The Double

Chapter 150: An Incident

Sitting by the firewood pile, Jiang Li said, "Let me handle this."

Since the venison needed to be carved for roasting, Kong Liu asked, "Second Miss Jiang, would you like me to help carve it? Just tell me how, and I'll do it."

"No need." Before the words fully left his mouth, Jiang Li had already picked up the silver dagger beside her and sliced off a large piece of venison. Her movements were skilled, unlike someone doing this for the first time. Noticing the surprised glances from those around her, Jiang Li paused briefly and explained with a smile, "Back in Qingcheng Mountain, Tong'er and I often did this—it's not my first time. I appreciate your kindness, Lord Kong."

As she skewered the carved venison onto a bamboo stick, she repeated the process, cutting another piece, and explained to the group, "Actually, the most important part of roasting venison is doing it yourself—the charm lies in the carefree spirit. The shape of the meat, how you skewer it, or how it turns out when roasted doesn't really matter. As long as you roast it yourself, it'll never taste bad when you eat it. After all, it's not a difficult task."

Old General Ji, who had been eager to try, immediately rolled up his sleeves upon hearing Jiang Li's words and grabbed a dagger, slicing off a large chunk of venison with a swift motion. Having been a military commander, he grasped the technique instantly and performed admirably even on his first attempt.

Wenren Yao and Kong Liu joined in the fun, each fetching a dagger to roast their own meat. Ji Heng leaned to the side, watching Jiang Li, and suddenly remarked, "You only said that to lighten the burden, didn't you?"

Jiang Li looked surprised. "Was I that obvious?"

"Not obvious," Ji Heng replied with a smile. "But anyone who isn't a fool could tell."

Yet, even if they were fools, everyone seemed happy to play along. The joy of roasting venison lay in the hands-on experience. With everyone joining in, the remaining people couldn't help but follow suit. Soon, each person held a bamboo skewer, turning it over the grill.

Ji Heng was no exception. Even seated on the ground, he didn't appear crude. Among the group, Lu Ji carried the grace of a renowned scholar, while Kong Liu resembled a rugged wanderer. Old General Ji remained vigorous in his old age, Situ Jiuyue was beautiful and enigmatic, and even Wenren Yao, when silent, cut a dashing figure of a refined gentleman. Ji Heng, dressed in red, sprawled lazily on the bamboo mat beneath him, his movements casual yet naturally elegant.

It was as if a group from all corners of the world had gathered for their own reasons, appreciating one another, sharing drinks and laughter—a truly delightful scene.

Haitang couldn't eat any of this, as the scars on her face hadn't fully healed and she needed to be cautious with her diet. But she stared intently at Jiang Li's actions.

Jiang Li slowly turned the bamboo skewer. She wasn't as impatient as Old General Ji nor as cautious as Lu Ji—her approach was both relaxed and serene, yet she focused earnestly on the task at hand. As the daughter of a Grand Secretary, she saw nothing improper in this and instead wore a gentle smile, the firelight making her eyes especially bright.

Her demeanor, movements, and smile gradually overlapped with another person in Haitang's memories. Suddenly, Haitang asked, "Where did you learn to roast venison, Second Miss Jiang?"

Jiang Li glanced at her and replied with a smile, "When I was young, I was sent to a nunnery for a while. The nunnery forbade meat, but as a mischievous child, I would buy venison from hunters with my maid and secretly roast it to eat. I suppose you could say the hunters taught me.""Is the beggar bird the same?" Haitang asked.

Jiang Li replied, "Exactly."

"Why?" Lu Ji asked nonchalantly, "Does Miss Haitang feel something is amiss?"

"No." Haitang shook her head blankly, then her gaze turned wistful again. "My young mistress used to love roasted venison long ago."

"Lady Shen, Xue Fangfei?" Lu Ji inquired.

The title seemed to make Haitang uncomfortable. She frowned before nodding, yet emphasized once more: "My young mistress."

