The Double

Chapter 160: Recovery

After the New Year, the snow in Yanjing finally ceased for two days. During this brief respite, the sun made a rare appearance.

The new year washed away the unhappiness of the past year. No matter what, new beginnings must continue.

The criticisms the Jiang family had faced over the past year seemed to have been tacitly agreed upon to be forgotten. Suddenly, no one mentioned them anymore. The servants in the mansion no longer went about with long faces, instead returning to their cheerful and joyous ways. The events of the past were buried, and life went on as usual for everyone.

Jiang Yuanbai also resumed attending court, no longer using illness as an excuse to take leave.

On this clear, sunny day, Jiang Li was sitting at the entrance of the courtyard, watching Mingyue and Qingfeng bring out books from the house to air in the sun. After a whole winter, the books had become damp, and with the sunlight available, it was the perfect time to air them out and rid them of insects.

Just as she was squinting her eyes, enjoying the warm sunlight, Bai Xue suddenly came in from outside and said, "Miss, A Shun from the Ye residence just came by. He said you should go over immediately—something has happened to County Magistrate Xue."

The smile instantly vanished from Jiang Li’s face. She sprang to her feet and asked, "What happened? What’s wrong with County Magistrate Xue?"

"I asked, but A Shun said it’s too complicated to explain quickly. He urged you to go and see for yourself. Third Master and Miss Situ are both at the Ye residence now. Miss, shall we go?" Bai Xue knew how deeply Jiang Li cared about Xue Huaiyuan. If something were to happen to him, she would undoubtedly rush over immediately. Thus, almost as soon as A Shun finished speaking, she had someone prepare the carriage.

Jiang Li replied without hesitation, "Of course we’re going now." She hurried back into her room, not bothering to dress up, and merely grabbed a cloak before heading out. She called to Tong'er and Bai Xue, "You two come with me."

She left in such a hurry that she instructed Mingyue and Qingfeng to inform anyone who asked that she had gone to the Ye residence. After all, the Old Madam and Jiang Yuanbai tended to turn a blind eye to her frequent visits to the Ye residence, and no one dared to say anything about it. Once in the carriage, Jiang Li felt her heart racing wildly. She had seen Xue Huaiyuan just a few days earlier, and he had been perfectly fine. Situ Jiuyue had mentioned that he was now able to read and write, and though he often sat in a daze, it indicated that he was gradually improving and actively trying to recover his memories. How could it be that just two days later, A Shun came rushing over to report that something had happened to Xue Huaiyuan?

Jiang Li knew that unless the situation was urgent, Ye Mingyu would not have sent A Shun to inform her. It was clear that the matter had reached a critical point.

Bai Xue noticed Jiang Li’s tension and tried to comfort her, saying, "Miss, there’s no need to worry. With Miss Situ there, nothing too serious should happen."

"That’s right, Miss," Tong'er chimed in. "Perhaps today’s visit is because County Magistrate Xue has recovered and regained his memories?"

Jiang Li’s heart skipped a beat. Others might think that recovering memories was a good thing, but she knew all too well that for Xue Huaiyuan, it could mean the onset of immense pain. If Xue Huaiyuan truly regained his memories and his sanity, the first thing he would have to face was the fact that both his children were dead and the Xue family was no more. For a father, there could be no greater suffering in this world.Would he break down again? Perhaps even unwilling to recall any of this. Jiang Li felt as if a knife were twisting in her heart.

Lost in these troubled thoughts, she soon arrived at the entrance of the Ye residence. The main gate was open, and a servant was waiting outside. Upon seeing Jiang Li, he said, "Second Miss Jiang, you've finally arrived."

Hearing this, Jiang Li grew even more flustered and anxious, wishing she could fly straight to Xue Huaiyuan’s side. Without even greeting the gatekeeper, she lifted the hem of her skirt and hurriedly rushed inside.

