The Double-Chapter 503 - 155 Assassination

On the second day, Jiang Li decided to go to the Duke Residence.

The Jiang Family thought she was going to visit Ye Mingyu, so they let her go without much questioning. In fact, Jiang Li did first visit the Ye Family to see Ye Mingyu and Ye Shijie, and she also visited Xue Huaiyuan. Xue Huaiyuan was now somewhat better than he had been a few days ago. He no longer always jumped around like a child when he had first arrived in Yanjing City. These days, he seemed more like an adult, but often sat quietly on the side, lost in his thoughts.

If it was as Situ Jiuyue had said, that Xue Huaiyuan was slowly recovering, perhaps one day he would remember his past while thinking. Jiang Li was both happy and fearful of this day’s arrival, happy because it meant she could recognize her father, fearful for how her aged father would bear the misfortunes that had befallen the Xue Family during the past half-year.

Upon leaving the Ye Family, Jiang Li had her carriage driven near the Duke Residence and arrived at its entrance. She had already agreed with Jih Heng the night before that she would come to see Hai Tang today.

The attractive young servant at the entrance of the Duke Residence welcomed Jiang Li without a second word, immediately opening the gate for her. Tonger and Bai Xue were both surprised, wondering since when their Miss had been treated as an honored guest by the Duke Residence, or whether their relationship had become as intimate as with the Ye Family.

Jiang Li did not think too much and stepped inside directly.

She had a good memory, and could find her way a second time without being reminded. Thus, she easily navigated the Duke Residence’s complex corridors and arrived at the courtyard in front of Jih Heng’s study. Every time she met with Jih Heng, if it was inside, it was in this study.

She had wanted to see Jih Heng first to tell him she had arrived. Unexpectedly, only Wen Ji was outside, who told her, "The master has gone out today and will not return until tonight. Before leaving, he instructed that if Miss Jiang the Second comes, she should go directly to the western rooms, where Miss Hai Tang resides. Miss Jiuyue is also present in the residence today, and after Miss Jiang the Second has seen Miss Hai Tang, if she wishes to see Miss Jiuyue, she should come and find me, and I will take the Miss to see Miss Jiuyue."

Jiang Li was somewhat surprised to find that Jih Heng was not in. Even though he was not present, he had arranged everything well, which was very thoughtful of him. Jiang Li said, "Then I thank Wen Ji for his efforts."

Wen Ji repeatedly said he dared not take credit, and led Jiang Li to the entrance of the western rooms, saying, "Here are the western rooms,"

Jiang Li nodded, asked Tonger and Bai Xue to wait outside, and pushed the door open to enter.

Inside, Hai Tang was sitting at a table, wiping it down. She felt very uncomfortable staying in the Duke Residence, as she was not used to having others serve her—she had always served others. Moreover, since the residence mostly had young male servants, they were not suitable to attend to her. She politely declined the arranged servants and took care of herself.

But on normal days, she did not know what to do or what she could do. Without anyone to talk to, she found herself some tasks to occupy her time.

Hearing some noise outside, Hai Tang suddenly turned around. Seeing Jiang Li, she was slightly startled. She remembered Jiang Li’s identity and hurriedly stood up to bow, saying, "Miss Jiang the Second."

Jiang Li carefully examined Hai Tang’s face. Although Situ Jiuyue always claimed to be a poisoner and not good at healing, the two dreadful scars on Hai Tang’s face were now imperceptible. Her skin was smooth and delicate, matching the image of the pretty girl in Jiang Li’s memory.

Hai Tang felt that Jiang Li was scrutinizing her face and touched her cheek involuntarily. Smiling at Jiang Li, she said, "The scars on this servant’s face have all healed, thanks to Miss Jiuyue’s medical skills. I look just as I did before."

"Indeed," Jiang Li remarked, "Without any difference."

Hearing this, Hai Tang found it a bit strange. The tone of Jiang Li’s words was as if she had seen her before, which was impossible. But she assumed Jiang Li was just speaking her mind and did not think further on it.

"How have you been these past few days here? Are you accustomed to living here?" Jiang Li asked.

"Everything at the Duke Residence is good," Hai Tang lowered her head, "It’s just that this servant is not used to days without tasks. Miss Jiang the Second," she suddenly raised her head, her gaze firm as she looked at Jiang Li, "You once said, as long as this servant is alive, I may serve as evidence for the Miss to seek revenge. This servant boldly guesses that Miss Jiang the Second wishes to clear yourself of any false charges and expose the true culprit. This servant hopes to contribute in some way; may I ask when Miss Jiang the Second plans to act?"