The Double-Chapter 382 - 131 Aunt_5

However, if Ji Shuran truly had something to do with the death of Miss Jiang the Eldest, then Jiang Li would have to take a fresh look at Maternal Aunt Hu. To bear a life and death grudge yet not cling to Ji Shuran in her desolate state, this wasn’t merely clinging to life; it was waiting for an opportunity. Once the opportunity arose, she would seek revenge, just like herself.

Now, all she needed to do was to find out the truth. freeweɓnovēl.coɱ

After leaving the Jiang Residence, Jiang Li still visited the Xue Family at the Ye Residence as usual. But because she was preoccupied with the matter of Maternal Aunt Hu, Jiang Li was somewhat distracted during her time at the Ye Family.

Seeing her like this, Ye Shijie thought Jiang Li was worried that the case involving the Xue Family might implicate Princess Yongning and that Jiang Li was anxious about offending Prince Cheng. He said, "Recently, Prince Cheng has been busy with his own affairs, and His Majesty is intent on reducing Prince Cheng’s power. He doesn’t have the time to concern himself with the Xue Family case. You don’t need to worry," he paused, then continued, "Instead, I’m worried about Princess Yongning. I’ve heard the princess acts without restraint. When you go out these days, bring more guards. If possible, you don’t have to come to the Ye Residence every day. Uncle and I will take good care of Lord Xue."

Jiang Li snapped back to reality and looked at Ye Shijie. Thinking back to their first meeting, when Ye Shijie was confrontational towards her, and now he was sincerely looking out for her, she reflected on how miraculous human relationships can be. With a smile, she said, "I’m fine. After all, I have the support of the Jiang Family. It’s you who should be careful. Being associated with me, if Yongning or Prince Cheng decide to target me, they might vent their anger on you. You face greater difficulties in the official circles. Be cautious in everything you do. If it’s possible, set aside your principles temporarily. If it significantly contradicts your principles, you can seek help from my father. My father values benefits above all else. Now that you are the Assistant Minister of Revenue, if your promotion benefits him, he will support you."

Ye Shijie felt that something was odd. When Jiang Li spoke of Jiang Yuanbai, she sounded as though she were discussing a stranger, not her own father. However, Ye Shijie was also well aware that what Jiang Li said was correct. Although Jiang Li was younger than him, she often seemed more experienced in worldly affairs.

He really couldn’t fathom how she had developed such a personality.

Ye Shijie didn’t continue the conversation. After Jiang Li had visited Xue Huaiyuan for a while and chatted with Ye Mingyu, she returned to the Jiang Residence.

What Princess Yongning could do was beyond her guesswork. It was better to be safe than sorry. Recently, besides the Ye Family, she shouldn’t go anywhere else, just to avoid any accidents.

Upon returning to the Jiang Residence and when night fell, Jiang Li stood by the window and once again blew the peony-adorned whistle.

This time, Zhao Ke appeared quickly. Despite his best effort to stay composed, Jiang Li could see the helplessness in his expression.

"What do you command, Miss Jiang the Second?" Zhao Ke asked.

Jiang Li said, "Zhao Ke, you came to the Jiang Family seven years ago, when I had already gone to Green City Mountain. Although you weren’t at the Jiang Family before that, I think that you must have investigated the incidents that occurred at the Jiang Family before that. Your master must have informed you."

Zhao Ke was puzzled: "I don’t understand."

"I’m thinking you might know some of the Jiang Residence’s secrets, things unknown to others, things I didn’t know in the past. Since you’re aware, why not share them with me, let me understand as well?"

She spoke lightly, but it shocked Zhao Ke. After a moment, his face turned a pale shade of green, almost indescribable towards Jiang Li. He said, "I am... not one to pry into the secrets of others."

He wasn’t one of those gossipy women from the streets who loved to snoop into family scandals. Jiang Li’s words clearly treated him as if he were a mere servant, yet she spoke so righteously!

"Small matters are naturally not your concern," Jiang Li said, "but you must know about serious matters that concern human life. Not to mention anything else, but Miss Jiang the Eldest, my father’s first illegitimate daughter, fell off a rockery in the garden while playing many years ago and died. However, I heard some rumors today suggesting that Miss Jiang the Eldest’s death was not entirely an accident. Zhao Ke, do you know any hidden details about this?"

...

Inside the Duke Residence, the study was still brightly lit.

Guard Wen Ji stood in the study, bowing and saying to the person in front of him, "Miss Jiang the Second sounded the whistle again tonight."

The red-robed young man sat in front of the desk, his robe sprawled softly on the ground. It was winter, and the floor was covered with a thick carpet. The fine clothes above made the carpet gleam with a luster like precious stones.

"Oh?" Jih Heng inquired, "For what reason?"

"To inquire about the cause of Miss Jiang the Eldest’s death years ago."

Lu Jiu, who was drinking tea, almost choked and spit it out. He said, "Miss Jiang the Second actually asked Zhao Ke about this sort of matter?"

That was Zhao Ke, one of the most skilled martial artists in the Duke Residence, now being casually used to investigate secrets and gossip?

Jih Heng had said to blow the whistle only when it was important, but Jiang Li was using it far too frequently. This couldn’t be considered important, could it?

"She’s not shy about asking," Jih Heng laughed softly, his demeanor not showing any sign of annoyance, merely remarking, "She really doesn’t see herself as an outsider."