Chapter Ninety-Two: Traveling Together

The next morning, Jiang Li rose early to dress herself. She was to return to Xiangyang, and now the entire Jiang household was aware of it. At first, Ji Shuran openly opposed her in front of Ye Mingxuan, but later, for reasons unknown, changed her mind. She put on the guise of a caring mother, asking Jiang Li if she needed anything.

Jiang Jingrui, upon learning of Jiang Li’s return to Xiangyang, lingered in the Fangfei Garden for quite some time, complaining that Jiang Li was inconsiderate for not taking him along. He even wanted to accompany her to Xiangyang.

Jiang Li found this both amusing and vexing—Jiang Jingrui didn’t even know what kind of place Xiangyang was and fancied it as some sort of amusement spot. Besides, she wasn’t going there for leisure, and the Ye family’s reception of her was uncertain. Even though she was the Ye family’s granddaughter, her stay was hardly natural, so Jiang Jingrui, a relative in name only, had no right to accompany her. Most importantly, even if all that were settled, Jiang Jingrui’s mother, Madam Lu, would never allow him to act recklessly.

After much persuasion, Jiang Jingrui abandoned the idea. Jiang Li sighed inwardly, realizing everyone in the Jiang household assumed her return to the Ye family would be comfortable, unaware of the long and uncertain road ahead.

Yesterday had been sunny, but today a gentle drizzle fell. Autumn in Yanjing City was fleeting, as if summer’s heat still lingered, then suddenly cold winds swept through. Seeing the withered branches and fallen leaves on the ground, it was hard to imagine the previous day’s vibrant bustle.

Tong’er reached out to feel the rain outside and turned to Jiang Li, “Miss, the rain is quite heavy. Perhaps it’s best not to go out today—let’s go another day.”

“No matter.” Jiang Li was fastening her cloak and said, “Everyone will be on the carriage; it won’t be much walking.”

Tong’er had no choice but to agree.

Jiang Li had arranged to go out for a stroll and to buy gifts for the Ye family. Upon hearing this, Madam Ye even asked Zhenzhu to give her some silver, so Jiang Li could choose properly.

They hadn’t expected rain today. Tong’er thought there was no hurry; Ye Mingxuan would stay in Yanjing for about ten more days, so another fine day to go would be fine. But Jiang Li, usually so agreeable, was unusually stubborn today.

Jiang Li finished fastening her cloak and stood before the mirror.

As the second Miss Jiang, she was not as striking as Xue Fangfei, but her natural elegance was undeniable. Having been raised in the Jiang household these days, eating far better than when in Qingcheng Mountain, the faint weariness and frailty were gone. At first glance, she looked fresh and lively.

“You are truly beautiful, Miss,” Bai Xue said earnestly, “like stepping out of a painting.”

“Exactly,” Tong’er nodded, “when you were in Qingcheng Mountain, you could only wear plain black clothes, which didn’t show your beauty. Now in Yanjing, no one compares to our Miss. If the nuns back in Qingcheng Mountain saw you now, they wouldn’t recognize you.”

Jiang Li looked at her reflection—the familiar expression on a face that now seemed somewhat strange. When she met Xue Zhao, would she still be recognized?

Her father… would he recognize her?

A wave of sadness rose within her. She turned away from the mirror and said, “Let’s go.”

“All right.” Tong’er pushed open the door.

…

Because of the rain, there were few people on the streets of Yanjing City. Even the hawkers selling candied hawthorns were scarce today. Jiang Li, Tong’er, and Bai Xue could only browse jewelry and fabric shops; the usual vendors with their stalls had not come out.

She had heard that the Ye family had three sons but few grandchildren; aside from Ye Shijie, only Ye Mingxuan had a son and a daughter. The Ye family’s fourth son was unmarried and childless. So buying gifts for the younger generation was not very difficult.

Soon, Jiang Li had selected gifts for each person.

Returning gifts was no simple matter. Many noble families had mothers who specially instructed their daughters on proper gift-giving etiquette. If a daughter married into an official’s family, her husband’s social dealings would require gifts in return. Gifts that were too lavish showed respect; those too light showed neglect.

When she began socializing with Shen Yurong’s husband, the top scholar, Jiang Li had already learned the art of reciprocation. In Tongxiang, Xue Huaiyuan was poor and never accepted gifts; but in Yanjing, it was different. Sometimes gifts couldn’t be too simple, yet if too costly, Shen’s mother would complain, forcing Jiang Li to secretly dip into her dowry to make up the difference.

By now, Shen Yurong no longer had such worries. Princess Yongning had no shortage of silver, and could afford any gift, so she needn’t risk her dowry.

