The Double

Chapter 182: Compassion

"Xue Fangfei."

His hand paused slightly while pouring tea as he looked at Jiang Li. She met his gaze calmly, answering so readily because she had no other excuses to offer. How else could she explain why Princess Yongning had called her "Xue Fangfei" in the imperial prison?

Jiang Li thought that Ji Heng must already have his own answer. Her excessive concern for the Xue family, her familiarity with Xiangyang's Tongxiang district, and all the unreasonable things that had happened to Second Miss Jiang—everything would make perfect sense if she were Xue Fangfei. Ji Heng couldn't possibly have failed to consider this point. Deceiving him would be unwise, for he was too clear-headed to be fooled by anyone.

So she wouldn't waste her effort.

Ji Heng resumed pouring tea. The clear liquid filled the snow-white teacup, presenting the color of spring. He asked, "Where is Second Miss Jiang?"

Jiang Li replied, "I am Second Miss Jiang."

This time, Ji Heng smiled. "What do you mean?"

"I am Xue Fangfei, and also Second Miss Jiang. After being strangled by Princess Yongning's servant in the Shen residence, when I woke up, I was already at Qingcheng Mountain. Those around me told me I was Second Miss Jiang, and that's how I learned I was the daughter of Yanjing's Grand Secretary, sent to Qingcheng Mountain to reflect on my sins for allegedly killing my mother and brother."

Ji Heng raised an eyebrow. "So you didn't alter your appearance?"

Jiang Li smiled faintly. "That would be rather difficult. If you don't believe me, Duke, you can have someone examine me. Miss Jiu Yue can attest to this."

Her face appeared pure and lovely under the lamplight, with skin so delicate it seemed it might break at a touch. It didn't appear to be disguised. If such a face were to be pinched and prodded by hands, one would likely feel reluctant and regretful.

"Are you suggesting this is some supernatural tale?"

Jiang Li lowered her head and said softly, "I warned you earlier, Duke, that if I told you, you might not believe me and would think I'm lying."

After a moment of silence, Ji Heng's voice came, noncommittal: "I don't think you're lying."

Jiang Li looked up. He was still smiling cheerfully. She couldn't help saying, "Don't you find what I'm saying utterly absurd, Duke?"

Even Jiang Li herself, back at Qingcheng Mountain, had often wondered whether her rebirth was just an illusion—whether Xue Fangfei's life had merely been an overly vivid dream. If she hadn't returned to Yanjing City and confirmed that Shen Yurong and Xue Fangfei truly existed, she might have frequently fallen into confusion and self-doubt. Who could believe that a dead person would one day wake up as someone else?

She didn't even dare to imagine whether Xue Huaiyuan would believe her if she told him she was Xue Fangfei, or whether he would think she was talking nonsense.

"Absurdity aside, many truths in this world are inherently absurd," Ji Heng said casually.

He showed no surprise at this matter, nor did he look at Jiang Li with strange eyes. His attitude toward her remained almost unchanged from before.

"So after becoming Jiang Li, you directly targeted Shen Yurong and Princess Yongning, seeking revenge relentlessly, refusing to stop until they're destroyed?"Jiang Li let out a bitter laugh. "What else can I do? The past has already happened, and I cannot let the Xue family suffer in vain. Since heaven has granted me a second chance at life, I must seek revenge."

Ji Heng nodded. "That makes sense."

"And what about you, Duke?" Jiang Li couldn't help but ask. "After learning the truth, won't you think I'm an ill-omened person, someone to be feared?"

"Ill-omened?" Ji Heng raised an eyebrow, as if finding her words amusing. "You died once and were able to come back to life. That makes you a blessed person. A truly ill-omened person wouldn't even have the chance for a new beginning."

Jiang Li was taken aback by his words, feeling as if he was hinting at someone else. After a moment of silence, she said, "Now that you know the truth, everything I've done is because I am Xue Fangfei. I must do this. If you believe what I say is true, can we consider our agreement null and void?"

Ji Heng looked at her with a faint smile. "Are you trying to burn the bridge after crossing it and repay kindness with ingratitude?"

Jiang Li flushed with shame. Indeed, her actions were not entirely honorable. Ji Heng had helped her countless times, and now she was trying to sever ties after merely revealing the truth, making her seem like an ungrateful person.

"If there is anything I can do to help, I will spare no effort to repay you," Jiang Li said earnestly.

"You've said that many times," Ji Heng waved his hand dismissively, "but it hasn't been of much use."

"Not necessarily," Jiang Li smiled. "If the Marquis of Xia returns to the capital, perhaps the Jiang family can also contribute to your plans."

Ji Heng's smile faded slightly as he turned to look at her. "Little one, do you even know what you're saying?"

"Prince Cheng will soon make his move. The two generals of Yanjing are currently guarding the border, and their supply lines are cut off. General Zhaode will surely return to the capital to relieve the crisis," Jiang Li said. "Isn't this the moment you've been waiting for, Duke?"

After much thought, she felt that everything Ji Heng had done—stabilizing the situation earlier and then deliberately disrupting it to force Prince Cheng into action—was all to lure out this Marquis of Xia. Old General Ji's evasiveness about the Marquis of Xia only reinforced her belief that there was something significant behind it all.

Ji Heng chuckled softly, his gaze fixed on her. "I heard that Xue Fangfei was clever and sharp-witted, but I didn't believe it until now. It seems it's true."

His eyes held undisguised admiration. Jiang Li smiled. "I know. You used to think I was a wooden beauty."

