Chapter 116: Protection

When Jiang Li and Ji Heng returned to the outskirts of the woods, Ye Mingyu had already arrived with his men. Two of his subordinates were severely wounded, while the others had sustained varying degrees of minor injuries. Ye Mingyu himself had a gash on his arm, blood dripping steadily, but he paid it no mind, simply tearing a strip of cloth from his clothes to bind it.

They had searched everywhere for Jiang Li to no avail. Just as Ye Mingyu was sinking into despair, he saw Jiang Li appear at the end of Qingshi Lane, riding a horse. Beside her was a beautiful young man in red. Ye Mingyu recognized him—this was the man who had appeared before the Ye residence in Xiangyang. Jiang Li had told him this man was the Duke of Su.

Though he did not understand why the Duke of Su would be in Tongxiang, seeing Jiang Li filled Ye Mingyu with overwhelming joy. He hurried his men forward, calling out, "A-Li!"

"Uncle!" Jiang Li was equally surprised and delighted to see Ye Mingyu. She immediately pulled on the reins to dismount. The uncle and niece were reunited, both feeling the relief of having escaped a calamity. Jiang Li looked behind Ye Mingyu and asked, "Are you alright, Uncle? What about those assassins?"

"They were just a bunch of rabble. The three most skilled ones went after you. By the time we finished off the others, you were long gone. We didn't know the paths in Tongxiang and split up to look for you everywhere. I was worried to death. Thank goodness you’re alright." He looked her up and down, and only when he saw she hadn't lost a single hair did he finally let out a breath of relief.

Jiang Li noticed the blood seeping through the crude bandage on Ye Mingyu’s arm and gasped, "Uncle, you’re hurt!"

"It’s nothing," Ye Mingyu waved his hand dismissively. "Just minor scratches, not worth mentioning. A-Li, let me tell you, it’s a good thing I was there. If you had only brought your own guards, you surely wouldn't have made it. But even so, those three skilled ones... they were hard to deal with. Speaking of which, what happened to them? I saw them chasing after you and was frantic, but I was tangled up with the others and couldn't break free. How did you escape them?"

Jiang Li thought for a moment. Telling him she had trapped the killers in the swamp would be too terrifying for Ye Mingyu. Although she had already shown many suspicious traits, this uncle believed in her wholeheartedly. It was better to let him continue thinking it was simple; she didn't want him to look at her as if she were a monster.

She said, "I was riding my horse and accidentally stumbled into a forest. Those men followed me in. I suppose it was their first time in the woods, and they lost their way. Guided by the stars, I managed to find my way out before them."

Ye Mingyu didn't suspect her offhand lie at all. "That was a close call, a close call indeed."

Ji Heng, who had been silent the whole time, glanced at Jiang Li upon hearing this, the corner of his lips curling up as if mocking her for spinning such a tale.

Ye Mingyu noticed Ji Heng’s gaze and hesitated before asking, "A-Li, this gentleman..."

"I met the Duke when I came out," Jiang Li smiled. "If not for the Duke’s help, I wouldn't have returned so easily."

Since Ji Heng had decided to spare her life for the time being, he would not go back on his word. To maintain his pride—that "no one touches what belongs to me"—he would even ensure Jiang Li didn't die at someone else's hands. In this way, Ji Heng had become a natural shield. Jiang Li believed that if she were in danger, Ji Heng might not offer help proactively, but if she asked, he would intervene.

She didn't know if this was a good thing or a bad thing. But good or bad, as long as Ji Heng had no intention of taking her life, they could be considered allies for now. Thus, she did not hide anything from Ye Mingyu.

Sure enough, upon hearing this, Ye Mingyu immediately cupped his hands toward Ji Heng and said gratefully, "Is that so? Many thanks to the Duke for your help! Ye San is deeply grateful. If there is anything you need in the future, I will be at your beck and call!"

Ji Heng looked at Jiang Li and chuckled, "Does your family always love to repay kindness so much?"

