The Double

Chapter 125: Resolving the Predicament

Time flew by swiftly, and soon it was three days later.

During these three days, Jiang Li did nothing at the estate, just as she had back in Tongxiang, tending to Xue Huaiyuan with Ye Mingyu. Every day, she also sent someone to check on the commoners from Tongxiang staying at the inn, ensuring they were safe and well.

As a key witness, Feng Yutang had already been taken into custody by the Ministry of Justice, and the commoners needed to be well-protected. Jiang Yuanbai, however, had uncharacteristically not visited Jiang Li again, likely preoccupied with his own worries. If the Xue family case truly implicated the Right Prime Minister’s Li family, Jiang Yuanbai would naturally find himself in a difficult position.

Jiang Li didn’t mind Jiang Yuanbai’s lack of assistance; as long as he didn’t heed Ji Shuran’s whispers and cause trouble to obstruct her at this critical moment, that was enough. Of course, since the Hongxiao Emperor had personally promised to oversee the case, even if Jiang Yuanbai wanted to interfere, he would be powerless.

All they could do was wait quietly for the day of the trial.

On that day, Jiang Li rose early. The Hongxiao Emperor had decreed that the case would be heard before him, so Jiang Li had to enter the palace. Unlike the last palace banquet, this time she would surely attract the attention of Prince Cheng, Princess Yongning, and Shen Yurong. Princess Yongning was ruthless and might dare to harm her even within the palace, yet she couldn’t bring any weapons inside. Even the dagger Jiang Jingrui had given her couldn’t be taken into the palace this time.

At this moment, Jiang Li found herself envying Ji Heng’s fan. After all, Ji Heng could swagger into the palace with that fan—a lavish and exquisite piece that no one would guess was a deadly weapon capable of taking lives with a mere flick.

Indeed, the more beautiful something was, the more dangerous it became, much like the fan’s owner.

Lost in thought, she was brought back by Tong’er’s cheerful voice behind her: “Miss, your hair is done. How does it look?”

Jiang Li gazed at her reflection in the mirror. Though Tong’er was skilled, Jiang Li had asked for a simple black gauze bun, with no ornaments adorning the hair wrapped in dark silk. It accentuated her fair complexion and delicate features, making her appear even more ethereal.

Tong’er, who had initially thought Jiang Li’s attire too plain, now looked on with satisfaction and said, “Miss, you look beautiful no matter how you style your hair.”

Bai Xue approached with a cloak, hesitating before asking, “Miss, isn’t this outfit too plain? Will the master be upset?”

Jiang Li took the snow-white cloak and draped it over her shoulders, replying, “It’s fine. Only this way can I show how seriously I take the Xue family case.”

Turning around, her white robes and black hair creating a striking contrast of pure elegance, she said, “Let’s go.”

Jiang Yuanbai’s carriage was already waiting outside. As a court official, he was to attend the trial as well. However, family members weren’t required to enter the palace, so as Jiang Li left the courtyard, she encountered Ji Shuran and Jiang Youyao.

Ji Shuran paused briefly, then smiled and said to Jiang Li, “Li’er, heading to the palace so early?”

“It seems Second Sister can’t wait to enter the palace and clear the Xue family’s name,” Jiang Youyao sneered. “I had no idea our family had a female scholar aspiring to be a righteous official. Let’s hope she doesn’t bring disaster upon us.”

“Youyao!” Ji Shuran cut her off, apologizing to Jiang Li. “Youyao was just joking. Li’er, please don’t take it to heart.”Jiang Li smiled and said, "It's nothing." She turned sideways, brushed past the mother and daughter, and walked away without another word. Yet the more indifferent she appeared, the more furious Jiang Youyao became. She felt increasingly that Jiang Li was looking down on her. Stamping her foot in secret, she gritted her teeth and said, "Mother, look at her!"

"It's fine," Ji Shuran's smile also faded as she watched Jiang Li's retreating figure, her tone cool. "Let's see how much longer she can act so arrogantly."