Outside the room where Xue Huaiyuan usually stayed, a few people were standing. As Jiang Li approached, she recognized the person standing farthest out as Ye Mingyu and called out, "Uncle!"

Ye Mingyu was taken aback and asked, "How did you get here so quickly?"

Although the distance between the Ye residence and the Jiang residence wasn’t particularly far, it shouldn’t have been possible to arrive this quickly. Jiang Li replied, "I told the coachman to hurry." The coachman, following her orders, had driven at top speed, managing to reach the Ye residence in the shortest possible time.

"Uncle, what exactly happened? Is County Magistrate Xue inside?" Jiang Li pressed urgently before Ye Mingyu could even respond.

Knowing how deeply she cared about Xue Huaiyuan, Ye Mingyu sighed and said, "I’m not sure how to explain this. Early this morning, I happened to be at home and hadn’t gone out. Recently, County Magistrate Xue has taken a liking to reading, even if he just stares blankly at the pages. So, I set up a stool for him in the courtyard to enjoy the sunshine and read."

"Later, the kitchen brought over some hot soup. I got up to fetch it, and in the brief moment I turned around, I saw County Magistrate Xue sitting on the ground with the stool overturned. It’s possible he lost his balance while standing up. You know how it is with elderly people—sometimes standing up too quickly can make them dizzy. When I saw him still sitting on the ground and not getting up, I was afraid he might have hurt himself, so I hurried over to help him. But when I saw his face, I was shocked. He had hit his head and was bleeding quite a bit."

Hearing this, Jiang Li’s heart tightened, and she couldn’t help but ask, "How could it be so serious? Is he all right now?"

"I was startled too. But then, out of nowhere, Old Man Xue looked at me as I approached and suddenly asked, 'Who are you?' A Li," Ye Mingyu scratched his head, "his expression at that moment was truly frightening. Lately, he’s often asked people that question, but today his tone was particularly strange. I can’t quite put my finger on why, but it was odd. Anyway, I told him I was Ye Mingyu, and then he asked me where we were. I said it was Yanjing City. And then, he refused my help and stood up on his own."

Jiang Li repeated, "He stood up on his own?"

"Exactly. I thought maybe Old Man Xue had recovered and no longer needed assistance. But after taking just two steps, he suddenly collapsed. I was so frightened that I immediately sent someone to fetch Physician Situ. Given how strangely he was acting today, I was worried something serious might happen. Miss Situ arrived quickly, but after examining him, she only told me to hurry and bring you here."

Jiang Li listened in stunned silence. If Situ Jiuyue had said that, it must mean Xue Huaiyuan’s condition was no trivial matter.

As she was lost in thought, Situ Jiuyue’s voice came from inside the room: "Is Jiang Li here? If she is, tell her to come in quickly."

"See, she’s calling for you. Go on in," Ye Mingyu urged.

Jiang Li and Ye Mingyu entered the room together.The curtains in the room were all drawn, likely at Situ Jiuyue's instruction. Though it was daytime, the lit lamps provided ample brightness, and a soothing fragrance lingered in the air. Jiang Li walked to the inner area, near the bed, where Situ Jiuyue sat, and surprisingly, Haitang stood beside her. Haitang hung her head, her eyes red as if she had been crying.

Jiang Li's heart sank. At this point, if anything were to happen to Xue Huaiyuan, she feared she wouldn't know how to carry on.

She looked toward Xue Huaiyuan.

He lay on the bed with his eyes closed, the wound on his head already bandaged. Situ Jiuyue was bent over, tidying her medicine chest. Jiang Li couldn't help but ask, "Miss Jiuyue..."

"He may have regained his memories," Situ Jiuyue said without looking up.

Jiang Li's hand trembled, and for a moment, she was at a loss for words. After a long pause, she finally managed, "...All of them?"

"Perhaps." Situ Jiuyue stood up and faced Jiang Li, her tone calm. "Even if not all, he's likely remembered most of what he considers important."

Jiang Li steadied herself and asked, "Then why is he still unconscious?"