Jiang Li’s cheeks flushed slightly. When his fan had been pressed against her throat, she had said things like "I will repay you in the next life" just to make him soften. She knew he likely saw through her calculation, but he had let her go—whether it was because of that remark, she couldn't say.

Everyone had weaknesses. It was just a matter of size. She didn't know Ji Heng's yet, but she knew he had them, as long as he felt joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness.

"It’s not about loving to repay kindness," Jiang Li smiled. "We simply distinguish between gratitude and grudges." To repay hatred with hatred and kindness with kindness had been the way since ancient times. There was no such thing as returning evil for good or being ungrateful. If such things happened, one had to seek justice for oneself.

"Alright, enough talk," Ji Heng said. "I am leaving. Within seven days, Feng Yutang’s men will not be able to touch you." He added, "I am staying at the tavern opposite the county office. If you need anything, come find me."

Ye Mingyu was somewhat overwhelmed. As someone who had spent his life in the martial arts world, he had no real concept of how high an official's rank was or how much authority they held. Thus, he didn't think it strange to "cup his hands in gratitude." However, deep down, he didn't believe Ji Heng would actually help Jiang Li much. He had an intuition about this beautiful man: his heart was as cold as steel, and no one could easily enter it. Talk of loyalty or kindness was nonsense. He didn't know why Jiang Li was mixed up with him, but perhaps it was just a passing act.

But hearing Ji Heng's words now, it was clear he intended to help. And what did it mean that Feng Yutang’s men couldn't touch them for seven days? Did it mean Ji Heng would clear away all obstacles? Was he being this kind? He was a Duke, after all; would he stoop to do such things? Was he trying to curry favor with Jiang Yuanbai? Or was he trying to please Jiang Li? Jiang Li was at the age for marriage. Not to brag, but his niece was top-tier in looks, temperament, intelligence, and courage. Few in the world were worthy of her. Was this man a toad trying to eat swan meat? But then again, just how high was a Duke's rank?

Jiang Li didn't know her uncle’s thoughts had drifted so far. Whatever Ji Heng’s purpose, she was grateful. She bowed to him and said, "The Duke’s kindness is great; I have no way to repay it now, but in the future, I will surely return it."

Ye Mingyu’s hair stood on end, and he looked at Ji Heng with extreme vigilance. According to the storytellers in the taverns he frequented, that was the moment the playboy would say, "Then why don't you offer yourself to me?"

He must not let this scoundrel succeed! He had to protect his innocent niece!

Just as Ye Mingyu was about to speak, Ji Heng beat him to it: "No need for thanks. Since I have entered this play, I do not like seeing minor characters causing trouble."

To Ji Heng, the assassins sent by Feng Yutang were indeed "minor characters." If they had killed Jiang Li, there would be no more play to watch.

Jiang Li didn't understand why he had to phrase such a good deed so unpleasantly, but she wouldn't push the issue. She smiled at him, "Regardless, many thanks, Duke."

Ji Heng gave her a lazy look, then turned and walked slowly toward the other side of the road. In the moonlight, the Qingshi Lane path seemed unusually long. His back was magnificent yet lonely, his robes fluttering like a solitary, powerful demon elegantly walking home.

Jiang Li felt Ji Heng was different from before. Perhaps because she had discerned and spoken of his secret, he no longer felt the need to wear a mask in front of her. That lingering, honeyed smile had turned into a carefree indifference. He was lazy, bored, yet clear-headed and ready at any moment. He was a contradictory person, but at least he seemed more "human" than before.

Ye Mingyu saw Jiang Li staring at Ji Heng’s retreating figure and felt a sense of dread. His niece was intelligent and brave, but she was still young. Faced with such an enchanting man, it was hard for a young girl not to be moved if he tempted her. Seeing her lost in thought, could she have already fallen for him? Bah! The world was so unfair—handsome men just had to say a few words, and it seemed so real.

He tugged at Jiang Li, hoping she would come to her senses. "A-Li, shall we go back now?"

