Chapter 107: Returning Home

"I want to go to Tongxiang."

Ye Mingyu was stunned.

Jiang Li’s gaze, however, was resolute. She had already thought it through: no matter what, knowing her father was suffering in prison, she could not bear to delay his rescue by even a single moment. Now that she was with the Ye family, she could not simply vanish into thin air; she had to inform them, or else the Old Madam would worry.

The difficulty lay in finding a seamless excuse. As the Second Miss Jiang, she was supposedly visiting Xiangyang for the "first time," let alone Tongxiang. To her, Tongxiang was a completely foreign place—she had never even heard of it, let alone had any friends or relatives there. Any lie she spun would be riddled with holes.

True enough, upon hearing this, Ye Mingyu immediately asked in surprise, "What would you go to Tongxiang for?"

"To be honest with you, Uncle, it’s a long story. I promised an old friend I would fulfill a wish for her. She has a sweetheart in Tongxiang, and knowing I was coming to Xiangyang, she begged me to pass on a message. With all the trouble at the Ye house recently, I had forgotten about it, but now that things have settled, I remembered and intend to go to Tongxiang to look for him."

After saying this, Jiang Li felt embarrassed. She had never told such a clumsy lie in her life, but she truly could not think of anything better.

Ye Mingyu stared at Jiang Li for a long moment before sighing. "Ah Li, if you have some hidden difficulty, you don't have to say it if it’s inconvenient. Why rack your brains for such an excuse? Even I can see through it."

Jiang Li’s cheeks flushed slightly. Though Ye Mingyu acted with a rough, bold manner, he was no fool. If he were truly slow-witted, he would never have survived the cutthroat life of the martial arts world; he would have been tripped up and left behind long ago.

"Ah Li, I know that sometimes there are things that cannot be told to others, even family. It’s fine; I won’t force you. I am different from my eldest and second brothers—we people of the pugilistic world don’t make things difficult for others. When you want to talk about it, you will. If you can’t, there must be a reason. Although I don’t know why you are going to Tongxiang, I believe you are a young woman with a mind of your own and won’t act recklessly."

Ye Mingyu paused, then added, "But the reason you just gave would never work in front of my eldest and second brothers. Especially my second brother; he is just as sharp as you are. If I don't believe this, how could you hope to fool him?"

Ye Mingyu was right. Ye Minghui and Ye Mingxuan, perhaps because they were businessmen, were not easily deceived.

Jiang Li sighed inwardly. She truly hated to deceive others, but some things were genuinely unspeakable.

Seeing Jiang Li’s troubled expression, Ye Mingyu suddenly patted his chest. "Don't worry. I am your uncle, and I won't stand idly by. Leave this to me. You want to go to Tongxiang? I’ll find a way to convince Mother and your uncles. You just come with me!"

"Go with you?" Jiang Li was surprised.

"Of course! You don't think I'd let a young girl like you go to a strange place alone, do you? Even if you’re brave enough, our family wouldn't be at ease! Choose one between my eldest brother, second brother, and me to accompany you!"

Jiang Li: "..." If she truly had to choose, it would have to be Ye Mingyu. Ye Mingxuan and Ye Minghui were too shrewd and would inevitably uncover the truth. Ye Mingyu was a man of straightforward temperament who had no interest in prying into others' secrets. Moreover... she truly didn't know what dangers lay ahead, and having Ye Mingyu by her side would be better than being alone.

She said, "Then I am truly grateful, Uncle Mingyu."

Ye Mingyu was so happy his eyebrows nearly flew off. "Hey, don't worry! You’ve been helping our family ever since you arrived in Xiangyang. If I, a grown man, need a little girl’s help and can't even offer some in return, my brothers would laugh at me. If you need me, your Uncle Mingyu will certainly give his all."

Jiang Li hesitated for a moment before saying, "I know this is quite irregular, but Uncle Mingyu, if possible, I would like to move as quickly as we can. Arriving in Tongxiang even an hour earlier would be for the best."

