The Double

Chapter 236: Distortion

Two days later, Jiang Yuanbai brought Jiang Li into the palace.

Originally, Jiang Li had planned to accompany Jiang Yuanbai when he resigned from his official position before the Hongxiao Emperor, but Jiang Yuanbai insisted that Jiang Li first deal with matters related to the Duke's residence. Jiang Li did not know how Jiang Yuanbai had arranged things or what he had said to the Hongxiao Emperor. When they set out, Jiang Yuanbai only told her that Eunuch Su would take her to see the Hongxiao Emperor. As for what to say and how to act after meeting the emperor, it would all depend on Jiang Li herself.

Throughout the journey, Jiang Yuanbai remained silent, and Jiang Li did not speak either. Her mind was occupied with the words she would have to face when meeting the Hongxiao Emperor, making it impossible for her to feel at ease. That day, she had told Jiang Yuanbai that it was to handle matters related to the Duke's residence, which was true, but it was not at Ji Heng's request. Rather, Jiang Li herself had some unresolved questions. During Ji Heng's absence from Yanjing City, she often found herself thinking about the events of his past. Over the years, Ji Heng had shouldered many burdens that were not rightfully his to bear. While the past could not be undone, Jiang Li still hoped to understand more about Ji Heng's earlier years. She had learned some things about Ji Heng's past from Situ Jiuyue and Wenren Yao. At times, she also reflected on the tragic misunderstandings between Yu Hongye and the Golden Crow General, and in doing so, she began to notice certain inconsistencies.

These were the secrets of the Duke's residence. She could not share them with others, and with Ji Heng not around, she had no choice but to seek answers on her own. However, in the process of seeking these answers, she needed the Hongxiao Emperor's approval. Jiang Li knew that the Hongxiao Emperor was a patient, magnanimous, ambitious, and shrewd ruler. She dared not let her guard down. Even though Ji Heng now seemed to be a trusted confidant of the emperor, serving a monarch was like living with a tiger. Moreover, the past involving Yu Hongye and Ji Mínghán was entangled with royal scandals. Jiang Li was uncertain about the Hongxiao Emperor's attitude toward these matters, so she had to meet him in person to determine her next steps.

Upon entering the palace, the attendants arranged by Eunuch Su came to escort Jiang Li. Jiang Yuanbai did not follow, instead telling Jiang Li to go on her own while he waited outside. Jiang Li did not refuse and followed Eunuch Su inside. Along the way, the palace maids and eunuchs could not help but glance at Jiang Li, their eyes filled with subtle sighs.

Who would have thought that this disgraced and nearly forgotten legitimate daughter of the Jiang family, once burdened with a notorious reputation, would now rise to become the future lady of the Duke's residence? Especially now, when the Jiang family was no longer as prominent as before, Jiang Li had become the most illustrious member of the family. No wonder people often said that fortunes changed like the turning of a wheel. But this Second Miss Jiang, who appeared gentle and soft-spoken, had actually managed to tame Duke Su, Ji Heng. It was clear that she, too, was a formidable figure with her own methods, not to be underestimated.

Eunuch Su treated Jiang Li with great respect, and Jiang Li did not dare to be negligent in return. Standing at the entrance of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Eunuch Su said, "Second Miss Jiang, His Majesty is inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Please enter."

A young eunuch outside announced their arrival, and Eunuch Su led Jiang Li inside. In the hall, the Hongxiao Emperor was seated at a desk. As Jiang Li approached, she noticed he was practicing calligraphy. His handwriting exuded the aura of an emperor—wild and unrestrained, as if the years of restraint had finally ended, revealing the authority of the Son of Heaven.

Jiang Li bowed and said, "Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty."

The Hongxiao Emperor set down his brush and said, "Rise." He looked at Jiang Li.

Jiang Li stood up and returned the emperor's gaze.Her expression remained as calm and composed as ever, reminding the Hongxiao Emperor of the time during the Mingyi Hall examinations when Jiang Li had taken first place. When he personally presented the award, he saw that the rumored vicious and domineering Second Miss Jiang was entirely different from what others had described. Over a year later, she seemed completely unchanged—still as gentle and serene as he remembered, even when facing an emperor like him.

He knew Jiang Li had always been courageous. This was evident from the time she led the people of Tongxiang to strike the grievance drum at the stone lions in front of Chang'an Gate. No wonder Ji Heng regarded her differently. The Hongxiao Emperor also recalled the matter of Jiang Li’s stepmother, and his gaze toward her finally softened.

