The Double

Chapter 90: Returning Home

“Why wait? This is the perfect opportunity. After Uncle Mingxuan finishes his business, I’ll return to Xiangyang with him.”

Upon hearing this, both Ye Shijie and Ye Mingxuan were stunned. Tong’er also widened her eyes in surprise.

After a long silence, Ye Mingxuan asked doubtfully, “Did you just say you want to go back to Xiangyang with me?”

“Yes,” Jiang Li replied cheerfully. “It’s been many years since I last saw Grandmother and my uncles. When I was young and ignorant, I made many mistakes. Later, as I grew older, I deeply regretted my actions but never had the chance to apologize in person. Now that Uncle is in Yanjing and will be returning to Xiangyang soon, this seems like the perfect opportunity.” She lowered her head slightly, her tone tinged with remorse. “I’ve never had the chance to show filial devotion to Grandmother. Whenever I think of it, I feel uneasy.”

Ye Shijie almost scoffed instinctively. Hearing such words from Jiang Li’s mouth felt like a joke. After all, the Jiang Li of the past had never treated the Ye family members who came to fetch her with such kindness. Yet, just as the mocking words lingered on the tip of his tongue, he found himself unable to utter them when he met Jiang Li’s smiling eyes.

If she were lying, she had to be the most skilled deceiver in the world. Her eyes were so sincere that doubting her felt like an insult.

Ye Mingxuan, on the other hand, was too shocked to speak.

As the most shrewd and perceptive among the three sons of the Ye family, Ye Mingxuan had spent years in business and was not easily convinced. Unlike Ye Shijie, who had unconsciously begun to accept Jiang Li’s transformation and regard her as one of their own, Ye Mingxuan firmly believed that a person’s nature did not change so easily.

Moreover, even if the young Jiang Li had been influenced to distance herself from the Ye family back then, why would the person behind it not continue to manipulate her over the years after the Ye family left? Jiang Li’s sudden awakening seemed utterly unreasonable.

The Jiang Li he saw today was indeed a far cry from the one in his memories. Whether in demeanor or conversation, she now stood out as one of the most accomplished noble ladies in Yanjing City. As for her sudden friendliness toward the Ye family, Ye Mingxuan dared not jump to conclusions. He speculated that it might be under the direction of the Jiang family or Jiang Yuanbai, or perhaps Jiang Li had ulterior motives. After all, anyone could pretend to be friendly.

But her sudden proposal to return to Xiangyang left Ye Mingxuan baffled.

For one, although the Ye family was immensely wealthy, Xiangyang could not compare to the prosperity of Yanjing City. Moreover, the journey would be long and arduous—how could a pampered young lady endure it? On the other hand, if this was indeed orchestrated by Jiang Yuanbai or the Jiang family, what benefit would they gain from sending Jiang Li back to the Ye family? After all, Jiang Li alone could not stir up much trouble in the Ye family; she would be isolated and powerless. If not to cause trouble, was it merely to curry favor with the Ye family? Why would the Jiang family go to such lengths?

“Uncle, there’s no need to overthink it,” Jiang Li said with a bright smile. “I just want to visit Grandmother, that’s all.” As if she could read Ye Mingxuan’s thoughts, she suddenly added.

Caught off guard, Ye Mingxuan showed no sign of embarrassment. Instead, he smiled instantly and said, “I was just thinking that the journey back to Xiangyang is long and difficult. How could a young lady like you endure it?”

“Uncle, you’ve forgotten—I lived in a nunnery for eight years. I had to fetch water and chop firewood myself. I’m not that delicate,” Jiang Li replied.She spoke with utter frankness, as if she didn't find this the slightest bit shameful, merely recounting a past experience with detached calmness, which made Ye Mingxuan momentarily speechless.

Ye Shijie frowned slightly.

"But... I'm afraid your father might not feel comfortable letting you return with us," Ye Mingxuan mused.

"If Uncle goes to negotiate with Father, I believe he will allow me to go back," Jiang Li said calmly. "Mother has been gone for over ten years, I've grown up, and there's still Third Sister in the household. I'm not the only legitimate daughter—Father's attention won't be entirely focused on me alone."