"Wasn't Lady Shen the talented beauty of Yanjing City renowned for both charm and artistry?" Wenren Yao chimed in. "Regardless of character, when she was on good terms with the teacher from Mingyi Hall, I was fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of her once. She was exceedingly gentle and refined. Roasting venison—such a thing seems unlikely for her to do, doesn't it? The top scholar Shen's residence was known for being most particular about propriety. How should I put it?" He pondered for a moment. "Though it's not right to speak ill of others behind their backs, Scholar Shen's mother adhered to rules so strictly it bordered on pedantic harshness."

Jiang Li was taken aback. This was the first time she had heard such an evaluation of Shen's mother from an outsider. During her time as a daughter-in-law of the Shen family, though she had harbored some discontent toward Shen's mother, she had assumed all mothers-in-law were like that. Or perhaps the customs in Yanjing and Tongxiang simply differed. Wenren Yao's words surprised her, yet inwardly, she agreed.

"My young mistress was forced into it," Haitang couldn't help but interject. "Before she married, she often went to the woods with the young master to roast venison. Her temperament wasn't as subdued as it became after coming to Yanjing..." She abruptly stopped, likely aware of Xue Fangfei's current reputation in Yanjing and that she shouldn't continue.

Fortunately, the people in the courtyard seemed largely uninterested in Xue Fangfei's affairs and quickly changed the subject. What Jiang Li felt grateful for was that, although they showed no interest in Xue Fangfei, they didn't display any aversion either. Even the usually sharp-tongued Situ Jiuyue merely appeared indifferent.

"But Second Miss Jiang truly knows a great deal," Wenren Yao praised sincerely. "Most noble ladies in Yanjing City are cut from the same cloth. Though they may be beautiful, after a while, they become rather dull. And there are too many rules restraining them—this isn't allowed, that isn't permitted. Second Miss Jiang is much more straightforward, truly admirable."

Jiang Li thought to herself that it wasn't a matter of her being straightforward, but rather that she had no right to refuse. She, too, wished she could say this or that wasn't allowed, but when one had to ask for help, everything had to be "allowed."

The venison began to sizzle as it roasted, oil dripping from it. Everyone sprinkled some coarse salt over it, and instantly, the aroma wafted through the air. Wenren Yao exclaimed, "So fragrant, so fragrant!"

Jiang Li glanced at his portion and said, "Young Master Wenren, yours is ready to eat."

Wenren Yao eagerly picked up the skewer and took a bite. The venison was scalding hot, making him gasp and unable to speak. Yet he found the flavor exquisite. Though only salt had been added, it left a lingering richness on his palate. In all his years, it was the first time he had tasted such deliciousness.

After hastily swallowing the piece, Wenren Yao licked his lips. Old General Ji urgently asked, "How is it? How is it?"

"Excellent!" Wenren Yao uttered just one word before immediately burying his head in eating the remaining venison.In that moment, everyone began to sense the appeal and realized that even if venison wasn't the finest delicacy, it certainly wasn't unpleasant. They all started eating their own portions. Soon, the courtyard was filled with the sizzling sounds, and the hidden guards lurking in the shadows found their stomachs growling in unison.

Zhao Ke and Wen Ji exchanged a glance, each seeing the frustration in the other's eyes. Though they were hidden guards, they never lacked for silver and sometimes lived even more lavishly than the sons of officials. Having followed their master, they had experienced many of the world's finest things. They weren't particularly gluttonous, so why did they feel so hungry tonight? Why did that seemingly ordinary venison appear so enticing...

Never mind—once tonight was over, they would find time to secretly grill some meat themselves!

Ji Heng's portion of venison was also ready. The piece he had cut was neither too large nor too small. Aside from Jiang Li, it was indeed true that Ji Heng knew how to cook. Others, when grilling for the first time, often struggled with the heat—either undercooking or overcooking the meat. The reason Wenren Yao and the others found it delicious was partly because they had grilled it themselves. But Ji Heng's grilling was genuinely exquisite.

The meat had a golden-brown hue, steaming hot and fragrant. His movements were elegant as he leisurely brought the meat to his lips and took a delicate bite. Watching him eat was a pleasure in itself.

"Second Miss Jiang, why aren't you eating?" Wenren Yao asked, noticing she was only staring at Ji Heng instead of eating her own grilled meat. "What, do you want the portion in A-Heng's hands?"

Ji Heng glanced over indifferently, and Jiang Li hurriedly replied, "No, that's not it." She picked up her venison and took a bite.

