On the day of Yongning and Li Xian’s grand wedding celebration, Jiang Li ultimately did not stay until the end. The Jiang family and the Li family had never been on good terms to begin with, so it was already quite gracious of them to come observe the ceremony at the Li residence. Naturally, they could not be expected to remain until the very end. After the banquet concluded, Jiang Yuanbai led the Jiang family members back to their estate.
As a result, Jiang Li did not have the opportunity to exchange many words with Ji Heng. What was strange was that when Ji Heng spoke of taking her life, Jiang Li’s heart remained exceptionally calm, without even a trace of hope for reprieve. Perhaps it was because she understood that for someone like Ji Heng, taking her life was but a single thought away. No matter how clever she might be, no matter what schemes she might employ, in the face of Ji Heng’s power and authority, she would only be stubbornly resisting in vain, like a mantis trying to stop a chariot.
One must keep their promises—this was what she had told Ji Heng back then, and now she must honor that commitment. To take up responsibility and let it go when necessary—that was the conduct of a true man.
Jiang Li was not particularly worried.
The following day, after finishing her morning meal and changing her clothes, Jiang Li prepared to visit the Ye residence to see Xue Huaiyuan. She had originally wanted to go yesterday, but the obligation to attend the Li family gathering had prevented it. With nothing pressing today, it was not too late to go now.
Just as she reached the main gate of the Jiang residence, she suddenly spotted a familiar figure. It was Ashun, who served at Ye Mingyu’s side. Seeing Jiang Li and her companions, Ashun froze for a moment before asking, “Is the young miss heading out?”
Tong’er replied, “The young miss was just planning to go to the Ye residence, but here you are.”
“Ashun, has something happened?” Jiang Li inquired.
Ashun scratched his head. “Young miss, County Magistrate Xue has awakened. Divine Physician Situ sent me to inform you.”
Jiang Li was stunned for a moment, as if only just processing this information, then hurriedly rushed toward the carriage, saying, “Then what are we waiting for? Let’s depart immediately.”
……
Tong’er and Baixue exchanged glances. Inside the carriage, Jiang Li clutched the jade pendant in her hand tightly. When Tong’er and Baixue tried to speak with her, Jiang Li responded absentmindedly, her thoughts clearly elsewhere. She wondered how Xue Huaiyuan was now that he had awakened—would he be in tremendous pain, or would his heart be ashen and dead? Would he weep? Would he blame his daughter? The more she thought, the more confused and helpless she became. Jiang Li discovered that even her once most familiar father had now become a stranger to her. It seemed she had not had a proper conversation with her father in a very long time.
The last time she had seen her clear-minded father was before her marriage. After that, though they had corresponded through letters, they had not met face to face again.
Time had passed so quickly that Jiang Li’s carriage had already arrived at the gates of the Ye residence, yet for an instant, she suddenly lacked the courage to disembark.
Baixue stepped down from the carriage first and extended her hand to assist Jiang Li, asking, “Will the young miss not come down?”
Jiang Li steadied herself. “I’m coming.” She reached out her hand to Baixue.
No matter what, he was her father. Even if there were great hardships ahead, in this world, only Father was Xue Fangfei’s family. He was the only bond that Xue Fangfei had left in the mortal realm.
The servant at the Ye residence gate greeted her warmly. “The young miss has arrived.”
Jiang Li nodded and followed Baixue and Tong’er inside. Though it was early spring with lingering cold, she somehow felt hot. Her palms and forehead were covered in perspiration, which seemed ready to drip down as she walked.
Outside Xue Huaiyuan’s room stood several people. As Jiang Li approached, she saw Ye Shijie. He appeared to have just returned from court, still wearing his official robes without time to change. He had not seen Jiang Li for quite some time and called out her name. Jiang Li responded, “Cousin Ye.” Her gaze involuntarily looked toward the interior of the room.
Ye Shijie knew she was concerned about Xue Huaiyuan. He stepped aside slightly, indicating she should enter. “County Magistrate Xue is inside. He has already awakened.”
Jiang Li took a deep breath and stepped inside.
