That night, when Jiang Li returned to the Jiang mansion, she arrived just before dawn. Tong’er and Bai Xue had waited for her for a long time. Seeing her return so late for the first time and having been restless all along, they finally breathed a sigh of relief when Jiang Li safely returned. Afterward, they had Jiang Li rest on the bed and get a good sleep.

This sleep lasted until the sun was high in the sky at noon the next day. When Jiang Li woke up, she was refreshed and in high spirits. Tong’er and Bai Xue were surprised to discover that the worries in her smile seemed to have been swept away completely. She appeared exceptionally light-hearted and radiant, making anyone who looked at her unconsciously smile along with her.

Tong’er still remembered what Jiang Li had said last night. After Jiang Li finished washing up and began eating, she asked, “Miss, when are we leaving Yanjing City?”

When Jiang Li went to the Duke’s mansion last night, she had said she was going to bid farewell to Ji Heng. Since they were leaving Yanjing City, everything had to be planned in advance. The celebration banquet would surely begin before long, and once His Majesty bestowed the marriage between Jiang Li and Yin Zhili at that time, if Jiang Li ran away then, it would implicate the Jiang family and she would have to bear the crime of defying an imperial decree. Running away in advance now would at least avoid dragging others down.

“We’re not leaving,” Jiang Li said.

Bai Xue and Tong’er looked at each other. Bai Xue quickly guessed that perhaps Ji Heng had changed Jiang Li’s mind. Bai Xue looked at Jiang Li and asked cautiously, “Does the Duke have a solution?”

In Jiang Li’s mind, the scene of him kissing her last night suddenly surfaced, along with his words “Little lady, are you willing to marry me?” Jiang Li’s face flushed red in an instant. She nodded as if nothing had happened and said, “So there’s no need to leave.”

Although she said nothing, when the two maids saw her like this, their hearts skipped a beat and they understood somewhat. Jiang Li rarely showed shyness. Most of the time, she was gracious and composed. Even when facing Yin Zhili, knowing that he wanted to marry her, she showed no particular reaction. But today, just mentioning Ji Heng made her look like this, showing that something must have happened last night.

The two maids felt both joy and worry. They were happy that their young lady was happy, and of course they were happy for Jiang Li. They worried that she might do something improper—after all, Princess Yongning was a living example.

Jiang Li didn’t know what the two maids were thinking. She wasn’t only happy about Ji Heng liking her. What made her even happier was probably seeing that A Zhao was still alive. A Zhao still living in this world was already extraordinarily merciful of Heaven to her. The reunion with A Zhao had also gone unbelievably smoothly. She had thought that after becoming Jiang Li, aside from this unfamiliar identity, she had nothing left. She originally held no hope at all, but first she found her father, and now she knew A Zhao was still alive. Although everyone was not as they once were—Father had aged considerably and A Zhao could no longer stand up—what could be more joyful than a family reunion?

She couldn’t go to the Duke’s mansion openly during the day, but the Ye mansion was still acceptable. Some days ago, because of Prince Cheng’s situation, Jiang Yuanbai wouldn’t let Jiang Li go out alone, not even to the Ye mansion. Now that Prince Cheng’s rebel army had been completely wiped out by Yin Zhan and Yanjing City was no longer dangerous, she could naturally leave the mansion.

After Jiang Li finished eating and rested for a while, she said, “I’m going to Wanfeng Hall to find Old Madam.”

Bai Xue asked, “Does Miss have some matter with Old Madam?”

“I think the Jiang family’s restrictions should be lifted by now. I need to make a trip to the Ye mansion.”

Afterward, Jiang Li went to Wanfeng Hall to speak with Old Madam Jiang. Because she had opened her heart to Ji Heng last night and had seen A Zhao, Jiang Li was in an unprecedentedly good mood. The resistance and rejection she previously felt toward the Jiang family members because of the Yin family matter had also vanished. Her smile was warm and sincere, which even stunned Old Madam Jiang. Old Madam Jiang knew that although this granddaughter appeared obedient and sensible, she was actually very stubborn. However, today she seemed to have removed all her armor and was unbelievably soft. Faced with such a Jiang Li, Old Madam Jiang’s heart also softened somewhat. When Jiang Li said she wanted to go to the Ye family these next few days, Old Madam Jiang agreed without even thinking.

