The Double

Chapter 148: Appearance

Over the next few days, after locating Haitang, Jiang Li surprisingly grew calmer.

Just as she had told Ji Heng, among the living witnesses in this world, aside from Haitang, Xiao Deyin was another. However, getting Xiao Deyin to reveal the truth was also a troublesome matter. How Xiao Deyin had administered the poison back then, or how she had aligned her goals with Princess Yongning, remained unknown. It likely wasn't solely Xiao Deyin's idea; without Princess Yongning backing her, Xiao Deyin wouldn't have dared to meddle in the Shen residence—she was someone who cared deeply about her reputation. If exposed, her pristine name would be ruined.

She had to start with Xiao Deyin.

That morning, it was unusually snowless but shrouded in thick fog. Mingyue came in from outside, smiling, "Miss, Sister Zhenzhu from the old madam's side was just here. She said the new clothes tailored earlier will be ready in a couple of days and asked if you'd like any additional jewelry, as they could have a set made at the jewelry house."

Jiang Li smiled, "That won't be necessary. I've already received many gifts lately."

Perhaps she was now the most guilt-inducing young lady in the main branch of the Jiang family, temporarily lacking nothing, with everyone rushing to show concern. Even Lu Shi from the second branch, whenever she saw Jiang Li, would invite her into the courtyard for some snacks. Probably because, regardless of anything else, Jiang Li had taken down Ji Shuran, whom Lu Shi despised, which ultimately helped her. Wasn't the management authority of the Jiang family now in Lu Shi's hands?

Jiang Li held no particular dislike for the second branch and politely accepted Lu Shi's gestures. In contrast, she was more wary of the third branch. Jiang Yuanxing and Yang Shi now showed indifference toward both the main and second branches, with Jiang Yuanxing growing increasingly silent and Jiang Yuyan rarely seen. Jiang Li calculated that once the New Year passed, it wouldn't be long before Shen Ruyun married into the Marquis Ningyuan's household. In other words, Jiang Yu'e's comfortable days were likely numbered.

No matter how Jiang Yu'e and Zhou Yanbang were now—whether deeply in love or coldly respectful—Shen Ruyun would never allow Jiang Yu'e to come between them. She would surely find ways to torment Jiang Yu'e, and Jiang Yu'e was no pushover either, probably better at ingratiating herself than Shen Ruyun.

Evil people have their own evil tormentors; it seemed the Marquis Ningyuan's household was in for a long period of turmoil.

Putting on her outer robe, Jiang Li glanced at her reflection in the mirror, satisfied, and said, "Let's go."

Mingyue asked curiously, "Are you going out so early, Miss?"

Jiang Li smiled, "To visit my uncle."

Knowing that Jiang Li had a close relationship with her uncle Ye Mingyu, the maids understood. Jiang Li visited the Ye residence every few days, and no one in the Jiang family stopped her now. Although the scandal of Ji Shuran had spread, for some reason, the true cause of Ye Zhenzhen's death remained unknown. Thus, the Ye family still didn't realize there was more to Ye Zhenzhen's death. Perhaps feeling guilty toward the Ye family, Jiang Yuanbai occasionally went so far as to tell Jiang Li that if the Ye family needed anything or if Ye Shijie required assistance, he could be approached.

Likely wanting to compensate the Ye family, Jiang Li's frequent visits to them now seemed even more justified.Jiang Li stepped out of the carriage at the entrance of the Ye residence. The servant at the gate, recognizing the Jiang family carriage, immediately opened the main door to welcome her in, smiling warmly as he approached. "Young Mistress is here!"

It truly felt like being with family, and Jiang Li found it deeply comforting. Today was the day Situ Jiuyue would be treating Xue Huaiyuan, and also the day Haitang would come to see him. Jiang Li had previously promised Haitang she would arrange a meeting with Xue Huaiyuan. After discussing it with Ji Heng, they had settled on this date.

Ye Mingyu had just returned from his martial arts practice, drenched in sweat. Seeing Jiang Li, he called out, "A Li, there's ox bone soup simmering in the kitchen. Would you like some?"

"I've already eaten, Uncle," Jiang Li replied, glancing around before asking, "Has Cousin Ye not returned from court yet?"

"No," Ye Mingyu scratched his head, "He's extremely busy and won't be back until evening. Today, Miss Jiuyue is coming to treat County Magistrate Xue. You're here to see him too, aren't you?"

"I'm mainly here to deliver New Year's gifts to you, Uncle," Jiang Li smiled as Bai Xue directed the Ye residence servants to unload goods from the carriage.

