Marriage of Di daughter

Chapter 133

Mrs. Hu sat for a while before leaving.As she was leaving, Jiang Li asked Tong'er to take some charcoal blocks to Mrs. Hu's courtyard. Otherwise, before Jiang Li could uncover Ji Shuran's true face, Mrs. Hu and her servant would freeze to death.Mrs. Hu expressed that no matter what Jiang Li asked her to do, as long as it could avenge Miss Jiang's family, she was willing to do anything.After Mrs. Hu left, Tong'er closed the door of the room, made sure there was no one else inside, and said, "Miss, although what Mrs. Hu said may not be true, it is crucial. You must investigate thoroughly.""Yes," Bai Xue also said, "If what Mrs. Hu said is true, then the Ji family is carrying the blame for murder. Before even marrying into the family, causing harm to the lady of the house, and taking it to the Capital Prefecture, even official families will have to pay with their lives."Jiang Li waved her hand and said, "Mrs. Hu's words are just one side of the story. Until this matter is resolved, it must not be leaked."Tong'er and Bai Xue understood the importance of the matter and immediately stated that they would not disclose a single word to outsiders.Jiang Li's gaze deepened.Initially, she only speculated that Miss Jiang's death was not accidental, and even more boldly speculated that the incident of Ji Shuran's miscarriage may not have been as it seemed on the surface, and there might be more to it. But from Mrs. Hu's mouth, she learned of a shocking fact: Ye Zhenzhen's death was also related to Ji Shuran.Although Jiang Li said that this matter was only Mrs. Hu's side of the story, her intuition told her that perhaps what Mrs. Hu said was indeed true. However, there was one thing Jiang Li did not understand: at that time, Ye Zhenzhen was still alive, Ji Shuran had not yet married, so how could she be willing to scheme to become Jiang Yuanbai's concubine, and even go so far as to harm Ye Zhenzhen?Before this, Jiang Yuanbai and Ji Shuran had no contact. According to the information Jiang Li had gathered, Ji Shuran was the one Jiang Yuanbai set his eyes on after Ye Zhenzhen's passing. It was impossible for them to have developed a relationship before that, leading to the death of his first wife.If it was true... Jiang Li's heart chilled. Ji Shuran and Jiang Yuanbai, weren't they another Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong? Poor Ye Zhenzhen, didn't she walk the same path as them?Lost in her thoughts, Jiang Li couldn't find a way out. To truly understand what had happened, she would have to start with Ji Shuran. However, she had no one to use to inquire into the Ji family, and the events of the past were too distant. It would be even more difficult to trace back to the years before Ji Shuran's marriage.With a heavy heart, for the first time ever, Jiang Li did not go to the Ye family that day. Instead, she locked herself in her room in the courtyard, pondering all night.Tong'er and Bai Xue thought Jiang Li was struck by the sudden possibility of her mother's murder and was too angry and grieved to face it, which is why she locked herself in her room. They tried to comfort her one after another, but Jiang Li, absent-minded, only urged them to keep an eye on Ji Shuran and Jiang Yu'ao's movements.As night fell, Jiang Li sent Tong'er and Bai Xue away as usual and stayed in her room.She didn't know what had happened with Zhao Ke's matter. But she felt that from that day on, she had to add a fourth task: investigate whether Ji Shuran had any contact with Jiang Yuanbai before her marriage. If there was any contact, were there any other entanglements in private.Investigating her father and stepmother's past was truly outrageous. But Jiang Li had no qualms in her heart. Firstly, she was not truly Miss Jiang, so she couldn't truly rely on Jiang Yuanbai as her father. Secondly, Jiang Yuanbai might be the murderer, and she had taken on Miss Jiang's identity, so she had to take responsibility for Miss Jiang's life. She couldn't do anything else, but at least in this matter, if Miss Jiang were still alive, she would also try to find out the true cause of her mother's death.Jiang Li tightened her grip on the whistle in her hand, hesitated for a moment, and gently blew it.The Jiang Mansion was quiet, it was late at night, and everyone was asleep. The sound of wind and snow outside, and her courtyard was far from the main building. Although it was called the Fragrant Garden, there were only lonely tree shadows at night, instead of the fragrant blossoms, it felt desolate. She felt the cold night stars, not even the sound of insects.Zhao Ke did not come.Jiang Li frowned, put the white porcelain whistle to her lips, and blew it