Chapter 110: The Rescue

"Magistrate Feng, you should have enough self-awareness to know whether you are a god or a mere imp."

As soon as Jiang Li finished speaking, Feng Yutang’s expression turned grim. He understood the subtext perfectly: Jiang Li was the daughter of the Chief Minister, while his own master was Princess Yongning. If they were to clash, Jiang Li had a powerful family as her backing, whereas he was nothing more than a minor county magistrate. That was an unchangeable fact. If he were to be sacrificed, it would be a trivial matter not worth mentioning.

Feng Yutang felt cornered. Jiang Li had arrived suddenly, giving him no time to prepare. Yet, after only a few exchanges, it was clear she was not someone easily dismissed. She was decisive and possessed a level of shrewdness rarely seen in a fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl.

She was even, in a way, terrifying.

"Second Miss Jiang, I am merely..." Feng Yutang said with a placating smile, "I am only following orders. Please, do not make things difficult for me."

"Following orders?" Jiang Li laughed. "You are the final authority in Tongxiang; no one dares to defy your commands. The case of County Magistrate Xue was also decided by your hand. You are the heavens of Tongxiang. Whose orders are you following? Why not tell me? Perhaps I am even acquainted with them back in Yanjing."

Cold sweat broke out on Feng Yutang’s forehead. He could not, of course, mention Princess Yongning. He gave a bitter laugh and said, "I have acted entirely according to protocol, Second Miss Jiang. I do not understand what it is you wish to do. You wanted to inquire about the Xue family, and I have told you everything truthfully. What more could you possibly want?"

Feng Yutang was, at his core, a rogue. Now, he adopted the face of a scoundrel, knowing no one could truly touch him. It was true—this place was crowded, and Jiang Li had no men at her disposal; she certainly couldn't storm the prison. Even if she did, it would implicate the Ye and Jiang families. He was essentially telling her: I acknowledge your status and offer you respect, but I cannot defy my orders. What can you do to me?

Ye Mingyu frowned. It was his first time witnessing a county magistrate act with such brazen shamelessness. Was he not afraid of Jiang Yuanbai’s retaliation later?

Only Jiang Li understood why Feng Yutang dared to be so insolent. He was banking on the support of Princess Yongning, believing that as long as he completed the task she had assigned, all would be well.

Although she had come hoping to see her father in prison, she had anticipated that it would not go smoothly. It didn't matter; at the very least, she had met this newly appointed Feng Yutang. Having dealt with his type before, she knew exactly what kind of man he was. To know oneself and the enemy is the key to victory; her trip had not been entirely in vain.

Feng Yutang watched her with a smug sense of composure. He felt confident that Jiang Li couldn't do anything to him. She wouldn't dare have a magistrate arrested, would she? If the Chief Minister's daughter acted so recklessly, the imperial censors would have a field day impeaching Jiang Yuanbai.

"I don't want anything," Jiang Li said with a gentle smile. "As I said, I only came to ask why the Xue family estate was sealed. Regarding case files, if there is a transfer order from a superior, one is permitted to review them. Tongxiang is under the jurisdiction of Xiangyang. I have already submitted a request there, and I have permission to view the Xue family’s case files." She pulled a document from her sleeve and signaled for Tong'er to hand it over, adding with a smile, "Magistrate Feng, here is the order. May I see the files now?"

Feng Yutang was stunned.

This position had been granted to him by Princess Yongning. Even if it was just a small county, he had been overjoyed, seeing it as a massive windfall that would allow him to line his pockets. Unlike the foolish Xue Huaiyuan, he had no intention of actually serving the people. Because he had been hand-picked by the Princess, he had never undergone any official evaluations and knew nothing of administrative protocols. Completely ignorant of such matters, he instinctively took the paper from Tong'er. Seeing the seal of the Xiangyang Prefect, he hesitated, then nodded and ordered his subordinates to retrieve the files for her.

Ye Mingyu did not recall Jiang Li ever asking Tong Zhiyang for such a thing. Given the hostility between Tong Zhiyang and the Ye family, why would he have so easily provided it?

Jiang Li’s lips curled into a smile. This document, while appearing to be a transfer order, was not personally approved by Tong Zhiyang. She had borrowed the influence of Tang Fan, using the pretext of an investigation by the Yanjing Weaving Bureau to obtain the necessary seal. Since Tang Fan still wanted to leverage Jiang Yuanbai’s connections in Yanjing, he was more than happy to help. Jiang Li knew the loopholes in the Northern Yan bureaucracy well enough to exploit them and achieve her goal.