He said, "The Grand Secretary mentioned that you wished to see me regarding matters related to the Duke’s residence and had something to say to me. Speak your mind now."

In truth, the Hongxiao Emperor was less than ten years older than Jiang Li, yet his tone sounded like that of an elder addressing a junior. In some ways, the Hongxiao Emperor and Ji Heng were alike—both forced to mature at a young age. As a result, their temperaments seemed devoid of the innocence of childhood or the impulsiveness of youth, replaced instead by a rapidly cultivated maturity born of intrigue and scheming. To outsiders, this might appear as cunning and deceitful, but only those who knew the truth understood the blood and tears hidden behind those words.

"Your Majesty, I have come today precisely for matters concerning the Duke’s residence. I humbly request Your Majesty to grant me an audience with the Empress Dowager."

The Hongxiao Emperor’s expression shifted slightly as he scrutinized Jiang Li carefully. "He even told you about this?" he asked.

Jiang Li remained silent. That day in the cave, Ji Heng had revealed the long-standing conflicts between the Ji family and Yin Zhan, and naturally, he had also disclosed the Empress Dowager’s identity. Ji Heng had mentioned that the Hongxiao Emperor had likely placed the Empress Dowager under house arrest and would not spare her.

Jiang Li knew this matter involved royal secrets. Unlike Ji Heng, she was merely a woman, dispensable in the eyes of the Hongxiao Emperor. If the emperor perceived her as a threat, he would not hesitate to eliminate her. The safest approach would be to feign ignorance, for the more one appeared to know, the greater the danger.

But she could not do that. She had to uncover the truth, even at the risk of arousing the emperor’s suspicion. There was little she could do for Ji Heng, but at the very least, she could help him find the truth.

"What do you intend to do by seeking out the Empress Dowager?" the Hongxiao Emperor asked.

His voice was low and imposing, but Jiang Li remained unshaken. She merely lowered her head and replied softly, "There are some matters concerning Lady Ji that I wish to inquire about with the Empress Dowager."

"You refuse to speak plainly?" the Hongxiao Emperor said. "Ji Heng has told you everything. He truly has no regard for his life."

"I am the Duke’s person," Jiang Li answered. "I will never betray the Duke."

She knew what the Hongxiao Emperor feared. For an emperor who had grown up in such circumstances, it was natural to be wary of those around him and reluctant to trust others. In the Hongxiao Emperor’s eyes, Ji Heng’s actions likely seemed like the foolish recklessness of a man blinded by a woman—utterly absurd and unacceptable.

Sure enough, upon hearing her words, the Hongxiao Emperor retorted, "Oh? Never? Then let me ask you this: if Ji Heng goes to Qingzhou and never returns, what will you do? Will you spend the rest of your life guarding his memorial tablet? Speaking of 'never'... Jiang Li, you overestimate yourself.""Your Majesty underestimates this subject's daughter," Jiang Li replied with neither humility nor arrogance. "If the Duke does not return from Qingzhou, I will remain in Yanjing City waiting for him. Should he die, I am willing to tie up my hair and enter marriage alone, guarding my widowhood for him throughout my life. Forever isn't actually that difficult—it passes between morning and evening."

Her voice was gentle, as if stating the most trivial of facts, yet it compelled the Hongxiao Emperor to turn and look at her, as if trying to see her expression clearly and determine whether Jiang Li was lying.

Jiang Li met his gaze frankly, her eyes resolute, making one feel that doubting her determination would be an unforgivable act.

The Hongxiao Emperor snorted, saying, "Fine-sounding words."

Jiang Li actually smiled at this. From the Emperor's words, she could discern that his feelings for Ji Heng weren't merely those between ruler and subject—there was also a trace of genuine affection. It was precisely because he cared for Ji Heng that the Emperor was so wary of her.

This was much better than she had initially planned.

"So you insist on seeing the Empress Dowager?" the Hongxiao Emperor asked.

"I beg Your Majesty's permission."

"I can grant your request. When Ji Heng departed, he begged me to look after you. I never expected that before I could do so, you would come seeking me out yourself. Since this concerns the Duke's household, I won't interfere. Whatever answers you seek from the Empress Dowager, you may ask yourself. However, I must remind you of one thing: the Empress Dowager is mad. If you anger her, whether you can bear the consequences will depend entirely on yourself."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Li smiled again. She knelt respectfully once more and thanked the Emperor, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

She thought to herself that the Hongxiao Emperor probably knew about the deadly enmity between the Ji family and the Empress Dowager, otherwise he wouldn't have let the matter pass so lightly. But this actually worked to her advantage. Her bowing seemed to irritate the Emperor, who summoned Eunuch Su and instructed him to take Jiang Li to see the Empress Dowager immediately.