Having obtained Old Madam Jiang’s approval, Jiang Li talked with Old Madam Jiang for a while longer before preparing to leave. Before leaving, however, she was called back by Old Madam Jiang.

Old Madam Jiang said to her, “Second girl, don’t resent us. You are a daughter of the Jiang family, and the Jiang family will only treat you well.”

The smile on Jiang Li’s face faded somewhat. If Tong’er hadn’t previously eavesdropped on the conversation between Jiang Yuanbai and Old Madam Jiang, Jiang Li wouldn’t have taken her words to heart at this moment. But after knowing the inside story, Jiang Li understood that Old Madam Jiang was laying the groundwork for the upcoming marriage bestowal.

It couldn’t be said that the Jiang family didn’t value Miss Jiang Li. At least in their view, Yin Zhili indeed had no flaws and was a good match. But the most important difference between the Jiang family and the Xue family was that Xue Huaiyuan and Xue Zhao would respect her. No matter how good the other person was, if Xue Fangfei didn’t like him, they wouldn’t force her.

This was probably the difference between ordinary families and official families.

Jiang Li smiled and politely bid farewell to Old Madam Jiang, walking out of Wanfeng Hall’s main gate.

Old Madam Jiang sighed and said nothing more.

At the Duke’s mansion, Xue Zhao’s identity seemed to have been known by everyone overnight.

“So you’re Xue Fangfei’s younger brother,” Situ Jiuyue said with sudden realization. “No wonder your enemy is Princess Yongning.”

“I didn’t tell Doctor Situ at the time because circumstances forced me not to. Telling you rashly would have implicated Doctor Situ,” Xue Zhao said with an embarrassed smile.

“You don’t need to tell me these things. Telling me is useless—I wouldn’t avenge you anyway. But…” she asked in confusion, “have you and Jiang Li met before? Otherwise, how would she recognize you?”

Everyone at the Duke’s mansion knew that A Zhao’s surname was Xue and that he was Xue Fangfei’s younger brother, but they didn’t know that the current Jiang Li was Xue Fangfei. Perhaps in all the world, aside from Xue Zhao, only Ji Heng knew this secret. Of course, Ji Heng would never reveal this secret.

Xue Zhao said, “She… she once had some connection with our Xue family, so she has seen me before.”

Situ Jiuyue didn’t suspect anything. Moreover, she didn’t like prying into people’s secrets. She believed what Xue Zhao said and only remarked, “I could tell long ago that she had a deep relationship with your Xue family. Otherwise, why would she treat the Xue family so differently—both taking revenge and clearing your name? She’s done quite a lot.”

In others’ eyes, what Jiang Li did for the Xue family was naturally puzzling. Only Xue Zhao knew the reason. He said, “I heard Doctor Situ also saved my father… Thank you, Doctor Situ.”

“I didn’t save your father,” Situ Jiuyue said. “The one who saved him was Jiang Li. I only restored his mental clarity. Originally, I thought it would be better if he didn’t regain his sanity, since living so clearly is very painful. If Jiang Li hadn’t insisted, I wouldn’t have treated him either. But now it seems Jiang Li did the right thing. Your father has a resilient mind and didn’t become dejected because of the pain. Not only did he get revenge, but he can also see you, his son, again. That’s also a blessing.”

Xue Zhao smiled and said, “Regardless, without Doctor Situ, there would be no father as he is now. Our Xue family will never forget Doctor Situ’s kindness.”

Situ Jiuyue sneered dismissively, as if she hadn’t taken Xue Zhao’s words to heart at all. In her lifetime, she had killed far more people than she had saved. If she took everyone’s words to heart, that would truly be exhausting. With this attitude, Xue Zhao didn’t get angry either. He just suddenly thought of something and asked, “Doctor Situ, there’s something I’m very curious about.”

“What are you curious about now?”

“The Duke and Second Miss Jiang… do they have a good relationship?” Xue Zhao asked.