Jiang Li prepared different gifts for her three uncles, two aunts, Madam Ye, and her cousins. She had carefully inquired of Ye Mingxuan about their personalities and felt satisfied with her choices.

In the afternoon, they casually dined at a tavern in Yanjing. Seeing the rain unceasing, Tong’er said, “It looks like the rain won’t stop anytime soon. Miss, after we eat, let’s return. There’s nothing much to see outside.”

Jiang Li thought for a moment and said, “We won’t go back yet. Let’s go to the Misty Rain Pavilion.”

“The Misty Rain Pavilion?” Tong’er and Bai Xue looked surprised. “What kind of place is that?”

“It’s a pavilion near Egret Bay,” Jiang Li explained. “I’ve heard the rain there is beautiful to behold. I’ve been in Yanjing for quite a while but only heard its name; I’ve never seen it. Today’s rain is just right—it’s the perfect chance to witness its charm. There’s no time like the present; let’s go soon.”

Bai Xue always obeyed Jiang Li without objection, and Tong’er reluctantly agreed. Yet she looked at Jiang Li and asked, “Miss, where did you hear about the Misty Rain Pavilion? I have never heard of it.”

“I overheard others mentioning it,” Jiang Li said lightly. “It’s not a famous place, so few know of it. There’s a saying that the most splendid scenery is often hidden in places no one visits.”

Tong’er nodded thoughtfully.

Jiang Li sipped her tea, her thoughts wandering far away.

At that time, she had suffered a miscarriage after her birthday, her vitality drained, bedridden. Upon hearing of Xue Zhao’s death, she struggled to get up. Tongxiang was too far from Yanjing to carry his remains back while ill, and Madam Shen would never allow her to go out and bring shame to the Shen family. Even collecting Xue Zhao’s body was a favor from Shen Yurong.

Shen Yurong had told her that the Misty Rain Pavilion was beautiful and secluded—a good place. If Xue Zhao’s bones were laid there, it would be fitting. Later, when she recovered, she could bring Xue Zhao back to his hometown.

At that desperate and fragile time, Jiang Li was deeply grateful to Shen Yurong. Despite her disgrace, Shen Yurong still considered her past kindness and showed care.

But later she learned that it was Shen Yurong who had orchestrated her troubles. Princess Yongning colluded with corrupt officials to kill Xue Zhao. Could Shen Yurong be unaware? They were the murderers, yet feigned sorrow and sympathy—it was loathsome.

Thinking of this, Jiang Li frowned. No matter how beautiful the Misty Rain Pavilion was, it was Shen Yurong’s idea and likely involved Princess Yongning’s intentions. She did not want Xue Zhao to continue being manipulated after death. Though powerless now, sooner or later she would take Xue Zhao away from the pavilion, away from Yanjing.

Jiang Li set down her teacup. “I’ve finished eating. Let’s go.”

Tong’er and Bai Xue sensed Jiang Li’s melancholy and exchanged puzzled glances, then followed her out.

---

Egret Bay lay by a lake on the outskirts of Yanjing City. In the previous dynasty, a scholar lived there and raised a flock of egrets. After his death, the egrets flew away, but the name Egret Bay remained. The Misty Rain Pavilion stood nearby.

Xue Zhao’s grave was beneath a peach tree behind the pavilion.

It was Tong’er and Bai Xue’s first visit. They saw the lake’s clear blue water and the six-story pavilion shrouded in mist and rain. From the top floor, the entire structure was enveloped in the smoky drizzle. The lake rippled gently, blending water and sky into one.

Tong’er was excited. “It’s so beautiful! Miss, the mist and rain here are truly stunning!”

Jiang Li smiled. “You two sit a while. I’ll go see the peach tree.”

Bai Xue hurried, “I’ll come too.”

“No need,” Jiang Li stopped her. “No one’s here. I’ll be quick. It’s nothing.”

Without further ado, she left the pavilion.

Not far away, the peach tree stood quietly as before. Its blossoms had long since fallen, leaving the tree bleak and desolate without their adornment.

Beneath the tree lay a small grave.

Jiang Li stood before the grave, umbrella in hand.

Xue Zhao had been killed by bandits on his way to the capital, his body discarded in the river. When she last saw him, his face was unrecognizable. Without the birthmark, she would hardly believe that the spirited youth was now a cold corpse.

He had endured inhuman torture before death. The scars still haunted her. At the time, she had no doubt, but near death, she learned that Princess Yongning was behind it all. The wounds were not from bandits but from the princess’s agents.

She had hoped the authorities could help, only to fall into another trap. She could only imagine the despair and rage in Xue Zhao’s heart in his last moments.

After his death, he had only this lonely spot. When it rained, there was no shelter.

Jiang Li gently lowered her umbrella, shading the grave as if protecting it from the rain. She pictured the grave as the smiling, lively youth.

