The Double

Chapter 145: Startling Discovery

Zhao Ke arrived with remarkable speed.

He likely hadn't expected Jiang Li to sound the whistle before midnight. He must have been occupied with other tasks, as he still carried traces of snowflakes and grass debris from outside. Standing by the window, he said, "Second Miss Jiang."

"Zhao Ke, there's something I'd like to ask you to do," Jiang Li looked at him.

Zhao Ke was momentarily taken aback. Jiang Li had always bossed him around with an air of entitlement and self-righteousness. Though initially reluctant, Zhao Ke had gradually grown numb to it. Since his lord had ordered him to simply obey, what else could he say?

But today, Second Miss Jiang's tone carried an almost earnest quality. Her expression lacked its usual composure, instead showing traces of anxiety and entreaty.

Though those from the Duke's residence were known for their iron will, when Zhao Ke met Jiang Li's gaze, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly. No wonder even someone as cold-hearted as his lord repeatedly indulged Second Miss Jiang. When this young lady wore a pleading expression, it created an illusion that refusing her would be an unforgivable sin.

"My lord has instructed that I am to fulfill Second Miss's requests," Zhao Ke replied mechanically. No matter what he thought internally, he couldn't show it.

"My maid Bai Xue comes from Zaohua Village. Could you... or could you send someone to Zaohua Village to bring back a girl named Haitang to Yanjing City?"

Zhao Ke looked at Jiang Li with confusion. Where was Zaohua Village? He had never carried out missions in such obscure places, and Jiang Li's request was particularly puzzling - to fetch some girl? He wasn't a carriage driver! Was Second Miss Jiang now expecting him to handle coachman duties too? Yet his monthly stipend from the Duke's residence hadn't increased!

"This matter... I must consult my lord," Zhao Ke said.

Jiang Li understood perfectly. She knew Zhao Ke would inevitably report this to Ji Heng - in fact, everything she asked Zhao Ke to do eventually reached Ji Heng's ears, since Ji Heng was his true master. But this time, if Ji Heng learned about Haitang, given that man's intelligence, he might uncover certain clues.

At the very least, Ji Heng probably already knew that her connection with the Xue family wasn't as superficial as it appeared, and that their ties might run deep.

Like being too plagued by lice to feel the itch, or too burdened by debt to worry, Jiang Li suddenly mustered the courage to throw caution to the wind. "As you wish," she said.

Zhao Ke was surprised again. Since Second Miss Jiang wasn't asking others but specifically requesting help from the Duke's residence, this must be a confidential matter. Yet she showed no concern about Ji Heng knowing. Had his lord and Second Miss Jiang become so familiar? Wait, could Second Miss Jiang have become his lord's subordinate? Between subordinate and master, naturally there would be no need for concealment.

Unaware of the guard's internal speculations, Jiang Li continued, "No matter how you report this to your lord, if he agrees, please bring her back as quickly as possible. During the journey, you may encounter enemies in pursuit. Their forces might be considerable, so please exercise extreme caution and ensure Haitang's safety above all else."She spoke with grave seriousness, and Zhao Ke, who initially hadn't taken the matter seriously, sensed Jiang Li's tension. He realized this must be an extremely important matter to her and immediately adopted a respectful attitude, saying, "I understand. I will report to my superior tonight and return with a response to Second Miss Jiang tomorrow morning."

Jiang Li nodded.

Zhao Ke vanished beyond the window. Bai Xue and Tong'er, unaware of what had transpired, diligently kept watch by the doors and windows. The appearance of an unfamiliar man in the young lady's courtyard would cause trouble if word got out.

Jiang Li closed the window, shutting out the wind and snow outside. Her heart raced wildly.

If all went smoothly, if Zhao Ke could depart unimpeded, she would see Haitang in just over ten days at most.

Her sister from her past life.

...

In the Duke's residence, Wen Ji soon received the message from Zhao Ke and relayed every word of it to Ji Heng.

