The Double

Chapter 127 Discovery

The single word "wait" made Prince Cheng's heart sink.

Although he wasn't truly afraid of the Hongxiao Emperor, he couldn't openly refute the emperor's opinion before all the civil and military officials. And clearly, the Hongxiao Emperor had now clearly sided with Jiang Li. Though he knew the emperor intended to use the Xue family case to implicate Princess Yongning, at this moment, Jiang Li's argument was indeed convincing.

Reason and sentiment—to exonerate Xue Huaiyuan, when "reason" fell short, "sentiment" could compensate. Yet Jiang Li had employed such an irresistible method, step by step cleansing the injustice from Xue Huaiyuan.

The ministers who understood what was happening looked at Jiang Li with strange expressions. Such an Imperial Council was truly breathtaking to witness.

Jiang Yuanbai also stared at his daughter as if he didn't recognize her. He knew Jiang Li was clever—she might be the most intelligent among the Jiang family's younger generation. But such political maneuvering was simply too much. Jiang Yuanbai even suspected that Jiang Li's actions today might have been guided by some mastermind behind the scenes. Otherwise, for a young lady from an inner chamber to possess such political skill should be impossible.

Others wouldn't believe Jiang Li had conceived this strategy herself, but would instead attribute it to Jiang Yuanbai. They would think Jiang Yuanbai had instructed Jiang Li to speak this way in court, deepening their perception of his scheming and considering him truly cunning and experienced.

"Continue," the Hongxiao Emperor said to Jiang Li.

Jiang Li bowed low, her voice clear as she said, "This subject has finished speaking. The County Magistrate of Tongxiang, Xue Huaiyuan, is guilty. His crime lies in serving for decades where, apart from embezzling disaster relief funds, he remained indifferent to desires, devoted to his duties with clean hands, his heart as pure as water, his integrity lofty and unyielding. The world rarely sees such corrupt officials—he must have been planning something deeper. After years in office, he completely transformed Tongxiang, suggesting hidden conspiracies within. His family possesses little property, its whereabouts unknown. This subject believes Xue Huaiyuan's crimes are unforgivable, and begs Your Majesty to sentence him to death by a thousand cuts!"

Right Prime Minister Li Zhongnan closed his eyes, knowing that with Jiang Li's speech, the charges against Xue Huaiyuan had been completely cleared.

Speaking the opposite of what was meant, speaking the opposite—Jiang Li's masterful use of this technique was truly brilliant, leaving no room for argument.

A long silence filled the hall.

After what seemed like ages, the Hongxiao Emperor's voice rang out: "So it seems Xue Huaiyuan is not guilty, but rather meritorious. To deepen the charges against an official with five commendations suggests possible injustice. In Feng Yutang's case, Feng Yutang's guilt is undeniable, while Xue Huaiyuan's embezzlement remains full of doubts. Zhou Dezhao, I command you to reinvestigate this case thoroughly!"

As the last word fell, Jiang Li's heart felt as if bathed in hot water, gradually boiling over.

Yet she merely bowed low again and said, "This subject further begs to bring County Magistrate Xue Huaiyuan of Tongxiang before the court. Xue Huaiyuan is also a witness. Your Majesty might wish to see Magistrate Xue's current condition first."

"Bring Xue Huaiyuan," commanded the Hongxiao Emperor.Zhou Dezhao hurriedly ordered his men to bring Xue Huaiyuan forward, unable to resist another glance at Jiang Li. Today's events had initially seemed dominated by Prince Cheng and the Right Prime Minister, yet now Jiang Li was steering the entire situation. Whether this strategy originated from Jiang Li or Jiang Yuanbai, the Jiang family could not be underestimated. While it had appeared that the Jiang family's influence was waning in court—especially as the Right Prime Minister grew stronger—it now seemed that "a starved camel is still bigger than a horse." Regardless of their actual power, Jiang Yuanbai's cunning alone was no less formidable than the Right Prime Minister's.

If this continued, it was uncertain who would ultimately lose. Well then, those of them watching from the sidelines would likely need to reconsider their future allegiances.

Xue Huaiyuan was soon brought in.