"Precisely because he recalled most of his past—memories that probably weren't particularly pleasant." Situ Jiuyue spoke with detachment. "From what I know, County Magistrate Xue's past was utterly tragic. The moment his memories returned, the first things that came to mind were painful, and he couldn't bear it, so he lost consciousness. You could see this as his instinctive escape. But as I've told you before, this outcome was always a possibility."

Jiang Li lowered her gaze. "I know." She then asked softly, "When will County Magistrate Xue wake up?"

"It's hard to say. It depends on how long he needs to escape." Situ Jiuyue slung her medicine chest over her shoulder. "Don't think this is simple. Anyone, no matter how brave or cold-blooded, would struggle upon suddenly regaining memories, especially unpleasant ones. He'll wake naturally when he gradually accepts reality and is willing to face it. It could be a day, or ten days. If you insist, I could use acupuncture to rouse him immediately, but forcing him to confront such harsh truth unprepared would only cause more suffering. What do you intend to do?"

Meeting Situ Jiuyue's gaze, Jiang Li attempted a smile but failed. She said, "There's no need. Let him take his time to accept it and wake slowly."

It had taken her so long to emerge from her own past and face reality. Her father, who had doted on her and Xue Zhao so deeply, had suffered a hundred, a thousand times more than she had. How could she bear to intensify his pain?

Ye Mingyu sighed. "County Magistrate Xue has truly had a troubled life. It's heartbreaking to see."Regardless, once he wakes, he'll have to face a sober life," Situ Jiuyue said, a faint melancholy in her tone. "In truth, the past days weren't all bad. The madman in the eyes of the world might have lived more joyfully than others.As the Mo Lan Princess who had lived through turmoil, she likely understood how cruel it was to face reality with clarity. Xue Huaiyuan's plight probably resonated deeply with her."I want to stay here." Haitang's voice still carried a sob. "With the master in this state, he would surely be devastated if he learned what happened to the Xue family. I want to stay by his side, at least to let him know that not everyone from the Xue family is gone. I also want to tell him about the grievances the young lady endured, so he understands that she was never the disgrace others made her out to be."

Jiang Li looked at Situ Jiuyue, who shrugged and said, "She's the one you brought back, so it's your decision. No need to consult me."

After a moment's thought, Jiang Li said to Haitang, "In that case, you may stay. It's good to take care of County Magistrate Xue, but you should avoid going out in public to prevent being seen."

Haitang nodded. "Alright."

Jiang Li had come here fearing something had happened to Xue Huaiyuan, only to discover that he had regained his memory. Her heart was now a mix of sorrow and joy.

After spending a little more time by Xue Huaiyuan's bedside, she stepped out of the room and found Situ Jiuyue waiting for her outside. Jiang Li approached, and Situ Jiuyue asked, "Once Xue Huaiyuan recovers his memory, do you plan to tell him about your intention to avenge Xue Fangfei?"

Jiang Li answered truthfully, "I don't know."

"Oh?" Situ Jiuyue was puzzled.

"If I tell him, he might feel even worse, thinking that someone else has to help him seek revenge for his children. But if I don't tell him... he deserves to know the truth."

Situ Jiuyue chuckled softly. "You're quite thorough in your considerations."

Jiang Li shook her head. "I just don't know what to do."

"It's strange. In other matters, you're always decisive, but when it comes to the Xue family, you become flustered by concern," Situ Jiuyue remarked. "I don't understand it, but it doesn't matter. When Xue Huaiyuan wakes up, I'll come to the Ye residence to examine him. I'll let you know afterward. How you interact with Xue Huaiyuan and whether you tell him the truth is up to you." She waved her hand and started walking away. "I'm heading back now. Farewell."

With that, Situ Jiuyue departed.

Ye Mingyu watched her retreating figure and sighed. "Physician Situ is truly an extraordinary person."