Lu Ji happened to be in Ji Heng's study discussing matters when he heard this and remarked, "Why didn't Second Miss Jiang mention this when she was here during the day, only to blow the whistle after returning at night?"

"It's said she received a letter in the evening and made the decision on the spot," Wen Ji replied.

"Haitang..." Ji Heng sat in his chair, his crimson robes pooling on the floor. The dim lamplight caught the golden threads at the hem, creating a shifting, resplendent glow. His finger rested on the letter, tapping lightly as if unconsciously. After a moment, he said, "Keep Zhao Ke at the Jiang residence. Wen Ji, select a few men and send them to Zaohua Village."

Wen Ji accepted the order and departed.

After Wen Ji left, Lu Ji stroked his beard curiously. "What connection could this Haitang have with Second Miss Jiang? While Tongxiang at least lies within Xiangyang, and the Ye family is also in Xiangyang—making some forced connection to Second Miss Jiang possible—Zaohua Village... truly has no apparent link."

Moreover, upon hearing the name, Lu Ji searched his memory but found no recollection of it, suggesting it must be a small farming village in some remote town. Yet Jiang Li's solemn request indicated it couldn't be that simple. Come to think of it, last time in Tongxiang, that Qiong Zhi from the Cherish Flower House also seemed entirely unrelated to Jiang Li. But it was precisely through Qiong Zhi's message that Jiang Li learned of Xue Huaiyuan's situation.

She always seemed to know things others didn't. Given this, this Haitang whom Jiang Li held in such regard might also be connected to something important.

"We'll know when our people arrive," Ji Heng said indifferently. Suddenly recalling something, he asked, "Has there been any movement from Prince Cheng?"

"These past days, he has frequently been summoning court officials for secret discussions. Our spies report they are plotting. However, his faction is divided—one group advocates for a palace coup, while the other favors a gradual approach. They're currently at a stalemate."

"The stalemate won't last long," Ji Heng chuckled softly. "He isn't that patient."

"If Prince Cheng launches his rebellion after the New Year, next year at the latest or the year after, will you intervene..." Lu Ji asked. His question was somewhat vague; though he had followed Ji Heng for a long time, he often found Ji Heng's thoughts and subsequent plans unclear.

"No need. He cannot win," the young man replied lazily, toying with a folding fan in his hand. As the fan opened and closed, layers of exquisite peonies bloomed across it, casting his face in an increasingly profound and striking light. He smiled meaningfully. "The young emperor has waited all these years precisely for that day.""I too await that day." He gazed out the window at the pitch-black night, listening to the howling wind. His amber eyes appeared pitch-dark under the night's reflection, or perhaps it was the gloom in his gaze that darkened them.

His voice remained gentle, yet within that gentleness lay a bone-chilling coldness.

"Waiting for the snake to emerge from its hole."

...

The next day, having received Zhao Ke's message, Jiang Li finally felt relieved. Ji Heng had agreed to send someone to fetch Haitang for her.

After tossing and turning sleeplessly all night, she finally felt the weight lifted from her shoulders today. Jiang Li sat down at the stone table in the courtyard, watching the young maids Qingfeng and Mingyue sweep the snow.

She realized that since her trip to Tongxiang, her relationship with Ji Heng had evolved into a state neither hostile nor friendly. He repeatedly claimed to want her life, so Jiang Li never held back when facing him. Reflecting now, many matters had been resolved smoothly only with Ji Heng's assistance.

Whether it was the affair with Jiang Yu'e, Xue Huaiyuan's situation, Chongxu Daoren, or the current matter with Haitang—each incident involved Ji Heng's intervention. Originally an outsider to the drama, he had accompanied her in it from beginning to end. Jiang Li was not heartless; on the contrary, Xue Huaiyuan had taught her since childhood to repay kindness. She observed all that Ji Heng had done, maintaining a lukewarm attitude merely to protect herself, given the complexity of the current situation and Ji Heng's own unfathomable nature.