She could not wait any longer.

A flicker of doubt crossed Ye Mingyu's face, but he quickly scratched his head. "Fine. You’ve never asked for anything before; this small request... your uncle will make it happen!" He stood up abruptly and said, "Go pack your things and wait for me," before heading out.

Jiang Li had not expected Ye Mingyu to be so efficient, but it was to her advantage. She stood up and instructed Tong'er and Baixue, "Let's pack."

Before coming to the Ye house, Jiang Li hadn't brought much luggage. Since the Ye house lacked nothing, packing was exceptionally quick.

After Tong'er and Baixue finished, they were both puzzled. Tong'er asked, "Miss, are we really going to Tongxiang? Is it a fun place?"

Having been with Jiang Li for so many years, this was the first time Tong'er had heard of such a place. She assumed they were going for leisure.

Jiang Li smiled. "How should I put it? It’s alright, but we aren't going there for fun."

"Not for fun?" Baixue was stunned. Just as she was about to ask more, Afu, who served Ye Mingxuan, appeared outside: "Cousin, the Old Madam and the masters ask that you come to the main hall."

Jiang Li smiled. Ye Mingyu’s actions were even faster than she had imagined. She immediately told Tong'er and Baixue, "Grab the luggage, let's go."

They quickly followed. Outside the main hall, they saw Ye Mingyu arguing with Ye Mingxuan and Ye Minghui, occasionally being scolded by the Old Madam who sat on the couch. Upon seeing Jiang Li, Ye Mingyu’s eyes lit up. "Ah Li? You're here! Good, hurry and tell Mother that you are willing to go to Tongxiang with me, aren't you?"

Jiang Li caught the look Ye Mingyu gave her and understood immediately. She smiled, "Yes, I am very happy to go to Tongxiang with Uncle Mingyu."

"Nannan," the Old Madam said, looking anxious, "why are you following him in this nonsense? Your third uncle is a reckless man, always wandering about. Who knows what he’s doing in Tongxiang, and bringing you along—I don’t want you to suffer or be wronged."

In a few words, Jiang Li understood Ye Mingyu’s plan. He must have realized her own lie was poor, so he concocted his own. He claimed he had business in Tongxiang and needed Jiang Li’s help, thus proposing to take her along. Since Ye Mingyu was known for being aimless, no one would press him for details, and even if they did, he could invent a dozen excuses. The scrutiny would fall on him, not Jiang Li, because she was being "taken" by him.

Feeling a surge of gratitude, Jiang Li looked at Ye Mingyu. He had considered everything to protect her.

Stimulated by her grateful gaze, Ye Mingyu shouted, "Mother, that’s not fair! I’m Ah Li’s uncle, would I ever harm her? Certainly not! And with me around, who would dare bully her?"

"It’s precisely because you’re around that we’re worried," Ye Mingxuan said, annoyed. "What on earth do you need Ah Li to help you with? She’s just a young girl, and you’re a grown man—aren't you ashamed to ask a girl for help?!"

"Don't try to sow discord, Second Brother," Ye Mingyu retorted. "So what if she's a girl? If nothing else, the matter of the ancient silk was only solved because of Ah Li. A girl? Hmph, Ah Li is no ordinary girl; she has great talent. I’m just glad to have her help, why should I be ashamed?"

Ye Mingxuan was stunned by Ye Mingyu’s shamelessness and couldn't say a word. Ye Minghui said sternly, "Enough! Whatever the case, you can be reckless on your own, but don't drag Ah Li into it! If not, tell us exactly what you're doing."

Ye Jia'er and Ye Rufeng looked back and forth, unsure. Although Ye Mingyu was being excessive, as the younger generation, they enjoyed spending time with him and couldn't bear to kick him while he was down.

