The Double

Chapter 221: In-Laws

Jiang Li didn't even know when she finished singing. She only felt Ji Heng holding her motionless. When she wanted to look up, his voice sounded from above her head, "Don't move. Stay like this."

For some reason, in that moment, Jiang Li seemed to catch a glimpse of his unusual emotions—a strange Ji Heng, vulnerable and helpless.

So she remained quietly still.

The autumn sunlight, less intense than summer's, cast a gentle golden glow upon them. She really should have pushed Ji Heng away; if any servants saw and gossiped, it would inevitably cause trouble. Yet she did nothing.

When she needed help, Ji Heng had helped her. Even if this assistance might disrupt his plans, he hadn't hesitated. If she were to begrudge him a hug now, it would be ungrateful. Moreover, his embrace wasn't as cold as she had imagined; Jiang Li found it quite pleasant.

A long, long time passed—so long that Jiang Li thought Ji Heng had fallen asleep. Maintaining the same posture, she began to feel weary when Ji Heng finally released her.

He studied Jiang Li, a slight smile curling his lips, and said, "Little girl, you're truly adorable."

It sounded like genuine praise, not teasing or flirtation, so Jiang Li didn't feel embarrassed, only somewhat concerned as she asked, "What's wrong? Has something happened?"

"No," Ji Heng mused. "I was just thinking about when would be the best time to meet your father."

"You decide," Jiang Li replied. She could visit the Ye residence anytime, but Ji Heng might not have the same flexibility. He needed to keep an eye on Yin Zhan's movements and might not always be in Yanjing City.

"Within the next few days," Ji Heng said. "I'll have Zhao Ke send you a message."

Jiang Li nodded, thought for a moment, and asked, "Has the Yin family... made any moves?"

Ji Heng scoffed, "They're trying every means to stay in Yanjing. It seems they're losing their composure."

"Be careful."

"Don't worry," Ji Heng assured her.

The brief warmth soon ended. Before Jiang Yuanbai returned, Ji Heng left the Jiang residence. Although Jiang Yuanbai couldn't control him now—as he was the future son-in-law appointed by the emperor himself—and could enter the Jiang family boldly if he wished, Ji Heng left promptly, likely to avoid the tedious back-and-forth with Jiang Yuanbai.

When Tong'er and Bai Xue entered the room, they couldn't hide their smiles. Jiang Li asked, "What are you laughing about?"

"Everyone outside says the Duke is wicked and capable of any evil, but they haven't seen how he treats you, Miss. We servants think even the Yin family's Prince Heir isn't as gentle as the Duke. Besides, the Yin Prince Heir is kind to everyone, but the Duke is only gentle with you. We're happy for you, Miss. You didn't misjudge him." Tong'er rambled on at length.

Jiang Li smiled, "You sure know a lot."

In her heart, all the former unease and confusion had completely vanished. The past was completely in the past; the caution and vigilance, revenge and pain associated with Xue Fangfei were gone. She now greatly liked her present self and looked forward to a brand-new future.Just thinking about when Ji Heng would visit Xue Huaiyuan made Jiang Li inexplicably nervous. Would Father like someone like Ji Heng? After all, Ji Heng was far too arrogant and unpredictable. How would Ji Heng behave toward Father? If they didn't get along, how could she mediate?

It was truly a difficult problem.

...

By the fifth day of the tenth month, the weather in Yanjing City had turned quite cool. There were even traces of early winter in the mornings and evenings. Since Yanjing was located in the north, winter arrived early. Having lived here for several years, Jiang Li had grown accustomed to it. That morning, after finishing her meal and draping a cloak over her shoulders, she prepared to go out.

Jiang Li planned to visit the Ye residence. She had already made arrangements with Ji Heng to meet Xue Huaiyuan there today. Before she could leave, a light rain began to fall outside. As the saying goes, each autumn rain brings more chill. Bai Xue fetched Jiang Li an additional cloak before she boarded the carriage.