A debt of gratitude must be repaid. For now, she didn't know how her meager strength could assist Ji Heng. But she thought that if Ji Heng ever truly faced difficulties in the future, she would not hold back. This had nothing to do with her life being in Ji Heng's hands; it was simply genuine gratitude.

If Yongning and Shen Yurong were punished, aside from Xue Huaiyuan, she would truly have no regrets left.

While Jiang Li felt at ease in the Jiang residence, one person was not so comfortable—Jiang Youyao in Yaoguang Residence.

Since Ji Shuran's death, Jiang Youyao's life had plummeted from heaven to earth. Whether the Jiang family servants were opportunistic or not, the entire household knew of Ji Shuran's deeds, and they naturally showed no kindness toward her daughter. Although they never neglected formal courtesy, Jiang Youyao repeatedly noticed their meaningful glances. She understood those looks—they were disdainful and contemptuous.

Jiang Youyao was nearly driven mad with anger. She lashed out at a few servants she disliked, as she had in the past, but was sternly reprimanded by Old Madam Jiang and Jiang Yuanbai. Previously, Jiang Youyao's willfulness was dismissed as youthful innocence, but with Ji Shuran's precedent, people inevitably linked her behavior to Ji Shuran's malicious nature. If Jiang Youyao had inherited her mother's viciousness, then her actions were no longer mere willfulness.

To Jiang Youyao, however, it seemed Jiang Yuanbai and Old Madam Jiang had ceased to love her because of Ji Shuran, even despising her. Everyone in the Jiang residence looked down on her. In fact, not only her—even Old Madam Jiang had become strict with Jiang Bingji, no longer doting on him as before—offspring must not be allowed to rot from the roots, and the Ji family was the prime example.Under such circumstances, Jiang Youyao felt as though each day dragged on like a year.

She had written letters to the Ji family, hoping Ji Yanlin would send someone to bring her back. Since the Jiang family no longer welcomed her, the Ji family could surely help. Yet there had been no reply for a long time, and Jiang Youyao suspected the Old Madam had intercepted her letters. There was nothing she could do—rumors swirled outside, even claiming she was not Jiang Yuanbai’s daughter but the illegitimate child of Ji Shuran and Liu Wencai. Each accusation left Jiang Youyao nearly suffocated.

At this point, she even envied Jiang Yu'e, who had become Zhou Yanbang’s concubine in the Marquis Ningyuan household. Even as a concubine, she had married the man she loved. Zhou Yanbang was so gentle—he would surely understand and comfort her. Thinking of this, Jiang Youyao couldn’t help but resent Jiang Li. If not for Jiang Li’s conspiracy with Jiang Yu'e, how could Jiang Yu'e have snatched away her marriage? It should have been hers! Jiang Li had stolen her favor in the Jiang family, caused her mother’s death, and let Jiang Yu'e seize her place. She deserved to die!

Watching Jiang Youyao’s face shift through a range of emotions, the maid by her side grew fearful. After the recent upheavals, Jiang Youyao’s temperament had changed drastically—she would scold and beat the servants at the slightest provocation. Although the Old Madam and the Master had reprimanded her, within her own courtyard, Jiang Youyao still punished the servants as she pleased.

“I want to go out,” Jiang Youyao suddenly declared, rising from her chair as the maid cautiously attended to her tasks.

“Miss, leaving the residence now… won’t be easy,” Yinhua reminded her.

Especially for Jiang Youyao, who had been placed under house arrest. With all the rumors circulating about Jiang Youyao and Ji Shuran, her appearance outside would inevitably stir up gossip. Since they couldn’t stop the talk, the Jiang family had decided it was best to keep Jiang Youyao indoors for the time being.

But in Jiang Youyao’s eyes, the Jiang family was simply taking out their anger over Ji Shuran’s affairs on her.

