Jiang Li didn’t even know when she finished singing. She only felt that Ji Heng, holding her, wasn’t moving at all. She wanted to raise her head to look, but Ji Heng’s voice sounded from above her head. “Don’t move. Just stay like this,” he said.

For some reason, in this instant, Jiang Li seemed able to capture some unusual emotions from him—an unfamiliar Ji Heng, fragile and helplessly lost.

So she quietly remained perfectly still.

The autumn sunlight wasn’t as intense as summer’s. Gentle and tinged with gold, it slowly shone upon them. She really should have pushed Ji Heng away. If servants saw them, should there be any gossips, it would inevitably cause trouble. Yet she did nothing.

When she needed help, Ji Heng had helped her. Even if this help might have disrupted his plans, he didn’t mind. If the current her was still stingy about giving a hug, that would be somewhat ungrateful. Moreover, his embrace wasn’t as cold as she’d imagined. Jiang Li felt it was quite nice.

After a very long time, so long that Jiang Li thought Ji Heng had fallen asleep, and maintaining one position made her feel tired as well, Ji Heng finally released his hold.

He looked at Jiang Li carefully, the corners of his lips curving up. “Little miss, you’re truly adorable,” he said.

He seemed genuinely praising her, not teasing or flirting, so Jiang Li didn’t feel embarrassed. She only asked with some concern, “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

“No.” Ji Heng pondered. “I’m just thinking about when would be more suitable to meet father-in-law.”

Jiang Li said, “You decide.” She could go to the Ye residence anytime, but Ji Heng might not be able to. He had to watch Yin Zhan’s movements and might not have much time to spend in the capital.

“Let’s do it these next few days,” Ji Heng said. “I’ll have Zhao Ke send you word.”

Jiang Li nodded. After thinking for a while, she said, “The Yin family… has there been any movement on their end?”

Ji Heng snorted derisively. “They’re trying every means to stay in the capital. Seems they can’t keep their composure either.”

“Be careful.”

“Don’t worry,” Ji Heng replied.

The brief tender moment quickly ended. Before Jiang Yuanbai returned, Ji Heng left the Jiang residence. Although Jiang Yuanbai couldn’t really control him now—he was the Emperor’s personally decreed son-in-law, and if he truly wanted to enter the Jiang family, he could swagger in openly. However, probably not wanting to engage in mutual speculation and verbal sparring with Jiang Yuanbai, Ji Heng left quite readily.

When Tong’er and Bai Xue entered the room, they couldn’t help smiling. Jiang Li asked, “What are you two smiling about?”

“Everyone outside says the Duke is vicious and does all manner of evil. That’s because they haven’t seen how the Duke treats Miss. We servants think that perhaps even the heir of the Yin Prince couldn’t be as gentle as the Duke. Moreover, the Yin heir is gentle to everyone, but the Duke is only gentle to Miss alone. We servants are happy for Miss—Miss didn’t misjudge him,” Tong’er said in a long string.

Jiang Li laughed. “You certainly know a lot.”

In her heart, those original anxieties and confusion had completely vanished without a trace. The past had thoroughly become the past. The caution and wariness of Xue Fangfei, the revenge and pain—all were gone. She now very much liked her current self, with a brand new future ahead.

However, thinking about when Ji Heng would go see Xue Huaiyuan, Jiang Li felt inexplicably nervous. Would Father like someone like Ji Heng? After all, Ji Heng was truly too unrestrained and unpredictable. And how would Ji Heng act toward Father? If they didn’t get along, how should she mediate?

This was truly a difficult problem.

…

On the fifth day of the tenth month, the weather in the capital had already become quite cool. Even in the early morning and evening, there were already hints of early winter. The capital was in the north, so winter came early. Jiang Li had lived here for several years and was already accustomed to it. On this morning, after she finished her meal, she put on an outer garment and prepared to go out.

Jiang Li planned to go to the Ye residence. She and Ji Heng had already agreed to go together to the Ye residence today to see Xue Huaiyuan. Before she could leave, light rain began falling outside. One autumn rain brings one wave of cold—Bai Xue went to fetch Jiang Li a cloak before she boarded the carriage.

