The next morning, before Jiang Li could go to Wanfeng Hall to pay respects to Old Madam Jiang, Fangfei Courtyard welcomed an unexpected guest.

Jiang Yuanbai had come.

Qingfeng and Mingyue were sweeping the courtyard when they saw Jiang Yuanbai and were greatly startled. Just as they were about to announce him, Jiang Yuanbai stopped them. Since Jiang Li was getting up slightly later, he didn’t disturb her. He simply sat at the stone table in the outer courtyard of Fangfei Courtyard, staring blankly at the tree branches covered in frost and snow.

After Jiang Li got up and finished washing, what she saw was the scene of Jiang Yuanbai sitting alone.

Tong’er and Bai Xue bowed first. Jiang Yuanbai looked at Jiang Li, the corners of his mouth twitching as if wanting to smile, yet not knowing how to smile most naturally. “Xiao Li.”

Jiang Li nodded. “Father.”

Her attitude was polite yet distant, not like treating a father, but rather like treating an elder from someone else’s family. A flash of disappointment crossed Jiang Yuanbai’s eyes, followed immediately by self-mockery.

Things had come to this—he truly had no right to demand much from Jiang Li. When Jiang Li was framed by Ji Shuran and sent to Mount Qingcheng years ago, he as her father had failed to perceive the truth. He had aided the tyrant and personally pushed this daughter away. Now wanting to compensate was useless.

Jiang Li had already grown up. Her unfamiliarity was entirely caused by him. Jiang Yuanbai didn’t even have the qualification to doubt.

But he still wanted to do something. He said, “You haven’t eaten yet, have you? Together?”

Jiang Li glanced at him. In Jiang Yuanbai’s gaze was actually a trace of nervous hope. Jiang Li’s heart softened slightly. “Alright.”

Jiang Yuanbai was overjoyed beyond expectation.

The serving maids around them watching this scene were all incredulous. Jiang Li had once been the young lady the Jiang family abandoned, ignored for many years. Now Jiang Yuanbai valued her to this extent.

Jiang Li felt, however, this was merely cause and effect, karmic retribution. Things done in the past would eventually be marked with a price by fate in secret. Now was the time for Jiang Yuanbai to repay his debt.

During the meal, Jiang Yuanbai observed Jiang Li’s preferences. Jiang Li was indeed different from before. Her eating and living habits made her a completely different person from young Jiang Li. Jiang Yuanbai thought again of what Jiang Li had said in front of Daoist Master Chongxu about how she had spent those eight years at Mount Qingcheng. He found that even with these sumptuous dishes before him, he could hardly swallow.

“About what happened the other day…” Jiang Yuanbai said, “You…”

“After the Daoist Master exorcised the evil, I lost consciousness. In a daze I heard people talking, but I didn’t know anything. When I woke up, Bai Xue told me what happened afterward.” Jiang Li’s voice remained calm and gentle. “I was very surprised. It turns out Daoist Master Chongxu was right—I truly was possessed by evil entities.”

“What Daoist Master?” Jiang Yuanbai laughed coldly. “Nothing but a fraud playing tricks with ghosts and gods. Once something happened, he was so frightened his true form was revealed!”

Jiang Li looked at Jiang Yuanbai in surprise. “A fraud? Father, but this was personally acknowledged by His Majesty.”

“His Majesty may also misjudge.”

Jiang Li said hesitantly, “Will Father tell His Majesty about this matter?”

“Of course.” Jiang Yuanbai said, “The crime of deceiving the sovereign—I cannot possibly collude with frauds.”

“But this is after all imperial family private matters. If Father gets involved… aren’t you afraid His Majesty will be displeased?” Jiang Li asked.

Even Daoist Master Chongxu knew the principle that the more secrets one knew, the harder life became. Jiang Yuanbai couldn’t possibly not know. If Jiang Yuanbai told Emperor Hongxiao about this matter, it would simply make Emperor Hongxiao lose face. The fact that Emperor Hongxiao credulously believed others and was deceived by divine frauds was known by his minister—regardless of anything, it would become a needle stuck in the Emperor’s heart.

“This is the way between sovereign and minister.” Jiang Yuanbai said, “Even if His Majesty is displeased, I must speak.”