“If I stay in this residence any longer, I might not even survive,” Jiang Youyao sneered. “No one regards me with any respect anymore—who even remembers I’m the Third Miss of the Jiang family? If I remain here, I’ll end up like Hu Yiniang in the past, forgotten and eventually useless!”

Jinhua parted her lips slightly. In truth, she believed the current situation was only temporary. If Jiang Youyao behaved obediently, the Master would surely dote on this daughter again. After all, he had raised her for so many years—affection couldn’t vanish overnight. Moreover, the Master was soft-hearted. Once this period passed, whether through coquettish pleas or a show of suffering, Jiang Youyao could quickly return to her former life.

But she didn’t dare say this. Jiang Youyao had already made up her mind, and any persuasion would be futile. It might even touch a nerve. So, she merely asked, “Where does Miss wish to go outside the residence?”

“To the Ji family, of course,” Jiang Youyao frowned deeply. “Now that my letters are being intercepted, my grandfather and the others don’t know how I’m suffering in the Jiang family. If I can just escape and reach the Ji family, I’ll never return. After all, the Ji family is no less prestigious than the Jiang family, and my aunt is a consort in the palace. With my aunt backing me, no one would dare bully me. Why should I endure such humiliation here any longer?”Jinhua and Yinhua exchanged uneasy glances. Jiang Youyao, thoroughly spoiled by Ji Shuran, remained oblivious to the world beyond her own, convinced that everyone should revolve around her. Unbeknownst to her, since the incident, the Ji family dared not even step foot in the Jiang residence anymore—how could they possibly let Jiang Youyao stay with them indefinitely?

"Miss, perhaps wait a few more days. The guards at the estate have been exceptionally strict lately, and it might be difficult to find an opportunity," Jinhua advised.

"The New Year is approaching soon. During this time, the household will need to make purchases and handle many affairs. That will be my chance." She then cast a cold glance at her two maids: "Do not entertain any treacherous thoughts. Your deeds of sale are still in my hands. If this matter fails and word gets out..." A flash of ruthlessness in her eyes mirrored Ji Shuran's own demeanor exactly.

The two maids shuddered inwardly, hastily kneeling to pledge their loyalty, too frightened to say another word.

...

After the Winter Solstice, less than a month remained until the New Year.

Despite the numerous upheavals in the Jiang family over the past six months—even including a loss of life—and the less-than-smooth official careers of Jiang Yuanbai and his brother, with the Jiangs becoming the subject of gossip and ridicule outside, the New Year still had to be celebrated.

Gradually, the entire household grew busy. Zhenzhu and Feicui from the Evening Phoenix Hall came several times, asking Jiang Li when she would visit the jewelry shop to select accessories. Jiang Li had no particular fondness for jewelry and, after one visit, had no desire to return. Old Madam Jiang then summoned a tailor to the Fragrant Garden Courtyard to make new clothes for Jiang Li, a gesture Jiang Li understood as compensation.

Speaking of clothing, on one occasion during this period, Old Madam Jiang took her to a banquet—a family gathering of officials. Jiang Li wore a gown made from the Ye family's newly released Rippling Water Pattern, which immediately caught the attention of the noble ladies and wives present. They eagerly pulled her aside to inquire where the fabric was purchased. Seizing the opportunity, Jiang Li mentioned the name of the Ye family from Xiangyang. Not long after, Ye Mingyu received a letter from Xiangyang stating that the Ye family's Rippling Water Pattern was in such high demand that many clothing shops in Yanjing City were placing orders for the fabric. The Ye family's textile workshop had been working day and night to keep up.

When Ye Mingyu recounted this to her, Jiang Li felt deeply relieved. At least, with the decline of the Ye family's Ancient Fragrance Satin, the Rippling Water Pattern had risen to prominence, helping the Ye family overcome their difficulties. Old Madam Ye's health was gradually improving, and everything seemed to be moving in a positive direction. Even Xue Huaiyuan, under Situ Jiuyue's treatment, grew more spirited day by day and could now recognize people and call them by name.

