Marriage of Di daughter

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Zhao Ke arrived very quickly.It was unexpected that before it was even late at night, Jiang Li blew the whistle. He should still be doing something else, with snowflakes and grass debris on his body. Standing by the window, he said, "Miss Second.""Zhao Ke, there's something I'd like to ask you to do." Jiang Li looked at him.Zhao Ke couldn't help but be stunned. Whenever Jiang Li ordered him around, she always had a self-righteous and confident look. From the beginning, Zhao Ke was unwilling, but later he became numb. When the adults gave orders for him to obey, what else could he say?But today, Miss Jiang seemed almost earnest in her tone. Her expression was not as natural as before; instead, there was a hint of anxiety and supplication.Although people from the Duke's Mansion were as tough as iron, Zhao Ke couldn't help but sigh when he saw Jiang Li's eyes. No wonder even the ruthless adults would indulge Miss Jiang repeatedly. When this young lady showed a pleading look, it gave people a sense that refusing her would be a heinous crime."The adult has given the order, and I will go and do Miss Second's request." Zhao Ke replied stiffly. No matter what he thought inside, he couldn't show it."My maid Bai Xue is from Zaohua Village. Can you go... or can you find some people to go to Zaohua Village and bring back a girl named Haitang for me to Yanjing City?" Zhao Ke looked at Jiang Li in confusion. Where is Zaohua Village? He had never been to such a strange place for a mission, and Jiang Li's request was even more bizarre. Go and fetch a girl? He's not a carriage driver! Now, did Miss Jiang even make him do the work of a carriage driver as well? But the monthly silver from the Duke's Mansion hadn't increased!"I... I need to ask the adult about this." Zhao Ke said.Jiang Li understood. She knew that Zhao Ke would definitely tell Ji Heng about this matter. In fact, everything she asked Zhao Ke to do would eventually reach Ji Heng's ears since Ji Heng was Zhao Ke's master. But this time, once Ji Heng found out about Haitang, with that man's wisdom, he might discover some clues.At least she and the Xue family were not completely unrelated on the surface. Perhaps Ji Heng already knew about the deep connection between them.With more lice, no itching; with more debts, no worries. At this moment, Jiang Li found the courage to be like a broken jar. She said, "As you wish."Zhao Ke was once again surprised. Since Miss Jiang didn't let others do it and instead asked people from the Duke's Mansion to do it, it must be a very confidential matter. Yet she wasn't afraid of Ji Heng finding out. Could it be that the adult and Miss Jiang had become so close that Miss Jiang had become the adult's subordinate? Between subordinates and masters, there was naturally nothing to hide.Jiang Li did not know the many thoughts in the mind of the guard in front of her. She simply said, "No matter how you tell your master, once your master agrees, please make sure to bring her back in the shortest time possible. On this journey, you may encounter enemies pursuing her, and the other party's strength may not be small. I hope you will be careful and ensure Haitang's safety."She spoke with great seriousness. Zhao Ke, who initially didn't take it seriously, also felt Jiang Li's tension. He realized that this matter was probably very important to Jiang Li. Therefore, he did not dare to underestimate it and said, "I understand. I will report to the adult tonight and inform Miss Second tomorrow morning."Jiang Li nodded.Zhao Ke disappeared from the window. Bai Xue and Tong'er didn't know what had happened, they just tried their best to guard the doors and windows, thinking that if a stranger appeared in the young lady's courtyard, trouble would follow.Jiang Li closed the window, shutting out the wind and snow outside, her heart beating rapidly.If everything went smoothly, if Zhao Ke could leave, in no more than a dozen days, she would be able to see Haitang.Her sister from a past life....In the Duke's Mansion, Wen Ji quickly received the news from Zhao Ke and reported every detail to Ji Heng.Lu Ji was in Ji Heng's study, discussing matters with him. When he heard the news, he asked, "Why did Miss Jiang suddenly blow the whistle at night instead of mentioning it during the day?""I heard she received a letter at night and made a last-minute decision." Wen Ji replied."Haitang..." Ji Heng sat in his chair, his crimson robe trailing on the ground, the dim light illuminating the golden threads on the hem, resembling overflowing splendor. He tapped the letter with his finger, seemingly unconsciously, and then said after a moment, "Let Zhao Ke stay at the Jiang family. Wen Ji, select a few people to go to Zaohua Village."Wen Ji obeyed and left.After Wen Ji left, Lu Ji stroked his beard and asked curiously, "What's the relationship between this Haitang and Miss Jiang? If we talk about Tongxiang or the Ye family