Chapter 146: A Startling Sight

Zhao Ke arrived promptly.

Perhaps not expecting Jiang Li to blow the whistle before midnight, he must have been occupied with other matters, as snowflakes and bits of grass still clung to his outer garments. Standing before the window, he said, "Second Miss."

"Zhao Ke, there is a favor I wish to ask of you." Jiang Li looked at him.

Zhao Ke could not help but be stunned. Whenever Jiang Li ordered him about in the past, she always wore an air of absolute entitlement and self-righteousness. Zhao Ke had transitioned from initial reluctance to eventual numbness. Since Lord Ji had given orders simply to obey whatever she said, what else could he say?

Yet today, the Second Miss Jiang's tone held a note close to pleading. Her expression was also far from its usual natural composure; instead, it carried a trace of anxiety and entreaty.

Though those cultivated within the State Preceptor's Estate were as hard-hearted as iron, looking into Jiang Li's eyes caused Zhao Ke to sigh inwardly. No wonder someone as cold and ruthless as Lord Ji could repeatedly indulge Second Miss Jiang; when this young lady wore a pleading look, it gave one the illusion that to refuse her would be an unforgivable sin.

"Lord Ji has given his instructions: whatever the Second Miss requires, this subordinate shall simply carry out," Zhao Ke replied rigidly. No matter what his inner thoughts were, he could not display them.

"My maid, Baixue, hails from Jujube Blossom Village. Could you go... or rather, could you send some people to Jujube Blossom Village to bring a girl named Haitang back to the capital of Yanjing?"

Zhao Ke looked at Jiang Li in puzzlement. Where was Jujube Blossom Village? He had never been sent on a mission to such an obscure place, and Jiang Li's request was even more bizarre—to fetch a girl? He was not a carriage driver! Was Second Miss Jiang now employing him as a coachman as well? Yet the State Preceptor's Estate had not increased his monthly stipend!

"This matter... this subordinate must consult Lord Ji first," Zhao Ke said.

Jiang Li understood. She knew Zhao Ke would certainly report this to Ji Heng. In fact, every task she had Zhao Ke perform eventually reached Ji Heng's ears, for Ji Heng was Zhao Ke's true master. Yet this time, once Haitang's affair became known to Ji Heng, with that man's astuteness, it was entirely possible he might uncover clues.

At the very least, Ji Heng likely already knew that she and the Xue family were not entirely unconnected on the surface, and that their ties might run deep.

When one has too many lice, one ceases to itch; when one owes too many debts, one stops worrying. At this moment, Jiang Li instead felt a surge of reckless courage, and she said, "As you wish."

Zhao Ke felt another wave of astonishment. Since Second Miss Jiang had chosen not to have others do this, but instead asked someone from the State Preceptor's Estate, it must be a highly confidential matter. Yet she did not fear Ji Heng finding out. Could it be that Lord Ji and the Second Miss Jiang had reached such a familiar footing—wait, could Second Miss Jiang also have become one of Lord Ji's subordinates? Between a subordinate and a master, naturally there was no need for concealment.

Jiang Li was unaware of the elaborate drama playing out in the guard's mind. She merely said, "No matter how you report this to your master, once your master gives his consent, please bring her back in the shortest possible time. Along the way, you might encounter enemies in pursuit, and their forces may not be small. I earnestly beg you to be careful and ensure Haitang's safety above all else."

She spoke with profound solemnity. Zhao Ke, who had initially not taken the matter seriously, sensed Jiang Li's tension. Realizing that this affair was likely of immense importance to her, he dared not treat it lightly and replied, "This subordinate understands. I shall report to Lord Ji tonight and give my reply to the Second Miss tomorrow morning."

Jiang Li nodded.

Zhao Ke vanished outside the window. Baixue and Tong'er, unaware of what had transpired, simply tried their best to keep watch and secure the doors and windows; for a strange man to appear in their young lady's courtyard would lead to scandal if word got out.

Jiang Li closed the window, shutting out the wind and snow, her heart beating rapidly.

If everything went smoothly, if Zhao Ke was able to leave, very soon—at most a dozen days from now—she would see Haitang.

Her sister from a past life.

***

Within the State Preceptor's Estate, Wenji soon received the message transmitted by Zhao Ke and reported the matter word for word to Ji Heng.

