“Most importantly, Princess Yongning gouged out the eyes of the Third Miss of the Jiang family and imprisoned her in a private jail, offending the Chief Minister, which led to them being thrown into prison.”

Situ Jiuyue didn’t mention the Xue family matter. In her view, if it had only been Xue Huaiyuan coming forward to cry injustice, it might not have been enough to topple Princess Yongning and Shen Yurun. The reason Princess Yongning fell this time was entirely because she had set up a private prison in the Princess Manor, committing a great taboo for the Emperor. Moreover, her actions were too arrogant—she even dared to harm Jiang Yuanbai’s own daughter. If it had been an ordinary humble household, like Ah Zhao who appeared to have no background, even if Princess Yongning had ruined his entire life, he could only consider himself unlucky and wouldn’t be able to cause any waves. But Jiang Yuanbai was different. Jiang Yuanbai was not someone who would suffer losses quietly. If someone harmed his daughter, Jiang Yuanbai would certainly find ways to retaliate.

This time, the reason Princess Yongning’s matter was handled so cleanly and decisively was that Jiang Yuanbai had also added fuel to the fire, playing no small role.

“That Chief Minister?” Ah Zhao had clearly heard Jiang Yuanbai’s name before. He murmured: “I didn’t expect that in the end, it would be him who avenged my family.”

Situ Jiuyue said: “Regardless, your enemy is now gone, so you don’t need to seek revenge. But in your condition, you can’t accomplish much anyway, so you might as well do whatever you want.”

These words could be considered extremely hurtful, but Situ Jiuyue had always been this way. She didn’t care what others thought. Even if the truth was bloody and brutal, she was too lazy to tell a kind lie.

Ah Zhao smiled. When he smiled, he appeared especially bright and radiant. He said: “In the past, I hoped that one day I could travel the world, visit famous mountains and great rivers, act chivalrously and settle scores as I pleased. I still think this way now. But before that, I still have some things to do.”

Situ Jiuyue applied medicine for him while saying: “Well, you can’t travel famous mountains and great rivers now. You’ll probably need to rely on others to move for the rest of your life. I’ve lived this many years and have never seen such a hero, so you needn’t think about it anymore. As for the things you say you still need to do—you’re not still thinking about revenge, are you? Princess Yongning is already dead. Don’t tell me you won’t even spare Prince Cheng and Consort Liu? I can also tell you that Prince Cheng is currently leading troops in rebellion, and Consort Liu has already been sentenced to death by the Emperor in the palace.”

The young man froze, clearly not expecting Situ Jiuyue to suddenly say so much, and these matters were things he had never heard of before. During these days at the Duke’s Manor, he couldn’t even get out of bed. Those young servants didn’t talk to him either. The only one who was somewhat close to him was Situ Jiuyue.

Seeing him staring at her without speaking, Situ Jiuyue asked: “You still haven’t told me—what is this thing you need to do? You can’t cause trouble here. Although I saved you, I’m not a kindhearted person. If you implicate the people here, you’ll have to leave immediately.”

Ah Zhao suddenly laughed. He said: “Physician Situ, please rest assured, I won’t seek revenge anymore. Since my enemy is gone, pursuing it further would be pointless. But I still have my father, currently still in my hometown. I was imprisoned and tortured in Princess Yongning’s private jail for almost a year. During this year, my father probably thought I had long since died. Once I’ve recovered a bit more, I’ll find a way to return to my hometown to see my father. The dead cannot come back to life, but at least the living must continue on.”

He appeared completely unaffected, and this openness and composure made even Situ Jiuyue glance at him involuntarily. Many people in the world who were originally prosperous, when they suddenly encounter great changes and their lives plummet to rock bottom, becoming unbearably miserable, often undergo dramatic personality changes—either becoming grief-stricken or never recovering. In any case, they wouldn’t emerge from it so quickly.

Ah Zhao’s life must have experienced great rises and falls, but amidst such turbulence, Situ Jiuyue couldn’t find a trace of gloom. He had extremely quickly accepted the past and extremely quickly moved forward, as if he had never experienced painful events at all.

Situ Jiuyue suddenly understood somewhat the reason why, as Zhao Ke had said, Ji Heng had specifically rescued this person from Princess Yongning’s private prison. She originally didn’t believe it—how could Ji Heng take the initiative to save someone? But this young man, despite his youth, had a mindset more resolute and magnanimous than most people.