As the daughter of an official, sitting on the ground for a grilled venison feast was already quite unconventional. Eating grilled meat by holding it in her hands and biting into it was probably even more improper. Yet Jiang Li did it with utter naturalness. Unlike Situ Jiuyue, who carried the rugged, worldly aura of the martial world, making everything she did seem understandable, Jiang Li's every action initially seemed unfit for her. But once she did it, people felt it was exactly as it should be.

The girl sat on the ground, her azure robe exceptionally fresh and graceful. Holding the grilled meat, her smile was gentle, tinged with a carefree ease that made her exceptionally comforting to behold.

"How can we only eat meat without drinking?" Kong Liu declared. "We should have a toast!"

"A toast!" Wenren Yao cheered.

Jiang Li: "..."

It wasn't that she couldn't hold her liquor, but after what had happened in the past, she had refused to drink alcohol ever since. Noticing her hesitation, Lu Ji said, "Second Miss Jiang, are you not fond of drinking? If so, you can have fruit wine. The porcelain pot contains fruit nectar—it won't make you drunk."

"You don't drink?" Old General Ji's eyes instantly filled with disappointment, as if Jiang Li had done something regrettable.

"It makes me drunk," Jiang Li said.

"Then don't drink—just watch us," Situ Jiuyue said, hoisting a wine jar from the ground.

Jiang Li sipped fruit nectar from a small porcelain cup, while the others drank from large bowls filled from the wine jar. But in the end, they all raised their glasses together.

"A auspicious New Year, and may all your wishes come true!" Kong Liu boomed in his rough voice. He was a blunt man, and these few words were the most refined phrases he could muster after racking his brains. He had nothing more to offer.Jiang Li raised her cup, clinking it against the wine bowls of the others with a crisp sound. Some wine splashed out, releasing a clear, refreshing aroma.

The fruit cordial contained no alcohol, only a sweet flavor. Jiang Li set down her cup. To her surprise, she had assumed that someone as elegant as Ji Heng would use a small wine cup, but unexpectedly, he also picked up a wine bowl and drank it all in one go.

Unlike Kong Liu’s rough and unrestrained manner, Ji Heng lifting the wine bowl was like a beauty wielding a sword—there was a kind of untamed grace that made him appear even more captivating. Jiang Li pondered thoughtfully; generally, one could discern a person’s temperament from their behavior. But Ji Heng’s actions were always contradictory—the more she learned about him, the less she felt she understood him.

“I see everyone is quite cheerful, A-Heng,” Old General Ji suddenly said. “Why don’t you sing one?”

Ji Heng’s smile instantly faded. Jiang Li could clearly sense the young man beside her stiffen slightly.

Wenren Yao, oblivious to the tension, chimed in cheerfully, “Sing one, sing one!”

“Sing… sing what?” Jiang Li couldn’t help but ask. As soon as the words left her mouth, Ji Heng cast her a cool glance. Jiang Li immediately felt she had said something wrong but couldn’t quite grasp what it was. She could only cover her embarrassment by picking up her cup and lowering her head to sip the fruit cordial.

“Our A-Heng can sing opera,” Old General Ji declared proudly. “Even the best singer in Yanjing City today can’t compare to half of A-Heng’s skill!”

Jiang Li: “…” She wondered if she had misheard, but Old General Ji’s voice was so booming that it was impossible to mistake his words. Then she suspected that the wine they had just drunk was so strong that a single bowl had intoxicated Old General Ji, causing him to talk nonsense. Yet Old General Ji’s expression was composed, not at all like someone who was drunk. So Jiang Li could only wonder if she herself was drunk—could fruit cordial be intoxicating? There was clearly no taste of alcohol in it.

Jiang Li stared blankly at the cup in her hand, lost in thought.

“He spent some time with my master,” Wenren Yao, noticing Jiang Li’s confusion, eagerly explained. “My master loved listening to opera the most. A-Heng was still young back then, so my master taught him to sing. But we’ve never heard A-Heng sing in daily life—only once,” Wenren Yao recalled, seemingly savoring the memory, “when A-Heng was young, he got drunk and started singing at a banquet. Second Miss Jiang, with A-Heng’s looks and voice, if he were to sing opera, just imagine, who in the world wouldn’t be captivated by him?”

