The Double

Chapter 50: Lodging a Complaint

The onlookers who were eager to watch the drama unfold were eagerly anticipating an entangled dispute, but they never expected Jiang Li to suddenly make such a statement.

"Fine." Liu Zimin, fearing Jiang Li might change her mind, immediately agreed. Though he had conceded, he still tried to salvage some dignity and said to Ye Shijie, "Young Master Ye, this painting was also a result of my being deceived, leading to this misunderstanding. Although you tore my painting, one should be merciful where possible. I won’t hold it against you. Consider the twenty taels of silver written off. Today, out of respect for Second Miss Jiang, let’s consider this matter closed. I’ll give you this painting—I don’t want it anymore."

Hearing the murmurs of disdain from the crowd, Liu Zimin suppressed his shame and resentment, cupped his hands toward Jiang Li in a gesture of respect, and feigned composure as he left.

His two followers also slunk away in disgrace. Ye Shijie did not stop them, likely aware that persisting in the argument would yield no advantage. He looked inquisitively at Jiang Li and was about to speak when he saw her give a slight nod. She then turned to Bai Xue beside her and said, "Bai Xue, return the painting to Young Master Ye. We’re going back."

Bai Xue responded in a low voice, rolled up the counterfeit painting "Sparrows Drinking in Spring" into a scroll, handed it to Ye Shijie, and then turned to assist Jiang Li toward the carriage in the distance, showing no intention of engaging in further conversation with Ye Shijie.

Ye Shijie stood dumbfounded, watching as the mistress and maid boarded the carriage and drove away. The crowd gradually dispersed, and he shook his head, pushing aside his myriad thoughts before walking off in the opposite direction.

Unnoticed by anyone, in an alley not far from the street, a black phoenix-patterned soft sedan chair stood parked. Outside, a guard was speaking. Had anyone passed by at that moment, they would have realized the guard was recounting the entire incident involving Ye Shijie and Liu Zimin.

After the report, a voice came from inside the sedan after a long pause.

"Understood."

The young man inside leaned against the window, looking languid. His red robes spilled across the soft couch, and his expression was subtle. "The Jiang family," he murmured.

Across from him, a scholar in blue robes stroked his goatee and smiled. "I had intended to use the Liu family’s young master to corner Ye Shijie and force the Ye family to step in. Who would have thought Second Miss Jiang would inadvertently help Ye Shijie out of the predicament? As a result, your plan has been completely disrupted."

Though his words expressed regret, his demeanor showed none. Instead, he seemed quite at ease.

"Ye Shijie is merely a pawn," Ji Heng said, brushing a speck of dust from his sleeve. "He’s not of much use. Losing him is no great loss—there’s no hurry." His features were strikingly beautiful, yet his voice carried a strangely low, husky quality, like ambiguous desire, utterly captivating.

"Besides," he slowly curved his lips, "compared to Liu Zimin, Second Miss Jiang is far more interesting."

...

Bai Xue and Jiang Li returned to the Jiang residence.

In Fragrant Garden Courtyard, Tong'er had been waiting in the yard for a long time. Without Jiang Li around, she found no joy in anything. When she saw the two return, she leaped with excitement, bombarding Jiang Li with questions about how she had been and whether she had encountered any troubles.

Bai Xue was honest and simple, not as lively as Tong'er. For instance, regarding the matter of Ye Shijie, she strictly followed Jiang Li’s orders without saying a word more.Tong'er nearly dropped her cup in shock upon hearing from Bai Xue about the turmoil Jiang Li encountered after school, exclaiming repeatedly, "Heavens!" "How despicable!" "How could they bully someone like that?" "Thank goodness our young lady is unharmed."

Only after Bai Xue had recounted the entire incident did Tong'er reluctantly pick at her ear, then suddenly remember something and say, "This was far too dangerous for you, young lady. Though your heart is kind, it's best not to intervene recklessly next time. Today, you didn't even bring a single guard from the estate. If that young master Liu had truly resorted to violence, you would have been the one to suffer."

Jiang Li smiled without responding, listening as Tong'er continued, "But Bai Xue mentioned that Young Master Ye is from the Ye family of Xiangyang—isn't that your maternal grandmother's family? It's a pity you didn't speak with him then, though it really wasn't the right moment. Otherwise, you might have learned which branch of the Ye family he belongs to. Still, since you helped him, he'll surely feel grateful."

"I didn't save him seeking repayment. If that were the case, it would be better not to save him at all," Jiang Li replied with a laugh. Upholding justice and aiding those in need was Xue Zhao's consistent principle; the children of the Xue family all possessed a chivalrous spirit, always eager to step forward when encountering injustice in the world. Though she had died once and had fabricated many excuses for herself when stepping in today, Jiang Li knew deep down that, even without those reasons, she would likely have intervened anyway.

It was simply human nature.

As they spoke, Qingfeng lifted the door curtain and entered, announcing, "Young lady, Sister Feicui from Evening Phoenix Hall just sent word that Old Madam Jiang requests your presence."

"Now?" Jiang Li was surprised, as it wasn't the usual time for paying respects.

"Third Young Lady and the others are also in Evening Phoenix Hall, claiming that you quarreled with someone after school today," Qingfeng added uneasily.

"Hah, they're quick to tattle!" Tong'er fumed indignantly. "Our young lady was merely helping others—how dare they call it quarreling!"

Since returning to the Jiang residence, Tong'er had grown increasingly spirited, and Jiang Li rather appreciated her fiery temperament. The people of Fragrant Garden Courtyard held a delicate position within the Jiang household; if no one spoke up boldly, others would surely take advantage and bully them outright.

Jiang Li stood up. "It's fine. Since she's taken the initiative to inform the Old Madam, it saves me the trouble."

Bai Xue rubbed her hands together, looking as if she were ready for a fight, and declared fiercely, "Young lady, this servant will accompany you."

"Very well," Jiang Li said with a smile. "But no fighting—we're going to reason with them."

In Evening Phoenix Hall, an uneasy silence prevailed.

Jiang Bingji sat on Old Madam Jiang's soft couch, picking at the spun-silk candies in a dish. However, Old Madam Jiang wasn't coaxing him with her usual smile; instead, she seemed lost in thought.

Jiang Yuyan sat to the side, cautiously keeping silent. Jiang Yu'e and Jiang Youyao sat together, the latter looking somewhat smug while the former's eyes darted about restlessly.

Ji Shuran was also present, seated below Old Madam Jiang. She wore a gentle, concerned smile, her gaze frequently drifting toward the entrance as if awaiting someone.

Before long, the person she was waiting for arrived.

When Jiang Li and Tong'er entered Evening Phoenix Hall, Jiang Bingji spotted her immediately and seemed on the verge of shouting insults, but he abruptly checked himself, swallowing his words.Jiang Li pretended not to have seen this scene and still walked in with a smile. Standing in the hall, she looked toward the old madam on the couch and said gently, "Grandmother, why did you have someone call for Jiang Li?"

Old Madam Jiang lifted her eyelids to look at her.

(End of Chapter)