Everything was proceeding much more smoothly than Jiang Li had anticipated.

Eunuch Su said, "Second Miss Jiang, please follow me."

Jiang Li exited the Hall of Mental Cultivation and followed Eunuch Su. The direction they were taking didn't seem to lead to the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, but rather toward the Cold Palace. The path was largely deserted. As they walked, Jiang Li began to understand. It was likely as Ji Heng had said—the Emperor had already placed the Empress Dowager under house arrest. With Yin Zhan dead and Yin Zhili in rebellion, the Hongxiao Emperor had long anticipated this day. He might have even known about the disasters the Empress Dowager had caused. Given the circumstances, he naturally wouldn't maintain the false pretense of mother-son affection any longer.

Eunuch Su led Jiang Li to a deserted palace. It was called deserted because there wasn't even a cleaning maid outside. The courtyard was both narrow and empty, with a thick layer of dust accumulated on the ground, as if no one had swept it for a long time. Jiang Li guessed that even the Cold Palace wouldn't be this desolate—she hadn't expected there to be such a lonely place within the imperial palace.

The entire courtyard was eerily quiet, as if no one lived there. Eunuch Su walked to the door of the innermost room and said softly, "Second Miss Jiang, please enter. I'll wait outside. When you're finished speaking, or if you need anything from me, I'll come in."

Jiang Li thanked Eunuch Su and pushed the door open to enter.With a long, drawn-out creak, the door finally swung open, emitting a grating sound that set one's teeth on edge. As it was pushed, dust swirled in the air. Though it was daytime, the room was as dark as night. A sharp female voice cut through the darkness, demanding, "Who is it?"

Jiang Li paused before replying, "Empress Dowager." As she spoke, she drew open the curtains in the room.

Light instantly flooded the space, brightening it considerably.

Seated before the dressing table was a woman. Blinking uncomfortably at the sudden light, she revealed clothing that appeared unwashed for ages—a once-white underrobe now grimy and yellowish, her hair greasy and unadorned, yet still twisted into an elegant chignon that only accentuated its filth. She turned to glare at Jiang Li, her gaze sharp and scrutinizing, her face aged and haggard but fierce, as if she wished to devour Jiang Li alive.

"Who are you? What do you want?" she repeated.

This was Lin Roujia, the current Empress Dowager. Since being placed under house arrest by the Hongxiao Emperor, she had deteriorated into this state. The emperor provided no luxuries, especially after learning of her involvement in Consort Xia’s death. Though he refrained from physical torture, reducing her to a condition worse than that of a lowly servant was a living death for her.

Accustomed to a life of privilege for decades, even at her most destitute while seeking refuge at the Red Mountain Temple, she had been sheltered from hardship by Yin Zhan’s meticulous care. Never had she endured such humiliation, as if her dignity were being trampled into the dust. Yet, she clung stubbornly to the remnants of her status as Empress Dowager.

Jiang Li, however, felt no inclination to indulge her pride. Knowing this woman’s malice—how she had caused the deaths of Yu Hongye and Ji Mínghán, and irrevocably altered Ji Heng’s life—she could summon not a shred of sympathy for Lin Roujia.

"I am Jiang Li from the Grand Secretary’s residence. You may also address me as the future Duchess of the State Duke’s manor."

"The State Duke’s manor...?" The Empress Dowager frowned, pondering for a long moment before recognition dawned. She stared at Jiang Li and said slowly, "So it’s you. Why have you come here?"

Jiang Li seemed to have no reason to seek out the Empress Dowager.

"I’ve come to ask you about your conspiracy with Yin Zhan to murder Yu Hongye all those years ago," Jiang Li answered.

At these words, the Empress Dowager first froze, then let out a cold laugh. "So that’s what this is about—coming to demand answers on behalf of that bastard. What right do you have to question me about the past? Jiang Yuanbai is a worthless fool, not even worth mentioning. Do you think aligning yourself with Ji Heng guarantees your safety? I managed to kill Ji Mínghán back then, and Ji Heng... he too will meet his end by my hand sooner or later!"