in Xiangyang, we can somehow relate them to Miss Jiang, but Zaohua Village... there's really no connection."Moreover, when he heard this name, Lu Ji searched his mind but couldn't recall it. It seemed to be a small town's farm. Jiang Li's solemn request certainly wasn't that simple. Just like last time in Tongxiang, it seemed unrelated to Jiang Li, but based on Jiong Zhi's information, she learned about Xue Huaiyuan's situation.It seemed like she always knew things that others didn't. If that's the case, this Haitang, whom Jiang Li cared about, might also be related to something important."We'll find out when they arrive." Ji Heng said casually, then suddenly remembered something and asked, "Is there any movement from Cheng Wang's side?""Recently, there have been frequent discussions with court officials, and spies have reported planning and plotting. However, there are two factions within, one advocating for forcing the palace and the other for gradual planning. The situation is at a stalemate.""It won't last long." Ji Heng chuckled, "He isn't that patient.""If after the New Year, by next year at the latest, if Cheng Wang acts, will the adult intervene...?" Lu Ji asked, not very clear. Although he had been following Ji Heng for a long time, sometimes he was still unclear about what Ji Heng was thinking and planning next."No need, he won't win." The young man lazily played with the folding fan in his hand. As the fan opened and closed, the magnificent peonies bloomed layer by layer, reflecting his face even more vividly. He smiled with a hint of playfulness, "The Little Emperor has waited for so many years, just waiting for that day.""I'm also waiting for that day." He looked out the window, where the night was dense, and the wind could be heard whistling. His amber eyes were darkened by the night, perhaps reflecting a hidden emotion.His voice remained gentle, but within that gentleness, there was a bone-chilling cruelty."Waiting for the snake to come out of its hole."...The next day, Jiang Li, who had received news from Zhao Ke, finally relaxed. Ji Heng promised to send someone to fetch Haitang for her.After a sleepless night of tossing and turning, she finally felt a sense of relief today. Jiang Li sat down at the stone table in the courtyard, watching the two little maids sweeping the snow under the clear wind and bright moon.She realized that since her trip to Tongxiang, her relationship with Ji Heng had become a kind of state of neither enemy nor friend. He always talked about wanting her life, so when facing him, Jiang Li had no reservations. Looking back now, many things were only completed smoothly because Ji Heng helped her. Whether it was the matter of Jiang Yue'e, Xue Huaiyuan, the Taoist priest Chongxu, or the current Haitang, Ji Heng was involved in each one. Originally, she was not a person who got involved, but from start to finish, she was always with him. Jiang Li was not a heartless person. On the contrary, Xue Huaiyuan had taught her from a young age to repay kindness. Everything Ji Heng did, she saw it all, and her attitude was neither cold nor warm. She only wanted to protect herself, especially now that the situation was too complicated, and Ji Heng was not simple either.Having owed a favor, she must repay it. At the moment, she didn't know how she could help Ji Heng with her meager abilities. But she thought that if Ji Heng really encountered difficulties in the future, she would definitely not hide. It had nothing to do with her life being in Ji Heng's hands; it was just a simple act of gratitude.If Yuan Ning and Shen Yurong were punished, apart from Xue Huaiyuan, she would have no regrets.In the Jiang Mansion, while Jiang Li felt relaxed, there was someone who was not as relaxed, and that person was Jiang Youyao from Yao Guang Pavilion.Since the death of Ji Shuran, Jiang Youyao's life had plummeted from heaven to earth. Not to mention whether the servants of the Jiang family were opportunistic, but everything Ji Shuran had done was known to everyone in the mansion. Naturally, there would be no good expressions for Ji Shuran's daughter. Although they had never neglected courtesy in their daily interactions, Jiang Youyao had seen several times that they looked at her with meaningful eyes. She knew what those eyes meant; they were disdainful, contemptuous eyes.Jiang Youyao was almost driven to madness. Her life had gone from being pampered to being despised. All the servants in the mansion knew what Ji Shuran had done, and naturally, they would associate Ji Youyao's actions with Ji Shuran's malicious nature. If Ji Youyao had also learned Ji Shuran's malicious nature, then her actions were definitely not just willful.For Ji Youyao, this meant that Jiang Yuanbo and Madam Jiang, because of Ji Shuran's relationship, no longer loved her, and even loathed her. Everyone in the entire Jiang Mansion looked down on her. In fact, not to mention her, even Madam Jiang no longer pampered Jiang Bingji as before, becoming