The Double
Chapter 264 - 108 Tyranny_2

Chapter 264: Chapter 108 Tyranny_2

Jiang Li said, "Auntie, do you not know, or are you unwilling to speak?"

Chunfang lifted her head to look at Jiang Li, and mustered her courage, "Why do you want to inquire about Lord Xue’s affairs? Who are you?"

Pressured by Jiang Li’s questioning, nobody would believe that she was merely asking out of curiosity anymore. But Chunfang’s reluctance to discuss it was inadvertently revealing. Jiang Li smiled and said, "Who I am is not important; what matters is that I want to inquire about the Xue Family’s affairs. Auntie, are you willing to talk or not?"

Chunfang knew Jiang Li, their many years as neighbors made clear she was a warm and kind-hearted person. Jiang Li believed that if it weren’t for immense fear, Chunfang would never stand by and watch her own father fall into prison. The people of Tongxiang felt the same, but what kind of threat could make these common folks too scared to stand up?

Just then, the gate to Chunfang’s courtyard creaked open again, and her husband’s voice floated over from a distance: "Chunfang, aren’t you leaving yet? What are you doing?"

"I’m going to sell the embroidery." Chunfang suddenly pushed Jiang Li away as if she had found an excuse, and hurriedly tried to flee. But halfway through, she hesitated, turned back, and said, "Miss, seeing as you are newcomers, let me give you a word of advice. Don’t mention the Xue Family’s matters in front of others, to avoid bringing trouble upon yourself. You... don’t be too conspicuous." With that, she slung her bamboo basket over her arm and, without giving Jiang Li another glance, quickly disappeared as if something terrifying were chasing her.

Ye Mingyu stepped forward, standing beside Jiang Li, who was staring at Chunfang’s retreating figure, and complained, "Really, Jiang Li was so polite and gentle, yet she ran off as if she saw a ghost, scared to death." He then looked at Jiang Li, "I heard you talking about the Xue Family just now. What does it mean? Jiang Li, what are you planning to do?"

Jiang Li’s reason for coming to Green Stone Lane, spending so much time in front of the sealed Xue Family’s house, and asking a stranger about the Xue Family, led Ye Mingyu to realize this was neither accidental nor impulsive. Jiang Li’s visit had a purpose related to the Xue Family.

"Uncle Mingyu," Jiang Li said, looking straight into Ye Mingyu’s eyes as she spoke, allowing him to see the determination in her eyes. "I came to Tongxiang precisely for this, Uncle. I want to seek justice for the Xue Family."

Ye Mingyu was stunned, as were Tonger and Bai Xue.

No matter how one saw it, Jiang Li was the Grand Secretary’s daughter, and Xue Huaiyuan was merely a County Magistrate in Tongxiang; the two had never crossed paths. Jiang Li’s sudden declaration left Ye Mingyu at a loss for words.

After a long while, Ye Mingyu found his voice again and said, "You... what did you say?"

"I can’t tell you why I have to do this," Jiang Li apologized, "It’s a long story, not something that can be explained in a few words. But County Magistrate Xue has indeed been wrongly imprisoned. I’ve been entrusted to thoroughly investigate this matter and restore his reputation."

"But how do you know County Magistrate Xue is innocent? How can you, a young lady, figure out the truth and help him clear his name? Jiang Li, this matter is not advisable!"

"Uncle Mingyu," Jiang Li’s voice remained calm as if she had carefully considered the matter and made a resolute decision that left no room for doubt. "Whether County Magistrate Xue is innocent or not, we will find out upon investigation. Although I am a young lady, I am also the Grand Secretary’s daughter, and not without power. To act knowing it is impossible, is not out of sheer stubbornness, but for the sake of fairness." Jiang Li continued, "This world, where right and wrong are confounded, is truly unfair. Moreover, the person I wish to help has shown me kindness, so consider it my attempt at repaying that debt. As they say in the martial arts world, ’Repay kindness as well as grievances.’ I am aware of the gravity of this matter and do not wish to implicate you, Uncle. If you feel it is inappropriate, you may leave now, and I alone shall be sufficient."

These words, which could have sounded rather defiant, were spoken by Jiang Li with such composure. Ye Mingyu stared into Jiang Li’s eyes; he knew his niece always had a mind of her own, but at that moment, he truly understood that she was always firm in her steps and actions. She hadn’t failed to anticipate potential troubles and dire consequences, yet nothing could deter her resolve to move forward.

Not to mention him, her uncle. In some sense, whether or not he was involved, it wouldn’t stop Jiang Li from doing what she needed to do.