The Double

Chapter 138: Meeting

Early the next morning, before Jiang Li could go to Evening Phoenix Hall to pay respects to Old Madam Jiang, an unexpected guest arrived at Fragrant Garden Courtyard.

Jiang Yuanbai had come.

Qingfeng and Mingyue were sweeping the courtyard when they saw Jiang Yuanbai and were greatly surprised. Just as they were about to announce his arrival, Jiang Yuanbai stopped them. Jiang Li had gotten up slightly later, and he didn't disturb her, instead sitting at the stone table in the outer courtyard of Fragrant Garden Courtyard, staring blankly at the frost-covered branches.

After Jiang Li got up and finished washing, what she saw was Jiang Yuanbai sitting alone.

Tong'er and Bai Xue bowed first. Jiang Yuanbai looked at Jiang Li, the corners of his mouth twitching as if he wanted to smile, yet unsure how to make it appear natural. "Xiao Li," he said.

Jiang Li nodded. "Father."

Her attitude was polite yet distant, not as if speaking to her own father, but rather like addressing an elder from another family. A flicker of disappointment passed through Jiang Yuanbai's eyes, followed by self-mockery.

Given the circumstances, he really couldn't ask too much of Jiang Li. Back when Jiang Li was framed by Ji Shuran and sent to Qingcheng Mountain, he as her father hadn't detected the truth and had instead aided the villain, personally pushing this daughter away. Now, wanting to make amends was futile.

Jiang Li had grown up, and her alienation was entirely his own doing. Jiang Yuanbai didn't even have the right to doubt.

But he still wanted to do something. "You haven't eaten yet, have you? Shall we have breakfast together?" he said.

Jiang Li glanced at him. In Jiang Yuanbai's gaze, there was actually a trace of nervous hope. Jiang Li's heart softened slightly. "Alright," she said.

Jiang Yuanbai was overjoyed.

The maids attending them watched this scene in disbelief. Jiang Li had once been the abandoned young lady of the Jiang family, neglected for many years, yet now Jiang Yuanbai valued her to this extent.

But Jiang Li felt it was simply karma - what had been done in the past would eventually have its price secretly marked by fate. Now was the time for Jiang Yuanbai to repay his debt.

During the meal, Jiang Yuanbai observed Jiang Li's preferences. Jiang Li was indeed different from before - her eating habits were completely unlike those of the Jiang Li from childhood. Jiang Yuanbai thought again about what Jiang Li had said in front of Chongxu Daoren, about how she had spent those eight years on Qingcheng Mountain, and found even this sumptuous meal difficult to swallow.

"About what happened the day before yesterday..." Jiang Yuanbai began. "You..."

"After the Daoist expelled the evil spirit, I lost consciousness," Jiang Li said, her voice still calm and gentle. "I vaguely heard people speaking, but didn't know anything. When I woke up, Bai Xue told me what happened afterward. I was quite surprised that what Chongxu Daoren said was actually true - I really was haunted by an evil spirit."

"What Daoist," Jiang Yuanbai sneered, "he's nothing but a fraud pretending to be mystical! The moment something happened, he showed his true colors in fear!"

Jiang Li looked at Jiang Yuanbai in surprise. "A fraud? Father, but he was personally recognized by His Majesty."

"Even His Majesty can misjudge people."

Jiang Li hesitated. "Will Father report this matter to His Majesty?"

"Of course," Jiang Yuanbai said. "The crime of deceiving the emperor - I cannot collaborate with frauds."

"But this is ultimately a private matter of the royal family. If Father gets involved... aren't you afraid His Majesty might become displeased?" Jiang Li asked.Even Chongxu Daoren understood the principle that the more secrets one knows, the harder life becomes—Jiang Yuanbai couldn’t possibly be unaware of this. If Jiang Yuanbai were to inform the Hongxiao Emperor of this matter, it would only embarrass the emperor. The fact that the emperor had been so easily deceived by charlatans posing as ghostly spirits, and that this had become known to one of his ministers, would inevitably become a thorn lodged deep in the emperor’s heart.

"This is the way of ruler and subject," Jiang Yuanbai said. "Even if His Majesty is displeased, I must speak."