He looked at Situ Jiuyue and smiled: “Physician Situ always says you’re a poison physician, that you practice poison rather than medicine. But in this world, those who carry medicine boxes don’t necessarily save people, and those who carry blades don’t necessarily kill. Although Physician Situ practices poison, you saved me, so to me, you’re a kindhearted good person.”

His gaze was bright and sincere, his smile genuine, almost dazzling Situ Jiuyue’s eyes. Situ Jiuyue looked away, thinking this young man was truly naive—she didn’t know whether to call it foolish or precious.

“Who else is in your family? You can’t travel too far right now. If possible, you should have your family come get you.”

The young man’s voice dropped slightly. After pausing for a moment, he said: “Only my father and elder sister were in the family. After my sister passed away, I also disappeared. I don’t know how Father fared afterward or whether he came to Yanjing. I don’t know, which is why I want to go back and see.”

“Where is your hometown?” Situ Jiuyue asked.

“Tongxiang in Xiangyang.”

“Tongxiang?” Situ Jiuyue froze.

“What is it?” Ah Zhao looked at her.

“Nothing, just sounds somewhat familiar.” Situ Jiuyue shook her head, but thought to herself—wasn’t that where Jiang Li had investigated a case before? It was that case from Tongxiang that implicated Princess Yongning and led to everything that followed.

Perhaps next time she saw Jiang Li, she could have Jiang Li come inquire about this young man’s family. And that Tongxiang Magistrate Xue Huaiyuan—since he had regained his wits and had been magistrate for so many years, he naturally would know the households of Tongxiang. Xue Huaiyuan was now living with Ye Mingyu. She could have Xue Huaiyuan come to the Duke’s Manor to look at this young man—perhaps the two were even old acquaintances.

Lost in thought about these matters, Situ Jiuyue didn’t even notice Ah Zhao. Not until Ah Zhao’s voice startled her awake did she look back. Ah Zhao was watching her, asking: “Physician Situ, what’s wrong?”

Only then did Situ Jiuyue realize with a start that she had spent far too much thought on this unfamiliar young man.

Perhaps it was only because his smile was too pure and fervent, even carrying a rare childlike quality. Even after suffering harm, he remained magnanimous and warm, reminding her of the sun in Molan.

Those brief yet happy years she had forgotten.

Situ Jiuyue stood up and said: “Nothing.” Carrying the medicine box, without even finishing applying the half-done medicine to Ah Zhao’s wounds, she hurriedly left on her own.

As if fleeing from something.

…

On the fifth day after Jiang Li returned to Yanjing City, she heard that Prince Cheng’s troops had reached the wilderness a hundred li outside Yanjing City.

Some citizens who had left the city saw this and reported it. For a time, the people of Yanjing City were filled with anxiety. Prince Cheng was coming with overwhelming force. His troops were said to be a mass of black, and reportedly, once they attacked into the city, they would be unstoppable.

Jiang Li still couldn’t leave the manor. Jiang Yuanbai was managing things too strictly. Even Old Madam Jiang, whenever she had time, would summon Jiang Li to Wanfeng Hall, overtly and covertly saying that Yanjing City was very chaotic recently and telling Jiang Li not to run around everywhere. With the gatekeepers watching so tightly, Jiang Li couldn’t go to the Ye family. And Zhao Ke wasn’t here either. If Zhao Ke were here, Jiang Li could have him find a way at night to let her leave the manor unobtrusively—after all, Zhao Ke had many methods.

Thinking of Zhao Ke, she couldn’t help but think of Ji Heng. Jiang Li had already retrieved that porcelain whistle. She tied the whistle together with the sachet at her waist and hid it inside, so she could blow the whistle anytime, anywhere. But she had never blown it once. Zhao Ke had already left the Jiang Manor—Jiang Li knew this. Among the Jiang family’s gardeners, Zhao Ke’s figure had long been absent.

Ji Heng was no longer in contact with her. Jiang Li couldn’t describe what she felt in her heart. She knew this was good for her. A cup of poisoned fine wine placed before her—if she couldn’t resist the temptation and drank it, she would pay with her life. Staying away from it was naturally much safer. But rationality was one thing; what her heart thought was another matter entirely.