gently again. The whistle sound was crisp but not loud, sounding like the muttering of a bird, not attracting attention in the night. She wondered how the people at the Duke's mansion would discern it.Still, there was no sign of Zhao Ke.Jiang Li was extremely puzzled. In theory, this shouldn't happen. Zhao Ke returned to the Jiang family every night. At least she blew the whistle twice, and both times Zhao Ke appeared quickly. Could it be that he was truly dissatisfied with her constant orders and had someone else come instead? But at least the replacement should have appeared by now. Or maybe he had a task tonight and was not in the mansion?Jiang Li waited for a while, but there was no movement. Looking outside, the snow was heavy, almost blinding, and she was certain Zhao Ke would not be coming. She sighed, closed the window, and turned back.However, when she turned back, Jiang Li almost screamed in surprise.Under the flickering light, a man was sitting in front of the small table, seemingly appearing out of nowhere. He was using a folding fan to brush off the snowflakes on his robe. He seemed to have just come in from outside, and his whole body exuded the chill of the snow. Yet, he was dressed in a deep red robe, bringing color to the cold night, making the room seem to emit a fragrance of emotions.He raised his head, revealing an enchanting face that could mesmerize anyone, with a light smile that was both clear and intriguing, his long eyes full of the darkness of the night, saying, "What's the matter?"Jiang Li put down her hand covering her mouth, took a step forward, and said, "Duke."Ji Heng supported his head with the fan handle, smiling at her."Why have you come?" Jiang Li asked."I saw you blow the whistle twice," Ji Heng said, "Is there something you need with Zhao Ke?""It's about some matters in the mansion," Jiang Li was a bit unsure of Ji Heng's intentions, and not knowing how to conceal it, she thought Zhao Ke must have told everything on his side, so she didn't hide it."I heard you asked my subordinate about the truth behind your pushing Ji Shuran to miscarry?" Ji Heng said."Indeed, but Zhao Ke doesn't know the hidden facts," Jiang Li replied."Zhao Ke not knowing is natural," he glanced at Jiang Li, his lips curling, "But I know."Jiang Li was taken aback.Ji Heng played with the folding fan, casually saying, "I know almost everything about the important and trivial matters in the high mansions of Yanjing City. I happen to know a little about the Jiang family's affairs that year.""Duke, can you inform me?" Jiang Li asked."Of course," Ji Heng answered readily. But the next words he spoke made Jiang Li furrow her brows, as he said, "Little one, this is your own matter, why are you coming to ask me?"His gaze was charming, his eyes filled with varying depths of affection, like amber-colored eyes swaying in the light, like wine in a cup gently swaying, intoxicating to look at. However, this wine seemed to be mixed with a delicious poison, intoxicating others, but viewed from deep within, it was a sobering terror."I only know the result, not the reason," Jiang Li said, "After all, when I was young at that time, I knew too little about Ji Shuran.""Is this the reason you found for yourself?" Ji Heng asked."Sort of," Jiang Li said, "Is this reason convincing enough for you, Duke?"Ji Heng shook his head with regret, "Certainly not." But soon, he smiled again, "But since you blew the whistle today, I will tell you all I know about the matter. So, it won't hinder me from telling you what I know about Ji Shuran. You may ask."Jiang Li looked at him, this man could captivate with every move and gesture, even in ordinary conversations, he could make people's minds sway. Seeming distant yet close, unfathomable, another person might have fallen for him."Did Ji Shuran have a private relationship with my father before her marriage?" Jiang Li asked.Ji Heng's expression paused slightly, looking at Jiang Li, he said with interest, "It seems you have found out quite a bit again?""Just a little."Ji Heng said, "No." Seeing Jiang Li staring at him, he added, "Before Ji Shuran married into the family, she had no contact with Jiang Yuanbai."Jiang Li breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't want the truth to be like that. If Jiang Yuanbai had truly conspired with the Ji family to kill his first wife, it would be too cruel for Ye Zhenzhen, and the real Miss Jiang would be truly pitiful. One Xue Fangfei in this world was already enough; there was no need for more tragic women."It seems you're happy about this," Ji Heng said."At least it proves that my father is not a murderer, and the Jiang family I'm in is somewhat safer. Isn't that something to be