He had been changed into clean clothes, his face washed, and he clutched a rattle drum tightly. Imperial guards stood protectively around the Hongxiao Emperor, wary of any sudden violence from Xue Huaiyuan. But upon seeing so many people, Xue Huaiyuan shrank back in fear, trembling and scurrying helplessly toward Jiang Li.

Jiang Li soothingly patted Xue Huaiyuan's shoulder. With his hair and beard entirely white, he appeared as aged as Jiang Yuanbai but frail like an old man, making her actions seem appropriate. However, her patience struck Jiang Yuanbai as glaringly discordant.

He couldn't help feeling that Jiang Li had never shown such gentleness toward him, her own father.

Xue Huaiyuan clearly relied on Jiang Li as well. Once she was by his side, he quieted down, content to play with his rattle drum alone.

Jiang Li addressed the Hongxiao Emperor: "Your Majesty, this is Xue Huaiyuan, the former magistrate of Tongxiang County. After being imprisoned and tortured by Feng Yutang, he has lost his sanity and now behaves like a child. It is a tragedy that such an honest and loyal official has met this fate. If word spreads, how many upright and devoted officials will be disheartened? How many will remain steadfast in their loyalty to Your Majesty?"

"How dare you!" Li Zhongnan roared. "Jiang Li, how can you question His Majesty?"

"Lord Li," Jiang Yuanbai said coldly, "His Majesty has not spoken. What right do you have to interject?"

Jiang Li's words bordered on disrespect, and Prince Cheng sneered, "It seems Lord Jiang has his own methods of raising a daughter. For a young lady, Second Miss Jiang's remarks are rather improper."

Jiang Yuanbai dared to openly challenge Li Zhongnan but hesitated to offend Prince Cheng at this moment. As he wavered over how to respond, Duke Su, who had remained largely silent, spoke up.

Ji Heng flicked his fan open and chuckled lightly, "How coincidental. Second Miss Jiang's perspective aligns with mine."

With that single remark, the court officials were taken aback. Ji Heng had spoken—and in support of Jiang Li?

Though Duke Su was known for his appreciation of beauty, he was not one to rescue damsels in distress. Yet here he was, opposing Prince Cheng and uttering such a meaningful statement.

Ji Heng appeared oblivious to the myriad interpretations his words had sparked among those present and added nonchalantly, "Bitter medicine is the most effective, and honest advice is the hardest to take. Though Second Miss Jiang's words may seem improper, they hold some truth. If our court abandons loyal ministers and employs treacherous ones, I fear the state itself may not endure."The young man possessed a strikingly handsome, almost demonic beauty. His half-smiling, half-mocking words carried a subtle threat that instantly achieved their intended effect—at least, the Hongxiao Emperor took them to heart. "Duke Su speaks truth," the emperor declared. "I am not one who cannot bear honest counsel. Minister Jiang," he addressed Jiang Yuanbai, "you have raised your daughter well."

Jiang Yuanbai hastily expressed gratitude, though inwardly perplexed. Their Jiang family had not a shred of connection with Duke Su, nor should Jiang Li and Ji Heng share any acquaintance. Why would this notoriously temperamental duke suddenly speak in Jiang Li's favor?

Could it be... He observed Jiang Li's pure countenance. She was no longer the willful child sent to Qingcheng Mountain, but gradually blossoming into maidenly grace—fresh and delicate as spring's first snow-white pear blossoms, clean and captivating.

No, no. Jiang Yuanbai immediately dismissed this absurd thought. Duke Su himself possessed peerless beauty and had surely encountered every manner of stunning woman. Jiang Li was at most a minor beauty, likely unworthy of Ji Heng's notice. Moreover, Ji Heng was cunning and ruthless, hardly a suitable match. Though not particularly close to Jiang Li, she remained his flesh and blood. He had no wish for her to meet a tragic end, ensnared in schemes that might ultimately implicate the Jiang family.

As his thoughts wandered, a court minister suddenly exclaimed, "Xue Lingyun? Isn't this Xue Lingyun?"

Xue Lingyun? The assembly stirred with curiosity.

The Hongxiao Emperor inquired, "What of Xue Lingyun?"

The minister bowed respectfully. "During the late emperor's reign, Xue Lingyun oversaw Yanjing's canal and water conservancy projects. Recognizing his talent, the late emperor promoted him to Minister of Works. Yet he resigned after merely one year in office. Seeing Xue Huaiyuan today, this humble official realizes he bears perfect resemblance to Xue Lingyun, albeit aged considerably. I dare speculate that Xue Huaiyuan is Xue Lingyun."