After boarding the carriage, Jiang Li thought about what was to come and couldn’t help feeling somewhat worried.

Jiang Li wasn’t worried about Jiang Yuanbai and Ji Heng meeting. Usually at court sessions and palace banquets, Ji Heng and Jiang Yuanbai had already met, and Jiang Yuanbai understood matters of face. But Xue Huaiyuan was different. Back then, he had resigned from his position as Minister of Works precisely because he couldn’t stand the darkness of officialdom. Ji Heng was accustomed to acting alone, and together with Xue Huaiyuan, who knew what they could talk about? Xue Huaiyuan was righteous, upright, and just—he and Ji Heng were completely different people. Thinking about it, Jiang Li found the prospect unbearable to witness. Although having Xue Zhao there might make things better, Xue Zhao also often meant well but caused trouble, adding fuel to the fire.

Thinking this way, Jiang Li grew increasingly worried. She urged the coachman several times, wishing to arrive at the Ye residence earlier, lest Ji Heng arrive first and meet Xue Huaiyuan ahead of her.

Seeing her anxiety, Tong’er found it strange and consoled her. “Miss, the roads are slippery on rainy days. We can’t go too fast. We left early today too—there’s plenty of time. We won’t be late. Master Ye won’t blame Miss.”

Jiang Li forced a smile. Finally, she saw the gates of the Ye residence. The coachman reined in the horses, and the carriage stopped at the Ye residence entrance. Bai Xue got off the carriage first, holding an umbrella. Tong’er helped Jiang Li down from the carriage, and the three walked together toward the Ye residence.

The gatekeeper servant familiarly opened the door for them. Jiang Li asked, “Have any other people arrived?”

The servant was startled. “Other people? No, isn’t it only Miss Biao coming today?”

It seemed Ji Heng and his party hadn’t arrived yet. Jiang Li breathed a sigh of relief. Then the sound of another carriage came from the entrance. This carriage was much larger than the Jiang family’s, looking extremely luxurious and eye-catching. Jiang Li looked over. The carriage curtain was lifted by someone, and a familiar figure jumped out, followed by his lively voice: “Second Miss Jiang, it’s been so long!”

Jiang Li froze. It was actually Wenren Yao.

Today wasn’t Ji Heng coming—what was Wenren Yao doing here? Immediately after, Jiang Li saw a small head poke out from behind Wenren Yao. It was Lin Yao, whom Jiang Li had rescued from Huangzhou. Since following Wenren Yao back to the capital, Jiang Li rarely saw him. She didn’t know what Wenren Yao had been dragging him around to do. Now at such a young age, he was already dressed in Daoist acolyte robes, quite ethereal-looking. He also seemed thinner, or perhaps he’d grown taller.

Then Situ Jiuyue jumped down from the carriage, followed by Old General Ji. Finally, the carriage curtain was lifted by a beautiful hand, and Ji Heng unhurriedly stepped down.

Jiang Li was dumbstruck.

She truly didn’t know how what was supposed to be Ji Heng coming alone had suddenly produced so many people. No wonder they needed such a large carriage. Jiang Li was stunned for a moment. “What… what’s going on?” she asked.

This group of people first walked inside the gates of the Ye residence, no longer visible to outsiders. Only then did Wenren Yao say, “Second Miss Jiang, I heard you and Ah Heng are betrothed. I’m very happy. Today Ah Heng is coming to see your uncle at the Ye residence. I thought, him coming alone wouldn’t be good. As his friend and family, we should also be present. Otherwise, people would think the Duke’s mansion has no one, all alone—though it’s indeed like that.”

“Get lost,” Old General Ji bellowed with full vigor. “How could the Duke’s mansion have no one! Miss Jiang, I heard you and your uncle have a very good relationship, and your uncle is a hero of the jianghu. This old man greatly admires him! I came especially to see him!”

Jiang Li looked at Situ Jiuyue with questioning eyes. Situ Jiuyue said coldly, “I didn’t come to see anyone. Xue Zhao’s wounds still need medicine. I came to deliver medicine. And to check on the wound’s condition, convenient for making new poison.”