happy about?" Jiang Li replied.Ji Heng neither confirmed nor denied it, saying, "Jiang Yuanbai doesn't have the courage. Ji Shuran had no private relationship with your father because there was someone else she had feelings for."This time, Jiang Li was truly surprised.She, usually gentle and composed, rarely showed such an astonished expression. In this moment, she appeared somewhat childish, yet it didn't seem like her at all. Ji Heng was amused by her expression, supporting his chin with the fan handle, saying, "Don't believe it?""I just find it very peculiar," Jiang Li said, "I thought Ji Shuran was very devoted to my father. She had put in a lot of effort into my father over the years, to the extent that, apart from an aunt who had hysteria and was almost forgettable, there were no other women in the main room. I thought she cared for my father, which was why she was so possessive. I didn't expect there was someone else in her heart."After all, she was just a young girl, talking about these things without any shame, speaking calmly and rationally, as if she had experienced the ups and downs of love, which allowed her to see things so clearly. Ji Heng's eyes flickered slightly, quickly disappearing, saying, "Ji Shuran loves your father now, but back then... she was deeply in love with her cousin."Jiang Li widened her eyes, "Cousin?"She had never heard of Ji Shuran having a cousin."This cousin of Ji Shuran's is called Liu Wencai. Hmm, he was a bit more handsome than Jiang Yuanbai, and they were considered a good match at the time. However, his family had already arranged another marriage for him. Ji Shuran was still dreaming of Liu Wencai coming to marry her, but he had already married someone else."Ji Shuran felt resentful and determined to take revenge on Liu Wencai. She decided to get married and out of the misery of being with a fatuous man all day, and to take revenge on Liu Wencai. Ji Yuanlin came up with a plan, wanting Ji Shuran to marry a colleague's son to strengthen their relationship. However, that colleague's son was obsessed with concubines and mistresses, how could Ji Shuran be interested? Seeing this, Ji Shuran became even more anxious.At that time, by chance, Ji Shuran saw Jiang Yuanbai at a banquet. Jiang Yuanbai was younger at the time, not as handsome as Liu Wencai, but had his own grace and elegance. When Ji Shuran found out about Jiang Yuanbai's position in the court, she compared it with the colleague's son Ji Yuanlin wanted her to marry, and found that Jiang Yuanbai was of higher status.If she could marry Jiang Yuanbai, she could escape the nightmare of being with a fatuous man all day and take revenge on Liu Wencai. Ji Shuran made up her mind that day....After making up her mind, she decided that marrying Jiang Yuanbo was the best choice. The only issue was that Jiang Yuanbo was already married.At that time, Jiang Yuanbo had just obtained Jiang Li, and the news of Jiang Yuanbo's wife, Ye Zhenzhen, getting injured during childbirth deeply affected Ji Shuran. A bold idea emerged in Ji Shuran's mind - if Ye Zhenzhen were to pass away due to her injuries, then Jiang Yuanbo would have to take a concubine. Ji Shuran didn't mind being a concubine; to her, being a concubine to Jiang Yuanbo was more prestigious than being the legal wife of the son of a colleague like Ji Yanlin.Ji Shuran bribed the doctor who diagnosed Ye Zhenzhen's pulse and promised substantial rewards to Ye Zhenzhen's maids, as no one had expected Ye Zhenzhen to have enemies, let alone someone willing to commit such a heinous act to marry into the Jiang family. Ji Shuran patiently waited and actually succeeded in her plan. Ye Zhenzhen passed away.After Ye Zhenzhen's death, Ji Shuran confided in Madam Ji, revealing that being a concubine to Jiang Yuanbo was better than being the wife of a colleague's son. The Jiang family held a prominent position in the court and could help elevate the Ji family's status. Madam Ji shared this information with Ji Yanlin, who also thought it was a good idea. Later, the banquet where Jiang Yuanbo took notice of Ji Shuran was arranged.During that banquet, Ji Shuran put in a lot of effort, gathering information early on about Jiang Yuanbo's preferences in music and attire, which led to Jiang Yuanbo falling for Ji Shuran at first sight.Once Ji Shuran entered the Jiang family, all of Ye Zhenzhen's former servants either died or disappeared, all silenced by Ji Shuran. Except for Ji Shuran's confidants, no one knew about these events. As Ji Shuran gave birth to two children in the Jiang family and solidified her position, the truth remained hidden from everyone.Ji Hengdao said, "Before Zhao Ke came to the Jiang family, I had him investigate