Lu Ji was currently in Ji Heng's study, discussing matters with him. Upon hearing this, he remarked, "Why didn't Second Miss Jiang mention this during the day, yet blew the whistle the moment she returned at night?"

"It is said she received a letter tonight and made a temporary decision," Wenji replied.

"Haitang..." Ji Heng sat in his chair, his crimson robes pooling on the floor, the dim lamplight illuminating the gold thread along the hem like rippling, splendid colors. One of his fingers tapped lightly and absentmindedly against the letter paper. After a moment, he said, "Leave Zhao Ke at the Jiang residence. Wenji, select a few men and make a trip to Jujube Blossom Village."

Wenji acknowledged the order and departed.

After Wenji left, Lu Ji stroked his beard and wondered aloud, "What connection could this Haitang possibly have with Second Miss Jiang? If one says Tongxiang is at least in Xiangyang, and the Ye family is also in Xiangyang, then by stretching the logic, Second Miss Jiang can be linked to Tongxiang. But Jujube Blossom Village... truly has no connection whatsoever."

Furthermore, hearing the name, Lu Ji searched his memory and had never heard of it, assuming it to be a farming hamlet in some tiny town. For Jiang Li to request this with such solemnity, it certainly could not be simple. Come to think of it, it was the same last time in Tongxiang: Qiongji from the Xihua Pavilion seemed to have no connection to Jiang Li either, yet it was solely through Qiongji's message that Jiang Li learned of Xue Huaiyuan's condition.

She always seemed to know things that others did not. Since that was the case, this Haitang whom Jiang Li held in her heart was likely connected to some important affair.

"We will know once people arrive," Ji Heng said nonchalantly. Suddenly remembering something, he asked, "Is there any movement on Prince Cheng's side?"

"Recently, there have been frequent meetings with court ministers. Secret agents report that they are conspiring in secret. However, the internal faction is divided into two: one advocates forcing the palace, while the other advocates taking things slowly. They have reached a stalemate for now."

"A stalemate cannot last much longer," Ji Heng chuckled softly. "He does not have that much patience."

"If, after the turn of the year, next year—at most another year—Prince Cheng initiates a rebellion, will Your Lordship intervene?" Lu Ji asked. His question was somewhat vague. Though he had followed Ji Heng for a long time, sometimes Lu Ji could only vaguely discern what Ji Heng was thinking and what his subsequent plans were.

"No need. He cannot win." The young man lazily toyed with the folding fan in his hand. As the fan opened and closed, layers upon layers of gorgeous peonies bloomed, reflecting his face and making it appear all the more deep and striking. He smiled with amused interest, "The young emperor has waited all these years precisely for that day."

"I am also waiting for that day." He looked out the window. Outside was a dense, ink-like darkness, the howling wind clearly audible. His amber eyes were dyed pitch-black by the night, or perhaps it was the emotions darkening within his gaze.

His voice remained gentle, yet underlying that gentleness was a bone-deep cruelty.

"Waiting for the snake to leave its cave."

***

On the second day, having received word from Zhao Ke, Jiang Li finally set her mind at ease. Ji Heng had agreed to send men to fetch Haitang for her.

After tossing and turning all night without sleep, today she finally felt a sense of relief from a heavy burden. Jiang Li sat at the stone table in the courtyard, watching the two young maids, Qingfeng and Mingyue, sweep away the snow.

She realized that ever since her trip to Tongxiang, her relationship with Ji Heng had evolved into a state of neither enemies nor friends. He constantly threatened her life, which was why Jiang Li held back few reservations when facing him. Now that she thought about it, many matters had been completed so smoothly precisely thanks to Ji Heng's timely assistance.

Whether it was the affair involving Jiang Yueru, or that of Xue Huaiyuan, or Daoist Chongxu and now Haitang, Ji Heng had a hand in every single one of them. Someone who should have been a bystander had accompanied her deep into the play from beginning to end. Jiang Li was not a person of stone; on the contrary, Xue Huaiyuan had taught her since childhood to know gratitude and repay kindness. Everything Ji Heng had done was witnessed by her. Her attitude toward him was neither warm nor cold, driven purely by the desire to preserve herself, for the current political situation was too complex, and Ji Heng was no simple man.

