Chapter 240 Finale (Part )

On this day, Jiang Li didn't know how she got back to the Jiang Mansion. It seemed that everyone was telling her to be at ease, that Ji Heng would definitely come back. Now she just couldn't find her whereabouts for the time being, but for some reason, Jiang Li's heart couldn't be at peace. Those words of comfort passed by her ears, but they couldn't comfort her at all.

The people of the Jiang family didn't know about Ji Heng yet, nor did they know what happened to Jiang Li, and they thought everything was normal. Tong'er and Bai Xue knew the inside story, and when sending Jiang Li back, Wen Renyao specifically asked them to take good care of Jiang Li, talk to her, and never let her think about it alone.

Tong'er and Bai Xue carefully served Jiang Li. They thought Jiang Li would cry, be sad, or even get sick. But after returning from the Jiang residence, Jiang Li became strong. She did what she usually did as if nothing had happened. At least on the surface, she was no different from the past.

But the anxiety and worry in my heart are getting worse day by day.

One day passed, two days passed, ten days passed... a month passed, and the wait became increasingly hopeless, with no news of Ji Heng. At first, Kong Liu would try to comfort Jiang Li, but later, every time Jiang Li went to the Duke's Mansion to ask for news, Kong Liu was a little afraid to look at Jiang Li. Jiang Li could see helplessness and sighs in Kong Liu's eyes.

Situ Jiuyue and the others initially believed that Ji Heng would definitely come back, but time went on and on, until it started snowing in Yanjing City in winter, with thick snow covering the ground. When midwinter arrived and still no news came, Situ Jiuyue also fell silent.

Jiang Li once overheard a conversation between Situ Jiuyue and Kong Liu.

Situ Jiuyue said: "There is still no news about Ji Heng. What is going on? Is Lu Ji really looking for his whereabouts seriously?"

"Really. It's winter in Qimin too. The mountains are covered in snow and wild animals are everywhere. Lu Ji has been searching everywhere in the mountains these days..." His voice got lowered. "Miss Jiang was here before, so I really couldn't tell you. The captives of the Yin family soldiers said that when the master escaped, he was seriously injured. Even if he could escape, he might not survive. It's already very difficult to find a person in such a big mountain. But if the master is still alive, he will definitely find a way to meet up with Lu Ji and the others. The mountains in Qimin are deserted, so he can't hide."

Situ Jiuyue said coldly: "What do you mean? Do you mean Ji Heng is in danger?"

"I don't want anything to happen to you, sir." Kong Liu also sounded angry. "If I was in the mountains at that time, I would protect you even if it cost me my life! But this is the fact now, I am just telling you the most likely scenario."

There was silence for a long time before Situ Jiuyue's voice came, "Life and death are determined by fate. People like you and me are used to life and death. No matter how powerful Ji Heng is, he is still an ordinary person. But... if he really can't come back, what about Jiang Li?"

"Second Miss Jiang?"

"Yes, she is wholeheartedly following Ji Heng. I think, if Ji Heng really can't come back, she will just keep waiting like this. We can't do anything to her. For her, for Ji Heng, this is the saddest thing."

Jiang Li stood behind the bushes, listening to Situ Jiuyue's cruel words, and a trace of sadness rose in her heart. Even Situ Jiuyue thought that this was a tragedy? Her encounter with Ji Heng was destined to have a bad ending?

Is Ji Heng really not coming back? She thought in a daze. This news seemed so vague and unreal. What she recalled in her mind were all kinds of Ji Heng. The Ji Heng who smiled and listened to the opera in the restaurant, the Ji Heng who was sharp-tongued with her, the Ji Heng who showed helplessness to her, the gentle Ji Heng, and the Ji Heng who first met her on the other side of the wall during a night of spring breeze.

Their lives were entangled in two lives, and they were deeply bound. But now, they wanted to separate at this juncture? To sever their past relationship? Jiang Li's eyes became firm, and she would never agree. Even if she was alone, she would maintain the relationship between the two. In Jiang Li's life, there would not be another Ji Heng. Even if Ji Heng was no longer there, no one would replace him.