stricter—descendants must not be allowed to go astray from the roots, and the Ji family was the best example.In this situation, Ji Youyao felt like each day dragged on endlessly.She had written to the Ji family, hoping that Ji Yanlin could send someone to take her back to the Ji family. Since the Jiang family didn't welcome her, the Ji family would naturally help her. However, there was no reply for a long time, and Ji Youyao suspected that the letter had been intercepted by Madam Jiang. She couldn't do anything, and everywhere there were rumors and gossip about her and Ji Shuran, even saying that she was not Jiang Yuanbo's daughter but Ji Shuran and Liu Wencai's illegitimate child. With each passing day, Ji Youyao felt almost suffocated.At this moment, she even envied Jiang Yuer, who became a concubine for Zhou Yanbang from the Ningyuan Marquis Mansion. Even if she was a concubine, she could marry the man she loved. Zhou Yanbang was so gentle, he would surely understand her and comfort her. Thinking of this, Ji Youyao couldn't help but resent Jiang Li. If it weren't for Jiang Li's collusion with Jiang Yuer, how could Jiang Yuer have taken over her marriage? It was originally hers! Jiang Li took away her favor in the Jiang family, caused her mother's death, and let Jiang Yuer take over her marriage. She deserved to die!Seeing Ji Youyao's changing expression, the maidservant by Ji Youyao's side also felt a little scared. These days had been full of enormous changes, and Ji Youyao's temperament had also changed drastically. She would scold and punish the servants at the slightest provocation. Although Madam Jiang and Master Jiang had ordered her, in her own courtyard, Ji Youyao could still punish the servants at will."I want to go out." The maidservant who was carefully doing her work suddenly saw Ji Youyao stand up from her chair and utter these words."Miss, it's not easy to go out in the mansion right now... especially for you." Yin Hua reminded her.Especially for Ji Youyao, who had been under house arrest before. With rumors circulating about Ji Youyao and Ji Shuran outside, if Ji Youyao went out, it would inevitably cause a scandal. Unable to provoke, it could still be avoided, so the Jiang family temporarily forbade Ji Youyao from going out and kept her in the mansion.But in Ji Youyao's eyes, the Jiang family's actions were simply venting their anger on her because of Ji Shuran."If I stay in this mansion any longer, who knows if I'll still have my life." Ji Youyao sneered and said, "Now...You yao said, "Now everyone disregards me, no one remembers that I am the third Miss of the Jiang family. If I stay in the mansion any longer, I will end up like Aunt Hu in the past, forgotten by everyone and eventually become useless!"Jinhua moved her lips slightly. In reality, she believed that this was only temporary. As long as Jiang Yuanyao behaved more obediently, the master would still love this daughter. After all, after so many years by his side, there must be some affection, and the master was soft-hearted. Once this period passed, with Jiang Yuanyao's coquettishness or a pretense of suffering, she would soon return to the way things were before.But she dared not say this. Jiang Yuanyao had her own ideas now, and anything she said would be in vain. It might even touch on Jiang Yuanyao's sore spot. Therefore, she simply asked, "Where does Miss want to go out of the mansion?""Of course, it's the Ji family," Jiang Yuanyao frowned. "Now my letters are intercepted, and my grandparents don't know that I'm suffering in the Jiang family. Once I escape the mansion and go to the Ji family, I will never come back. In any case, the Ji family is no worse than the Jiang family. My aunt is even a noble in the palace. With my aunt supporting me, no one would dare to bully me. Why should I endure anything here!"Jinhua and Yinhua exchanged glances. Jiang Yuanyao had been spoiled by Ji Shuran, oblivious to external matters, always thinking that the world revolved around her. Little did she know that due to recent events, the Ji family dared not even step foot in the Jiang family, let alone let Jiang Yuanyao stay there for long."Miss, it's better to wait a few more days. The mansion's guards are too vigilant these days; it's hard to find an opportunity," Jinhua advised."It won't be long before the New Year arrives. During the New Year, the mansion will be busy with preparations and many things to do. That will be my chance," she coldly glanced at her two maids. "The two of you must not have any other thoughts. Your contracts are still in my hands. If this fails and the secret is leaked...," a hint of malice flashed in her eyes, eerily similar to Ji Shuran.The two maids couldn't help but shiver in fear, hurriedly knelt down to show their loyalty, not daring to say anything else....After the Winter Solstice, less than a month remained until the New Year.Despite the many events that had occurred in the Jiang family over the past six months, including a loss of life