Her words carried hidden implications. After Ye Zhenzhen's death, Ji Shuran became the stepmother. To create the image of a loving mother, she would need to get close to Jiang Li. Yet, as long as the Ye family existed, Ji Shuran could never become the person closest to Jiang Li. Therefore, a rift had to be created between Jiang Li and the Ye family. As for how this rift was formed, it depended on the methods used.

This was something Jiang Li later realized. Back then, Ji Shuran likely coaxed the young Second Miss Jiang into saying something disrespectful about her maternal grandmother for unknown reasons, causing the relationship between the two families to break down. Whether Jiang Yuanbai knew about it was uncertain, but even if he did, between a merchant's in-laws and the in-laws of the Vice Metropolitan Inspector-General, he would prefer the latter.

Newcomers replace the old, only the new ones are favored, while the cries of the old go unheard.

This Uncle Mingxuan seemed like an intelligent man—he wouldn't fail to grasp the meaning behind her words.

"Moreover, Eldest Cousin has now become a Vice Minister of Revenue," Jiang Li smiled. "Father will surely agree to more interactions between our two families."

People often say merchants prioritize profit over relationships, but those who pride themselves on being noble officials—how noble are they really? The politics and shifting allegiances in official circles can be even more ruthless and ugly than in the business world.

Such is human nature, such are desires.

Ye Mingxuan looked at her meaningfully. "A Li understands quite well."

Jiang Li's perceptiveness to this extent truly surprised Ye Mingxuan, but what surprised him even more was her candidness. Jiang Li hid nothing, which instead made it harder to discern what she truly intended to do.

He was momentarily at a loss for words.

Just then, Ye Shijie suddenly spoke. He looked at Jiang Li and asked, word by word, "Do you really want to return to Xiangyang to see Grandmother?"

"Absolutely true," Jiang Li replied, feeling somewhat helpless inside. What should have been a natural request had become strange and suspicious due to the long-standing rift between the Ye and Jiang families.

Ye Shijie stared fixedly at Jiang Li. The young man's face showed a serious expression, his gaze carrying a scrutinizing tone. After a moment, he turned to Ye Mingxuan and said, "Since she wants to go, Uncle, take her back."

Ye Mingxuan looked at him in surprise.

But Ye Shijie only kept his eyes on Jiang Li, his words laden with implication: "It's rare for Cousin to have such sentiments. It's just a matter of an extra pair of chopsticks—let her go back to see Grandmother and fulfill her filial duties."

Jiang Li gave Ye Shijie a slight smile. "Thank you, Cousin."

Ye Shijie still had his doubts about her, but he had finally begun to trust her.

After a long silence, Ye Mingxuan looked up and said to Jiang Li, "Then I'll discuss it with your father first."

"Alright," Jiang Li said.

..."You want to return to Xiangyang?" In the Evening Phoenix Hall, Jiang Yuanbai, who had just returned from court and hadn't yet changed out of his official robes, frowned as he asked Jiang Li.

Jiang Li nodded. "I heard from Uncle Mingxuan that Grandmother hasn't been well lately. It's been many years since I last saw her, and I truly miss her." She continued, "Besides, I've never been to Xiangyang before. After much consideration, I think I should go and see it."

Jiang Yuanbai looked toward Ye Mingxuan, who responded with a gentle, refined smile.

Jiang Yuanbai didn't harbor much dislike for Ye Mingxuan. Although the Ye family were merchants, Ye Mingxuan, the second master of the Ye family, was the least merchant-like among them. Well-read and lacking the strong scent of mercantile greed, Jiang Yuanbai was willing to speak a few more words with him.

Even so, after years without contact, this sudden reconnection felt somewhat awkward.

"Since A Li is sincere, why not let her visit the place where Zhenzhen once lived?" Ye Mingxuan said with a smile. "Lord Jiang, rest assured, we will take good care of A Li."

"How can that be?" Ji Shuran, standing beside Jiang Yuanbai, spoke up with concern. "The journey is long and arduous. Moreover, Li'er has never been to Xiangyang. How will she adapt to the food and lodging there?"

