The Double

Colleagues within the imperial court looked at Jiang Yuanbai with unease in their eyes. Those who were aligned with Prince Cheng and not on good terms with Jiang Yuanbai even purposely said to him, "This is truly a case of ’like father, like daughter!’ Your beloved daughter indeed carries your grace, drawing her sword to assist when she sees injustice. Such a righteous deed, a righteous deed indeed!"

The circle of noblewomen, on the other hand, thought Jiang Li was meddling in affairs that were none of her business. By doing so much, she was merely trying to show off and attract attention, creating all sorts of spectacles, always making herself visible. They said she had completely lost the face of an official’s daughter, engaging only in unseemly actions. They were relieved that she was not their sister, lest her actions taint their own reputations.

The public, however, was even more curious about Jiang Li’s deeds. Her previous glory at the Inspection Field had already made her well-known among the populace, and now she was involved in a case with a criminal official, making the matter seem like quite a drama. The people could hardly wait to see what Jiang Li would do next; her return to Yanjing City had almost become a source of entertainment, with everyone eagerly looking forward to the surprises she would bring.

Regardless of what others thought, Jiang Yuanbai was extremely annoyed. Jiang Li and Ye Mingxuan had gone home to visit Old Madam Ye; how had they caused such a huge disaster? He didn’t blame Jiang Li, as she hardly knew Xue Huaiyuan and naturally had no reason to meddle in the case. Jiang Yuanbai suspected that it was the Ye Family’s doing, mostly using Jiang Li as a pawn in the affair.

Let alone the matter of the Ancient Fragrance Satin from the Ye Family; the Head of the Weaving Department later tactfully mentioned the issue to him, and it was only then that Jiang Yuanbai learned that Jiang Li had instructed the department in his name. Even that was acceptable, as the Ye Family also had a matrimonial connection with them. Jiang Li, in Xiangyang, had helped the Ye Family out of a predicament which had no adverse effect on the Jiang family’s reputation. Even if he offended a few people, he, as the Grand Secretary, had no reason to fear anyone in this matter.

However, the case involving the Xue Family was different. Not to speak of the fact that the uproar had already spread throughout the city before Jiang Li’s return, Xue Huaiyuan, a clean official, ended up in such a dire situation. Feng Yutang had the audacity to act so high-handedly in Tongxiang, clearly because he had strong backers. Jiang Yuanbai had already heard rumors that there was a prominent figure from Yanjing City behind the Xue Huaiyuan case.

As for who this prominent figure was, Jiang Yuanbai did not know. If it had been before, he might not have been concerned, but now with Prince Cheng and the Right Chancellor eagerly watching the Jiang Family, if they caught any weakness of the Jiang Family, his rivals would certainly take advantage of the situation to add insult to injury. Jiang Yuanbai desired stability at the moment, hence he did not wish to stir up any trouble.