Jiang Li didn't listen any more and turned away.

……

The winter in Yanjing City this year was particularly cold. The wind blowing in from the window could almost pierce people's bones. After the Yin family soldiers lingered for a while, the remaining soldiers finally couldn't resist and surrendered. Yin Zhili was dead, and the remaining people could not do anything. The Jinwu Army won a great victory, and its name, which had been silent for many years, became loud again.

But this war was not as easy as people imagined. Only those who were truly in it knew the cruelty of war. The Yin family soldiers suffered such heavy casualties, and most importantly, Ji Heng, who led the Jinwu Army, probably died on the battlefield.

The people of Yanjing City were all very sad when they heard the news. The rumors about Duke Su were instantly dispelled because of his death. His personality and beauty in the past added a touch of sad beauty to his life. The storytellers in the restaurant began to tell the story of Duke Su, and in those storybooks, Ji Heng changed from the darkness of the past to selfless, brave and generous.

People are always like this, they understand things based on what they see with their own eyes. As if they know the truth. When the rumors about Ji Heng were spread in the streets, Jiang Li was also mentioned. It was said that the second Miss Jiang had a bad fate. She was engaged to Zhou Yanbang of Ningyuan Marquis Mansion before, but the marriage was taken by her younger sister. Now she is engaged to Ji Heng again, but Ji Heng died on the battlefield. Some people sympathize, some ridicule, and some spread rumors, saying that the second Miss Jiang was destined to be alone, so that every marriage would end in failure. If she is destined to be a husband killer, she should become a nun as soon as possible, so as not to implicate others.

Rumors were spreading in the capital, and the Jiang family had heard about it. Jiang Yuanbai came to ask Jiang Li for the first time, and asked Jiang Li: "Xiao Li, now that you have heard the rumors outside, I am afraid that it will be bad for your reputation if you stay in Yanjing City. After all, your second uncle and I have resigned from our official positions, and we will take Youyao to Yongzhou for treatment soon. If you don't want to stay in Yanjing City, we can leave earlier."

In fact, there was some genuine concern in his words. Jiang Yuanbo knew that Jiang Li probably really liked Ji Heng, and Ji Heng's death was a huge blow to Jiang Li. Other people's gossip was almost adding insult to injury. Jiang Li had experienced how much damage rumors could cause to a person many years ago. He had already let Jiang Li down once, and he really couldn't bear to see Jiang Li being accused of something that was not her fault again. If escaping was also a solution, then there was nothing shameful about it.

"Thank you, father," Jiang Li said, "I don't plan to leave Yanjing City. I will wait here for Ji Heng to come back."

Jiang Yuanbai frowned, "He's dead."

"But we didn't see the body, did we?" Jiang Li smiled and said calmly, "He may not be dead. Others don't want to continue looking for him, but I think he is not dead yet, and he hasn't completed what he promised me. Before the agreement is fulfilled, I will wait for him to come back here."

In Jiang Li's heart, Ji Heng had changed from a bad person to a gentle one from the beginning to now. One thing had never changed in his character. He would do what he promised and fulfill his promise. This could be seen from the very beginning when she and Ji Heng started their first deal.

She believed that Ji Heng would be able to return this time. Everyone had heard the story of Weisheng hugging the pillar. Others thought she was stupid. She was crazy once and again, but the sea of ​​love was turbulent and bitter. Although Weisheng was stupid, wasn't he willing until the last moment?

The same was true when she was waiting for Ji Heng.

Jiang Yuanbai looked at Jiang Li for a long time, and finally sighed deeply. He seemed to have compromised, completely compromised, and said: "In this case, then you should stay in Yanjing City."

He really couldn't do anything about Jiang Li, and the determination and stubbornness in Jiang Li's eyes at that moment made him unable to help but be moved. It seemed that persuading Jiang Li to give up waiting was an unforgivable thing.