Jiang Yuanbai’s words made Jiang Li view him in a new light. She knew Jiang Yuanbai was a cunning old fox, thoroughly shrewd. However, he had not aligned himself with Prince Cheng. Regardless of how the Hongxiao Emperor treated him or how much loyalty Jiang Yuanbai truly possessed, he had at least fulfilled his duties as a minister. Even at the peak of his influence, he had never shown any intention of "rebellion."

Of course, even if the Jiang family had harbored rebellious intentions, it would only have hastened their demise. Previously, Jiang Li hadn’t fully grasped this, but now she understood clearly: Ji Heng would never allow the Jiang family to disrupt the balance. He needed a stable situation to carry out his own plans.

"Then... Madam, how does Father plan to deal with her?" Jiang Li finally asked.

Jiang Yuanbai stiffened. He had long been waiting for Jiang Li to pose this question, but when she actually did, a wave of complex emotions surged within him. After a moment of silence, he replied, "She has committed unforgivable acts and deserves punishment."

Jiang Li smiled faintly. "What kind of punishment?"

"A life for a life," he said.

Jiang Li’s expression remained largely unchanged. Jiang Yuanbai sighed inwardly, knowing that this alone could never make up for the grievances she had endured. Yet, as the head of the Jiang family, he could not disregard the family’s reputation.

"I didn’t know... I never imagined Ji Shi had such a vicious heart. When your mother’s health grew worse day by day, I simply thought she was frail—I never suspected she was being harmed by a villain. If I had known... if I had known, I would never have allowed Ji Shi to enter the Jiang family."

In this regard, Jiang Yuanbai could hardly be blamed. Who would have thought someone would attempt to poison Ye Zhenzhen back then? Hu Yiniang lacked the courage, and Jiang Yuanbai had no other women. Yet, even before entering the Jiang household, Ji Shuran had meticulously laid out her schemes step by step.

The entire Jiang family had been manipulated by Ji Shuran, and her first move was to exploit Jiang Yuanbai’s "love at first sight."

Jiang Yuanbai shook his head. "I also didn’t know that Yue’er was harmed by her. Yue’er was only four years old... and she still had the heart to do it. I never expected she would commit adultery and then frame you for it, forcing you to leave the Jiang family... Ji Shi is at fault, but so am I. I nearly brought disaster upon the Jiang family." He laughed self-deprecatingly. "Xiao Li, you must resent me deeply, don’t you?""It's alright." Jiang Li replied, "Actually, after that incident, I no longer hold any expectations of someone firmly standing by my side and unconditionally believing in me. So nothing surprises me anymore. Father, aren't you curious why I care so much about County Magistrate Xue? It's simply because I truly feel that Magistrate Xue and I share similar hardships. No one believes him, and no one is willing to speak up for him. Seeing Magistrate Xue is like seeing my past self. What happened in the past cannot be undone, but at least now I can help clear Magistrate Xue's name." Jiang Li smiled, "That's enough for me, Father."

Jiang Yuanbai understood her meaning—she didn't resent him, but neither did she respect or adore him anymore.

Jiang Yuanbai closed his eyes briefly.

Jiang Li set down her chopsticks and said, "Is there anything else, Father? If not, I'll take my leave first."

"Where are you going?"

"To the Ye family to visit my uncle and cousin." Jiang Li paused, then added, "Don't worry, Father. I won't breathe a word about what happened the day before yesterday to Uncle or the others. The Jiang family's reputation must not be tarnished—I understand."

She was sensible, always considering the Jiang family's interests. But to Jiang Yuanbai now, this only made it more heartbreaking.

He waved his hand weakly, "Go ahead."

"Yes, Father."

...

After a brief preparation, Jiang Li took a carriage to the Ye residence.

Whether it was to compensate her or not, Jiang Yuanbai now never questioned her visits to the Ye family. Even the gatekeepers didn't ask further. Compared to before, Jiang Li enjoyed much greater freedom.

Tong'er remarked in the carriage, "The master finally knows how to care for you, Miss. After all the suffering, sweet days have come. Now that Ji Shi's true nature has been exposed, no one else in the mansion will dare to trouble you again."