Jiang Li turned, looked at Ye Mingyu’s arm, and said, "Yes, Uncle, let’s go home and find a doctor to re-dress the wound. This isn't good enough. Everyone can sleep soundly tonight." Since Ji Heng said Feng Yutang’s men wouldn't cause trouble, it meant someone would be watching over them. At the very least, for the next seven days, she wouldn't be assassinated while walking the streets of Tongxiang.

Ye Mingyu hadn't cared much about his injury, but seeing Jiang Li’s concern, he felt a spark of warmth and immediately began to groan exaggeratedly. "It hurts so much, I really need a doctor. Let’s go, A-Li, let’s get back." He figured as long as Jiang Li was distracted by his injury, she wouldn't be thinking about that Duke fellow. Tomorrow, he would have to ask around: just how high was a Duke's rank anyway?

***

Jiang Li found it strange that Ye Mingyu had suddenly become so delicate, but she assumed he was in genuine pain and helped him back to the courtyard in Qingshi Lane.

Baixue and Tong'er had been guarding the door, their necks craned in anticipation. They hadn't seen Jiang Li or Ye Mingyu return all day. The two maids had been too worried to eat or sleep, and seeing the group return safe and sound, they nearly wept with joy. Jiang Li ordered them to fetch hot water and prepare food, then sent an uninjured man to find a doctor to tend to Ye Mingyu’s group.

While Baixue was cleaning Ye Mingyu’s wound, he asked Jiang Li, "A-Li, now that Peng Xiao and the others have been rescued and we have the files, what’s our next move? Are we going to visit every household in Tongxiang as you said?"

"Yes," Jiang Li nodded. "Uncle, get some good rest tonight. Tomorrow morning, we will go door-to-door. There are 568 households. We might not finish all of them, but we will visit as many as we can."

"And we'll spend the next five days doing just that?" Ye Mingyu asked.

"As long as one household is willing to stand up, we can file a formal complaint with the Ministry of Justice. They will immediately halt the execution order for Magistrate Xue and arrest Feng Yutang. No one will be able to stop it, because cases from the Ministry of Justice must pass through the Emperor's hands. As long as a prominent official from the capital is mentioned, His Majesty will not take it lightly." There was one thing Jiang Li didn't tell Ye Mingyu: she wouldn't just write down a prominent official; she would write the name of Princess Yongning.

This would be a direct confrontation with the Princess. But there was nothing to fear. Even if she appeared to be on peaceful terms with the Princess, the Princess had already sent assassins to eliminate her here in Tongxiang. As long as Emperor Hongxiao saw the Princess's name, this case would become a major one, and the Princess would be prevented from meddling.

This was what she wanted. The files and the officials were here; the only thing missing was the people of Tongxiang. If they could persuade some of them to go to the capital, the truth would not be far off.

"Good!" Ye Mingyu slapped his thigh. "We’ve done so much, victory is in sight! Once we convince the people of Tongxiang, the Xue case can be overturned, and that bastard Feng Yutang can be brought to justice. I’ve hated his guts for a long time. A piece of trash like that, acting as a Magistrate—to hell with him!"

Ye Mingyu was so angry he started cursing, but Jiang Li didn't have the energy to care. She sighed, a trace of worry clouding her brow: "Actually, the final step is the hardest."

Since ancient times, rulers knew that whoever won the hearts of the people won the world. But winning those hearts was never easy, especially when those hearts were threatened with death. She wasn't confident. She was least confident in human nature. But she had to try.

...That night seemed exceptionally long. In the small county of Tongxiang, many were sleepless. The moon hid away in the deep night, and the wind rustled the leaves on the streets, making the red lanterns under the eaves sway violently. The calmer the city, the more it felt like a brewing storm that could not be escaped.

By morning, Tongxiang, which hadn't seen snow in over a decade, began to experience a light flurry.

The snow wasn't as harsh as in Yanjing; gentle, tiny flakes drifted down, shimmering with a crystalline light. Some settled on the branches, layering over one another to form crystal-like curtains. It made the modest little city look tender and intoxicating.