He was at his wits' end.

……

The tenth day of the twelfth lunar month was the day when the Jinwu Army returned to the capital. On the way back to the capital, the people lined the streets to welcome them and cheered them warmly. Many of those soldiers died on the battlefield and remained forever under the loess. Those who returned alive became heroes and should receive the honor they deserved.

Jiang Li was also standing among the onlookers. She looked at the long line, expecting a familiar red figure to appear at the end of the line. Ji Heng would still come over with a smile and nonchalant attitude as before. As calm and indifferent as ever.

She waited from the first person in the team to the last person, but she still didn't see Ji Heng, so her eyes finally dimmed. No miracle happened, he really didn't come back, at least not now, he didn't come back.

Tong'er looked at her worriedly and asked, "Miss, are you okay?"

Jiang Li shook her head and said, "It's okay, let's go to the Duke's Mansion."

Lu Ji should be back today. Only Lu Ji knows the most about Ji Heng. Jiang Li wants to meet Lu Ji, at least to know what happened that day.

Tong'er and Bai Xue looked at each other and didn't want Jiang Li to go to the Duke's Mansion at this moment, so as not to be reminded of her by the sight of the things. But Jiang Li was determined, and they had no choice but to accompany Jiang Li.

When they arrived at the Duke's Mansion, the entrance was quiet. If Ji Heng came back today, it would be a bit more lively. Jiang Li greeted the doorman and walked in. When she entered the mansion and walked into the yard, she saw Zhao Ke and Wen Ji for the first time in a long time.

Zhao Ke saw Jiang Li first and said, "Second Miss."

Jiang Li walked over. It had been almost a year since they last met. Zhao Ke and Wen Ji looked much more haggard. Wen Ji had a few more scars on his face, which showed that he had fought very fiercely on the battlefield. Zhao Ke was a little afraid to look into Jiang Li's eyes and did not take the initiative to speak. Jiang Li then asked, "Ji Heng...really didn't come back?"

Wen Ji shook his head slightly, with a hint of frustration in his tone, "It was my fault that I failed to protect you, sir."

"What happened that day?" Jiang Li asked, "I only heard the facts from others, so I'm afraid it's not entirely true. Since you were with him, you naturally know it best."

"When you were dealing with Yin Zhili, your old injury relapsed. Yin Zhili's deputy general injured you at the same place as before, and you were defeated. At that time, you went after Yin Zhili alone, and we didn't know your situation. Later... when we found the captives, they said you had escaped, but they also said you were seriously injured and couldn't walk far. We searched for a long time, but couldn't find any trace of you. Later, Mr. Lu had people search the mountain, but there was no trace of you. Until... until..."

Wen Ji was not a shy person, but he seemed to be unable to continue, hesitating. Jiang Li felt nervous and could not help asking, "Until what?"

Wen Ji glanced at Jiang Li, then he took something out from his sleeve and spread it out on his palm. Jiang Li saw that it was a butterfly fan pendant, but only half of it was left, probably broken into pieces, leaving only half of a bare butterfly wing, with clear broken marks on the red jade.

Jiang Li reached out her hand tremblingly and took the butterfly. The familiar fan pendant no longer had the beauty it once had and could no longer dance with the gorgeous fan.

"We found this in the mountains. Mr. Lu recognized it as your fan pendant and asked us to look for it in that area. We found it... found it..." Wen Ji, a man of great stature, choked up at this moment, "We found your armor and clothes, as well as bloodstains... It was a long time ago, and the soldiers said that you might have been... eaten by wolfhounds."

Jiang Li's eyes went dark and she almost fainted. Tong'er screamed and hurriedly supported her. Jiang Li saw nothing in front of her eyes, only the blood-stained red armor in the deep mountains, leaving a horrible mark on the ground. The prophecy, the curse-like prophecy, echoed in her ears again: because of the female disaster, she was robbed, her body was exposed in the wilderness, and hawks and dogs pecked at her.

