The Double
Chapter 536 - 161 Recovery_4

Chapter 536: Chapter 161 Recovery_4

Moreover... Jiang Li pondered in her heart, just a few days ago, Ye Mingyu had already arranged a "silencing" at Xiao Deyin’s residence entrance. Xiao Deyin should be in a state of panic and confusion, so why would she come to find her?

"Is she still in the front hall?" Jiang Li asked, "If she is, Ming Yue, please bring her to my courtyard. It’s always somewhat inconvenient to talk in the front hall."

Ming Yue quickly said, "She’s still here, I will invite her over right away."

Jiang Li took off her cloak, changed into another dress, and had Tonger tidy up her hair a bit, making her look quite composed. Sitting in front of the stone table in the courtyard, half of the sunlight streamed into the greenish tea water, and just when the tea was pleasantly warm, Xiao Deyin arrived.

She followed behind Ming Yue, wearing a purple silk dress embroidered with plum blossoms, graceful and ethereal, her wide sleeves giving off a sense of being above worldly concerns. Her face was beautiful, with a smile on her lips, she looked gentle and kind. No wonder she was the most popular teacher in Mingyi Hall; Xiao Deyin was certainly the first.

Seeing Jiang Li, she came forward with a smile and called out, "Jiang Li." She then sat down at the other end of the stone table.

"Mr. Xiao," Jiang Li also smiled and returned the greeting, "What brings you here today?"

"You haven’t been to Mingyi Hall for some days, I heard there were some issues at your home," Xiao Deyin said with a smile. "I’ve been wanting to visit you, only I was afraid of disturbing your household and felt it might be inconvenient. But after all, you are the best student in Mingyi Hall, especially in zither artistry, there is no one better than you there. I am genuinely fond of you, and after thinking it over, now that the new year has passed, I decided to come and see you."

Her words made it seem as if this teacher always had a great deal of affection and concern for this particular student, and even suggested that Jiang Li was her prized pupil. Jiang Li smiled faintly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, with a look of curved eyebrows and eyes that, for some reason, made Xiao Deyin’s face feel a bit hot.

However, she soon asked, "Jiang Li, how have you been recently? When do you plan to return to Mingyi Hall?"

"I may not plan to go back to Mingyi Hall anymore," Jiang Li said. Her initial intention of joining Mingyi Hall was merely to gather information and to build her reputation. Since both goals had been achieved and Mingyi Hall could no longer teach her anything new, to stay there would be a waste of time. Besides, spending most of her time at Mingyi Hall meant that she would only be able to dedicate a small portion of her time to caring about Xue Huaiyuan and seeking revenge on Shen Yurong, which was hardly worth it.

Jiang Li clearly saw a flash of disappointment in Xiao Deyin’s eyes, but on her face, a sincere look of regret appeared as she said, "Why? You are the best student at Mingyi Hall."

"Mr. Xiao flatters me; the truth is that there are many matters at home, and I no longer feel suited for Mingyi Hall."

Xiao Deyin sighed, "If your mind is made up, I won’t insist on persuading you. Knowing you have your own plans, all I can do is express my regret. You should know that of all the students at Mingyi Hall, you are my favorite, not only because of your brilliant talents but also because you have courage and a sense of justice. Like the case of Tongxiang’s Xue Huaiyuan, you, a young lady from the boudoir, dared to lead the villagers to the capital to file their complaint on their behalf. Even I, deep in my heart, admire that courage."

There it was, the real purpose of Xiao Deyin’s visit, Jiang Li understood it immediately, and she quickly figured out the crux of Xiao Deyin’s visit today. Pretending to be unaware, she simply smiled and said modestly, "If it were you, Mr. Xiao, you would have done the same."

Xiao Deyin nodded and exclaimed, "It’s just that in this world, while there are many with a heart for justice, those without it are very rare indeed."

"You’re thinking too hard, Mr. Xiao, there are still more good people in this world," said Jiang Li, adopting the appearance of an innocent and pure young lady.

Xiao Deyin looked at her, then suddenly leaned a little closer, whispering, "Jiang Li, tell me, the evidence against Feng Yutang during the court deliberation, suggesting that Princess Yongning was behind the move against County Magistrate Xue, wasn’t just a rumor, right?"

Jiang Li was startled and covered her mouth, "Mr. Xiao, why would you say such a thing?"

Xiao Deyin, as if certain that she was hiding something, said, "Tell me, is it true or not?"

"It was already made clear during the court deliberation," Jiang Li stammered, "evidence was presented, but that was just something concocted by those who intended to slander Princess Yongning. Even though it bore the princess’s official seal, it cannot be taken as fact."