Jiang Li smiled, "I hope so."

Truthfully, aside from seeking justice for Second Miss Jiang, she had little interest in the internal conflicts of the Jiang family. On the contrary, her upcoming visit to the Ye family made her more nervous than facing Chongxu Daoren the day before yesterday.

Zhao Ke had said that Ji Heng wanted to introduce her to someone—the top divine physician of Northern Yan, who might be able to cure her father's illness. Jiang Li dreamed of restoring Xue Huaiyuan's sanity. To her, reuniting and reconciling with Xue Huaiyuan was the most fortunate thing in this world. At least it made her understand that as Xue Fangfei, she wasn't completely alone in this world.

The closer she got to the Ye residence, the more nervous Jiang Li became, her heart pounding as if about to leap out. Tong'er and Bai Xue found it strange, unable to comprehend what was troubling Jiang Li.

When they arrived at the Ye residence, the gatekeeper, spotting the Jiang family carriage, warmly came forward to hold the horse. A young servant smiled, "Second Miss, you've finally come! You haven't visited for three days. Third Master was worried something might have happened to you. If not for Young Master restraining him, he would have rushed to the Jiang residence himself."

Jiang Li smiled, "I'm fine."

No matter how good the Jiang family might be, in Ye Mingyu's eyes, it seemed like a dragon's den or a tiger's lair—a place where Jiang Li suffered rather than enjoyed comfort.

"Third Master truly cares for you, Miss," Bai Xue sighed.

Upon entering the Ye family courtyard, they saw Ye Mingyu emerging with a sword strapped to his back. The gatekeeper likely hadn't had time to announce her arrival. Spotting Jiang Li, Ye Mingyu nearly jumped in surprise, exclaiming, "A Li, you're here!""Uncle." Jiang Li walked forward.

"You haven't come to the Ye residence these past two days. I wanted to visit you at the Jiang residence, but that kid Shijie insisted I shouldn't, saying you must have your own matters to attend to. What's wrong? Are you alright? Did your father hit you?"

Jiang Li shook her head: "It's nothing, Uncle. I just caught a slight cold these past few days and couldn't leave my room."

"A cold?" Ye Mingyu widened his eyes. "Then why are you out? If you've caught a cold, you shouldn't be going out!"

"I'm already better. Is Cousin Shijie not here?" Jiang Li looked around but didn't see Ye Shijie's figure.

"The Ministry of Revenue has matters for him to attend to, he went to handle them." Ye Mingyu plopped down onto a chair. "You'd think he's some high-ranking official working on monumental tasks. The lamp in his study stays lit until late every night. Several times when I got up at night, that kid was still reviewing memorials. Who knows what he's busy with."

"Cousin Shijie just assumed his position, it's naturally a busy time for him." Jiang Li smiled. "How has County Magistrate Xue been these days?"

"Perfectly fine." Ye Mingyu said grumpily. "With me accompanying him in games every day, how could he not be fine? Because of this, I've become the laughingstock among my brothers and subordinates." He muttered discontentedly.

"It's all because I asked you to take care of County Magistrate Xue that you've been so burdened." Jiang Li said apologetically.

Seeing Jiang Li's expression, Ye Mingyu quickly said: "No trouble, ah, no trouble at all. We're family anyway. It's not like I have anything else to do in Yanjing City, so I might as well keep him company. A Li, you don't need to thank me. That's too formal!" Ye Mingyu never considered himself someone who was particularly gentle with women, but when a delicate young girl looked at him with pleading and guilty eyes, he simply couldn't maintain a harsh attitude.

It almost felt like half of it was his fault.

"By the way, A Li," Ye Mingyu hesitated for a moment before suddenly saying: "That... the Duke is at our residence."

Jiang Li had been thinking about how to subtly ask Ye Mingyu about Ji Heng, or whether Ji Heng hadn't informed Ye Mingyu at all and would appear when she walked alone to some secluded corner. She never expected Ye Mingyu to bring it up so bluntly.

It startled Jiang Li.

