The Double

Chapter 140: Conclusion

Jiang Li walked in.

Ji Shuran stared blankly at her. For two days, aside from the hostile maids, she hadn't seen anyone. Jiang Yuanbai and Old Madam Jiang went without saying, but she couldn't even see Jiang Youyao or Jiang Bingji. As for her personal maids, they had likely all been imprisoned. Ji Shuran had no way of knowing what was happening outside. Alone, she pondered many things—her own future and Jiang Li's situation.

Jiang Li's appearance back then clearly indicated she was possessed by a ghost. Though she had fallen to such a state, Ji Shuran couldn't help but think maliciously that it would be better if Jiang Li remained possessed or was even killed by those spirits. Now that Jiang Li had appeared, for a moment, Ji Shuran thought the Jiang Li she saw was no longer among the living.

But then she saw Jiang Li softly instructing the maid beside her and reluctantly accepted the fact: Jiang Li wasn't dead. On the contrary, judging by her current appearance, she seemed entirely unaffected.

Jiang Li entered the room alone, leaving the maids outside and closing the door behind her. She didn't light any lamps, so aside from the candlelight, the only illumination came from the pale, ghostly glow of the white lantern she carried.

Ji Shuran felt even colder, yet a cold smile surfaced on her face. "Why are you here?"

"I came to see you," Jiang Li replied, sitting down in a chair by the table. She casually placed the lantern on the floor and looked at Ji Shuran. Her gentle features were utterly calm, but her words left Ji Shuran unsettled. "After all, you've spent so many years in the Jiang residence. Before you leave, I should come to see you off."

"Leave?" Ji Shuran frowned. "What do you mean, leave?"

Jiang Li gazed at her quietly for a moment before saying, "After all you've done, surely you don't think you can escape unscathed?"

Ji Shi felt her entire body convulsing. Her clothes offered no warmth. "Jiang Li, stop trying to intimidate me! This time, I was just one move short and fell into your trap!"

"You've always been so consistent over the years, fond of pinning trumped-up charges on others. Isn't your current predicament your own retribution? You didn't fall into my trap—you were merely sought out by those you harmed."

These words struck at the fear that had been gnawing at Ji Shuran for days. But the more terrified she felt, the more she denied Jiang Li's claims, as if doing so could give her courage. "Ridiculous! There's no such thing as karma in this world. If karma truly existed, why didn't it come sooner? Why wait until now? Even if they've become ghosts to haunt me, do you think I'm afraid? It's all in vain!" she sneered. "I've long established my footing in the Jiang family, given birth to a son and a daughter, and my sister is the emperor's favored consort. Even in this situation, I'm not without hope. Out of respect for my father's face, what can the Jiang family do to me?"

She shot Jiang Li a provocative glance. "Ye Zhenzhen is dead! Jiang Yue'er is dead! They're both dead, but my children still have bright futures ahead. So what if karma exists? It came too late—I still won!At this, she burst into an almost crazy laugh.Jiang Li merely looked at her. She herself was not born into a prestigious family, and in the Xue household, there was no need for scheming or intrigue. Therefore, when she learned of all Ji Shuran's crimes, aside from shock, Jiang Li only felt incomprehension. But now, it seemed she could understand a little.

The Ji family had raised a selfish and malicious woman. She was inherently wicked, with no relation to her environment. Even if Ji Shuran had been born into an ordinary family, she would not hesitate to use others as stepping stones for her own gain.

Of the dual nature of human morality—good and evil—Jiang Li saw only evil in Ji Shuran.

She smiled faintly.

Under the dim lamplight, the girl's plain dress accentuated her cool, elegant features. Her delicate face often wore a warm smile, but when it turned cold, she seemed to become a different person.

Jiang Li said, "Is that so? Do you truly believe Jiang Youyao and Jiang Bingji will live well in the future? Or... do you think Li Pin will remain unscathed? Forgive my bluntness, but Li Pin can hardly protect herself now. By asking for her help, you’ve dragged her into trouble. The Ji family would sooner resent you than spend resources to ensure your safety. You are a member of the Ji family yourself—you must know how they would act. Or do you know full well but insist on deceiving yourself?"

