Backlash Part 2

Chapter 240: Koi Tower - Jiang Yanli

Jiang Yanli accepted the documents from the disciple and began to look them over. Most of them were written in sloppy calligraphy, but a few were in a rushed cursive she recognized. A-Xian's notes were clearly being used as a reference. Including some that he had obviously discarded. Obvious to her, because she recognized the dismissive scribbles he always put at the end of a note that he dropped. Jiang Yanli had spent years helping him gather his notes and tidy them away so her mother wouldn't get angry with him for making a mess. Long enough that she could identify something he was working on and something that could be discarded.

Still, A-Xian's notes made up only a tiny fraction of the pile. Most of it was in the same sloppy script, Jiang Yanli guessed Xue Yang's writing. It was mostly results of experiments, ideas to test out, and a few notes that read like morbid day dreams. The author seemed deeply amused by the suffering of others, and seemed to be vengeful of even minor slights. There were also a few notes written in a neat clerical script. Clearly meant to be read and referenced. The notes on the soul-transferring mirror was one such example.

Jiang Yanli turned behind her. The YunmengJiang disciples sat with their heads held high. Furious, proud, and trusting Jiang Yanli to lead them. Jiang Yanli smiled faintly, grateful for their faith in her. She turned towards the seniors who had accompanied them.

"Jiang Xien," Jiang Yanli called softly. He was a distant cousin and several decades her senior. His hair was more silver than black and his eyes were gentle when they settled on her. "I would like to hear your opinion regarding the context of these documents."

"Of course Sect Leader Jiang," Jiang Xien replied, bowing his head respectfully. He rose to his feet and stepped around his own table before kneeling beside hers.

Jiang Yanli watched as he read through the documents, sorting them into piles. Three piles sorted by author. Jiang Xien's expression darkened as he read. There was more in the pile of evidence than Luo Qingyang shared. Including a notebook, written in the same tidy clerical script as the notes on the soul-transferring mirror. Jiang Yanli had read very little of the notebook. It started with details of the containment used to restrain A-Xian. From there it appeared to be a careful record. When food was provided. What drugs and in what quantities were in the food. How much of the food was consumed. It also detailed Nuan-er's treatment. When medication had last been provided. How severe her symptoms were by day. How well A-Xian complied to their requests in exchange for treatment for Nuan-er.

Jiang Yanli hadn't needed to read any more than that. Jiang Xien read further, and Jiang Yanli noticed the furry and disgust growing as he did. Eventually, Jiang Xien set the book down. He took a deep meditative breath before bowing to Jiang Yanli respectfully.

"These documents appear to be from three authors. There are notes belonging to Wei Wuxian that are clearly being used as reference material. They are mostly related to talismans. Most prolifically are the notes written by the second author. This person has received enough instruction to be able to write, but clearly never had the tutelage of a skilled calligraphy instructor. This second author is clearly the primary researcher experimenting with resentful energy directly. All the incidents mentioned by Luo-guniang are present, as well as many others not mentioned.

"The third author appears to be the person directly supervising the experimentation. They refer to Xue Changmei as the person doing most of the experimentation and research. I would infer that Xue Changmei is likely the courtesy name of Xue Yang, although I supposed it could be a relative. The third author has recorded in great detail the detainment and torture of Wei Wuxian and his daughter. There are also notes stating that Sect Leader Jin received updates, and that he was displeased with their progress on recreating the Yin Hufu. This is sighted as the reason more and more often in later dates as the reason new things were being attempted to force Wei Wuxian's cooperation." Jiang Xien spoke with a grave expression, fury flashing behind his eyes. Jiang Yanli nodded in acknowledgement.