The Double-Chapter 398 - 135 Methodology

Jiang Li received the message from Jiang Yuanbai in the evening.

Jiang Yuanbai did not explicitly say that a Daoist master would come for an exorcism the next day, but he mentioned that everyone in the Jiang Residence must not leave and should stay inside.

Even with her eyes closed, Jiang Li knew what this meant—it was like catching turtles in a jar. Once everyone was present, it would be convenient for Chongxu Daoist Master to identify the "Evil Spirits and Demons." However, Jiang Li now looked at Ji Shuran with new respect, realizing that it wouldn’t make sense to ask a Daoist master to perform an exorcism in the residence for no reason, she used Consort Li’s name. In this way, in public, it was an order from Emperor Hongxiao, which the Jiang Family must obey. In private, Consort Li herself had been targeted by similar means years before; it was only natural for her to have such thoughts.

Jiang Li stood by the window and blew the whistle, this time not avoiding Tonger and Bai Xue—they had to gradually get used to the shocking things she was doing. Zhao Ke appeared in the room without a sound.

Tonger and Bai Xue were startled, and seeing how composed Jiang Li was, it was obvious that this was not the first or second time she had done this. They didn’t know how they should react, just watched Jiang Li ask Zhao Ke, "Has the man with exceptional skills been arranged for?"

"It has been arranged," Zhao Ke said, "He has taken the place of a servant in the residence and will be on guard in the courtyard tomorrow."

Jiang Li, curious, asked, "Taken the place? Won’t the stewards notice the person has changed?"

Zhao Ke replied with just two words: "Disguise."

Jiang Li suddenly understood and thought the people under Ji Heng had truly vast abilities. She had thought that disguising was something only mentioned in stories, almost impossible to do in reality. Seeing Jiang Li’s expression, Zhao Ke seemed to understand what she was thinking and explained, "It is difficult to disguise in the usual case, but the boy we chose is a common person in the Jiang Residence who usually does not attract attention. Even with slight differences, no one will notice. If we had picked someone who drew more notice, he would be discovered instantly."

"I see," Jiang Li said, feeling somewhat disappointed, as she had thought perhaps she could use this method to take a shortcut, but now she had to abandon that thought.

Seeing Jiang Li converse so naturally with the man in black, Tonger and Bai Xue realized he must be serving Jiang Li, and although frightened, they gathered their courage to say, "Miss, if that good-for-nothing charlatan really points you out tomorrow, will the Master really just stand by and do nothing?"

Jiang Li had not kept her maidservants in the dark and had informed them about what Ji Shuran might plan for the next day. Most likely, she would be accused of being an Evil Spirit harming the family. The maidservants, concerned for their mistress, could not help but ask this question in the presence of Zhao Ke.

"Of course he will," Jiang Li replied very calmly.

"But you... you are still his daughter," Bai Xue found it hard to accept. In her hometown, if someone called her a demon, putting aside everything else, at the very least her parents and siblings would never believe it.

"Chongxu Daoist Master is a high-minded person," Jiang Li said, not at all saddened. She even smiled reassuringly, "Since he is reputed among the people, what he says will naturally be taken as truth. Even if my father does not believe in ghosts and deities, Ji Shuran must have come prepared. There are too many suspicions about me, and if I can’t explain them, the only explanation would be that I am a demon."

"How is that possible!" Tonger blurted out, "What right do they have to say such things?"

Jiang Li’s smile faded a bit, "Tonger, not everyone has lived with me for eight years like you. I have been away from the Jiang Family for too long; such kinship and guilt are as insubstantial as talk. I can’t deny their existence, but I know they are fragile and cannot withstand scrutiny."

Zhao Ke, who had been listening silently, looked at Jiang Li in surprise. A young girl of only fifteen or sixteen seemed to have no expectations left for human nature. Even her family members were given the most indulgent tolerance. On the surface, it might seem magnanimous, but in reality, it was indifference. She was very much like his own master. But his master developed such temperament due to her background. Though Miss Jiang the Second was pitiable, it shouldn’t have come to this extent.

As if she had reached a great enlightenment.

Jiang Li looked at him, and he quickly lowered his head.

"Miss, I think this Chongxu Daoist Master who can do such things is certainly not a true high-minded person but a swindler from the martial arts world. Moreover, he has treated Consort Li before. It’s likely he’s one of Consort Li’s own. Tomorrow... don’t we expose his true face?"