Jiang Li continued forward with Tong'er. After not seeing Jiang Youyao for some time, she seemed to have grown even more foolish. Perhaps it was because her marriage arrangement with Zhou Yanbang had fallen through, but Jiang Youyao's impatience was now written all over her face. Jiang Li hadn't forgotten that Ji Shuran had sent people to deal with her in Tongxiang. Initially, she had hoped for peaceful coexistence, but that was no longer possible.

Once the matter of the Xue family case was resolved, she would have to settle accounts with Ji Shuran.

Only by clearing away these troublesome obstacles could she truly fight with all her might—against Princess Yongning, against Shen Yurong, against Prince Cheng.

When they reached the mansion gate, Jiang Yuanbai's carriage was already waiting.

From the carriage behind, Ye Mingyu poked his head out and greeted Jiang Li in a low voice, "A Li!"

Jiang Li smiled in response, "Uncle."

Ye Mingyu was in the same carriage as Xue Huaiyuan. Today, Xue Huaiyuan also had to appear in court. Jiang Li feared something might go wrong along the way. To have Xue Huaiyuan appear right under the nose of Yongning, the murderer, made her worry that Yongning might resort to some scheme. Now that Ye Mingyu knew Princess Yongning was the mastermind behind it all, he too recognized the gravity of the situation and promised not to leave Xue Huaiyuan's side, ensuring Princess Yongning would have no opportunity to strike.

Jiang Li boarded the carriage.

Tong'er lifted the carriage curtain slightly and was nearly blinded by the wind and snow outside. "Miss, the snow is so heavy out there."

Jiang Li glanced outside. Indeed, it was. Northern Yan had always experienced heavy winter storms, but today was particularly fierce. Thick flakes of snow swept diagonally, blurring the line between sky and earth.

"It'll be fine once the wind comes," Jiang Li said with a smile.

Once the wind came, it would blow away the chaos, and all truths would be revealed.

...

The journey to the palace wasn't particularly long, but Jiang Li felt today was passing exceptionally slowly.

Perhaps it was because she had waited for this moment for so long. Back when she was Xue Fangfei, she had waited until her death without seeing it come. Now, the grievances of the entire Xue family, long submerged in unfathomable depths, were finally being brought to light. A sliver of truth was about to tear through the veil of falsehood, and Jiang Li felt that even in the cold of winter, her blood was boiling with intensity.

After what felt like an eternity, the carriage came to a stop.

A voice sounded from outside, "Master, we've arrived."

Jiang Li stepped out of the carriage. Jiang Yuanbai was already standing outside, his expression complex as he looked at his daughter. At times, he felt guilty toward her; at other times, angry. But now, what he felt most was confusion and estrangement, coupled with a sense of powerlessness. He couldn't control Jiang Li's thoughts, and often, he couldn't even influence her actions—Jiang Li always found another way to achieve her goals.

"I need to see the Emperor first," Jiang Yuanbai said to her. "You and your third uncle must go see the official from the Ministry of Justice. The servants will take you there." He paused, then added, "You... be careful in everything."Jiang Yuanbai also realized the complexity behind the Xue family case would put Jiang Li in danger. As Jiang Li had said, if Right Prime Minister Li Zhongnan was truly behind this matter, he would inevitably vent his resentment on Jiang Li. Considering how many innocent souls had perished unjustly in the palace, Jiang Li was, after all, his own flesh and blood.

"I understand, thank you, Father." Jiang Li smiled. "Don't worry, Father. With Uncle Mingyu accompanying me, nothing will happen."

She seemed to trust the Ye family deeply, which inexplicably unsettled Jiang Yuanbai. He said nothing more and left first.

Ye Mingyu helped Xue Huaiyuan down from the carriage and asked, "What did your father say?" Jiang Yuanbai disliked Ye Mingyu, and the feeling was mutual, so Ye Mingyu avoided speaking with him whenever possible. Unless absolutely necessary, he wouldn't even cross paths with Jiang Yuanbai on ordinary days.

"Nothing much, just told us to be cautious in everything."

"Could someone in the palace still target us?" Ye Mingyu grew tense. "Surely not? Who would dare be so bold under the Emperor's very nose?"