Xue Lingyun? The name meant little to those present, yet Yanjing's canal system was universally renowned. Anyone capable of leading such projects undoubtedly possessed great talent. Why abandon the position of Minister of Works to become a mere county magistrate?

Jiang Li suddenly understood. No wonder longtime family servants often remarked that her father had the talent to benefit the world, yet contented himself with Tongxiang's narrow confines. Had he not despised officialdom's corrupt culture, he would have soared high. She had always wondered why her father—with his profound understanding of court affairs and keen insight—remained a lowly county magistrate.

It wasn't lack of opportunity. Her father had already achieved high office but found his temperament ill-suited to such a environment. The Northern Yan court was rife with officials either scheming against one another or colluding in corruption. To him, serving as a humble county magistrate to benefit local people proved far preferable.

Thus he had even changed his name—from "Xue Lingyun" (soaring ambition) to "Xue Huaiyuan" (cherishing distant ideals).

By the time Jiang Li and Xue Zhao were born, Xue Huaiyuan had long left the Ministry of Works and changed his name. Thus Jiang Li remained unaware of this history until this old minister—her father's former acquaintance—revealed the truth.This elderly minister must have been on good terms with Xue Huaiyuan back in the day. Upon seeing an old acquaintance, he recounted in detail the reasons why Xue Huaiyuan had resigned from his official post back then. To have ambitions yet be unable to realize them—truly a frustrating plight. As everyone listened, they felt a surge of emotions and profound regret.

Hongxiao Emperor said, "Such a talented individual was falsely accused as a criminal official and imprisoned, ending up in such a miserable state. This is my fault and a loss for Northern Yan."

The ministers all knelt down.

Jiang Li’s heart stirred. The revelation of Xue Huaiyuan’s past circumstances happened to work in her favor at this moment. Without a second thought, she said, "Your Majesty, the tragic fate that befell Xue Huaiyuan was entirely orchestrated by Feng Yutang, who used his official position to settle personal grudges. I implore Your Majesty to severely punish Feng Yutang!"

"Naturally, he shall be severely punished!" Hongxiao Emperor snorted coldly. "I had no idea that beneath the emperor’s very feet, there could be someone so audacious as to frame a loyal and virtuous official!"

"Minister Feng is quite bold indeed," Jiang Li continued. "Not only did he frame a loyal official, but he also privately mined at Dongshan in Tongxiang. The court explicitly prohibited private mining many years ago—such an act is tantamount to treason and warrants execution!"

Feng Yutang was drenched in cold sweat, on the verge of fainting.

"However, what is strange about Minister Feng is that despite amassing immense wealth in Tongxiang, he still craved more gold. Clearly, his greed knows no bounds, and his audacity is unparalleled. During a search of Feng’s residence, I discovered a letter that explicitly instructed Feng Yutang to torment Xue Huaiyuan. Yet, the owner of this letter is rather peculiar..." Jiang Li smiled faintly. "The seal on the letter belongs to none other than Princess Yongning of this dynasty!"

After such a long performance, she had finally reached the climax!

"How dare you!" Prince Cheng’s face turned ashen. "Slandering a princess of the nation—do you know the severity of this crime? It could cost you your head!"

"Your Highness, Prince Cheng, there is no need for haste," Jiang Li replied calmly and fearlessly. "I am merely stating facts, not passing judgment on the princess. This letter could very well be a forgery; in fact, I believe it is a trap."

Hongxiao Emperor fixed his gaze on Jiang Li. Ye Shijie’s memorial had mentioned matters related to Princess Yongning, so her bringing it up now was within his expectations. Yet, if Jiang Li had raised the issue, why would she then refute it herself?

"Princess Yongning has no familial ties or any connection to the Xue family. Why would she instruct Feng Yutang to frame the Xue family and have Xue Huaiyuan imprisoned? I have inquired and learned that in the Xue family, Xue Huaiyuan only had one son and one daughter. His son, Xue Zhao, was killed by bandits in the capital last year. His daughter, Xue Fangfei, was the deceased wife of Imperial Secretariat Writer Shen Yurong and passed away due to illness at the Shen residence half a year ago. Neither Xue Zhao nor Xue Fangfei had any connection to the Shen family. Therefore, in my view, this letter cannot be genuine!"