Jiang Li was woken by Tong'er.

Tong'er’s pained voice sounded in her ear: "How could you sleep at the table, Miss? Did you not go to bed at all last night?"

Jiang Li stretched and said, "It’s fine."

Last night, after sending Tong'er and Baixue away, she had spent the entire night writing. Every one of the 568 households had received kindness from Xue Huaiyuan. She couldn't visit them all alone, so she had asked Ye Mingyu’s men to share the burden. With these "records of kindness," Ye Mingyu would be more persuasive when talking to the people.

She had fallen asleep at the desk without realizing it. Strangely, she didn't feel too tired upon waking. Jiang Li stood up and opened the window. A snowflake drifted in. She watched it, dazed, and said, "It’s snowing."

"Yes, it is," Tong'er looked outside.

She had lived in Tongxiang for over a decade and was seeing snow for the first time. She didn't know what it meant, but perhaps it was a new beginning.

A faint smile bloomed in Jiang Li’s eyes. "It’s nice."

Elsewhere, Feng Yutang arrived at the county office in the morning, putting on his official robes. The first snowfall in over a decade made him sneeze repeatedly. He wiped his nose as a servant handed him a cup of hot tea. Feng Yutang slumped into his chair and complained, "It’s freezing."

"Indeed," the servant replied with a forced smile. "The lanterns at the gate were even blown down by the wind."

Feng Yutang looked outside and asked, "The men who went out last night haven't returned?"

"No," the servant said.

"How unruly!" Feng Yutang said indignantly. Princess Yongning’s three killers didn't even respect him; he didn't dare speak up even when they bossed his own men around. He couldn't help it—they were the Princess's people. Moreover, if something went wrong, he had to rely on them. So, while dissatisfied, he only dared to grumble behind their backs.

He assumed the three of them had finished their business and gone off somewhere with his men. He didn't even consider the possibility that the assassination of Jiang Li had failed. To him, the Princess’s men were highly skilled. Jiang Li was just a young girl, and while Ye Mingyu could fight, he wasn't a professional killer. Jiang Li’s death at their hands was a foregone conclusion.

He smacked his lips, feeling a bit of regret. If not for her status, he wouldn't have let such a little beauty die so easily—at least not before he had his fun. Jiang Li was a pretty girl, the daughter of Jiang Yuanbai; it was just bad luck she had to die in Tongxiang. But then again, if she hadn't been so suicidal as to investigate the Xue case, this wouldn't have happened. So, she deserved it.

But why would a young girl like Jiang Li, who should have had no connection to the Xue family, investigate this case? Could it have been prompted by her father, Jiang Yuanbai? If he had prevented her and taken her life, and Jiang Yuanbai found out, wouldn't he be making an enemy of the Jiang family? Feng Yutang felt a twinge of anxiety. He worked for others and was ruthless, but he feared Jiang Yuanbai—not just an ordinary official, but the head of the literati.

He grew restless. He had expected news of Jiang Li’s death by morning, but there was nothing. A sense of unease crept into his heart, but he suppressed it and urged his servant, "Send more people to check. See if you can find any of them at the taverns or brothels."

As he spoke, a man came running in, stumbling so badly he tripped and landed right at Feng Yutang’s feet, shouting, "My Lord! My Lord, something terrible has happened!"

Feng Yutang, already irritable, kicked him, "What are you yelling about? What’s happened?"

"My Lord... you, you should go see the backyard of the county office yourself!" The subordinate’s face was filled with terror.

Feng Yutang knew something was wrong. He didn't say another word, heading to the backyard in three strides.

Before he even reached the yard, he smelled a thick, pungent scent of blood. He held back his nausea and continued walking. Before he even reached the center, he saw twenty corpses laid out neatly on the ground.

They were covered in a layer of snow, cold and stiff, no longer breathing. The blood had already congealed. Feng Yutang stumbled back, barely catching himself on a pillar.

He counted in his heart, three times. Exactly twenty men.