Since Qiong Zhi had learned that Xue Huaiyuan had been imprisoned, Jiang Li had been determined to see his file to find the discrepancies. She had prepared this order in advance, though she realized now that it hadn't required much effort. Feng Yutang was just a hooligan who knew nothing but how to eat, drink, and play; she could have spun any plausible excuse, and he would have believed it.

Tong'er received the files and handed them to Jiang Li.

Jiang Li glanced at them, confirmed they were authentic, and gave Feng Yutang a smile. "Thank you, Magistrate Feng. That will be all."

Feng Yutang, who had been nursing a headache dealing with her, was eager for her to leave. He needed to send a carrier pigeon to Princess Yongning to report what had happened and ask for instructions. The Second Miss of the Jiang family was clearly intent on reopening the Xue Huaiyuan case. While he didn't understand how the Chief Minister's daughter was involved with the Xues, he didn't want to mess up at the final hurdle and anger the Princess; the consequences would be dire.

"Of course, of course," Feng Yutang said, his eyes crinkling. "Is the Second Miss leaving..."

"I am not leaving," Jiang Li said. "I intend to stay in Tongxiang for a while."

"Stay... for a while?"

"Yes." Jiang Li looked at him. "Are you unhappy about that, Magistrate Feng?"

"No... not at all," Feng Yutang laughed. "How could I be? Has the Second Miss arranged for lodging? If not, I can handle it for you."

"That won't be necessary. We have many people, and I wouldn't want to disturb your official duties." Jiang Li said with a cryptic smile, "I imagine Magistrate Feng is quite busy. Please, don't bother seeing us out. We shall take our leave now."

Feng Yutang had no choice but to force a smile. It was infuriating—this young lady seemed to have eyes that could look right through his soul. How did she know he was desperate to send a message to Princess Yongning?

"Then, I... I shall not see you off," Feng Yutang said.

Jiang Li glanced at him, exchanged a few words with Ye Mingyu, who sheathed his sword, and walked away in a leisurely, swaggering manner, leaving Feng Yutang behind.

Watching their retreating figures, Feng Yutang felt a sudden, profound sense of unease. He sat for a moment before snapping back to reality and kicking his attendant. "Quick! Hurry and find me some paper, ink, and a brush!"

...

Jiang Li and Ye Mingyu exited the county office.

As they reached the gate, a hunchbacked old woman carrying a night-soil bucket passed by. She lifted her eyelids to look at them, then quickly lowered her gaze and hobbled away without looking back.

Jiang Li felt a stir in her heart, but Ye Mingyu spoke up. "What was up with that new magistrate? I have never in my life seen such a magistrate! Is he really one? How could a man like that be in charge?"

He was still fuming over the way Feng Yutang had looked at Jiang Li.

"It’s fine, Uncle Mingyu. A man like that won't remain a magistrate for long," Jiang Li comforted him, though her own heart was heavy.

Feng Yutang had said that Xue Huaiyuan was to be executed in seven days. It was happening so fast! They were determined to eradicate a father who had already lost his mind. Jiang Li clenched her fists in hatred.

Seven days. She had so little time left. In these seven days, she had to overturn the verdict and stop the execution at the Noon Gate. But right now, beyond a tampered file, she had nothing. Her father was insane; if what they said was true, he could not defend himself. She would have to do it alone.

The people of Tongxiang were cowed by Feng Yutang’s tyranny and dared not speak. All of her father’s former subordinates had been replaced, their fates unknown. She had returned to Tongxiang only to find the most unfamiliar of environments. Everything was working against her.

But she had to keep moving forward.

Ye Mingyu asked, "A-Li, what now?"

"Let's go back first," Jiang Li said. "Let me think."

She hadn't yet determined her next move, but time waited for no one. She had to make a decision quickly. One thing was certain: no matter what, she would not watch Xue Huaiyuan be executed. Even if she had to storm the execution grounds, she would protect his life.

Just as she was thinking this, a child of five or six years old approached from a distance. Shyly, the boy tugged at her sleeve, shoved a scrap of paper into her hand, and ran off.

Ye Mingyu asked, "What was that?"

Jiang Li unfolded the note, read it quickly, and tore it to shreds. She looked up toward a tavern nearby and saw a flash of brilliant red fluttering in the wind, standing out against the surroundings.

Jiang Li said to Ye Mingyu, "Uncle Mingyu, you all should head back first. I have some business to attend to, but I will return soon."

"What are you doing?" Ye Mingyu refused. "It's too dangerous for you to go alone. I'm coming with you."