A surge of fury erupted within Jiang Li, fiercer even than when she had discovered Shen Yurong and Princess Yongning’s betrayal. How could such a shameless person exist—one who committed heinous deeds without remorse, instead gloating with pure malice gleaming in her eyes?She couldn't be bothered to waste words with the Empress Dowager and went straight to the point, saying, "Let's skip the pleasantries. I came only to ask you one thing. Back then, because Lady Ji discovered your secret rendezvous with Yin Zhan, you plotted to have her killed. But deep within the palace, how could Lady Ji have suddenly appeared? You arranged it, didn't you? You deliberately lured Lady Ji there and used Yin Zhan's hand to silence her forever, am I right?"

The Empress Dowager's laughter cut off abruptly. She stared at Jiang Li like a maddened beast.

Jiang Li's heart turned cold. She had long sensed something amiss. When Ji Heng told her how Yu Hongye had died back then, Jiang Li found it peculiar. Ji Heng, caught in the midst of it, couldn't see it clearly. But standing outside the situation, she could detect the inconsistencies. Rumors said Yu Hongye was clever and cunning, not someone reckless. And when the Empress Dowager and Yin Zhan met in secret, they wouldn't just pick any random spot to pour out their hearts—they must have had trusted aides guarding outside. Since it was in the palace, those guards would only be the Empress Dowager's most loyal followers. Were her trusted aides so incompetent that they couldn't even stop a frail woman and allowed Yu Hongye to barge in?

It made no sense at all.

The more Jiang Li thought about it, the more she believed the problem lay with the Empress Dowager. What happened back then was likely not a tragedy born of chance but a carefully orchestrated scheme. Yu Hongye, completely unsuspecting, became the first pawn to be sacrificed.

"Are you here now to demand my confession?" The Empress Dowager smoothed her hair at the temples. If a young maiden did this, it might appear charming, but coming from her in her current state, it seemed grotesque and chilling. She said, "The person is already dead. What difference does it make whether I admit it or not? Yes, back then, I deliberately let Yu Hongye barge in. That bitch was always an eyesore in front of me. She was nothing but a prostitute from a house of pleasure, yet she was cherished like a treasure. How is that fair? I, born into a noble family, couldn't even decide my own marriage, while Yu Hongye, a whore, lived so happily? Isn't that utterly unjust?" She lifted her chin, a smug smile curling at the corners of her lips. "I made her die like a dog, stripped of all dignity!"

This person is utterly deranged, Jiang Li thought to herself.

Having said her piece, the Empress Dowager seemed pleased and burst into laughter, but her gaze drifted into reminiscence.

Jiang Li's guess was correct. Back then, Lin Roujia had indeed deliberately instructed Meixiang's mother—her wet nurse—to lure Yu Hongye into discovering her affair with Yin Zhan, using the opportunity to kill Yu Hongye. She hated Yu Hongye to the core. But as the Empress Dowager, confined to the deep palace, and with Yu Hongye being a general's wife, she had no means to act directly. She could only use Yin Zhan to carry out the murder. In the end, she succeeded. Yu Hongye died, and her death was so miserable and agonizing that Lin Roujia felt as if a weight had been lifted, finally at ease.

But why did she hate Yu Hongye so much? Why go to such lengths, risking everything to kill her? In truth, there was no direct conflict between Lin Roujia and Yu Hongye. In fact, in earlier years, before Lin Roujia was married, when she heard about the Yu family and learned that the beauty who once captivated the capital had fallen into a house of pleasure, she even felt sympathy. At the same time, she felt grateful to be born into the Lin family, spared from such terrible fates and the manipulation of others.Lin Roujia could no longer remember exactly when the change began, but it was roughly from the time she was bestowed in marriage and became the Crown Princess that the former Lin Roujia started to fade away. Later, in the palace, she married a man she did not love, and her husband did not love her either. In the rear courtyard, filled with scheming and rivalry where everyone competed for favor and affection, she lived unhappily and began to resent her identity as a member of the Lin family.

It was at this very moment that Yu Hongye underwent a transformation, rising from the daughter of a disgraced official in a house of pleasure to become the legitimate wife of the Golden Crow General.

How Lin Roujia envied Yu Hongye! For Yu Hongye, Ji Mínghán defied his entire family, even appealing to the emperor, compromising and striving for a long time until he finally married her. He cherished Yu Hongye with utmost care, evoking envy in others.

Resenting others for having what she lacked and mocking those without, Lin Roujia possessed the status and position that Yu Hongye once lacked but now had. What Lin Roujia did not have—the right to stay with her beloved, an open and honorable happy marriage—Yu Hongye now possessed as well. What she could not obtain, someone she had once looked down upon and even pitied now had, like a slap hard across Lin Roujia’s face, leaving her dizzy and hysterical.