This New Year did not seem so difficult to endure. It appeared that many issues could be resolved smoothly, with no insurmountable obstacles in sight.

Fifteen days after the Winter Solstice, Haitang returned.

Zhao Ke stood by Jiang Li's window and said, "She is currently at the Duke's residence. It might attract attention if she comes to the Jiang family, and the Ye family's gate is under surveillance. If the Second Young Miss wishes to see Haitang, my superior has said you may go to the Duke's residence."

Jiang Li replied, "...I'm afraid it might draw attention."

"No need to worry. My superior has assured that if the Second Young Miss wishes to go, visiting late at night will ensure no one notices." Zhao Ke's explanation was straightforward, but it only made Jiang Li's head ache with worry."How can I go out so late at night?" Jiang Li asked, hoping the person before her would consider practical matters. As the daughter of the Grand Secretary, how could she venture out in the dead of night, especially to the Duke's residence? If only she possessed Ye Mingyu's lightness skill, wore a mask, and moved unpredictably—that would be ideal.

"Second Miss need not worry. This subordinate will arrange everything," Zhao Ke replied with confidence.

Jiang Li studied Zhao Ke intently for a long moment, until he lowered his head in slight embarrassment, before concluding that the guard was not jesting but genuinely proposing this solution. Still seeking an alternative, she asked, "Is there no other way? We could meet at a tavern on the street."

"The person Second Miss seeks is deeply distrustful of others. Even now, she remains wary of us," Zhao Ke explained. "Had we not restrained her, she would have fled."

"You restrained her?" Jiang Li exclaimed in shock. "Did you not tell her that the one seeking her means no harm and is here to help?"

"We did," Zhao Ke shrugged. "But she didn't believe us."

Jiang Li's heart sank. Haitang's extreme wariness and refusal to trust anyone indicated that something must have happened—at the very least, she had encountered some ordeal that left her so guarded. At this point, Jiang Li could no longer concern herself with other matters. The priority was to see Haitang, calm her, and uncover what had transpired after her own death and after Haitang and Dujuan fled.

"Very well," Jiang Li said. "I shall go to the Duke's residence tonight. I wonder if the Duke is available?"

Zhao Ke looked up in surprise. She had agreed so quickly? He had expected Second Miss Jiang to hesitate much longer, given that any young lady would balk at visiting an unfamiliar man's residence late at night. But then again, this was Duke Su—what woman in Northern Yan didn't admire him? If anything were to happen, Second Miss Jiang wouldn't be at a loss; in fact, she might even benefit.

With this thought, the astonishment in Zhao Ke's eyes vanished completely, replaced by understanding. "Good. This subordinate will report to His Lordship at once."

Jiang Li nodded.

As Zhao Ke departed, Jiang Li watched him leave without closing the window. Gazing at the vast whiteness outside, she couldn't tell whether she felt joy or sorrow.

Joy, because Haitang was still alive, and she would soon see her old friend again. Sorrow, because times had changed and circumstances altered. Haitang wouldn't recognize her, and she couldn't rashly reveal her identity. Both had endured tremendous blows and were no longer the carefree young girls they once were.

Tong'er stood beside Jiang Li and asked softly, "Is the young lady going to the Duke's residence tonight?"

Jiang Li turned to Tong'er. "I'm going to the Duke's residence and growing closer to Ji Heng. What do you think of that?" She then looked at Bai Xue. "Or rather, what do both of you think?"

This was the first time she had spoken so seriously to her two maids. For Tong'er and Bai Xue, Jiang Li's actions were often incomprehensible. Even Tong'er, who had grown up with Jiang Li, was baffled by the sudden appearance of so many connected individuals.