She wanted to do other things to divert her attention, but she couldn’t go to the Ye family, and Ye Mingyu hadn’t been able to come see her at the Jiang family these past days either—Ye Mingyu disliked Jiang Yuanbai and naturally didn’t want to voluntarily step through the Jiang family’s gates. And Prince Cheng’s actions forced Emperor Hongxiao and the court officials to treat the matter seriously. Ye Shijie was also busy with these affairs every day.

Unable to go to the Ye family or the Duke’s Manor, Jiang Li discovered that her friends in Yanjing City were pitifully few. Initially, it was because she bore the reputation of matricide and patricide, causing everyone to keep their distance. Later, the Jiang family frequently had incidents, with gossip everywhere. Jiang Li was too lazy to curry favor with people, so over a year and a half, although her position in the Jiang family had changed, she remained, just as at the beginning, incompatible with the circle of noble young ladies in Yanjing City.

Her only friend was Liu Xu, daughter of Administrative Vice Minister Liu Yuanfeng. But even Liu Xu, she heard, had been busy these days being dragged everywhere by her mother to attend banquets, having potential matches assessed for her. After all, Liu Xu was a year older than Jiang Li. Madam Liu was thinking about arranging Liu Xu’s lifelong affairs.

At this moment, Jiang Li felt somewhat fortunate instead. Jiang Yuanbai was so busy running around that he couldn’t think about her marriage for the time being. The main household had no lady of the house. Old Madam Jiang was advanced in years. After what happened with Jiang Youyao, Old Madam Jiang seemed to have suffered a blow from it. Every day she only managed Jiang Yuanbai and trivial matters. Lu Shi would never voluntarily meddle in the main household’s affairs. As for the third household, they had long since split off and were no longer one family—what business did they have interfering? So Jiang Li didn’t need to worry about whom she would marry for the time being.

With Prince Cheng’s rebellion imminent, the Jiang family had no mood to arrange happy occasions anyway.

But even if they didn’t discuss it now, there would come a day when they must. The Jiang family only had two daughters in the main household. Jiang Youyao had now become that swallow—the Jiang family had long made plans to support Jiang Youyao for life. This being the case, there was only Jiang Li, the legitimate daughter. Although Jiang Yuanbai certainly regarded Jiang Li as his own daughter, his official career also needed to be maintained through marriage alliances. Just like the Ji family and Jiang family in the past—how could they know that Jiang Li wouldn’t become the next Ji Shuran?

Never mind, never mind. She would deal with it when that day truly came. If that person really was unbearable and detestable, at worst she could also learn from the stories Xue Zhao had told her back then. Xue Zhao would sit on the wall, animatedly telling her about which young lady had fled from marriage and eloped with her sweetheart. Although proper betrothal made one a wife while elopement made one a concubine—the current Jiang Li could never elope with anyone. But she thought that after fleeing from marriage and taking Xue Huaiyuan to travel everywhere for life, it might not be worse than marrying someone.

Lost in wild thoughts about the future, she was startled back to attention by Tong’er’s voice. Tong’er said: “Miss, do you know? Everyone outside is saying that General Zhaode has returned to the capital today.”

“General Zhaode?” Jiang Li stood up in surprise. “Are you sure what you’re saying is true?”

“Absolutely certain,” Tong’er said. “The maids who went out shopping with the servants in the courtyard saw it with their own eyes. General Zhaode was sitting on a great horse—so impressive! This servant only learned today that there’s a General Zhaode. I heard that General Zhaode was famous back in the day. Why haven’t we heard his legend all these years?”

That was because many years ago, General Zhaode had already left Yanjing. Since then, no military conflicts had occurred in Northern Yan, so naturally this General Zhaode had been forgotten. When Jiang Li was young, she had heard rumors about this General Zhaode, but not about him going into battle—rather, they said he was extremely handsome and could be compared to the Golden Guard General of that time.

The Golden Guard General… Jiang Li thought—that would be Ji Heng’s father, Ji Minghan. Legend had it that Ji Minghan and Yin Zhan cherished each other and had some brotherly loyalty, but she didn’t know if this rumor was true or false. After all, one had gone to the northwest Yunzhong region for many years, while the other had simply been without news for many years, his life or death unknown.