All of it came true.

Jiang Li murmured, "I killed him."

Tong'er said anxiously: "Miss, this is none of your business, don't take all the blame on yourself."

"No, it's my fault. I caused him to get into trouble. If Yin Zhili hadn't used me to lure him into the game that day, he wouldn't have been hurt... I hurt him." She closed her eyes in pain, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"My Lord has never thought of this." Zhao Ke said, "Second Miss Jiang, you are the most important to me. Please do not torture yourself."

They had followed Ji Heng for so many years that they were more like brothers than master and servant. They were also sad about Ji Heng's departure, but they couldn't blame Jiang Li for it. In the end, it was God's trick that Ji Heng's old illness relapsed at that time.

"Before he left for the battle, the lord mentioned that if he couldn't come back this time... the Duke's Mansion would be handed over to the Second Miss to manage in the future. Whether the Second Miss wants to sell it or keep it, or do something else with it, it's all up to the Second Miss. The lord has no relatives in Yanjing City, and the Second Miss is the last thing he cares about. Everything he can leave behind will be given to the Second Miss."

Jiang Li laughed miserably. What was this? Was this considered arranging all the family wealth before dying? She should praise Ji Heng for his foresight and for making all arrangements in advance. Perhaps the people in Yanjing City would begin to envy her again. Even if Ji Heng died, he would still leave her such a large fortune. But God knows, she would rather use all her wealth to exchange for Ji Heng's safe return. She hoped that Ji Heng's arrangement would never be fulfilled, which meant that she still had a chance to wait for him to return and wait for the day when he fulfilled his promise.

"What are Second Miss's plans for the future?" Zhao Ke asked softly, "My Lord said that if he is not around, Second Miss will be our master. Second Miss has the final say on what arrangements she makes for us."

Jiang Li calmed down. The grief in her heart almost broke her down for a moment, but she knew that it was not the time to be sad alone. Many things were not resolved. Ji Heng's former enemies would take advantage of this opportunity to devour the Duke's Mansion. Regarding the title and other matters, Emperor Hong Xiao might protect Ji Heng because of her loyalty, but no one could tell how long the king's trust could last. And most importantly, those opponents would do whatever it took to achieve their goals, including making a fuss about Ji Heng's death.

She couldn't help Ji Heng on the battlefield, but in Yanjing City, she had to do her best to protect the Duke's Mansion. Even if Ji Heng's relatives were no longer in the Duke's Mansion, Ji Heng grew up here, and she couldn't watch it being taken away.

"I don't have any plans. I don't plan to go anywhere. What you worry about will not happen." Jiang Li clenched her fists tightly. Only in this way could she not hold back her tears and completely collapse. She said, "I will find a way to complete the wedding, even if it's just one person. I will stay and guard this place. Please join me in guarding Ji Heng's home."

She said sadly and firmly: "This is the only family he has."

Wen Ji and Zhao Ke looked at each other, knelt on one knee and saluted Jiang Li. This was the etiquette between master and servant. They seemed to be completely relieved and trusted Jiang Li wholeheartedly. They said respectfully, "Yes, young lady."

……

In the imperial palace, Emperor Hong Xiao walked to the cold palace where the empress dowager lived.

It was freezing cold, and there wasn't even a stove. As soon as I walked in, I felt as if I was soaked in ice. The yard was increasingly lifeless, with long eaves that let in only a little light from the sky. Walking in here felt like being in a prison.

This was originally just a prison.

Eunuch Su stood aside and carefully ordered the guards to bring a mahogany box over, opened the door for Emperor Hong Xiao, and carried the box in.

An unpleasant smell emanated from the room, and Eunuch Su could not help but wrinkle his nose. Emperor Hong Xiao's eyes moved slightly, and he asked people to light the lights. The room was dark, and the curtains were drawn tightly, so nothing could be seen. When the weak light came on, everyone could see clearly inside.

