“Whether Magistrate Feng is an immortal or a little ghost, you should have some self-awareness.”

As soon as Jiang Li’s words fell, Feng Yutang’s expression had already become extremely ugly. He naturally understood what Jiang Li implied—she was the Chief Minister’s daughter, his master was Princess Yongning. If Jiang Li and Yongning confronted each other, both had powerful families backing them, while he was merely a small county magistrate. This was an unchangeable fact. No matter what, if he was sacrificed, it would be an insignificant trivial matter.

Feng Yutang found this extremely thorny. Jiang Li had come suddenly, giving him no time to respond. Yet after just a few brief exchanges, he could tell this Jiang Li was not someone easily dealt with. She had strong opinions and didn’t possess the scheming one would expect from a fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl.

She even made people feel somewhat afraid.

“Second Miss Jiang, this humble official,” Feng Yutang said with an ingratiating smile, “this humble official is merely following orders. Please don’t make things difficult.”

“Following orders?” Jiang Li laughed. “Magistrate Feng, in Tongxiang your word is law—no one dares disobey your commands. This case of Magistrate Xue was also decided by your hand. You are the heavens of Tongxiang. Whose orders are you following exactly? Why don’t you tell me—perhaps I’m even acquainted with them in Yanking City.”

Cold sweat dripped down Feng Yutang’s face. Of course he couldn’t reveal Princess Yongning’s name. He smiled bitterly and said, “This humble official follows all proper procedures. Second Miss Jiang, this humble official doesn’t understand what exactly you want to do. You wanted to inquire about the Xue family matter—this humble official has told you everything truthfully. What more do you want now?”

Feng Yutang was originally a street thug. Now putting on a shameless rogue’s face, no one could do anything about him. Yes, there were many people here, and Jiang Li had no forces. She certainly couldn’t just have someone break into the prison. Even if she did break in, it would implicate both the Ye and Jiang families. He, Feng Yutang, was making it clear—I acknowledge your status, I respect you, but I cannot disobey orders. What can you do to me?

Ye Mingyu frowned. This was the first time he’d seen such a shameless county magistrate. Wasn’t he afraid of Jiang Yuanbai’s subsequent wrath?

Only Jiang Li understood why Feng Yutang dared to act so shamelessly—he relied on Princess Yongning’s backing. He only needed to handle what Princess Yongning had assigned him.

Though she had come this time hoping to see her imprisoned father, even before coming to the county yamen, Jiang Li had guessed it wouldn’t go so smoothly. No matter—at least she had met this newly appointed Feng Yutang. Having dealt with him before, she knew what kind of person he was. Know yourself and know your enemy, and you can fight a hundred battles without danger. It wasn’t entirely without gain.

Feng Yutang looked at Jiang Li leisurely. Now he felt confident again, thinking Jiang Li couldn’t do anything to him. She surely wouldn’t have someone arrest him, a county magistrate. If the Chief Minister’s daughter acted this way, it would be strange if the court censors didn’t impeach Jiang Yuanbai for it.

“I don’t want to do anything,” Jiang Li smiled slightly and said to him amiably, “I said I came to ask why the Xue family was sealed. Regarding case files, as long as there’s an official order from superiors, they can be examined. Tongxiang falls under Xiangyang’s jurisdiction. I’ve already filed an appeal with Xiangyang, so I can view the Xue family’s case files.” Jiang Li drew out an official order from her sleeve and signaled for Tong’er to hand it over, while smiling and saying, “Magistrate Feng, the order is here. May I now view the Xue family’s case files?”

Feng Yutang was stunned.

This county magistrate position was a gift from Princess Yongning. Being able to become an official, even if just a small county official in Tongxiang, made Feng Yutang as happy as if he’d picked up a tremendous bargain. You must know that in this position, one could amass considerable wealth. As county magistrate, he would never be as foolish as Xue Huaiyuan, actually working for the people’s benefit. Moreover, because he himself had been arranged here by Yongning, he’d never experienced official evaluations and knew nothing about the sizes and procedures of official orders. What transfer orders? He was completely clueless. Subconsciously, he took the order Tong’er handed over. Seeing the Xiangyang Prefect’s seal on it, he hesitated for a moment, then nodded and ordered someone beside him to fetch the case files and give them to Jiang Li.