Jiang Li asked, “Did all of you listen to the end?”

“Of course,” Wenren Yao replied naturally.

These people are actually still alive, Jiang Li thought to herself. It seems that in Ji Heng’s heart, he truly considers them his own people. Otherwise, if it were anyone else, Jiang Li could almost imagine Ji Heng killing without hesitation.

Because the look in his eyes at that moment was as if he wanted to kill someone.

Ji Heng noticed Jiang Li’s gaze and turned to her. Jiang Li felt a chill under his stare, and then the young man suddenly curved his lips into a smile. His smile was like spring flowers blooming across the mountains, dizzying and enchanting. Amidst this enchantment, his voice carried a cold detachment as he slowly asked, “Do you want to hear it too?”Jiang Li shuddered. "I'd rather not."

What a joke—she wasn’t like Wenren Yao. She didn’t want to die; she wanted to live.

Wenren Yao, however, seemed intent on stirring up even more trouble. "Second Miss Jiang, you’d be missing out on something extraordinary. You really ought to hear A-Heng sing. It’s an experience you won’t regret. Though it’s been nearly twenty years since I last heard him sing." He sighed deeply after speaking, adding nostalgically, "How it takes me back."

Twenty years ago? Ji Heng would have been just a four- or five-year-old boy. In Jiang Li’s mind, an image surfaced of an exquisitely beautiful, fair-skinned young master, likely dressed in red even then—though much smaller than the man before her now. Back then, his singing must have been both tender and moving, a thought that brought a touch of warmth to her heart.

Beautiful people always had a way of lifting one’s spirits.

Ji Heng smiled faintly, unfurling his fan and waving it leisurely. "Have you said enough?"

On the fan, intricate peonies bloomed vividly, yet in that moment, they seemed eerie and menacing. Perhaps it was the chill of fanning oneself in winter that made it feel particularly cold. Even the smile on Wenren Yao’s face froze.

Wenren Yao jolted as if suddenly sobered. "Huh? What did I just say? I don’t remember… I must be drunk. My head is spinning…"

Jiang Li: "…"

But since Wenren Yao feigned drunkenness and refused to tread further into dangerous territory, no one else dared to broach the subject. Old General Ji was the only one bold enough, but he wasn’t genuinely interested in opera or singing and soon shifted to discussing other matters with Lu Ji.

A faint smile touched Jiang Li’s lips—this time, it held a trace of sincerity. The thought that a moody, cunning killer like Ji Heng had such a tender childhood made him seem less fearsome, even somewhat endearing.

Of course, once night passed and daylight returned, Ji Heng, as Duke Su, would remain as ruthless as ever. That much was undeniable.

"You seem quite pleased?" Ji Heng’s voice came from beside her. Jiang Li turned to him. As long as singing wasn’t mentioned, he reverted to his amiable, smiling self. She replied lightly, "It’s lively here. I’ve no reason to be unhappy."

Ji Heng gave a faint, noncommittal smile, toying with the folding fan in his hand. After a moment’s thought, Jiang Li asked, "Do you treasure this fan, Duke?"

"It’s a tool for survival, so of course it’s precious," Ji Heng answered.

Jiang Li agreed wholeheartedly—she had witnessed the fan’s power firsthand. Beyond its lethality, the fan’s sheer opulence suggested it was extraordinarily valuable. An ordinary family fortunate enough to possess such an item might well treat it as an heirloom to pass down through generations.

Ji Heng asked, "And you? Do you have nothing you hold dear?"

He referred to an "object," not a "person." Jiang Li paused, then said, "No. My family lacks for nothing in ordinary possessions, and as for weapons, none are as unique as yours, Duke." She hesitated before adding, "Actually, that’s not entirely true. I suppose I do have something precious."

She reached into her collar and drew out the jade pendant hanging from her neck.The jade pendant was carved with a plump, flower-patterned lynx cat. It had been personally carved for her by Xue Huaiyuan, but after marrying into the Shen family, she had pawned it to help Shen Yurong navigate official circles. Later, when she returned to Yanjing City as Jiang Li, she had Tong'er find an excuse to redeem the pendant from the pawnshop.

