The Double

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After the winter solstice, it would be less than a month before the end of the year.

Even if the Jiang Family had been through too many upheavals in the past six months, even resulting in the loss of life, and the careers of Jiang Yuanbai and his brothers weren’t going smoothly, and the outside world still saw the Jiang Family as a joke to talk about over tea, the New Year still had to be celebrated.

Everyone in the Mansion was unknowingly starting to get busy. Night Wind Hall’s Zhenzhu and Feicui had come several times, asking when Jiang Li planned to go to the jewelry store to pick out jewelry. Jiang Li didn’t have a particular fondness for jewelry, and after going once, she didn’t want to go again. Madam Jiang the Elder then had tailors come to Fangfei Garden to tailor new clothes for Jiang Li, knowing that it was a way to make amends to her.

Speaking of tailoring clothes, there was also an occasion when Madam Jiang the Elder took her to attend a banquet, a homestyle feast of an official’s family. Jiang Li wore a dress made of the Wave Pattern fabric newly released by the Ye Family, which immediately caught the attention of the various noble ladies and wives, all of whom pulled at her, asking where to buy the fabric. Jiang Li took the opportunity to mention the name of the Ye Family of Xiangyang, and soon after, Ye Mingyu received a letter from Xiangyang stating that the Ye Family’s Wave Pattern fabric was now in high demand, and many clothing stores in Yanjing City were placing orders for it. The Ye Family’s textile factory had been rushing to work almost day and night.

When she heard Ye Mingyu talk about this, Jiang Li felt a sense of relief. Fortunately, the Ye Family’s Ancient Fragrance Satin hadn’t declined and they had the rising success of the Wave Pattern fabric; it seemed the Ye Family’s tough times were over. Old Madam Ye’s health was also gradually improving, and everything was developing for the better. Even Xue Huaiyuan had become more spirited day by day under Situ Jiuyue’s care, and was now able to recognize and call out people’s names.

This end-of-year season didn’t seem too difficult to endure, as it looked like many issues could be easily resolved without any real predicament.

Fifteen days after the winter solstice, Hai Tang returned.

Zhao Ke stood in front of Jiang Li’s window and said, "She’s now in the Duke Residence. She would draw too much attention at the Jiang Family’s place, and there are people watching the Ye Family’s door. Miss Jiang the Second wants to meet Hai Tang, and the sir has said that you can go to the Duke Residence."

Jiang Li, "...I’m afraid that will attract attention."