“Did he only return to Yanjing City today?” Jiang Li asked.

Tong’er answered: “Yes. That’s what everyone outside is saying. The common people are very happy, saying they don’t need to worry about Prince Cheng’s troops attacking now. With another general added, it must be that His Majesty summoned the general back to protect Yanjing City.”

Prince Cheng’s troops had just arrived outside Yanjing City, and General Zhaode happened to return at exactly this moment—of course it could greatly reassure the people. If it was coincidence, fine, but if it was deliberate, this General Zhaode’s purpose in coming was probably not simple.

She hadn’t heard this name for many years, but now, due to timely circumstances, it had suddenly gained fame among the common people. Those accounts outside about his military achievements—who knew if they were deliberately spread by someone with intentions. What could have been a good opportunity to elevate Emperor Hongxiao’s imperial authority had instead unknowingly made a wedding dress for someone else.

Perhaps because she knew in advance that Ji Heng was going after Yin Zhan, Jiang Li had a preconceived notion and was full of wariness toward this Yin Zhan. So even though Tong’er spoke with such liveliness and longing, Jiang Li’s heart was filled only with doubt.

Yin Zhan was making such a grand display—regardless of what Prince Cheng and Emperor Hongxiao thought of it, Ji Heng certainly already knew. As for this scheme he had arranged for so long, and its final key piece—she wondered what Ji Heng would do.

Jiang Li didn’t know and had no way to find out.

The waves Yin Zhan stirred up in Yanjing City were even bigger than Jiang Li had imagined. Not to mention outside—today alone, as Jiang Li walked through the manor, she could hear servants everywhere discussing how that general was so handsome and dashing, so imposing and dignified.

Zhenzhu arrived at the entrance to Fangfei Courtyard. Baixue came to report. When Jiang Li saw her, Zhenzhu smiled and said: “Second Miss, Old Madam asks you to come to Wanfeng Hall.”

Jiang Li agreed, but felt somewhat strange inside. She had already gone to Wanfeng Hall during the day. To go to Wanfeng Hall at night was naturally not on a whim—there must be something to discuss. But it was so late—what matter could there be?

When Jiang Li arrived at Wanfeng Hall, she discovered that Jiang Jingrui and Jiang Jingyou were not present. Old Madam Jiang sat in the room, with Jiang Yuanbai, Jiang Yuanping, and Lu Shi all there.

Jiang Li entered the door.

“Second Girl,” Old Madam Jiang saw her arrive and first had Jiang Li sit down. What followed was also without much preamble—she went straight to the point: “In three days, the Prince’s Heir and Princess Pingyang will come to the manor for a banquet. During these next few days, remember to dress and adorn yourself well when the time comes.”

“The Prince’s Heir, Princess Pingyang?” Jiang Li froze, a thought suddenly flashing through her mind. “Are they from Prince Xia’s…”

“Correct,” it was Jiang Yuanbai who answered Jiang Li. He said: “You’ve probably learned that Prince Xia returned to the capital today.”

Jiang Li asked curiously: “Father, has Prince Xia had any past dealings with our Jiang family?”

“In the past, there were no dealings.” Jiang Yuanping spoke up with a smile. “But perhaps there will be dealings in the future.”

His words were laden with implications. Jiang Li couldn’t understand for a moment. She thought for a while, recalling that day in Yanjing City when she and Ji Heng encountered that pair of exceptionally attractive man and woman on the street. They happened to be surnamed Yin. From what Jiang Yuanbai meant, Prince Xia happened to have one son and one daughter. Unable to avoid overthinking, Jiang Li asked: “Father, are the Prince’s Heir and Princess’s names Yin Zhili and Yin Zhiqing?”

This time, both Jiang Yuanbai and Jiang Yuanping froze. Jiang Yuanbai stared at Jiang Li and asked: “How do you know?”

So it was them? Jiang Li was somewhat dazed for a moment. She hadn’t expected that the man and woman she saw on the street that day were Yin Zhan’s children. Yin Zhan’s children had actually arrived in Yanjing City several days before Yin Zhan? Why was that?

