The Double

Chapter 29: No One

Xiang Qiao's sudden outburst shocked everyone present.

The most intense reaction came not from Jiang Li, but from Tong'er. Immediately positioning herself before Jiang Li like a mother hen shielding her chick, Tong'er retorted loudly, "Nonsense! Slander! My lady has never done such a thing! Xiang Qiao, I think your conscience has been devoured by wolves—how dare you falsely accuse my lady like this!"

Xiang Qiao ignored Tong'er completely, instead kowtowing repeatedly to Old Madam Jiang with loud thuds as she wept, "This servant wouldn't dare lie! If I speak even half a false word, may I be struck by lightning!"

"You—!" Tong'er was so enraged she couldn't form words. That Xiang Qiao would dare swear such a vicious oath showed she was prepared to risk everything.

Yet Xiang Qiao's words seemed to nail Jiang Li's guilt in place, making it impossible to refute.

Jiang Yu'e spoke again with sarcasm, "Second Sister, you don't wear a single piece of jewelry yourself, yet you bought Third Sister a precious hair accessory worth four hundred taels. How generous of you. Only the deepest sisterly affection could explain such extravagance. You've been back in the capital for less than a month—I never realized you and Third Sister had grown so close."

Her implication was clear: since Jiang Li had never gotten along with Jiang Youyao, why would she kindly spend a fortune on such an expensive hair-pinning ceremony gift? It must have been tampered with.

Jiang Youyao lifted her head, her eyes red-rimmed. Wiping her tears with a handkerchief, she spoke sorrowfully, "Second Sister, I was so happy when you returned to the mansion. I never imagined you still held such resentment toward me."

"Li'er." Ji Shuran, who had remained silent until now, stepped forward. She embraced Jiang Youyao, patting her arm comfortingly before turning to Jiang Li. "If you have any grievances against me, direct them at me. As your mother, I've cared for you in every way, supported you, and treated you with sincerity. I don't expect you to accept me, only hope you'll consider your father and let our family live in harmony. But Youyao is your own sister—how could you bear to curse her? Could it be... you truly care nothing for blood ties?" At this point, she seemed overcome with grief, holding Jiang Youyao while tears streamed down her face.

The mother and daughter appeared so fragile and pitiful that they stirred sympathy among many present. Ji Shuran's final words particularly reminded people how Jiang Li had once caused Ji Shuran to lose a child. The soft-hearted married women in attendance, especially those with children, felt biased toward Ji Shuran. Some whispered among themselves, "No wonder being a stepmother is so difficult—with a young mistress like this, even a saint would be tested."

Old Madam Jiang's face was as dark as stormy water. What should have been a proper hair-pinning ceremony had turned into a farce. Jiang Li had thoroughly disgraced the entire Jiang family today. She cast a reproachful look at Jiang Yuanbai—if he had managed his household properly, such troubles wouldn't have arisen.

Jiang Yuanbai's gaze toward Jiang Li also held anger. Ji Shuran's words had reawakened his guilt. Ultimately, it was Jiang Li's misconduct that caused Ji Shuran to lose a child—his own child. Now Jiang Li had committed this vicious act, and whatever familial affection he'd recently felt toward her due to their resemblance instantly evaporated.Jiang Yuanbai said, "Unworthy daughter, why aren't you kneeling?" His mind was clouded by disappointment, and he hadn't considered the consequences. If Jiang Li were to kneel now, she would become infamous among the noble circles of Yanjing City. Even if she remained in the Jiang family, she would never be able to hold her head high before the nobility of Yanjing again, let alone discuss marriage prospects.

A flicker of delight passed through Jiang Youyao's eyes. Madam Liu was about to speak urgently when Jiang Li raised an eyebrow and retorted, "Why should I kneel?"

No one had expected Jiang Li to talk back in front of everyone. Even Jiang Yuanbai was stunned for a moment. Lu Shi looked surprised, while Yang Shi tightened her grip on Jiang Yu'e's hand, afraid that Jiang Yu'e might say something reckless again.

"You have wicked intentions, cursing your legitimate sister. As your father, I must discipline you properly. Kneel!" Jiang Yuanbai shouted angrily.

Jiang Li looked at him and uttered two words: "I won't."

It was a direct confrontation.

Tong'er trembled with fear but still stood firmly in front of Jiang Li.

Before Jiang Yuanbai could speak, Jiang Li continued, "If I have made a mistake, it is only natural for Father to discipline me. However, before I have personally admitted to any wrongdoing, shouldn't you first believe in me and help me, rather than siding with others to frame and discipline me?"

Jiang Li's words were exceptionally blunt, leaving the surrounding guests somewhat uneasy. Who would dare speak to the Grand Secretary in such a manner? Although Jiang Yuanbai often appeared as a smiling peacemaker in court, no one truly believed he was someone to be easily manipulated.

"You dare to quibble?" Jiang Yuanbai trembled with rage.

"Li'er, Xiang Qiao has testified to witnessing it with her own eyes. Do you still refuse to admit that you were the one who did it?" Ji Shuran said. "Although your father is angry, you are his legitimate daughter. If you admit your mistake properly and apologize, we can let this matter rest."

Ji Shuran spoke with great magnanimity.

Jiang Li found it somewhat amusing. Admit the mistake, apologize, and the matter would be dropped?

Of course not. Once she admitted to these trumped-up charges, the reputation of Jiang Li as malicious and vicious would be forever sealed, with no chance of redemption. How sinister the scheme was.

Although she herself did not care for such empty reputations, the poor girl—the real Second Miss Jiang—would not have thought the same.

Jiang Li said, "If I did it, I did it. If I didn't, I am not a docile scapegoat for anyone to dump unknown filth upon. Today, I declare here and now: I did not make the knife marks on that headpiece. Among everyone present here, who believes me?"

The crowd stared at her.

The girl spoke softly and gently, her features delicate and graceful, yet there was an unyielding stubbornness and resilience in her demeanor. It was as if an unshakable tenacity could be seen in her stream-like eyes.

No one spoke.

The guests averted their gazes, which was to be expected. After all, this was merely a family matter of the Jiang family. Old Madam Jiang stared at Jiang Li, lost in thought. Jiang Yuanbai's eyes were filled with anger and regret. Jiang Youyao and Ji Shuran clung to each other, weeping sorrowfully.

Further back, Jiang Bingji glared at her with hostility. Jiang Yuyan hesitated timidly, while Jiang Yu'e looked triumphant. Yang Shi avoided eye contact, and Lu Shi watched as if enjoying a spectacle. Jiang Yuanping smiled as he observed from the sidelines, and Jiang Yuanxing lowered his head, pretending not to see anything.Jiang Jingyou and Jiang Jingrui were huddled together, whispering as if they hadn't heard Jiang Li's words.

Had they truly not heard? It was merely self-preservation.

Jiang Li's gaze swept over them one by one, a faint smile curling at the corners of her lips—though that smile carried a touch of mockery.

In this vast Jiang residence, among her own flesh and blood, not a single soul stood by her side or believed in her.

How pitiful Second Miss Jiang is, Jiang Li sighed inwardly, though she couldn't tell whether this sigh was for Second Miss Jiang or for herself.

(End of Chapter)