Ji Shuran’s expression shifted. She retorted, "You’re lying!"

"Chongxu Daoren is a fraud," Jiang Li said with a light laugh. "He’s a fugitive wanted by the authorities for two past murders, who fled his hometown. If he hadn’t come to the Jiang residence to perform rituals, no one would have uncovered this. But now that the truth is out, how will Li Pin in the palace explain herself? After all, years ago, it was under this Daoist’s false testimony that the noblewoman beloved by His Majesty met her untimely end. With no rivals left in the palace, Li Pin rose to her current status."

"Tell me, if His Majesty realizes he was deceived—that his beloved was wrongly accused and murdered, and that this Daoist is a fraud—would he think this was a scheme orchestrated by Li Pin to eliminate her competition? Would he regret it? An emperor never admits his mistakes; he only doubles down on blaming others for past errors."

Ji Shuran listened in stunned silence. "How do you know this?" she asked.

Not many knew about the incident years ago when Li Pin was framed by that noblewoman in the palace. Ji Shuran knew only because the victim was her own elder sister. Even Jiang Youyao was unaware, let alone Jiang Li, who had no closeness to her. Moreover, such palace secrets were not easily uncovered. Yet Jiang Li knew—and from her demeanor, she seemed not only well-informed but also entirely confident in her knowledge.

"How I know is none of your concern," Jiang Li replied. "All you need to understand is that Li Pin will likely be unable to protect herself this time."

A chill slowly settled in Ji Shuran’s heart. She knew Jiang Li was right: if Chongxu Daoren’s deceit came to light, it would mean the palace case from years ago would have a completely different outcome.

Still, she stubbornly insisted, "How can you prove Chongxu Daoren is a fraud? You—"

"I have my ways," Jiang Li said simply.

Ji Shuran stared at her."In fact, the Ji family came yesterday, but you didn’t know, and no one told you. They probably heard about your situation and originally intended to rescue you." Jiang Li’s tone carried a faint trace of mockery. "But they’ve already left. After meeting with Father and the Old Madam, I doubt they’ll ever return."

"Impossible!" Ji Shuran cried out bitterly. Jiang Li seemed to have stripped away her last shred of hope, and she screamed in despair, "They would never abandon me!"

"Why not?" Jiang Li replied coldly. "You were willing to sacrifice your own flesh and blood to protect yourself by getting rid of me. Why wouldn’t the Ji family sacrifice you to protect themselves?"

Ji Shuran glared at Jiang Li with hatred. As a member of the Ji family, she understood better than anyone their inherent tendency to prioritize self-interest. Yes, she carried the same selfish blood of the Ji family—there was no reason they would act any differently.

"The Ji family has already abandoned you. Father and the Old Madam were lenient with you before only because you had lost a child. Now it’s been proven that the pity they showed you was nothing but a scheme you orchestrated. You still have blood debts to the Jiang family that must be repaid." Jiang Li spoke softly, yet her words sent a chill through Ji Shuran’s heart. "After you die, Father will still remarry. The household cannot be without a new mistress. Just as you treated me back then, the new mistress will treat Jiang Youyao and Jiang Bingji the same way."

These words felt like a curse. Ji Shuran shrieked, "No! I want to see the Master! I want to see the Master!" she cried frantically.

"Father won’t come to see you. Every time he looks at you, it reminds him of how foolish he once was. Who would willingly seek such torment?" Jiang Li smiled again. "Jiang Youyao, spoiled by you into lawlessness, will eventually seal her own fate without the new mistress needing to lift a finger. As for Jiang Bingji..." Jiang Li deliberately paused before continuing slowly, "Although Liu Wencai had been dead for many years by the time Jiang Bingji was born, having a mother like you means that even if Father doesn’t hold it against him, he’ll never be able to regard Jiang Bingji without reservation. If even Father feels this way, how could the new mistress possibly care for him? Once she bears a son, Jiang Bingji will naturally be cast aside. Of course, if the new mistress is even more ruthless... just as you did to Jiang Yue’er..."