While the court officials were unfamiliar with the name Xue Zhao, the moment "Xue Fangfei" was mentioned, their gazes involuntarily turned toward Shen Yurong.

Back then, Xue Fangfei had cuckolded Shen Yurong, and the entire Yanjing City either mocked Shen Yurong, sympathized with him, or cursed the adulterous couple. In short, it was a scandal known to all. Half a year had passed since the stunning beauty Xue Fangfei met her untimely demise, and even as a topic of casual conversation, she had become a forgotten name.

Just as people had gradually begun to forget that name, it was suddenly brought up again—and in the context of Xue Huaiyuan’s case, which had captured everyone’s attention.Shen Yurong maintained his usual composed demeanor, ever the epitome of grace, yet his gaze toward Jiang Li carried an indescribable depth.

Ji Heng watched Jiang Li, the smile at the corners of his lips deepening. Among the civil and military officials, he was the only one observing the Imperial Council with such ease. Some were on high alert, others took pleasure in others’ misfortune, but he alone, with an air of detached omniscience, subtly nudged things along in accordance with her wishes.

Prince Cheng, however, turned his gaze to Shen Yurong, a flicker of irritation crossing his mind.

Jiang Li wore an earnest expression, as though she genuinely believed in Princess Yongning’s innocence and was eager to defend her. Yet inwardly, she laughed silently.

This strategy of advancing by retreating—ostensibly clearing Yongning’s name—had instead exposed Xue Zhao and Xue Fangfei to public scrutiny. The case of Xue Huaiyuan, involving only him alone, had yielded little to investigate. The key lay with Xue Fangfei.

Princess Yongning aspired to marry Shen Yurong and one day become the mistress of the Shen household. But once rumors spread of her instructing Feng Yutang to frame Xue Huaiyuan, her path to marrying Shen Yurong would be fraught with obstacles. For if she proceeded, it would provide the perfect justification for her alleged scheme against Xue Huaiyuan. People would say, "Look, she wanted to marry Shen Yurong, so she plotted against Xue Huaiyuan." Even the deaths of Xue Fangfei and Xue Zhao would be met with suspicion.

With enough voices, even falsehoods gain credence. For Princess Yongning to clear her name, she would have to sever all ties with the Shen family and never associate with Shen Yurong again.

But the question was, could Princess Yongning do it?

Jiang Li was certain she could not. Otherwise, in the past, Yongning would not have gone so far as to kill her to secure Shen Yurong. Yongning was ruthless and domineering, unwavering in her pursuits. She would disregard all consequences, and even under the cloud of suspicion, would insist on marrying Shen Yurong.

But could Shen Yurong turn a blind eye to all this?

After all, they had once shared a bed as husband and wife. Though in her past life, she had failed to see his treacherous ambition, years of marriage had given her insight into his character. Shen Yurong was cautious by nature, meticulous in his considerations. He would never allow Yongning to act recklessly at such a critical juncture.

Yet Yongning had reached marriageable age. To wait three to five years to let the scandal blow over was impractical. Thus, discord and turmoil were inevitable between Yongning and Shen Yurong.

That was her opportunity.

Jiang Li’s gaze swept across the faces in the hall: Prince Cheng’s frustration, Li Zhongnan’s anger, Jiang Yuanbai’s astonishment, Ji Yanlin’s confusion, Ye Shijie’s shock, Shen Yurong’s feigned composure, the Hongxiao Emperor’s meaningful silence, and Ji Heng’s smile.

His smile held the ease of one watching a fire from across the river, tinged with the tacit understanding of shared secrets. His captivating eyes sparkled as if he had discovered something amusing, even carrying a hint of admiration.

He knew. He knew everything.

Jiang Li lowered her head. In today’s battle, she had given her all. Fortunately, she had accomplished what she set out to do.Clearing Xue Huaiyuan's name and making Feng Yutang pay with his blood were important, but most crucially, she had planted a seed between Yongning and Shen Yurong. This seed would eventually sprout, creating an irreparable rift in their relationship. Through this fissure, Jiang Li would carve an opening to begin her path of revenge.

This was only the beginning, she thought.