"Uncle Minghui, Uncle Mingxuan," Jiang Li spoke up, "I have indeed discussed this with Uncle Mingyu. As for the specifics, please don't force him. I don't mind. Since coming to Xiangyang, I’ve wanted to see more of the world, and I’ve never been to Tongxiang. This is a good chance to learn from Uncle Mingyu. Besides, we are family—there is no such thing as helping or not helping. I’m not afraid of trouble, and if I ever run into any in the future, I may still need to rely on all of you."

Ye Mingyu watched Jiang Li from the side, marveling. Someone raised in a wealthy household was truly different—even when speaking nonsense, she was so reasonable and refined. Looking at the usually difficult eldest and second brothers, they were now speechless.

Madam Guan couldn't help but say, "But we are worried about you..."

Ye Mingyu rolled his eyes. They were worried about Jiang Li, but not him? Was he a foundling?

"Don't worry about me," Jiang Li said with a soft smile. "I swear to Grandmother and my uncles and aunts: Uncle Mingyu is not going to cause trouble, but to handle serious business. There will be no danger."

Her expression was gentle and her words sincere; it was easy to believe her. If the same words had come from Ye Mingyu, no one would have believed him.

The Old Madam sighed and spoke first. "Since you have made up your mind, then go." She looked at Jiang Li with love. "Don't blame your uncles and aunts for nagging; they are truly worried that a young girl like you won't be able to handle things."

Jiang Li took the Old Madam’s hand and smiled. "I know. Grandmother, I have grown up, and I will protect myself."

The Old Madam was momentarily lost in a trance, as if she were looking at the youthful Ye Zhenzhen from years ago. When she was about to marry Jiang Yuanbai, the Old Master had worried she would suffer, and Ye Zhenzhen had pouted and said, "Zhenzhen has grown up, I will protect myself."

In the end, she hadn't been able to protect herself.

The Old Madam felt a pang in her heart and nearly shed tears. She patted Jiang Li’s hand. "In that case, go and return quickly." She signaled for her maid to help her into the inner room.

Jiang Li fell silent. She sensed that the Old Madam had remembered the past. In fact, all the Ye family members likely felt it too. Ye Mingyu broke the heavy atmosphere. "It’s settled then, right? If it’s settled, we won’t linger. We’re in a hurry! Ah Li, let’s go, listen to Mother—return quickly!"

Ye Minghui shot him a glare. "Take good care of Ah Li!"

...

The plan to leave Xiangyang for Tongxiang had been realized with such ease.

Sitting in the carriage, Jiang Li felt a sense of unreality. She had returned from Yanjing to Xiangyang ultimately just to find news of her father and return to Tongxiang herself. Even if it were just to offer incense for him, she had never imagined she might see him again. Her heart trembled with suppressed excitement.

The journey would take about a day. They departed in the afternoon, would stay at a roadside inn that night, and arrive by the next afternoon. Jiang Li did not want to bring the Jiang family guards, as she couldn't trust their loyalty, and their presence would hinder her. Ye Minghui selected a few of the best guards from the Ye house to accompany them, along with Jiang Li’s maids and Ye Mingyu’s servant, Ashun.

That night, they rested at a roadside inn.

Although the Ye family's movements were discreet, they did not escape the notice of their neighbor.

In the courtyard, Ji Heng was watering flowers. The brass pot was held lightly in his hand. The flowers in the bed were vibrant and colorful, of unknown species. He rarely had such leisure, standing in the night, tilting the pot. Crystal-clear water droplets fell like gems or a beaded curtain, landing on petals and rolling down stems into the soil.

Only a faint fragrance remained in the air.

Lu Ji stood behind Ji Heng. His voice was flat and emotionless. "The Third Master of the Ye family has departed with the Second Miss Jiang for Tongxiang."

He noted that the Third Master followed the Second Miss, not the other way around, implying that Jiang Li was the one leading the mission.

Ji Heng gave a soft "Hmm."

He continued watering the flowers with intense focus, as if nothing else in the world mattered.