"One can never be too wary of others," Jiang Li said. "But there shouldn't be any real danger. Let's go." Though she wasn't entirely without caution, she reflected that there were likely Ji Heng's people in the palace as well. Since Ji Heng had promised to take her life himself, he wouldn't allow anyone else to kill her. In a way, he was her most reliable guard.

If any real danger arose, Ji Heng would surely appear.

Hearing this, Ye Mingyu said nothing more and followed Jiang Li and the guiding palace attendant inward.

Xue Huaiyuan now had the mind of a five- or six-year-old child. As they walked through the palace, he kept looking around, fascinated by his surroundings. With Jiang Li by his side, he wasn't too afraid. Though it was Ye Mingyu's first time in the palace, he tried hard to appear indifferent and composed.

Zhou Dezhao of the Ministry of Justice was handling the case. Jiang Li, as a witness, would first meet with Zhou Dezhao alongside Ye Mingyu.

The palace attendant guiding them was tight-lipped. After trying in vain to extract any information from him, Ye Mingyu gave up. When they reached a detached palace, the attendant stopped. A guard emerged from inside, glanced at Jiang Li, and said, "Second Miss Jiang, Lord Zhou is waiting inside."

Exchanging a look with Ye Mingyu, Jiang Li entered the room.

Zhou Dezhao was around Jiang Yuanbai's age, with a lean build, a square jaw, and a face that conveyed resoluteness at first glance. He looked at Jiang Li and Ye Mingyu, then glanced at Xue Huaiyuan, who was absorbed in playing with a rattle drum. Without wasting words, he got straight to the point: "Second Miss Jiang, His Majesty has shown me the memorial regarding the Xue family case. Do you know who this case implicates?"

"Princess Yongning," Jiang Li replied calmly.

Zhou Dezhao was taken aback, seemingly surprised by her forthrightness, as if she were speaking not of a princess of the realm but a commoner from the streets. When Hongxiao Emperor personally informed him of the matter, Zhou Dezhao had struggled to conceal his astonishment. In his long career as an official, he had witnessed many sordid and bizarre incidents, as well as numerous unresolved cases where commoners accused officials. But the daughter of a Grand Secretary accusing a reigning princess—this was a first."The evidence in Second Miss Jiang's hands is conclusive," Zhou Dezhao said. "His Majesty also intends to vindicate the people of Tongxiang, but this case involves complex forces due to its connection with the princess. Second Miss Jiang must consider carefully."

"There's no turning back once the arrow leaves the bow," Jiang Li smiled. "I am deeply grateful that His Majesty is personally overseeing this case, and I will spare no effort to uncover the truth."

She emphasized the words "uncover the truth" with particular weight.

"However, this case is not without vulnerabilities," Zhou Dezhao continued. "If the mastermind is truly connected to the princess, this case alone cannot resolve the source. Instead, it may place Second Miss Jiang in danger. Even so, will you not reconsider?"

"Lord Zhou need not test me," Jiang Li replied with a smile. "If I had any intention of retreating, I would not have undertaken these actions. Moreover, with His Majesty personally overseeing it, holding back would constitute deceiving the sovereign, would it not?"

Zhou Dezhao was a principled official, but having reached his position, he was not inflexible. His warning that this case would not topple Princess Yongning but instead earn her enmity might have been a test or a well-intentioned reminder. Yet Jiang Li believed such words were pointless.

Seeing Jiang Li's resolve, Zhou Dezhao found it difficult to press further. After all, Jiang Li was Jiang Yuanbai's daughter, and he had to show some deference to Jiang Yuanbai. This case would undoubtedly offend Princess Yongning, but with the emperor's explicit decree, he had no alternative. In a way, he and Jiang Li were in the same position.

"Very well," Zhou Dezhao nodded. "Second Miss Jiang, prepare yourself. We will proceed to the hall shortly." He paused, then added, "Princess Yongning will not be in court today, but Prince Cheng will be present."

Prince Cheng was Yongning's elder brother, and it was possible he might cause trouble for Jiang Li.

"Who cares who he is?" Ye Mingyu interjected impatiently. "He wouldn't dare go too far in front of His Majesty, would he?"