Hearing this, Situ Jiuyue first paused, then looked at Xue Zhao. The young man’s gaze was fixed intently on her, revealing nervousness and curiosity, as if he truly cared very much about this answer. For some reason, Situ Jiuyue’s heart suddenly felt somewhat stifled. She raised an eyebrow and asked, “Why do you care about this? What relationship Jiang Li and Ji Heng have—what does it have to do with you?”

“I’m just very curious,” Xue Zhao said, startled by Situ Jiuyue’s cold words and feeling wronged. Although this Doctor Situ was cold and icy, she had never treated him badly before. Yet Xue Zhao could clearly feel that she was angry.

Though he didn’t know why Situ Jiuyue would suddenly be angry.

Xue Zhao was just very puzzled. Last night when Jiang Li encountered him, it was clearly just a coincidence, which meant her purpose in coming to the Duke’s mansion was to find Ji Heng. It seemed she had no qualms about letting Ji Heng know she was Xue Fangfei’s identity. If she didn’t trust someone, how could she do this? But why could Ji Heng gain Jiang Li’s trust? Xue Zhao couldn’t help but think of Ji Heng holding Jiang Li’s hand, and the unique tenderness in his words toward her.

His former sister had possessed beauty that could topple kingdoms, so naturally men would flock to her endlessly. His current sister… her appearance couldn’t compare to before, but… could she still conquer a man like the Duke?

Xue Zhao didn’t know if it was because his injuries hadn’t healed that he was thinking about these inexplicable things. However, his dazed and confused expression was seen by Situ Jiuyue, making her feel even more irritated. Situ Jiuyue quickly packed up her medicine box, gave him a cold glance, turned, and walked out of the room.

Zhao Ke happened to come looking for Xue Zhao. Seeing Xue Zhao in the room, he said, “A Zhao, the master wants me to bring you to him.” He walked around behind Xue Zhao and pushed his wheelchair toward the door.

Zhao Ke was also suffering inside. He hadn’t known before that A Zhao was the young master of the Xue family—he only found out after last night. You must know that Second Miss Jiang treated even Haitang, that maid of the Xue family, with special favor, showing how important the young master of the Xue family was to her. Yet he himself had been calling out to Xue Zhao so casually in front of Jiang Li. What if Jiang Li developed dissatisfaction with him because of this and complained about him in front of Ji Heng? What would he do then?

He could only try to please Xue Zhao first to make amends.

With his baby face, he seemed quite affable, which made Xue Zhao feel somewhat embarrassed. He said, “I can push myself.”

“Young Master Xue, what are you saying? You still have injuries and it’s inconvenient for you,” Zhao Ke replied with a smile.

Xue Zhao was also stunned by his address of “Young Master Xue.” By the time he came to his senses, Zhao Ke had already pushed him all the way to Ji Heng at a run.

Ji Heng was in front of the flower garden, with that noisy myna bird still perched on his shoulder. Seeing Xue Zhao, the bird opened its beak and blurted out, “Fool!”

Xue Zhao: “…”

“You’re here.” Ji Heng turned to look at him and casually handed him a letter. “A letter from A Li for you.”

When Xue Zhao heard the words “A Li,” he was startled again. This was Jiang Li’s childhood name—only Xue Huaiyuan called her this. Even Shen Yurun—Xue Zhao had never heard Shen Yurun call Jiang Li this. Now hearing it come from the Duke’s mouth, Xue Zhao truly didn’t know what to do.

“Fool!” Little Red’s cry finally snapped Xue Zhao back to attention. Only then did Xue Zhao open the letter. After reading it, his face showed uncontrollable excitement. “Sister is calling me to go to the Ye family together tomorrow to see Father!”

Zhao Ke on the side accidentally overheard this sentence and wondered to himself how in just one night this boy had started calling Second Miss Jiang “Sister.” His skill at ingratiating himself was really too strong.

Ji Heng nodded. “Tomorrow, have Zhao Ke escort you there.”

“Thank you, my lord.” Xue Zhao said sincerely, unable to help looking at Ji Heng again. Perhaps because he knew Ji Heng and Jiang Li had a deep relationship, Xue Zhao’s gaze at Ji Heng carried a measure of scrutiny. He saw that this young man looked extremely good even in red clothes, with a face that was gorgeous and alluring. Although his features were too striking, they didn’t seem effeminate. Though a smile played at the corners of his mouth, as someone from the martial world, Xue Zhao could sense his aura of slaughter—though restrained, there was still some arrogance.