"This is my treasure," she said.

Ji Heng glanced at the pendant and suddenly remarked, "I've seen this before."

"Yes." Ji Heng had even picked it up once.

"It looks quite ordinary," Ji Heng commented.

"It is ordinary, yet it feels special somehow. Sometimes, what makes something precious isn't its monetary value, isn't that right?" Jiang Li replied with a smile, carefully tucking the pendant back inside her collar. To her, this pendant was precious not only because it embodied Xue Huaiyuan's paternal love but also because it constantly reminded her of her name.

She was A Li, and also Ali. She was Jiang Li, and also Xue Fangfei.

She must never forget who she was.

Ji Heng shrugged, picked up his wine bowl, and took a sip. He appeared refined and noble, yet his wine bowl was already empty. He must have a great alcohol tolerance, Jiang Li thought to herself. Indeed, given Ji Heng's position, if he got drunk after just one cup, he would have died countless times already.

She concealed her thoughts and picked up her own porcelain cup, taking a small sip. How sweet it was.

The courtyard fire cast a warm glow. In this unfamiliar place, it seemed she could be a different person. The noise and liveliness masked certain unnatural behaviors, allowing her to avoid acting exactly like Second Miss Jiang. Even if she behaved with her original Xue Fangfei temperament, no one would notice.

After this belated New Year's Eve feast, everyone except Jiang Li was thoroughly drunk and slumped around.

Old General Ji was the first to return to his room to sleep—in fact, he had been snoring thunderously halfway through the feast. Lu Ji and Kong Liu had to support him back to his room. Haitang also retired early; after all, she wasn't very familiar with the Duke's household, her temperament wasn't as cheerful as before, and she needed to rest early to heal from the venomous spider's wounds, so she didn't stay long.

Wenren Yao, once drunk, clamored to gamble with someone. Situ Jiuyue made him smell a medicinal patch, and with a "thud," he collapsed. Situ Jiuyue left casually, and the Duke's guards had no choice but to carry Wenren Yao back.

In an instant, only Ji Heng and Jiang Li remained in the courtyard.

It wouldn't have been a problem if only Ji Heng and Jiang Li were left, but Wen Ji said, "My lord previously instructed that he has matters to discuss with the young lady. I will wait outside," and left the courtyard with Zhao Ke.

Ji Heng's subordinates were extremely loyal, and the Duke's servants were clearly the type who strictly followed orders. Once they said they would wait outside, the vast courtyard was suddenly empty. Jiang Li suspected that not even a bird or an insect remained—among living creatures, besides the two of them, there were probably only the dazzlingly beautiful poisonous flowers in the flower beds.

The feast was cleared away, leaving only Ji Heng and Jiang Li at one table. The bonfire hadn't burned out completely; though smaller than before, the courtyard was much quieter. Thus, instead of feeling dim, it held a warmth that followed the quiet.

Jiang Li asked, "Duke?"Ji Heng rested his chin on his hand, gazing at her, yet he remained silent for a long while. Jiang Li leaned closer to look, only to be startled to discover that Ji Heng’s eyes were slightly closed, not looking at her at all.

“Duke?” Jiang Li called out hesitantly again, but Ji Heng still did not move.

Could he be drunk? She couldn't help but glance at the empty wine jars at Ji Heng's feet. Even with the strongest alcohol tolerance, drinking this much would inevitably bring some intoxication. The other men who had been drinking earlier had long since succumbed, yet Ji Heng remained clear-headed and composed. She had been marveling at his seemingly bottomless capacity for drink, never expecting him to finally show signs of intoxication now.

To determine whether he was genuinely drunk or merely playing a prank, Jiang Li leaned in closer for a better look.

The young man's skin was naturally fair and so delicate it would evoke envy even in women—one wondered how it was maintained. Now tinged with a faint blush, he appeared even more captivating. The phrase "a face like peach blossoms" couldn't fully capture his beauty. His usually amorous eyes were gently closed, concealing their playful glint, and his long lashes rested softly, lending him an uncharacteristic gentleness. His nose was straight and elegant, his lips bore a touch of vivid color, and the teardrop at the corner of his eye was more enchanting than peach blossoms. Sitting before her, he seemed both tender like a youth and mystifying like a man. Despite having lived two lifetimes, Jiang Li found herself momentarily entranced.