"It's not dangerous," Jiang Li said. "Uncle Mingyu, please, go back. I know the way, and I'll return with Tong'er and the others shortly."

...

Ye Mingyu saw the persistence in Jiang Li’s expression and felt helpless. "Fine. I won't go back, but I'll wait right here. You're going to that tavern, aren't you? Are you meeting someone? Don't worry, I won't follow you inside; I’ll wait out here."

Since he had put it that way, Jiang Li had to concede. Besides, as long as Ye Mingyu stayed outside, Ji Heng probably wouldn't mind. She said, "Very well, Uncle, please wait for me here. I shall return quickly."

Ye Mingyu waited by the street with his men. Jiang Li walked toward the tavern with Tong'er and Bai Xue, her mind filled with doubts.

Why was Ji Heng here too? If anyone claimed he wasn't following her, not even a ghost would believe it.

Well, if the soldiers come, one blocks; if water comes, one earths. She would have to take it one step at a time.

She walked into the tavern.

The entire place was empty. The tavern owner had usually kept a waiter on duty, but this time, there wasn't a soul in sight. The guard named Wen Ji stood at the entrance, watching as Jiang Li entered.

It seemed the Duke had temporarily "requisitioned" the entire tavern. He certainly had a grand air about him, clearing everyone out just because he wanted to sit here. How arrogant.

Jiang Li went up to the second floor.

By the window, the young man in red was pouring tea. His movements were skilled and fluid, a sight as pleasing as a flowing stream.

He had poured two cups.

Jiang Li walked up to him, and Ji Heng pushed one of the freshly poured cups toward her, gesturing for her to sit.

Jiang Li sat opposite him, but did not touch the tea.

"Silver Needle tea, Second Miss Jiang. Give it a try." He smiled, as if they were old friends.

"Thank you, My Lord, but I am not thirsty," Jiang Li said.

"Surely you aren't afraid I’ve poisoned it?" Ji Heng asked with a chuckle.

Jiang Li replied with a smile, "How could that be? If the Duke truly wanted my life, it would be over in an instant. There would be no need to waste such fine tea."

Ji Heng laughed. "You understand me well."

"I wouldn't dare," Jiang Li responded.

Ji Heng was a man of unfathomable depths, treacherous and unpredictable. Who would dare claim to understand him? The term "fickle" was an understatement for him. Having seen him resolve an assassination attempt with a mere smile and deal with a group of killers without blinking, Jiang Li knew better than to lower her guard.

But Ji Heng had finally taken notice of her, which was why he had followed her to Tongxiang.

Jiang Li did not want to beat around the bush. Her time was short; every moment wasted reduced Xue Huaiyuan’s chances of survival. She asked, "Is the Duke here in Tongxiang to watch the show as well?"

"No," Ji Heng said softly. "I'm here to watch you."

His eyes were luminous, his lips red, his expression so filled with affection he seemed like a romantic suitor. But Jiang Li didn't believe a word of it. She smiled. "So, I am the show you are watching."

"I can't help it. You are simply too unique, Second Miss; it's hard not to notice you." Ji Heng held his teacup, gently blowing the floating leaves off the surface. "Your journey to Xiangyang was for the sake of this trip to Tongxiang, wasn't it? And the purpose of your trip to Tongxiang is the Xue family case, correct?"

Jiang Li paused, looked up at him, and smiled. "Since the Duke knows everything, why ask me?" He had found out so quickly. But she couldn't stop such things from happening.

"I don't understand, which is why I'm asking," Ji Heng’s lips curled. "What exactly is your relationship with the Xue family?"

In his amber eyes, there was a moment of genuine confusion, as if he were truly waiting for an answer. He looked like an evil youth, carrying a sense of malicious innocence.

"The Duke is omnipotent. If you really wanted to know, you wouldn't need me to tell you," Jiang Li said.

"It seems you refuse to say."

"Hasn't the Duke already guessed?"

Neither would yield. Both were smiling, their voices gentle, yet the air between them crackled with hidden sparks, as sharp as blades. Bai Xue and Tong'er stood to the side, barely daring to breathe, gripped by tension.

Ji Heng took a leisurely sip of tea. "You have always been invincible, Second Miss, but this time, things are not so simple."

"The things I do are never simple," Jiang Li replied with a smile.

"Trying to save Xue Huaiyuan is a fool's errand."

Jiang Li rested her fingertips on the rim of her teacup and said, as if it were a casual remark, "As long as you don't interfere, My Lord, it won't be a fool's errand."

