The Double

Chapter 139: Issuing Orders

He spoke with such nonchalance, as if holding human lives in the palm of his hand while chatting and laughing. Jiang Li suddenly felt an absurd thought arise—was Ji Heng just like Princess Yongning, believing that simply because of his high status, he could effortlessly discard anyone who stood in his way?

But she quickly stopped her wandering thoughts. Ji Heng had no grudge against the Marquis Ningyuan's household; his words were meant for her benefit. If she continued to nitpick, she would truly be ungrateful.

Jiang Li had no intention of being someone who bites the hand that feeds them.

She said, "Thank you for your kindness, Duke, but taking a life would be difficult to explain to the Marquis Ningyuan's household. With Yanjing City currently in turbulent times, causing more trouble would only arouse suspicion."

She tactfully declined Ji Heng's offer of help.

Ji Heng neither agreed nor disagreed, simply saying, "Then be more cautious yourself." After a pause, he added, "Your life belongs to me—don’t let anyone else take it by accident."

Jiang Li smiled. "Understood."

After speaking with Ji Heng a while longer, Jiang Li left the room to check on Xue Huaiyuan. Today was Situ Jiuyue's first time administering acupuncture to Xue Huaiyuan, and he was extremely frightened. Jiang Li had to hold his shoulder, softly comforting him until he gradually calmed down.

"He listens to you very well," Situ Jiuyue glanced at her. "That’s quite rare."

"After I brought County Magistrate Xue out of the Tongxiang prison, I took care of him for a long time. Although he’s lost his sanity, he vaguely understands who treats him well. He feels more at ease when I’m around."

"But it’s not that simple," Situ Jiuyue inserted a silver needle into Xue Huaiyuan’s acupoint and continued without looking up. "People who have lost their sanity like this usually see everyone the same way—they don’t distinguish between good and bad treatment. But his attitude toward you is clearly different. Ye Mingyu has spent quite some time with him too, yet Xue Huaiyuan shows no attachment to him."

"Did you know each other before?" Situ Jiuyue asked.

Jiang Li’s heart skipped a beat, and she firmly denied it. "No, I was in Yanjing City and later went to Qingcheng Mountain. County Magistrate Xue remained in Tongxiang all along—we never crossed paths."

"That’s strange," Situ Jiuyue seemed puzzled. "For him to act this way toward you, it must be that in his residual memories or habits, you are someone familiar to him."

Jiang Li could only reply, "I don’t know why it’s like this either."

Situ Jiuyue looked at her again. "I’ve heard about your affairs. You’re quite bold—no wonder Ji Heng regards you differently."

Hearing her refer to Ji Heng by his name, Jiang Li grew curious and asked, "Miss Jiuyue, you seem quite familiar with the Duke?"

"You could say that," Situ Jiuyue replied. "We’ve saved each other’s lives."

Jiang Li was astonished. That Ji Heng had saved Situ Jiuyue’s life didn’t surprise her. She recalled that the turmoil in Molan had occurred many years ago; by then, Situ Jiuyue would have been just a five- or six-year-old girl with no ability to protect herself. Molan was located at the eastern border of Northern Yan, so for Situ Jiuyue to reach Northern Yan, she must have had help from someone there. Whether that person was Ji Heng, Jiang Li didn’t know.

But had Situ Jiuyue really saved Ji Heng’s life as well?"Don't be fooled by how lively he is now—he nearly died back then," Situ Jiuyue said. "It was a miracle he survived, and now no one can finish him off."

Jiang Li: "..."

This girl certainly didn't mince words.

With no one else in the room, Xue Huaiyuan kept babbling "ya ya" while Situ Jiuyue supported the back of his neck with one hand, slowly inserting a silver needle. "But I have to say, it's surprising that he asked me to come help you," she continued. "You don't look like a bad person. Lu Ji said you were falsely accused of killing your mother and brother back then. Tsk tsk tsk." Her movements were so skilled they made Jiang Li dizzy. "You might have the guts to act in Tongxiang, but deep down you're just a gentle rabbit. Everyone around Ji Heng is ruthless—how did you end up mixed up with them? If you ask me," she said, her hands moving deftly, "you should cut ties with Ji Heng sooner rather than later, so you don't get dragged down with him later. Even if you don't get implicated, you'll probably be scared to death by him eventually."