Ye Mingyu couldn’t remember when Jiang Li had gone to Tong Zhiyang to request such a thing. Moreover, with the way things had become between Tong Zhiyang and the Ye family, how could he so easily give Jiang Li a transfer order?

The corners of Jiang Li’s lips curved into a smile. This transfer order, whether it truly was one or not, wasn’t personally issued by Tong Zhiyang. It was obtained through Tang Fan’s assistance, using the excuse of investigating matters for the Yanking Weaving Bureau to get Feng Yutang’s seal. Tang Fan still wanted Jiang Yuanbai’s connections in Yanking, so of course he would help. Jiang Li deeply understood the inadequacies of Northern Yan’s official system and could exploit this loophole to achieve her goal of examining the Xue family case files.

Since Qiongzhi had learned that Xue Huaiyuan was imprisoned, Jiang Li absolutely had to see his files and find the irregularities within. To prepare early, Jiang Li had created this transfer order. Only now, seeing Feng Yutang, did she realize she needn’t have gone to so much trouble. Feng Yutang was just a thug who understood nothing but eating, drinking, and pleasure. As long as she fabricated a plausible excuse, Feng Yutang would believe it without doubt.

Tong’er received the delivered case files and handed them to Jiang Li.

Jiang Li glanced at the files, confirming they were indeed genuine, then showed Feng Yutang a smile and said, “Thank you, Magistrate Feng. I have nothing more.”

Feng Yutang had been finding it somewhat troublesome dealing with Jiang Li. Hearing her say this, he couldn’t wait for her to leave quickly. He wanted to send a message by carrier pigeon to Princess Yongning to see what should be done next. This Second Miss Jiang clearly intended to reinvestigate Xue Huaiyuan’s case. Though he didn’t understand how Xue Huaiyuan could be connected to the Chief Minister’s daughter, Feng Yutang certainly didn’t want any mistakes at this final critical juncture that would anger Princess Yongning—that would be more than he could handle.

“Good, good, good,” Feng Yutang said with a smile that narrowed his eyes. “Is Second Miss Jiang leaving then…”

“I’m not leaving,” Jiang Li said. “I’m staying in Tongxiang for a while.”

“St-staying for a while?”

“Yes,” Jiang Li looked at him. “Magistrate Feng seems quite displeased by this?”

“No… no…” Feng Yutang smiled. “How could that be? Has Second Miss Jiang arranged lodgings? If not, this humble official can assist.”

“That won’t be necessary. We have many people and don’t wish to disturb Magistrate Feng’s official duties,” Jiang Li said with a half-smile. “I imagine Magistrate Feng is quite busy. No need to see us out—we’ll leave now.”

Feng Yutang could only smile ingratiatingly. Damn it, this Miss Jiang seemed to have a pair of eyes that could see through people’s hearts. How did she know he was anxious to communicate with Princess Yongning?

“Then this humble official… won’t see you out,” Feng Yutang said.

Jiang Li glanced at him, exchanged a few words with Ye Mingyu, and Ye Mingyu sheathed his waist knife. Leading Jiang Li, they swaggered past Feng Yutang and left with great fanfare.

Feng Yutang watched the backs of Jiang Li’s group. For some reason, his heart suddenly felt very uneasy. He sat for a while, then suddenly came to his senses and kicked his attendant, saying, “Quick! Quickly fetch paper and ink for me!”

…

Jiang Li and Ye Mingyu exited the county yamen gates.

Just at the entrance, a hunched old woman carrying a night soil bucket passed in front of Jiang Li. She raised her eyelids to look at them, then quickly lowered her gaze and shuffled away without looking back.

Jiang Li’s heart stirred, but Ye Mingyu spoke up. He said, “What’s with that county magistrate? I’ve never seen such a magistrate! You call that a magistrate? How can such a person be a county magistrate?”

He was still brooding over how Feng Yutang had looked at Jiang Li with disrespectful eyes.

“It’s nothing, Uncle Mingyu. Someone like him won’t be county magistrate for long,” Jiang Li comforted him, though her own mood couldn’t brighten no matter what.