Once inside the carriage, Jiang Li couldn't help but worry about what was to come.

She wasn't concerned about Jiang Yuanbai meeting Ji Heng—they had already encountered each other at court banquets, and Jiang Yuanbai understood the importance of maintaining appearances. But Xue Huaiyuan was different. He had resigned from his position as Minister of Works years ago because he couldn't stand the corruption in official circles. Ji Heng, accustomed to his solitary ways, might not know what to discuss with Xue Huaiyuan. Xue Huaiyuan was righteous, principled, and just—the complete opposite of Ji Heng. The mere thought of their interaction made Jiang Li shudder. Although Xue Zhao's presence might help, he often made situations worse with his good intentions, adding fuel to the fire.

The more she thought about it, the more anxious she became. She urged the coachman several times, wishing they could arrive at the Ye residence sooner. What if Ji Heng arrived first and met Xue Huaiyuan without her?

Tong'er, noticing her agitation, found it strange and comforted her, "Miss, the roads are slippery in the rain. We mustn't go too fast. We left early today and have plenty of time. We won't be late, and Master Ye won't blame you."

Jiang Li forced a smile. When she finally saw the gates of the Ye residence, the coachman reined in the horses, and the carriage came to a stop. Bai Xue stepped out first with an umbrella, while Tong'er helped Jiang Li alight. The three of them walked toward the residence together.

The gatekeeper, familiar with them, opened the door. Jiang Li asked, "Has anyone else arrived?"

The gatekeeper was taken aback. "Anyone else? No, weren't you the only one visiting today, Cousin?"

It seemed Ji Heng hadn't arrived yet. Jiang Li breathed a sigh of relief, but then another carriage pulled up at the gate. This carriage was much larger and more extravagantly decorated than the Jiang family's. As Jiang Li watched, the curtain was flung aside, and a familiar figure leaped out, followed by his lively voice, "Second Miss Jiang, long time no see!"

Jiang Li was stunned. It was actually Wenren Yao.

Wasn't Ji Heng supposed to come today? What was Wenren Yao doing here? Then, from behind Wenren Yao, a small head popped out—it was Lin Yao, whom Jiang Li had rescued from Huangzhou. Since returning to Yanjing City with Wenren Yao, Jiang Li had rarely seen Lin Yao. She didn't know what Wenren Yao had been involving him in, but now the boy, still young, was dressed in a Daoist robe, giving him an ethereal air. He seemed thinner, perhaps because he had grown taller.Then, Situ Jiuyue jumped down from the carriage, followed by Old General Ji. Finally, the carriage curtain was lifted by a beautiful hand, and Ji Heng leisurely stepped down.

Jiang Li was dumbfounded.

She truly didn’t understand how what was supposed to be Ji Heng coming alone had suddenly turned into so many people. No wonder such a large carriage was needed. Jiang Li paused for a moment before asking, "What... is going on?"

The group first approached the entrance of the Ye family’s residence, ensuring no one outside could see them. Only then did Wenren Yao speak up: "Second Miss Jiang, I heard you and A-Heng are engaged, and I’m overjoyed. Today, A-Heng was coming to visit your uncle from the Ye family, and I thought it wouldn’t be right for him to come alone. As his friends and family, we should be present too. Otherwise, people might think the Duke’s residence is empty and lonely—though, admittedly, it mostly is."

"Cut the nonsense!" Old General Ji boomed with vigor. "How could the Duke’s residence be empty! Girl Jiang, I heard you have a good relationship with your uncle, and that he’s a hero of the martial world. I admire that! I specifically came to see him!"

Jiang Li turned to Situ Jiuyue with a questioning look. Situ Jiuyue said coldly, "I’m not here to see anyone. Xue Zhao’s wounds still need medicine, so I came to deliver it. I’m also checking on the condition of his injuries to make it easier to develop new poisons."

