The Double
Chapter 764 - 227: Silence a Witness by Killing

Chapter 764: Chapter 227: Silence a Witness by Killing

Yanjing finally entered the depths of winter.

Snowflakes flying in the sky had transformed from grains of salt to the size of goose feathers. From the head of the street to the end of the alley, a thick blanket of snow had accumulated overnight. A thousand miles encased in ice, ten thousand drifting with snow, the world had turned silver-white. Occasionally, a yellow dog not securely tethered would run across the snowy field, leaving behind deep plum blossom-shaped footprints.

Jiang Li stood in the courtyard, with icicles hanging from the eaves like the beaded curtains in a beauty’s chamber deep within the palace, glistening. Early in the morning, as the snow had yet to stop, she wrapped herself in a snow-white cloak, nearly blending in with the color of the snow.

"It’s way too cold." Tonger got up early to sweep the snow in the courtyard. The iron bucket left in the yard had turned into a lump of ice overnight, sticking up in the middle of the courtyard.

Jiang Li looked toward the horizon, a wave of worry welling up in her heart. In winter, there weren’t many flowers left in the flower garden of the Jiang Family, and even the gardener was absent. However, Jiang Li knew that Zhao Ke had gone to do something with Jih Heng. She did not know what the matter was, as Jih Heng had not informed her when he left Yanjing City. Instead, it was Zhao Ke who reminded Jiang Li when he left the Jiang Residence, signaling her to be more cautious about her safety during these days he would be absent.

If Jih Heng had not told Jiang Li, it was either truly trivial or of significant importance, and he did not want Jiang Li to worry unnecessarily. Although for Jih Heng, most things in this world were probably considered trivial, this time, Jiang Li sensed something different from Zhao Ke’s usual demeanor.

The matter might be more important than she thought, and over ten days had passed without any sign of Zhao Ke at the Jiang Residence or any news of Jih Heng.

Inside, Jiang Li felt a growing unease. After thinking it over, she decided to take the initiative and visit the Duke Residence. At the very least, Old General Jih was still there, and she could inquire about the situation from him. If not, perhaps Situ Jiuyue, Wen Renyao, or Lu Jiu might know a thing or two.

"Let’s go to the Duke Residence," Jiang Li said.

Tonger and Bai Xue did not understand and thought Jiang Li had something to discuss with Jih Heng. Now that Jiang Li’s marriage to Jih Heng was personally decreed by the emperor, it was not inappropriate for her to do so. Unlike the previous dynasty, where a girl could not meet her husband before marriage, Jiang Li’s actions were perfectly acceptable. Madam Jiang the Elder, when informed, did not say much, only telling Jiang Li to go early and return early.

Jiang Li took a carriage, accompanied by Tonger and Bai Xue, to the Duke Residence.

On the streets, everywhere were playful and rowdy children; children were perhaps the happiest during winter days, rolling around in the snow. The bright red candied haws stood out vividly against the white snow.

The lanterns in front of the Duke Residence were as resplendent and colorful as ever. When the young lads at the mansion’s gate saw Jiang Li coming, big smiles immediately spread across their faces. This was Jiang Li’s first visit to the Duke Residence since the marriage decree, and everyone from top to bottom knew that Jiang Li would one day become the Duchess. It had been many years since there had been a lady in the house, and the appearance of a new one was certainly an occasion for extra attention.

Jiang Li walked in. There was no need for someone to guide her, and she made her way to the outside of Jih Heng’s courtyard. Indeed, there was no sign of Jih Heng inside or outside the courtyard, nor were Wen Ji and Zhao Ke present—he had indeed not yet returned to the capital.

As Jiang Li thought this, she approached a young servant at the entrance of the library and asked, "Is Old General Jih in the residence at this moment?"

The young servant shook his head and was about to reply when Jiang Li heard a familiar voice behind her, "He has disappeared."

Jiang Li turned around, and Situ Jiuyue emerged from behind her. In her hand, she held a woven bamboo basket, seemingly about to gather flowers in the garden. Even in the winter, she was clad in a wolf fur jacket and skirt, her attire still the usual dark brown hue with deer leather boots, and a Plum Blossom Dagger fastened at her waist. She wore an exquisite beauty in her features but dressed as if to keep others at bay.

"Miss Jiuyue," Jiang Li said. Situ Jiuyue lived in the Duke Residence all year round because the gardens there contained the ingredients she needed for her alchemy. She asked, "You just mentioned that Old General Jih has disappeared?"

"Yes," Situ Jiuyue replied. "Jih Heng had left Yanjing, and the next day, Old General Jih vanished. Kong Liu and Lu Jiu sent people to look for him, but to no avail."

Jiang Li’s heart tightened. "Was he taken by someone...?"

"No," Situ Jiuyue replied. "He took the sword from the study."

Jiang Li’s heart did not relax at this news. If Old General Jih had taken the sword with him, it was clear he had left of his own volition. Why the need for a sword? The first thought that came to most people was probably vengeance. But Old General Jih was well into his years, why would he act so rashly now? Jiang Li then said, "Miss Jiuyue, do you know what Jih Heng was actually going to do when he left Yanjing City this time? Are Lord Lu and Lord Kong not around? Perhaps Young Master Wen Ren might know something."