Ye Shijie felt displeased. Ji Shuran's words implied that the Ye family would mistreat Jiang Li. To put it bluntly, regardless of the distinction between officials and merchants, the Ye family's standard of living was no worse than that of the Grand Secretary's residence.

"Mother worries too much," Jiang Li said indifferently. "I lived in the nunnery on Qingcheng Mountain for eight years and managed just fine. I've long grown accustomed to it. Xiangyang should be much livelier than Qingcheng Mountain."

Ji Shuran was left speechless by Jiang Li's retort. What should have been a lifelong disgrace for Jiang Li now seemed like a badge of honor, a protective talisman she wielded effortlessly. What was infuriating was how effectively she used it. Judging by Jiang Yuanbai's expression, he immediately softened toward Jiang Li.

Ji Shuran's smile tightened with barely concealed resentment. Lately, she had been busy comforting the heartbroken Jiang Youyao and acting cautiously to win Jiang Yuanbai's pity, leaving her no time to pay attention to Jiang Li. She had no idea how Jiang Li had gotten involved with the Ye family. Even as an orphan without the Ye family's support, Jiang Li had already stirred up trouble. With the Ye family backing her, who knew what else she might do?

"It's not that it's a bad idea..." Jiang Yuanbai mused.

Ye Mingxuan, observing the tension between Ji Shuran and Jiang Li, grew thoughtful. It seemed their relationship was indeed strained. Given that Jiang Li had caused Ji Shuran's miscarriage, their coldness was expected. What was unexpected was Jiang Yuanbai's attitude—he didn't seem to fully side with Ji Shuran.

This was no simple matter.

"Since the second girl wishes to return to Xiangyang, let her make the trip," Old Madam Jiang, seated in the place of honor, interjected at the right moment. "If not for my poor health, I would have liked to see her too." She sighed. "So many years have passed. The second girl has grown up. It's time she paid a visit."Old Madam Jiang truly held some affection for the Ye family. After all, Ye Zhenzhen had been the daughter-in-law she personally selected back then. Ye Zhenzhen was simple and endearing; though not particularly shrewd, she made up for it with her kind-hearted nature. As for Ji Shuran, the wife Jiang Yuanbai had chosen himself, Old Madam Jiang neither disliked nor particularly favored her. However, with the Ji family's rising influence, out of courtesy, Old Madam Jiang treated Ji Shuran amiably. It was only after Ji Shuran lost her child because of Jiang Li that Old Madam Jiang began to genuinely warm up to her.

But recent events had made Old Madam Jiang wonder whether Jiang Yuanbai’s judgment had been flawed.

Jiang Li had grown increasingly outstanding. Since returning from Qingcheng Mountain, she had repeatedly become a topic of conversation in Yanjing City. Yet, it had to be said that among the Jiang family’s daughters, Jiang Li was the cleverest.

With her discerning eye, Old Madam Jiang saw that having such an intelligent legitimate daughter, who appeared to harbor no ill intentions, was certainly not a bad thing. Moreover, with the Ye family producing someone like Ye Shijie, Old Madam Jiang believed his future official career would likely flourish.

It was time to restore good relations with the Ye family, Old Madam Jiang thought to herself. At the very least, she couldn’t let Ji Shuran assume that as long as the Ji family existed, she could act without fear. The Ji family might be climbing the ranks by relying on Li Pin, but the Jiang family had no need to curry favor with the Ji family for anything. If Ji Shuran had forgotten her place, it was necessary to remind her that this was the Jiang family, not the Ji family.

"Mother—" Ji Shuran grew anxious. Old Madam Jiang’s words were nothing short of a slap in the face to her. It was then that she suddenly realized, almost imperceptibly, that both Jiang Yuanbai and Old Madam Jiang were gradually siding with Jiang Li.

She couldn’t believe it.

What had Jiang Li done? It seemed Jiang Li had done nothing at all. She hadn’t fawned over Old Madam Jiang daily like Jiang Bingji, nor had she sought to please Jiang Yuanbai like Jiang Youyao. How had she managed it?

Ji Shuran abruptly turned her gaze to Jiang Li.

Jiang Li responded with a faint smile.