Jiang Li collected her thoughts. Since Ye Shijie wasn't at the residence, she stayed in the room with Haitang, tending to Xue Huaiyuan for a while. At noon, she had a meal with Ye Shijie at the Ye residence before taking a carriage back to the Jiang residence.

On the way back, Jiang Li was lost in thought the entire journey. Tong'er and Bai Xue dared not disturb her, but Jiang Li felt restless and troubled. How should she approach Xue Huaiyuan after he woke up? Should she reveal her identity? When should she do it? What if he didn't believe she was Xue Fangfei? Her mind was a tangled mess, accompanied by an indescribable sense of guilt.

Xue Zhao had died while clearing her name. Even though she had been reborn as the Second Miss Jiang and regained her life, Xue Zhao could never come back to life. Her father would ultimately have to face the loss of his son, and Jiang Li had no idea how to break the news.

Just thinking about such a scenario made her feel chilled to the bone.Upon returning to the Jiang residence, Jiang Li had no desire to speak and headed straight for Fragrant Garden Courtyard. Unexpectedly, as she reached the courtyard gate, Mingyue approached and said, "Miss, a visitor has come to see you. I informed her you were out, and she is waiting in the front hall for your return."

"To see me?" Jiang Li truly had no mood for visitors today, yet she knew she couldn’t neglect propriety. However, her friends had always been few, and those who took the initiative to visit were even rarer. If it were someone unimportant, she might simply avoid the meeting. Thus, she asked, "Who is it?"

She guessed it might be Liu Xu, as among the young ladies in Yanjing City, Liu Xu was the only one on friendly terms with her. To her surprise, Mingyue shook her head and replied, "It’s Xiao Deyin, the instructor from Mingyi Hall."

"Xiao Deyin?" Jiang Li frowned, never imagining that Xiao Deyin would seek her out. Regardless of Xue Fangfei’s circumstances, in Second Miss Jiang’s life, aside from their nominal teacher-student relationship at Mingyi Hall, there was no other connection. Moreover, this bond was quite tenuous—it existed only when Jiang Li attended classes and amounted to nothing otherwise. Lately, as she had almost stopped going to Mingyi Hall, she had scarcely seen Xiao Deyin. Why would Xiao Deyin suddenly come to visit her without reason?

Moreover... Jiang Li pondered silently. Hadn’t Ye Mingyu recently arranged a "liquidation" at Xiao Deyin’s residence? Shouldn’t Xiao Deyin be in a state of panic and confusion right now? How could she still have the mind to seek Jiang Li out?

"Is she still in the front hall?" Jiang Li asked. "If so, Mingyue, please bring her to my courtyard. It’s rather inconvenient to speak in the front hall."

Mingyue promptly replied, "She is still there. I’ll go fetch her right away."

Jiang Li removed her cloak, changed into fresh attire, and had Tong’er tidy her hair slightly, ensuring she appeared composed. Seated at the stone table in the courtyard, sunlight streamed into the emerald-green tea, which had cooled to the perfect warmth, just as Xiao Deyin arrived.

Following behind Mingyue, Xiao Deyin wore a purple gauze dress embroidered with plum blossoms, her figure graceful and ethereal, with wide sleeves that gave her an otherworldly aura. Her face was delicate, a gentle smile playing on her lips, radiating kindness and warmth. No wonder she was the most beloved instructor at Mingyi Hall.

Upon seeing Jiang Li, she stepped forward with a smile and called out, "Xiao Li," then seated herself at the opposite end of the stone table.

"Instructor Xiao," Jiang Li returned the greeting with a smile. "What brings you here today?"

"You haven’t been to Mingyi Hall lately, and I heard your family had some troubles," Xiao Deyin said cheerfully. "I’ve been meaning to visit you, but I feared disturbing your household and thought it might be inconvenient. Still, you are, after all, Mingyi Hall’s finest student—at least in zither skills, no one in the hall surpasses you. I genuinely admire you and, after much thought, decided to check on you now that the New Year has passed."