Tong'er stammered, "W-what do we think? Young lady, you're not... not abandoning us, are you?" Her eyes reddened as if she might burst into tears at any moment.Jiang Li was taken aback, then found herself torn between laughter and tears at Tong'er's antics. She reached out to close the window while Qingfeng and Mingyue kept watch outside the door. Sitting down in the chair, she sighed and said, "I think you've already noticed—these days by my side have been far from peaceful, even fraught with danger. What I intend to do may offend the powerful in Yanjing City, and I might not even be able to protect myself." After a pause, she continued, "You are the closest to me, and I don’t wish to deceive you. I can only tell you that what I plan to do in the future might be even more shocking and unconventional. Compared to that, visiting the Duke’s residence late at night is but a trivial matter. Knowing this, can you still accept it?"

Bai Xue thought for a moment and asked seriously, "What if we don't accept it?"

Tong'er quickly tugged at Bai Xue's sleeve, but Bai Xue remained unmoved. She was always straightforward, speaking her mind without reservation, and it seemed she was genuinely curious about Jiang Li's answer.

"If you don't accept it, you cannot stay by my side. Not only because I fear implicating you, but also because you wouldn't be of much help." Jiang Li spoke with utter frankness, yet her candor didn't come across as unpleasant or selfish. Instead, it felt like she was speaking from the heart. She continued, "I hope those around me can be of assistance, even if it's only in small ways. After all, there will be many dangers to face in the future, and I don't wish to be defeated so soon. As for what I can offer in return..." She paused to think. "Money and material possessions are naturally not an issue, but more importantly, I will treat you with sincerity."

The rarest thing in the world is genuine sincerity.

Tong'er bit her lip, her voice trembling with emotion as she stepped forward. "Miss, no matter what you plan to do, I have been with you since childhood. If you abandon me, I'll have nowhere to go. If you ever face danger in the future, I would give my life to protect you—that is the way of master and servant... I will follow you forever!"

Before Jiang Li could respond, Bai Xue also declared, "So will I." Though she was not eloquent and spoke little, her four words were firm and resolute, clearly conveying her determination.

Jiang Li looked at the two maids, feeling a mix of heartache and gratitude. The incident with Haitang had reminded her that her actions were perilous and could implicate those around her at any moment. If those close to her remained unaware, they could be harmed, just as Xue Zhao and Xue Huaiyuan had been targeted by Princess Yongning when Xue Fangfei was unaware. Though Tong'er and Bai Xue might not understand why she was doing this, they needed to know what they were facing.

If they couldn't bear the consequences, they should leave early and avoid being swept into the whirlpool of trouble.

Yet they both chose to stay.

"Miss, no matter what you face, you will never be alone," Bai Xue said.

Jiang Li smiled faintly. "Yes." She had two loyal maids, the protection of the Ye family, and though Jiang Yuanbai and Old Madam Jiang were selfish, they still harbored guilt toward her. Now, the traces of Xue Fangfei had been erased, but what belonged to Jiang Li was gradually being reclaimed.

After speaking with Tong'er and Bai Xue, she finally managed to calm Tong'er down. After that, Jiang Li didn't do much else, carrying on as usual—reading, writing, drinking tea, or listening to her maids chat—patiently waiting for nightfall.

At night, when the clamor of Yanjing City had faded and even the wind had quieted, a faint lamp still burned in Jiang Li's courtyard. After the maids urged her several times, the lamp was extinguished, suggesting the mistress had retired for the night.

In reality, Jiang Li was not asleep. She sat upright at her desk. There was no moon in the sky, only thick clouds, and the only light came from a lantern hanging on a tree in the courtyard. The lantern's glow reflected off the snow on the ground, making it appear brilliantly white. Everything was silent and still, with no sound from the entire Jiang residence.

After what felt like a long time, just as Jiang Li was beginning to doze off, there was a sudden noise outside the window.

Someone was gently tapping on the windowpane.Jiang Li was taken aback, thinking it must be Zhao Ke arriving. Subconsciously, she went to pull open the window, not expecting the visitor to be looking in her direction at the same time. So, as Jiang Li leaned across the desk to open the window, what met her eyes was an exquisitely beautiful face.

Ji Heng had come.

(End of Chapter)