There was no need to do anything. In an official family where interests came first, perhaps affection wasn’t entirely absent. But relying on that meager and unstable affection to survive was far from secure. Who knew if one day that affection would vanish, or if someone might believe slanderous words, and everything once possessed could come crashing down.

One must rely on oneself—this was a truth Jiang Li had learned through blood and tears. She hadn’t groveled or ingratiated herself before the Jiang family. She simply went about her own affairs quietly, proving her own worth.

A daughter without value could be trampled upon at will. A pearl couldn’t be sold as a fish’s eye. As long as the Jiang family saw her as useful, they wouldn’t easily cast her aside.

"Then it’s settled," Old Madam Jiang declared decisively, looking at Ye Mingxuan. "If you need anything for the journey, feel free to let us know. Our second young lady is still a daughter of the Jiang family. We ask that you take good care of her this time."

Her words were exceedingly polite.

Ye Mingxuan quickly bowed in agreement. He felt a peculiar unease himself. Today, he had only intended to see the "changed" Jiang Li that Ye Shijie had spoken of, never expecting such an outcome—and even ending up taking Jiang Li to Xiangyang.But was Jiang Li truly unafraid? Ye Mingxuan couldn't help glancing at her. The Ye family did harbor some resentment toward Jiang Li, and certain estrangements weren't so easily resolved. If Jiang Li went to the Ye family, she would inevitably face cold shoulders initially. As a young lady accustomed to privilege, how long could she endure such indifference—offering warmth only to meet with rejection? Why travel such a long distance just to suffer?

Ye Mingxuan didn’t believe Jiang Li hadn’t considered these points. The girl appeared clever enough to have thought it through long ago.

Yet...

He noticed Jiang Li looking back at him. Her eyes were clear and bright, but undeniably, anyone could see the firm resolve in them.

She gazed at him with unwavering, persistent determination and a slight smile, as if going to Xiangyang was a lifelong mission she had to fulfill.

Jiang Li was indeed resolute.

She had to return to Xiangyang, no matter the cost—she must see her father one more time.

This was her heartfelt wish.

...

On the way back, Ye Shijie and Ye Mingxuan walked in silence.

Everything that had transpired at the Jiang residence had taken them completely by surprise. Before their visit, they had anticipated various scenarios, but reality had still caught them off guard.

As they approached the inn, Ye Mingxuan asked his nephew, "Shijie, do you think A Li genuinely wants to return to Xiangyang to see your grandmother?"

"I don’t know," Ye Shijie replied irritably. "She’s full of schemes—who can see through her?"

Among his peers, Ye Shijie was considered mature for his age. As the eldest grandson of the Ye family, he was destined to shoulder its responsibilities. Yet, facing Jiang Li, he often felt helpless. He truly couldn’t fathom what went on in her mind, while she seemed to guess his every thought. This sense of being outmaneuvered was unpleasant, and today was no exception. Ye Shijie didn’t even have the energy to speak with Ye Mingxuan.

"I think," Ye Mingxuan pondered, "it wasn’t a sudden impulse. She must have wanted to return to Xiangyang for a long time but lacked the opportunity. My visit to the Jiang family today provided the chance, and she seized it."

Ye Mingxuan’s speculation wasn’t far off. Jiang Li had indeed been planning her return to Xiangyang early on, intending to use the Ye family to achieve her goal. From the moment she learned Ye Shijie was her cousin, she had begun scheming, including building rapport with him.

"Uncle, do you think she’s lying?" Ye Shijie frowned. "She must have another motive."

"Hard to say," Ye Mingxuan shook his head. "But it doesn’t seem to be Old Madam Jiang or Jiang Yuanbai’s idea. When I brought it up, their surprise appeared genuine."

"Perhaps it was entirely her own idea," Ye Shijie said as he entered the room, closing the door behind him. He sat on a stool by the table and looked at Ye Mingxuan. "Uncle... you should be careful." He spoke hesitantly.

"Don’t worry," Ye Mingxuan smiled. "From what I saw today, she doesn’t seem malicious. Though I don’t know why she wants to return to Xiangyang, she is family after all. Let’s trust her for now." He sighed. "The Jiang family’s affairs run deep. You saw Ji Shuran—A Li’s life there is far more difficult than ours. She’s a resilient girl, and very clever."