"He said you would come this afternoon. I thought he was lying." Ye Mingyu said. "I didn't expect it to be true."

"He... is at the residence right now?" Jiang Li asked.

"Yes." Ye Mingyu said. "He came right after noon." He wanted to complain, but probably afraid that Ji Heng being an important figure might cause trouble, he lowered his voice to grumble, "No one invited him anyway. When he first arrived, I wanted to chase him away. But he said he had arranged to meet you here, so I had to let him in. Thinking that you two are... close, perhaps you need to discuss some important matters. I didn't want to delay your affairs."

Jiang Li: "..." In Ye Mingyu's eyes, she and Ji Heng could be considered close?

Jiang Li didn't know whether to laugh or cry. But upon second thought, during those several times in Tongxiang, Ji Heng had met with her alone, never harmed her, and had even helped her. To others, this was indeed sufficient reason to believe the two were associates.

"Where are they now? I'd like to go see them." Jiang Li said.

"How did you know he didn't come alone?" Ye Mingyu asked curiously.

Jiang Li said: "We agreed on it beforehand.""Indeed." Ye Mingyu nodded. "If he weren't bringing others along, I wouldn't feel comfortable letting you two meet alone. After all, you're a young lady, and he's a man. What if he harbors improper intentions... I'm worried, A Li. Let your uncle tell you, the most important quality in a man is responsibility, not appearance. He may be handsome, but good looks don't last a lifetime. When he gets older, he'll be covered in wrinkles, no better than a twenty-year-old beggar on the streets."

Jiang Li: "..."

Sometimes she really didn't know whether to blame her uncle for his excessive worrying. She could only say, "I understand, Uncle. He won't have any improper thoughts about me, and I have no interest in him either. I'm meeting him for serious matters. Uncle, let's go see him first."

Seeing how urgent Jiang Li appeared, Ye Mingyu reluctantly nodded: "Alright."

...

The furnishings in the Ye residence were quite simple and plain.

Perhaps because only Ye Shijie and Ye Mingyu, two grown men, lived here, even the servants taking care of Xue Huaiyuan were young male attendants. Ye Mingyu feared there might still be people in Yanjing City who wanted to harm Xue Huaiyuan in secret, especially Princess Yongning. He handled everything personally, making the Ye residence so secure that not even a fly could enter unnoticed.

In the side room of the backyard, three people were sitting at a small table.

Hearing movement, the three turned around.

"A Li is here," Ye Mingyu said.

Jiang Li looked into the room.

Ji Heng smiled as he looked at her. No matter when she saw him, he was always this dazzling and magnificent. Sitting in this bare side room of the Ye residence, he made even this simple room seem brighter.

"Uncle, please go back first. I need to speak with the Duke for a moment," Jiang Li said with a smile.

Ye Mingyu looked at Jiang Li, then at Ji Heng, hesitated for a moment, but finally went out. He said, "I'll be right outside the courtyard. If anything happens, just call me."

He still didn't trust Ji Heng.

After Ye Mingyu left, the three people in the room stood up.

Behind Ji Heng was a young man of about eighteen or nineteen, dressed in white robes - an elegant young gentleman of remarkable handsomeness with a warm smile on his face. He took two steps forward and examined Jiang Li curiously, saying, "So this is Second Miss Jiang. Truly, seeing once is better than hearing a hundred times."

Jiang Li had never met someone so familiar with strangers, so she could only remain silent and smile at him. This smile made the young man even more enthusiastic, and he said, "Second Miss Jiang is truly adorable."

Jiang Li: "..."

"Wenren Yao, if you keep talking like that, I'm going to be sick," came a female voice from behind Ji Heng. Jiang Li looked over and saw a young woman dressed entirely in black emerge.

This young woman didn't seem to be from Yanjing, as her clothing and accessories were of foreign style. Her hair was braided into numerous thin plaits adorned with black bells. Though she had a sweet face, her sparkling eyes held a trace of detached cunning. Jiang Li noticed a small scorpion tattooed on her hand.

Remembering her original purpose for meeting Ji Heng today, but unable to bring it up directly, Jiang Li looked at Ji Heng and said, "Regarding the matter with Chongxu Daoren, thank you for your assistance."

