The Double

Chapter 94: Qiong Zhi

Jiang Li and Tong'er entered the Cherish Flower House.

Bai Xue, being simple and honest, did whatever Jiang Li asked without questioning the reasoning. Tong'er, however, felt this was somewhat improper and suspected she might be dreaming. Just think—how could her young lady possibly be visiting a brothel? If she were serving a young master instead, it might make sense.

As soon as they stepped inside the establishment, a smiling young woman approached them and asked, "Are you looking for someone, miss?"

She appeared very experienced. It had to be said that the owner of the Cherish Flower House was quite ingenious. The women greeting guests at the front entrance were alluring and seductively dressed, while those at the back entrance wore modest, proper clothing, appearing very "respectable."

This was natural—men entering through the front door came seeking pleasure and needed to be enticed. The women at the back door specialized in receiving wives who came to catch their husbands in the act. If they dressed too provocatively, it would only anger the legitimate wives further.

Tong'er stared wide-eyed. Seeing that this woman didn't behave like a typical courtesan, she grew suspicious, thinking Jiang Li had lied to her earlier about this being a house of pleasure and that it was actually a proper tavern.

While Tong'er was observing the woman, the woman was also assessing them. She immediately recognized Jiang Li as the one in charge, though she couldn't understand why an unmarried young lady would come here today. Was she perhaps looking for her fiancé?

But such situations were commonplace at the Cherish Flower House.

Jiang Li smiled and said, "I'd like to see Miss Qiong Zhi."

The hostess's expression shifted slightly. After a pause, she politely smiled and replied, "Miss, our flower-card courtesans at Cherish Flower House do not receive female guests."

Seeing that Jiang Li had specifically asked for Qiong Zhi by name, she assumed Jiang Li was here to cause trouble over her fiancé and naturally tried to prevent it.

Jiang Li chuckled, took a banknote from her sleeve, and had Bai Xue place it in the woman's hand. She said, "Don't worry, I'm not here to make trouble. I just have some matters I'd like to discuss with Miss Qiong Zhi. I won't cause you any problems. Would you be so kind as to accommodate me?"

The woman glanced at the amount on the banknote and felt her heart race. Even the male patrons who came for entertainment through the front entrance were rarely as generous as this young lady. Moreover, Jiang Li was elegant and soft-spoken, and most importantly, there was no contempt in her eyes. Her final words carried a tone of inquiry, showing clear respect.

The woman felt somewhat moved. In this profession, dignity was scarce. She often dealt with wives who came to "cause trouble" at the back door, and these women deeply resented courtesans like her. No matter how "respectable" she dressed, it couldn't erase their disgust, and they often hurled insults, making her long forget what dignity felt like.

But now, this privileged young lady treated her like an ordinary person. The woman found herself unable to refuse. Even if she had intended to decline, Jiang Li's generosity made any hesitation vanish instantly.

She smiled and said, "Please wait a moment, miss. I'll check if Qiong Zhi has a guest at the moment. If she does..."

"No matter," Jiang Li replied with a smile. "If she does, I'll wait here. I'll go in whenever she's free."The woman was taken aback, thinking this young lady was quite unusual. Without delay, she poured Jiang Li a cup of tea before heading inside to inquire.

After the woman left, Tong'er asked, "Miss, who is this Qiong Zhi? She couldn't possibly be... be..." The word "prostitute" stuck in Tong'er's throat. Jiang Li was the daughter of the Grand Secretary—if others found out she was associating with a courtesan, the gossip would be endless.

Jiang Li said, "She is."

Tong'er gasped, "Ah!"

Though astonished and confused, Tong'er dared not press further. She noticed Jiang Li's expression had grown unusually stern. Sometimes Tong'er felt that since leaving Qingcheng Mountain, her young mistress had become a different person. Often, Tong'er had no idea what her mistress was thinking, and Jiang Li showed no intention of explaining her actions.

Well, she was her mistress after all—even if it meant following her through fire and water, Tong'er had to accept it.