Situ Jiuyue was packing up her medicine chest, while Ye Mingyu sat to one side, seemingly at a loss, drinking tea. Haitang stood beside a person who sat on the edge of the bed. Just that seated silhouette alone nearly caused Jiang Li’s tears to fall.
He sat straight as a green pine, only no longer tall and sturdy, appearing somewhat aged. But he was still her father—Xue Huaiyuan.
Seeing Jiang Li enter, Situ Jiuyue said, “Your timing is perfect. I’ve examined him thoroughly. His body has completely recovered. From today onward, I will no longer come, and he will no longer need me. The rest is your own business to handle yourselves.” She had the air of someone washing their hands of the matter. Yet in Jiang Li’s heart, she felt deep gratitude toward her. Thus she performed a deep bow of thanks, saying, “Miss Jiuyue’s kindness, Jiang Li will remember in her heart. Without you, County Magistrate Xue would not be as he is today. If there is ever an opportunity in the future, I will certainly repay this great debt of gratitude.”
For the daughter of the Chief Minister to perform such a grand bow to an unaffiliated woman of the jianghu was already quite improper. However, none of those present felt this was inappropriate. Situ Jiuyue stepped aside to avoid the gesture, frowning. “One after another, why does everyone like performing grand bows? What’s the point of saying thank you? I have no use for your gratitude—it cannot be exchanged for silver. I said long ago that Ji Heng has already paid my fee. Everyone takes what they need; there’s no need for emotional entanglements.” With that, she lifted her foot and strode out of the room with large steps, not even looking back.
“This young lady really is…” Ye Mingyu, sitting by the door, clicked his tongue. After a long pause, he finally produced a phrase: “Extraordinary. But we people of the jianghu are just like this, Ah Li. Please don’t take offense.”
“Ah Li?” A faint voice came from within the room. Jiang Li trembled and looked up.
Xue Huaiyuan sat at the edge, his gaze dazed as he looked at her, slowly repeating, “Ah Li?”
Jiang Li’s hands hung at her sides, fists clenched tightly, nearly unable to hold back her sobs.
“Yes, Ah Li,” Ye Mingyu looked toward Xue Huaiyuan and asked, “What’s this, old sir? Do you know our Ah Li?”
Among everyone in the room, only Jiang Li knew that what Xue Huaiyuan had said was “Ah Li” (阿狸, meaning fox) and not “Ah Li” (阿梨, meaning pear). Perhaps it was Ye Mingyu’s words that made Xue Huaiyuan think of his own daughter.
Jiang Li took two steps forward, allowing Xue Huaiyuan to see her face clearly, and she could also see Xue Huaiyuan’s appearance clearly.
The originally tall and lean man now looked no different from an elderly person, his hair completely white, his face bearing all the traces of old age. His eyes slowly swept across Jiang Li’s face, the light in them dimming bit by bit, like a fire pit with remaining embers—in its final moments there might still be sparks, but ultimately it would return to darkness.
He smiled slightly and shook his head. “I am not acquainted with this young lady. So you are the Second Miss who saved me. Thank you for your kindness, Miss Jiang, for rescuing me from prison.” He performed a bow.
He called her: Miss Jiang.
In that instant, Jiang Li’s complexion changed drastically several times, nearly breaking into tears. Since becoming Second Miss Jiang, she had never felt there was anything wrong with this identity. She had even thought it was a gift from heaven. Taking revenge as Second Miss Jiang’s identity was far easier than doing so as Xue Fangfei. She had always been good at consoling herself—after all, things had come to this point through no decision of her own, so she might as well accept it.
But at this moment, standing before her father and being addressed by him as someone else, being treated as a stranger, Jiang Li felt aggrieved. She desperately wanted to throw herself into her father’s embrace and say, as she had when she was young, “I am Ah Li! How can you not recognize me?”
But she could not. She could only restrain herself and display the same smile as Xue Huaiyuan, stepping aside and saying, “County Magistrate Xue need not do this. Moreover, you are my elder, so I truly cannot accept such a grand gesture.”