Although it was Zhao Ke who found the people, it must have been with Ji Heng's approval. Moreover, without the whistle Ji Heng had given her, she wouldn't have been able to command Zhao Ke.Ji Heng smiled with a hint of sarcasm: "I'm just surprised you'd resort to such an awkward method—even pretending to be a ghost."

Jiang Li: "..."

She knew her approach could hardly be called ingenious; it wasn't much different from what charlatans did. Chongxu Daoren's exorcisms merely exploited people's guilty consciences, just as her ghost act had preyed on Ji Shuran's hidden fears. Compared to her previous schemes, this lacked any solid foundation, resembling child's play.

Upon hearing this, the man named Wenren Yao also chuckled and said, "I don't think Second Young Lady's method is awkward at all. I find it... quite adorable." He gazed sincerely into Jiang Li's eyes with genuine friendliness.

Jiang Li couldn't fathom how someone so amiable yet tactless had managed to survive under Ji Heng's watchful eye.

"But if you ever need to deceive someone, Second Young Lady, you can come to me," Wenren Yao leaned closer and said. "I'm an expert at deception. What I'm best at... is deceiving women's hearts."

Jiang Li choked and burst into a fit of coughing.

Wenren Yao looked concerned: "Are you alright, Second Young Lady? Did you catch a chill? It's been cold in Yanjing these days..."

Ji Heng flicked open his fan, blocking Wenren Yao from approaching Jiang Li's face, and said coldly, "Have you said enough? If so, get out."

"A-Heng... you've changed..." Wenren Yao lamented with a pained expression.

Ignoring him, Ji Heng turned to Jiang Li: "Zhao Ke already told you—today, I'm introducing you to someone who can treat Xue Huaiyuan."

Jiang Li glanced at Wenren Yao. Was it this person? He seemed utterly unreliable.

The next moment, a young woman in black stepped forward, scrutinized her, and revealed a rather eerie smile: "Situ Jiuyue."

"Miss Jiuyue," Jiang Li responded politely. "I've heard from Zhao Ke that you're the number one divine physician of Northern Yan." Though they were similar in age, Jiang Li's attitude held no condescension—only respect.

Situ Jiuyue laughed: "Zhao Ke was wrong. I'm not the number one divine physician of Northern Yan—I'm the number one poison master. I specialize in crafting poisons, not saving people. To me, saving lives isn't as fun as concocting toxins."

Ji Heng interjected: "Situ Jiuyue."

The young woman's expression remained unchanged as she continued, "But since I've accepted a task, I honor my commitments. Occasionally, I'll help save someone. Though healing isn't my forte, I'm still far more skilled than most physicians in this world—especially those useless old fools in the Imperial Hospital."

This young woman acted without restraint and spoke bluntly, resembling Ye Mingyu's type—likely someone rarely entangled in power struggles. Though young, she was strong-willed, leaving Jiang Li wondering what kind of family could nurture such a personality. Searching her memories from this life and the last, Jiang Li couldn't recall ever hearing of such a figure.

"Will County Magistrate Xue ever regain his sanity?" Setting aside her thoughts, Jiang Li asked the question she had long wanted to pose."It's hard to say—perhaps yes, perhaps no. Many people collapse and lose their sanity after suffering a great shock. Most are unwilling to recall these painful memories and actively avoid them, which prevents them from regaining clarity." Situ Jiuyue said, "I believe County Magistrate Xue is such a case. I've heard his children have both passed away. A person like him, alone in this world with no attachments, has no reason to recall the past." She stared into Jiang Li's eyes and said, "Forgive my bluntness, Second Miss Jiang, but since Xue Huaiyuan is already in such pain, why make him remember the past?"

Jiang Li shook her head: "No, County Magistrate Xue himself wishes to wake up."

Situ Jiuyue was taken aback, Wenren Yao looked surprised, while Ji Heng showed no sign of astonishment.

"I know County Magistrate Xue hopes to regain consciousness. Although his children are gone, their deaths remain unresolved. If I were him, I would surely want to clear my children's names and uncover the truth. Therefore, he wishes to wake up. He is a responsible father," Jiang Li said.