Her words implied that this instructor had always held great affection and concern for her student, portraying Jiang Li as her prized disciple. Jiang Li smiled faintly, neither agreeing nor refuting, her curved eyes somehow making Xiao Deyin feel slightly flushed.

Soon, however, Xiao Deyin continued, "Xiao Li, how have you been lately? When do you plan to return to Mingyi Hall?""I don't plan to attend Mingyi Hall anymore," Jiang Li said. Her original purpose for entering Mingyi Hall was merely to gather information and secondly to build her reputation. Since both objectives had been achieved, and Mingyi Hall could no longer teach her anything new, staying would be a waste of time. Moreover, spending most of her time at Mingyi Hall meant she could only devote a small portion to caring about Xue Huaiyuan and seeking revenge against Shen Yurong—this was truly not cost-effective.

Jiang Li clearly saw a flicker of surprise in Xiao Deyin's eyes, yet a genuine expression of regret surfaced on Xiao Deyin's face as she said, "Why? You are Mingyi Hall's best student."

"You flatter me, Teacher. It's just that there are many matters at home, and I'm no longer suitable to attend Mingyi Hall."

Xiao Deyin sighed, "Since your mind is made up, I won't press further. Knowing you have your own plans, I can only express my regret. You must understand, among all the students at Mingyi Hall, you are my favorite—not only because of your exceptional talent but also because of your courage and sense of justice. For instance, in the case of Xue Huaiyuan from Tongxiang, you, a young lady from a boudoir, dared to bring the villagers to the capital and plead their case. Even I admire that in my heart."

Here it comes—this was the real purpose of Xiao Deyin's visit. Jiang Li understood perfectly and instantly realized that this was the main event of today's meeting. But she pretended not to know, merely smiling with a hint of embarrassment as she said, "If it were you, Teacher, you would have done the same."

Xiao Deyin nodded and remarked with a sigh, "It's just that in this world, while there are many with a sense of justice, those without are exceedingly rare."

"You overthink it, Teacher. There are still more good people in the world," Jiang Li timely adopted the demeanor of an innocent and kind-hearted young lady.

Xiao Deyin glanced at her, then suddenly leaned in slightly and lowered her voice, "Xiao Li, tell me truthfully—the evidence presented at the Imperial Council, which implicated Princess Yongning as the one who ordered Feng Yutang to target County Magistrate Xue, wasn't just a rumor, was it?"

Jiang Li was startled, covering her mouth as she said, "Why would you say that, Teacher Xiao?"

But Xiao Deyin seemed convinced she was hiding something and pressed, "Tell me, is it true or not?"

"The Imperial Council made it very clear back then," Jiang Li stammered, "Evidence was presented, but it was merely a scheme by those with ill intentions to slander Princess Yongning. Although it bore the princess's seal, it couldn't be considered genuine."

"If it had the seal, then it must be real. How could it be called a scheme? Anyone else would have been convicted—it's only because she is a princess that others try to find ways to exonerate her," Xiao Deyin argued.

Jiang Li looked at her in astonishment, seemingly shocked that Xiao Deyin would say such a thing. She said, "But the most important point is that Her Highness the Princess had no reason to do this! County Magistrate Xue was just a minor official in Tongxiang, far from Yanjing City. In his entire life, he probably never even met Princess Yongning. Why would Her Highness go to such lengths to trouble a county magistrate from a small town?"

"No reason?" A meaningful smile appeared on Xiao Deyin's face as she said, "How could there be no reason?"

Jiang Li widened her eyes.Xiao Deyin leaned in closer, nearly pressing against Jiang Li's ear as she whispered, "Her Highness holds particular favor for the former top scholar, Lord Shen. And Magistrate Shen's wife happens to be the daughter of County Magistrate Xue."