These words from Jiang Yuanbai made Jiang Li view him with some new respect. Jiang Li knew Jiang Yuanbai was an old fox, utterly cunning. However, he hadn’t sided with Prince Cheng. No matter how Emperor Hongxiao treated him or how much loyalty Jiang Yuanbai possessed, he at least fulfilled his duty as a minister. Even when his power was at its greatest, he had no intention to rebel.

Of course, even if the Jiang family truly had rebellious intentions, they would simply die faster. Jiang Li hadn’t been very clear about this before, but now she understood perfectly. Ji Heng absolutely wouldn’t allow the Jiang family to break the balance. He wanted a stable situation to plan his affairs.

“Then… Madam, how does Father intend to deal with her?” Jiang Li finally asked.

Jiang Yuanbai’s whole body trembled. Actually, he had been waiting for Jiang Li to ask this question, but when she truly asked, a surge of complex emotions arose in his heart. After a moment of silence, he said, “She committed unforgivable deeds and should be punished accordingly.”

Jiang Li smiled slightly. “What kind of punishment?”

“A life for a life,” he said.

Jiang Li’s expression didn’t show much change. Jiang Yuanbai sighed silently in his heart. He knew that merely this wasn’t enough to compensate for the grievances Jiang Li had suffered. But at the same time, he was still the first branch’s master. He couldn’t disregard the Jiang family’s reputation.

“I didn’t know… I didn’t know the Ji family woman had such a vicious heart. Setting aside other matters, when your mother’s illness grew worse day by day, I only thought her body was weak. I never imagined she was harmed by villains. If I had known… if I had known, I never would have let the Ji family woman enter the Jiang family’s door.”

This point couldn’t be blamed on Jiang Yuanbai. Who could have imagined someone would poison Ye Zhenzhen at that time? Concubine Hu didn’t have that courage, and Jiang Yuanbai had no other women. But unexpectedly, before even entering the Jiang family’s door, Ji Shuran had already planned everything step by step.

The entire Jiang family had been toyed with in the palm of Ji Shuran’s hand, and the first step in her manipulation was borrowing Jiang Yuanbai’s “love at first sight.”

Jiang Yuanbai shook his head. “I also didn’t know Yue’er was harmed by her. Yue’er was only four years old… yet she could be so heartless. I never imagined she would commit adultery, then conveniently frame you for it, making you leave the Jiang family… The Ji family woman was at fault, but I was also at fault. I nearly let the Jiang family face disaster.” He mocked himself. “Xiao Li, you must resent me greatly, don’t you?”

“Not particularly.” Jiang Li said, “Actually, ever since that incident, I no longer hold expectations for anyone to firmly stand on my side and believe me unconditionally. So I’m not surprised when anything happens. Father finds it very strange why I care so much about County Magistrate Xue, don’t you? It’s simply because I truly feel County Magistrate Xue and I share the same bitter fate. No one believes him, and no one is willing to speak for him. Seeing County Magistrate Xue is like seeing my former self. Past events cannot be undone, but at least now I can help vindicate County Magistrate Xue.” Jiang Li smiled. “This is very satisfying, Father.”

Jiang Yuanbai understood her words. She didn’t resent Jiang Yuanbai, but she also no longer respected or felt filial affection toward him.

Jiang Yuanbai closed his eyes.

Jiang Li put down her chopsticks. “Does Father have other matters? If not, I’ll take my leave first.”

“Where are you going?”

“To the Ye residence to see Uncle and Cousin Ye.” Jiang Li paused. “Father, rest assured. About what happened the other day, I won’t breathe a word to Uncle and the others. The Jiang family’s reputation cannot be ruined. I know this.”

She was very sensible, understanding enough to consider the Jiang family. But in Jiang Yuanbai’s eyes now, this only made her more pitiful.

He waved his hand weakly. “Go then.”

“Yes, Father.”

…

After simple preparations, Jiang Li took a carriage to the Ye residence.

She didn’t know if it was to compensate her, but Jiang Yuanbai now said nothing more about her going to the Ye residence. The gatekeepers didn’t ask many questions either. Jiang Li as a whole person was much freer than before.

In the carriage, Tong’er said, “Master finally knows to care for Young Lady. This time Young Lady’s bitter days have ended and sweet days have come. The Ji family woman’s true face has been recognized. From now on, no one else in the household will try to trip up Young Lady.”