Jiang Li smiled. "Thank you for your concern, Miss Jiuyue."

Situ Jiuyue frowned. "I'm not concerned about you."

Jiang Li found this amusing. Situ Jiuyue appeared to be a year or two older than Second Miss Jiang, but younger than her previous self. Yet her manner of speaking and acting carried the authority of an elder, addressing Jiang Li like an older sister advising a naive younger sister—half warning, half guiding.

But then again, sudden drastic changes in life could force one to mature overnight. Innocence and naivety couldn't guarantee survival.

While lost in thought, Jiang Li noticed Situ Jiuyue had already inserted the last needle into Xue Huaiyuan. Exhausted, Xue Huaiyuan fell into a deep sleep. Jiang Li helped him lie down on the bed, tucking him in securely.

Situ Jiuyue stood by watching. Despite her sweet and lovely appearance, she wore all black and her smile carried a sharp edge, clearly not someone to be trifled with. "You're quite good at taking care of people," she remarked.

"Is that so?" Jiang Li smiled.

"Has no one ever told you that?" Situ Jiuyue asked, puzzled.

"You're the first," Jiang Li replied.

In her previous life at her husband's family, she had served the entire Shen household diligently but never received any praise. Before her marriage, it was always Xue Zhao who took care of others. Xue Huaiyuan doted on his daughter but trained his son rigorously. Besides mastering both literary and martial arts, Xue Zhao even knew how to cook.

Sometimes Jiang Li felt that she, as the older sister, had actually received much care from Xue Zhao.

As she reminisced, something waved in front of her eyes—Situ Jiuyue's hand. "What are you thinking about so deeply?" Situ Jiuyue asked.

Jiang Li snapped back to reality. "Just some family matters."

Situ Jiuyue said, "I see."

"Miss Jiuyue, thank you for specially treating County Magistrate Xue. I am grateful," Jiang Li said.

"No need for thanks," Situ Jiuyue replied. "I wouldn't dare disobey Ji Heng's orders. Do you need anything else? If not, I'll take my leave."

With that, she left promptly without another word to Jiang Li. Yet Jiang Li didn't mind; instead, she found the girl quite intriguing.

When Jiang Li stepped outside, she realized Ji Heng had already left at some point. Wenren Yao spotted her, his eyes lighting up as he pestered her with "Second Miss" this and "Second Miss" that. Overwhelmed by his enthusiasm, Jiang Li broke out in a sweat and quickly made an excuse to leave the Ye residence, returning first to the Jiang family.After Jiang Li left, Wenren Yao stood in the courtyard and asked Situ Jiuyue, "Jiuyue, am I good-looking?"

Situ Jiuyue: "Get lost!"

"How strange," he examined himself in the mirror, where the young man's face remained fair and handsome, elegant as jade. He said, "Why did Second Miss Jiang look at me as if she'd seen a ghost? When I treat ordinary young ladies this way, don't they always smile with particular delight?"

Situ Jiuyue sneered coldly: "Ji Heng is far more handsome than you. When Jiang Li sees him, she remains perfectly composed. When one has exquisite delicacies to enjoy, why would they prefer to eat shit?"

Wenren Yao: "..."

He said, "You are truly vulgar!"

...

In the Jiang residence, within the Evening Phoenix Hall, Old Madam Jiang sat with her eyes closed.

Since the incident with Chongxu Daoren, followed immediately by Hu Yiniang's suicide, the Jiang family had undergone tremendous upheaval. Although these matters hadn't been leaked to outsiders, the Jiang family members understood the situation perfectly. Things had reached such a state that Ji Shuran had taken several lives right under her watch. Old Madam Jiang seemed to have aged considerably overnight.