The winter flowers bloomed with a strange, bewitching beauty. He spent half an hour watering them one by one. When he finished, a servant took the pot, and Ji Heng wiped his fingers with a silk handkerchief.

He turned to Wen Ji. "Left in the middle of the night?"

"Yes," Wen Ji replied.

Ji Heng chuckled. "She really couldn't wait a single moment."

Lu Ji, standing in the shadows, couldn't help but ask, "My Lord, Jiang Li’s trip to Tongxiang must be related to the plot she and Qiongzhi devised at the Xihua Tower, right?"

"She came to Xiangyang for the sole purpose of this trip to Tongxiang," Ji Heng said with a smile. "Guarding against the Jiangs, hiding from the Ye family—her ultimate goal will soon come to light. Let’s wait and see."

Lu Ji shook his head. "But this Second Miss Jiang’s methods are truly unfathomable. Even if one knows what she is doing, one may not know why."

As they spoke, a handsome servant approached. "My Lord, the carriage is ready."

Lu Ji was startled. "Are you leaving, My Lord?"

Ji Heng looked at the blooming flowers. "Yes."

"Where to?"

"Tongxiang."

"Tongxiang?" Lu Ji was even more confused. "Do you wish to observe Jiang Li?"

"No," Ji Heng said softly. "I’m going to watch a play."

...

The next morning, the Ye carriage set off early. Ye Mingyu seemed to understand Jiang Li’s urgency and pushed the pace. Tong'er and Baixue were curious, wondering if Ye Mingyu really had such pressing business.

Jiang Li knew he was doing this for her and was deeply grateful. She hoped the Ye family would grow strong and become her solid backing, but she did not want to drag them into a war that didn't concern them.

Undoubtedly, the imprisonment of Xue Huaiyuan was the work of Yongning. The fact that the people of Tongxiang were tight-lipped about the matter meant others were involved. By barging in, she was breaking their rules. They might pretend to respect her as the daughter of the Chief Minister, but in reality, they wouldn't care for her at all.

Once she dug into the past, it would inevitably lead back to Yongning. Yongning would eventually find out she was investigating, and Jiang Li knew Yongning’s nature. She wouldn't hold back just because Jiang Li was Jiang Yuanbai’s daughter; she would use any sinister, dirty method to achieve her goal.

This trip was fraught with difficulty. In a sense, she was alone.

But she would not retreat. Never.

Thanks to Ye Mingyu’s haste, they arrived at Tongxiang just past noon.

In the winter sun, even Ye Mingyu had broken into a sweat. He wiped his forehead and gestured for Jiang Li to lift the curtain. "Ah Li, look, that’s Tongxiang ahead."

Tong'er and Baixue peered out. Tong'er couldn't help but remark, "So this is Tongxiang. It's not as prosperous as Xiangyang."

In the distance lay the main street of Tongxiang. It was narrow, with scattered shops on both sides and hawkers selling small trinkets like candied haws.

Hearing Tong'er, Ye Mingyu said, "It’s much better now! Tongxiang used to be the poorest county in Xiangyang. Families had to share shoes among siblings, let alone have shops. Later, a county magistrate came—a very capable official. He stayed for over ten years, and Tongxiang gradually became prosperous. It might not compare to Xiangyang, but if you had seen it before, you would be amazed."

Jiang Li froze. Hearing Xue Huaiyuan mentioned so casually from Ye Mingyu’s mouth, she didn't know whether to cry or laugh. A surge of emotion rose in her throat, forcing her to lower her head to hide her reddened eyes.

Calming herself, she asked softly, "What happened to that magistrate?"

"What happened?" Ye Mingyu scratched his head. "What do you mean? I don't know; I haven't seen him. I’ve only heard stories, and I haven't been to Tongxiang in years. I assume that since he was such a good official, he was likely promoted to a higher post!"

A bitter smile played on Jiang Li’s lips. The truth was the exact opposite: Xue Huaiyuan hadn't risen to glory but had become a prisoner. It was truly absurd.

