The Double-Chapter 369 - 129: Possessed_2

Jiang Li smiled. She certainly wasn’t foolish enough to believe her flattery could win over Jih Heng’s heart. In fact, in Jih Heng’s position, he must hear countless flattering remarks every day. If Jih Heng was really so easily pleased, there wouldn’t be talk of his "unpredictable temper." Nevertheless, it’s hard to strike someone who’s all smiles, and moreover, she was quite happy to belittle Shen Yurong and praise Jih Heng.

"But your actions have already drawn the attention of Shen Yurong and Yongning," said Jih Heng, "Next, they will target you."

"Thank you for the warning, Duke," Jiang Li looked at him seriously and said, "But, Duke, you once said my life is yours. No one can take anything from your hands, including my life. So, I am not worried because I trust the Duke."

"Miss Jiang the Second, are you trying to drag me into this?" His deep eyes were captivating, filled with a cool lucidity, he said, "I said I would protect your life, not to become your personal guard. Within Northern Yan, to seek my protection, I fear you cannot afford the price."

This statement was indeed arrogant, but Jiang Li knew that Jih Heng wasn’t lying. Even Prince Cheng, who wished for Jih Heng’s protection, was openly rejected and did not dare harbor the thought of "eliminate if not usable," which shows the extent of this fact.

Jiang Li said, "Precisely because you are the person in Northern Yan who can best protect me, that I wish to seek your protection. The matters I plan are treacherous and fraught with difficulty. One careless move could implicate those around me, so some things I must do alone. But no matter how difficult, I will do it. Duke, thirty years on the east bank of the river, thirty years on the west, as fortunes change, although currently I hold little influence, and to you, am just a daughter of little use, give me time, and I might yet become a force to assist the Duke."

"You’re such a small person, yet so big in talk. Want to help me?" He shook his fan, "You’re still too young."

"At least, I believe I am more worthy of the Duke’s trust than Prince Cheng and the others," she said.

Jih Heng was supporting Prince Cheng, aiming to achieve a tripartite balance in the imperial court, but also wanting Emperor Hongxiao to rely on him. The most that Prince Cheng could achieve was a state of equilibrium. However, Jiang Li believed that Prince Cheng’s contentment with balance could not last long. The conflict between Emperor Hongxiao and Prince Cheng was not formed overnight, and their exchanges in court deliberations were already intriguing. It was feared that the bloody battle for this position would soon arrive.

At that time, it was unknown which side the Jiang Family would take. The Jiang Family, too, was involved; one misstep could make them a casualty of this struggle. Throughout history, one need not look far to find numerous such endings.

Jih Heng looked at her for a while and said, "Enough, go about your business. I cannot meddle too much in the Jiang Family’s internal affairs. If you need me to bail you out of everything, then you are not worth my protection. The flowers we cultivate in the garden of the Duke Residence, other than looking beautiful, each has its unique effect. Ah Li," he called her name tenderly, but his words were like showing her the cruelest truth of the world, "In Yanjing, it’s easy to survive, but difficult to thrive. Especially for someone like you, who hopes to rely on herself. I can’t say you’re foolish, only naive, but you should be grateful, I don’t dislike your naivety. So, the matter you’re so concerned about, regarding Shen Yurong and Yongning, I will not interfere."

"That’s your affair," he said.

Jiang Li slowly broke into a smile.

She said, "Thank you, Duke."

Jih Heng said nothing more, stepped down from the carriage, and suddenly, as if remembering something, drew an item from his sleeve and tossed it to Jiang Li, "If you have a need, blow this whistle. There are people from the Jiang Residence who are mine; they’ll come to support you. Consider it a gift," he said without looking back, his voice carrying a hint of a wistful smile, as if it were a gentle blessing.

"May your wishes come true."

Jih Heng left, and Bai Xue and Tonger were momentarily startled to see a man alighting from the carriage. Upon recognizing Jih Heng, they relaxed a bit. The relationship between Jiang Li and Jih Heng seemed not so bad; at least, Jiang Li never showed any displeasure after their meetings.

Tonger and Bai Xue were not Jiang Yuanbai’s people, so naturally, they didn’t need to report this matter to him. Besides, they were not always stationed within the Residence and were not as prudish as other maids. They didn’t consider a private meeting with a strange man a significant taboo.