The Double
Chapter 314 - 118 Grace_2

Chapter 314: Chapter 118 Grace_2

"One matter at a time, at least on this matter, Jih Heng helped her, saving her a lot of trouble. She should be grateful." Jiang Li thought inexplicably that if someone formed an alliance with Jih Heng, it would truly be the most cost-effective deal in the world. Jih Heng would go to great lengths to clear unnecessary obstacles for an ally; "unnecessary people," many things would then be accomplished with half the effort.

Upon hearing this, Ye Mingyu fell suddenly silent, considering that although the man was overly handsome, at least he knew to protect Jiang Li entirely. Even if he was unfit to be a nephew-in-law, being friends was also good.

"Uncle Mingyu, you should rest early as well," Jiang Li said, "You must be tired from today too. Replenish your energy tonight, as we have to continue early tomorrow."

Ye Mingyu nodded. They had gone to recruit people during the day, speaking until they were parched and walking until they were far away, also causing their backs and waists to ache; indeed, they should take a bath and rest well. Thus, he did not object to Jiang Li’s words and went to rest with his followers.

Jiang Li sat back at the desk.

Tonger and Bai Xue thought she would rest also, so they asked in surprise, "Miss, why aren’t you sleeping?"

"I still need to write a list that I will distribute to the uncles tomorrow, I’ll sleep after I finish writing." Jiang Li pressed her forehead and said, "Bai Xue, please pour me a cup of hot tea."

...

The snow had cleared, and the next day brought splendid weather.

Jiang Li got up early in the morning and parted ways with Ye Mingyu and the others, each going their own way to find their respective households.

Now, she was not afraid that Feng Yutang’s people would try to assassinate her from behind, as Jih Heng would take care of it for her. So, she confidently exposed her back to Jih Heng.

During the previous day’s outing, she had visited the most households. Even Ye Mingyu had not visited as many households as she had, simply because she knew the roads of Tongxiang and where each family lived, saving a lot of time. In the early morning, as she passed the entrance of Green Stone Lane, she saw aunt Chun Fang whom she met on her first day in Tongxiang. Chun Fang, with her basket slung over her arm, stood in the yard, cautiously watching as Jiang Li and her companions walked away. She muttered with her lips, seemingly wanting to say something, but ultimately, she said nothing.

Jiang Li did not look at her. She had too little time and could not afford to take care of everyone. The fate between people relies on serendipity; after putting in effort, if things don’t work out, it is destiny and not worth feeling resentful over.

The whole day yesterday, from the first household, Daiyun, to the last, at least on Jiang Li’s end, not a single family had been persuaded. To say she was not disappointed would be a lie, but she had to continue today. Whatever the result, she had to accept it.

In the distance, the house could already be seen.

Jiang Li hesitated for a moment in front of this household, but eventually, she knocked on the door.

The husband of this household was a butcher, known as Butcher Zhang, with an intimidating and fearsome appearance that could even make children cry just by looking at them. Jiang Li only remembered that Xue Zhao, in his childhood, was very afraid of this Butcher Zhang, always finding his butcher’s knife terrifying. However, as Xue Fangfei, she only remembered that whenever she passed the meat shop, the man would awkwardly attempt to curve his lips into a gentle smile, but it would come off as very strained.

After knocking three times, someone came to open the door.

The door was opened by Butcher Zhang.

Years had passed, but Butcher Zhang still looked the same as before, not changed at all. Wearing only a thin, coarse cloth robe on a bitterly cold winter day, with his sleeves rolled up, likely for the convenience of cutting meat. He was tall and heavyset, his face covered in horizontal lines of flesh, and his body smelled of blood from years of slaughtering pigs, giving off a sticky sensation. He was probably getting ready to go to the meat shop early, holding a bucket with a white cloth covering it; Jiang Li knew that underneath that cloth was fresh pork.

Butcher Zhang also had a long knife, which rested on top of the bucket. The knife was very long and sharp, and perhaps because it had seen too much blood, just the sight of it made one feel a chill.

Jiang Li’s gaze involuntarily landed on the long knife.

Butcher Zhang looked down at her, placed his bucket with a "thud" at his feet, and said with an unfriendly tone, "Who are you looking for?"

"I’m looking for you," Jiang Li withdrew her gaze, "My name is Jiang Li."

"I know you," Butcher Zhang replied, "It was you yesterday, starting from the east side of the city, door to door asking about County Magistrate Xue, trying to get people to stand out and testify for Lord Xue!"

Butcher Zhang’s voice was exceptionally rough, even more threatening than Ye Mingyu’s to Jiang Li. He spoke without expression, but his flesh trembled slightly as he spoke.