The Double-Chapter 384 - 132: The Truth_2

Zhao Ke’s heart was extremely stifled, being one of the most talented individuals in the Duke Residence, renowned for his martial arts, disguise skills, and intelligence. Hence, he was entrusted with the dangerous task of infiltrating the Jiang Family. Yet now, Miss Jiang the Second was using him as if he were just an errand boy, without a shred of embarrassment, taking it all in stride. Anyone unaware of the situation might think he was her personal servant and that she was his rightful master.

To use a talent like his for mundane tasks was like using a cleaver to kill a chicken—it was preposterous!

But he still dared not tell Jih Heng to send someone else.

It’s just this once, he thought, and if his master found out how he was being used, he would surely remind Miss Jiang the Second not to take it too far and would understand his position. With no other choice, Zhao Ke could only reluctantly agree, "Alright. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave."

Jiang Li stopped him and asked, "The things you tell me, will you report them to your master without fail?"

"Miss Jiang the Second," Zhao Ke responded seriously, "my master is truly my lord."

"Good," Jiang Li said. "Then you could also mention that there are some things you can’t investigate, but if your master can find them out, would it be possible for him to lend a hand?"

Zhao Ke stared at Jiang Li, dumbfounded. How could she be so audacious to not only command him but also make such an unreasonable request to his master?!

Because the shock was too great, he couldn’t show any expression on his face, and he simply vanished in front of the window with a wooden expression.

Jiang Li closed the window and sat back down on the couch, pondering over Zhao Ke’s words. The events of the past were so difficult to uncover, it seemed to further confirm that Ji Shuran had done many secret deeds.

Although she was not the true Second Miss of the Jiang Family, it was because of Miss Jiang the Second that she survived. In a way, she could understand Miss Jiang the Second’s feelings. She was incapable of doing anything, but now, perhaps the only thing she could do for Miss Jiang the Second was to help her uncover the truth and relieve her of the burden of sins that weren’t her own.

Meanwhile, in the Duke Residence, Lu Jiu was unable to sit still upon hearing the message from Zhao Ke.

"She she she..." The scholar in green, usually unflappable, was suddenly unable to maintain his composed demeanor, and he said urgently, "How can she be so bold?"

It was more than boldness; it was sheer ignorance of her place. Look at what she was saying, not only demanding the services of the Duke Residence’s top talent but also daring to command Jih Heng. Was this girl raised on the hearts of bears and the gall of leopards? Does she simply not know how to write the word "fear"?

Jih Heng, however, didn’t seem to take the matter to heart, remarking to himself, "She asked about the miscarriage of Ji Shuran?"

"Yes," Wen Ji answered. "Zhao Ke said that is what Miss Jiang the Second asked."

"The three tasks she wants Zhao Ke to do, the first two may be considered, but the third, to find someone with an exceptional ability to speak... What does that mean?" Lu Jiu shook his head, "Is she planning a magic show?"

"The residence has many guests. Lu Jiu, go find one," Jih Heng instructed.

Lu Jiu complied but was puzzled as to why Jih Heng was so accommodating towards everything Jiang Li requested. Initially, Jih Heng didn’t seem to care even about Jiang Li’s death. Lu Jiu suspected there were other secrets between the two, but of course, he would not pry. Yet the great change in Jih Heng’s demeanor suggested that Miss Jiang the Second was quite remarkable.

"Miss Jiang the Second seems to be investigating Lady Ji’s affairs lately," Lu Jiu said. "Could it be that she’s gearing up to deal with Lady Ji? Behind Lady Ji is the Ji family and Consort Li. If Miss Jiang the Second confronts Lady Ji, she confronts Consort Li as well. Now with Yongning also harboring resentment against Miss Jiang the Second, if Yongning and Consort Li join forces, Miss Jiang the Second is not going to have an easy time." Lu Jiu shook his head, "She’s always been astute; why undertake such a matter at this crucial juncture?"

"She has been holding back too fiercely," Jih Heng said. "She can’t hold back any longer. But it’s good, enemies are not defeated by forbearance. Her straightforward approach is refreshing."

"Jiang Yuanbai may be shrewd in political affairs, but in family matters, he’s not as good as his daughter," Lu Jiu sighed, "This is really going to be something to see."

Jih Heng watched the flickering candlelight on the table with a smile playing on his lips, yet his eyes were deep and inscrutable.

Indeed, it was going to be something to see, for he himself had begun to grow curious.

...

In Yanjing City, the winter sun was always precious. The day after a sunny day, it was as if the good weather from yesterday was being retracted; bright and early, the cold wind mixed with rain and snow, causing the branches in the flower beds to buckle under the weight of the snow, snapping many of them.