"No!" The fragile composure on Ji Shuran’s face finally shattered. Like a beast whose young had been snatched away, she snarled and screamed, "The Master would never treat them like that! They are his flesh and blood!"

"Ji Shuran," Jiang Li said calmly, "you claimed that retribution couldn’t touch you, but that’s impossible. The evil you’ve done must be repaid, slowly. If you are let off lightly, your children will inevitably suffer harshly. The way you treated me in the past is how others will treat your children in the future." Jiang Li smiled. "That’s only fair."

Tears and mucus streaked Ji Shuran’s face, leaving her utterly disheveled.

She feared nothing—though she feared death, her greatest worry was her two children. Ji Shuran had prepared for the worst, hoping her death would evoke Jiang Yuanbai’s guilt and extra affection for the children. But now, Jiang Li had mercilessly crushed even that last wish.That's right. For the sake of her own children's future, she eliminated other offspring, stole others' engagements, and secretly hired assassins. Anyone who might stand in their way was mercilessly removed by Ji Shuran. Whatever her children desired, she would seize from others. This was how Jiang Youyao developed her current reckless temperament—she couldn't handle Jiang Li, and even Ji Shuran herself couldn't handle Jiang Li.

From the depths of despair, Ji Shuran's resentment grew. She stared at Jiang Li and said, "Even if Chongxu Daoren is a fraud, you are still an evil creature." She continued, "You are not Ye Zhenzhen's daughter! You are not Jiang Li!"

Ji Shuran was venting her bitterness.

She had schemed her entire life, only to be defeated by a young, inexperienced girl. Utterly defeated—how could she accept this? Jiang Li, despite her youth, was cunning beyond her years. Since returning to the residence, every confrontation had ended with Ji Shuran gaining nothing. Instead, she had lost ground step by step: the engagement with the Marquis Ningyuan's household, Jiang Youyao's reputation for talent... and this time, if not for dealing with Jiang Li, why would she have invited Chongxu Daoren to the residence? Why would things have ended like this?

What began as an outburst took an unexpected turn when Jiang Li tilted her head slightly, studied Ji Shuran for a moment, and stood up.

Instinctively, Ji Shuran retreated, but her back hit the wall. Bound hand and foot, she could only watch as the girl slowly approached.

Though she appeared to be a delicate young maiden, Ji Shuran felt as if she were facing a vengeful ghost. Jiang Li stepped closer, then crouched down before her.

The girl's eyes were dark and bright, almost impossibly clear and penetrating. But Ji Shuran knew—those eyes held no innocence. They knew everything.

Jiang Li looked at her and suddenly flashed a mischievous smile. Her voice was light as she said, "You found out, didn't you?"

For a moment, Ji Shuran was confused. Found out what?

When the meaning of Jiang Li's words finally sank in, a cold sweat broke out all over her body.

—You are not Ye Zhenzhen's daughter! You are not Jiang Li!

—You found out, didn't you.

Trembling with fear, Ji Shuran shrank back. Jiang Li smiled as she observed her, her voice so soft it was like a lover's whisper. Even if there were a third person in the room, they wouldn't be able to hear what she was saying.

A chilling sensation brushed Ji Shuran's ear as the girl whispered, "Unfortunately, no one will believe you."

Suddenly, everything became clear to Ji Shuran.

Why had Jiang Li's temperament changed so drastically? How had she won first place in the Six Arts? Why was she so cunning at such a young age, and how did she know everything?

It seemed all the pieces had fallen into place.

"You... you're not her..." Ji Shuran's voice trembled. "Why are you doing this to me?"

"For Ye Zhenzhen, Jiang Yue'er, Hu Yiniang, Siqi, and for Jiang Li. For everyone you've harmed," Jiang Li replied with a smile. "So, guess how I'll treat Jiang Youyao and Jiang Bingji?"

A desperate, guttural scream escaped Ji Shuran's throat. Jiang Li stood up, while Ji Shuran shivered and cursed, "You evil creature! You're not Jiang Li! I want to see the master! You evil creature!"