In terms of presence, he far surpassed Shen Yurun, and in appearance as well. As for literary accomplishments, since Xue Zhao didn’t care for them, he didn’t think they counted as an advantage. Martial arts… well, Xue Zhao’s gaze fell on the ornate folding fan in his hand. That fan had quite a few tricks to it.

“Why are you looking at me?” Ji Heng raised an eyebrow and asked.

“My lord… what is your relationship with my sister?” After much consideration, Xue Zhao decided to ask directly. He had an intuition that this Ji Heng was not someone who beat around the bush. If you asked him something, he would tell you the answer straightforwardly. This could be called frankness or arrogance.

“What relationship?” The young man closed his fan, and the magnificent golden peony embroidery instantly disappeared from view, leaving only a perfectly aligned edge. He pondered slightly before saying with a smile, “Before long, you should call me brother-in-law. That kind of relationship.”

Xue Zhao nearly choked. Zhao Ke’s scalp tingled.

He was really being direct.

Jiang Li and Xue Zhao had agreed to go together to the Ye family the next day to see Xue Huaiyuan. That morning, Jiang Li dressed up very early. She dressed herself and did her own hair without letting Tong’er help. Tong’er could only stand to the side. After Jiang Li finished dressing and grooming, she felt that today’s Jiang Li was particularly different—she seemed more radiant, or rather, like a completely different person from before.

Perhaps it was just their young lady’s whim, wanting to try something different. Tong’er and Bai Xue didn’t take it to heart. The two of them helped Jiang Li leave the mansion and board the carriage. Because she had informed Old Madam Jiang in advance, Old Madam Jiang said nothing, only assigned several more guards from the Jiang mansion to follow the carriage, lest something happen along the way.

Summer mornings were still tolerable, but by noon it would be so hot as to make one’s whole body uncomfortable. Jiang Li left early when the sun was still relatively mild, yet she was emotionally excited and unable to calm down.

When they arrived at the Ye mansion gate, she saw a carriage parked at the entrance. Zhao Ke and Xue Zhao had just arrived at the Ye mansion moments before she saw Jiang Li. Upon seeing Jiang Li, Xue Zhao almost blurted out “Sister.” However, he immediately stopped himself. Given Jiang Li’s current age, she was even younger than him. If others accused him of claiming false kinship, calling her “Sister” would be too strange. He could only smile at Jiang Li and say, “Miss… Miss Jiang.”

“A Zhao.” But Jiang Li called him very naturally. She looked around but didn’t see Ji Heng’s figure. Zhao Ke seemed to understand her thoughts, walked to Jiang Li’s side, and said in a low voice, “The master is not at the mansion today. He had me escort Young Master Xue here.”

Jiang Li nodded. “Thank you.” In her heart, she thought that Yin Zhan still didn’t know what tricks he was playing in court. Ji Heng had to use his wits to deal with him, so he must be very busy these days. Therefore, she said nothing more and simply said, “Let’s go in first.”

In the Ye mansion, Ye Shijie had gone to court. Ye Mingyu had received advance notice that Jiang Li was coming and had been waiting in the room early on. He also knew someone from the Duke’s mansion was coming and thought it would be Situ Jiuyue. He didn’t expect to see only a young man sitting in a wheelchair. He didn’t know Xue Zhao’s identity, but he understood that Xue Zhao definitely wasn’t a guard escorting Jiang Li—what guard would himself be a cripple? He guessed this was some other capable and talented person. Looking at Xue Zhao, he asked Jiang Li in confusion, “A Li, this young master…”

“Lord Ye.” Xue Zhao took the initiative to speak, smiling. “During this time, from Tong Township to Yanjing, thanks to Lord Ye for protecting my father. Your great kindness and virtue to our Xue family—Xue Zhao will repay even if I must tie grass rings and hold them in my beak. In the future, if there’s any place where Xue Zhao can be of use, I will go through fire and water without hesitation.”