A debt of favor must be repaid. For the time being, she did not know how her meager strength could be of any help to Ji Heng. But she resolved that if Ji Heng truly encountered difficulties in the future, she would not hold back. This had nothing to do with her life resting in Ji Heng's hands, but stemmed from pure gratitude.

If Yongning and Shen Yurong received their punishment, then aside from Xue Huaiyuan, she would truly have no remaining regrets.

Within the Jiang residence, while Jiang Li felt a sense of relief, another person felt far from at ease—that person being Jiang Youyao of the Yaoguang Pavilion.

Ever since Ji Shuran's death, Jiang Youyao's life had fallen from the heavens down to the earth. Setting aside whether the servants of the Jiang family were prone to flattering whichever way the wind blew, the entire household's servants had witnessed Ji Shuran's deeds firsthand that day. Naturally, they held no warm expressions for Ji Shuran's daughter. Although they did not slack in matters of etiquette on the surface, Jiang Youyao clearly caught them casting meaningful, pregnant glances at her on several occasions. She knew what those looks meant: they were glances of disdain and contempt.

Jiang Youyao was driven nearly mad with rage. When she threw tantrums at servants who displeased her, as she had done in the past, she was met with severe reprimands from Old Madam Jiang and Jiang Yuanbo. In the past, Jiang Youyao's arrogance and wilfulness were excused as the innocent naivety of a young girl; now, with Ji Shuran's cautionary precedent, everyone inevitably linked Jiang Youyao's behavior to Ji Shuran's malicious nature. If Jiang Youyao had also learned Ji Shuran's viciousness, then her actions could no longer be dismissed as mere wilfulness.

To Jiang Youyao, however, this felt as though Jiang Yuanbo and Old Madam Jiang no longer loved her because of Ji Shuran, and even despised her. Everyone up and down the Jiang household looked down on her. In truth, let alone her, even Old Madam Jiang's previous doting on Jiang Bingji had been replaced by sternness—descendants could not be allowed to warp at the roots, and Lady Ji was the prime example.

Under such circumstances, Jiang Youyao felt as though every day was a year.

She had once written a letter to the Ji family, hoping Jiang Yanlin would send someone to take her back to the Ji family. Since the Jiang family did not welcome her, the Ji family could naturally help her. Yet there was no reply forthcoming; Jiang Youyao suspected the letter had been intercepted by the Old Madam. She could do nothing. Rumors were rampant outside, even spreading claims that she was not Jiang Yuanbo's daughter, but the illegitimate child of Ji Shuran and Liu Wencai. These numerous blows nearly suffocated Jiang Youyao.

At times like this, she even envied Jiang Yueru, who had become a concubine to Zhou Yanbang, the Marquis of Ningyuan. Even as a concubine, she had married the man of her heart. Zhou Yanbang was so gentle; surely he would understand her and comfort her. Thinking of this, Jiang Youyao could not help but hate Jiang Li all over again. If not for Jiang Li and Jiang Yueru conspiring back then, how could her marriage have been usurped by Jiang Yueru? That belonged to her by right! Jiang Li had stolen her affection in the Jiang family, killed her mother, and allowed Jiang Yueru to occupy the magpie's nest—she deserved to die!

Watching the shifting expressions on Jiang Youyao's face, the maids by her side grew somewhat frightened. Having endured drastic changes over these past days, Jiang Youyao's temperament had altered drastically, leading her to beat and scold the servants at the slightest provocation. Although the Old Madam and the Eldest Master had issued strict warnings, within her own courtyard, Jiang Youyao still managed to casually punish her servants.

"I want to go out." The maid, who was meticulously performing her duties, suddenly saw Jiang Youyao stand up from her chair and utter these words.

"Miss, wanting to go out of the residence right now... is hardly easy," Yinhua reminded her.

Especially since Jiang Youyao had been placed under confinement. Because the rumors outside concerning Jiang Youyao and Ji Shuran were varied and chaotic, if Jiang Youyao were to step outside, it would inevitably provoke gossip and scandal. To avoid trouble one must hide from it, so the Jiang family had kept Jiang Youyao temporarily indoors, forbidden from leaving the grounds.