Ji Mínghán sometimes brought Yu Hongye into the palace, and every time they entered, Yu Hongye’s contented smile deeply wounded Lin Roujia’s heart. Even though she later received Yin Zhan’s care, it was like a rat afraid of the light, unable to appear openly before others. Yet Yu Hongye could. Clearly, Ji Mínghán and Yin Zhan were similar—both renowned generals—and her status as a young lady of the Lin family seemed less obstructive than that of a daughter from a disgraced official in a house of pleasure. So why was it that she ended up with nothing?

Unconsciously, her heart twisted. This resentment and jealousy peaked when she learned that Yu Hongye was pregnant.

At that time, the late emperor had a good relationship with Ji Mínghán and often summoned him to the palace, with Yu Hongye naturally accompanying him. Lin Roujia had no choice but to exchange a few words with Yu Hongye. Watching Yu Hongye’s gradually swelling belly, Lin Roujia each time wished she could push Yu Hongye down, making her taste the pain of losing a child.

Yin Zhan did not know the deep secret in Lin Roujia’s heart and often spoke of his friend’s happy news. The more Yin Zhan did so, the more despair Lin Roujia felt. He rejoiced at his friend’s blessing of a son, but did he ever consider that she and he could never openly have a child together?

After Yu Hongye gave birth to Ji Heng, she once brought the infant to the palace for the late emperor to see. Lin Roujia sat nearby, gazing at the baby’s pink, tender face, and it was then that an extremely malicious plan formed in her mind.

She lured Yu Hongye, deliberately making her “witness” the affair between herself and Yin Zhan, successfully using Yin Zhan to eliminate the thorn in her side. From then on, there was no longer any existence that irritated her, and everything went very smoothly. Even to this day, Lin Roujia felt not the slightest regret for what she had done back then. If there was anything she regretted, it was only that she had not eliminated Ji Heng along with the rest, leaving behind a seed of disaster that now trapped her in such a predicament.The woman's face was no longer young. Seated before the vanity in the dim light, Jiang Li gazed coldly at her and said, "You've committed so many heinous acts, constantly claiming to hate Yu Hongye and despise Ji Mínghán. But in truth, what you resent most are Yin Zhan and yourself."

The Empress Dowager whirled around. "What did you say?"

Jiang Li was not frightened by the ferocious expression on the other's face, only saying coldly, "What you resent is that Ji Mínghán and Yin Zhan held nearly identical status and positions—both were generals. Yet Ji Mínghán would spare no cost for Yu Hongye, even opposing his entire clan to marry her. But Yin Zhan did not go to such lengths to marry you for your sake. You envy Yu Hongye, but what you truly hate is Yin Zhan. You believe Yin Zhan did not love you as much as he claimed. All these deeds you've committed were actually to make Yin Zhan feel guilty, to force him to compensate you. Since he didn't give you a happy marriage, he must grant your every wish in other ways. In the end, you're just too selfish."

The Empress Dowager shrieked, "Shut up! Nonsense! Mínghán loved me! What do you know? He loved me!"

A faint smile curled Jiang Li's lips, and in that moment, her expression bore a striking resemblance to Ji Heng's from the past. She said, "Do you know why Yin Zhan wouldn't do the same as Ji Mínghán and marry you at all costs?"

The Empress Dowager froze, then asked, "Why?" Her gaze at Jiang Li was tense, as if she placed great importance on this answer. Indeed, over the past few decades, this question had haunted her, but her pride forbade her from asking Yin Zhan directly, and no one around her dared to answer it.

"Because you're not worth it," Jiang Li enunciated each word clearly.

"Yu Hongye was the most beautiful woman in the capital, immensely learned, and even when she fell into a house of pleasure, her character remained noble and pure. But what do you have? You're just a narrow-minded, selfish, cruel, cowardly, and petty woman who easily shifts blame onto others. Do you think Yin Zhan knew nothing? When you schemed to kill Yu Hongye back then, did you truly believe Yin Zhan was unaware of the truth? I suspect that perhaps it was precisely because Yin Zhan knew the truth that he never once considered taking you away all these years, leaving you alone in the palace at Yanjing."

The Empress Dowager's body trembled violently. Her lips turned pale, and her face grew ashen.

Jiang Li knew that if Lin Roujia had chosen to kill through a proxy back then rather than directly telling Yin Zhan to have Yu Hongye killed, it showed she still cared about how she appeared in Yin Zhan's eyes. Though Jiang Li didn't know the details of the past between the Empress Dowager and Yin Zhan, it was conceivable that the Empress Dowager's greatest concern and lifelong regret was Yin Zhan—even her own son, Yin Zhili, mattered less to her than Yin Zhan.