Jiang Li and Zhou Dezhao remained silent. Ye Mingyu, distant from court affairs, was unaware, but Prince Cheng's influence and arrogance were long-standing. Hongxiao Emperor had to bide his time and avoid direct confrontation, maintaining a facade of fraternal harmony while undercurrents surged beneath.

Jiang Li sighed softly, uncertain whether to pity the current emperor of Northern Yan. Not only did many covet his throne, but even his most trusted minister, Ji Heng, had his own schemes.

"Lord Zhou, let us go," Jiang Li set aside her thoughts and said.

Zhou Dezhao nodded.

Xue Huaiyuan could not accompany Jiang Li to the hall immediately, as his unstable condition might disturb the emperor. He needed to be guarded until the appropriate time for an audience. Thus, only Jiang Li and Ye Mingyu followed Zhou Dezhao toward the Golden Luan Hall. By this time, the officials attending the day's trial were likely arriving in succession.

As they approached the Golden Luan Hall, some officials noticed them and cast scrutinizing glances toward Jiang Li.Nowadays, Jiang Li could be considered a prominent figure in Yanjing City. Among all official households, there was none who hadn't heard of Jiang Li's name. Her actions made her the foremost among Yanjing's noble ladies. Yet no one could decipher her intentions—why would a well-bred young lady abandon her proper station to involve herself in such turmoil, exposing herself publicly for the sake of an unrelated person? No one understood what she truly sought.

As they walked, a voice suddenly called from behind: "Lord Zhou."

Zhou Dezhao and Jiang Li turned to see a young man slowly emerging from behind the garden.

The man was dressed in luxurious brocade robes, his demeanor imposing, and his attendants clearly distinguished from ordinary servants. His features were handsome, but his eyes held a deep shrewdness that revealed a hint of malice when he scrutinized others.

Though he had addressed Zhou Dezhao, his gaze fixed directly on Jiang Li, examining her without restraint. Ye Mingyu grew irritated—since when did anyone stare so brazenly at a young girl?

Zhou Dezhao bowed and said, "Your humble official pays respects to Your Highness, Prince Cheng."

Jiang Li also curtsied in greeting.

Zhou Dezhao's earlier words had now come true—so quickly fulfilled. Jiang Li had no desire to encounter Prince Cheng here, yet before even entering the Golden Luan Hall, they had crossed paths in this narrow passage.

Prince Cheng remarked, "So this is Second Miss Jiang." He smiled faintly. "I witnessed Second Miss Jiang's elegance at the examination grounds some days ago—truly captivating. Little did I expect that after not seeing you for some time, your capabilities have grown even greater. You never cease to surprise me, day after day."

His words carried a distinct frivolity. Ye Mingyu's eyes flashed with indignation. Fearing he might cause trouble here, Jiang Li said to Zhou Dezhao, "Lord Zhou, please accompany my uncle into the hall first. I'll speak with His Highness Prince Cheng for a moment and join you shortly."

"How can that be?" Before Zhou Dezhao could respond, Ye Mingyu objected first. "We leave together," he insisted. This Prince Cheng clearly wasn't a good man—Ye Mingyu had heard that the current trouble targeted Princess Yongning. As Yongning's brother, wouldn't Prince Cheng seek revenge? Moreover, Prince Cheng's earlier words were utterly arrogant. He truly didn't feel at ease leaving Jiang Li alone with him.

Zhou Dezhao was also somewhat surprised. At such a moment, instead of finding a way to avoid Prince Cheng, Jiang Li actually took the initiative to approach him. Was she not afraid of Prince Cheng?

Indeed, Jiang Li felt no fear. Her expression remained composed as she calmly explained to Ye Mingyu, "It's fine, Uncle. His Highness and I will stay just steps away from the Golden Luan Hall. This area is bustling with people coming and going—there's no danger. I merely have a few words to say and will join you shortly. If you stay here, you'll only delay matters with Lord Zhou, isn't that so?"

Ye Mingyu still wanted to protest, but Zhou Dezhao had already cupped his hands and said, "In that case, this humble official will take his leave first." He signaled to Ye Mingyu, who hesitated briefly before reluctantly following Zhou Dezhao into the hall after catching Jiang Li's meaningful glance.