Ye Shijie fell silent.After a long pause, she finally said, "Don't speak in absolutes. Let's observe the situation first."

...

In the Elegant Beauty Garden, Ji Shuran clutched her handkerchief, her fingertips turning white from the force of her grip. She was utterly enraged.

Time and again, Jiang Li had manipulated Jiang Yuanbai to side with her, leaving Ji Shuran and her daughter unable to do anything to Jiang Li. Originally a helpless orphan who should have been living in fear under Ji Shuran's control, Jiang Li now seemed to be usurping the host's role, acting outrageously arrogant.

This time, Jiang Li's return to the Ye family might seem like a minor matter, but Ji Shuran felt a profound sense of crisis. Although Ye Shijie was only a Vice Minister of Revenue, how could he compare to the Ji family? Old Madam Jiang's subtle warnings were not lost on Ji Shuran, but the more she understood, the more resentful she became.

Thinking of how Jiang Youyao was now under house arrest, depressed and miserable all day, all thanks to Jiang Li... Fortunately, there was still Jiang Bingji... At the thought of Jiang Bingji, Ji Shuran's eyes turned sharp.

She still had a son, and she needed to make plans for Jiang Bingji. Since Jiang Li had turned the entire main household upside down, it was inevitable that she would set her sights on Jiang Bingji too. Keeping Jiang Li around was nothing but a disaster.

"Madam, there's no need to be angry," Xunchun, the maid by Ji Shuran's side, stepped forward and whispered, "Although the Second Young Miss has gone to Xiangyang, this might not be a bad thing."

"How so?" Ji Shuran frowned.

"With all the troubles in the residence lately, and the Second Young Miss being so cunning, always stirring up trouble in front of the Master... Now that she's gone, Madam can arrange for the Third Young Miss to spend more time alone with the Master. The Master already feels guilty toward the Third Young Miss because of the matter with Young Master Zhou. This is a perfect opportunity. Without the Second Young Miss around, the Third Young Miss and the Master will surely grow closer."

Ji Shuran fell silent.

It was true. Before Jiang Li returned to Yanjing City, Jiang Youyao had been the apple of Jiang Yuanbai's eye. She could have anything she wanted and never faced any setbacks. After Jiang Li's return, Jiang Yuanbai often showed unconscious guilt toward Jiang Li, which was painful for Ji Shuran to watch, let alone Jiang Youyao. Having been spoiled since childhood, Jiang Youyao was willful. When Jiang Yuanbai showed favoritism, her displeasure was written all over her face, and she was unwilling to actively seek closeness with him. Gradually, the relationship between father and daughter grew distant.

For instance, if something like the Zhou Yanbang incident had happened in the past, Jiang Yuanbai would never have let it go so easily. At the very least, he would not have spared Jiang Yu'e and Zhou Yanbang.

Jiang Li had left Yanjing for Xiangyang and likely wouldn't return anytime soon. This was indeed a good opportunity. Without Jiang Li, Jiang Youyao would have no reservations, and Jiang Yuanbai could shower all his affection on her.

"Moreover," Xunchun smiled again, "it's easy to leave the Grand Secretary's residence, but not so easy to return. When the Second Young Miss left the Jiang residence back then, it took eight years for her to come back. Now, before she's even firmly settled in her position, she's rushing back to Xiangyang. Isn't that just foolish? Once she's gone, who knows when she'll return, or..." Her voice suddenly dropped to a whisper, "...if she'll return at all?"

"You mean..." Ji Shuran was taken aback.On the other side, Xia Han also stepped forward and said, "Madam Yilang also mentioned to you last time that many eyes are watching in Yanjing City, and it's difficult to act under the Emperor's feet. But if Second Young Lady goes to Tongxiang, where the mountains are high and the rivers long... an accident would seem quite natural. If something really happens then, it will be the Ye family's misfortune. If the Ye family cannot provide an explanation, our mansion and the Ye family will truly sever ties this time, making reconciliation by the Dragon Boat Festival unlikely."

Ji Shuran said, "What you said—I have indeed considered it."