Jiang Li felt there was something odd about these words. Situ Jiuyue was clearly doing good for Xue Zhao, doing a good deed. Why did she need to urgently deny her goodwill and instead emphasize it was for “making poison”? Jiang Li shook her head inwardly, thinking that perhaps Situ Jiuyue was a girl with a cold exterior and warm heart, somewhat awkward about this matter, so she didn’t want people to notice her kindness.

Ji Heng said with a smile, “They’re all here to observe. Let’s go, A Li.”

His words were utterly mocking. Jiang Li could imagine the scene of this group—setting aside Situ Jiuyue—clinging shamelessly to Ji Heng’s carriage, insisting on coming along.

The servant at the Ye residence entrance was also stunned. He never expected that Miss Biao’s usual visit to the Ye family would bring such a large group of people. However, this group all looked like extraordinary characters, so he immediately dared not be negligent. While having someone go report, he warmly had someone lead the way.

Jiang Li felt the whole thing was bizarre. She walked side by side with Ji Heng and said in a low voice, “Didn’t you try to dissuade them?”

“I did.” Ji Heng narrowed his eyes. “However, don’t you think this is actually better?”

Jiang Li was momentarily stunned before understanding what Ji Heng meant. Looking at Ji Heng alone, although Jiang Li knew he was wonderful in every way, not everyone had deeply interacted with Ji Heng. Not knowing Ji Heng’s temperament was understandable. But with Ji Heng bringing so many people, it indirectly negated the rumors that the Duke of Su was unpredictable and did all manner of evil.

If he were such a person, there certainly wouldn’t be relatives and friends around him. But Old General Ji, Wenren Yao, Situ Jiuyue, and even Lin Yao had all come. This showed that Ji Heng wasn’t as cold and ruthless as the rumors suggested. He deeply cherished and protected his own people.

Moreover, Wenren Yao was so talkative—he could probably keep everyone entertained. Jiang Li could only think this way.

They had just reached the Ye residence courtyard, not yet arrived at the main hall, when Ye Mingyu had already rushed over upon hearing the news. He first looked at Jiang Li. “A Li, why didn’t you come alone?” His gaze fell on Ji Heng, and suddenly he had no more words.

Every time he saw Ji Heng, Ye Mingyu, being a man himself, wouldn’t be captivated by Ji Heng’s beauty. Being a jianghu person, he only felt that the killing aura on this man couldn’t be concealed no matter what—extremely dangerous. To hand Jiang Li over to such a dangerous person, Ye Mingyu was absolutely unwilling. But the imperial decree had been issued, and as mere merchants, they seemed to have no other option. Then he saw Old General Ji and was immediately awed by the righteousness and fortitude emanating from the old general.

After all, he was a general who had been on the battlefield.

Ye Shijie followed behind, his steps slowing. He saw Jiang Li and Ji Heng walking side by side, saw Jiang Li’s trust in Ji Heng.

This was her most precious thing.

When the two parties met, both were somewhat awkward, not knowing where to begin. At this moment, a cheerful voice broke the silence. “Sister… Second Miss Jiang! Doctor Situ!” he said.

Situ Jiuyue’s gaze moved. Xue Zhao pushed his wheelchair forward from behind. During these days at the Ye residence, he seemed much happier than when he stayed at the Duke’s mansion. His face even showed the unique spiritedness of youth, his smile still as warm as always.

“Ah Zhao,” Jiang Li said. “We came to see Uncle, and also wanted to see Mr. Xue and you.”

Ye Mingyu muttered inwardly—of course he welcomed Jiang Li coming to see him, but bringing such a group of people with unclear backgrounds to see him, he had opinions about that. However, in front of his niece, he couldn’t show these thoughts, so he squeezed out an especially fake smile. “Then you all talk first. I’ll go check on the kitchen.”

He didn’t want to talk with men who used their looks to deceive young girls!

Ye Mingyu left. Ye Shijie smiled apologetically. He actually could tell that the people Jiang Li brought were mainly here to see Xue Huaiyuan. Although he didn’t know why, the relationship between Jiang Li and the Xue family was quite peculiar to begin with. Being a smart person, Ye Shijie said, “I’ll go check on Third Uncle. You all go find Mr. Xue first.”