Soon, the woman who had taken Jiang Li's silver returned. Smiling, she said to Jiang Li, "Miss, Qiong Zhi is free now. Would you like to go see her?"

Jiang Li smiled faintly. "Very well."

The hostess led them along a route different from the one used by patrons, and they encountered no unsightly scenes along the way, much to Tong'er's relief.

After winding through several corridors and climbing a few floors, the woman stopped and announced, "This is Qiong Zhi's room."

She paused outside the door.

Jiang Li hesitated briefly before replying, "Alright."

Once the woman left, Jiang Li instructed, "Tong'er, Bai Xue, wait for me outside."

"Miss..." Tong'er was startled that Jiang Li wasn't taking them inside. She wasn't hurt by Jiang Li's secrecy but worried whether her mistress intended to engage in improper relations with Qiong Zhi. Could her young lady have sapphic inclinations? The thought horrified Tong'er.

Unaware of Tong'er's wild speculations, Jiang Li simply pushed the door open, entered, and closed it behind her.

Before the dressing table sat a graceful figure in a water-blue gauze dress that had slipped to her waist, revealing a expanse of fair skin. Her back was exquisitely shaped, making her silhouette utterly captivating.

"Miss Qiong Zhi," Jiang Li spoke softly.

The figure slowly turned around.

The woman had a petite face with delicate eyebrows and elongated eyes that should have appeared sharply seductive, yet her slightly full chin lent her an air of innocent simplicity, adding a unique charm to her allure. She seemed aware of her lips' appeal, having accentuated them with vibrant rouge that made them look irresistibly lush. Her hair, recently freed from its updo, fell in loose, disheveled waves down her back, creating an aura of lazy elegance.

This was the renowned Qiong Zhi of Cherish Flower House.

Truth be told, Qiong Zhi's features weren't strikingly beautiful—her flaws were numerous, and even Jiang Yu'e surpassed her in conventional beauty. Yet the artless sensuality etched in her bones made her unforgettable, a presence one couldn't help but linger over.

Qiong Zhi studied Jiang Li carefully before smiling and asking, "Would you care for some tea, miss?"

Despite not knowing Jiang Li's purpose, she remained composed and unhurried—clearly a woman of considerable poise.Jiang Li smiled and said, "No need. I came to find Miss Qiong Zhi because I have some matters I wish to ask about."

"But I don't know you," Qiong Zhi replied with a charming smile. "Or perhaps... do I know your sweetheart?" Her tone was alluring, her smile equally so.

"Not that," Jiang Li said, sitting down in a chair. Facing Qiong Zhi's provocation, she responded with an unhurried smile. "Perhaps I know your sweetheart."

Qiong Zhi covered her mouth. "What are you saying..."

"Xue Zhao," Jiang Li uttered two words.

Qiong Zhi's smile froze.

The delicate beauty finally shed the coquettish demeanor she had maintained from the start, staring intently into Jiang Li's eyes. Though she hid it well, a trace of panic flickered through, making her appear more serious.

"Who are you?" Qiong Zhi asked after a long pause.

"I'm an old acquaintance of Xue Zhao's," Jiang Li lowered her gaze.

"How did you know I know Xue Zhao?" Qiong Zhi inquired.

"Xue Zhao mentioned you to me," Jiang Li said. "I remembered."

"Mentioned me..." Qiong Zhi's expression turned distant.

Jiang Li watched the woman before her. It seemed Qiong Zhi still held some affection for Xue Zhao after all.

Back then, Xue Zhao had made a bet with his classmates and sneaked off to Cherish Flower House for drinks behind Xue Huaiyuan's back. Though he went for the entertainment, Xue Zhao never grew comfortable in such settings and planned to slip away under some pretext. Unexpectedly, while trying to leave, he came across Qiong Zhi being roughly shoved by a rude client, as if she were being mistreated.

Xue Zhao, being chivalrous by nature, immediately stopped to ask what was happening. Qiong Zhi tearfully poured out a story about being a decent girl forced into this life against her will. Xue Zhao beat up the client and asked how Qiong Zhi could buy her freedom. She named an exorbitant sum that left Xue Zhao helpless.