Yet in Jiang Youyao's eyes, the Jiang family's actions were merely a way of venting their anger over Ji Shuran's affair upon her.

"If I stay in this manor any longer, I don't even know if I'll keep my life," Jiang Youyao sneered. "Now, no one puts me in their eyes anymore, nor does anyone remember I am the Third Miss of the Jiang family. If I stay here any longer, I shall end up like Aunt Hu from years past—forgotten by everyone, reduced to a worthless nobody!"

Jinhua moved her lips. In truth, she believed the current situation was only temporary; as long as Jiang Youyao behaved submissively, the Master would still cherish this daughter. After all, having raised her by his side for so many years, feelings were not so easily discarded, and the Master was soft-hearted. Once this period passed, with a bit of coquetry or a bitter-pity tactic, Jiang Youyao could quickly return to her former days.

Yet she dared not voice these thoughts. Jiang Youyao had already made up her mind, and saying anything else would be futile. It might even strike a sore spot for Jiang Youyao, so she merely asked, "Where does the Miss wish to go outside the estate?"

"Naturally, the Ji family." Jiang Youyao furrowed her brows. "Right now, my letters are all being intercepted, so Grandfather and the others do not know I am suffering in the Jiang family. I only need to escape the estate and go to the Ji family, and I shall never return. After all, the Ji family is no less prestigious than the Jiang family, and my maternal aunt is a noble consort in the palace. With my aunt backing me, no one will dare bully me. Why should I endure such grievances here!"

Jinhua and Yinhua exchanged glances. Jiang Youyao had been spoiled rotten by Ji Shuran and remained utterly ignorant of affairs outside, always assuming the world revolved around her. Little did she know that after such a scandal, the Ji family didn't even dare cross the Jiang family's threshold, let alone allow Jiang Youyao to reside indefinitely in their home.

"Miss should wait a few days longer. The gates are guarded too strictly by the lodgekeepers these days; I fear we wouldn't find an opportunity," Jinhua advised.

"Before long, it will be the turn of the year. When the New Year arrives, the household will inevitably make purchases and have many matters to attend to. That will be my chance." She cast a cold glance at her two maids. "You two must not harbor any alternative thoughts. Your deeds of servitude are still in my hands. If this affair fails and someone leaks the secret..." A flash of malice crossed her eyes, bearing an uncanny resemblance to Ji Shuran.

The two maids shuddered inwardly, hurriedly dropping to their knees to pledge their loyalty, daring not utter another word.

***

Following the Winter Solstice, less than a month remained until the turn of the year.

Despite the manifold trials that had beset the Jiang family over the past half-year—including loss of life, the rather unsmooth official careers of the two Jiang brothers, and the capital treating the family as idle gossip material—the New Year still had to be observed.

Up and down the estate, people unconsciously began to bustle with activity. Pearl and Jade from the Wanfeng Hall visited several times, inquiring when Jiang Li would go out to select jewelry at the shops. Jiang Li held no particular fondness for jewelry and, having gone once, had no desire to go again. Consequently, Old Madam Jiang sent for a tailor to come to the Fangfei Courtyard to measure and make new clothes for Jiang Li, an act Jiang Li knew was intended as compensation.

Speaking of tailoring clothes, there was an incident during this period when Old Madam Jiang took her to attend a banquet—a private gathering among official households. Jiang Li had worn a dress made from the Ye family's newly released "rippling water" patterned fabric, which immediately caught the attention of noble ladies and matrons alike. They flocked to her, inquiring where such material could be purchased. Jiang Li took the opportunity to mention the name of the Xiangyang Ye family. Shortly thereafter, Ye Mingyu received a letter from Xiangyang stating that the Ye family's rippling water fabric was in such high demand that numerous clothing shops in Yanjing were placing orders for the material. The Ye family's textile mills had been working almost day and night to keep up production.

Hearing Ye Mingyu recount this, Jiang Li felt greatly comforted. At least the Ye family's ancient-fragrance satin had not fallen into obscurity, and with the rise of the rippling water pattern, the Ye family's crisis was considered weathered. Old Madam Ye's health was also gradually improving, and everything was moving in a positive direction. Even Xue Huaiyuan, under Sidu Jiuyue's medical care, grew more spirited day by day, now capable of recognizing people and calling them by name.