"Xue Fangfei was never a wooden beauty. It was Shen Yurong who turned her into one," Ji Heng said lightly. "So, Shen Yurong's capabilities end there. He simply lacked discernment."

"I don't think so. His vision was just a bit too far-sighted, which led to his downfall," Jiang Li said. Strangely, when she spoke of Shen Yurong now, there was no trace of entanglement or resentment left. Unconsciously, the feelings she once had for him had faded away along her path of revenge after becoming Jiang Li. To her, Shen Yurong was nothing more than an unnecessary passerby in her life—gone and best forgotten forever.

"You don't hate him anymore?" Ji Heng asked."What does hatred matter? What does love matter? At most, he can only repay me this much—with his life. There's nothing more he can give," Jiang Li said.

Ji Heng replied, "That makes sense." Holding a teacup, he asked, "Care for a drink?"

Jiang Li smiled and raised her own cup, using tea in place of wine. Outside, the rain fell in a continuous drizzle, the spring rain like wine, their emotions like wine. The two teacups met in the air with a clear, crisp sound.

She threw her head back and drained the tea in one gulp, as if determined to swallow all the bitterness that had belonged to Xue Fangfei. Ji Heng, meanwhile, drank slowly and elegantly, as if his cup truly contained the finest nectar.

"Our previous agreement is void," Ji Heng's voice was lazy and faint, like an intoxicating spring breeze in the night, reaching Jiang Li's ears. He said, "From now on, Second Miss Jiang, you are free."

Jiang Li understood what he meant. The Xue family case was closed, and from this point on, Xue Fangfei's past was truly and completely over. She would become the genuine Second Miss Jiang and continue living in this world. This play had reached its final curtain; as a spectator, with the music ended and the crowd dispersed, Ji Heng naturally wouldn't remain. Their previous interactions had likely come to an end here.

In Jiang Li's heart, there flickered an extremely faint sense of loss. Although she had initially been wary and suspicious of Ji Heng, cautiously navigating their interactions and transactions, in reality, she had placed a certain degree of trust in him. In some ways, since arriving in Yanjing City, her trust in him seemed to surpass even that which she held for the various members of the Jiang family. This was based on her recognition of Ji Heng's capabilities as well as his character.

When a person possesses a certain level of power, they disdain to resort to schemes. Ji Heng, in relation to her, had no need for such tactics.

It felt like parting ways with a friend after sailing through stormy seas together—inevitably, there was an inexplicable sadness.

Jiang Li looked at him and said, "During this time, you have taken great care of me, Duke. Thank you."

Ji Heng smiled. "No need for thanks. Your performance was quite impressive."

Jiang Li smiled as well.

When she left Ji Heng's study, he did not rise to see her out. Jiang Li walked to the door; the rain had not yet ceased. Bai Xue held up an umbrella, and Jiang Li glanced back into the room. Ji Heng sat at his desk, his silhouette under the lamplight revealing a stunning loneliness.

She turned away and stepped into the rain.

Zhao Ke escorted them out. As they were leaving, Jiang Li caught sight of Situ Jiuyue hurrying through the courtyard. She seemed very busy and didn't notice Jiang Li and the others. Jiang Li asked Zhao Ke, "What is Miss September doing?"

"Recently, a patient has arrived at the estate," Zhao Ke replied. "Miss Situ is treating his injuries."

A patient who warranted Situ Jiuyue's care was certainly no ordinary case. The Duke's estate held many secrets, and Jiang Li thought it improper to inquire further. So, without looking back, she departed.

Situ Jiuyue hurried back to her room. The young man called Ah Zhao lay in bed, still unable to get up, requiring Situ Jiuyue to administer acupuncture daily. Each day, aside from the servant who brought his meals and tended to him, the only person he saw was Situ Jiuyue.Over time, he and Situ Jiuyue had become acquainted, and Situ Jiuyue was even willing to exchange a few words with this young man. The young man's voice gradually shed its hoarseness, revealing its original tone—as bright and sunny as his appearance.

"Doctor Situ," Ah Zhao asked, "I just heard voices outside. Who was it?"

"Did you?" Situ Jiuyue frowned and said, "I didn't notice. It might have been Ji Heng's guest. Don't move just yet—I need to apply the acupuncture needles."

Meanwhile, Wen Ji entered the study. Ji Heng remained seated, gazing out the window, which had been opened. The wind made the lamplight flicker precariously, and the shadows stretched and wavered. Fine raindrops drifted onto the desk, some splashing into the teacup, creating delicate ripples like a blooming flower.

"Sir, Second Miss Jiang has left," Wen Ji said.

Ji Heng gave a soft "Hmm" before finally withdrawing his gaze.

He lowered his eyes to look across the room. The soft, gentle girl was no longer seated on the opposite stool; only the teacup she had left behind served as a reminder that someone had once been there.

From Xue Fangfei to Second Miss Jiang—it was an unbelievable journey, yet it seemed to be the only explanation for everything. What was rare was that, despite having died once, she still possessed such clear, innocent eyes and could trust someone with such sincerity and naivety.

Was it foolishness or something precious?

And in that moment when the fan handle pressed against her throat, a sudden softness in his heart had given rise to a trace of reluctance and pity. This realization startled him, forcing him to examine himself and compelling him to draw a clear boundary with the girl, cutting off all future contact.

A spectator must never become part of the play. Once immersed, one loses measure and clarity, becoming entangled in the joys and sorrows of the drama—that is the most terrifying outcome.

He could not afford to have any weaknesses.

(End of Chapter)