Perhaps it was the firmness in her tone that made it hard to doubt her sincerity. Situ Jiuyue shrugged and said, "Alright, I'll give it a try. I'll come every day to treat Xue Huaiyuan."

Jiang Li bowed deeply in gratitude. "Thank you, Miss Jiuyue."

"No need to thank me. If you want to thank anyone, thank him." Situ Jiuyue glanced at Ji Heng. "The Duke seems to have something to say to you alone. We'll step out first." With that, she forcefully dragged the still-curious Wenren Yao out of the room and closed the door behind them.

Only Jiang Li and Ji Heng remained in the room.

After a long silence, Jiang Li said, "I owe you another favor."

"How strange. I've helped you many times, but it seems only this time you're the most grateful." Ji Heng smiled playfully. "It appears you care more about Xue Huaiyuan's matters than your own."

Jiang Li also smiled. "Perhaps." For her, seeing Xue Huaiyuan recover was a luxury she had never dared to hope for in this lifetime. Ji Heng had made that wish potentially achievable—how could she not be grateful?

"Miss Jiuyue doesn't seem to be from Yanjing?" Jiang Li asked.

"Princess of Molan," Ji Heng said. "Her father and brothers died when her uncle usurped the throne. She managed to escape."

Jiang Li was stunned. She had heard some rumors about the turmoil in Molan, but it had always felt like a distant story to her. She never expected to meet the Molan Princess here. However, Molan people were known for their expertise in creating and using poisons—no wonder Situ Jiuyue was so skilled.

"You've already dealt with Ji Shi," Ji Heng said with a light laugh. "What do you plan to do next?"

"I don't need to plan—problems will come to me anyway." Jiang Li sighed. "Princess Yongning will find a way to deal with me."

Ji Heng glanced at her. "From your tone, it sounds like you're almost looking forward to it?"

"If I said yes, would you believe me, Duke?"

"Yes," Ji Heng replied leisurely. "I'd believe anything you say." His voice trailed off with a suggestive lift, his amber eyes filled with an alluring smile.

Wenren Yao claimed to be skilled at charming women's hearts—probably true. A young man like Wenren Yao was like a piece of honey candy placed on a petal-adorned pastry. Girls who saw it would be tempted by the sweet fragrance, wanting to taste it.

Ji Heng wasn't honey candy—he was a cup of poison. Amidst the clinking of glasses and toasts at a banquet, that bright cup of poisoned wine, seeping with a subtle venom, sat on the table. Passersby would be unconsciously drawn to it. Even knowing it was a lethal brew that could rupture their intestines, they would still be captivated by the momentary fantasy, willing to drown in drunken dreams for just a brief moment.

"For the Duke to trust me so deeply is an honor for Jiang Li," she said with a smile.

Ji Heng withdrew his gaze, straightened up, and said lazily, "From what I know, Zhou Yanbang seems unable to forget you."

"Jiang Yu'e sent me an invitation," Jiang Li said. "But I didn't go—I passed it to Jiang Youyao."

Ji Heng would likely learn about these matters anyway through Zhao Ke if he truly wanted to know, so Jiang Li saw no need to hide them.

"You have quite a number of enemies," Ji Heng remarked. "One wave barely recedes before another rises." No sooner had she dealt with one batch than another quickly followed. For a fifteen-year-old girl to be so deeply resented, Jiang Li was truly remarkable.

"I don't want it this way either," Jiang Li said. "They're just too much of a hindrance."

"Do you need my help?" Ji Heng raised an eyebrow.

"How would you help?" Jiang Li asked."I don't like getting involved in these matters. If I take action, it will be terrifying." He spoke like a malicious adult frightening a child. "Jiang Yu'e, Jiang Youyao, Zhou Yanbang, plus Shen Ruyun." He gazed at Jiang Li with a smiling expression. "Who do you want dead? Or, which one do you wish to keep alive?"

"...Or perhaps, spare none of them?"

Sorry everyone! I've been sick recently and my mind hasn't been clear—I uploaded to the wrong story! So frustrating!

(End of Chapter)