"I have painstakingly built my reputation over so many years, only to have her destroy it completely. Because of recent events, I've been trying to act cautiously, but I never expected this little wretch would seize the initiative." Ji Shuran took a deep breath. "You're right - in Yanjing City, I still have some reservations. After all, as the daughter of the Grand Secretary, if anything happens, various parties would step in to investigate. But in Tongxiang, or on the way to Tongxiang..." A flash of venom crossed Ji Shuran's eyes. "No one would be able to trace it, and even if they did, all evidence would have long been erased. The Ye family has money, but money attracting thieves is all too common."

Xia Han and Xun Chun nodded in agreement.

Ji Shuran reached out and stroked the leaves of the qiongying flower on the table, their surfaces smooth and emerald green.

All along, in the Jiang residence and in Yanjing City, she had to maintain the reputation of a caring mother. Moreover, with Jiang Li's return and her high-profile behavior, Ji Shuran hadn't been able to make her move. In such a passive situation, Jiang Li had instead been winning victory after victory.

Now that Jiang Li suddenly proposed returning to Xiangyang, she probably wanted to reconcile with the Ye family and find herself a backer. Little did she know that this move was like a general on the battlefield abandoning his victorious city to attack a remote highland. Dropping a watermelon to pick up a sesame seed - that described this situation perfectly.

Since Jiang Li didn't want to stay in the Grand Secretary's residence, this was an opportunity to completely drive her out. There would no longer be any place for Jiang Li in the Jiang residence.

Ji Shuran's fingers dug into the veins of the qiongying flower leaves. Suddenly, she grabbed them, crushing the leaves to pieces, breaking the stems in half until they turned into tattered fragments that scattered messily on the ground.

She stood up abruptly. "Bring me paper and brush. I need to write to my father."

It would be difficult for one person to accomplish all this. To take action in Tongxiang without anyone knowing, she would have to rely on the Ji family.

...

While Ji Shuran was discussing Jiang Li's departure from the capital, in Fragrant Garden Courtyard, Tong'er and Bai Xue were busily packing.

"This needs to be taken... this too... this dress was just made recently, it must be taken, and these shoes..."

Jiang Li couldn't help but laugh at Tong'er. "I'm just returning to Xiangyang for at most two or three months. You're packing so much as if I'm staying in Xiangyang permanently."

Tong'er sighed in frustration. "Who knows what might be lacking in Xiangyang? Yanjing City has everything, but Xiangyang might not. If the young lady doesn't bring enough and they don't have what she needs there, how would that do?" She turned with a worried expression. "I wonder what the Ye family is like, whether they'll treat the young lady well. After so many years apart, will they receive her warmly..."

Jiang Li couldn't bear to tell Tong'er that far from being warm, the Ye family would likely glare at her with hostility at first sight. Even she felt somewhat embarrassed thinking about how shamelessly she was attaching herself to them.

"Is there anything specific the young lady wants to bring?" Bai Xue asked seriously. "Or anything you want to do? Once we leave Yanjing, it will be some time before we return. If there are any pastries you'd like to eat, this servant can go buy them later. Xiangyang might not have these."

They were treating Xiangyang as if it were some impoverished backwater. Jiang Li smiled inwardly - while Tongxiang was indeed quite poor, Xiangyang was not lacking at all. Xiangyang had many wealthy merchants, which alone indicated that nothing would be lacking there.However, Bai Xue's words reminded her of one thing.

She smiled and said, "You're right. How about this: tomorrow we'll go out for a stroll, eat some good food, and have a proper good time. After all, we'll be staying in Xiangyang for quite a while."

"Really?" Tong'er's earlier worries vanished instantly upon hearing this, and she immediately cheered with delight.

Bai Xue was also very happy.

Neither of them noticed Jiang Li turning around, her eyes slightly lowered, her expression grave.

Before returning to her hometown, she had to go see Xue Zhao. Though she couldn't bring his remains back yet, couldn't let him return home too, Jiang Li needed to see him one more time.

Carrying the weight of Xue Zhao's blood feud and his life, she would return to Xiangyang. No matter what, she had to see him.

He was her deceased younger brother, Xue Zhao.

(End of Chapter)