Closing her eyes, she silently said, “Ah Zhao, sister is here.”

“Ah Zhao, I’m your sister. You probably don’t recognize me now. I am Jiang Li, the legitimate daughter of Jiang Yuanbo. You must think it incredible—so did I at first. But now I think perhaps it is Heaven’s second chance for me.”

“In about ten days, I will go to Xiangyang. I will find out what happened to Father. The past troubles were my fault. I know who killed you and who I must seek revenge against. Shen Yurong is rising steadily, and Princess Yongning has King Cheng behind her. For now, I cannot act, but I am not powerless.”

“In the name of the second Miss Jiang, I will seek justice for the Xue family, expose the true faces of Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong, and clear your name.”

“Ah Zhao,” she whispered in her heart, “forgive me for visiting so late. You must blame me. But not a day passes without me remembering the Xue family’s blood feud. Please wait patiently and watch as I keep our promise step by step.”

“Ah Zhao… I’m sorry…”

She silently prayed, imagining the boy who once danced with sword and spear, turning to her with a foolish smile. After a while, Jiang Li opened her eyes.

The rain seemed to have lessened. The grave remained quiet. Suddenly, a redbird flew in and perched on a branch, tilting its head to look at her. Its feathers were dotted with raindrops, which it shook off with a flap of its wings. Then noticing the umbrella shading the grave, it swooped down and chirped incessantly under its cover.

Jiang Li smiled softly. “You heard it too.”

She turned and slowly walked back to the pavilion.

Upon returning, Tong’er and Bai Xue were startled by her wet appearance. Tong’er asked, “Miss, where is your umbrella? Why are your clothes soaked?”

“I saw a redbird drenched in the rain and took pity. I used my umbrella to shelter it for a moment, then left it under the peach tree.”

Tong’er said, “Miss, I know you mean well, but you could have told us! We had other umbrellas we could have brought. Why get yourself wet? What if you catch cold?”

Jiang Li smiled apologetically. “I didn’t think that far.”

“Miss is perfect in every way,” Bai Xue whispered, “except a bit soft-hearted.”

Soft-hearted? Jiang Li smiled inwardly.

Perhaps so. Xue Fangfei was soft-hearted, but the current Jiang Li was as hard as iron.

…

In Wangxian Tower in Yanjing City, Lu Ji was speaking with Ji Heng.

Soon, Wen Ji approached, hesitation on his face. “Master…”

Ji Heng glanced at his expression. “Speak.”

“Yes, Miss Jiang, the second young lady, went out today with two maids. She shopped at various stores in Yanjing, then after lunch, went to the Misty Rain Pavilion at Egret Bay.”

“The Misty Rain Pavilion?” Ji Heng raised an eyebrow and chuckled, “She seems to know all the remote places.”

“Why?” Wen Ji sensed something. He stroked his beard. “Are you having her watched?”

Ji Heng waved his hand. “Not watching. She’s acting strangely—hard not to notice. I asked Wen Ji casually: What is she looking for at the Misty Rain Pavilion?”

“People say it’s the best place to watch the rain,” Lu Ji suddenly remembered and smiled, “Perhaps Miss Jiang went to admire the rain—quite poetic.”

“No,” Wen Ji said. “She sat at the pavilion with her two maids for a while, then went to the peach tree behind the pavilion, where there is a grave. Miss Jiang left her umbrella on the grave, sheltering it from the rain.”

---

Ji Heng and Lu Ji both paused.

Ji Heng arched an eyebrow, his beautiful eyes gleaming with interest. “Oh? She went to pay respects?”

“She had no offerings, but she seemed to know the deceased. She stood before the grave for a long time, looking sorrowful,” Wen Ji answered in detail.

“Then it is a memorial,” Ji Heng said.

Lu Ji asked, “Why do you say that?”

“Miss Jiang is always careful and likes to cover her tracks,” Ji Heng said with a half-smile. “Her outing to buy gifts and watch the rain were just a front. Her true purpose was to stand a moment before this grave.”

“The person buried there must be important to her,” he concluded.

If Miss Jiang was meticulous and careful in her actions, Ji Heng’s insight was even sharper, seeing straight to the truth.

“Who is buried there?” Ji Heng asked.

“A man named Xue Zhao,” Wen Ji replied. “He was killed by bandits and dumped in the river a year ago. But our agents found some irregularities. His death might be connected to the current Jingzhao Magistrate.”

Even under the emperor’s watchful eye, many died mysteriously in Yanjing City. Those with influence might have their cases noticed; the powerless were like weeds lost at sea, sinking without a ripple.

“What’s Xue Zhao’s background?” Lu Ji asked, puzzled. “I’ve never heard that name among Yanjing’s officials.”