She had always been vigorous and spirited, maintaining some of the authority and dignity from her younger days despite her age. But after these events, it was as if most of her vitality had been drained away. Her maidservant observed that Old Madam Jiang now spent her days merely sitting with closed eyes.

She hadn't even glanced at her most beloved grandson, Jiang Bingji.

Feicui entered and said, "Old Madam, Third Miss is still outside, begging to see you."

Old Madam Jiang opened her closed eyes but didn't look at Feicui, instead gazing at the warming brazier before her. "Send her away," she said.

Feicui replied, "Yes," then left to relay the message to Jiang Youyao.

The maidservant stood beside Old Madam Jiang, carefully massaging her shoulders. "Third Miss has come to see you several times these past few days."

"She's quite clever—not going to her father, but coming to me instead." Old Madam Jiang's tone carried faint mockery.

Jiang Yuanbai doted most on Jiang Youyao, yet after these events, Jiang Youyao hadn't pleaded for Ji Shuran before her father. Instead, she came to Old Madam Jiang, fearing Jiang Yuanbai might transfer his anger over Ji Shuran's actions onto her, thus choosing to avoid appearing before him entirely.

"Just as calculating as her mother," Old Madam Jiang said, weariness in her eyes.

Although she knew Jiang Youyao wasn't involved in Ji Shuran's deeds, humans are creatures of emotion and desire. Knowing something rationally is one thing; acting accordingly is another. Old Madam Jiang understood she shouldn't blame Jiang Youyao, but whenever she thought of Ye Zhenzhen, of the deceased Jiang Yue'er, of Ji Shuran's illicit child with Liu Wencai, she felt nauseated, and consequently couldn't bring herself to like Jiang Youyao either.

In truth, she even found it difficult to treat Jiang Bingji, whom she had raised herself, with the same affection as before, let alone Jiang Youyao.

"Old Madam... several days have passed. How do you wish to deal with Ji Shi?" the maidservant asked.

Old Madam Jiang's movements paused slightly.

After a long silence, just as the maidservant began to wonder if Old Madam Jiang had fallen asleep, her calm voice emerged: "Administer the medicine."The old matron’s hand trembled slightly. It had been many years since the Jiang family had forced medicine down someone’s throat. Although Old Madam Jiang was strict in her dealings with others, she rarely took lives. Unless it was a servant who had committed a grave offense, but even then, they would not be beaten to death directly. It was clear that her hatred for Ji Shuran ran so deep this time that she was determined to end her life.

“What? Do you think I am being too harsh?” Old Madam Jiang noticed the other’s hesitation and, without waiting for a reply, added self-mockingly, “I actually think it’s far too lenient for her. Never mind her adultery and illegitimate child, our Jiang family has already lost three lives because of her. Three lives.” She murmured, “What kind of vicious heart would even harm a child?”

“I’ve long told Yuanbai that when marrying, one need not seek someone too clever. With the Jiang family’s status, there’s no need to climb socially. Although the Ye family’s status was slightly inferior, their virtue lay in their honesty and gentleness. Looking back now, I don’t know whether it was a blessing or a curse. Perhaps it was precisely because Lady Ye was too kind-hearted that her subordinates grew disloyal, bewitched by Ji Shi, and lost their lives. But this is also my fault for not managing the household strictly. If I had paid more attention back then, Lady Ye might not have fallen into Ji Shi’s trap.”

“Madam, you need not blame yourself too much,” the matron said. “Who could have known that while Lady Ye was still alive, Ji Shi already coveted her position and harbored such malicious intentions? Such a thing is unheard of even in Yanjing City.”

“Not to mention Lady Ye, I didn’t even take good care of her daughter, Second Young Miss,” Old Madam Jiang’s smile turned bitter. “Back then, Second Young Miss repeatedly insisted she didn’t push Ji Shi, but I only believed my own eyes. It never occurred to me that it was all an act orchestrated by Ji Shi. I just never imagined Ji Shi would even sacrifice the child in her own womb.”