Jiang Li smiled at him gratefully.

Xue Huaiyuan was reading in the courtyard.

Xue Zhao was lively. During the day, he followed Ye Mingyu learning whip techniques, so he was the first to know Jiang Li had arrived. Xue Huaiyuan learned of this later. By the time he knew and wanted to come over, Jiang Li had already brought people before him.

In front of others, Jiang Li could only call him “Mr. Xue.”

“Miss Jiang.” Xue Huaiyuan went with the flow, saying gently. He stood up, looking at the group before him, his gaze first falling on Ji Heng beside Jiang Li.

The young man’s appearance was truly extremely handsome and striking. Between his brows naturally lay allure, yet also carried a trace of killing intent. Most importantly were his eyes—amber-colored passionate eyes that contained not a trace of confusion, clear and awake to the point of being almost cruel.

Only when his gaze occasionally fell on Jiang Li would there be a momentary gentleness.

In an instant, Xue Huaiyuan’s opinion of Ji Heng changed.

He had lived most of his life, once brushed shoulders with death, witnessed the treachery of human hearts and the harshness of the world. He dared not say he could see through people’s hearts, but could at least discern something. Someone like Shen Yurun, who treated people with warmth and courtesy, had struck cruelly at his own pillow companion. Yet Ji Heng, with such a notorious reputation, showed his gentle side only to Jiang Li.

Any father, seeing his precious daughter cherished and protected in someone’s palm, would ultimately be pleased.

“You must be Mr. Xue,” Ji Heng said. “A Li often speaks of you.”

Everyone present froze, including Jiang Li, all looking at Ji Heng as if they’d seen a ghost. When had Ji Heng ever spoken to anyone so properly and politely? Not to mention his own grandfather—even facing Emperor Hongxiao, Ji Heng’s smile probably carried three parts laziness and casualness.

Could this be a fake Ji Heng? This thought suddenly popped into Jiang Li’s mind.

Old General Ji also seemed shocked by his grandson’s words, his expression one of great surprise. To recover from his earlier loss of composure, he looked at Xue Huaiyuan and said, “Minister Xue, do you still remember this old man?”

When Xue Huaiyuan was Xue Lingyun, he was still quite young. Ji Minghan hadn’t yet married. At that time, General Jinwu’s prestigious name was still renowned. Though one was a civil official and one a military official, they had both heard of each other’s names. General Jinwu’s military achievements were illustrious, while Xue Lingyun built canals to benefit the people.

However, many years had passed. The dead had died, the scattered had scattered. Meeting again, it was under these circumstances.

Xue Huaiyuan said, “General Ji.”

Old General Ji laughed heartily. “I heard about what happened to you later. These years, you haven’t had it easy either. Fortunately, young Ah Zhao is still alive. Did you know? Ah Zhao was rescued by my grandson!”

Xue Huaiyuan had known about this long ago. However, hearing Old General Ji mention it in person, he still felt some emotion. He solemnly said to Ji Heng, “Thank you, Duke, for the life-saving grace. Ah Zhao, give your thanks.”

Xue Zhao perfunctorily gave his thanks. He had already done this at the Duke’s mansion. Now that Ji Heng was already his prospective brother-in-law, they were family. What was the point of all this bowing?

Wenren Yao, seeing he’d had no chance to interject, was quite unwilling. Seizing an opportunity, he spoke up. “We all came today because of Ah Heng. Although Second Miss Jiang and Ah Heng’s marriage was decreed by His Majesty, our Ah Heng isn’t someone who would willingly be decreed to marry just anyone. To be betrothed to Second Miss Jiang, Ah Heng himself is very happy. We all know Second Miss Jiang has deep ties with the Xue family and values Mr. Xue highly, so we all came to meet everyone. It’s good for us all to get acquainted.”

He spoke frivolously and acted improperly. Saying such things about Ji Heng, if it were an ordinary day, Ji Heng would probably have told him to get lost long ago. Yet today Ji Heng said nothing, merely allowing Wenren Yao to talk nonsense.