Xue Huaiyuan said, “I have heard from Haitang about what happened previously. I know that in Tong County, it was Miss Jiang who acted justly when she saw injustice. Regarding the matter of Feng Yutang, I must also thank Miss Jiang on behalf of the people of Tong County.”
Jiang Li replied, “It was merely a small effort.”
Under the guise of strangers, she and Xue Huaiyuan suddenly became unbearably distant. She did not know what to say, and Xue Huaiyuan showed no particular warmth toward her. In fact, when Jiang Li saw Xue Huaiyuan, his behavior was quite unexpected.
He was not in agonizing pain, nor was his heart ashen with despair—at least on the surface, he appeared completely calm. It was as if none of those painful past events had ever occurred. He was polite, restrained, and courteous to everyone, yet there was an added distance.
This was no longer something the Xue Huaiyuan of the past possessed. Others might not know, but Jiang Li knew, so the matters of Xue Fangfei and Xue Zhao had ultimately changed her father.
Jiang Li asked, “What does County Magistrate Xue plan to do from now on?”
Xue Huaiyuan fell silent.
After a while, Xue Huaiyuan said, “My name in the past was Xue Lingyun.”
The several people in the room froze, and even Ye Shijie, who had just walked in from outside, looked toward Xue Huaiyuan. They heard Xue Huaiyuan continue, “It has been nearly twenty years. I think it is time to change this name back.”
“You want to return to court as an official?” Ye Shijie frowned.
Xue Lingyun said, “Just to try.”
“How is that possible?” Ye Mingyu exclaimed. He did not understand the affairs of the court, but he also felt this was an incredible notion. He said, “Old Master Xue, how old are you now? How can you become an official? Moreover, becoming an official is not an easy matter these days. You need someone to promote you, or you must honestly take the spring examination. Which path do you intend to take?”
Xue Huaiyuan smiled faintly. “This year’s spring examination will arrive soon. When I was Xue Lingyun, I had several good colleagues at court. They have since been promoted quite well. Having me participate in the spring examination should not be difficult. After achieving the top scholar position, there will be the palace examination… naturally, I will be able to have an audience with His Majesty.”
Ye Shijie said, “You plan to lodge an imperial complaint during the palace examination, or when you see the Emperor?” The Ye family now knew that the Xue family’s pair of children had both died unnatural deaths, and there was likely injustice involved. Ye Shijie, quick-witted, immediately thought of this.
“No.” Xue Huaiyuan denied it.
“Then why?” Ye Shijie did not understand.
“I only hope that during the palace examination, His Majesty will remember me. Moreover, His Majesty previously learned about the ins and outs of the Tong County matter, knows of my existence, and has some understanding of Xue Lingyun. He will surely pay attention to me.”
Jiang Li said softly, “Does County Magistrate Xue wish to become an official?”
Xue Huaiyuan glanced at her and said with a smile, “It is too difficult for common people to obtain justice. I can only climb higher before I have the power to discover the truth and investigate it.”
Jiang Li felt extremely saddened. Father still wished to clear their names and avenge them. But Father also knew that his opponent was the younger sister of Prince Cheng, a princess of high position and great authority. And Shen Yurun was no longer the poor scholar from Tong County of years past—he had transformed into a newly favored Secretary of the Central Secretariat trusted by the Emperor, with an unlimited future.
Yet Xue Huaiyuan was now nothing. He had even lost his official title as the tiny County Magistrate of Tong County. In a place like Yanjing, Xue Huaiyuan was like an ant, unable to shake a great tree, so he had to become Xue Lingyun. The Xue Lingyun who years ago could not bear the filth of officialdom and voluntarily left was now going to emerge from retirement for his children’s sake.
But how could she bear to let her father return to that murky place? To engage in scheming and plotting with those wolves who devoured people without spitting out bones? Taking revenge seemed to have a clear goal, but in the process, one would constantly lose things and pay prices. Such as human kindness, and such as human dignity. Becoming cold and distant—let her bear this alone. Why must Father be dragged into it?
Ye Mingyu said, “Old Master Xue, you make it sound so simple. But the palace examination… heh heh, do you think you can definitely secure a ranking in the spring examination?”