Feng Yutang had actually said that in seven days, Xue Huaiyuan would be executed? So quickly! They were so ruthless even toward a father who had already lost his sanity, determined to eliminate him completely. Jiang Li clenched her fists in hatred.

Seven days. She didn’t have much time. Within seven days, she had to overturn Xue Huaiyuan’s case and stop the noon gate execution. But now, aside from a case file that had been tampered with, she had nothing. Her father had gone mad—if what they said was true, he couldn’t defend himself. To overturn her father’s case, she could only rely on herself.

The people of Tongxiang were intimidated by Feng Yutang’s tyranny and dared not speak out. Her father’s former subordinates had all been replaced, their fates unknown. She had returned to Tongxiang, yet faced the most unfamiliar environment. No matter how she looked at it, everything was against her.

But she still had to move forward.

Ye Mingyu asked, “A-Li, what do we do now?”

“Let’s go back first,” Jiang Li said. “Let me think.”

She hadn’t yet figured out the next step, but time waited for no one. She had to make a decision in the shortest time possible. But one thing was certain—no matter what, she wouldn’t stand by and watch Xue Huaiyuan be executed. Even if it meant raiding the execution grounds, she would preserve her father’s life.

Just as she was thinking this, a small child of five or six suddenly approached from the distance and timidly tugged at her sleeve hem. Jiang Li looked down to see the child stuff a note into her palm before turning and running away.

Ye Mingyu asked curiously, “What’s this?”

Jiang Li unfolded the note, quickly read it, tore it to shreds, and looked toward a wine shop not far away. She saw a vivid splash of red unfurling there, especially eye-catching in the wind.

Jiang Li said to Ye Mingyu, “Uncle Mingyu, you all go back first. I still have something to do. I’ll return soon.”

“What are you going to do?” Ye Mingyu wouldn’t have it. “You alone is too dangerous. I’ll go with you.”

“It’s not dangerous,” Jiang Li said. “Uncle Mingyu, you go back first. I know the way—I’ll return with Tong’er and the others shortly.”

Seeing Jiang Li’s insistent expression, Ye Mingyu felt helpless and said, “How about this—I won’t go back. I’ll stay right here. You were just looking at the wine shop nearby, right? Are you meeting someone? Don’t worry, I won’t follow. I’ll wait for you outside, won’t go in.”

With things said to this extent, Jiang Li had to give in. Moreover, Ye Mingyu would only stay outside—Ji Heng shouldn’t mind. She said, “Alright, Uncle, please wait for me here briefly. I’ll return soon.”

Ye Mingyu indeed led his men to squat and wait for Jiang Li by the street. Jiang Li, along with Tong’er and Bai Xue, walked toward the wine shop, her mind full of doubts.

How had Ji Heng come here too? Now, to say he hadn’t followed her here, even ghosts wouldn’t believe it.

When soldiers come, block them with generals; when water comes, block it with earth. She could only take things one step at a time.

She entered the wine shop.

The entire wine shop was also empty of people. The previous wine shop had at least left a young waiter to mind the store—this shop was even better, not even a waiter present. That guard called Wen Ji stood at the entrance, watching Jiang Li enter.

It seemed this wine shop had been temporarily “commandeered” by this Duke. He certainly put on airs—when he was in the wine shop, he had to drive everyone else out. Quite domineering.

Jiang Li went upstairs.

On the second floor by the window, a young man in red was pouring tea. His tea-pouring movements were very practiced, not awkward at all, flowing like clouds and water. Just watching was pleasing to the eye.

He poured two cups of tea.

Jiang Li walked up to him, and Ji Heng pushed one of the freshly poured cups toward her hand, making a “please” gesture.

Jiang Li sat down across from him without touching the tea.

“Silver Needle White Tea—Second Miss Jiang, please try it,” he said with a smile, as if they were familiar old friends.

“Thank you, my lord, but I’m not thirsty,” Jiang Li said.

“Second Miss wouldn’t think I’ve poisoned it, would she?” Ji Heng asked with a smile.

Jiang Li smiled in reply, “How could that be? If the Duke truly wanted my life, it would be but a moment’s work. You wouldn’t go to such unnecessary trouble or waste good tea.”

Ji Heng smiled. “You understand me well.”

Jiang Li replied, “I wouldn’t dare.”