"Let's go," Ye Mingyu urged the carriage forward.

Unlike Yanjing or Xiangyang, there were no guards at the gate of Tongxiang. The stone statues were covered in dust. Occasionally, a few herbalists carrying baskets passed by, casting curious glances at the newcomers.

Tongxiang was small; the people almost all knew each other. Once inside, Tong'er and Baixue found it less bustling than the cities they were used to, but it had a simple, rustic charm.

Ye Mingyu asked Jiang Li, "Ah Li, where would you like to go?" He left the decision to her, letting her handle her own affairs.

"We have too many people, so it’s inconvenient to act," Jiang Li said. "Let’s find a place to stay first."

"Fine, a hotel..." Before Ye Mingyu could finish, Jiang Li interrupted. "A hotel is inconvenient. Let’s rent a small house for a while."

Ye Mingyu frowned. "Rent? Ah Li, are you planning to stay here for a long time?"

"I don't know," Jiang Li said with a touch of melancholy. "Let’s see how things go." The matter of Xue Huaiyuan would not be resolved in a few days, and she had no idea how long it would take. She could not give up, so she had to be prepared to stay.

"In that case, we shall rent," Ye Mingyu agreed.

"I’ve heard there is a place called Qingshi Alley in Tongxiang," Jiang Li said. "The houses there are nice. Let’s go there."

"No problem." Ye Mingyu ordered one of his men to ask for directions, and they headed toward Qingshi Alley.

Jiang Li sat back in the carriage. Tong'er and Baixue peered out curiously. In Tongxiang, Jiang Li didn't need to hide her identity, as almost no one would recognize her. She didn't need to wear a veil. Baixue was used to rural life, but for Tong'er, this was a new experience. After a while, she found the street performers and candy makers quite interesting.

The carriage rolled toward Qingshi Alley. It was the road Jiang Li knew best. The Xue residence, where she and her father, Xue Zhao, had once lived, was there. She had walked this path from the city gate to the alley countless times. Later, she had walked out of the alley, only never to return. And when she returned now, she was Jiang Li, no longer A-Li.

Jiang Li grew exceptionally silent. Tong'er and Baixue noticed her mood and lowered their voices, worrying for her.

After an unknown amount of time, the carriage stopped.

"Ah Li, we're here!" Ye Mingyu’s voice sounded from outside.

Tong'er and Baixue jumped down first and helped Jiang Li. For a moment, Jiang Li felt her hands trembling, along with her heart. She took a deep breath and stepped down.

Even the air was familiar.

The goldenrod by the door gave off a familiar scent. The stone slabs at the entrance still had the little pits from years of rain dripping from the eaves. In the distance, the sound of children playing echoed.

Jiang Li forced a smile, which looked heart-wrenching to Ye Mingyu.

Everything was familiar. Everything was just as it was in her memories, except for herself—everything else had changed.

"Let’s walk ahead," Jiang Li said. Before Ye Mingyu could respond, she began to walk forward.

She was almost there. She would soon reach the Xue residence. She didn't know what it looked like now—she hadn't dared to imagine it. She had expected to feel "fear of returning home," but once she reached this point, she realized she had no time for hesitation. She followed her instincts.

She was going home.

Ye Mingyu and the others followed closely.

Suddenly, Jiang Li stopped.

Five or six steps in front of her was the gate of a residence. It was small, even low, compared to the Jiang or Ye estates. Some of the blue stone tiles on the eaves had fallen off, likely due to wind and rain or long neglect, and a broken tree branch lay across the entrance.

Despite the sunlight, it gave off a desolate, empty feeling—as if the family had been scattered and the home abandoned.

Ye Mingyu, who had followed closely, saw Jiang Li standing motionless before the gate and was puzzled. "Ah Li?"

"Yes," Jiang Li said, lifting the corners of her mouth as tears began to stream down her face.

The gate of the Xue residence was sealed with government seals.

The Xue family was no more.