The Double-Chapter 304 - 116 Protection_2

Everyone has weaknesses; it’s just a matter of degree. Jih Heng’s weaknesses are still unclear, but Jiang Li knew he had them as long as he experienced joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure.

"It’s not about liking to repay kindness," Jiang Li said with a smile, "We just clearly distinguish between gratitude and grudges." Revenge for enmity and repayment for kindness are age-old principles. There’s no such thing as repaying kindness with enmity or being ungrateful and treacherous. If there is, one must seek justice and fairness on their own.

"Alright, enough talk," Jih Heng said, "I’m returning. Within seven days, Feng Yutang’s men won’t be able to touch you." He added, "I’m staying in the inn opposite the county government office; if there’s anything, come find me at the inn."

Ye Mingyu felt somewhat flattered. In truth, as someone who had grown up in the martial arts world, he had little concept of how significant official ranks or authority really were. Therefore, his "clasping fists in thanks" to Jih Heng didn’t seem out of place to him. However, deep down, Ye Mingyu didn’t actually believe Jih Heng would help Jiang Li much. Observing the man’s beautiful features, he had an intuition that this man’s heart was as cold as steel and not easily accessible; talk of sentiments or kindness was all nonsense. Although he wasn’t sure why Jiang Li was involved with him, perhaps it was all just an act for the occasion.

But now, listening to Jih Heng’s words, it was clear they conveyed a willingness to help Jiang Li. What did he mean by Feng Yutang’s men not touching them for seven days? Did it mean Jih Heng would clear all obstacles brought by Feng Yutang, providing protection and guard for Jiang Li?

Was he really that kind-hearted? Wasn’t he a Duke? Would he deign to lower himself to do these things? Could it be that the Duke’s rank was below that of the Grand Secretary and he wanted to curry favor with Jiang Yuanbai for a promotion? Or perhaps his true intention was to please Jiang Li? Jiang Li had reached an age where she could carefully choose her suitors, and in a few years, she would be of marrying age. Not to boast, but Jiang Li’s looks and temperament were truly exceptional, as well as her intelligence and bravery, and she had quite an eye for things; there were very few in this world who could match her. Could this man really be hoping... a toad lusting after swan meat? But then again, how significant was the rank of a Duke?

Unaware of her uncle’s far-fetched musings, Jiang Li felt grateful that Jih Heng would even make such an offer, whatever his reasons might be. She bowed to Jih Heng and said, "For the Duke’s great kindness, Jiang Li has nothing with which to repay you. When the time comes, I shall surely return the favor."

Upon hearing this, Ye Mingyu felt goosebumps rise, watching Jih Heng warily. According to what he had heard from storytellers in inns as they walked the roads of the martial arts world, that was exactly when the dissolute scion would usually say, "Then offer yourself in marriage to me!"

He could not let this rascal succeed! He had to protect his innocent niece!

As Ye Mingyu was about to speak, Jih Heng had already opened his mouth, saying, "No need for thanks, as long as I’m in the play, I don’t like to see any unrelated people around."

To Jih Heng, the assassins sent by Feng Yutang were indeed "unrelated people," and if these "unrelated people" actually killed Jiang Li, there would be no play left for him to enjoy.

Jiang Li didn’t quite understand why Jih Heng had to make even good things sound so awkward, but since he said it that way, she wouldn’t impose on him and simply smiled at Jih Heng, saying, "Regardless, thank you very much, Your Grace."

Jih Heng glanced at her lazily and, without turning back, slowly walked to the other side of the road. Under the moonlight, Green Stone Lane seemed exceptionally long, and his silhouette was majestic yet lonely. His robe fluttered as if he were a solitary yet powerful devil, elegantly making his way home.

Jiang Li felt that Jih Heng was somewhat different than before.

Perhaps it was because she had seen through and spoken of Jih Heng’s secrets, so in front of her, he no longer needed to pretend. The always lingering smile turned into a carefree casualness. He was languid, bored, yet alert and always ready.

He was a contradictory person, but overall, he was no longer so "inhuman-like" as before.

Ye Mingyu saw Jiang Li staring fixedly at Jih Heng’s retreating figure and inwardly cried out in alarm. Although his niece was intelligent and brave, she was still young. Facing such a bewitching man, with just a little provocation, it was hard for a young girl not to be moved. Watching his figure in a trance now, had she already fallen for him? Tsk! So unfair it was, the world, that a good-looking man, with just a few words, would seem so genuine.