Rumors said Ji Heng's father, Ji Mínghán, was a famously handsome general with a stern demeanor, while his mother, Yu Hongye, was so beautiful she earned the title "enchantress." Clearly, both were rare beauties in their own right. Only the union of such exceptional looks could produce a man so flawless.

Jiang Li couldn't help but muse, what a pity she had never met this couple. She wondered what magnificent presence they must have had. Judging by Ji Heng's appearance, even rumors couldn't do justice to half their elegance.

She sat quietly for a while longer, waiting for Ji Heng to wake up, but there was no sign of him stirring. Jiang Li considered getting up to find Wen Ji and Zhao Ke, but the courtyard was vast, and leaving would mean abandoning Ji Heng here alone.

For some reason, Jiang Li felt uneasy about this. Though others saw Ji Heng as an invincible, formidable figure, the longer she knew him and the deeper her understanding grew, the more she recognized his contradictions and the traces of ordinary humanity in him. No one in this world was an omnipotent deity.

Ji Heng had many enemies—this Jiang Li had long been aware of. Who knew if someone lurked in the shadows? A drunken Ji Heng, asleep and vulnerable, would be an easy target for anyone seeking his life. Having died once, Jiang Li valued life profoundly and believed Ji Heng felt the same. Whatever his goals or ambitions, if he were to die, everything would end abruptly—there would be no "after."

Jiang Li thought of using her whistle but realized she had left it at the residence. With no other choice, she resigned herself to keeping watch over Ji Heng, unsure when he might wake. She glanced back at him again; in his slumber, he resembled a fragile beauty. Her heart softened involuntarily, and she untied her own cloak, draping it over him.

Sleeping outdoors easily leads to catching a chill, she reasoned with herself. Ji Heng had helped her numerous times—this small gesture was hardly worth fussing over.Sitting quietly by his side, it felt as though time itself had grown still. Though the person beside her was clearly dangerous, his drunken state meant there were no probing exchanges, no guarded pleasantries between them. To simply sit together like this, genuine and unguarded, was a rare moment indeed.

Faintly, the sound of the night watchman's bell drifted in from outside. Jiang Li's heart stirred—the old year had passed, and a new one had arrived.

She couldn't help but glance at Ji Heng, who remained completely unaware. Jiang Li thought to herself, "To think my first New Year as Second Miss Jiang would be spent with him. In the past, I would never have believed such a thing possible." In just half a year, everything had changed as dramatically as the shifting seas and lands. Those she once trusted had turned their blades against her, while someone she had no connection with—even avoided—now sat with her to see in the New Year.

Such, perhaps, was the profound mystery of fate!

Softly and gently, she whispered, "Happy New Year, Duke."

The young man's eyes remained closed, but the corner of his mouth seemed to lift ever so slightly—or perhaps it was just a trick of the eyes. Jiang Li looked up at the sky. The light snow had stopped, and the last embers of the bonfire in the courtyard had burned out, leaving no trace of the earlier liveliness.

No matter what, the past was behind them.

Wen Ji entered from outside and, seeing Jiang Li seated beside Ji Heng, paused in slight surprise. "Second Miss Jiang?"

"Hmm?" Jiang Li stood up. "You've come at the right time. The Duke seems to be drunk."

"Drunk?" Wen Ji frowned. "Why didn't you call for me, Miss?"

"I was afraid to leave him alone here—it might be dangerous," Jiang Li explained.

Wen Ji was momentarily speechless, likely finding her words hard to comprehend. Sensing his thoughts, Jiang Li continued, "After all, he is drunk. I know he's formidable, but he's still flesh and blood. The Duke has many enemies. If someone were to seize this chance to harm him, even if they didn't succeed, any injury would be unfortunate. Though I have no martial skills, I can still shout for help. If anything seemed amiss, I would have called for assistance. I thought he would wake soon, but it seems he's deeply intoxicated." She smiled faintly. "Since that's the case, we likely won't be discussing matters tonight. It's fine—I'll take my leave and visit another day, or perhaps have Zhao Ke relay a message."