Having no money, Xue Zhao told Qiong Zhi that if she was willing, he could help her escape Cherish Flower House. Only later did he discover it was all an act—Qiong Zhi had used him to rid herself of that particular client. She had never intended to leave Cherish Flower House, and her tragic tale of being forced into prostitution was nothing but a fabricated lie.

Xue Zhao had painstakingly devised plans to help Qiong Zhi escape, even enlisting Jiang Li's help. When Qiong Zhi realized Xue Zhao genuinely intended to rescue her, she found it both unbelievable and amusing, finally confessing the truth. Feeling deceived, Xue Zhao stormed off in anger, vowing never to believe another word from a House of pleasure woman.

Seeing how the hot-blooded young Xue Zhao had been toyed with, Jiang Li couldn't stand by. She went to Cherish Flower House to meet Qiong Zhi. Learning that Xue Fangfei was Xue Zhao's sister, Qiong Zhi became uncharacteristically reserved, yet her words revealed genuine concern for Xue Zhao. She even asked Xue Fangfei to convey her apologies to him. Xue Fangfei sensed that Qiong Zhi might have developed feelings for Xue Zhao, but since they came from different worlds, she never mentioned it to Xue Zhao.

After that, they had no further contact with Qiong Zhi.

"I never thought Xue Zhao would mention me to you," Qiong Zhi laughed. "After all, I'm just a House of pleasure woman. For someone as upright as him to risk tarnishing his reputation... but since he discussed such matters with you, you must be very close."The subtle probing in her words likely stemmed from the assumption that Jiang Li and Xue Zhao shared an unusual relationship. Jiang Li smiled and said, "I'm close friends with Xue Zhao's sister. Actually, it wasn't Xue Zhao who told me these things—it was his sister."

Her meaning was clear: her relationship with Xue Zhao was purely innocent, and she was merely very close with Xue Fangfei.

Hearing this, Qiong Zhi's gaze softened considerably. She smiled and replied, "So that's how it is."

"I came here with a probing heart, thinking you might no longer be at Cherish Flower House. I didn't expect you'd still be here," Jiang Li said.

"If I weren't at Cherish Flower House, where else could I go?" Qiong Zhi also laughed.

Jiang Li fell silent for a moment before asking, "Back then, when Xue Zhao wanted to take you away from Cherish Flower House, why didn't you agree?"

Qiong Zhi gave Jiang Li an ambiguous look and slowly said, "Miss, you and I are different. One look at you tells me you're a young lady raised in comfort, untouched by the hardships of life. I lost both parents at a young age and was sold into Cherish Flower House. Learning music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and pleasing patrons—these are my means of survival. I don't see any shame in it. Compared to those sold into wealthy households as maids or servants, who might one day be taken by the master to become a concubine or mistress, living in constant fear under the watchful eye of the main wife, I am quite content. At least here, as a flower card girl, I don't have to worry about poison from the main wife."

"You might think I lack dignity, but if I had been born into a comfortable household, I could hold my head high too. Only those with money can talk about dignity; those without money should not even mention it." She smiled and added, "Xue Zhao is a good man. Though he doesn't seem like a young master from a wealthy family, he has a strong sense of justice. It's just that his sense of justice sometimes seems too naive."

Suddenly remembering something, Qiong Zhi chuckled and said, "That day, when he came to take me away, I asked him, 'Even if I leave Cherish Flower House with you, what will we do afterward?' He looked at me in surprise and said, 'Of course, you'll find a proper job and live a good life.'" Qiong Zhi spread her hands and said, "See? He never once thought of taking me in himself. Other men who redeem a girl don't just send her out to make a living on her own."

"Xue Zhao doesn't like me. He only did this out of a sense of justice. I can't mistake it for tender affection or any special feelings toward me. I can't follow a man who has no feelings for me. Why should I leave Cherish Flower House? At least here, I don't lack money or men who flatter me."