...

Thus concluded the Imperial Council regarding the Xue family case.

This council had begun with Zhou Dezhao's interrogation and Prince Cheng's mockery, yet unknowingly, it had been steered entirely by Jiang Li's hand. From start to finish, everything unfolded according to her design.

Yet there seemed to be no grounds to dispute such an outcome.

The citizens of Yanjing had also been closely following the council's results. Jiang Li's action of leading the Tongxiang villagers to beat the grievance drum at Chang'an Gate had made the entire Yanjing City aware of the case. Unintentionally, people learned the full story behind this legal matter. Everyone felt deeply troubled by the Xue family's plight.

Therefore, when the council's decision was announced, within just two hours, the news had spread throughout nearly all of Yanjing City.

Xue Huaiyuan had indeed suffered a grave injustice - clearly an honest official, yet persecuted to such an extent. People also learned that Xue Huaiyuan, formerly known as Xue Lingyun, had served as Minister of Works. The canal in Yanjing City had been constructed under his supervision.

The canal project had benefited countless common people. Upon hearing this, the citizens of Yanjing nearly joined the Tongxiang villagers in expressing outrage at Xue Huaiyuan's mistreatment. When Feng Yutang was sentenced to hanging, the people spontaneously gathered to witness the villain's demise.

Simultaneously, another rumor spread like wildfire - that Xue Huaiyuan's imprisonment had been orchestrated by Princess Yongning through Feng Yutang. This rumor lacked concrete evidence, and since Princess Yongning had no apparent connection to the Xue family, no solid proof could be found. But as more people repeated it, gradually the entire Yanjing City became aware.

It was said that Prince Cheng sent people to investigate the rumor's origin, but the source had vanished within a short time. Yanjing wasn't Tongxiang - Prince Cheng couldn't make the city's residents "communicate only through glances" as Feng Yutang had done. At most, he punished a few who publicly discussed Yongning, while those who spoke privately couldn't all be dealt with.

Undoubtedly, the one who had spread the rumors was Jiang Li herself.

Today, Jiang Li came to witness Feng Yutang's execution.

She actually disliked such bloody scenes, but whenever she remembered how Feng Yutang, as Yongning's lackey, had tortured Xue Huaiyuan in prison until he became his current state, she couldn't let it go. Therefore, despite the bloodshed, she had to come watch Feng Yutang's execution today.

After Feng Yutang would come Yongning and Shen Yurong.

The execution ground was crowded with spectators. The Tongxiang villagers hadn't returned home yet - every one of them had come. They threw stones and vegetable leaves at Feng Yutang's face, venting their indignation. Jiang Li stood far back in the crowd, wearing a bamboo hat to avoid recognition.

The guards Jiang Yuanbai had assigned to her had now doubled. Jiang Li's actions during the Imperial Council had severely offended Prince Cheng, who would certainly seek revenge. As a precaution, Jiang Yuanbai had been restricting Jiang Li from going out these days. Today, she had slipped out secretly.After the Imperial Council that day, Jiang Yuanbai had asked her why Princess Yongning ultimately became implicated in this case. What she had initially told Jiang Yuanbai involved not Princess Yongning but Right Prime Minister Li Zhongnan. It wasn't until the Imperial Council commenced and Princess Yongning's name was mentioned that Jiang Yuanbai was utterly astonished. Had he known earlier that this case was connected to Princess Yongning, he would never have allowed Jiang Li to proceed as she did.

Jiang Li merely replied, "Father, this case indeed involves Right Prime Minister Li Zhongnan. However, compared to Li Zhongnan, Princess Yongning's letters provide more conclusive evidence. As you witnessed during the Imperial Council, Li Zhongnan supports Prince Cheng—he is Prince Cheng's man. Whether we speak of Princess Yongning or Li Zhongnan, ultimately, they amount to the same thing."

"But in the end, no charges were formally brought against Princess Yongning!" Jiang Yuanbai exclaimed.

"Is that so?" Jiang Li answered at the time, "But Father, looking ahead, those charges will inevitably be confirmed one day. For now, let us consider ourselves as having learned the outcome in advance. As for what comes next, we shall wait and see."