At the foot of the bed, a person was curled up, wrapped in a quilt, and the ground was covered with stains, perhaps blood. She seemed to be extremely afraid of light, and when she felt the light, she quickly retracted her head. Until Emperor Hong Xiao said, "Lin Roujia."

Lin Roujia raised her head and looked at him with confused eyes, and Emperor Hong Xiao was also slightly surprised.

He knew that this woman was vicious and determined. When he threw her here, she never wavered no matter how bad the conditions were. She still acted like a superior queen mother, and even took care of herself meticulously, still half as proud as before. Emperor Hong Xiao was also very angry, and even thought about using other methods to torture the queen mother. It was impossible to make the queen mother feel guilty and regretful in her heart in this life - she was too selfish.

However, things have changed since Jiang Li went to the palace to see Lin Roujia last time. The gatekeepers outside said that the Queen Mother suddenly became depressed and even wanted to commit suicide with the broken mirrors several times. Emperor Hong Xiao asked people to keep an eye on the Queen Mother and not let her die immediately. Those people said that the Queen Mother was now a completely different person, as if something she had always believed in in her life had collapsed and she was no longer able to support herself. And she looked very painful every day. When she was awake, she only did one thing, which was to commit suicide.

Emperor Hong Xiao took away all the things in the house that the Queen Mother might use to commit suicide, so she was really stuck in a situation where she could neither live nor die.

"Emperor..." Lin Roujia murmured. She could hardly recognize the emperor's face. Under the dim light, the weak boy who needed to please her had grown into a tall emperor. He was unpredictable and had a strong hand, which was why he decisively imprisoned her here.

Those royal family members who can hold this position alive are indeed not merciful or soft-hearted.

Lin Roujia regained consciousness briefly. No matter what, she was unwilling to be inferior to Emperor Hong Xiao. Just as she was about to make a few sarcastic remarks, her eyes suddenly fell on the huge mahogany box. For some reason, her eyes were attracted to the box and she couldn't move them away, as if there was some treasure inside that made her unable to move her eyes away.

Emperor Hong Xiao followed her gaze, smiled, and said, "I came here today to give you a gift." He waved his hand, "Come here, open the box."

Two guards approached, pushed the box in front of Lin Roujia, and opened it. Lin Roujia looked inside.

The mahogany box was covered with golden velvet, as if it contained a valuable gift. However, on the velvet, there were two human heads placed side by side. The necks were covered in blood, but the dirt on the faces was wiped clean, so the eyebrows and eyes could be clearly identified. One was Yin Zhan, and the other was Yin Zhili.

After the Queen Mother saw the two people in front of her clearly, she screamed "No——" and rushed over to take out the head. She held it in her arms. The head and body had been separated, so it was impossible for them to be alive. However, she seemed to still hope to save the two people. She cried out, "Ah Zhan! Zhi Li!"

Unfortunately, both Yin Zhan and Yin Zhili had their eyes closed and could no longer respond to her cries.

"The Yin family was defeated, and the Jinwu Army returned to the court. This is the result of the war. I think that since you were once the queen mother of a country, this national joy should be shared with you. That's why I brought it to you to see. How about it?" Emperor Hong Xiao smiled and said gritting his teeth.

He finally saw the Queen Mother crying and full of regret. This woman was as hard as iron, and she was always indifferent no matter what happened. Emperor Hong Xiao was also a person, and he also had a desire for revenge. The Queen Mother caused Concubine Xia to die early, which made his youth full of haze. He also wanted to let the Queen Mother taste the pain.

Lin Roujia probably really loved Yin Zhan. She held Yin Zhan's head in her arms, not disliking the peculiar smell on it, nor feeling horrible, and held it tightly in her arms, as if she was afraid someone would snatch it away. She even kissed Yin Zhan's cold lips, crying and saying, "Ah Zhan... Ah Zhan... don't leave me..."

