The Double-Chapter 744 - 223 In-laws

Jiang Li didn’t know when she had finished singing, all she felt was Jih Heng holding her, without making a single move. She wanted to look up at him, but Jih Heng’s voice came from above her head, saying, "Don’t move, stay just like this."

For some reason, at that moment, Jiang Li seemed to catch a glimpse of unusual emotions in him, emotions that belonged to a Jih Heng she didn’t know—vulnerable, lost, and helpless.

So she stayed still, quiet, and unmoving.

The autumn sunlight wasn’t as intense as summer’s, it was gentle and tinged with gold, and it gradually warmed them both. She really should have pushed Jih Heng away, for if a servant saw them, and should there be any gossip, it would inevitably cause trouble. Yet, she did nothing.

When she needed help, Jih Heng had helped her. Even if this help might disrupt his plans, he hadn’t quibbled. If she were now stingy with a hug, it would be somewhat ungrateful, and besides, his embrace wasn’t as cold as she had imagined, Jiang Li found it quite comforting.

A long time passed, so long that Jih Heng had fallen asleep before Jiang Li, who felt tired from maintaining the same position, and then Jih Heng let go of his arms.

He gazed at Jiang Li, a smile forming on his lips as he said, "Ah Li is really cute."

It sounded like sincere praise, not teasing or flirting, so Jiang Li didn’t feel shy but rather asked with some concern, "What’s wrong? Did something happen?"

"Nothing," Jih Heng pondered, "I’m just thinking about when would be the best time to meet your father."

Jiang Li replied, "You decide." She could go to the Ye Residence at any time, but Jih Heng might not always have that liberty. He needed to keep an eye on Yin Zhan’s movements and might not have much time to stay in Yanjing City.

"Let’s do it in the next few days," Jih Heng said, "I’ll have Zhao Ke pass you the message."

Jiang Li nodded, thought for a while, and asked, "Is there any movement from the Yin Household...?"

Jih Heng snorted with laughter, "They’re trying by all means to stay in Yanjing, it seems they’re getting impatient too."

"Be careful," she said.

"Don’t worry," Jih Heng replied. freёweɓnovel_com

The brief moment of affection ended quickly, and Jih Heng left the Jiang Residence before Jiang Yuanbai returned. Even though Jiang Yuanbai could not control him now—he was the Duke, bestowed by the emperor himself, and could rightfully enter the Jiang Family with his head held high—it seemed that Jih Heng did not wish to play a guessing game with Jiang Yuanbai and left quite decisively.

When Tonger and Bai Xue entered the room, they could not help but smile. Jiang Li asked, "What are you laughing at?"

"Everyone outside says the Duke is cruel and wicked, but they haven’t seen how he is with you. We think that even the Crown Prince of the Yin Household is not as gentle as the Duke. Moreover, while the crown prince is kind to everyone, the Duke is only tender to you. We’re happy for you, for you haven’t chosen wrong," Tonger went on at length.

Jiang Li laughed then, "You sure know a lot."

In her heart, all the previous unease and confusion had vanished. The past had become truly the past, and the caution, the desire for revenge, and the pain she felt regarding Xue Fangfei were gone. She now liked who she was at present, with a brand new future ahead.

Yet the thought of not knowing when Jih Heng would visit Xue Huaiyuan made Jiang Li nervously tense. Would her father like someone like Jih Heng? After all, Jih Heng could be overly arrogant and unpredictable. How would he treat her father, and if they didn’t get along, how would she smooth things over?

It was indeed a difficult problem.

...

On the fifth of October, the weather in Yanjing City had become very cool. Even in the mornings and evenings, there were hints of early winter. Yanjing, located to the north, sees winter arrive early, and Jiang Li, having lived here for several years, had grown accustomed to it. One morning, after having breakfast and donning a cloak, she prepared to go out.

Jiang Li planned to visit the Ye Residence; she and Jih Heng had agreed to go together today to see Xue Huaiyuan. Before she could leave, a light rain began to fall, and a single rain in autumn brings the chill of the season. Bai Xue went to fetch Jiang Li a cloak, and then she boarded the carriage.

Once in the carriage, Jiang Li couldn’t help but worry about the upcoming events.

She wasn’t worried about Jiang Yuanbai meeting Jih Heng. In the regular imperial audience hall and banquets, Jih Heng and Jiang Yuanbai had already met, and Jiang Yuanbai understood the importance of appearances. But Xue Huaiyuan was different; he had resigned his position as Minister of Works precisely because he couldn’t stand the corruption in the officialdom, and Jih Heng was accustomed to going his own way. When together with Xue Huaiyuan, who knew what they would talk about? Xue Huaiyuan was known for righteousness, integrity, and fairness—qualities so different from Jih Heng’s. Thinking about it, Jiang Li dreaded the encounter. Perhaps Xue Zhao’s presence might help, but Xue Zhao had a knack for good intentions going awry, often pouring oil on the fire.

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