Xue Huaiyuan smiled faintly. “I will merely try my best.” Though he spoke these words, the smile on his face clearly showed absolute confidence. He did not consider what he had just said to be a joke. And his smile made even Ye Mingyu freeze, feeling as if his own words had been the joke, something he should not have said.
Upon hearing this, Ye Shijie felt admiration in his heart for this elderly gentleman before him. At such an advanced age, he was willing to return to officialdom for the sake of his children. Xue Huaiyuan appeared to have absolute confidence. Ye Shijie believed this confidence was not arrogance—if Xue Huaiyuan said he would achieve a ranking in the spring examination, he truly would. To find the truth for Xue Fangfei and Xue Zhao at present, this method was indeed the most reliable. And most importantly, this idea was what Xue Huaiyuan thought of immediately upon awakening.
From his awakening until now, perhaps not even two hours had passed, yet he could already think so far ahead. This was truly rare. Ye Shijie had reason to believe that this Xue Huaiyuan and the former Minister of Works Xue Lingyun were indeed the same person.
Ye Shijie said, “I think County Magistrate Xue need not seek out his former colleagues. In the officialdom, people leave and tea cools. Those who were friendly with you in the past may not be willing to do you favors now. Allow me to handle this matter instead.”
Everyone in the room froze simultaneously.
Ye Mingyu said, “Shijie, what are you doing?”
“I am currently a Vice Director in the Ministry of Revenue and can have some say there. If Sir Xue wishes to take the spring examination, I can find a way.” He no longer called Xue Huaiyuan “County Magistrate” because Xue Huaiyuan was no longer that.
“Young man, you have already helped me so much…” Xue Huaiyuan was about to decline when Ye Shijie spoke again.
He said, “It is not help given freely. I currently serve as an official at court, but due to my own circumstances, I have no allies. Since Sir Xue was able to become Minister of Works in the past, your talent is evident. If Sir Xue can succeed after the spring examination and pass the palace examination to become an official, please take care of this junior. In the officialdom, mutual support is also important.”
By the end, he had completely adopted the shrewd manner of a businessman.
Xue Huaiyuan was stunned for a moment, then suddenly laughed. “Good. If Young Master Ye can say such things, even without relying on me, you will be able to establish firm footing at court in the future.”
“Then we agree…”
“Not good.” It was Jiang Li who interrupted Ye Shijie.
She had been silently listening to the conversation between Ye Shijie and Xue Huaiyuan, but at this moment, she suddenly could not hold back. She did not like watching her father compromise for her sake. The person who had always taught her to hold fast to her true heart was now going to do these things—Jiang Li could not bear it.
She looked at Xue Huaiyuan and said solemnly, “County Magistrate Xue, I know your concerns. I also know that you are anxious to become an official, all for the sake of Xue Fangfei and Xue Zhao. I am already investigating this matter, and within two months, there will be results. The culprit will pay the price for what they have done—I can guarantee this. Therefore, County Magistrate Xue need not re-enter court as an official. It is unnecessary.”
“Moreover,” before Xue Huaiyuan could speak, Jiang Li continued, “these times are not peaceful. There is no shortage of internal strife within the palace. No one can say how many peaceful days Yanjing will have. I fear that before County Magistrate Xue climbs to the position he desires, changes will occur at court midway, and things will be ruined instead.”
What she said made people think of the current relationship between Prince Cheng and Emperor Hongxiao.
“County Magistrate Xue, you should not only think about revenge, but should live well,” Jiang Li said. “If your children were still here, this would be their only wish.”
Xue Huaiyuan was quiet for a while, perhaps thinking that what Jiang Li said made sense. He did not bring up the matter of re-entering court again, but instead said to Ye Mingyu and the others, “Could you step outside for a moment? I have something I wish to say to Miss Jiang alone.”
Ye Mingyu looked toward Jiang Li. Jiang Li said, “Uncle, please go out. It will be fine.”
Ye Mingyu and Ye Shijie went out. Haitang still wanted to stay, but Ye Mingyu had her leave as well. In the room, only Xue Huaiyuan and Jiang Li remained.