Jiang Li frowned. "I don't understand." She perfectly portrayed the image of an intelligent yet utterly naive young lady who knew nothing of matters between men and women. Xiao Deyin didn't suspect a thing and explained, "Princess Yongning favors Lord Shen but views his wife as an obstacle. Out of feminine jealousy, the princess didn't hesitate to trouble County Magistrate Xue who's miles away, just to satisfy her desire for revenge."

Jiang Li was startled, looking at Xiao Deyin with fearful eyes: "Teacher! You mustn't speak carelessly!"

"Why would I deceive you?" Xiao Deyin sighed softly. "In fact, the matter concerning Lady Xue Fangfei is likely full of twists and turns. Think about it—how could it be such a coincidence? Before Lord Shen achieved the top scholar title, no one knew he and his wife were deeply devoted to each other. Yet after he became the top scholar, when Her Highness Princess Yongning saw him and became enamored, Lady Shen just happened to be caught in adultery, then shortly after fell ill and passed away? And so conveniently, all three members of the family vanished without a trace. Xiao Li, your heart is pure and you're unaware of the world's wickedness, but you must understand—when people turn evil, they're capable of anything."

Jiang Li nearly laughed aloud upon hearing this. Though Xiao Deyin spoke with grave sincerity, wasn't she precisely describing herself?

Jiang Li appeared utterly terrified by these words and whispered, "Teacher, you mustn't speak recklessly. How do you know Princess Yongning was enamored with Top Scholar Shen?"

"I naturally have evidence. When I first heard of this matter, I was just like you—completely unwilling to believe it. If I hadn't witnessed it with my own eyes..." She sighed again. "I wished to avenge my friend Fangfei, but my voice is too weak. Princess Yongning holds considerable power in Yanjing City, while I am merely a music teacher, unable to oppose her. I fear I might be killed before I could even speak the truth."

Jiang Li shrank back nervously.

Xiao Deyin looked at her: "Xiao Li, do you believe your teacher's words?" Her tone was earnest and sincere, completely devoid of falsehood. Jiang Li hesitated for a long moment before finally giving a slight nod.

"Truthfully, I haven't dared to tell this to anyone else," Xiao Deyin said. "This secret is of grave importance, and I fear it would bring trouble. Moreover, to be frank, aside from Fangfei, I've grown accustomed to keeping to myself in Yanjing City. I have few friends and no one I can truly trust. But you're different, Xiao Li."

"You personally handled the Tongxiang case. You dared to appeal for County Magistrate Xue's vindication during the Imperial Council, proving your integrity and fearlessness against the powerful. By telling you this, I'm not afraid you'll reveal it to others. Moreover," she gathered her courage and met Jiang Li's gaze, "I also hope you might be able to help."

"Me?" Jiang Li exclaimed in surprise. "How could I possibly help?"

Xiao Deyin explained, "Since you've already taken up County Magistrate Xue's case, and Xue Fangfei was his daughter, you might see it through to the end and clear Xue Fangfei's name. I know you're righteous at heart, and with the entire Jiang family backing you, you might be able to contend with Princess Yongning. Although I know the truth and wish to seek justice for my friend, my influence is too limited. But I believe if we join forces, things might become much easier."

"Join forces?"

"Yes," Xiao Deyin responded eagerly, seeing Jiang Li seemed somewhat moved. "If you're willing to work on Xue Fangfei's case, I can become your most crucial witness and help you accuse Princess Yongning. This way, our chances of success would be greatly increased!"

Jiang Li looked at Xiao Deyin, her face showing astonishment while inwardly she nearly burst into laughter. She never expected Xiao Deyin to approach her with such a scheme. This was originally Xiao Deyin's own idea, yet now it seemed to have become Jiang Li's mission, with Xiao Deyin merely serving as a "witness"—someone who could conveniently withdraw if the situation turned unfavorable.

She remained as selfish as ever.Jiang Li sneered inwardly, but a hesitant expression surfaced on her face as she said, "Sir, I can't make up my mind about this matter right away. Please allow me some more time to think it over."

Moving the plot forward...

(End of Chapter)