"Oh?" Ji Heng laughed. "Are you asking for my help?"

"If asking would be of any use," Jiang Li looked at him, "I would ask you with all my heart."

Ji Heng watched her for a moment. "I had assumed that you, Second Miss, were the type who would never bow your head to anyone."

Jiang Li laughed. "Then you misjudged me, My Lord. My pride is not that heavy."

Ji Heng choked slightly.

Jiang Li, as if stubbornly seeking an answer, pressed on, "I wonder if you could grant my request."

Ji Heng did not answer. Instead, he asked, "You might not know who you will be facing if you intervene in the Xue family case."

"I know," Jiang Li interrupted him gently.

Ji Heng was slightly taken aback and studied her intently. To anyone else, Jiang Li and the Xue family were completely unrelated. Even Jiang Yuanbai probably didn't know his daughter was meddling in affairs in Tongxiang. The secrets behind Xue Huaiyuan’s case were known to very few in Northern Yan. Jiang Li had no connection to the Xues, nor to that other person. How could she know?

Then, Ji Heng remembered: during the Mingyi Hall examinations, Jiang Li had used Meng Hongjin’s hand to fire a cold arrow at Princess Yongning. She clearly held a deep grudge against the Princess. If that was the case, her claim to know was likely true.

A flicker of interest crossed Ji Heng’s eyes.

He could find no intersection between Jiang Li and the Princess, nor between Jiang Li and the Xues. In fact, because Jiang Li’s life had been so simple, her past was easy to investigate—and yet, everything she did was targeted at the Princess and the Xue case.

It was very strange.

"Knowing all that and still proceeding... why bother?" Ji Heng smiled faintly. "It’s not worth it to get into such big trouble for people who have nothing to do with you. Or," he hinted, "is it that they are not unrelated?"

"My Lord, there is no need to probe me," Jiang Li said. "Anything you wish to know, you will find out without me telling you. My performance may not be magnificent, but if you wish to watch, I will give it my all."

"I fear the catastrophe will arrive before the play is finished."

Jiang Li laughed, amused. "Is the Duke’s kind warning born out of concern for me?"

Wen Ji, watching from the side, was stunned. Almost no woman in the world could resist his master’s allure. Even those who didn't fall for him often became infatuated, especially young girls like her, who were even more prone to falling into his traps. Yet, Second Miss Jiang had always been clear-headed. It was as if her heart was protected by a wall of bronze and iron, resisting his charm with absolute resolve.

"It wasn't before," Ji Heng’s lips curled. "But after talking so much, I find I am indeed a little worried for you."

"That won't be necessary," Jiang Li replied. "I will be fine."

"You are so certain. Are you free from all worries?" Ji Heng shook his head. "You have no idea what you are facing."

"I know. They will send people to kill me, even if I am the daughter of the Jiang family." Yongning wouldn't be deterred just because she was Jiang Yuanbai’s daughter. That woman was already mad, obsessed with tormenting the Xue family. As long as Jiang Li stood in her way, Yongning would not hesitate to eliminate her, likely pinning the blame on Feng Yutang.

Jiang Li’s tone was so calm, as if she were discussing what to have for dinner rather than life-and-death matters, that even Wen Ji couldn't help but stare at her.

Ji Heng sighed. "If that is the case, why are you so persistent?"

"Persistent?" Jiang Li asked softly, as if to herself. She gave a low laugh. "Perhaps. But sometimes, if there is nothing to be persistent about, there is no meaning in living." She hadn't become the Second Miss Jiang to enjoy a life of luxury, nor to savor the prestige of being the Chief Minister's daughter; she was here to send her past enemies to the guillotine and honor the souls of her loved ones.

Ji Heng watched her, an unreadable look in his eyes.

The young girl was in the prime of her life, bright and lovely. She had clear, spirited eyes, and unlike other high-born daughters, she was always calm, always composed. Even when surprised, it was like a tiny pebble dropped into a deep abyss—a ripple, then nothing.

She was an anomaly in Yanjing, completely different from the other girls. It was as if a strange, exotic plant had grown in a garden full of precious flowers. On the outside, it was gentle, harmless, standing quietly and inviting affection. But when prey approached, it would extend its vines, seize them firmly, and never let go, devouring them with absolute, vicious resolve.

Beneath her gentle exterior hid a cold, fierce nature. The greatest danger of this plant was that it feared no opponent—be it a venomous snake or a wild beast, it devoured them without mercy.