Qiong Zhi sighed, her eyes tinged with melancholy, as if lost in memories. "Perhaps it was his naive sense of justice that moved me. I've seen many men at Cherish Flower House, each with their own agenda, each selfish. Someone as clear-cut about right and wrong as him is rare. I wonder if I'll ever meet someone like him again in this lifetime—someone who wants to help me with no ulterior motives... It's a pity," she added with a self-deprecating smile, "he never came again after that, and I never saw him."Jiang Li listened to Qiong Zhi's words. While she disagreed with some parts, there were certain matters where she couldn't help but admire Qiong Zhi's clarity of perception. Xue Zhao indeed did not like Qiong Zhi, and Qiong Zhi was well aware of this, so she never clung to him. Xue Zhao was also naively righteous—otherwise, he wouldn't have been framed by Princess Yongning and died under mysterious circumstances.

Suppressing the turbulent emotions in her heart, Jiang Li said, "Miss Qiong Zhi, it's not that Xue Zhao didn't want to come; it's that he couldn't."

"Oh?" Qiong Zhi smiled faintly. "Why couldn't he? Did he get married?"

"He's dead," Jiang Li replied.

Qiong Zhi froze, as if it took her a moment to comprehend the meaning of Jiang Li's three words. She exclaimed, "Impossible!"

"He is indeed dead. He died in Yanjing City, killed by bandits who robbed him and dumped his body in the river."

Qiong Zhi covered her mouth abruptly. Jiang Li clearly saw tears glistening in Qiong Zhi's eyes as she shook her head and murmured, "How could this be...?"

"You only know Xue Zhao's name, but not his identity. Xue Zhao was the son of Xue Huaiyuan, the county magistrate of Tongxiang. His older sister, Xue Fangfei, married into Yanjing. A year ago, when Xue Fangfei had a miscarriage in Yanjing, Xue Zhao went to visit her and was killed by bandits. Later, Xue Fangfei fell ill and passed away, and Xue Huaiyuan also departed this world." Jiang Li spoke with extreme calmness, her gaze fixed on Qiong Zhi. "In just one year, all three members of the Xue family have died. Don't you find that strange?"

Qiong Zhi asked, "What do you mean?"

"Because of my connection to Xue Fangfei, I am trying to uncover the truth about this matter. But I can tell you with certainty that Xue Zhao's death had another cause, though it's still unclear what it was. I came to Xiangyang to fulfill Xue Fangfei's dying wish. Miss Qiong Zhi," Jiang Li looked at her, "I know you are a capable person. Wealthy and influential families from Xiangyang visit Cherish Flower House daily. For you, gathering information about Xiangyang is as easy as turning over your hand."

"What do you want me to find out for you?" Qiong Zhi asked immediately.

"The Xue family of Tongxiang," Jiang Li said. "In fact, I can confirm the deaths of Xue Zhao and Xue Fangfei because I witnessed them myself... but Xue Huaiyuan was in Tongxiang, and I don't know the details. I'd like to ask you to help me inquire about Xue Huaiyuan in Tongxiang—what caused his death half a year ago, who handled his funeral arrangements, and where he was buried?"

"Why should I believe you?" Qiong Zhi asked.

Though suddenly learning of Xue Zhao's death had left Qiong Zhi heartbroken, she hadn't lost her rationality.

"Xue Zhao was a man of loyalty and righteousness. I believe the people he associated with are not heartless individuals. I came here for the Xue family, and I hope you can help me." Jiang Li said, "I have nothing to offer you in exchange because you lack for nothing. So, I'm asking you as a favor."

Qiong Zhi stared blankly at Jiang Li. Jiang Li's attitude was sincere, almost to the point of humility, and her eyes were earnest and resolute, showing no signs of deceit.

"Xue Zhao wasn't well-known in Yanjing City, but Xue Fangfei's name was known to everyone there," Jiang Li added. "Some of the visitors to Cherish Flower House may have been to Yanjing. If you ask around, you can learn about Xue Fangfei's recent circumstances and see whether I'm lying or not."