This horrible scene fell into everyone's eyes, and everyone felt a little scared. Lin Roujia cried and cried, and suddenly said: "Emperor, please kill me!"

"Oh?" Emperor Hong Xiao asked, "Why should I kill you?"

"I was the one who killed your mother, Yu Hongye and Ji Minghan. I have a deep hatred for you. Please, let me die!" The Queen Mother kept crying, tears streaming down her face. She was no longer as calm as before in the Buddhist temple. She was really heartbroken. Yin Zhan was dead, Yin Zhili was also dead. In this world, the only two people she loved and had feelings for were dead. What was the meaning of her living? There would be no day to turn over. She could only endure torture day by day in this dark hell.

How could she be separated from Yin Zhan, even if she died?
The Queen Mother kept kowtowing to the Emperor, which would have never happened in the past. She would only be high and mighty, using words of praise and criticism to torture and hurt the young Emperor.

Emperor Hong Xiao looked at her coldly and suddenly said, "The second young lady of the Jiang Mansion also presents you with a gift from me."

Eunuch Su took something out of his arms, walked to Lin Roujia with a smile, and placed the thing in his hand in front of Lin Roujia. Lin Roujia was stunned at first, then she screamed, laughed wildly, and cried loudly.

In Eunuch Su's hand was a bronze mirror. The bronze mirror clearly reflected Lin Roujia's dishevelled and unrecognizable appearance. Emperor Hong Xiao said calmly: "Lin Roujia, you are so ugly. How can Yin Zhan be willing to recognize you in the underworld? In my opinion, you should stay alive and let Yin Zhan live."

The mocking words were extremely vicious, and Lin Roujia suddenly reached out to scratch her face. These days, no one had trimmed her nails, and her nails had grown long and sharp. With this scratch, many blood marks appeared immediately, but she was completely unaware, as if she didn't feel the pain, and soon her face became a bloody mess.

Emperor Hong Xiao turned around, as if he didn't want to look at her any longer, and ordered with disgust: "Take good care of her, and don't let her die." He walked out of the room.

Eunuch Su followed closely behind. The door was closed and from inside could be faintly heard a woman's crazy howling that sounded like crying and laughing.

It was not until they had walked a long way, into the Imperial Garden, that the voices behind them all disappeared. Emperor Hong Xiao looked into the distance and exhaled softly.

His knot was finally untied. Even if the emperor's actions seemed not generous enough, the knot that had been in his heart since he was a teenager would haunt him for the rest of his life if it was not untied. From now on, he could be the master of the Northern Yan Dynasty with peace of mind. As for the cowardly boy who needed to please others in the past, he disappeared from his memory and would never appear again.

Eunuch Su handed the heater to the emperor, and the warmth came from his palm. Emperor Hong Xiao thought of the words Jiang Li asked Ye Shijie to bring to him in the palace, and couldn't help but want to laugh. People in the world say that Miss Jiang Er is gentle and kind, but they don't know that she is ruthless when facing her enemies. She knows Lin Roujia's weaknesses and specifically hits Lin Roujia's pain points. That mirror became the last straw that broke the camel's back, and Lin Roujia will never be free from pain again.

Thinking of Jiang Li, Emperor Hong Xiao thought of Ji Heng again. He sighed, his eyes filled with deep regret.

Although this war was difficult, it was also won beautifully. Ji Heng's first time leading troops, he achieved such a victory, and he really lived up to his father's reputation. Beiyan first went through King Cheng, and then went through the Yin Zhan incident. People in the court and the country were in panic. He could certainly use means to buy people's hearts, but it would be better if Ji Heng was there. Now he still trusted Ji Heng the most.

But Ji Heng couldn't come back.

The wind in the garden is cold, and the flower beds no longer have the prosperity of spring. Everyone understands the truth that everything will decline after reaching its peak, but why is it so difficult when we really have to face it?
Eunuch Su put a cloak on Emperor Hong Xiao and said softly, "It's windy outside, Your Majesty, please take care of yourself."

