The Double
Chapter 301 - 115 My _4

Chapter 301: Chapter 115 My _4

When Jiang Li glimpsed that secret, she knew she had to bury it in her heart forever, never to be voiced. She was aware of Jih Heng’s schemes and said nothing during their confrontations because she understood that once Jih Heng found out his secret had been exposed, the first thing he would do was silence her.

Misfortune comes from the mouth as sickness comes from what is eaten, to choose words wisely is to know no disaster. This was Jiang Li’s principle, but man’s plans cannot compare to fate’s, and tonight, she never anticipated being cornered with Jih Heng nearby, showing no intent to make a move. Therefore, she had no choice but to use others to do her bidding.

She revealed Jih Heng’s secret before the assassins, knowing Jih Heng would never allow anyone aware of his secret to live, these killers were doomed to be silenced.

"Miss Jiang the Second, you should know," he spoke slowly, "when it comes to silencing, no survivors are left."

He was capable of killing those assassins, and he could kill her too. First, she knew Jih Heng’s secret, and secondly, she dared to use that secret to plot against Jih Heng. These two charges alone were enough to ensure she had no reason to keep living.

The fan was icy cold, pressed against her delicate throat, and his gaze lingered on Jiang Li’s neck, seemingly filled with a hint of entwined passion. But upon a closer look, it was all dispassionate cruelty. The fan inched closer, death feeling so tangible, Jiang Li could hear her own heartbeat, yet her voice remained calm.

"Duke, I don’t want to die, otherwise, I wouldn’t have said those words," she said.

"Give me one reason you shouldn’t die." Jih Heng looked at her.

"Duke, if you want the Emperor to trust you, you must pit Prince Cheng and the Jiang Family against each other. Supporting Prince Cheng is not the goal, but a means to a better end," Jiang Li said, "I can ensure the Jiang Family and Prince Cheng will never reconcile, and I can erode Prince Cheng’s influence."

Jih Heng laughed, "And how will you do that?"

"The Xue Family case is merely a front with Feng Yutang as the scapegoat, the person behind it is Yongning," Jiang Li cast her gaze downward, knowing Jih Heng was probably already aware of Yongning’s involvement in the case; there was no need for her to hide anything further, and she continued, "I intend to take on the Xue Family case, and sooner or later, I’ll be up against Yongning, locked in a battle to the death with Prince Cheng. No matter how my father regards me, bearing the Jiang surname means Prince Cheng will always associate this grudge with the Jiang Family, and as a member of the Jiang Family, I will help them against Prince Cheng."

"How will you deal with Prince Cheng?" Jih Heng asked, "You are only fifteen years old."

Jiang Li only said four words, "By any means necessary."

Jih Heng fell silent for a moment, then said, "Be it the Jiang Family or Prince Cheng, in the end, neither can remain."

This was what Jiang Li had guessed even before, Jih Heng’s support for Prince Cheng, his provoking of the Jiang Family, all meant to have Prince Cheng and the Jiang Family wear each other down. This way, Emperor Hongxiao’s power would grow. She was determined to confront Prince Cheng, yet the Jiang Family’s situation was precarious.

In all fairness, although she wasn’t the true Second Miss, using Jiang Yuanbai’s reputation had allowed her to accomplish much. Apart from the Ji Shuran mother-daughter duo and Jiang Yue, other Jiang family members, though not particularly cordial, had not harmed her. If the Jiang Family truly fell, there would be no survivors under a collapsed nest, and she would have no chance of survival.

She had to ensure the Jiang Family’s safety while seeking revenge against Yongning and Shen Yurong.

"Duke, I don’t know what your ultimate goal is, but if the Jiang Family falls, sooner or later there will be a second Jiang Family," Jiang Li softly said, "By keeping the Jiang Family, what if one day they become an aid to you, your reinforcements?"

Her earnest plea did not move Jih Heng, who simply laughed, "I neither need aid nor reinforcements."

Jiang Li: "...."

Yet, this seemed normal to her, for she could hardly imagine Jih Heng as someone who had friends or familial warmth. It was unbelievable to think of a venomous snake and a flock of sheep living together.

"You haven’t convinced me yet," Jih Heng reminded her, "the reason not to kill you."

"I can’t find a reason," Jiang Li faced him candidly, "because these reasons, I can’t even convince myself. Yet, I have unfinished business, and I don’t wish to die right now. If you mustn’t let me go, Duke, I hope you will grant me some time. My life remains here, and once I have done what I ought to, I’ll personally deliver this life to you, hoping you’ll accept it with graciousness."

Jih Heng watched her, smiled, and said, "And what if I say no?"

Once again, Jiang Li fell silent.

A little later, she said, "If it truly won’t do, then go ahead, Duke. Actually, I would have profited, for if the Duke hadn’t appeared today, these people would have killed me, likely in a most undignified manner. Now, to die by the Duke’s hand is an honor, and considering the many others joining me in death, it even feels like a win. I thank the Duke for your care these past days, and if there is an afterlife, Jiang Li will be sure to repay the kindness." Having said that, Jiang Li truly closed her eyes, calmly tilted her head back slightly, waiting for Jih Heng to make his move.