Even if it was for Ji Heng's sake, Jiang Li didn't want the Empress Dowager to have it too easy. Living with pain and regret was far more difficult than dying. Even if she had to deceive, she would slowly dismantle the Empress Dowager's self-righteousness and make her live in agony.

"No matter what, Yin Zhan was once considered a hero, someone who acted with honor and integrity. But look what he did after being with you—killing his friend's entire family, murdering his own wife and child, condemned by thousands, cursed by all, his name forever tainted. Tell me, in all those years, did he ever regret knowing you? If he could start over, would he choose never to meet you?"

The Empress Dowager's eyes filled with terror as she murmured, "No... he loved me... he loved me...""Wake up!" Jiang Li said sharply. "Look at yourself in the mirror—you're just an aging woman with no redeeming qualities to cherish in your old age. Do you think killing Yu Hongye means you've won? Wrong! Yu Hongye remains forever at her most beautiful, cherished by Ji Mínghán's love and her son's bond until her death. But what do you have? Because of you, Yin Zhili became a traitor, his origins forever shrouded in disgrace. And Yin Zhan didn't leave you a single word before he died, did he? Why? Because he was finally free! He could leave you behind, never to see you again, not in this life or the next!"

"No—" Lin Roujia cried out in agony, turning to the mirror. The woman reflected had graying hair and fine wrinkles at the corners of her eyes; her face was no longer flawless and blushed less easily. The memory of the Lin family young lady who met Yin Zhan on the mountain path seemed like another person—as if it weren't her at all.

Did Yin Zhan regret it? A flicker of fear and confusion crossed Lin Roujia's heart. All along, she had relied on Yin Zhan's love to keep going. Even after his death, as long as she believed he loved her until the end, her life wouldn't have been in vain.

But Jiang Li ruthlessly tore apart her beautiful illusion, making her look like a joke, her dignity utterly shattered. She felt like a discarded woman abandoned by Yin Zhan.

Had Yin Zhan truly stopped loving her? Had he ceased to love her many years ago, because of her cruelty, selfishness, and the death of Yu Hongye? Was that why he refused to flee with her, leaving her here to grow old?

She had wasted her entire life here!

In despair, the Empress Dowager grabbed a cup from the table and hurled it at the mirror. The glass shattered into pieces with a crash, the woman's image broken along with it. Shards cut Lin Roujia's hands, but she didn't notice, murmuring incoherently, "Impossible, he loved me... he loved me..."

Outside the door, Eunuch Su heard the commotion and asked, "Second Miss Jiang?"

Jiang Li replied, "It's nothing, Gonggong." She looked at Lin Roujia, whose eyes were wild and unfocused, ignoring Jiang Li as she crouched down, clutching her head. Her once meticulous composure had completely collapsed, as if all that upheld her pride had crumbled away, leaving her face twisted in agony.

Jiang Li gave her a cold glance and turned to leave. There was no need to say more. Lin Roujia would remain here, and her own fragility and resentment would be enough to destroy her. Her whole life had been lived in pursuit of a perfect love, even if it had become distorted and corrupted. All it took was someone to tell her that this love was false, long gone due to her own malice, for Lin Roujia to awaken from her fabricated dream.

And the moment of awakening is always especially cruel.

Jiang Li couldn't have the Hongxiao Emperor execute the Empress Dowager—that would be far too lenient for Lin Roujia. Sometimes, mental torment is ten thousand times more painful than physical suffering. Let her stay here and slowly atone for the sins of her past life.

Eunuch Su smiled faintly outside the door and asked, "Second Miss Jiang, have you finished speaking?"Behind her came the agonized wails of Lin Roujia, yet Eunuch Su's expression remained unchanged. Jiang Li knew that after she departed, Eunuch Su would report everything that had transpired here to the Hongxiao Emperor. As for how the emperor might perceive it or whether he would develop any particular sentiments toward her because of this, Jiang Li couldn't care less.

She simply refused to let Lin Roujia live comfortably. She felt indignant on Ji Heng's behalf—the silent suffering Ji Heng endured in his youth should also be tasted by Lin Roujia. Since Lin Roujia had single-handedly destroyed what Ji Heng cherished, Jiang Li would destroy the love Lin Roujia held dear.

Was this cruel? Jiang Li didn't think so. She was merely demanding fairness.

(End of Chapter)