Jiang Li smiled. “Let’s hope so.”

Actually, regarding the Jiang family’s struggles, aside from wanting to seek justice for Second Miss Jiang, for herself personally, she really couldn’t muster much interest. On the contrary, going to the Ye residence next made her more nervous than facing Daoist Master Chongxu the other day.

Zhao Ke said Ji Heng wanted to introduce her to someone—this person was Northern Yan’s foremost divine physician who might be able to cure Father’s illness. Jiang Li dreamed of having Xue Huaiyuan recover his wits. For her, being able to meet and recognize Xue Huaiyuan was the most fortunate thing in this world. At least it made her understand that as Xue Fangfei, she wasn’t alone in this world.

The closer they got to the Ye residence, the more nervous Jiang Li’s heart became. Her heart almost seemed to want to jump out. Tong’er and Bai Xue found it somewhat strange, not knowing what was wrong with Jiang Li.

When they arrived at the Ye residence, the gatekeeper saw the Jiang family’s carriage and immediately came over warmly to hold the horses. A young servant smiled. “Second Miss has finally come. You haven’t come for three days. Third Master thought something might have happened to you. If Young Master hadn’t restrained Third Master, Third Master would have insisted on making a trip to the Jiang household.”

Jiang Li smiled. “I’m fine.”

No matter how good the Jiang family was, in Ye Mingyu’s eyes it seemed like a dragon’s den and tiger’s lair. When Jiang Li went in, she suffered rather than enjoyed good fortune.

“Third Master truly treats Young Lady well,” Bai Xue sighed.

When they reached the Ye family’s courtyard, they saw Ye Mingyu coming out carrying a sword on his back. The gatekeeper probably hadn’t had time to announce them yet. Seeing Jiang Li, Ye Mingyu almost jumped up. “A Li, you’re here!”

“Uncle.” Jiang Li walked forward.

“Why haven’t you come to the Ye residence these past two days? I originally wanted to go to the Jiang household to see you, but that brat Shijie wouldn’t let me. He said you must have your own matters. What’s wrong? Are you alright? Did your father beat you?”

Jiang Li shook her head. “I’m fine, Uncle. These past days I just caught a slight cold and stayed indoors.”

“A cold?” Ye Mingyu’s eyes widened. “Then why did you still come out? If you caught a cold, you shouldn’t go out!”

“It’s already better. Is Cousin Ye not here?” Jiang Li looked around but didn’t see Ye Shijie’s figure.

“The Ministry of Revenue has matters, so he went to handle them.” Ye Mingyu plopped down in a chair. “Those who don’t know would think he became some enormously important official. Every day the lights are on until late at night. Several times when I got up at night, that brat was still looking at documents. I don’t know what he’s working on.”

“Cousin Shijie just took up his post—it’s naturally a busy time.” Jiang Li smiled. “Has County Magistrate Xue been well these past days?”

“Very well.” Ye Mingyu said irritably, “Your uncle accompanies him in games every day. How could he not be well? Because of this, I’ve been laughed at by my brother’s subordinates.” He grumbled unwillingly.

“It’s because I asked Uncle to care for County Magistrate Xue that Uncle has been so troubled.” Jiang Li felt apologetic.

Seeing Jiang Li’s expression, Ye Mingyu quickly said, “No trouble, hey, no trouble at all. We’re all family. Besides, I have nothing to do in the capital anyway, so I’ll play with him. A Li, you don’t need to thank me. Too formal!” Ye Mingyu originally felt he wasn’t someone who cherished fragrance and pitied jade, but when a delicate young lady showed him a pleading and apologetic expression, Ye Mingyu truly couldn’t be harsh.

It was as if he were somehow at fault too.

“Oh right, A Li,” Ye Mingyu hesitated, then suddenly said, “That… the Duke is at our residence.”

Jiang Li had been thinking about how to tactfully ask Ye Mingyu about Ji Heng, or perhaps Ji Heng hadn’t greeted Ye Mingyu at all and would simply appear when she walked alone to some secluded corner. She hadn’t expected Ye Mingyu to say it so directly without any concealment.

It startled even Jiang Li.