"New Year's gifts?" Ye Mingyu was taken aback.

"Father and Grandmother asked me to bring them," Jiang Li explained.

Ye Mingyu snorted. In earlier years, no gifts had been exchanged, and the two families had been like strangers. Now they suddenly remembered to send gifts—it was baffling. Still, one shouldn't slap a smiling face, especially when the gift-bearer was Jiang Li, his own niece. Stiffly, he said, "Alright, thank your father and the Old Madam for me. In a few days, I'll purchase New Year's gifts to send back to the Jiang residence."

Knowing Ye Mingyu's lingering resentment toward the Jiang family, Jiang Li deftly changed the subject as they walked toward Xue Huaiyuan's courtyard.

Xue Huaiyuan sat in the courtyard, bundled in a thick animal fur coat, reading a book. The coat was made from tiger skin that Ye Mingyu had hunted years ago, and seeing the refined, scholarly Xue Huaiyuan wrapped in such a fierce garment made Jiang Li both amused and exasperated. Yet Ye Mingyu thought it splendid: "This tiger fur coat is incredibly warm! Wearing the skin of the king of beasts strengthens the body and imparts its courage. See how County Magistrate Xue's health improves day by day?"

Not wanting to dampen his enthusiasm, Jiang Li politely agreed. Her gaze turned sorrowful as she watched Xue Huaiyuan with his book. "He still can't understand it, can he?"

"No, he just stares at the same page all day. If I hadn't noticed, I might have thought he was actually reading and had regained his senses." He sighed admiringly, "Scholars will be scholars. Even after losing his mind, he still clings to books. It shows true integrity."

Jiang Li observed Xue Huaiyuan's figure. Aside from the ill-fitting tiger fur coat, his silhouette now almost overlapped with that of the past. She seemed to see her father as he once was—sitting in the courtyard, absorbed in a book. She would call out to him, and he would turn with a smile, asking, "What is it, Ali?"

Past and present converged, but neither she nor her father remained as they once were.During the silence, A Shun suddenly arrived and announced, "Master, Cousin, Miss Jiuyue is here."

Ye Mingyu laughed heartily, "Perfect timing. You can meet her now."

Situ Jiuyue soon arrived, but this time she wasn't alone. Beside her was a veiled woman. Ye Mingyu, puzzled and noting that the woman didn't appear to be a maid, asked, "And this is...?"

"I was once a servant of the Xue family," Haitang replied. "Later, I accompanied the young lady when she married, but due to various circumstances, we were separated. Hearing that the master is here, I came specifically to see him."

"A servant of the Xue family?" Ye Mingyu was taken aback and glanced at Jiang Li, who nodded in confirmation. Seeing this, Ye Mingyu said no more. He was less familiar with the Xue family affairs than Jiang Li, and if she saw no issue, then there likely was none.

Ye Mingyu looked at Situ Jiuyue, then at Jiang Li, and tactfully said, "You all talk. I'll go outside for some soup."

Jiang Li smiled and nodded, and Ye Mingyu left the courtyard.

Situ Jiuyue took out silver needles from her wooden case, while Haitang walked up to Xue Huaiyuan. Xue Huaiyuan, who had been intently "reading" a book, suddenly sensed someone approaching and looked up at Haitang.

Haitang's eyes reddened, "Master!"

Xue Huaiyuan merely regarded her with a strange curiosity and said nothing. Haitang couldn't hold back her tears, and they streamed down her face. She had already learned from the servants of the Duke's residence about everything that had happened to Xue Huaiyuan—how he had been tortured by Feng Yutang and how, if not for Jiang Li, he would have been killed by Feng Yutang in Tongxiang.

In just a few short years, the once-respected Xue family had fallen apart. A good family, now with some dead and others driven mad. Overwhelmed by immense grief, Haitang couldn't restrain herself and began to sob.

Jiang Li sighed and walked over to Haitang. Xue Huaiyuan recognized Jiang Li and, upon seeing her, cheerfully moved closer. Jiang Li smiled and said, "County Magistrate Xue." Then, taking Haitang's hand, she pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve and pressed it into Haitang's palm, saying softly, "Don't cry. Dry your tears."

Haitang struggled to compose herself and finally managed to stop crying. Wiping her tears with Jiang Li's handkerchief, she said, "Thank you, Second Miss Jiang."

"As you can see, County Magistrate Xue is in this state now. Miss Jiuyue has been treating him continuously. Perhaps one day he will regain his senses, or perhaps..." She didn't finish the sentence, as everyone understood the unspoken possibility.