all the happenings in the Jiang family. Wenji also found out some information - all of Madam Jiang's servants met unfortunate fates within half a year, none survived. It is truly puzzling. I never expected to uncover such a hidden secret."Jiang Li was left speechless in astonishment.She did not doubt Ji Hengdao's words; he was naturally proud and had no reason to lie in such matters. However, she was shocked by Ji Shuran's shamelessness and audacity. If there was one difference between Ji Shuran and Princess Yongning, it was that Ji Shuran's ruthlessness hid beneath a gentle exterior, while Princess Yongning showed no fear of revealing her cruelty.Yet, they both engaged in the same treacherous act of killing spouses and heirs."Li Wencai..." Jiang Li murmured, "Where is he now?""The Li family encountered trouble later on, and the old master was demoted, leaving Yanjing City for Yuzhou. However..." Ji Hengdao looked at her, "Eight years ago, Li Wencai came to Yanjing City."Eight years ago was the year Jiang Li caused Ji Shuran to miscarry and was sent to Qingcheng Mountain?"Did he come to see Ji Shuran?" Jiang Li asked."Most likely," Ji Hengdao casually replied, "In this world, many people enjoy reliving past memories."Jiang Li felt a wave of nausea but continued her inquiry, "Did Ji Shuran rekindle her relationship with him?""More than that," Ji Hengdao smirked, "They even had a child."Jiang Li's mind went blank for a moment, but then everything seemed to make sense. She urgently asked, "Is this illegitimate child the one I caused Ji Shuran to miscarry?""Yes," Ji Hengdao sighed as if pitying her, his voice soft, "For the sake of this illegitimate child, Jiang Yuanbo sent you to Qingcheng Mountain for eight years. Must have been tough."Jiang Li bit her lip, "No, Ji Shuran had an affair with Li Wencai, and no one has discovered it to this day. If no one knew back then, as long as she didn't confess, who would know that this child wasn't from the Jiang family? Ji Shuran would rather get rid of this child, get rid of me, and make me leave home, unless... she was afraid that I knew about this child's real father. Out of fear, she made me miscarry, but why approach me... Was she afraid of me knowing something?"As a sudden realization dawned upon her, everything fell into place. Before she could delve deeper into her analysis, Ji Hengdao's voice came from nearby, "I also thought the same, but why are you telling your own story from the perspective of a bystander?"Jiang Li's body tensed as she met Ji Hengdao's amused gaze.Under the shock, she had forgotten to conceal her emotions, saying "I know something" came off as odd. She questioned herself, but how could an ordinary person ask themselves such a thing?"I..." Jiang Li's mind raced to come up with an explanation. She said, "I don't know these things; I don't remember seeing Li Wencai and Ji Shuran's relationship, that's why I questioned myself."After saying this, even Jiang Li doubted herself. If Miss Jiang really saw Li Wencai and Ji Shuran having an affair, why didn't she speak up back then? Why keep silent all these years? Perhaps Miss Jiang didn't see or hear anything, but Ji Shuran mistakenly thought she did, fearing exposure, she used Jiang Li to get rid of the illegitimate child and alienate the Jiang family from Jiang Li, killing two birds with one stone.She looked at Ji Hengdao, realizing he didn't believe this explanation. His nod seemed perfunctory, as if an adult had seen through a child's feeble lie but chose not to delve further, feigning belief.Jiang Li had no time to dwell on this. Ji Hengdao seemed like a treasure trove of knowledge, filling in the gaps of her ignorance about the Jiang family. She hoped Ji Hengdao could reveal all the secrets to her."Where is Li Wencai now?" Jiang Li inquired. Finding Li Wencai could serve as evidence."He's dead," Ji Hengdao replied."Dead?" Jiang Li was surprised."Ji Shuran personally ordered his death," Ji Hengdao said nonchalantly, as if discussing trivial matters, sending chills down Jiang Li's spine. He continued, "Before the miscarriage, he was killed. It's said that Li Wencai was still dreaming of regaining his former wealthy life in Yanjing with Ji Shuran's help. Ji Shuran promised him money to open a gambling den in the best location in Yanjing, but he was found dead in his room the next day, drunk."Jiang Li was speechless.A former couple of many years, Li Wencai and Ji Shuran had shared a bond, despite Li Wencai remarrying later on. His return to Yanjing after many years and Ji Shuran bearing his child hinted that Ji Shuran might still have feelings for him.Still, how could she mercilessly kill him without looking back?Ji Hengdao, sensing her