At this thought, the matron couldn’t help but shudder. That was her own flesh and blood! Even if it was an illegitimate child, it was still connected by blood. Yet Ji Shi had discarded it without hesitation just to frame Jiang Li. Under the watchful eyes of everyone, she had deceived them all.

“Second Young Miss spent eight years at Qingcheng Mountain. Now that she’s back, have you seen her grow close to anyone in this household?” Old Madam Jiang asked.

The matron fell silent.

Second Young Miss was gentle and polite in her conduct, but as for closeness, there was none. Even toward Jiang Yuanbai, she remained courteous and distant.

“She visits the Ye family every day. Say what you will, but she is closer to an outsider who has lost their senses than she is to any of us. This is the consequence of our own actions. We abandoned her back then, so naturally, she holds no regard for us now.”

Old Madam Jiang’s words were filled with sorrow, and the matron couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness. She consoled, “Second Young Miss has just returned to the Jiang family and hasn’t been here long. She still carries grievances in her heart. Now that the truth about Ji Shi has come to light, her grievances should be resolved. With time, things will naturally improve. You and the Grand Master are her family. If she doesn’t grow close to you, who else would she grow close to?”

Old Madam Jiang shook her head. “I’ve lived to this age, with one foot already in the coffin. I’ve seen all kinds of people, and at this age, it’s rare for me to misjudge someone. Second Young Miss will not grow close to us. Her heart has hardened, and nothing we do can change that. It’s too late.”

Her tone left no room for doubt.Before the matron could speak, Old Madam Jiang's voice came again: "But it's good this way. Being like this, she won't be bullied like her mother. Having a harder heart, being more cautious in everything, not pouring out her heart to everyone she meets—she won't be deceived in the future. This way, I can rest assured."

The matron thought for a moment and said, "Madam, don't be too absolute. Human hearts are made of flesh. As long as we treat Second Young Lady well from now on, one day she will see it."

Old Madam Jiang waved her hand: "Forget it. I don't know if I'll live to see that day. Has Second Girl returned to the residence yet?"

"She went out to the Ye family," the matron replied.

"When she returns, have her go see Ji Shi. If she has anything to say to Ji Shi, let her say it."

"Madam, this is..." The matron was startled.

"After she has seen Ji Shi, give Ji Shi the medicine," Old Madam Jiang said coldly, her expression stern. "The sooner she sets off, the sooner she atones for her sins."

After saying this, she closed her eyes again as if asleep.

The matron remained silent for a long while and did not speak further.

...

In Yaoguang Residence, Jiang Youyao paced restlessly around the room.

Ji Shuran had been imprisoned, and no one was allowed near her. Jiang Youyao could not visit Ji Shuran, and in truth, she did not dare to. No matter how immature she usually was, the crimes Ji Shuran had confessed that day were too horrifying. Just the charge of adultery alone was enough for Jiang Youyao to know that the Jiang family would not let Ji Shuran off lightly.

Back then, Xue Fangfei, the talented and beautiful Top Scholar's Wife of Yanjing, had been exposed for adultery, and to this day, people only referred to her as a "wanton woman." Now that it was Ji Shuran, it was easy to imagine that if word got out that the Grand Secretary's wife had committed adultery, it would be an even bigger scandal than the Top Scholar's Wife's affair.

Fortunately, Old Madam Jiang had handled it. The servants in the courtyard had their contracts in the old madam's hands, ensuring not a word would leak out. Even so, Jiang Youyao felt uneasy. The way the second and third branches of the family looked at her, and the mockery in Lu Shi's eyes whenever she saw her these past two days, made Jiang Youyao wish she could burrow into a hole.

Ji Shuran was tainted, and people looked at her as if she were tainted too, as if she were the one who had committed adultery. But she wasn't! She was the legitimate daughter of the Jiang family, a true golden branch and jade leaf! No one could take this position from her, and no one ever would!

"Miss... what should we do... Old Madam's attitude is too firm," the maid Jinhua said.

"Has there been any reply to the letter I wrote to my aunt?" Jiang Youyao asked.