Perhaps because Ye Mingyu himself looked wild and unrestrained, when Xue Zhao spoke to him, he seemed to regain a bit of the martial world spirit that a young man should have. These words made Ye Mingyu feel very satisfied. He immediately smiled and cupped his hands. “Not at all, not at all. It was just a small effort. Young brother, you’re too polite. You just said… your father, the Xue family? Your father is…”

Xue Zhao was about to speak when Haitang came out from the courtyard carrying tea. Seeing Xue Zhao, she first froze, then the teapot in her hands crashed to the ground with a “bang,” attracting everyone’s attention. But Haitang was completely unaware, only staring foolishly at Xue Zhao. Xue Zhao smiled slightly. “Haitang.”

“Young… Young Master!” Haitang cried out. “You’re still alive! Weren’t you…”

“I didn’t die,” Xue Zhao smiled. “Second Miss Jiang rescued me.”

“Young Master?” At this moment, Ye Mingyu finally caught on. “You’re the young master of the Xue family?”

Ye Mingyu had lived with Xue Huaiyuan for so long and had already learned most of the Xue family’s affairs. He knew that Xue Huaiyuan had a son named Xue Zhao, but he had also been killed by Princess Yongning. Now this young man in the wheelchair was claiming to be Xue Zhao?

Ye Mingyu walked in front of Jiang Li, tugged at her, and asked in a low voice, “A Li, what’s going on? How did you find Xue Zhao?”

“It’s a long story.” Jiang Li smiled slightly. “Uncle, let’s quickly go see Master Xue. Since A Zhao is still alive, if Master Xue finds out, he’ll definitely be very happy.”

Ye Mingyu quickly nodded. “That’s right. Let’s go, let’s go. Let’s give Master Xue a surprise and shock him!”

Inside the room, Xue Huaiyuan was reading.

During the day when Ye Shijie went to court, Xue Huaiyuan would read in his room. The Ye family didn’t lack money. To help Ye Shijie succeed, they had previously collected a large pile of rare editions by great scholars from previous dynasties for him, filling an entire chest. Even Xue Huaiyuan would be moved seeing them. When he had nothing to do, Xue Huaiyuan would read these books. He didn’t find it tedious. Sometimes in the study, he would read for an entire day.

Haitang knocked gently at the door and only pushed it open after getting Xue Huaiyuan’s response. However, after Haitang entered, she only stood at the door without approaching, calling out, “Master.”

Xue Huaiyuan asked, “What is it?”

“Young Master… Young Master has returned,” Haitang said.

Xue Huaiyuan froze, not yet comprehending what Haitang meant by these words, when he saw Jiang Li pushing a young man in a wheelchair to his side. That young man had familiar features, tears in his eyes, yet still smiled as he called to Xue Huaiyuan, “Father!”

Xue Huaiyuan stared straight at Xue Zhao. Gradually, his lips began to tremble, and his hands shook as he wanted to touch Xue Zhao’s shoulder. Yet he trembled, as if afraid this was a dream, carefully not daring to approach, fearing he would destroy this hard-won beautiful dream. Once he woke from the dream, he would never see Xue Zhao again.

Xue Zhao took the initiative to grasp Xue Huaiyuan’s hand. “Father! It’s me. I’ve come back. I didn’t die!”

When Xue Zhao grasped his hand, that hand was warm and real, not an illusion appearing in a dream. Only then did he seem to dare believe it. He called out “A Zhao” and immediately burst into tears.

Xue Zhao also cried endlessly, crying while saying, “It’s all your child’s lack of filial piety that made Father worry. If your child had seen Father earlier, I wouldn’t have let Father suffer the torment of that poisonous woman Yongning.”

“A Zhao,” Xue Huaiyuan said, “what happened to your legs?”

Xue Zhao looked at his own legs. He smiled and said, “Father, I can’t walk anymore, but fortunately, I’m still alive!”

He spoke lightly, but Xue Huaiyuan immediately understood. He knew his son’s lifelong wish and knew he had a chivalrous heart and tender feelings, hoping to roam the martial world. For such a young man in the prime of his youth to be confined to a chair from now on, never again able to fly freely—what great pain this must be for him. Xue Huaiyuan’s lips turned pale. He had always been strict with Xue Zhao, but this time, he couldn’t help but pat Xue Zhao’s hand. “It’s alright, A Zhao. It’s alright.”