This approaching New Year did not seem so difficult to endure; it appeared as though many matters could be smoothly resolved without insurmountable distress.

Fifteen days after the Winter Solstice, Haitang returned.

Standing outside Jiang Li's window, Zhao Ke said, "The person is currently within the State Preceptor's Estate. Bringing her to the Jiang residence would likely draw attention, and the Ye family's gates are being watched. If the Second Miss wishes to see Haitang, Lord Ji said you may come to the State Preceptor's Estate."

Jiang Li: "...That is likely to draw notice."

"It is of no consequence. Lord Ji said that if the Second Miss wishes to go, visiting late at night will ensure no one discovers it." Zhao Ke put it simply, but hearing it gave Jiang Li a headache.

"How am I supposed to leave the house in the dead of night?" Jiang Li asked, hoping the man before her would consider some practical realities. She was the Prime Minister's daughter; how could she wander out at midnight, let alone go to the State Preceptor's Estate? Unless she possessed lightweight kung fu like Ye Mingyu, wore a mask, and remained elusive, then it would be fine.

"About that, Second Miss need not worry; this subordinate will arrange everything," Zhao Ke said with absolute confidence.

Jiang Li scrutinized Zhao Ke for quite a while—long enough for him to lower his head in mild embarrassment—before confirming that the guard before her was not joking and genuinely proposed such a solution. Still wishing to struggle a bit, she asked, "Can there be no other way? We could actually meet at a teahouse on the streets."

"The person the Second Miss is looking for deeply distrusts others and remains vigilant toward us even now," Zhao Ke replied. "Had we not subdued her, she would have fled."

"You subdued her?" Jiang Li was startled. "Did you not tell her that the people looking for her meant her no harm and came to help?"

"I told her." Zhao Ke shrugged. "She didn't believe it."

Jiang Li's heart slowly sank. For Haitang to be so intensely vigilant and refuse to believe anything, it was clear something truly terrible had happened to her—she must have suffered greatly to become this way. As matters stood, she could no longer afford to care about other things. Her utmost priority was to see Haitang first, comfort her, and figure out what had truly happened after she and Dujuan escaped following her own death.

Jiang Li said, "Very well, I shall go to the State Preceptor's Estate tonight. I wonder if the State Preceptor is available?"

Zhao Ke raised his head in surprise. She agreed just like that? He had assumed Second Miss Jiang would struggle and hesitate for quite a while before consenting, given that a young lady visiting an unmarried man's estate in the dead of night would make anyone hesitate. Yet upon second thought, it made sense; after all, the man in question was the State Preceptor! Which young woman in Northern Yan did not adore the State Preceptor? Even if, by some remote chance, something were to happen, Second Miss Jiang wouldn't be losing out—she might even come out ahead.

With this thought, the surprise vanished entirely from Zhao Ke's eyes, replaced by an expression of complete understanding. "Very well, this subordinate shall report back to Lord Ji."

Jiang Li nodded.

Zhao Ke departed. Watching him leave, Jiang Li did not close the window immediately; she simply stared out at the boundless expanse of white snow, her heart a tangled knot of sorrow and relief.

What brought her joy was that Haitang was still alive, and soon she would see an old friend. What brought her sorrow was that times had changed and things were not as they used to be—Haitang could not recognize her, nor could she rashly reveal her true identity. Both of them had endured immense trauma, no longer the carefree young maidens of the past.

Tong'er stood beside Jiang Li and asked in a low voice, "Is the young lady going to the State Preceptor's Estate tonight?"

Jiang Li looked at Tong'er and asked, "I am going to the State Preceptor's Estate, growing very close to Ji Heng. What do you think of this? Or rather," she turned her gaze to Baixue, "how do you both feel?"

This was the first time she had spoken so solemnly to her two maids. To Tong'er and Baixue, many of Jiang Li's actions were baffling. Even Tong'er, who had grown up alongside Jiang Li since childhood, remained completely in the dark regarding the numerous people who inexplicably entered her life.

Tong'er stammered, "W-What do you mean? You aren't going to abandon us, are you, Miss?" Her eyes turned red, as if she might burst into tears at any second.