Now that the wall had collapsed, everyone was pushing. Sending out a letter was harder than climbing to the sky. She had spent a lot of silver to bribe a servant of the Jiang residence to deliver the letter to Chen Jishi. In the letter, she asked Chen Jishi to go to the palace and find Li Pin. Li Pin would surely have a way.

Yinhua shook her head.

Jiang Youyao's face immediately fell with disappointment. "It can't be. Has Old Madam sealed off the Jiang residence so tightly that no letters can get in? Jinhua, go and inquire again."Jinhua said cautiously, "Miss, I'm afraid Madam Chen won't be coming back. After Madam's incident the day before yesterday, the Ji family came once but left later... Are they planning to abandon Madam?" If there had been any room for negotiation, the Ji family would never have left so decisively—they would have lingered in the mansion for a while longer. Yet they departed directly.

At these words, a sharp "smack" echoed as Jiang Youyao slapped Jinhua. Jiang Youyao said resentfully, "Nonsense! How could Grandmother and Aunt abandon my mother? It's clearly a delaying tactic! Who knows what Grandmother and Father said to deceive Aunt into leaving? They don’t know what condition Mother is in now. I’ve written everything clearly in my letter. Once they learn of Mother’s situation, they will send someone immediately to rescue us!"

Jinhua quickly knelt on the ground, saying, "This servant was wrong. I spoke recklessly. Madam Chen will surely come to save Madam."

Though Jiang Youyao spoke with conviction, her anger lingered, and Jinhua’s words stirred a growing unease in her heart.

Ji Shuran hadn’t told her exactly how Jiang Li would face misfortune that day, but Jiang Youyao had a vague sense that the outcome shouldn’t have been like this. Chongxu Daoren had since vanished without a trace. If Chen Jishi sought help from Li Pin in the palace, Li Pin would never stand by idly—so why was there still no news? Even if Ji Chen Shi couldn’t enter the Jiang residence, she could at least send a message through someone.

But there was nothing. Absolutely nothing.

This couldn’t go on. Though fearful, Jiang Youyao knew that in this mansion, only Ji Shuran truly cared for her. Jiang Yuanbai was now angry with Ji Shuran, and it was uncertain whether he would forgive her mother. Waiting like this was unfavorable for her. Who knew what underhanded tricks that wretched Jiang Li might be plotting next?

She sprang to her feet abruptly. "No, I must find a way to leave the mansion."

"Miss?" Yinhua was startled. "The mansion is tightly guarded now. How can we get out?"

To prevent servants from spreading the news, not even a fly was allowed to leave the mansion, let alone a living person like Jiang Youyao. Though not formally confined, she was effectively trapped everywhere.

"How infuriating." Jiang Youyao slumped into a chair in frustration. "What should we do?"

...

As dusk gradually fell.

If there was anyone in the mansion who could still come and go freely, it was likely Jiang Li. She had just returned from the Ye family and entered Fragrant Garden Courtyard. Qingfeng and Mingyue were sitting in the courtyard embroidering pouches and rose to greet her upon her return.

"Has anything happened in the mansion?" Jiang Li asked.

"Baoqin came by and returned the silver and charcoal you previously gave to Hu Yiniang," Mingyue replied. "Baoqin served Hu Yiniang her whole life. After Hu Yiniang’s departure, Baoqin had nowhere to go. The Old Madam returned her deed of servitude and allowed her to return home. However, Baoqin seemed to have lost all hope and said she would go to a temple to live out the rest of her days with the Buddhist scriptures and an ancient Buddha." Mingyue sighed. "She’s a pitiable soul."

"Has she left already?" Jiang Li asked.

"She will depart tomorrow."Jiang Li handed the silver back to Mingyue: "Although we're going to the temple, silver is still essential. There are many days ahead, no need to stake all escape routes now. But she wouldn't listen to such words at this point. Find a way to bring this silver to her without letting her know." Jiang Li said.

Mingyue took the silver, paused for a moment, then smiled: "The young lady has such a kind heart."

"It's merely empathy." Jiang Li shook her head.