She was the most special existence in the garden. If one were to keep such a fierce, lethal plant in their household, the whole house would be at peace. The thought crossed Ji Heng’s mind, unbidden.

And as Jiang Li lowered her eyes, she even looked a little pitiful. This fierce plant could also show sorrow. It was astonishing, and confusing—he couldn't tell if it was a ruse to lure prey or a genuine, fleeting emotion.

Seeing Ji Heng staring at her thoughtfully, Jiang Li set aside her emotions and said with a smile, "It is my honor to see you here, My Lord. Every time I take the stage to perform, you happen to be in the audience. Perhaps we truly are fated."

Ji Heng nearly laughed aloud. How interesting. The young girl was clearly seething with hatred, yet she could maintain this sincere expression without a tremor.

"Aren't you afraid I might ruin your performance?" Ji Heng asked lazily.

Jiang Li looked at him. "Is that so? But I’ve thought it over, and I can’t see any reason for you to do that, My Lord."

"You can't think of a reason?" Ji Heng asked with a smile. "It seems you either think too highly of my kindness, or you’ve forgotten my relationship with the Li family." As if to deliberately remind her, he added, "At the palace banquet, didn't you see me with the Li family’s people?"

A flash of surprise crossed Jiang Li’s heart. At that time, she had indeed recognized that the person speaking with Ji Heng was one of Li Jing’s subordinates, but she hadn't shown it. Besides, the Jiang and Li families were at odds, and as a sheltered daughter who rarely left Yanjing, there was no way she should have known him. No one would have suspected her.

But Ji Heng already knew. Perhaps at that moment, her brief hesitation had not escaped his notice. Even then, he had been coldly watching her play her part.

Jiang Li asked, "And so?"

"And so?" Ji Heng countered.

"Does being with the Li family necessarily mean being on their side?" Jiang Li smiled. "On the contrary, I feel that you and I, My Lord, might one day be in the same boat."

Wen Ji was so shocked his usually calm expression cracked. How could the Second Miss Jiang dare to say such a thing to his master? Even Prince Cheng, when trying to win over Ji Heng, hadn't dared to speak with such audacity.

Ji Heng watched her quietly. Jiang Li’s smile remained unwavering—soft, composed, and as gentle as a spring breeze.

"Are you truly clever, or just pretending to be?" he asked softly.

Jiang Li laughed. "Who knows?"

Silence fell over the room.

Jiang Li looked at the tea. The piping hot Silver Needle had cooled in the winter air, and much time had passed.

"Let’s end our pleasantries here," Jiang Li said with a smile. "My uncle is waiting outside, and I must return. Thank you for your warning, My Lord." She added, "I hope I can perform this play to the best of my ability, so that you might enjoy the show."

In her words, she acted as if she were a mere performer meant for his amusement, showing no concern for her own dignity. Yet, in the eyes of the observer, she commanded more respect than all the posturing, self-proclaimed noble ladies of Yanjing combined.

Jiang Li’s backbone was not light; it was heavy and incredibly hard. Perhaps her bowing was only so that she could stand taller in the future.

Ji Heng watched her with a meaningful look. "Until we meet again."

Jiang Li bowed and left the tavern.

She walked quickly, but not as if fleeing from Ji Heng. She moved with the urgency of someone with a far more important, more pressing task, fearful of wasting a single second, almost running as she made her way out.

From the window, Ji Heng watched as Jiang Li reached the other side of the street. Ye Mingyu, who had been squatting there, stood up, glanced toward the tavern, and then walked away with her.

"She seems truly anxious," Ji Heng remarked with a chuckle.

"It is because Xue Huaiyuan is to be executed in seven days," Wen Ji said. "It is a pity that we cannot find any connection between Second Miss Jiang and Xue Huaiyuan."

"It’s not Xue Huaiyuan. It’s the Xue family," Ji Heng said.

"Shen Ruyun is Xue Fangfei’s sister-in-law; Jiang Li schemed against her. Xue Zhao is Xue Fangfei’s brother; Jiang Li paid her respects to him. Xue Huaiyuan is Xue Fangfei’s biological father, and now Jiang Li is going to seek a reversal of his verdict." Ji Heng’s voice was calm. "Don't you find that too coincidental? They are all members of the Xue family."

Wen Ji replied, "The Xue family case involves the Princess." Others might not know the origins, but they could not be hidden from them.

"Still haven't figured it out?" Ji Heng said. "She knew all along. She knew, and she is not afraid."

***

*(Author's Note: A-Li: Why be afraid? Don't be a coward, just do it!)*