Jiang Yuanbai still refused to believe it, but at this point, there was no room for reversal. Moreover, Jiang Yuanbai clearly understood that Hongxiao Emperor’s stance during the Imperial Council that day had unmistakably favored Jiang Li. Perhaps the emperor intended to use the Xue family case to suppress Prince Cheng. Regardless of his personal feelings, Jiang Yuanbai could not feign ignorance of the emperor’s attitude, so he had no choice but to let the matter rest.

However, deep down, he had grown displeased with Jiang Li’s willfulness.

Jiang Li paid him no mind. Though Tong’er and Bai Xue were usually bold, they covered their eyes at the sight of the execution. Jiang Li, in contrast, stared unblinkingly at Feng Yutang until he breathed his last.

Feng Yutang’s faction had been completely eradicated, and Hongxiao Emperor had appointed a new magistrate for Xiangyang’s Tongxiang. Though Jiang Li knew little about this new official, Feng Yutang’s fate would surely serve as a cautionary tale, deterring him from any misconduct.

Jiang Li decided to keep Xue Huaiyuan in Yanjing City. Sending him back to the capital alone was out of the question, especially since Hongxiao Emperor had decreed that renowned physicians from across the land be summoned to treat Xue Huaiyuan. Jiang Li hoped that by keeping him in Yanjing and seeking out skilled doctors, Xue Huaiyuan might one day regain his senses.

However, keeping him in the Jiang residence was not an option—Jiang Yuanbai would never agree, and Jiang Li feared that Ji Shuran might target Xue Huaiyuan to get to her. After much deliberation, she entrusted Xue Huaiyuan to Ye Mingyu.

Ye Mingyu had no immediate plans to return to Xiangyang. With Ye Shijie now serving as an official in Yanjing City, Ye Mingyu had conceived the idea of reviving the Ye family’s business there. Leveraging his connections with Ye Shijie and Jiang Li, he believed the venture would thrive more than before. Since Ye Mingyu intended to stay and live with Ye Shijie, it was natural to entrust Xue Huaiyuan to his care. Firstly, Ye Mingyu was skilled in martial arts, and his followers were seasoned martial artists, providing ample protection for Xue Huaiyuan. Secondly, Xue Huaiyuan had grown close to Ye Mingyu during their time together, and aside from Jiang Li, Ye Mingyu was the person he trusted most.

Ye Shijie raised no objections, but Ye Mingyu grumbled incessantly. As a free-spirited martial artist, he now found himself playing the dual roles of bodyguard and caretaker for Xue Huaiyuan—no easy task. Yet, faced with Jiang Li’s earnest plea, his heart softened, and he reluctantly agreed.

With the execution concluded, Jiang Li, Tong’er, and Bai Xue made their way toward the carriage. Jiang Li reflected that matters in Tongxiang were temporarily settled, but she had now thoroughly provoked Prince Cheng and Princess Yongning. While Prince Cheng might not act immediately, Yongning was certain to seek her out at the earliest opportunity.

Soon, she would confront the masterminds behind the wrongful case that destroyed the Xue family—Yongning and Shen Yurong.

The carriage waited at the street corner, tucked into an alley. Jiang Li approached and, with Tong’er’s assistance, stepped inside. As Tong’er and Bai Xue prepared to follow, Jiang Li’s voice suddenly called out from within, “Wait.”

Tong’er and Bai Xue exchanged puzzled glances.

Jiang Li lifted her gaze to the person inside the carriage.

The young man in red showed no remorse for usurping her space. Instead, he sat with an air of noble elegance, a folding fan in hand, and greeted her with a smile. “Second Young Miss.”

Jiang Li paused, then took a seat opposite him. “Duke.”Ji Heng had actually entered his carriage so brazenly. It went without saying that the coachman had long been replaced by him.

“What brings you here, Duke?” Jiang Li asked.

He replied, “Since you wouldn’t come to me, I had no choice but to come to you.”

Jiang Li paused briefly in thought. “At the Imperial Council, I am deeply grateful for your support.”

“No need for gratitude. It was simply that Prince Cheng was too foolish—I couldn’t stand by and watch.” His striking eyes clearly reflected Jiang Li’s figure, shimmering within them, vivid and captivating. Ji Heng continued, “But you’ve surprised me. After all this time maneuvering, you’ve finally brought up the matter of Xue Fangfei.”

(End of Chapter)