“He said you would come this afternoon. I thought it was a lie.” Ye Mingyu said, “I didn’t expect it to be true.”

“He… is at the residence now?” Jiang Li asked.

“Yes.” Ye Mingyu said, “He came right after noon.” He wanted to complain, but probably fearing Ji Heng was a formidable figure who would bring trouble, he complained in a low voice. “No one even invited him to come. When he first arrived, I wanted to chase him out. But he said he had arranged to meet A Li you here, so I had no choice but to let him in. Thinking that you’re on the same side, perhaps you need to discuss important matters, I couldn’t delay your business.”

Jiang Li: “…” In Ye Mingyu’s eyes, she and Ji Heng could both be counted as being on the same side?

Jiang Li didn’t know whether to cry or laugh. But thinking about it, in Tongxiang on several occasions, Ji Heng had met with her alone and hadn’t harmed her—he had even helped her. In others’ eyes, this was indeed sufficient reason to indicate the two were allied.

“Then where are they now? I’d like to go see them.” Jiang Li said.

“How did you know he didn’t come alone?” Ye Mingyu asked curiously.

Jiang Li said, “I arranged it with him beforehand.”

“I see.” Ye Mingyu nodded. “If he hadn’t brought someone else, I wouldn’t feel at ease letting you two meet alone. You’re still a young lady after all, and he’s a man. If he harbored any improper thoughts toward you… I’m not at ease. A Li, Uncle is telling you, what’s most important in a man is responsibility, not appearance. He does look good, but good looks can’t last a lifetime. When you get old, won’t your face be full of wrinkles? No better than a twenty-year-old beggar on the street.”

Jiang Li: “…”

Sometimes she really didn’t know whether to blame this uncle for meddling unnecessarily. She could only say, “I understand, Uncle. He won’t have improper thoughts about me, and I have absolutely no interest in him. I’m looking for him for proper business. Uncle, let’s go see him first.”

Seeing Jiang Li’s truly urgent appearance, Ye Mingyu reluctantly nodded. “Alright then.”

…

The furnishings in the Ye residence were quite simple.

Perhaps because only two men, Ye Shijie and Ye Mingyu, lived there, even those caring for Xue Huaiyuan were young male servants. Ye Mingyu feared someone in the capital would still secretly harm Xue Huaiyuan, especially Princess Yongning. He personally handled everything, and not even a fly could escape from the Ye residence gate.

In a side room in the rear courtyard, three people sat before a small table.

Hearing sounds, the three turned their heads.

“A Li has come,” Ye Mingyu said.

Jiang Li looked into the room.

Ji Heng looked at her with a smile. No matter when she saw him, he was always this magnificently dazzling. Sitting in this side room of the Ye residence that had nothing, he made even this side room seem brighter.

“Uncle, please return first. I’ll speak a few words with the Duke.” Jiang Li smiled.

Ye Mingyu looked at Jiang Li, then at Ji Heng. He restrained himself, but finally still went out. He said, “I’ll be right outside the courtyard. If you need anything, call me.”

He still didn’t trust Ji Heng.

After Ye Mingyu left, the three people in the room also stood up.

Behind Ji Heng was an eighteen or nineteen-year-old young man dressed all in white—an elegant young gentleman of exceptional handsomeness with a warm smile on his face. He walked forward two steps and curiously examined Jiang Li. “So this is Second Miss Jiang. Truly, seeing once is worth more than hearing a hundred times.”

Jiang Li had never seen someone so familiar so quickly. She could only remain silent and smile at him. With this smile, the man became even more excited. “Second Miss Jiang is truly too adorable.”

Jiang Li: “…”

“Wenren Yao, if you keep talking like this, I’m going to vomit.” From behind Ji Heng came another female voice. Jiang Li looked over and saw a young woman in black walk out.

This young woman didn’t seem to be from the capital—her dress and appearance were all of foreign tribes. Her hair was all bound into fine little braids adorned with black bells. She had a sweet appearance, but in her liquid-bright eyes was some indifferent cunning. Jiang Li noticed that on her hand was tattooed a small scorpion.

Jiang Li remembered her original purpose in coming to see Ji Heng today, but couldn’t just say it directly. She looked toward Ji Heng. “Regarding Daoist Master Chongxu’s matter, thank you for your people’s assistance, Duke.”