“Miss Jiang.” Xue Huaiyuan looked at her. His tone remained as gentle as always, just as it had been toward her in the past, creating a momentary illusion for Jiang Li that none of this was real, that it was all a grand dream. Upon waking from the dream, she would see Xue Zhao sneaking back from outside, saying to her, “Sister, is Father home?”
“I heard from Third Master Ye that when you were in Tong County, you mentioned helping because of a connection to the Xue family. Haitang also told me it was you who saved her and healed the scars on her face. You also plan to investigate the truth for Fangfei. You are our Xue family’s savior. But I heard that when you were seven years old, you went to Mount Qingcheng and only returned to Yanjing a year ago. Before that, you had never even been to Tong County. What I want to know is, what connection does Miss Jiang truly have with our Xue family that would make you help the Xue family so tirelessly?”
Xue Huaiyuan’s eyes were still as clear as ever. He could always see straight to the heart of a problem at a glance. People often said that Fangfei’s temperament resembled her father’s, though she was somewhat softer than Xue Huaiyuan.
Helping the Xue family—Jiang Li had indeed gone too far. After all, even Jiang Yuanbai had criticized her for this matter. In others’ eyes, this was indeed a very unusual thing. The reason of having a connection to the Xue family could certainly fool some people, but if the Xue family members were still alive, this lie would be easily exposed. For instance, facing Xue Huaiyuan now, she had no way to speak it.
In this instant, Jiang Li almost had the impulse to tell Xue Huaiyuan the truth that she was Xue Fangfei, but she still held back.
Would Xue Huaiyuan believe her? After all, this was a matter of supernatural strangeness. And Xue Huaiyuan in the past was most disbelieving of ghosts and spirits. But what if he did believe? It sounded like Xue Huaiyuan would probably be very happy, wouldn’t he? But after the matter with Princess Yongning, perhaps Jiang Li’s life would need to be “returned” to Ji Heng. To be reunited with his daughter only to lose her again—could Xue Huaiyuan accept this? It would be better if he never knew from the beginning that she was Xue Fangfei, so he would not have to suffer heartbreak again.
Jiang Li steadied herself and said, “I have no connection with the Xue family.”
There was no surprised expression on Xue Huaiyuan’s face, as if he had already guessed this.
Jiang Li continued, “Someone else has a connection with the Xue family. I am merely acting on someone’s request, doing all this. Moreover, the culprit and my Jiang family could also be considered mortal enemies—sooner or later, we will cross swords. Therefore, helping the Xue family is also helping the Jiang family itself. County Magistrate Xue need not mind.”
Xue Huaiyuan looked at her. After quite a while, he said softly, “I see.”
Jiang Li knew he did not believe her words at all. Father was not someone who easily believed others, especially after experiencing these events. Moreover, her reason was truly not perfectly crafted.
“How about this, County Magistrate Xue,” Jiang Li said. “Two months. After two months, regarding Fangfei’s case, there will be some leads. Once Fangfei’s case is settled and the truth comes to light, and the culprit is brought to justice, I will tell County Magistrate Xue everything I know. But County Magistrate Xue must promise me not to act rashly.”
She thought that as long as Princess Yongning’s “pregnancy symptoms” disappeared after two months, everything would be different. After this matter was concluded, if Ji Heng spared her life, she would tell Xue Huaiyuan that she was Xue Fangfei, and father and daughter would be reunited. If Ji Heng was determined to take her life, she would disappear from this world with this secret. As long as Xue Huaiyuan lived well, that would be enough.
Xue Huaiyuan nodded. “Alright.” He paused, then said softly, “My own daughter, yet I must rely on others to avenge her.”
Jiang Li had never seen Xue Huaiyuan like this. He had always been full of vitality, never retreating in the face of any difficulty. Never like this—so helpless, so resigned, so at a loss, speaking with such self-mockery.
“It is not so,” Jiang Li said. “This is not a question of revenge or not. This is about ‘justice.’ There is still ‘justice’ in this world. County Magistrate Xue should think of this. When County Magistrate Xue helped the people of Tong County, did you ever think about repayment? Your help to those county residents was just like what I am doing now—without seeking reward. Perhaps Heaven is fair. The good karma County Magistrate Xue created resulted in me as a good fruit.”