After much thought, Jiang Li felt that Qiong Zhi was the most suitable person to inquire about matters in Tongxiang. Firstly, Qiong Zhi was indeed the most popular courtesan at Cherish Flower House, with patrons who were either wealthy or noble—people from all walks of life. Gathering information would be effortless for her, and she could even uncover details that others might not know.Secondly, Qiong Zhi was someone who couldn't be threatened. From her remark about finding life as a courtesan quite agreeable, it was clear she lacked neither money nor fear of death. She had no desire to climb the social ladder by currying favor with the powerful, and with no family or friends to speak of, even if someone discovered Jiang Li had sought her out and tried to extract information from her, they would find it futile—Qiong Zhi would never yield.

Lastly, it was precisely because few would ever imagine that Jiang Li, the daughter of a Grand Secretary, would have any connection with a courtesan like Qiong Zhi. Staying hidden in the shadows was always the safer approach.

Qiong Zhi gritted her teeth and struggled internally for a long time before saying, "I can agree to help you, but you must let me see proof that Xue Zhao is truly dead."

"Xue Zhao's grave is in Yanjing," Jiang Li replied softly. "But don't worry, one day both siblings will return to their hometown. I will reunite them." She added, "When that time comes, you may visit your old acquaintance."

...

When Jiang Li emerged from the room, Tong'er and Bai Xue had been waiting anxiously, fearing she might have fallen victim to some scheme by that so-called "Qiong Zhi." Seeing Jiang Li unharmed, they finally breathed a sigh of relief. Tong'er tried to peek inside but only caught a glimpse of a blue-skirted figure seated before the dressing table, shoulders trembling slightly as if weeping.

Startled, Tong'er wondered: What happened? Why is this Qiong Zhi crying? Surely Jiang Li couldn't have bullied her? How could a young girl like Jiang Li reduce someone to tears?

"Stop looking, let's go," Jiang Li said.

Tong'er quickly dismissed her thoughts and hurried after Jiang Li with Bai Xue.

Jiang Li's steps weren't exactly light, but they were less heavy than when they had arrived.

Truth be told, she hadn't been confident about securing Qiong Zhi's help from the start. She had merely relied on that single encounter from when she was still Xue Fangfei, where she vaguely sensed Qiong Zhi held feelings for Xue Zhao. But that was so long ago—who knew if any sentiment remained?

People often said courtesans were heartless and actors unfaithful, that women of pleasure houses couldn't possibly be sincere. Yet Jiang Li believed that when women from these quarters did cherish emotions, they often did so more intensely than ordinary people. This time, her gamble had paid off: Qiong Zhi still held affection for Xue Zhao, his death had moved her, and she was willing to help—this was the best possible outcome.

As long as she obtained news about Tongxiang and learned of Xue Huaiyuan's situation, this trip wouldn't have been in vain. Understanding the circumstances would make planning countermeasures much simpler, and finding an excuse to return to Tongxiang during this visit to Xiangyang would naturally follow.

The three retraced their path out. Tong'er considered finding someone to guide them to avoid getting lost, but seeing Jiang Li move without hesitation—as if she knew the route perfectly—she let it be, thinking her young mistress truly had a knack for navigation, remembering the way after just one visit.

Just as they reached the back entrance, instead of encountering the woman who had initially greeted them, they unexpectedly came across a man. Since the back door was typically used by wives searching for their husbands, while men entered through the front, Jiang Li couldn't help but study him more closely.

He was a robust middle-aged man dressed rather peculiarly, not in Xiangyang attire but in what resembled military-style clothing with armored elements—though the description felt odd. A finger-length scar marked his left cheek, giving him a slightly bandit-like air that made him seem out of place among Xiangyang's residents.The man probably hadn't expected a young girl to suddenly emerge from inside, and it was immediately clear she wasn't one of the girls from Cherish Flower House. He couldn't help but glance at Jiang Li a couple more times.

As their eyes met, they both felt a peculiar sensation, as if familiar, yet Jiang Li was certain she had never seen this man before. In her brief moment of contemplation, he had already brushed past her and headed inside.

Jiang Li stopped walking and looked back, but the man had already gone upstairs and disappeared from view—perhaps a patron coming for pleasure-seeking.