Twenty men—he had sent twenty of his own subordinates and three of the Princess’s men. There were twenty here. Where were the other three?

Feng Yutang asked, "Where are the others?"

The subordinate who reported first stepped forward, his voice trembling with uncontrollable panic, "My Lord, there are only twenty. The other three are nowhere to be found."

If they couldn't be found, maybe they were still alive. Yes, the Princess’s men were skilled; they wouldn't die so easily. A glimmer of hope rose in Feng Yutang’s heart. "Have you found any trace of them?"

The subordinate shook his head. "No shadows, but we found their weapons by the swamp near the black woods... My Lord, they are likely... in grave danger."

Feng Yutang’s vision went black, and he nearly fainted. Coming to his senses, he began to curse wildly. "They were twenty-plus men surrounding seven! And they were wiped out? Are they dogs? A bunch of useless trash!" He was breathing heavily, his voice filled with both rage and panic.

Feng Yutang was terrified. Those twenty men were his own. Now his most skilled fighters were gone, and the rest were useless. Without the Princess’s killers, he could do nothing. Forget about targeting Jiang Li; if Ye Mingyu came to assassinate him now, he didn't know if his remaining men could even protect his life.

Wait, Jiang Li and Ye Mingyu—what about them? If his men had killed Jiang Li before they died, then not all was lost. If she was dead, the Princess wouldn't blame him and would even help him survive this.

"Where is Jiang Li?" Feng Yutang grabbed the subordinate, asking, "Is she dead? Is she?"

His eyes were bloodshot, looking monstrous. The subordinate backed away and slowly shook his head.

Feng Yutang’s heart sank.

"The second young lady Jiang and that big fellow walked out of the residence in Qingshi Lane this morning, safe and sound."

Feng Yutang let go, his grip limp.

The assassination had failed. He had lost twenty-three men, while Jiang Li was unscathed and even brazen enough to walk around the county the next day. This was a provocation, or perhaps a sign of utter fearlessness.

Thinking about it, the twenty bodies in the backyard were her response. She must have known all along. After slaughtering his men, she had calmly sent the bodies back for him to see—to let him know exactly what the consequences were.

She really wasn't afraid at all.

But he had no way out. He realized how dangerous Jiang Li was, but that only made it clearer that she could not be left alive. Not just because of the Princess’s orders, but because Jiang Li knew he had tried to kill her. If he didn't kill her, she would never let him go.

This was a war between two factions. Either she died, or he died. He had to see it through to the end.

"Keep sending men," Feng Yutang said through gritted teeth. "Hunt her down."

"My Lord..." the subordinate looked at him in surprise, not understanding. "I’m afraid..."

"Afraid of what!" Feng Yutang roared. "What do you know? Go now! If we go too late, we’ll all be dead!"

There was no turning back now.

...

In the tavern opposite the county office, Wen Ji said, "My Lord, Feng Yutang has sent more men to hunt down the second young lady Jiang."

Ji Heng sat in his chair, looking at the tea in his cup. He seemed much calmer than usual, staring out the window, lost in thought. In the snowy world, his red robes were even more vibrant, and his lips were as alluring as flower petals.

After a long while, he said, "Go handle it."

Wen Ji accepted the order and left.

Lu Ji, sitting nearby, looked at Ji Heng thoughtfully. He didn't speak. Ever since he learned that Jiang Li had been pursued by both Ji Shuran’s and Feng Yutang’s men last night, he had felt as if a stone were weighing on his heart. With such a combined force, no matter how capable the young lady was, she shouldn't have been able to escape. But he hadn't expected that it wasn't Wen Ji following her, but Ji Heng. Furthermore, Ji Heng, who had never interfered in others' affairs, had actually intervened and was now showing a protective stance. Whether it was for utility or some other plan, the young lady had succeeded.

She had used an incredible method to pull him into this brilliant play. He had entered the game.

He couldn't guess what was in Ji Heng’s heart, but Lu Ji thought that the second young lady Jiang was truly formidable.