Haitang choked back a sob, "I'm just too heartbroken. Seeing the master suffer like this pains me deeply. If the young lady and young master were still here, I can't imagine how tormented they would be. Now that they're both gone, I don't know if it's for the better." She gave a self-mocking laugh, "Why do good people never receive good fortune?"

"Because, for now, justice in this world still belongs to the wicked," Jiang Li's voice was gentle, as if it could soothe all inner pain. She spoke calmly, "It's alright. Look, at least County Magistrate Xue is still alive. Initially, he was nearly killed. As long as he lives, there is hope. Everything will get better. You must believe that, and I think your young lady and young master would have thought the same."

Haitang nodded.Seeing that the two of them had finished speaking, Situ Jiuyue wasted no time. She immediately began applying acupuncture to Xue Huaiyuan. Having grown accustomed to this treatment every few days, Xue Huaiyuan no longer resisted as he had initially, obediently allowing Situ Jiuyue to proceed.

As she worked, Situ Jiuyue chatted with Jiang Li, who asked, "Miss Jiuyue, has County Magistrate Xue shown any improvement compared to before?"

"That is indeed the case," Situ Jiuyue replied. "He has begun to consciously engage in activities he used to do habitually, such as reading. Although he isn't truly reading, his actions indicate that the memories within him are gradually being awakened. This is a lengthy process, but as long as there is this spark, he will slowly remember more and more, until he recalls who he is. Then, his lost memories and sanity can be restored."

Both Jiang Li and Haitang were overjoyed.

As long as there was hope for Xue Huaiyuan's recovery, one day, Jiang Li would reveal her identity to him. However... glancing at Haitang beside her, Jiang Li thought for a moment and asked, "Miss Jiuyue, is there any way to treat the scars on Haitang's face?"

"I asked her, and she said it's unnecessary," Situ Jiuyue said.

Jiang Li asked in surprise, "Why is it unnecessary?"

Haitang's expression darkened. "Second Miss Jiang, there's no need to waste your efforts on me. The scars on my face are too severe—it's impossible for them to heal completely. At best, they might fade slightly. Rather than hoping and then being disappointed, it's better not to hope at all from the start. Besides," she smiled faintly, "my only wishes now are for County Magistrate Xue to recover and to avenge my young lady. My appearance holds no other use for me."

Though Haitang spoke lightly, Jiang Li could hear the melancholy in her tone. Considering Haitang's age, it was the perfect time for her to marry and start a family. While emotions aren't based on appearances, such a disfigured face would make every aspect of her life more difficult and subject her to unnecessary suffering.

"Miss Jiuyue is a miraculous doctor," Jiang Li said. "Why give up without even trying? When County Magistrate Xue was first rescued, everyone thought he wouldn't last long. But look at him now—he's slowly improving. Compared to his condition, the hope of healing the scars on your face is much greater."

Haitang stared blankly at Jiang Li, whose tone was gentle yet firm, making it impossible not to believe her and to believe that recovery was possible.

"I'm no miraculous doctor. I've said it before—I'm not skilled at saving people; I excel at making poisons," Situ Jiuyue said without looking up as she inserted the last needle. "However, the scars on her face aren't entirely hopeless. I have a way to restore her to her former appearance."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Li immediately asked, "Is that true?"

Haitang's eyes also lit up. What young woman in the world doesn't cherish beauty? Especially one who was once beautiful but suddenly suffered a drastic change, becoming disfigured—she would go to great lengths to restore her former appearance."I never speak falsehoods." Situ Jiuyue looked at Haitang, a sudden smile blooming on her face. Though naturally sweet-looking, her demeanor was usually somewhat icy. When she smiled, there was always a hint of cunning, as if concealing some mischievous intent. She said, "It's just that my methods aren't those of an ordinary physician."

Jiang Li asked, "What method is it?"

"I specialize in crafting poisons. The wounds on her face can actually be treated with poison to counteract poison. In Molan, there's a venomous spider whose saliva, when it bites, can heal external injuries and restore skin to its original state. This type of venomous spider is extremely rare—one might not encounter it even in ten years. Coincidentally, I happen to keep one."