Looking down at her, Jiang Li smiled and said, "Farewell, Ji Shi."

Without a backward glance, she left the room.The moment Jiang Li left the room, two stout matrons entered, one holding a tray with a porcelain pot on it.

Ji Shuran realized something and cried out in terror, "What are you going to do? What are you going to do? Help! Someone, help!"

The sounds of struggle in the room gradually faded until there was no movement at all.

After walking some distance, Jiang Li stopped and turned back to look in the direction of the side room.

Tong'er and Bai Xue stood silently by Jiang Li's side.

Jiang Li stood in the snowy ground as flakes began to fall thick and fast from the sky.

Ji Shuran was bound to die regardless, and given the Jiang family's influence, they wouldn't let her die in an unsightly manner.

But those who commit crimes must pay the price. Letting her die easily would have been far too lenient. Only a death filled with resentment, unease, fear, despair, and terror—a miserable end where she could not rest in peace—would be worthy of those lying underground.

Second Miss Jiang, Jiang Li thought silently, you can rest assured now.

...

The snow stopped by the next day, revealing a rare clear sky.

That night, Jiang Li slept exceptionally soundly. In her dream, a delicate and pretty young girl stood in the snow, bowing deeply to her and saying, "Thank you." Her voice was unfamiliar, but her face was strikingly familiar—it was Jiang Li herself.

No, that wasn't Jiang Li. It was the real Second Miss Jiang.

When Jiang Li woke up, she stared blankly at her palm. Meeting Second Miss Jiang in her dream—was it a coincidence born of her daytime thoughts, or had the poor young lady truly come to express her gratitude?

She believed in the cycle of cause and effect in the world, so after a moment of surprise, she let it go. Whether Second Miss Jiang had come to thank her or not, she had at least not stood idly by for this young lady.

Tong'er came in from outside and immediately glanced around. Seeing her like this, Jiang Li smiled and asked, "What are you looking at?"

Tong'er was startled and said, "Miss, you're awake! I thought you were still asleep." She came over to help Jiang Li out of bed, adding, "This morning, it was rare to see you sleeping so soundly, so I didn't wake you. You've been through a lot these past few days—it's good to rest a little more."

Jiang Li hadn't forgotten Tong'er's earlier expression and asked, "Has something happened?"

Tong'er paused for a moment, then looked up at Jiang Li. "Miss, Ji Shi is dead."

Jiang Li showed no surprise.

Tong'er understood immediately. When she heard the news early in the morning, Tong'er had been puzzled. Last night, the Old Madam had specifically asked Jiang Li to see Ji Shi, and Tong'er had vaguely sensed something but hadn't dared to speculate. Now it seemed it had come true, and judging by Jiang Li's expression, she had clearly anticipated it.

Come to think of it, if even she could sense it, her mistress must have guessed it even more clearly.

However, the Old Madam had acted so decisively against Ji Shi. Originally, she thought that out of respect for the Ji family's reputation, it would drag on for some time. She hadn't expected the decision to be made so quickly.

"But... although Ji Shi is dead, the household isn't discussing it openly, and it seems the outside world doesn't know yet," Tong'er said hesitantly.

Jiang Li replied, "Ji Shi's death wasn't natural. If it were announced with great fanfare, that would be strange.""I'm not worried about anything else, just concerned about the Third Young Lady." Tong'er said anxiously, "Everyone in the mansion knows what Third Young Lady is like. Now that Ji Shi is dead, she'll definitely blame our young lady for it. If she becomes relentless..."

When Jiang Youyao goes mad, she might just become another Ji Shuran. Though not very bright, she is certainly vicious.

"No need to worry." Jiang Li smiled faintly. "With Ji Shi dead, she has lost her backing and can't cause much trouble."

Jiang Youyao wasn't worth fearing. At worst, there was still Zhao Ke keeping an eye on her. What needed to be dealt with now, most importantly, were still Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong.

The enemies that belonged to Xue Fangfei.

There are always one or two days each month when I'm too busy to handle everything... Five thousand today TAT

(End of Chapter)