The Double-Chapter 623 - 184: Pity_2

"You’ve said this many times," Jih Heng waved his hand, "but it’s of no use."

"Not necessarily," Jiang Li smiled, "If the Prince of Xia County returns to the capital, perhaps the Jiang Family could also contribute to the Duke’s plans."

Jih Heng’s smile gradually faded, and he turned to look at Jiang Li, "Miss Jiang the Second, do you realize what you are saying?"

"Prince Cheng will make his move soon, and the two generals of Yanjing are currently stationed at the border, with disconnected military lines; the Zhaode General will surely return to the capital for assistance," Jiang Li said, "Isn’t this moment what the Duke has been aiming for?"

She had thought it over and felt that all that Jih Heng had done, including stabilizing the situation and then actively breaking it, forcing Prince Cheng to take action earlier, was all for the purpose of drawing out the Prince of Xia County. However, Old General Jih’s profound discretion concerning the Prince of Xia County made Jiang Li even more certain that there must be some underlying issue.

Jih Heng laughed softly, looking at Jiang Li: "I heard that Xue Fangfei is so talented that she can sew a heart with her embroidery, and is as clever as ice and snow. I didn’t believe it at first, but now it seems it is true."

In his eyes, there was undisguised admiration as Jiang Li smiled, "I know that you once thought I was just a wooden beauty."

"Xue Fangfei is certainly not a wooden beauty, it’s just that Shen Yurong turned her into one," Jih Heng said with a faint smile, "So Shen Yurong’s ability stops there; he lacks vision."

"I wouldn’t say that; his vision was simply too far-reaching, which led him to stumble," Jiang Li now spoke of Shen Yurong without a trace of entanglement or unwillingness. Strangely, unaware of when it happened, her feelings for Shen Yurong had slowly dissipated along the path of revenge, after she became Jiang Li. To her, Shen Yurong became just a redundant passerby in life, one who had left and should hopefully never return.

"You no longer hate him?" Jih Heng asked.

"What good does hatred do? Or love for that matter? What he owed me, at most, could only be repaid to this extent, with the loss of his life. Nothing more is left," Jiang Li said.

Jih Heng remarked, "That’s sensible," as he held a teacup, "Shall we drink a cup?"

Jiang Li smiled and lifted her teacup too, using tea as a substitute for wine. Outside, the rain drizzled relentlessly, like wine for the spring and feelings, while the two teacups clinked together crisply in the air.

She tipped her head back and drained the tea, as if to drink away all the bitterness that belonged to Xue Fangfei. Jih Heng, on the other hand, sipped his tea slowly, with an elegant demeanor as if he truly held a divine elixir.

"Our previous agreement is now null and void," Jih Heng said with a languid and indifferent voice, like a night wind saturated with the inebriation of spring, reaching Jiang Li’s ears, "From now on, Miss Jiang the Second, you are free."

Jiang Li knew what he meant; the case of the Xue Family had been concluded, and from now on, Xue Fangfei’s past was truly over. She would become the real Miss Jiang the Second, continuing to live in this world. And with that, the play had completely come to an end; as someone who watched the play, when the song ends, the people disperse, and naturally, Jih Heng would not stay put. Their interactions might thus come to an end here, finished.

A very light sense of loss flickered through Jiang Li’s heart. Although she had been wary and skeptical of Jih Heng at first, maintaining a cautious relationship or bargain, in truth, she had placed a certain level of trust in him. In some ways, since her arrival in Yanjing City, her trust in the members of the Jiang Family seemed not to match her trust in Jih Heng. This was based both on her recognition of Jih Heng’s strength and of his character.

When one is strong enough, they disdain petty schemes. For her, Jih Heng had no need for such tactics.

It was like having a friend with whom she shared a boat ride through the stormy waves, and when it came time to part ways mid-journey, there was always an inexplicable sense of sadness.

Jiang Li looked at him: "During this time, the Duke has taken good care of me, thank you."

Jih Heng smiled, "No need to be polite, your performance was quite good."

Jiang Li also smiled.

When she left Jih Heng’s study, Jih Heng didn’t stand up to send her off. As Jiang Li approached the door, the rain had not yet ceased, and Bai Xue held the umbrella well. Jiang Li turned for a final glance into the room, where Jih Heng sat at his desk. His silhouette, under the lamplight, took on a stunningly desolate charm.

She turned her head and walked into the rainfall.

Zhao Ke escorted them away. As they were leaving, Jiang Li caught a glimpse of the hurried figure of Situ Jiuyue as she passed through the courtyard. She seemed very busy and did not notice Jiang Li and the others. Jiang Li asked Zhao Ke, "What is Miss Jiuyue doing?"

"Recently, a patient arrived at the residence," Zhao Ke said, "Miss Situ is treating his injuries."

A patient worthy of Miss Jiuyue’s personal attention was certainly no ordinary person. The Duke Residence had many secrets, and it was not Jiang Li’s place to pry further. Thus, she didn’t look back and went on her way.

Situ Jiuyue hurried back into the room. Ah Zhao, the young man she called, was lying on the bed. He was still not able to get up, requiring daily acupuncture from Situ Jiuyue. Apart from the servant who brought him food and took care of him, he saw no one else but Situ Jiuyue every day.

As time passed, he grew more familiar with Situ Jiuyue, who didn’t mind talking with the young man. The raspiness of his voice faded, revealing its natural, bright, and pleasant timbre, much like his appearance.

"Doctor Situ," Ah Zhao inquired, "just now I heard voices from outside, who were they?"

"Did you?" Situ Jiuyue furrowed her brows and replied, "I wasn’t paying attention, probably guests of Jih Heng. Don’t move; I’m going to apply the needles now."

Elsewhere, Wen Ji entered the study. Jih Heng was still seated, gazing out the window, which had been left open. The wind made the candlelight flicker and waver, and its shadow stumble and lurch. Fine rain drifted onto the desk, some splashing into the teacup, stirring delicate ripples like a blooming flower.

"Sir, Miss Jiang the Second has departed," Wen Ji said.

Jih Heng uttered a "hmm" before he finally withdrew his gaze.

He lowered his eyes towards the opposite seat. The stool there was already devoid of anyone, only her leftover teacup reminded him of who once occupied that spot.

From Xue Fangfei to Miss Jiang the Second, it was an unbelievable turn of events, yet it seemed only this could explain everything. It was rare for someone who had died once to still possess such lucid eyes and to naively, earnestly trust another.

Was it folly or preciousness?

Yet, as he held the fan handle to her throat, the momentary softness in his heart inexplicably grew a strand of reluctance and pity. It startled him, forced him to take a hard look at himself, and made him realize the necessity to set clear boundaries and cease any further dealings with her.

Those who watch the play must not get drawn into it; once they do, they would lose their sense of proportion, their clarity, and become mired in the staged sorrows and joys. That would be truly frightening.

He could not afford any weaknesses.