Using a venomous spider to create poison sounded utterly chilling. But as if fearing this wasn't alarming enough, Situ Jiuyue continued, "When this venomous spider bites, it hurts terribly. How painful is it? It feels like being pricked by a hundred needles simultaneously. Not only does it hurt, but it also itches—unbearably so. You mustn't scratch it, or all efforts will be in vain. Not only will you fail to recover, but your skin will fester and lead to death. However, if you endure without scratching and survive this ordeal, your appearance will be restored to what it was before." At this point, a hint of pride appeared on her face. "The royal family of Molan keeps these spiders. If any female members suffer disfigurement due to accidents, they can use the venomous spider to restore their looks. But under the pain and itching, very few actually succeed in recovering their appearance. Most can't endure the suffering and end up scratching, leading to their deaths."

After hearing Situ Jiuyue's words, Jiang Li began to suspect whether the girl was deliberately trying to frighten Haitang. Yet, judging by her expression, it didn't seem like she was joking.

Situ Jiuyue looked at Haitang and asked, "Well, have you made up your mind?"

Even through the veil, Jiang Li could sense Haitang's suddenly pale complexion. But after a moment of silence, Haitang said, "Alright."

Situ Jiuyue's eyes flickered. "Aren't you afraid? The process is agonizing. If you can't endure it, you might lose your life. I've heard you still need to clear your young lady's name. Are you willing to gamble your life just to restore your appearance, regardless of whether you can stay alive to testify for your young lady?"

Jiang Li thought to herself that Situ Jiuyue's words were truly piercing. This undoubtedly made Haitang feel even more distressed. Yet Haitang wasn't rendered speechless by Situ Jiuyue's remarks. Instead, she replied calmly, "No, it's precisely because I want to clear my young lady's name. If my scars can be healed and my appearance restored, others will recognize me as indeed being the maid from the Xue family. Otherwise, even if the day comes when my young lady's case is reopened, when I step forward to testify, my ruined appearance might lead them to deny my identity, claiming I'm an imposter pretending to be a Xue family maid. In that case, no one would believe what I say."

Situ Jiuyue looked at Haitang and let out a light hum, her expression unreadable.

"And," Haitang smiled, "I will endure it. Since I could endure the pain of losing my appearance, now that there's a chance to restore it, what does this suffering matter? I can withstand it. But, Miss Jiuyue," she asked, "can I truly return completely to how I looked before?"Situ Jiuyue said, "Of course, my venomous spider is one of a kind throughout Northern Yan. If you can endure it, within a month, you will surely restore your former appearance."

"In that case," Haitang bowed deeply in gratitude, "thank you, Miss Jiuyue."

"No need to thank me," Situ Jiuyue picked up the wooden box and walked out, tossing back a remark, "We'll talk after you've endured it!"

Jiang Li, who remained in the courtyard, said worriedly to Haitang, "Have you... truly made up your mind?"

"I have, Second Miss Jiang," Haitang instead smiled. "You needn't worry for me; I speak the truth. I've endured the pain of cutting my own face with a blade—this is nothing in comparison. Moreover, once I restore my appearance, not only will no one ever again say I am not Haitang, but isn't it also a good thing for me? Earlier, Second Miss Jiang even expressed hope for my recovery and encouraged me to seek treatment, so why hesitate now?"

"That was..." That was because she hadn't known the risks of restoring one's appearance were so great, even life-threatening.

"It's alright." Haitang looked toward Xue Huaiyuan sitting in the courtyard. "I believe Heaven won't remain blind forever. If even the master could endure and recover, so can I. Truly."

Jiang Li watched her for a long while before finally nodding. "Alright, you must... be very careful."

...

After returning from the Ye residence, Jiang Li seemed somewhat downcast.

Both Bai Xue and Tong'er noticed it, but neither dared disturb her. In her room, Jiang Li reflected on everything that had happened at the Ye residence during the day—it was truly a mix of joy and sorrow.

The joy came from Xue Huaiyuan gradually improving and Haitang possibly restoring her appearance. The sorrow stemmed from the risk that Haitang might lose her life during the process. This left Jiang Li restless. Haitang had survived countless hardships and ended up in her current state because of her. No matter what, Jiang Li wished for her to live. If something were to happen again because of her, Jiang Li would carry the guilt for a lifetime.

Speaking of which, Haitang's resolute determination ultimately stemmed from her desperate desire to clear Xue Fangfei's name and expose Yongning's true face. Because of Yongning, she and those around her had been displaced, separated, and driven to madness. As the chief culprit, Yongning was utterly unforgivable.

She must be punished.

Meanwhile, in the princess's residence, a tense atmosphere prevailed under the flickering lights.

Even in winter, the princess's residence remained as warm as spring. The fruits on the table included out-of-season varieties—such luxuries were only found in the princess's residence. Even the agarwood burning on the table was extravagantly opulent.