Jiang Li always had her own plans, and Ye Mingyu feared his impulsiveness might disrupt her strategy.

After the two men departed, Prince Cheng narrowed his eyes, studying Jiang Li with a meaningful gaze.Jiang Li's words to reassure Ye Mingyu were actually meant for him to hear as well. This place was just steps away from the Golden Luan Hall, with people coming and going constantly, making it impossible for him to lay a hand on Jiang Li. She had precisely calculated this, which was why she dared to speak with him alone here with such audacity.

"Second Miss Jiang, you have remarkable courage," Prince Cheng remarked. "Grand Secretary Jiang has always been prudent, yet his daughter possesses such boldness. I admire that."

Jiang Li smiled faintly. "Your Highness flatters me."

She accepted the praise without hesitation.

Prince Cheng was taken aback, then suddenly burst into laughter. "Second Miss Jiang, you are always full of surprises. Why are you always so confident? Are you truly certain that today's events will implicate Yongning, and that is why you act so fearlessly?"

Jiang Li abruptly looked up, her gaze fixed on Prince Cheng, her heart sinking slightly.

She had long known that Prince Cheng had his own influence within the palace. After all, someone with ambitions for the throne would surely plant spies everywhere. However, the memorial she had written should have been highly confidential. The fact that Prince Cheng already knew about it indicated that there were still informants close to the Hongxiao Emperor. Moreover, for someone to have access to such secret matters, the informant must be among the emperor's inner circle.

"What is Second Miss Jiang thinking? Wondering how I came to know of this?" Prince Cheng pressed closer, his voice suddenly dropping to a menacing whisper. "There is nothing in this world that I do not know. For you to think you can deceive me and play tricks right under my nose is far too naive. Even your father would not dare to do such a thing, yet you, a mere girl, have the audacity."

When he wasn't smiling, the gloom on his face was not feigned—it was genuinely terrifying. If Jiang Li were truly the Second Miss Jiang or if any other young lady were in her place, they would have been frightened out of their wits by Prince Cheng. But Jiang Li was different. She even assessed him inwardly: though Prince Cheng wielded considerable power, his temperament resembled that of his mother, Consort Liu—unrestrained, overly arrogant, and prideful. Such traits would inevitably lead to trouble in the future. In terms of strategy and composure, he was no match for the Hongxiao Emperor, despite the latter's weaker influence.

Seeing that Jiang Li did not show the fear he had anticipated, Prince Cheng grew even more displeased. "Second Miss Jiang, you have remarkable courage, but I wonder how long it will last? Do you know that if you offend me, even your father will not be able to protect you!"

"Your Highness, Prince Cheng." Just then, a voice called out from not far away.

Both Jiang Li and Prince Cheng turned toward the sound and saw a young man approaching swiftly. He bowed respectfully to Prince Cheng once more. "This humble official pays his respects to Your Highness, Prince Cheng."

Jiang Li was startled. The person was none other than Ye Shijie.

Now serving as the newly appointed Vice Minister of Revenue, Ye Shijie had been personally selected by the emperor. Given his apparent marital ties to the Jiang family, the Grand Secretary's household, and his own considerable abilities, he had been performing quite well. Among the rising talents at court, everyone was willing to grant him some favor, and the Hongxiao Emperor held him in high regard.Jiang Li frowned slightly. She hadn't expected Ye Shijie to step forward at this moment. Ye Shijie had only recently entered the court, and if Prince Cheng were to trouble him over this matter, it would be disastrous. After all, she was just a young woman; if Prince Cheng truly wanted to find fault with her, he could only target her within the inner household, and with carefulness, Jiang Li could manage. But Ye Shijie, as an official, was still inexperienced—how could he compare to those seasoned veterans? Prince Cheng's subordinates only needed to create minor difficulties in his official duties, and it was entirely possible for Ye Shijie to stumble without even knowing why.

This young man was good-hearted, but he was still young and somewhat impulsive, much like Xue Zhao in the past.

"Oh? Reinforcements have arrived." Prince Cheng glanced at Jiang Li, then at Ye Shijie, and said, "Second Miss Jiang and her cousin seem to share a close bond. Ye Shijie," his sinister gaze fixed firmly on Ye Shijie, "if you were a bit smarter, you wouldn't have rushed out so hastily today. What a pity," he added with apparent regret, "I truly hate to lose a promising talent like you."