Everyone in the room felt especially heartbroken, feeling that watching this father and son reunite, their own eyes grew moist as well.

“A Zhao, where exactly did you go? Miss Jiang said you died. I even visited your grave. As far as I know, you indeed were…”

“Father, that was Princess Yongning’s trap. I wasn’t killed—I was just locked in Princess Yongning’s private dungeon. She tortured me but wanted to use the news of my death to provoke Sister and Father. I thought I couldn’t escape, but I didn’t expect to still be alive.” Xue Zhao explained.

Xue Huaiyuan’s gaze fell on Jiang Li. He said, “You’re saying… it was Miss Jiang who saved you?”

“Yes.” Xue Zhao answered.

Xue Huaiyuan looked at Jiang Li in confusion. Ye Mingyu was also very puzzled. Everyone knew that the princess mansion’s private dungeon was discovered by accident, but no one had seen Xue Zhao at the time. How did Jiang Li find Xue Zhao, and moreover, how could she recognize Xue Zhao’s identity at a glance? Thinking of how Jiang Li had helped the Xue family so much before, Xue Huaiyuan became even more suspicious.

“Father, this matter is a long story. I’ll explain it slowly,” Xue Zhao said. He looked at Ye Mingyu and the others. “Lord Ye… I apologize, but could the rest of you please step out for a moment?”

Ye Mingyu shrugged and consciously retreated. When a father and son were talking, he as an outsider was indeed inconvenient to listen, especially if Xue Zhao had some secret matters to discuss. Haitang and Zhao Ke also withdrew. When Ye Mingyu turned back, he saw Jiang Li still standing behind Xue Zhao’s wheelchair without moving, so he asked, “A Li, why aren’t you coming out?”

“Let Second Miss Jiang stay,” Xue Zhao said. “I also have some things I want to say to Second Miss Jiang.”

Ye Mingyu froze. Zhao Ke had already closed the door. Ye Mingyu stood there stunned before saying, “What’s this about? A Li is our family’s person—how did she go to their family and look so familiar with them? Strange!” For some reason, when Ye Mingyu saw Jiang Li together with Xue Huaiyuan and Xue Zhao, he felt particularly uncomfortable. Clearly, Jiang Li and the Xue family had no blood relation, so why were the three of them so comfortable together, as if they should have been this way all along? Instead, he didn’t seem like Jiang Li’s uncle but rather like an outsider.

Zhao Ke lowered his head and focused intently on the ground. He knew why Xue Zhao wanted Jiang Li to stay. Xue Zhao was already calling Jiang Li “Sister.” To ingratiate himself, naturally he had to act more intimately so that Jiang Li would treat the Xue family better and better. This boy, Zhao Ke thought secretly, who would have thought he was skilled at flattery and an expert at coaxing young ladies?

Inside the room, Xue Huaiyuan and Xue Zhao sat together. Xue Zhao said to Jiang Li, “Sister, you should sit too.”

Hearing the word “Sister,” Xue Huaiyuan froze. In his memory, Xue Zhao had only ever called Xue Fangfei “Sister.” How had he become so close with Jiang Li now?

He looked at Jiang Li. Because he had been excited about Xue Zhao’s appearance, Xue Huaiyuan hadn’t really looked at Jiang Li properly. Now when he looked, he suddenly realized with a start that Jiang Li and Fangfei were too similar.

They had completely different appearances, yet the way she sat down, her dress and adornments, and even the small gesture of furrowing her brow—if not for the different face, Xue Huaiyuan would almost have the illusion that Fangfei had returned.

“Master Xue,” Jiang Li said after sitting down, looking at Xue Huaiyuan. “You’ve always asked me why I repeatedly extended aid to the Xue family—from Tong Township to Yanjing, taking revenge on Princess Yongning and Shen Yurun, and now saving Xue Zhao. I told you it was because I once had a connection with the Xue family, but what connection, you never knew, and I never told you. That’s because I truly didn’t know how to say it, and I was afraid you wouldn’t believe me and would think I was speaking nonsense.”

“But now that A Zhao has returned, I have nothing to fear and can naturally speak of it.”

Xue Huaiyuan stared at Jiang Li, his breathing gradually becoming rapid.

“Father, I am A Li.”