and the setbacks of Jiang Yuanbo and Jiang Yuanbai in their careers, the outside world still treated the Jiang family as a joke. Nevertheless, the New Year had to be celebrated.The entire mansion started bustling unknowingly. The ladies from the Wanfeng Hall, Jingzhu and Feicui, came several times, asking when Jiang Li would go to the jewelry store to pick out jewelry. Jiang Li had no particular interest in jewelry; after going once, she didn't want to go again. So, Madam Jiang had a tailor come to Fangfei Garden to make new clothes for Jiang Li, as compensation.Speaking of tailoring, there was another occasion during this period when Madam Jiang took her to attend a banquet, a government official's family banquet. Jiang Li wore a dress made of the newly released Tao Water pattern from the Ye family, which caught the attention of many noble ladies, who asked where she bought the fabric. Jiang Li casually mentioned the Ye family in Xiangyang. Not long after, Ye Mingyu received a letter from Xiangyang, saying that the Ye family's Tao Water pattern was in high demand, with many clothing stores in Yanjing coming to order fabric. The Ye family's textile factory had been working tirelessly these days.Listening to Ye Mingyu talk about this, Jiang Li felt relieved. At least the Ye family's ancient brocade did not decline, and the Tao Water pattern was flourishing. Ye Madam's health was gradually improving, everything was developing positively. Even Xue Huaiyuan, under the treatment of Sītú Jiuyue, was getting better day by day, now even able to recognize people and call out their names.This New Year did not seem difficult to endure, as many things seemed to be resolved smoothly without any hardships.On the fifteenth day after the Winter Solstice, Haitang returned.Zhao Ke stood in front of Jiang Li's window and said, "Currently, Haitang is at the Duke's mansion. It might attract attention if she goes to the Jiang family. Someone is watching the Ye family's gate. Second Miss wants to see Haitang. The Duke said you can go to the Duke's mansion."Jiang Li replied, "...It might attract attention.""No worries, the Duke said, if Second Miss wants to go, she can go late at night, and no one will notice," Zhao Ke said simply, but Jiang Li felt a headache coming on."How can I leave the house late at night?" Jiang Li asked, hoping the person in front of her would consider some practical issues. She was a young lady of the Prime Minister's family, how could she go to a stranger's mansion in the middle of the night? Unless she had light skills like Ye Mingyu and disguised herself, with an unpredictable itinerary, that would be better."Don't worry, Second Miss, everything will be arranged by me," Zhao Ke said confidently.Jiang Li looked at Zhao Ke for a while until he felt a bit embarrassed and lowered his head. She was sure he wasn't joking and was genuinely proposing this solution. She still wanted to resist a bit and asked, "Isn't there any other way? In fact, we can meet at a teahouse on the street.""The person Second Miss is looking for is very distrustful of others. Even now, she remains vigilant towards us," Zhao Ke replied. "If we hadn't subdued her, she would have escaped.""You subdued her?" Jiang Li was surprised. "Didn't you tell her that the person looking for her wouldn't harm her and was there to help her?""I did," Zhao Ke shrugged. "But she doesn't believe it."Jiang Li's heart sank gradually. Haitang was so wary of others, unwilling to trust anyone, indicating that something had indeed happened, or at least she had encountered something that made her act this way. At this point, she didn't have time to think about anything else; the priority was to see Haitang, calm her down, and find out what had happened to her and Dujuan after they ran away."Alright, I will go to the Duke's mansion tonight. Is the Duke convenient?" Jiang Li asked.Zhao Ke raised his head in surprise. Had she agreed so quickly? He thought that Jiang Li would struggle for a while before agreeing. After all, for a young lady to go to a stranger's mansion, even at night, would make anyone hesitate. But then again, the Duke was the Duke of Sùguó, and which woman in Beiyān didn't admire the Duke of Sùguó? Even if something unexpected happened, Jiang Li wouldn't lose out; she might even gain from the situation.With that in mind, Zhao Ke's surprise faded quickly, replaced by understanding. "Alright, I will report back to the Duke," he said.Jiang Li nodded.As Zhao Ke left, Jiang Li watched him go and didn't close the window, just gazing at the snowy scene outside. She felt a mix of joy and sadness. Joyful that Haitang was still around and she was about to see her old friend again. Yet, she also felt the weight of time passing, the changes that had occurred. Haitang might not recognize her, and she couldn't simply reveal their past friendship. Both had undergone significant hardships; they were no longer the carefree girls they used to be.Tong'er stood by Jiang Li's side and asked