The Double

However, war suddenly broke out in Huangzhou, and Prince Cheng’s troops were just outside the city. It was said that unrest engulfed the city as well, with people looting and committing arson and murder within its walls. Ye Mingyu’s concern intensified.

But there was nothing he could do to help, so all he could do was to sit anxiously in the courtyard every day, no longer interested in visiting the flower pavilions. He had heard that excessive anger might lead one to scold a favored lady in the pavilion, turning her displeasure upon him.

Finally, he received news of Jiang Li, and at last, he could end such anxious waiting. How could Ye Mingyu not be delighted? He instantly sent for Ye Shijie to come over. After tidying up his clothes, he got ready to go out and see Jiang Li.

Ye Shijie, receiving the news, was also very pleased. Though he did not show it explicitly, he quickly had the carriage prepared. Just as he was about to leave, Xue Huaiyuan rushed over. He had been looking much healthier these days. It seemed that after the execution of Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong, and the revelation of the true culprits behind the case of Xue Fangfei and Xue Zhao, Xue Huaiyuan had unburdened himself of a heavy load. He visited Xue Zhao’s grave daily to talk to him and to teach Ye Shijie some of the ways of officialdom. Gradually, he also began to show some signs of the County Magistrate Xue, or rather, Xue Lingyun’s temperament.

"Elder Master Ye," Xue Huaiyuan said, "I just heard that Miss Jiang has returned to the Jiang residence."

Ye Mingyu nodded, "Ah yes, my apologies, I was so overjoyed just now that I forgot to inform the elder master."

"I also wish to visit Miss Jiang," Xue Huaiyuan said, "Miss Jiang has done so much for the Xue Family in the past. Ever since her misfortune, my heart has been heavy with worry."

He was still somewhat hesitant, probably because he felt it was natural and proper for Ye Mingyu and Ye Shijie to visit Jiang Li at the Jiang residence, since they were her uncle and cousin, whereas he himself, having no direct familial relationship with her, felt somewhat awkward.

However, within his heart, Xue Huaiyuan held a particularly strange feeling toward Jiang Li. Perhaps it was because she had helped clear Fangfei’s name, or maybe it was due to the frank and straightforward nature of Miss Jiang herself, or it might be because she and Ah Li extraordinarily resembled each other in some aspects. When Jiang Li was abducted, Xue Huaiyuan also experienced a bout of restlessness and concern. This feeling was strangely compelling, causing him sleepless nights. So, while Ye Mingyu and the others were fraught with anxiety, Xue Huaiyuan, seemingly calm, felt just the same.

And now, upon learning of Jiang Li’s return to the Jiang Residence, Xue Huaiyuan felt a huge relief. He, too, wanted to see if Jiang Li had been hurt and how she was faring now.