Jiang Li found this statement odd. Situ Jiuyue was clearly doing this for Xue Zhao’s benefit—a good deed—so why was she so eager to deny her kindness and instead emphasize it was for "developing poisons"? Shaking her head inwardly, Jiang Li thought it must be because Situ Jiuyue was a girl with a cold exterior but a warm heart, acting awkwardly in this matter and unwilling to let others detect her goodwill.

Ji Heng smiled and said, "They’re all here for a visit. Let’s go, Ali."

His words were dripping with sarcasm. Jiang Li could easily imagine the scene of these people stubbornly clinging to Ji Heng’s carriage, insisting on tagging along—except for Situ Jiuyue, of course.

The servants at the entrance of the Ye residence were also stunned. They never expected that the young lady’s usual visit to the Ye family would bring such a large entourage. However, everyone in the group seemed extraordinary, so they didn’t dare neglect them. One servant hurried to announce their arrival while another warmly guided them inside.

Jiang Li felt the situation was strange. Walking side by side with Ji Heng, she whispered, "Didn’t you try to dissuade them?"

"I did," Ji Heng replied, narrowing his eyes. "But don’t you think this is better?"

Jiang Li was taken aback for a moment before she understood what Ji Heng meant. From Ji Heng’s perspective alone, although Jiang Li knew he had countless virtues, not everyone had interacted with him deeply, so it was understandable that they might not know his true nature. However, by bringing so many people with him, Ji Heng indirectly refuted the rumors that Duke Su was moody and wicked.

If he were such a person, he would never have family and friends by his side. But Old General Ji, Wenren Yao, Situ Jiuyue, and even Lin Yao had all come, which showed that Ji Heng was not as cold and ruthless as the rumors suggested. It demonstrated his deep affection and protection for those close to him.

And with Wenren Yao being so chatty, he would probably lighten the mood for everyone. Jiang Li could only think of it that way.They had just entered the courtyard of the Ye residence, not yet reaching the main hall, when Ye Mingyu hurried over upon hearing the news. He first looked at Jiang Li and said, "A Li, why didn't you come alone?" His gaze then fell upon Ji Heng, and he immediately fell silent.

Every time Ye Mingyu saw Ji Heng, being a man, he wasn't captivated by Ji Heng's beauty. As a man of the martial world, he could only sense the barely concealed aura of killing intent around this person, finding him extremely dangerous. Entrusting Jiang Li to such a perilous man was something Ye Mingyu would never feel at ease about, but the imperial decree had been issued, and as mere merchants, they seemed to have no other choice. Then he noticed Old General Ji and was immediately struck by the man's righteous and resolute demeanor.

After all, he was a general who had been on the battlefield.

Ye Shijie followed behind, slowing his steps as he observed Jiang Li and Ji Heng walking side by side, and the trust Jiang Li placed in Ji Heng.

This was her most precious quality.

The two groups met, both feeling somewhat awkward and unsure where to begin. At that moment, a cheerful voice broke the silence, saying, "Sis... Second Miss Jiang! Physician Situ!"

Situ Jiuyue's eyes flickered, and Xue Zhao pushed his wheelchair forward from behind. During his time at the Ye residence, he appeared much happier than when he had stayed at the Duke's residence, his face bearing the spirited exuberance unique to youth, his smile as warm as ever.

"Ah Zhao," Jiang Li said, "we came to visit Uncle, and we also wanted to see Mr. Xue and you."

Ye Mingyu grumbled inwardly. Of course, he welcomed Jiang Li's visit, but bringing along such a group of dubious people to see him stirred his displeasure. However, he couldn't show these thoughts in front of his niece, so he forced an especially artificial smile and said, "Then you all talk first. I'll have someone check on the kitchen."

He had no desire to speak to a man who relied on his looks to deceive young girls!

Ye Mingyu left, and Ye Shijie offered an apologetic smile. He had actually discerned that Jiang Li had likely brought these people primarily to see Xue Huaiyuan. Though he didn't know the reason, the relationship between Jiang Li and the Xue family had always been rather peculiar. Being a clever man, Ye Shijie said, "I'll go check on Third Uncle. You can go see Mr. Xue first."