Thinking that in three days when that pair came to the manor, they would also recognize Jiang Li, she didn’t conceal it and confessed frankly to Jiang Yuanbai: “The day I returned to the manor, the carriage collided with another carriage on the street. A man and woman got out of that carriage, introducing themselves as Yin Zhili and Yin Zhiqing.”

Jiang Yuanbai and Jiang Yuanping looked at each other. Lu Shi, who had been listening, seemed to just understand, exclaiming in surprise: “Oh my, so you’ve already met! What a coincidence!”

In her tone, besides surprise, there was also some happiness, which made Jiang Li even more puzzled. What benefit was there in her having encountered those siblings earlier? Why would Lu Shi be happy? As far as Jiang Li knew, the Jiang family and the Yin family had no dealings whatsoever.

Jiang Yuanbai wasn’t as surprised as Lu Shi. He only asked Jiang Li: “You collided carriages… how did you learn their names?”

Jiang Li fell silent. At the time, Yin Zhiqing had actively revealed her name in public, not for any other reason but clearly for Ji Heng. But to tell others that Princess Pingyang had taken a fancy to Ji Heng and voluntarily revealed her name—Jiang Li felt somewhat awkward. Ji Heng might not be pleased, and Princess Pingyang would think she was gossiping.

So Jiang Li said: “It was just a small accident. There was no conflict. Father needn’t worry—we didn’t quarrel.”

She avoided Jiang Li’s question. This made Jiang Yuanbai even more puzzled. He was about to press further when Jiang Yuanping stopped him. Jiang Yuanping said: “Since Little Li, you’re already acquainted with those siblings, then in three days it will be a good thing. This can also be considered fate.”

Jiang Li was silent for a moment before saying: “Is the Jiang family seeking to befriend General Zhaode?”

Jiang Yuanbai said: “Why do you ask that?”

“Father, I’m just saying—right now is a turbulent time. Prince Cheng is rebelling, the court is in chaos, and the Right Chancellor is also making moves in the shadows. At this time, we cannot afford even the slightest error. This General Zhaode has suddenly arrived, and we still don’t know his background. At this time, caution is paramount. Father, whatever decision you make, you must think three times.”

Lu Shi looked at Jiang Li, then at Jiang Yuanbai. She didn’t understand these matters and listened with a blank expression. Old Madam Jiang’s eyes moved slightly, but she also said nothing.

Jiang Yuanbai looked at Jiang Li. Jiang Li calmly met his gaze. After a while, Jiang Yuanbai finally said: “Some things are not for me to decide alone. You’re a young lady—don’t worry about so much.”

He understood. Perhaps Jiang Yuanbai had long understood what Jiang Li was saying, but he still had to do this.

Jiang Li said nothing more.

Seeing everyone fall silent, Lu Shi said: “Little Li, a few days ago I acquired some new fabrics. When making clothes, I also had a few outfits made for you. Later I’ll have the maids send them to you. And some jewelry too. You’re so beautiful—it would be such a waste not to dress up properly.”

Later, the Jiang Yuanbai brothers went out. Lu Shi pulled Jiang Li along, chattering for a while before Jiang Li could return to Fangfei Courtyard. As soon as she returned to the room, she sat down and pressed her temples.

If Jiang Yuanbai wanted to befriend the Yin family, Jiang Li only felt it was ominous. From Ji Heng’s appearance, he clearly intended to deal with Yin Zhan. If the Jiang family and Yin family stood on the same side, the Jiang family would also become Ji Heng’s enemy.

Jiang Li did not hope for the Jiang family and Ji Heng to stand in opposition—not only because of her feelings, but also because if the Jiang family’s enemy was Ji Heng, that would be too terrifying. Although Ji Heng treated her very well, toward enemies, his methods were truly appalling. Back when Jiang Li had lent her life to Ji Heng, she had told Ji Heng that she wouldn’t become his enemy, and if possible, she hoped to help Ji Heng.

To break her word and repay kindness with enmity—Jiang Li would look down on herself. She also didn’t hope that the bit of past friendship between her and Ji Heng—that sincere yet complex and faint friendship—would be completely worn away amid these grudges.

That would be too regrettable.

“Miss,” in the quiet, Tong’er suddenly said, “do you know why Old Madam and Second Madam both want you to dress up beautifully that day?”