She hoped Xue Huaiyuan could be happy and no longer dwell on these matters, not torment himself.
Xue Huaiyuan looked at her and said, “Miss Jiang, if I may be so bold, the way you speak really is very much like my daughter.”
A father speaking of his daughter with that kind of loving, barely suppressed grief—it was deeply moving.
Jiang Li sat before him, shouting in her heart ten thousand times “I am Fangfei,” yet she could not speak the words aloud. To gaze at each other without recognition—the heart-piercing, bone-stabbing pain in those words, she had truly experienced thoroughly today.
She smiled. The tears in her heart were invisible to anyone. She said, “To resemble Miss Xue is my honor.”
Xue Huaiyuan was startled, looking at her deeply. “Thank you.”
Over the past year, Xue Fangfei had been treated as the most shameless woman in Yanjing, despised by all. Yet Jiang Li was willing to say it was an honor. For Xue Huaiyuan, this was probably great comfort.
“I heard Third Master Ye call you Ah Li,” Xue Huaiyuan said.
“Yes.”
“Fangfei’s childhood name was also Ah Li,” Xue Huaiyuan looked outside. “The ‘li’ of fox.”
Jiang Li held back her tears and said, “If County Magistrate Xue does not mind, you may call me Ah Li. Others cannot tell the difference anyway.”
Xue Huaiyuan looked at her. Jiang Li smiled at him. After a while, Xue Huaiyuan turned his head away and said, “Better not.”
“Ah Li is dead. Miss Jiang, you are not her.”
……
Jiang Li walked out of the room. After speaking with her for a while, Xue Huaiyuan felt somewhat of a headache. Situ Jiuyue had said that Xue Huaiyuan needed to rest more after just waking up. Haitang went in to care for him, and Jiang Li did not wish to disturb him further.
When she emerged, Ye Mingyu and Ye Shijie immediately gathered around.
Ye Shijie asked, “What did you say to him inside just now?”
“Nothing much, really. Just talked about what I did in Tong County. He was very grateful,” Jiang Li said with a smile. “Nothing important.”
“Ah Li, don’t you think that Old Master Xue is not an ordinary person?” Ye Mingyu rubbed his hands. “Since he woke up this morning, I’ve felt uncomfortable all over. Before, when his mind was unclear, I could be with him every day without feeling anything. But now that he’s clearheaded, it’s like he’s a different person. I’m even a bit afraid of him—unaccustomed to it for the moment. I always feel short of breath in front of him. What’s with that? He’s eating my food and living in my place—why do I still feel guilty?”
“Uncle must be mistaken,” Jiang Li said with a smile. “County Magistrate Xue is a good person. You are probably just not used to it.”
“Perhaps.” Ye Mingyu looked at Jiang Li. “You’re still the best—you can remain calm and composed in front of him.”
“Sir Xue is quite formidable,” Ye Shijie looked at Jiang Li. “Now I believe he truly is that Minister of Works, Xue Lingyun.”
“If he truly can become your teacher, cousin will benefit greatly,” Jiang Li said seriously. “County Magistrate Xue is now residing at the Ye residence. If cousin has free time, you should consult him more on difficult matters. What he can give you is truly substantial.”
“Yo, your father is the Chief Minister, yet you’ve never praised your old man like this,” Ye Mingyu teased.
Jiang Li shook her head. In her view, Jiang Yuanbai understood the way of officialdom with emphasis on “being.” Xue Huaiyuan understood the way of officialdom with emphasis on “official position.”
As for who was more brilliant, perhaps each had their strengths, but Jiang Li still preferred the latter.
“Speaking of which, when Old Master Xue hadn’t recovered yet, I didn’t notice,” Ye Mingyu looked at Jiang Li with interest. “But now that he’s recovered, I find he resembles you somewhat, especially when he smiles.”
“Much more pleasant to look at than Jiang Yuanbai.”
Author’s Note:
Yuanbai gets hit even while lying down, hahaha