At these words, Jiang Li's heart tightened—Prince Cheng had clearly set his sights on Ye Shijie!

Ye Shijie, regardless of his inner thoughts, maintained a respectful demeanor and said, "Your Highness jests. It is this humble official’s fortune to receive Your Highness’s favor."

Though young, he was no longer the impulsive youth who would argue endlessly over a painting on the street. Faced with provocation, he knew to avoid confrontation and play the fool.

Prince Cheng, instead of growing angry, laughed and said, "Neither of you seems to fear this prince. I will surely make you regret it..."

Before he could finish, a light chuckle interrupted him. A voice drifted from behind the garden, carrying a careless laziness and a hint of amusement, "Well, if it isn’t Prince Cheng?"

Someone else had arrived.

Hearing this voice, Jiang Li felt a surge of joy and looked up. In the icy, snow-covered landscape, a figure in vibrant red stood out, its brilliance undimmed even within the deep, layered palace walls.

His attire was dazzling, his appearance captivating. A guard held an umbrella for him, ensuring no snowflakes touched him. His voice was low and husky, charmingly mellow, yet tinged with the schadenfreude of someone enjoying the spectacle. "What’s all this noise so early in the morning?"

It was Duke Su, Ji Heng.

Prince Cheng was also taken aback. After a long pause, he finally addressed Ji Heng, "Duke Su."

By etiquette, Ji Heng should have returned the greeting. But Ji Heng never bowed to him, and Prince Cheng dared not force the issue. In Prince Cheng’s mind, his wariness of Ji Heng surpassed even that of the Hongxiao Emperor. He had once tried everything to pull Ji Heng to his side but failed. Yet Ji Heng had not joined the Hongxiao Emperor or the Jiang family’s faction either. It was precisely because he maintained a neutral stance that Prince Cheng remained guarded against him and refrained from making a move.

He had no desire to invite unexpected trouble.

"I heard talk of life and death from afar. What, is someone in for misfortune?" Ji Heng’s hands were tucked into his sleeves, his expression utterly indifferent as he asked with a smile.

Jiang Li bowed to him and said, "It is this humble girl and my cousin who have angered Prince Cheng. His Highness is currently enraged."

At this, both Prince Cheng and Ye Shijie turned their gaze to Jiang Li.

What was going on? Jiang Li was actually sowing discord right in front of Prince Cheng? And the target of her provocation was Ji Heng—that Duke Su who only cared about watching the show! Her words carried a subtle, almost imperceptible note of soft complaint, as if Ji Heng were a mediating elder or a righteous official who could uphold justice for her.

Had she lost her mind?

Prince Cheng sneered, "Second Miss Jiang is quite skilled at shifting blame. I’m afraid it’s not merely angering this prince—you have offended me. In this world, no one who offends me has ever met a good end."

He made no attempt to conceal his words in Ji Heng’s presence. No matter how unpredictable Ji Heng’s temper was, he would not dare to act against a prince. By speaking so openly before Ji Heng, Prince Cheng seemed to be testing Ji Heng’s reaction, trying to discern his relationship with Jiang Li.

Ji Heng’s beautiful phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, a faint smile curling at the corners of his lips. He said lightly, "Children know no better. Why must Your Highness nitpick? Let it go."

He was... mediating?

Both Ye Shijie and Prince Cheng stared at Ji Heng in disbelief. This apology, devoid of any remorse, unmistakably revealed his stance—he was protecting Jiang Li!Jiang Li also widened her eyes. She had deliberately dragged Ji Heng into this and intended to use him to make Prince Cheng wary, but she never expected Ji Heng to speak up for her right in front of Prince Cheng!

This man was adept at putting on an act; even the occasional genuine moments during their interactions were like a fleeting glimpse—once the moonlit night passed, daylight returned, and everyone donned their masks again.

But this time, he was actually sincere.

Duke: Initiate the attack.

Ali: Play it safe and don’t get reckless.

(End of Chapter)