confusion, said, "Ji Shuran doesn't love him.""She doesn't love him?""Li Wencai had fallen from grace," Ji Hengdao explained, "He had nothing left, while Ji Shuran was the Prime Minister's wife. How could she still have feelings for Li Wencai? She was with him to seek revenge for his past abandonment. She always planned to abandon Li Wencai, not only that, she wanted his life too. No wonder people say," he sighed, "A green bamboo snake's mouth, a wasp's stinger, both are not poisonous, but the most poisonous is a woman's heart."His tone was filled with lament, mixed with a detached and mocking air."At first, I didn't see it," Jiang Li said, "I didn't think I hindered Ji Shuran's path. Even if I did, it didn't warrant taking a life. But now, hearing your words, I understand. Someone like Ji Shuran is inherently cruel. Even if I didn't provoke her, she would have eliminated me because of her malice.""Are you just realizing this now?" Ji Hengdao asked. "You've crossed paths with her; I thought you already knew."He smiled casually, but Jiang Li knew every word from Ji Hengdao was worth pondering. Today, he voluntarily shared the secrets he knew with her, seemingly at a disadvantage. However, Ji Hengdao gained quite a bit from this encounter.He probably suspected something was amiss with Miss Jiang.Jiang Li wasn't surprised. Regardless of what Ji Hengdao suspected, her course of action would remain unchanged.Jiang Li looked at Ji Hengdao, "Thank you, Duke, for telling me all this.""I actually didn't want to tell you these things," Ji Hengdao stared at her, teasingly saying, "You seem kind and naive, but the truth is always harsh. But..." he called her "Ali," and the seemingly ordinary two words now carried a hint of romance, weaving a complex sentiment. He said, "To survive and go further, you must see the truth early. And, can you handle it?"Jiang Li also smiled, "Bitter medicine may cure, harsh words may help, the advice you give to the Emperor applies to me as well. I'm grateful for you telling me the truth.""But knowing the truth and living so lucidly is quite challenging.""Is it?" Jiang Li stared into his eyes, "Duke, you've been through this too."For a moment, Jiang Li felt even the beauty mark under his eye appeared more vibrant. His smile froze or disappeared, simply observing her without provocation, flirtation, scrutiny, or exploration, only a hint of complexity in his eyes.After a pause, he smiled again, saying, "It's embarrassing to be seen through by a young girl.""No one would think you're embarrassed," Jiang Li laughed.Ji Hengdao suddenly reached out, grasping her chin.His fingertips were cool, and despite his striking appearance, there was no warmth in his touch, almost carrying a chill from the outside. He leaned closer, his eyes fixated on Jiang Li from above, a playful smile deepening, and he murmured, "Your words are too sweet; one can't help but want to taste them."Jiang Li's body tensed.She wasn't afraid of Ji Hengdao; despite his unpredictable moods and ambitious nature, she could see glimpses of his inner self. But when Ji Hengdao made a suggestive gesture, she felt a bit unsettled. She couldn't push him away, and truthfully, she couldn't even if she wanted to. She knew Ji Hengdao found it amusing, a mischievous tease, but as his breath drew closer, she could see the shadow cast by his long eyelashes, the clarity in his eyes, the interesting gaze, the slightly raised, rosy lips... Jiang Li suddenly lowered her gaze, avoiding Ji Hengdao's meaningful eyes, refusing to show her vulnerability to him.His lips stopped just a hair's breadth away from hers.Instead, he spoke in a playful tone, "So, you are afraid of me after all. I thought you had become completely fearless around me."Jiang Li let out a sigh of relief in her mind.In the next moment, Ji Hengdao released her and returned to his original position, lazily smiling at her.Under the flickering lights, his flawless appearance showed no imperfections, sporting a somewhat enchanting smile, making him appear dangerously charming.Jiang Li averted her gaze again, finding him... too dazzling."Are you too afraid to look at me now? I thought you were quite bold." He closed the fan, stood up, and said, "Let's end it here for today; it's getting late. If you need anything in the future, feel free to blow your whistle. Zhao Ke will answer your questions, and sometimes," he smiled mischievously, "I might come as well.""There's no need for that," Jiang Li replied."It's not up to you to decide," he opened the window, leaving with a "Goodbye, little one," and in the next moment, there was no trace of him in the room.Only the flickering lights remained, seemingly lingering with a hint of fragrance.