Jiang Li gave him a grateful smile.

Xue Huaiyuan was reading in the courtyard.

Xue Zhao, being lively, had followed Ye Mingyu during the day to learn whip techniques, so he was the first to know of Jiang Li's arrival. Xue Huaiyuan found out later, and by the time he learned of it and intended to come over, Jiang Li had already brought everyone to him.

In front of the others, Jiang Li could only address him as "Mr. Xue."

"Miss Jiang," Xue Huaiyuan responded smoothly and gently, rising to his feet. He looked at the group before him, his gaze first settling on Ji Heng, who stood beside Jiang Li.

The young man's appearance was extraordinarily handsome and striking, his features naturally captivating yet tinged with a hint of killing intent. Most notably, his eyes—amber pools that seemed to hold deep affection—were devoid of any confusion, clear to the point of being cold.

Only in the occasional glances he cast toward Jiang Li was there a fleeting tenderness.

In that instant, Xue Huaiyuan's impression of Ji Heng shifted.Having lived most of his life, brushed shoulders with the King of Hell, and witnessed the treachery of human hearts and the hardships of the world, he dared not claim to see through people entirely, but he could at least discern some truths. Shen Yurong, who treated others with warmth and courtesy, had ruthlessly murdered his own wife, while Ji Heng, notorious for his wicked reputation, reserved his gentle side solely for Jiang Li.

Any father would be pleased to see his precious daughter cherished and protected by someone.

"You must be Master Xue," Ji Heng said. "Ali often speaks of you."

Everyone present was stunned, including Jiang Li, who stared at Ji Heng as if seeing a ghost. When had Ji Heng ever spoken to anyone with such propriety and respect? Not even to his own grandfather, and even when facing the Hongxiao Emperor, Ji Heng's smile likely carried a hint of laziness and indifference.

Could this be an imposter? The thought abruptly crossed Jiang Li's mind.

Old General Ji seemed equally shocked by his grandson's words. To cover up his earlier astonishment, he turned to Xue Huaiyuan and said, "Minister Xue, do you still remember this old man?"

During Xue Huaiyuan's days as Xue Lingyun, he was still young, and Ji Mínghán had not yet married. At that time, the Golden Crow General's fame was at its peak. Though one was a civil official and the other a military officer, they had heard of each other's reputations—the Golden Crow General renowned for his military exploits, and Xue Lingyun for building canals that benefited the people.

But many years had passed, with some dead and others scattered. To meet again under such circumstances was unexpected.

Xue Huaiyuan replied, "General Ji."

Old General Ji laughed heartily. "I later heard about your ordeal. These years have not been easy for you. Fortunately, Ah Zhao is still alive. Did you know? It was my grandson who saved him!"

Xue Huaiyuan had long known this, but hearing Old General Ji mention it in person stirred emotions within him. He solemnly addressed Ji Heng, "Thank you, Duke, for your life-saving grace. Ah Zhao, express your gratitude."

Xue Zhao gave a perfunctory thanks—he had already done so back at the Duke's residence. Now that Ji Heng was practically his future brother-in-law, they were family. What was the point of all this bowing and scraping?

Wenren Yao, seeing no opportunity to interject, grew impatient and seized the moment to speak. "We came today because of Ah Heng's matter. Although the marriage between Second Miss Jiang and Ah Heng was decreed by the Emperor, our Ah Heng isn't just willing to accept anyone. He is genuinely pleased to be engaged to Second Miss Jiang. We all know Second Miss Jiang has deep ties to the Xue family and holds Master Xue in high regard, so we came to meet and get acquainted."

His casual, irreverent manner and the way he spoke of Ji Heng would have earned him an expulsion on any other day. Yet today, Ji Heng said nothing, allowing Wenren Yao to ramble on unchecked.

Xue Huaiyuan felt another layer of satisfaction.