Xue Huaiyuan’s heart felt another layer of satisfaction.

Those whirlpools, those stakes, those dangers—Jiang Li was already caught in them. This point couldn’t be changed. Moreover, it was Jiang Li’s own decision. No one could change it for her. Even her father and brothers had to respect her. However, looking at it now, A Li’s choice didn’t seem as terrible as it appeared.

Xue Huaiyuan didn’t know what kind of person Ji Heng was, but he knew Old General Ji’s character well. Even if Ji Minghan was no longer here, a grandson raised single-handedly by Old General Ji would still inherit some of the Ji family’s qualities.

In Old General Ji’s heart, he was actually quite puzzled. Such a large family meeting the in-laws, sitting together harmoniously and discussing matters with smiles—this should have happened at the Jiang family. After all, Jiang Li was a young lady of the Jiang family. Yet Ji Heng had never once mentioned going to the Jiang family. Instead, this time, he took the initiative to tell him they would go to the Ye residence together.

Going to the Ye residence to see Jiang Li’s uncle? Old General Ji could barely understand this. After all, he’d heard that Jiang Li got along very well with her third uncle. But upon arriving at the Ye residence, Ye Mingyu only showed his face briefly then disappeared. Instead, they were dragged to speak with Xue Huaiyuan. Old General Ji wasn’t a fool—he could see this was clearly a special visit to see Xue Huaiyuan.

Jiang Li treated Xue Huaiyuan even better than she treated Jiang Yuanbai—Old General Ji had heard this before and felt quite gleeful about it at the time. Served him right. Jiang Yuanbai was so cunning and scheming, while Jiang Li was exceptionally upright and brave. Of course she’d be more compatible with an upright official like Xue Huaiyuan. But looking at the situation now… wasn’t this a bit excessive?

Old General Ji’s mind turned over a hundred times, but his face showed nothing. He knew that even if he asked, no one would answer him. Forget it, forget it. After all, he came to meet the in-laws for his grandson. Whether meeting Jiang Yuanbai or Xue Huaiyuan made no difference to him. The one who would cry bitterly upon learning this wasn’t him but Jiang Yuanbai, so why should he mind? Just let it be!

Thinking this way, Old General Ji straightforwardly cast aside his doubts. He walked with Xue Huaiyuan into the house to sit at the tea table, drinking tea while recounting the magnificent years of the past.

This left everyone else standing in the courtyard.

Jiang Li was somewhat stunned. This was truly beyond her expectations. Old General Ji probably hadn’t seen an old friend in a long time and was momentarily enthusiastic. Xue Huaiyuan instead became the person accompanying him in conversation.

Jiang Li looked helplessly at Ji Heng. Ji Heng said with a smile, “It’s fine.”

Jiang Li could only remain silent. Wenren Yao looked at Xue Zhao sitting in his wheelchair and asked, “Young Master Xue, what are you holding? Is that a whip?”

“Yes.” Xue Zhao smiled. “Third Master Ye taught me a set of whip techniques and gave me a whip. I practice martial arts with this whip. In the future, I won’t be completely powerless. I’ll even be able to protect those I want to protect.”

Unable even to stand, yet optimistic beyond measure, speaking only of protecting others—such a person was truly rare in this world. Yet Xue Zhao didn’t feel there was anything unusual about it. In his eyes, one couldn’t even find a trace of darkness. “I’m still not very skilled with this whip yet. Once I’m skilled, I’ll get another one,” he said.

Situ Jiuyue looked at Xue Zhao and suddenly remembered what Xue Zhao had said about protection when he was at the Duke’s mansion.

“This whip isn’t good,” she said.

Everyone looked at her questioningly. Xue Zhao also asked, “Why does Doctor Situ say so?”

“To kill someone with a whip takes a lot of effort. In comparison, swords and daggers are much easier. You’re sitting in a wheelchair. Your strength isn’t as good as someone standing. It would be even harder for you to kill someone.”

Wenren Yao scoffed disdainfully. “Situ, you’re still a young lady. Why is every other word about killing? Our Young Master Xue here likes robbing the rich to help the poor, punishing evil and promoting good—not killing people just because he finds them displeasing. He’s not like you.”

