his guilt toward Jiang Li faded and he grew thoroughly disillusioned, it would only be a matter of time before he came to despise her.

Old Madam Jiang glanced at Ji Shuran. She was well aware of Ji Shuran's schemes but spoke calmly, "What's done is done. There will be time for blame later. The priority now is to decide what to do next."

"Exactly, Elder Brother," Jiang Yuanping added. "Li'er has just returned to the capital, and everyone in the city is watching us. We can't let her continue like this."

"I've made up my mind," Jiang Yuanbai said with a dark expression. "As soon as they return to the manor, I will confine her and forbid anyone from seeing her! The overturned case of the disgraced official, the turmoil in Tongxiang—none of it has anything to do with her or our Jiang family! Let those people stir up trouble as they please. Jiang Li is not to be involved! Without Jiang Li, I doubt they can achieve anything. It will all be a joke. Once the capital has had its laugh, the matter will be forgotten, and no one will mention it again! I'll treat it as our Jiang family putting on a comedic performance to entertain the audience!"

Everyone fell silent. For now, this indeed seemed the best course of action. Jiang Li's deeds were irreversible; all they could do was prevent her from taking further steps. Whether Jiang Li's "case overturning" would succeed or not, the Jiang family would end up a laughingstock.

What business did a young girl like Jiang Li have meddling in political affairs? Why was she going to such lengths to help Xue Huaiyuan, who was no relation to her?

The gossip and scorn of others could sometimes drown a person—it was the most terrifying weapon.

Just then, Jiang Jingrui rushed in from outside and exclaimed, "I heard Jiang Li is back? Why haven't I seen her?"

Jiang Yuanbai snapped irritably, "She hasn't arrived yet."

"Not yet?" Jiang Jingrui wondered. "According to the earlier message, Jiang Li should have reached our manor by now. Even if she's walking slowly, she should be here. Could it be that she isn't coming back to the manor?"

"How could that be? She just returned to the capital—where else would she go if not the manor? That's absurd!" Jiang Yuanbai fumed, though a flicker of unease stirred within him.Jiang Li was an intelligent person—clever and decisive. When she resolved to do something, she would consider every angle thoroughly. Could it be that she had anticipated his intention to confine her and deliberately avoided returning to the residence, planning to stay outside instead?

At this thought, Jiang Yuanbai's anger flared even hotter. She clearly held no regard for him as her father. Moreover, did she think he would be powerless just because she refused to come home? As long as the case hadn't been brought to court, he would drag Jiang Li back by force if necessary.

Jiang Jingrui shrugged and fell silent. Just then, the messenger servant returned.

This time, he appeared far more panicked than before. Despite the winter chill, sweat streamed down his cheeks as he reported, "Madam, Master, the Second Young Lady and her party haven't returned to the residence. They... they went to Chang'an Gate."

Chang'an Gate?

Jiang Yuanbai's face paled dramatically.

"What are they going to Chang'an Gate for?" Jiang Jingrui asked curiously.

"To strike the stone lions... and sound the grievance drum," Jiang Yuanbai forced out through gritted teeth.

...

Chang'an Gate stood directly in front of the imperial palace.

On ceremonial occasions, the emperor conducted rituals here. Ordinarily, it was guarded by soldiers and saw few visitors.

Within the vast square, two towering stone lions stood majestically. Before each lion rested a massive drum painted in red lacquer, with drumsticks placed atop them. A thick layer of dust coated the drum surfaces, suggesting long disuse.

The carriage procession halted before Chang'an Gate, and Jiang Li leaped down from her carriage.

Crowds had gathered from all directions, centered around Chang'an Gate. Their eyes lit up at the sight of Jiang Li disembarking—she was the protagonist of this drama, and her appearance signaled the start of the spectacle.

In a nearby tavern, a beauty in red robes gazed indolently at the slender figure before Chang'an Gate and instructed her attendant, "Keep a close watch. Don't let anyone seize an opportunity to harm the little one."

"Yes," Wen Ji acknowledged.

Jiang Li had stirred up such a commotion that certain parties would inevitably be infuriated upon learning of it. Given their unrestrained nature, there was fear they might secretly target Jiang Li from within the crowd. Since she was under his protection, her death at another's hands would bring him disgrace.