This person Ji Heng had thoughts too deep, unfathomable and inscrutable—who would dare claim to understand him? The four words “unpredictable temperament” weren’t just empty phrases. Moreover, just days ago at the theater, he had resolved an assassination with casual conversation and dealt with a group of assassins with effortless ease, that ruthlessness without even blinking—Jiang Li had seen it all. How could she be careless around this person?

But Ji Heng had ultimately noticed her and followed her to Tongxiang.

Jiang Li didn’t want to beat around the bush with Ji Heng. Right now, her time was too limited. Every moment wasted reduced Xue Huaiyuan’s chances of survival. She said, “Has the Duke come to Tongxiang this time also to watch a show?”

“No,” Ji Heng said softly. “I came to see you.”

His eyes shimmered, his lips were red and full—he looked like a passionate romantic youth, as if he truly were an elegant young gentleman. But Jiang Li wouldn’t believe such nonsense. She smiled and said, “So you came to watch my show.”

“No help for it—who told Second Miss Jiang to be so special that it’s hard not to notice you?” Ji Heng held his teacup in one hand, gently blowing on the floating leaves on the water’s surface, saying casually, “Second Miss came down to Xiangyang precisely for this trip to Tongxiang, right? And the purpose of the Tongxiang trip was for the Xue family case, yes?”

Jiang Li paused, raised her eyes to look at him, and smiled. “Since the Duke knows everything, why ask me?” In such a short time, Ji Heng had learned even this. But she had no way to prevent such things from happening.

“I don’t understand, which is why I’m asking Second Miss,” Ji Heng’s lips curved. “What exactly is the relationship between Second Miss and the Xue family?”

In his amber eyes, for a moment, there was completely serious confusion, as if he truly awaited an answer from Jiang Li. He looked like an evil youth with malicious innocence.

“The Duke has vast supernatural powers—if you truly wanted to know, you wouldn’t need me to say. You would certainly find out,” Jiang Li said.

“So Second Miss refuses to say.”

“Hasn’t the Duke already guessed?”

Neither gave way to the other, both smiling warmly, speaking gently, yet sparks seemed to fly and blood seemed to splash with each verbal blade.

Bai Xue and Tong’er stood to the side, not daring to breathe heavily, extremely tense.

Ji Heng unhurriedly took a sip of tea and said, “Second Miss has always been invincible, but this time, things aren’t so simple.”

“Nothing I do is ever simple,” Jiang Li smiled.

“Wanting to save Xue Huaiyuan is a fool’s dream,” he said.

Jiang Li’s fingertip touched the rim of her teacup, as if carelessly saying, “As long as my lord doesn’t interfere, it won’t be a fool’s dream.”

“Oh?” Ji Heng smiled. “Are you asking me?”

“If asking would work,” Jiang Li looked at him, “I sincerely and genuinely ask you, my lord.”

Ji Heng looked at her for a while and said, “I originally thought Second Miss would never bow to anyone.”

Jiang Li smiled. “Then my lord misjudged me. My backbone is quite soft.”

Ji Heng choked.

But Jiang Li seemed determined to obtain an answer, asking, “I wonder if my lord can agree to my request?”

Ji Heng didn’t answer Jiang Li’s question. Instead, he asked, “Second Miss may not know what kind of people you’ll encounter if you interfere with the Xue family’s case.”

“I know,” Jiang Li gently interrupted him.

Ji Heng was slightly startled and looked at Jiang Li searchingly. At least from outsiders’ perspectives, Jiang Li and the Xue family had absolutely no connection, not even remotely related. Even Jiang Yuanbai himself probably didn’t know that Jiang Li had done such a thing in Tongxiang. As for the hidden circumstances behind Xue Huaiyuan’s case, in all of Northern Yan, very few people knew. Jiang Li had no connection to the Xue family, nor to that certain person—could she know?

Ji Heng suddenly recalled that during the Mingyi Hall examination, Jiang Li had also used Meng Hongjin’s hand to attack Princess Yongning with cold arrows, seemingly having considerable enmity with her. In that case, when she said she knew, it was true.

A flash of interest suddenly appeared in Ji Heng’s eyes.