Situ Jiuyue froze. The words “not like you”—she had heard them countless times in the past. When she was young and fleeing, people said she was different from other little girls, too cold. When she killed people, others said she was different from other doctors, like an executioner. But not once had she taken it to heart. So what if she was different? Yet today, this “not like you” sounded particularly harsh.

Her expression gradually darkened.

Jiang Li observed this, her heart stirring. Just as she was about to say a few words to change the subject, Xue Zhao spoke up.

Xue Zhao said, “But to protect someone, one cannot avoid killing. To protect oneself, killing is also acceptable, isn’t it?”

As he said this, he smiled at Situ Jiuyue, his gaze warm and tolerant enough to melt ice and snow.

Situ Jiuyue froze.

“From childhood, what I recognized was the law of the jungle. I don’t need others to save me. Whoever wants to harm me, I’ll kill them.” Suddenly, that day’s conversation with Xue Zhao appeared again in Situ Jiuyue’s mind.

She had spoken the truth, so she deliberately frightened those people, making them detest her. This suited her perfectly. But if she could do it over, if she were still the princess of Molan, if there had been no upheaval—who would willingly pick up a poison-laced sword instead of fragrant flowers? Who would willingly live a rootless, fearful life for no reason?

She felt she hadn’t done anything wrong. Even if she was obsessive, hard-hearted, and cold, all this was forced upon her by circumstances. To survive, she had transformed herself from a carefree princess into such a demon that everyone feared. The world feared her, cursed her, viewed her as a snake and scorpion, yet not a single person tried to understand why.

As if she was born loving to kill for pleasure.

But the young man before her eyes, this young man completely different from her, whose dream was to travel famous mountains and rivers, punishing evil and promoting good—a spirited youth who not only had never killed anyone but probably had never done anything bad in his life, clean as a blank sheet of paper—could stand before her and say words approaching understanding.

Like light pulling someone out of darkness, just one sentence could bring redemption.

Xue Zhao smiled. “If my whip can kill, then the people around me won’t need to kill. Once I’m strong enough to protect those close to me, they won’t need to take up the blade for self-protection. Doctor Situ.” When he called Situ, he stubbornly used the word “Doctor,” even though Situ Jiuyue always emphasized she wasn’t a doctor—she was the Poison Princess who harmed people.

Xue Zhao said, “Is there any way to make a whip like daggers and swords?”

Situ Jiuyue fell silent.

She knew Xue Zhao was helping her save face. He was treating her like an ordinary girl who had lost face and been embarrassed, not letting her feel awkward or lose composure.

“There is,” she heard her own voice say. “Coat the whip with poison.”

Coating the whip with poison—when the whip struck someone, they would be injured but rarely die. But with poison that sealed the throat upon contact with blood, it could take a life in an instant.

Truly vicious poison. Yet Xue Zhao smiled. “Good idea. Then might I trouble Doctor Situ—could you gift me some poison?” he said.

Wenren Yao didn’t understand what Xue Zhao and Situ Jiuyue were talking about. He only felt the atmosphere between them was somewhat strange. But Jiang Li looked at this scene thoughtfully.

“Your brother really is talented,” Ji Heng said with a smile, standing behind Jiang Li.

“You also think…”

“Don’t ask me,” Ji Heng said. “It has nothing to do with me.”

Jiang Li glared at him. She had some suspicions but wasn’t certain for the moment. However, watching Xue Zhao and Situ Jiuyue, she felt this wasn’t bad either. Just then, Old General Ji walked out from inside. He had drunk his fill of tea, his face ruddy, looking quite pleased. When he reached Ji Heng’s side, he patted Ji Heng’s shoulder. “Brat, Minister Xue is calling you in,” he said.

Jiang Li was surprised.

Wenren Yao was also puzzled. “What does Mr. Xue want Ah Heng for?”

“How would I know?” Old General Ji was displeased. “I’m not a gossip, prying into what he wants to say. Hurry up and go.” He said impatiently, “What are you standing there for?”

Ji Heng went in.

Author’s Note: Jiang Yuanbai: Who exactly is the father-in-law? My heart aches…