Jiang Li said: “Every time there’s a banquet, they want me to dress up beautifully. Moreover, now among the young ladies of the manor, Jiang Youyao can no longer appear before people. If I don’t dress up, it would inevitably invite criticism.” Jiang Li herself didn’t particularly care.

“That’s not it.” Tong’er came around behind the table, looked at Jiang Li, and said earnestly: “This servant feels that Old Madam is assessing a match for you. She probably wants to see what kind of person that Prince’s Heir is, whether Miss likes him—that’s why she specifically instructed you.”

Baixue stopped what she was doing. Jiang Li also froze, then shook her head and smiled: “That’s impossible.”

A marriage alliance between the Yin family and Jiang family? What kind of talk was that? She hadn’t even heard of such a figure before. And at a time like this, how could Jiang Yuanbai spare thought for her lifelong affairs?

“How is it impossible?” Tong’er became anxious. “Miss, please trust this servant. Not to mention Old Madam—this servant couldn’t be mistaken about Second Madam’s expression. She clearly hopes you two could become a match.”

Jiang Li’s fingertips moved slightly.

If Tong’er hadn’t said so, she wouldn’t have noticed, but thinking about it now, Lu Shi’s attitude had indeed been too enthusiastically obvious. Although Lu Shi had been willing to be friendly with her in the past, the enthusiasm just now seemed somewhat strange. She had even specifically instructed her on what to wear and what jewelry to put on, as if afraid Jiang Li would forget.

The Prince’s Heir…

In Jiang Li’s mind surfaced the image of the handsome man she had encountered on the street that day. He appeared to have a gentle temperament and some righteousness—he didn’t seem like a bad person. The real Second Miss Jiang might have liked him. After all, this person seemed much better than Zhou Yanbang.

But after all, she wasn’t Second Miss Jiang. No matter how good this person looked, Jiang Li had no interest in getting to know him from the start. She felt a wave of resistance from deep within.

“Is Miss unhappy to hear about the Prince’s Heir?” Baixue suddenly spoke, startling Tong’er.

“Nonsense,” Tong’er said. “This servant heard that the Prince’s Heir is very handsome, treats people gently and courteously, even treats servants with great kindness. Outside rumors say he has a compassionate heart. How could Miss be unhappy?”

Baixue lowered her head, silently wiping the table. After a while, she said: “This servant still thinks the Duke of Su is better.”

Jiang Li froze.

Tong’er hurriedly made gestures at Baixue, but unfortunately Baixue was only focused on wiping the table, polishing it until it gleamed brightly, as if she had no mind to look at other things, also ignoring Tong’er’s gaze.

“No matter how good the Prince’s Heir is, he hasn’t helped Miss,” Baixue muttered.

Jiang Li suddenly smiled.

Even the maids could see it.

…

At the Duke’s Manor, at night, in the study, a young man leaned back in his chair, looking at a letter in his hand.

His expression was lazy and indifferent, the corners of his mouth holding a hint of smile. In the flickering lamplight, he looked cold yet beautiful, extraordinarily alluring.

Someone walked in from outside—a black-clad guard. He put down the letter and casually picked up the fan at hand. After the guard entered, he first reported court matters. Ji Heng listened carelessly. To outsiders, they might think he wasn’t truly listening to these matters, but looking carefully, his eyes held not a trace of intoxication—he was very clearheaded.

“This subordinate just received news,” Wen Ji hesitated before continuing, “Yin Zhili and Yin Zhiqing will attend a banquet at the Jiang family in three days.”

The motion of playing with the folding fan paused. Ji Heng asked in return: “The Jiang family?”

“Yes.” Wen Ji said: “Previously, Yin Zhili has already met with Jiang Yuanbai multiple times and seemed to want to pay a visit, but for some reason kept waiting until now before Jiang Yuanbai sent him an invitation. This subordinate speculates it might be because of Second Miss Jiang. Second Miss Jiang wasn’t in Yanjing before, so Jiang Yuanbai didn’t let Yin Zhili visit. After Second Miss Jiang returned to the manor, Jiang Yuanbai sent Yin Zhili the invitation.”

Ji Heng raised an eyebrow. The corners of his mouth still held a smile, but his eyes became sharp.

He said: “Yin Zhili, is it?”