He couldn’t find the connection between Jiang Li and Yongning, couldn’t find the connection between Jiang Li and Xue Huaiyuan, couldn’t even find any association between Jiang Li and them at all. In fact, because of Jiang Li’s simple background, her past was very easy to investigate. Yet everything she did was directed at Yongning and the Xue family.

This was very strange.

“Knowing this and still doing it—why must Second Miss do this?” Ji Heng smiled faintly. “Provoking big trouble for unrelated people isn’t worth it. Or rather,” he said meaningfully, “they’re not unrelated?”

“My lord needn’t test me anymore,” Jiang Li said. “What you want to know, my lord will discover without asking me. My show may not be spectacular, but since my lord wishes to watch, I must do my utmost to perform it well.”

“I fear the show won’t finish before disaster strikes first.”

Jiang Li laughed. “Is the Duke kindly warning me? Surely you’re not worried about me?”

Wen Ji watched from the side, tongue-tied. In this world, almost no woman could resist the lord’s allure. Even without loving him, they would occasionally be entranced, especially young girls like this who more easily fell into the lord’s trap. But Second Miss Jiang was always clearheaded. In her heart, it was as if there were bronze walls and iron ramparts, resisting the lord’s tenderness with firm resolve.

“Originally it wasn’t,” Ji Heng’s lips curved, “but having said so much, I’ve actually grown somewhat worried about Second Miss.”

“That’s unnecessary then,” Jiang Li also said. “I’ll be fine.”

“You speak so certainly—are you without worries?” Ji Heng shook his head. “You don’t know what you’re facing.”

“I know—they’ll send people to kill me, even though I’m a Miss of the Jiang family.” Yongning wouldn’t fear her just because she was Jiang Yuanbai’s daughter. That woman had already lost her mind. She was determined to torment the Xue family. As long as she blocked Yongning’s path, Yongning would eliminate her without hesitation. At most, she’d just have Feng Yutang take all the blame.

Jiang Li’s tone was so calm, as if she weren’t discussing a life-or-death matter but rather what to eat for dinner tonight. Even Wen Ji couldn’t help but glance at her.

Ji Heng sighed. “Since it’s like this, why are you so obsessed?”

“Obsessed?” Jiang Li asked softly, as if asking herself, or perhaps asking no one in particular. She laughed quietly. “Perhaps. But sometimes, without something to be obsessed about, living has no meaning.” She became Second Miss Jiang not to enjoy luxurious food and clothing, nor to experience the nobility of being the Chief Minister’s daughter, but to personally send her past enemies to the execution block and honor the spirits of her deceased relatives.

Ji Heng observed Jiang Li’s expression, a strange light flashing in his eyes.

The young girl was in the prime of youth, born bright and lovely. She had a pair of spirited, clear eyes. Unlike daughters of prominent families, she was always calm, always composed. Even when surprised, it was only like a small stone thrown into a deep abyss, stirring up just a tiny ripple before quickly disappearing.

She was an anomaly in Yanking City, completely different from other girls there. Like in a garden full of precious flowers and plants, a strange plant had grown. Its appearance was docile, seemingly harmless, standing there quietly, inviting affection. But when prey approached, it would extend its tendrils, firmly grasping the prey, never letting go, swallowing it clean with an absolutely ferocious attitude.

Beneath her seemingly gentle exterior hid calm ferocity. And this plant’s greatest danger was that it didn’t fear who its opponent was—whether venomous snake or fierce beast, it swallowed with merciless attitude, completely fearless.

She was the most special existence in the garden. If the manor raised such a ferocious and lethal plant, the entire household would be peaceful. Ji Heng’s mind inexplicably conjured this thought.

And the Jiang Li before him, with downcast eyes, actually showed a trace of pitifulness. This ferocious plant also had moments of sorrow—surprising and puzzling. One couldn’t tell if it was camouflage to lure prey or a momentary genuine expression of emotion.

Seeing Ji Heng staring at her thoughtfully, Jiang Li put away the emotion in her eyes and smiled, saying, “Being able to see my lord here is my honor. Every time I take the stage to perform, my lord is also present. Perhaps we truly are fated.”

Ji Heng nearly laughed aloud. How interesting—the little girl clearly hated him to the point of gritting her teeth, yet still had to show this sincere appearance without changing expression.