Though it was Zhao Ke who found the people, it was surely with Ji Heng’s tacit approval. Moreover, without the whistle Ji Heng gave her, she couldn’t have commanded Zhao Ke either.

Ji Heng smiled somewhat mockingly. “I’m just surprised you would use such an embarrassing method. You even resorted to pretending to be a ghost.”

Jiang Li: “…”

She knew her method really couldn’t be considered brilliant strategy. It was even no different from those traveling frauds. Daoist Master Chongxu’s exorcism simply exploited the ghosts in people’s hearts. Her pretending to be a ghost the other day also simply exploited the ghosts in Ji Shuran’s heart. Compared to things she’d done before, this had no basis or confidence—like children playing house.

Hearing this, the one called Wenren Yao also laughed. “I don’t think Second Miss’s method was embarrassing at all. I think… it was very cute.” He stared sincerely into Jiang Li’s eyes, very friendly.

Jiang Li simply didn’t know how someone so friendly yet unable to restrain himself had survived under Ji Heng’s nose.

“However, regarding deceiving people, if Second Miss needs help, you can come find me.” Wenren Yao leaned closer to her. “I’m most skilled at deceiving people. What I’m best at deceiving… is women’s hearts.”

Jiang Li choked and began coughing violently.

Wenren Yao looked concerned. “Is Second Miss alright? Did you catch a cold from the wind? These past days the capital has been cold…”

Ji Heng’s fan unfurled, blocking Wenren Yao’s face from leaning close to Jiang Li. He said coldly, “Have you said enough? If you’ve said enough, get out.”

“Ah Heng… you’ve changed…” Wenren Yao looked pained.

Ji Heng ignored him and only said to Jiang Li, “Zhao Ke told you. Coming today is to introduce you to someone who can treat Xue Huaiyuan’s illness.”

Jiang Li looked toward Wenren Yao. Was it this kind of person? This kind of person seemed somewhat too unreliable.

The next moment, she saw the black-clothed young woman step forward, examining her with a rather chilling smile. “Situ Jiuyue.”

“Miss Jiuyue.” Jiang Li was quick to adapt. “Zhao Ke mentioned you’re Northern Yan’s foremost divine physician.” Though similar in age, Jiang Li’s attitude showed no contempt whatsoever, but rather sufficient respect.

Situ Jiuyue smiled. “Zhao Ke was wrong. I’m not Northern Yan’s foremost divine physician. I’m Northern Yan’s foremost poisoner. I make poisons, not save people. For me, saving people isn’t as fun as making poisons.”

Ji Heng said, “Situ Jiuyue.”

The young woman’s expression didn’t change at all. She continued, “However, since I’ve accepted someone’s trust, I’m loyal to their commission. I’ll occasionally help save someone. Though I’m not very skilled at saving people, I’m at least far more brilliant than most physicians in this world, especially those old wastes in the Imperial Medical Bureau.”

This young woman acted without restraint and spoke crudely. She seemed similar to Ye Mingyu’s type—probably rarely mixed in power struggles. Though young, she had strong opinions. Jiang Li didn’t know what family could raise such a temperament. Jiang Li searched through her mind—this life and last life—but had never heard of such a figure.

“Can County Magistrate Xue recover his wits in the future?” Returning to her thoughts, Jiang Li asked this question she’d always wanted to ask.

“Hard to say. Maybe yes, maybe no. Many people collapse and lose their wits because they suffered enormous blows. And people mostly don’t want to recall these painful memories. They actively avoid them, and thus can never regain clarity.” Situ Jiuyue said, “I think County Magistrate Xue is like this. I heard his pair of children have already passed away. Such a person alone in the world without attachments has no necessary reason to recall the past.” She stared into Jiang Li’s eyes. “Forgive my frankness, Second Miss Jiang, but this Xue Huaiyuan has already suffered so much. Why must you make him remember the past?”

Jiang Li shook her head. “No, County Magistrate Xue himself hopes to awaken.”

Situ Jiuyue froze. Wenren Yao was also surprised. Only Ji Heng wasn’t surprised.