Princess Yongning reclined lazily on the couch, her silk-twilled long dress shimmering with faint light under the lamplight. This beauty was once hers alone to enjoy, but now Yanjing City had inexplicably seen the rise of "Ripple Wave Silk." Though not as expensive as her twilled silk, it was affordable for ordinary wealthy families and even more dazzling and stunning than her twilled garments.

Accustomed to exclusive possession of what she loved, she disdained wearing the lowly Ripple Wave Silk alongside the common merchants of Yanjing City who were beneath her. Yet, her former twilled silk no longer captivated as it once did, leaving her somewhat disheartened.

Only Shen Yurong could slightly lift her spirits."Shen Lang," she called softly, resting her head gently on Shen Yurong's shoulder, displaying the full demeanor of a young maiden. Those who knew her well would surely be astonished to see Princess Yongning in such a tender and affectionate state.

Shen Yurong stroked her long hair, his gaze fixed on the flickering candle flame before him, lost in thought.

Princess Yongning was feeling displeased. Ever since Xue Huaiyuan's case had reached Yanjing City, that wretched Jiang Li had even dared to implicate her during the Imperial Council. Although it was later proven false, gossip spread like wildfire, and she no longer dared to interact with Shen Yurong as closely as before.

To be precise, it was Shen Yurong himself who had told her to maintain some distance for the time being and not to act as openly as before, lest they give others grounds for suspicion.

Princess Yongning was both angry and aggrieved. Previously, Shen Yurong had clearly promised to become her Imperial Son-in-Law, and even Consort Liu had given her approval. If not for the Tongxiang case, they would already be engaged by now, and might even have been married.

Why did they have to hide and conceal their relationship now, as if it were something shameful?

The more Princess Yongning thought about it, the more unsettled she felt. She leaned against Shen Yurong's chest and asked, "Shen Lang, when will you marry me?"

Shen Yurong's hand, which had been stroking her long hair, paused briefly. Then, in a gentle tone, he replied, "Haven't we already discussed this? For now, we must wait. The Tongxiang case has just concluded, and since you were implicated, it would inevitably give people cause for gossip."

"But it's already been proven false! Besides, no one would dare gossip about me behind my back!" Princess Yongning said impatiently.

Her patience was wearing thin. Every time they were on the verge of success, something would happen to disrupt their plans. Even the greatest patience would eventually be worn away by such setbacks.

Shen Yurong looked at her but said nothing.

Under his calm gaze, Princess Yongning felt an inexplicable sense of guilt. Although Jiang Li's claim during the Imperial Council that Feng Yutang was acting on Princess Yongning's orders was utterly baseless, Princess Yongning knew full well that she had indeed done those things—torturing Xue Huaiyuan, killing Xue Zhao, and framing Xue Fangfei. Shen Yurong knew about it all, so she could not act as if she were entirely innocent.

But she simply refused to accept it.

The Tongxiang case involving Xue Huaiyuan had led to Xue Fangfei, and then to her. If she and Shen Yurong were to be together in the future, people would inevitably recall this incident, connecting Xue Fangfei's death and Xue Huaiyuan's imprisonment to her. It would be easy for them to deduce her motives.

This was an unavoidable reality. If she married Shen Yurong, they would inevitably face this issue. Yet, she could not simply give up on marrying him.

To Princess Yongning, the gossip of others meant little. She could even secretly have those who spread rumors silenced—either by eliminating them or cutting out their tongues so they could never speak again. She had always been this way: no one could stop her from doing what she wanted, and if anyone dared to try, she would simply remove them.

But Shen Yurong was different. He could not tolerate others gossiping about him or casting doubt on his character. His official career had to be spotless, without even a hint of flaw, let alone any possible connection to criminal acts.

This was the conflict between them. To resolve it, one of them would have to compromise. Princess Yongning was unwilling to compromise because she did not want to wait indefinitely. Yet Shen Yurong was equally stubborn—he would not yield to her demands at this time.Finally, Princess Yongning averted her gaze, stretched out her arms to wrap them around Shen Yurong’s neck, and said in a coquettish tone, “Alright, I understand. You don’t need to look at me with such a worried face. If you need more time, then take it. I’ll wait for you. But you must not break your promise.”

“Of course.”

Shen Yurong smiled and gently tapped her nose, appearing utterly doting, yet a trace of concealed anxiety flickered in his eyes.

Because of this, he naturally failed to notice that the woman nestled in his embrace did not wear a genuinely innocent smile. Instead, another kind of intention was steadily taking root and sprouting within her.

Thus, each harbored their own hidden agenda.

(End of Chapter)