The Double

Tonger, after listening to Jiang Li's words, nodded in agreement and then seemed to remember something. "However, that Madam Liu is truly a good person," she said, smiling at Jiang Li. "Actually, after so many years, I can hardly remember her. I didn't expect Miss to still recall what Madam Liu looked like. There were so many ladies present, but only Madam Liu was willing to speak up for what's right."

Jiang Li smiled. When she was Xue Fangfei, she had married into Yanjing and often gossiped with the other ladies and misses. Unlike others, she had an exceptional memory since childhood. Madam Liu from Gentleman Chengde's mansion and Ye Zhenzhen from the Ye Family of Xiangyang had also mentioned the relationship between the two.

She herself had briefly interacted with Madam Liu and knew that she was kind-hearted and possessed a chivalrous spirit that despised evil. Today, by invoking their old friendship and arousing Madam Liu's sympathy first, then hinting at the mystery behind her being sent to the nunnery in the second place, it would only be reasonable for Madam Liu not to stand idly by.

"But Miss," Tonger hesitated, "even if Madam Liu raises the matter with the master after returning to the capital, will the master really send someone to bring you back immediately? Otherwise, why don't we just leave with Madam Liu early tomorrow morning?"

Although Tonger usually spoke with certainty, believing that one day Jiang Yuanbai would surely come to take Jiang Li home, over the years, Jiang Yuanbai had shown no concern for this daughter, and everyone saw it. Now that the day had come, Tonger herself hardly believed it.

"Don't worry, Father will definitely send someone." Jiang Li said.

Three years ago, Gentleman Chengde had a grievance with a scholar recommended by Ji Yanlin, the Vice Imperial Envoy and Ji Shuran's father. Gentleman Chengde could have been promoted further, but the scholar, because of his connection with Ji Yanlin, had snatched away his desirable position.

Stealing one's credit, blocking one's path to success. The relationship between Lord Liu and Ji Yanlin was anything but calm. As long as Madam Liu mentioned this affair to Gentleman Chengde after returning to Yanjing, the clever Gentleman Chengde would naturally not miss the opportunity to make Ji Yanlin look foolish.

This incident was originally the Ji family's fault. Moreover, her father, who loved generosity and had a forgiving nature, the Grand Secretary, was even more of a reputation-conscious good person. How could he allow the blight of being harsh to his own daughter to remain in the hands of his political adversaries?

"I not only want to go back, but I also want to return in glory." Jiang Li tapped her fingers on the table. "Returning with Madam Liu would be a lesser choice and wouldn't make much of a stir in Yanjing City. But if someone is sent to fetch me, it will be different. The entire capital will know that the Second Miss of the Jiang family is returning. As soon as the nobility circle in the capital hears the news, then I can formally, gloriously return to Yanjing."

Tonger blinked, not sure why, but in recent days, she sometimes felt that Miss Jiang the Second had become extremely unfamiliar. The old Miss Jiang the Second was impulsive, stubborn, reckless, and fragile, while the current Miss Jiang the Second seemed extremely gentle, calm, and formidable.

"Just wait," Jiang Li curved her eyes, "It won't be long."

...

The next morning, Madam Liu set off for Yanjing City.

Those leaving with her included various ladies and misses who seemed eager to leave as if they were avoiding something. Given the disgraceful incident that had occurred at the Buddhist place, it made sense that the women would steer clear.

Helin temple was unaware that in the nunnery where Jiang Li stayed, all the nuns had left without a trace, not one remained. It was said that the nearby government office was informed and had taken the nuns away for custody and interrogation overnight.

Madam Liu, before parting, additionally left a few servants to guard the place, to ensure Jiang Li's safety while she stayed there. Madam Liu's personal maid Yu Xiang also stayed by Jiang Li's side.

As the carriage was about to depart, Madam Liu lifted the carriage curtain, looked at Jiang Li worriedly, and said, "Miss Jiang the Second, are you truly determined to stay here? I have considered it over and over and feel it's inappropriate. Why not return to the capital with us after all?"

Jiang Li gracefully yet firmly refused, smiling, "Thank you for your kindness, Madam, but I must keep my promise to Father."

Mentioning Jiang Yuanbai, Madam Liu thought of her early deceased friend Ye Zhenzhen and her face darkened. Then, coming back to her senses, she looked at Jiang Li and sighed, "Well, since you're so resolute, I won't persuade you further. Rest assured, I will convince your father to send someone for you as soon as possible." Then she said to Yu Xiang, "Yu Xiang, take good care of Miss Jiang the Second."

Yu Xiang nodded in response.

As the line of carriages slowly disappeared into a haze of dust, Tonger watched them go, a touch of melancholy appearing in her eyes. With their departure, there was no knowing when someone would come again...

Unable to help herself, Tonger asked, "Miss, can we really return in glory?"

"We will," assured Jiang Li with a smile.

Of course, she intended to return in grand style, amidst bustle and attention. She wanted all the nobility in Yanjing to be aware of the existence of the Second Miss who had vanished without a trace. Only in this way could she restore her former life. The identity of Miss Jiang the Second would procure countless conveniences for her, the greatest of which would be the legitimate proximity to Princess Yongning.

Princess Yongning, Shen Yurong, even the Mayor of Jingzhao, along with all those who aided and abetted the enemy. Her father Xue Zhao's mortal enemies were always in her mind, never forgotten for a single moment.

Yanjing, a bustling and prosperous place.

Yanjing, also a perfect place for revenge to begin.

The smile on Jiang Li's lips grew deeper. Yu Xiang, standing beside her, saw this and couldn't help but show a hint of astonishment. Miss Jiang the Second was gentle and uncompetitive, with a clear and blooming smile.

But there was an inexplicable hint of bleakness.