“Aren’t you afraid I’ll ruin your show?” Ji Heng said leisurely.

Jiang Li looked at him and said, “Really? But I’ve thought it over and can’t think of any reason why the Duke would do such a thing.”

“You can’t think of a reason?” Ji Heng asked with a smile. “It seems Second Miss either thinks me too kind, or has forgotten the relationship between me and the Li family.” As if deliberately reminding Jiang Li, “At the palace banquet in the garden, didn’t you see me with people from the Li family?”

In Jiang Li’s heart, there was a moment of surprise. At that time, she had indeed recognized that the person talking with Ji Heng was Li Jing’s subordinate, but she hadn’t shown it. Moreover, the Jiang and Li families were at odds. As a young lady from an inner chamber who hadn’t been in Yanking for years, she couldn’t possibly know Li Jing’s subordinates—no one should suspect.

But unexpectedly, Ji Heng already knew she had recognized the other party. Perhaps at that time, her brief surprise had already been seen by Ji Heng. At that time, Ji Heng already knew she recognized them. At that time, Ji Heng had coldly watched her perform.

Jiang Li said, “So?”

“So?” Ji Heng asked back.

“Being with people from the Li family necessarily means standing on the Li family’s side?” Jiang Li smiled. “I rather think that you and I, my lord, may not necessarily avoid being grasshoppers on the same string in the future.”

Wen Ji was so shocked his usually calm face could barely maintain composure. Second Miss Jiang actually dared say such things to the lord? These words—even when Prince Cheng tried to win over Ji Heng, he didn’t have the guts to speak this way.

Ji Heng quietly looked at Jiang Li. The smile at the corner of Jiang Li’s mouth never wavered, gentle and proper, looking at him like a spring breeze.

“Are you truly clever, or falsely clever?” he asked softly.

Jiang Li smiled. “Who knows?”

The people in the room fell silent. No one spoke.

Jiang Li looked at the tea before her. The scalding Silver Needle White Tea, in the cold weather, had instantly become lukewarm. More time had passed.

“Let’s end today’s pleasantries here,” Jiang Li smiled. “My uncle is still waiting outside for me. I must return. Thank you, Duke, for your reminders.” She smiled. “I hope I can perform this show to perfection for the Duke’s enjoyment.”

In her words, it was as if she were a performer for others’ entertainment, not mentioning self-respect at all. Yet seen through others’ eyes, this inspired far more respect than those affected, self-important young ladies in Yanking City.

Jiang Li’s backbone wasn’t soft at all—not only was it very solid, it was very hard. Perhaps her bowing was so she could stand even higher in the future.

Ji Heng looked at her meaningfully. “Farewell.”

Jiang Li curtsied to Ji Heng, rose, and left the wine shop.

She left urgently. But this urgency wasn’t like she was hurrying to avoid Ji Heng. She left urgently as if there were more important, more urgent matters to handle, afraid to waste even a tiny bit of time, almost running outside.

By the window, Ji Heng watched Jiang Li walk to the opposite street. The squatting Ye Mingyu stood up, glanced this way, and walked out with Jiang Li.

“She truly seems very anxious,” Ji Heng laughed.

“It’s because Xue Huaiyuan will be executed in seven days,” Wen Ji said. “A pity we can’t find any connection between Second Miss Jiang and Xue Huaiyuan.”

“It’s not Xue Huaiyuan—it’s the Xue family,” Ji Heng said.

“Shen Ruyun is Xue Fangfei’s aunt-in-law. Jiang Li schemed against Shen Ruyun. Xue Zhao is Xue Fangfei’s younger brother. Jiang Li paid respects to Xue Zhao. Xue Huaiyuan is Xue Fangfei’s birth father. Now Jiang Li wants to overturn Xue Huaiyuan’s case.” Ji Heng’s voice was very calm. “Don’t you think it’s too coincidental? They’re all Xue family members.”

Wen Ji said, “The Xue family case involves Her Highness the Princess.” Others might not know the circumstances, but they couldn’t hide it from them.

“Still can’t see it?” Ji Heng said. “She’s known all along. She knows, and she’s not afraid.”

Author’s Note:

A-Li: Afraid of what? Don’t be timid, just do it!