Moreover, he was curious to see how Jiang Li would turn the tables in this game, so safeguarding her was imperative.

Jiang Li approached Chang'an Gate.

Two young guards stared woodenly at her.

Turning around, she found Ye Mingyu standing beside her. The citizens from Tongxiang had fallen silent; they all understood what was to be done here.

"I've thought it over repeatedly—this matter cannot wait. That's why I didn't return to the residence but came straight here. What must be done today shall be done today. Since we've arrived in Yanjing, let us accomplish the first task immediately." She pointed at the two stone lions and declared, "This is my first time here as well. This is Chang'an Gate."

"Chang'an Gate—where one strikes the stone lions and beats the grievance drum," Jiang Li announced. "This is the final chance to obtain justice."She thought, if she had still been breathing back then and could have left the Zhuangyuan residence, the first thing she would have done was rush here, pick up the drumstick, strike the grievance drum before the stone lion, and pour out all her grievances. However, given the circumstances at the time, it might not have been feasible. Her opponent was Princess Yongning, and she was alone. With just a flick of her finger, Princess Yongning could easily erase her evidence, just like her life.

Now it was different. As Second Miss Jiang, everyone in Yanjing City, from high-ranking officials and nobles to the common folk, was paying attention to this matter. Moreover, she had so many people by her side. This time, it would be difficult for Yongning to clean up the traces completely.

And she wouldn’t give Yongning that opportunity.

Facing the people of Tongxiang, Jiang Li said, “In this world, fairness and justice are already rare. Sometimes, even sacrificing one’s life may not be enough to attain them. Fortunately, we at least have this opportunity, though it did not come without a price.” After a pause, she continued, “For a commoner to accuse an official is like a son killing his father—it warrants fifty lashes. Striking this stone lion and sounding this grievance drum means accepting fifty lashes. If we win, naturally, everyone will rejoice. But if we lose, at best, the case will not be overturned, and we will suffer caning; at worst, we may even lose our lives.”

The people of Tongxiang exchanged uneasy glances, while those from Yanjing City whispered among themselves. Even Tong Zhiyang and his group in the prison cart were taken aback. None of them had known about these consequences.

Jiang Li said, “All this, in exchange for fairness and justice, but without any guarantee of the outcome. Who is willing to step forward? Who will sound this grievance drum?”

Fifty lashes could cost at least half a person’s life; for those with weaker constitutions, it could be fatal. Even if they won the lawsuit, the price would be devastating.

Jiang Li said calmly, “If no one is willing, I will sound this grievance drum myself.”

The crowd immediately stirred.

Her expression was serene, as if this were the most natural course of action, and she saw nothing wrong with what she was doing. After all, she had no connection to Xue Huaiyuan, yet she had done so much for him and was even willing to risk her life.

“How can we trouble Second Miss with this?” someone stepped out from the crowd and said calmly, “I have sworn to follow Lord Xue to the death. Clearing his name is my duty as his subordinate. Let me sound this grievance drum.” It was Peng Xiao.

“And me,” He Jun also stepped forward. “Fifty lashes are nothing compared to the torture we endured in Tongxiang at the hands of those corrupt officials. I’ll do it too.”

“And us,” Gu Da and Gu Er also stepped forward. “It’s just sounding a grievance drum. We brothers are willing!”

Ye Mingyu laughed heartily and said, “These folks with their skinny arms and legs shouldn’t bother. I, your grandpa, have thick skin and don’t fear a beating. I’ve never sounded a grievance drum in my life. I’ll do it!”

“Don’t anyone fight me over this. How could I miss out?” Zhang Tufu also stepped forward. “You all have weak strength. I’m a butcher—I’m strong. One strike from me, and I guarantee the whole of Yanjing City will hear it. I’ll do it!”

“I’ll do it!”

“I’ll do it!”

“I’ll do it!”

As if inspired, one after another, the people of Tongxiang stepped forward, vying to be the one to sound the grievance drum.Even the gentle Dai Yun said, "I also want to sound the grievance drum. Even if not for Lord Xue, it's for ourselves. During Feng Yutang's time here, we people of Tongxiang have suffered too much, far too much. Since justice and fairness are so hard to obtain, what does fifty lashes matter? Second Young Lady, please let me join!"