Jiang Li was momentarily stunned, then found herself caught between laughter and tears by Tong'er's reaction. She reached out to close the window, while Qingfeng and Mingyue kept watch outside the doors. Sitting down at her desk, she sighed and said, "I suppose you both have noticed that life by my side has not been peaceful lately; indeed, it is fraught with danger. What I intend to do may offend the powerful figures of Yanjing, and I may not even be able to protect myself." Pausing, she continued, "You are the people closest to me, and I do not wish to deceive you. I can only tell you that the things I must do in the future may be even more shocking. By comparison, visiting the State Preceptor's Estate at midnight is a trivial matter. Knowing this, can you still accept it?"

Baixue thought for a moment, then asked with a serious expression, "And if we cannot accept it?"

Tong'er hurriedly tugged at Baixue's sleeve, but Baixue remained unmoved. Being straightforward by nature, she spoke her mind plainly, evidently harboring genuine confusion regarding Jiang Li's stance.

"If you cannot accept it, you cannot remain by my side—not merely because I fear implicating you, but because you would be unable to help me," Jiang Li said with complete candor. Yet her frankness did not feel offensive or selfish; instead, it made them realize she was speaking her truest thoughts. "I hope those around me can lend a hand, even if it is only with minor tasks. After all, the dangers we will face ahead are numerous, and I have no desire to fail prematurely. As for what I can offer you in return..." She paused to think. "Wealth and material goods are naturally not a problem, but more importantly, I will treat you with absolute sincerity."

In this world, sincerity was the rarest commodity of all.

Tong'er bit her lip, her voice thick with tears, as she stepped forward and said, "Miss, no matter what you intend to do, I have followed you since I was a child. If you abandon me, I have nowhere else to go. Should the young lady face danger in the future, Tong'er will gladly risk her life to save her master—this is the duty of a servant... I will follow you forever!"

Before Jiang Li could reply, Baixue also spoke up, "This servant as well." Though not eloquent and lacking in flowery words, her four syllables were uttered with ringing force, clearly conveying her unwavering determination.

Looking at the two young maids, a wave of warmth and tenderness welled up in Jiang Li's chest. The affair with Haitang had reminded her that because her endeavors were perilous, those around her could be implicated at any moment. Without their knowledge, just like Xue Fangfei in the past, Princess Yongning had still found the opportunity to harm Xue Zhao and Xue Huaiyuan. Though Tong'er and Baixue could not fully comprehend her motives, they deserved to know what they were confronting.

If they could not bear the consequences, they ought to leave early rather than be dragged into the vortex of strife.

Yet both of them had chosen to stay.

"Miss, no matter what you must face, you are never alone," Baixue said.

Jiang Li smiled faintly. "Indeed." She possessed two loyal maids, as well as the affection of the Ye family. Though Jiang Yuanbo and Old Madam Jiang were selfish, they ultimately harbored guilt toward her. The traces belonging to Xue Fangfei had been erased, but those belonging to Jiang Li were slowly being reclaimed piece by piece.

After speaking further with Tong'er and Baixue, Tong'er was finally pacified. Afterward, Jiang Li did nothing out of the ordinary; she spent her time as usual in the courtyard writing, practicing calligraphy, drinking tea, and listening to the maids chat idly, all while calmly awaiting the fall of night.

When night descended and the bustling sounds of Yanjing faded entirely—even the whistling of the wind dying down—a faint light still burned in Jiang Li's courtyard. After the maids came by several times to urge her to rest, the courtyard light finally extinguished, signaling that the master had supposedly gone to sleep.

In reality, however, Jiang Li was wide awake. Seated upright at her desk beneath the moonless sky blanketed by thick clouds, her only illumination came from a single lantern hanging from a tree in the courtyard. Its glow cast a bright, pristine reflection upon the snow-covered ground. Everything was hushed and still, with not a sound stirring within the Jiang household.

Just as Jiang Li was beginning to feel drowsy after some time, sudden movement broke the silence outside her window.

Someone was tapping lightly against the lattice.

Jiang Li started, assuming it was Zhao Ke, and instinctively reached to push the window open. To her surprise, the person outside was also looking inward. As Jiang Li pulled the window open past her desk, the face that met her gaze was breathtakingly exquisite.

Ji Heng had arrived.