The whirlpools of intrigue, the pros and cons, the dangers—Jiang Li was already entangled in them, and there was no changing that. Moreover, since it was her own decision, no one could alter it for her, not even her father or brother. But now, it seemed Ali's choice might not be as dire as it appeared.Xue Huaiyuan didn't know what kind of person Ji Heng was, but he was aware of Old General Ji's stubborn nature. Even though Ji Mínghán was no longer around, a grandson raised single-handedly by Old General Ji would surely inherit some of the Ji family's qualities.

Old General Ji himself was actually quite puzzled. A large family gathering like this, where in-laws meet to discuss matters harmoniously with smiles, should logically take place at the Jiang residence. After all, Jiang Li was a daughter of the Jiang family. Yet Ji Heng had never once mentioned visiting the Jiangs. Instead, this time, he had taken the initiative to propose going together to the Ye family.

To visit Jiang Li's maternal uncle at the Ye family? Old General Ji could somewhat understand that, having heard that Jiang Li was very close to her third uncle. But when they arrived at the Ye residence, Ye Mingyu only briefly greeted them before disappearing, and Old General Ji found himself being dragged along to speak with Xue Huaiyuan. He was no fool—he could tell this was clearly a deliberate visit to see Xue Huaiyuan.

He had also heard that Jiang Li treated Xue Huaiyuan better than her own father, Jiang Yuanbai, and had taken some schadenfreude in that at the time. Served Jiang Yuanbai right—a crafty old fox, while Jiang Li was exceptionally upright and courageous. Of course, she would naturally get along better with an honest official like Xue Huaiyuan. But seeing it now... wasn't this a bit excessive?

Old General Ji's mind was racing with thoughts, but none of it showed on his face. He knew that even if he voiced his questions, no one would answer him. Well, never mind—ultimately, this was just his grandson meeting the in-laws. Whether it was Jiang Yuanbai or Xue Huaiyuan made no difference to him. The one who would weep and wail upon finding out would be Jiang Yuanbai, not him, so why should he care? Let it be!

With that thought, Old General Ji decisively set aside his doubts. He walked with Xue Huaiyuan into the house, sat down at the tea table, and over tea, began reminiscing about the eventful years of the past.

This left everyone else stranded in the courtyard.

Jiang Li was somewhat taken aback—this was truly unexpected. Perhaps Old General Ji hadn't seen an old acquaintance in a long time and had gotten carried away in the moment, leaving Xue Huaiyuan to keep him company in conversation.

Helpless, Jiang Li looked at Ji Heng, who smiled and said, "It's fine."

Jiang Li could only fall silent. Wenren Yao, looking at Xue Zhao seated in his wheelchair, asked him, "Young Master Xue, what is that in your hand? Is it a whip?"

"Yes," Xue Zhao replied with a smile. "Third Master Ye taught me a set of whip techniques and gave me this whip. I practice martial arts with it so that in the future, I won't be completely helpless. I can still protect those I want to protect."

Unable to even stand, yet he remained unreasonably optimistic, constantly talking about protecting others—such a person was truly rare in this world. But Xue Zhao saw nothing unusual about it; not a trace of gloom could be found in his eyes. He added, "I'm still not very skilled with this whip. Once I master it, I'll switch to a different one."

Situ Jiuyue looked at Xue Zhao and was suddenly reminded of what he had said about protection back at the Duke's residence.

She said, "This whip isn't good."

Everyone looked at her in confusion. Xue Zhao also asked, "Why do you say that, Physician Situ?"

"Killing with a whip requires a great deal of strength. Compared to that, blades, swords, or daggers are much easier. You're sitting in a wheelchair, with less strength than someone standing. Killing would be even harder for you."Wenren Yao sneered disdainfully and said, "Situ, you're a girl after all. How come every word out of your mouth is about killing? Our Young Master Xue prefers robbing the rich to aid the poor and punishing evil to promote good—not killing people just because he dislikes them. That's different from you."