"Young miss, do you feel something is amiss?" Bai Xue asked, noticing Jiang Li looking back at the man.

"Nothing." Jiang Li racked her brains but couldn't recall where she might have seen this person before. Still, this peculiar feeling wasn't unpleasant. Standing here would inevitably draw attention, so she said, "Let's go."

Without looking back, she walked out of Cherish Flower House with her two maidservants.

...

No sooner had Jiang Li left Cherish Flower House than Wen Ji reported the matter to Ji Heng in the upstairs chamber.

"Second Miss Jiang entered Cherish Flower House and met their popular courtesan Qiong Zhi," Wen Ji said.

"Qiong Zhi..." Lu Ji pondered, "Did she specifically seek out Qiong Zhi?"

"Most likely. Qiong Zhi is the star courtesan of Cherish Flower House. There are hidden guards stationed outside her room, so our people couldn't eavesdrop on their conversation. However, Second Miss Jiang stayed in Qiong Zhi's room for over an incense stick's time before leaving - it wasn't a brief visit. After she left, Qiong Zhi seemed quite agitated. She remained alone in her room and refused all visitors today."

Ji Heng raised an eyebrow. "Is that so."

"Sir, perhaps we should send someone to question this Qiong Zhi," Lu Ji suggested, "to find out what exactly Second Miss Jiang discussed with her."

"That's impossible," Ji Heng replied with a faint smile.

"Why?"

Wen Ji explained proactively: "This Qiong Zhi is a tough nut to crack - neither soft nor hard tactics work on her. She was trained since childhood by the madam of Cherish Flower House and possesses innate charm. Many patrons have offered to redeem her freedom, and even young masters from prominent families have proposed marriage, but Qiong Zhi flatly refused them all. Other courtesans sell themselves to save enough silver to leave the profession, but Qiong Zhi isn't short of money and has no intention of leaving. Neither wealth nor the position of legal wife can tempt her."

Lu Ji was taken aback. He hadn't expected Qiong Zhi to be such a difficult person to deal with.

"Moreover, Qiong Zhi has connections with many influential figures in Xiangyang who are willing to protect her, much like Jinghong Xianzi in Yanjing City before. So we can't use force. Besides - given Qiong Zhi's character, even force might not succeed."

Ji Heng lazily closed his fan and said, "You see? Second Miss Jiang came prepared, specifically choosing a dagger without a sheath."

"So it seems Second Miss Jiang's cunning far exceeds our estimates," Lu Ji said gravely.

By choosing Qiong Zhi, regardless of what they transacted, Jiang Li had picked someone who was like an unbreakable stone. From the start, she had chosen the safest option to prevent anyone from prying information from the other party.

She had considered all possibilities and escape routes, leaving others with no way to proceed.

"Have someone keep watch on Qiong Zhi," Ji Heng said with a smile. "Let's see what she does next."

Wen Ji acknowledged the order.

Lu Ji then turned to Ji Heng: "Speaking of which, the people arranged by the Li family have arrived. This time, that son of the Right Prime Minister has decided to deal with the Ye family. Since Ye Shijie isn't following the path laid out for him, I wonder if this scheme against the Ye family will succeed."

"Why wouldn't it?" Ji Heng countered.

Lu Ji hesitated, stroking his goatee before saying, "Sir, your previous plans were all disrupted because of Second Miss Jiang. Now that Second Miss Jiang is also in Xiangyang, I can't help feeling she's not simple. Could her meeting with Qiong Zhi be related to this matter? If Second Miss Jiang interferes again and ruins your plans, that would be unfortunate."Time and again, Jiang Li disrupted the paths Ji Heng had laid out, yet each time it appeared unintentional. Lu Ji wondered if Second Miss Jiang had been Ji Heng's nemesis in a past life, continuing that legacy in this one by constantly creating trouble for him. Wherever Jiang Li went, "unexpected incidents" followed.

"If she has the capability, let her try to muddy the waters," Ji Heng narrowed his eyes slightly. "I'll be waiting."

The Duke's flag was raised high...

(End of Chapter)