“I know County Magistrate Xue hopes to awaken. Though his pair of children are gone, they died with many mysteries. If I were County Magistrate Xue, I would certainly hope to clear my children’s names and investigate the truth. Therefore, he hopes to regain consciousness. He’s a father with responsibility and duty.” Jiang Li said.

Perhaps her tone was too firm, making it hard to doubt the sincerity within. Situ Jiuyue shrugged. “Fine, then I’ll give it a try. I’ll come daily to treat Xue Huaiyuan.”

Jiang Li bowed deeply in thanks. “Then I thank Miss Jiuyue.”

“No need to thank me. If you want to thank someone, thank him.” Situ Jiuyue glanced at Ji Heng. “The Duke seems to have words for you alone. We’ll go out first.” Saying this, she forcefully dragged the still-wanting-to-watch-the-excitement Wenren Yao out of the room and even closed the door.

Only Jiang Li and Ji Heng remained in the room.

After a long while, Jiang Li said, “I owe you another favor.”

“Strange. I’ve helped you so many times, but it seems only this time you’re most grateful.” Ji Heng smiled meaningfully. “Apparently compared to your own matters, Xue Huaiyuan’s affairs matter more to you.”

Jiang Li also smiled. “Perhaps.” For her, being able to make Xue Huaiyuan recover was the extravagant wish of this lifetime. Ji Heng making this wish possibly realizable—how could she not be grateful?

“Miss Jiuyue doesn’t seem to be from the capital?” Jiang Li asked.

“Molan Princess,” Ji Heng said. “Her father and brother died when her uncle usurped the throne. She escaped.”

Jiang Li froze. She had heard something about Molan’s turmoil—for her it was a very distant story. She hadn’t expected to meet the Molan Princess herself here. However, Molan people were all skilled in making and using poisons. No wonder Situ Jiuyue was like this.

“The Ji family woman has already been dealt with by you.” Ji Heng smiled. “Next, what do you plan to do?”

“I don’t need to plan. Problems will appear before me.” Jiang Li sighed. “Princess Yongning will find ways to deal with me.”

Ji Heng glanced at her. “From your tone, you almost sound expectant?”

“If I said yes, would the Duke believe me?”

“I would.” Ji Heng said unhurriedly, “Whatever you say, I believe.” His final words lifted ambiguously, his amber eyes full of enticing laughter.

Wenren Yao said he was skilled at deceiving women’s hearts—probably true. Young men like Wenren Yao were like honey candy placed in pastries decorated with flower petals. When girls saw them, they were always tempted by the sweet flavor, wanting to taste.

Ji Heng wasn’t honey candy. He was a cup of poison. At banquets with toasts and clinking cups, that one bright cup faintly imbued with poisonous intent sat on the table. People passing by were unconsciously attracted. Knowing it was intestine-piercing, stomach-rotting poison, they would still fall intoxicated for a moment’s dream, drunk unto death for an instant.

“For the Duke to trust me to such an extent is Jiang Li’s honor,” she smiled.

Ji Heng withdrew his gaze, straightened his posture, and said lazily, “From what I know, Zhou Yanbang seems quite unable to forget you.”

“Jiang Yu’e sent me a card,” Jiang Li said, “but I didn’t go. I gave it to Jiang Youyao.”

These matters—if Ji Heng truly wanted to know, Zhao Ke would tell him. Therefore, Jiang Li needn’t conceal anything.

“You truly have many enemies.” Ji Heng said, “One wave barely settled before another rises.” After dealing with one batch, another quickly came. For a fifteen-year-old young lady to be resented to this extent—Jiang Li was quite outstanding.

“I don’t want this either.” Jiang Li said, “It’s truly too obstructive and troublesome.”

“Do you need my help?” Ji Heng raised an eyebrow.

“How would you help?” Jiang Li asked.

“I don’t like getting involved in these matters. If I act, it will be very frightening.” He was like a wicked adult frightening a child. “Jiang Yu’e, Jiang Youyao, Zhou Yanbang, plus Shen Ruyun.” He looked at Jiang Li with smiling eyes. “Who do you want to die? Or, which one do you hope will live?”

“…Or perhaps, spare none of them?”

—Author’s Note—

I’m so sorry everyone! I’ve been sick recently and my mind wasn’t clear—I uploaded to the wrong story! Vomiting blood violently!