It was time for her to go. If she lingered any longer, she wouldn't get any rest tonight.

Wen Ji reminded her, "Your cloak…"

"I nearly forgot." Jiang Li retrieved her cloak from Ji Heng's side and said to Wen Ji with a smile, "Though he's deeply asleep, it's best not to let him stay here. The snow and wind in Yanjing City are harsh—catching a chill is no small matter. Take him back to his room later."

Wen Ji replied, "Zhao Ke will escort you."

"Very well," Jiang Li said. "There's no need to see me out—I know the way. Zhao Ke is probably waiting outside. You should stay here. Your master shouldn't be left unattended; it's too dangerous."

She fastened her cloak, picked up a lantern from the table, and left the courtyard.

Wen Ji watched the girl's retreating figure. The snowy path was slippery, yet she walked steadily, neither too fast nor too slow, with a firm resolve. Though she appeared to be a delicate young woman, for some reason, she always gave off a sense of strength.Jiang Li's figure vanished, no longer visible. Wen Ji turned his head, intending to wake Ji Heng, only to find the red-clad young man had already opened his eyes at some point.

His gaze was clear and lucid, without a trace of drunkenness. He still rested his cheek on his hand, but the earlier fragility had disappeared, as if it had all been an illusion.

"Young Master," Wen Ji said, his tone devoid of surprise, as if he had long known Ji Heng wasn't truly drunk.

Perhaps it was so. After all, this lord of the Duke's estate never allowed himself to lose control. No matter the time or place, drunkenness would create vulnerabilities. From some indeterminate age—perhaps from the moment he learned the full truth—he had lived in perpetual sobriety, every moment of every day.

"Let's go," Ji Heng said, rising to his feet and turning toward the inner chambers.

The girl's words still echoed in his ears.

"I know he's formidable, but he's still flesh and blood. The Duke's estate has many enemies. If someone were to seize this chance to take his life—even if they didn't succeed, just injuring him would be bad enough. Though I don't know martial arts, I can still shout for help. If anything seems amiss, I'll call for assistance immediately."

She actually thought about protecting him?

Was it precious kindness or foolish naivety? If real danger arose, she wouldn't have the chance to call for help—she'd be killed alongside him. But what was most astonishing was perhaps her belief that he was merely mortal, just an ordinary person among the masses.

People revered him, looked up to him, feared him, depended on him. Over time, even he had forgotten that he was just human.

The notion of protecting him—aside from his hidden guards, no one had spoken such words to him in decades, not even his family. What he needed was growth and strength, not weakness.

Yet... Jiang Li had said it all so naturally.

Ji Heng closed his fan, ceasing his thoughts.

The warmth from her cloak seemed to linger on him.

...

That evening, Zhao Ke ultimately escorted Jiang Li back to the Jiang residence. As when they had left, they used the "back door," and no one noticed.

The next day, Jiang Li woke later than usual, having been up late at the Duke's estate. Tong'er laughed, "Miss slept so long last night—it's rare to see you rest so well! With all the firecrackers outside, I woke at the third rooster crow and tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep."

Bai Xue and Tong'er had no idea that Jiang Li hadn't been home at all the previous night, but had gone to the Duke's estate and even roasted venison with Old General Ji and the others.

Had she told them, it would have been shocking. Others might think she was talking in her sleep—after all, sneaking out in the dead of night to drink and eat with people she wasn't particularly familiar with was hardly something a young lady from a noble family would do. Even beyond noble families, no proper young woman would likely have such courage.

Jiang Li shook her head, finding it somewhat amusing for reasons she couldn't explain. Strangely, though her current status was far higher than when she was "Lady Shen," and logically she should have more rules to follow, she actually felt freer than before. It showed that sometimes status wasn't what confined one's nature—people themselves were.

This time, she felt rather grateful for it.

Bai Xue said, "Miss, it's time to pay respects to the Old Madam."During the New Year period, the daily morning greetings to Old Madam Jiang were unavoidable. Perhaps Old Madam Jiang hoped to use this opportunity to mend her relationship with Jiang Li, often showing her affection, yet this excessive kindness made Jiang Li somewhat uncomfortable.