softly, "Miss, are you going to the Duke's mansion tonight?"Jiang Li looked at Tong'er and said, "I have been very close to Ji Heng recently. What do you think?" She then turned to Bai Xue and asked, "What do you think?"It was the first time she had spoken so seriously to her maids. For Tong'er and Bai Xue, Jiang Li's actions often left them puzzled, even Tong'er, who had grown up with Jiang Li, was confused about the sudden appearance of many related people around Jiang Li.Tong'er stammered, "Wh-what do you mean? Miss, are you going to dismiss us?" Her eyes reddened, as if she were about to cry.Jiang Li was taken aback and found Tong'er's reaction somewhat amusing. She reached out to close the window, the cool breeze and bright moon outside, while she sat down in a chair, sighed, and said, "I think you have also noticed that things around me have not been peaceful these days and are full of danger. What I have to do may offend the powerful figures in Yanjing, and even my own safety is at risk." She paused and continued, "You are the people closest to me, and I don't want to deceive you. I can only tell you that what I have to do in the future may be even more shocking. Compared to that, going to the Duke's mansion late at night is a trivial matter. Can you accept this?"White Snow thought for a moment and asked seriously, "What if we can't accept it?"Tong'er quickly tugged at Bai Xue's sleeve, but Bai Xue remained unmoved. She was straightforward by nature and didn't mince her words. It seemed she was genuinely puzzled by Jiang Li's answer."If you can't accept it, you can't stay by my side. Not only because I'm afraid of causing trouble for you but also because you won't be able to help much," Jiang Li said candidly. Her openness didn't make her seem selfish; instead, it felt like she was speaking from the heart. She continued, "I hope the people around me can be of help, even if it's just in small ways. After all, I will face many dangers in the future, and I don't want to fail now. As for how I can repay you...," she thought for a moment and said, "Money and material possessions are natural, but I will also treat you sincerely on important matters."The most valuable thing in the world is sincerity.Tong'er bit her lip, her voice tinged with a sob, and stepped forward, "Miss, no matter what you do, I have been with you since I was young. If you don't want me, I have nowhere else to go. If Miss is in danger in the future, Tong'er will sacrifice her life to save the mistress. This is the master-servant relationship... Tong'er will always be with you!"Before Jiang Li could say anything, Bai Xue also said, "I will too." She was not good with words and didn't speak much, but her words were firm, showing her determination.Jiang Li looked at the two maids, feeling a mix of heartache and gratitude. The situation with Haitang reminded her that her actions were risky and could potentially endanger those around her. Without their knowledge, just like Xue Fangfei back then, who was taken advantage of by Princess Yongning to harm Xue Zhao and Xue Huaiyuan. Although Tong'er and Bai Xue couldn't understand why she was doing this, they needed to know what they were facing.If they couldn't bear the consequences, they should leave early and avoid getting caught in the whirlpool of trouble.And yet, they both chose to stay."Miss, no matter what you face, you are never alone," Bai Xue said.Jiang Li smiled slightly, "Yes." She had two loyal maids and the care of the Ye family. Although Jiang Yuanbo and Madam Jiang were selfish, they still felt guilty towards her. Now that the traces of Xue Fangfei had been erased, the traces belonging to Jiang Li were being rediscovered.After talking to Tong'er and Bai Xue, Jiang Li finally managed to calm Tong'er down. She didn't do much else afterward, just like usual, reading in the courtyard or writing, or drinking tea while listening to her maids' idle chatter, patiently waiting for nightfall.At night, when the bustling noises of Yanjing had faded and even the wind had calmed down, the faint light in the lantern in Jiang Li's courtyard still flickered. Even after the maids came to remind her several times, the light in the courtyard eventually extinguished, indicating that the mistress had gone to bed.However, in reality, Jiang Li was not asleep. She sat at her desk, the moon hidden by thick clouds, with the only light coming from a lantern hanging in the tree in the courtyard. The lantern's glow illuminated the snow on the ground, making it shine brightly, everything quiet and still, the entire Jiang family silent.After an unknown amount of time, when Jiang Li was on the verge of dozing off, there was a sudden noise outside the window.Someone was lightly tapping on the window.Jiang Li was startled, thinking it must be Zhao Ke. Instinctively, she went to open the window, but the person outside was also looking towards her. So, Jiang Li crossed the room to open the window and was met by a stunning face.Ji Heng had arrived.