"By the way, Zhenzhu from the old madam's side also came by earlier." Qingfeng recalled something and said: "Zhenzhu mentioned that the old madam wishes the young lady to visit Ji Shi after returning, and if there's anything you wish to say to Ji Shi, you may go speak with her."

Tong'er expressed surprise: "Didn't the old madam forbid anyone from approaching that madwoman Ji Shi?"

"Who knows, perhaps it was specifically to vent anger on the young lady's behalf. Ji Shi harmed the young lady and her mother so terribly, she certainly deserves a good scolding to relieve our frustration," Qingfeng said dismissively.

But Jiang Li didn't see it that way. The old madam's sudden remark could only mean she had made up her mind. Ji Shuran's path ended here - the old madam was telling her to see Ji Shuran one last time.

Jiang Li said, "Since it's the old madam's instruction, let's go."

"Right now?" Tong'er asked.

"Right now."

Any later would be too late.

...

Ji Shuran was tied up in an old room in the side courtyard.

White silk hung everywhere inside and outside the room. When Hu Yiniang died, normally a wealthy family wouldn't hold funeral ceremonies for a concubine, especially someone like Hu Yiniang who had been nearly forgotten in the household for years. But because Hu Yiniang's death was so tragic, the Jiang family felt guilty, so even though she was just a concubine, they gave her a proper burial and everyone in the residence wore mourning clothes.

The room where Ji Shuran was kept was no different. Only two white candles burned inside, their wax dripping into strange shapes resembling human tears. Someone had placed a bronze basin by the door containing partially burned paper money, some of which had flown out and cast eerie shadows on the windows as they fluttered.

Ji Shuran huddled in the corner, her spine chilled.

There wasn't a single person in the room. She was terrified, even missing the rough-tongued servant women who had been rude to her - at least with someone present, the place wouldn't feel so haunted.

She had always believed she wasn't afraid of ghosts or gods. With enough cunning, even ghosts feared wicked people. But that day when Chongxu Daoren came to exorcise evil spirits, what she witnessed shattered her conviction. Ghosts did exist in this world, and once she confirmed this, closing her eyes would bring visions of all those she had harmed coming for her with menacing gestures.

Ye Zhenzhen, Jiang Yue'er, Liu Wencai, Siqi, and many, many others, including the child from her own womb. Her mind was filled with chaotic noises, as if many people were speaking. In these moments, she felt extremely fragile and desperately wished Jiang Bingji and Jiang Youyao were with her.

But they hadn't come.

Thinking about it, it made sense - she was now considered unforgivable in the Jiang family's eyes, so her children must have been expressly forbidden from visiting her. Fortunately, Jiang Yuanbai and Old Madam Jiang were reasonable people who wouldn't punish her children for her crimes, which gave Ji Shuran some comfort.

Just then, there seemed to be movement outside. Ji Shuran tensed and curled up tighter. Her hands and feet were bound, leaving her unable to move or escape. Since birth, though not of royal blood, she had never experienced hardship, let alone being treated like this. Ji Shuran thought that given how harshly the Jiang family treated her, once she got out, she would definitely ask her sister Li Pin to help her take revenge on the Jiang family.

Yes, Ji Shuran still dreamed of escaping.

At first she thought she wouldn't survive, especially after Liu Wencai's ghost appeared. But for some reason, Liu Wencai hadn't taken her. As long as one remains alive, the will to survive grows exceptionally strong. After collecting herself, Ji Shuran began planning her escape.Putting other matters aside, at the very least, her sister was the emperor's most favored consort. Even the Jiang family would need to weigh the consequences carefully before moving against her.

The sound of footsteps outside grew gradually clearer—neither too heavy nor too light, yet Ji Shuran felt each step strike heavily against her heart.

Voices could be heard from outside.

The door creaked open.

The wind lifted the paper funeral money from the ground as a figure in plain white mourning dress, wearing a white flower in her hair and carrying a lantern, stepped inside.

It was Jiang Li.

Has it been a while since we've seen a chapter title like "The Death of XX"?

(End of Chapter)