Not a single person retreated.

The two junior officers guarding Chang'an Gate showed a change in their wooden expressions for the first time. Stationed here between two stone lions, they had witnessed many who came to sound the grievance drum.

Unless driven to desperation, with grievances nowhere to express, who would come to such a place? Most of those who came would wander around for a long time before eventually turning back, unable to bear the "cost" of justice, fearing they might lose their lives before achieving victory. Those who didn't turn back mostly came with the grim determination to die, resolved to perish together with their enemies as if marching to the execution ground.

But given any other choice, none would willingly sound that drum.

The two young soldiers were seeing such a large crowd for the first time, yet they vied eagerly to strike the massive drum, showing no hesitation. Even the little girl held by the delicate woman had a resolute, unwavering gaze in her eyes.

It seemed there truly was an immense injustice, and they appeared utterly fearless.

The citizens of Yanjing watched the scene, gradually falling silent. Though they had come seeking entertainment, their hearts were not made of stone. Seeing so many people determined and unyielding, it was clear the matter was far from simple.

And there, at the very center of the crowd, stood Second Miss Jiang. She was like the backbone of the gathering; her brief words reflected the will of the people, who were willing to follow her because she offered them hope. No matter how faint or arduous, hope was still hope.

Hope gives one the courage to press on; hope can conquer all.

Inside the prisoner’s cart, Feng Yutang suddenly burst into loud laughter. His laughter was brazen, drawing everyone’s attention.

One of the Tongxiang locals, utterly disgusted by him, picked up a stone from the ground and hurled it at him, snarling, "What are you laughing at!"

Feng Yutang said, "I laugh at your foolishness! I laugh at how heaven truly favors me. No matter the outcome of this lawsuit, before it even begins, half of you will collapse, and some might even die! You’re paying such a high price just to bring me down—it fills me with delight, sheer delight!"

With that, he laughed uproariously again.

The crowd glared at him angrily, yet they had to admit Feng Yutang spoke the truth. The feeling was stifling—the wicked not yet punished, while the good suffered losses first. Who the hell made such rules!

Jiang Li also let out a soft laugh.

Feng Yutang gradually stopped laughing, fixing a sinister gaze on her as he asked, "And what are you laughing at?"

"I laugh at Lord Feng’s naivety," Jiang Li said calmly. "It’s true that the punishment is fifty lashes, but you’ve forgotten—there’s more than one person sounding the grievance drum. No one ever said that for a single case, it’s impossible for all involved to share the fifty lashes."

"With over a hundred people here, even one lash each would be more than enough, and it’s bearable—hardly anything at all," Jiang Li mocked him. "Don’t you agree, Lord Feng?"

Feng Yutang’s laughter gradually faded, replaced by the crowd’s roaring laughter.

"Just half a lash per person! That’s nothing—I’ll take a few extra for everyone! My skin’s thick, it won’t matter!"

"Don’t you dare, I want to know what it feels like too! No one hog all the lashes!"

"Can we make it more than half a lash? This half-lash business is just too tedious—let’s make it quicker!"

In the small tower, Ji Heng chuckled softly.

Such a method… she really could think of it. But exploiting loopholes in official regulations had always been her forte. She would never accept losses—she was far too shrewd.

Jiang Li slowly walked up to the giant drum.

The drum sat silently, as if it had been waiting for a long time. The stone lions stood majestic, their heads dusted with frost, having endured the passing of seasons. Justice was finally arriving.

"Boom!" Dust from the drum surface scattered everywhere with the heavy strike, almost blending with the snowflakes in the sky. After the dust settled, clarity emerged.

"Boom!" The grievances of two lifetimes had finally found an outlet for justice. The path was narrow and bottomless, yet by carefully following the glimmer of light, a sliver of dawn could finally be seen."Boom!" From muffled to clear, from chaos to clarity—it took but three drumbeats.

The drumbeats resounded through the entire Chang'an Gate, stirring the whole of Yanjing City.

Everyone heard it.

(End of Chapter)