Wen Ji paused before saying, “Xue Zhao wasn’t from Yanjing. He was the current Central Secretariat Attendant and Shen Yurong’s brother-in-law—Shen Yurong’s first husband’s younger brother and Xue Fangfei’s brother. After Xue Fangfei’s incident, Xue Zhao probably came to the capital upon hearing the news, only to die shortly after arriving.”

“Xue Fangfei’s brother?” Lu Ji was taken aback but shook his head. “I didn’t expect that.”

Everyone in Yanjing knew Xue Fangfei, but few knew about her brother. The matter had been handled swiftly, causing little stir.

“But what connection does Xue Zhao have with Jiang Li?” Lu Ji was more puzzled. “The Xue and Jiang families are unrelated. Jiang Li spent eight years in Qingcheng Mountain, unlikely to have known Xue Zhao. Besides, Xue Zhao died last year, and Jiang Li only returned this year. Did Xue Zhao ever come to Yanjing or Qingcheng Mountain?”

Wen Ji shook his head. “No. Xue Zhao grew up in Tongxiang, Xiangyang, never leaving. His first time in Yanjing was last year, and he died before seeing Xue Fangfei.”

Lu Ji looked at Ji Heng. “That’s strange.”

Two unrelated people with no obvious ties, yet Jiang Li seemed saddened by Xue Zhao’s death. Wen Ji was not one to exaggerate; if he said Jiang Li looked sorrowful, she truly was.

No matter how kind Miss Jiang was, she wouldn’t show grief for a stranger. Ji Heng pointed out that Miss Jiang took a big detour just to visit Xue Zhao’s grave. That indicated familiarity.

But no matter how hard Lu Ji thought, he could think of no other reason.

“Perhaps…” Wen Ji cautiously ventured, “Miss Jiang and Xue Zhao had some past? She favored him?”

“But you said they probably never met,” Lu Ji said. “How could she favor someone she never saw?”

Wen Ji was silent.

Ji Heng squinted. “Xue Zhao is from Tongxiang, Xiangyang?”

“Yes,” Wen Ji confirmed.

“Jiang Li’s biological mother, Ye Zhenzhen, is from Xiangyang, and so is Xue Zhao…” Ji Heng said thoughtfully. “No need to investigate Jiang Li and Xue Zhao’s relationship. Start with the Xue family.”

“The Xue family?” Lu Ji was puzzled. “The top scholar’s wife, Xue Fangfei, her father was just a minor official. Their family was small and unremarkable.”

Xue Fangfei had been the most beautiful woman in the capital but also a tragic figure. People said that if her background had been better, with her looks and talent, she could have been a princess or an empress. But her father was only a minor clerk, so she married a common scholar. Although Shen Yurong later became a high official, some still said Xue Fangfei wasn’t worthy of Shen Yurong.

If Xue Fangfei had been from a prominent official’s family, such claims wouldn’t arise.

Such an ordinary family seemed hardly worth special attention. Lu Ji couldn’t understand why the Xue family would be important, even given Miss Jiang’s suspicious behavior and repeated interference with Ji Heng’s plans. But for the Xue family, he saw no reason for special concern.

“Don’t forget, Jiang Li is about to return to Xiangyang with Ye Mingxuan. Isn’t that strange?” Ji Heng smiled, his eyes sharp. “With her nature, she wouldn’t abandon the prosperous Jiang estate and suddenly shift focus to another place unless something more important lay in Xiangyang.”

“Isn’t she returning to mend ties with the Ye family?” Lu Ji asked.

“Miss Jiang is not a sentimental person,” Ji Heng said lazily. “I didn’t understand why she wanted to return to Xiangyang before, but now I do.”

“She has ties to the Xue family or, rather, the Xue family has something she wants.”

Wen Ji and Lu Ji were both deeply contemplative and momentarily at a loss for words. If others said this, they’d dismiss it as nonsense—what connection could Miss Jiang have with a minor family in Xiangyang? Yet Ji Heng rarely spoke without reason, and he was seldom wrong.

“Wen Ji, investigate Xue Zhao’s death thoroughly,” Ji Heng said, playing with his folding fan. “Perhaps our Miss Jiang knows more about the suspicious circumstances of his death than we realize.”

Lu Ji was startled. “She knows about that too?”

“She has many secrets. One or two won’t matter,” Ji Heng unbothered, dusting his robe’s folds. “I’m also returning to Xiangyang soon. Looks like the journey won’t be dull.”

---

[Author’s note]

Duke: This Second Miss Jiang has very strong counter-surveillance skills. [smile]

Another Monday, feeling down /(ㄒoㄒ)/~ MOP Chinese