She replied, "Alright."

Upon arriving at Evening Phoenix Hall, she saw Old Madam Jiang seated in the main hall, while Jiang Bingji was being held by his wet nurse, sitting on a stool and eating peanut candy. Since Ji Shuran had left, Old Madam Jiang had become much stricter in disciplining Jiang Bingji. After all, Jiang Bingji was still a child. Although Ji Shuran had doted on him, he had spent more time being raised under the old madam's care. Thus, though he had been somewhat spoiled, he was not as hopeless as Jiang Youyao. Lately, he had become more well-behaved, at least not as unruly as when Jiang Li first arrived at the Jiang residence.

When Old Madam Jiang saw Jiang Li arrive, she chatted with her as usual. Jiang Yuyan was also present, sitting awkwardly to the side and speaking very little. This was her nature, and Old Madam Jiang was accustomed to it, treating her with indifference—neither harsh nor affectionate.

Only Jiang Youyao had yet to arrive.

"Why hasn't the third girl come?" Old Madam Jiang asked.

The matron beside her glanced outside and said, "Perhaps she overslept. The maids haven't come to report anything either."

Old Madam Jiang frowned and said, "She's becoming more and more undisciplined!" She likely assumed Jiang Youyao was still sulking over the Ye family's visit the previous day and was deliberately skipping the greetings.

Jiang Li smiled faintly and sipped her tea unhurriedly. She couldn't be bothered with Jiang Youyao's affairs. If Jiang Youyao didn't change her ways soon, even if Jiang Li didn't deal with her, someone else would eventually.

"Go and check," Old Madam Jiang said to Zhenzhu. "‘Invite’ her over for me."

There was a hint of anger in Old Madam Jiang's voice.

Jiang Yuyan grew even more frightened, fidgeting nervously as if she wanted to leave but couldn't find a suitable excuse. While she hesitated, Jiang Jingrui and Jiang Jingyou also arrived. During the New Year, they were free from studies and enjoying a rare break. Jiang Jingrui grinned at the sight of Jiang Li and said, "Oh, everyone's here."

Lu Shi glanced around and remarked with a smile, "Not quite everyone—where's Youyao?"

She said this casually, but with Yang Shi absent and Ji Shuran gone, no one responded to her. Lu Shi then struck up a conversation with Jiang Li, chatting about trivial matters, almost as if she were forcing small talk. Lu Shi knew that Old Madam Jiang now intended to make amends with Jiang Li, and being on good terms with Jiang Li would naturally please the old madam. If she could keep the old madam happy, how difficult could life be?

As they chatted intermittently, Zhenzhu returned after a while. Jiang Li, sharp-eyed, noticed that there was no one behind Zhenzhu—she had not "invited" Jiang Youyao back.

Moreover, as Zhenzhu drew closer, Jiang Li noticed her hurried steps and panicked expression. As a maid serving the old madam, she rarely showed such alarm. Her demeanor suggested that something must have happened.

Sure enough, as soon as Zhenzhu entered Evening Phoenix Hall, she exclaimed, "Old Madam, something has happened! The third young lady is missing!"

"What do you mean, missing?" Old Madam Jiang frowned.

"The third young lady is not in the residence—she's gone!"

"What do you mean, 'gone'?" Lu Shi said dismissively. "Maybe she just went out to have some fun and didn't inform the gatekeepers. Why are you so panicked?"Zhenzhu turned her head, as if only then noticing Lu Shi was also present, her expression growing even more troubled. Old Madam Jiang said, "Speak freely. There's no need to hold back here—we're all family."

"Third Young Lady definitely did not sneak out of the mansion to have fun," Zhenzhu said. "This servant just went to check—all the valuable gold, silver, and fine belongings in Third Young Lady's room are gone, along with the antiques from the shelves and her clothing. Moreover, Third Young Lady's personal maid is still in the mansion. If she had sneaked out, she would never have left her maid behind!"

This was clearly the posture of someone leaving with no intention to return.

With a sharp crack, the teacup in Old Madam Jiang's hand shattered on the floor. Lu Shi also stared in shock, her mouth agape.

Jiang Li thought, This time, it's truly a major disaster.

(End of Chapter)