Situ Jiuyue froze. The words "different from you" were something she had heard countless times before. When she was a child fleeing for her life, people said she was different from other little girls—too cold-hearted. When she killed, people said she was different from other physicians, more like an executioner. Yet she had never taken it to heart. So what if she was different? But today, this "different" sounded particularly stinging.

Her expression gradually darkened.

Jiang Li noticed this and felt a stir in her heart. She was about to say something to steer the conversation elsewhere when Xue Zhao spoke up.

Xue Zhao said, "But to protect someone, killing is unavoidable. If it's for self-preservation, then killing is acceptable, right?"

He spoke with a beaming smile directed at Situ Jiuyue, his gaze so warm and forgiving it could melt ice and snow.

Situ Jiuyue froze.

"What I've believed since childhood is the survival of the fittest. I don't need others to save me. If anyone harms me, I'll kill them." Suddenly, the conversation she had with Xue Zhao that day resurfaced in her mind.

She had spoken the truth, which was why she deliberately frightened those people, making them detest her—exactly as she intended. But if she could start over, if she were still the princess of Molan, if there had been no turmoil, who would willingly pick up a poisoned sword instead of fragrant flowers? Who would choose a life of constant displacement and fear for no reason?

She believed she wasn't wrong. Even if she was paranoid, hard-hearted, and cold, it was all forced upon her by life. To survive, she transformed herself from an innocent, carefree princess into a feared monster. The world feared her, cursed her, and saw her as venomous, yet no one ever tried to understand why.

As if she had been born with a fondness for killing for amusement.

But this young man before her—this youth so different from her, whose dream was to travel across famous mountains and rivers, punishing evil and promoting good—had likely never even killed anyone in his life, let alone committed any wrongdoing. Pure as a blank sheet of paper, he stood before her and spoke words that bordered on understanding.

It was like light pulling someone out of darkness, offering redemption with just a few words.

Xue Zhao smiled and said, "If my whip could kill, those around me wouldn't have to. When I become strong enough to protect my loved ones, they won't need to pick up blades to defend themselves. Physician Situ." When he addressed Situ, he stubbornly used the title "physician," even though Situ Jiuyue had always emphasized that she was no physician—she was the Poisonous Consort who harmed others.

Xue Zhao asked, "Is there a way to make a whip as lethal as a dagger or sword?"

Situ Jiuyue fell silent.

She knew Xue Zhao was covering for her, treating her like any ordinary girl who had embarrassed herself, ensuring she wouldn't feel ashamed or lose her composure.

"Yes," she heard her own voice say, "coat the whip with poison."

A whip could injure but rarely kill. However, if tipped with a lethal poison, it could take a life in an instant.

Truly vicious, yet Xue Zhao laughed and said, "That's a great idea. Then, Physician Situ, could you spare me some poison?"

Wenren Yao didn't understand what Xue Zhao and Situ Jiuyue were discussing, only sensing an unusual atmosphere between them. Jiang Li, however, watched the scene thoughtfully.

"Your brother is quite a talent," Ji Heng remarked from behind Jiang Li, a smile in his voice.

"You think so too..."

"Don't ask me," Ji Heng interrupted, "it has nothing to do with me."

Jiang Li shot him a glare. She had her suspicions but wasn't entirely sure. Still, watching Xue Zhao and Situ Jiuyue, she felt this might not be a bad outcome. Just then, Old General Ji emerged from the house, his face flushed and cheerful after drinking his fill of tea. He clapped Ji Heng on the shoulder and said, "You rascal, Minister Xue wants you inside."

Jiang Li was surprised.

Wenren Yao also found it strange: "Why is Sir Xue asking A-Heng to go in?""How would I know," Old General Ji said irritably. "I'm not some gossip, going around asking what he wants to say. Hurry up and go," he added impatiently. "What are you standing there for?"

Ji Heng went in.

Jiang Yuanbai: Who's the father-in-law here, anyway? That hurts...

(End of Chapter)