Life has its ups and downs. For Ji Heng, his ups were too difficult, and his downs were too sad, which always made people feel very sorry. There was a trace of sadness in Emperor Hong Xiao's eyes, but the way of the emperor has always been a lonely man. Even if it is not now, it will be in the future. He must face the coming bloody storm alone. Control the situation. Otherwise, it would be a waste of everything he has done in the past for the present.

He turned around and said, "Go back."

The figures of the two gradually disappeared in the imperial garden.

……

Everyone in the world knew that Ji Heng died on the battlefield. But there was no grave left. It was just because there was no body left now, and Jiang Li was unwilling to build a cenotaph now. It seemed that this would destroy the last bit of thought in her heart.

Jinwu General Ji Minghan has been missing for many years, but he actually died in the Duke's Mansion three years ago. Ji Heng seems to have followed his father's path and has a similar fate. But I don't know if he can still be alive. Jiang Li knows that the hope of Ji Heng's survival is very slim, and everyone is hinting at her to accept the fact.

Lu Ji and Wen Renyao hoped that Ji Heng could be alive. Qi Min searched back and forth many times, but found nothing except this broken butterfly fan pendant.

He was like a fairy who had walked out of the dark night, a fairy who did not belong to the mortal world, and now he was going back to nothingness. He only left a stunning back view to those who had seen him, making people suspect that they had just had a colorful dream.

In the dead of winter, when the Jinwu Army returned to the capital with a great victory and Emperor Hong Xiao began to thoroughly clean up the court and the country, the Jiang family planned to leave Yanjing City.

Since the two Jiang brothers have already resigned, there is not much point in staying in Yanjing City. Instead, it will arouse the suspicion of the young emperor. Jiang Yuanbo is also free and easy. He asked someone to buy a house in Yongzhou early on and planned to move his family there. Yongzhou also has a good doctor. Let's see if he can cure Jiang Youyao.

Jiang Jingyou naturally didn't say much. Jiang Jingrui had heard that Yongzhou had a lot of fun and had longed for it. But among the people in the Jiang family, there was only one person who was unwilling to go to Yongzhou, and that was Jiang Li.

In Wanfeng Hall, only Madam Jiang and Jiang Yuanbai were there. Madam Jiang looked at Jiang Li in silence for a long time. After an unknown amount of time, she said, "Second girl, do you really want to stay in Yanjing City?"

"Yes, grandma." In fact, Jiang Li had hinted to Jiang Yuanbo many times about this matter, but the Jiang family always felt that she was fooling around. Maybe she would change her mind sooner or later, so Jiang Li could only answer patiently over and over again.

"Second girl, I didn't object to you saying this before. As long as Duke Su returned to Beijing, you would naturally marry Duke Su. But now, Duke Su can't come back." She looked at Jiang Li with pity, "You keep being so stubborn, and you will be the one who will be implicated in the future."

"What does grandma mean by 'involving'?"

Madam Jiang sighed, "If you stay in Yanjing City, I'm afraid you will never get married. You are young now, don't you feel that your time is wasted? When you are older, seeing other girls become wives and mothers early, do you still have to guard the Duke's Mansion alone? Although our Jiang family is not ungrateful, this world is difficult for women. If you choose this path, you may live a hard and lonely life. Second girl, you are a descendant of our Jiang family and a lady of the Jiang family. The Jiang family has nothing now, so there is no need to worry about anything. Even if we are accused of an unjust crime, as long as it can make your life easier, we don't care."

Jiang Li had been back at the Jiang Mansion for so long, and she knew that Madam Jiang was a strict, shrewd, and reputation-conscious person. In some ways, she had the character of the old man Jiang, but in other ways, she was like Jiang Yuanbo, seeking benefits and avoiding harm. This time was the same. Jiang Li knew that when Madam Jiang said these words, she was thinking about her. She probably thought that Jiang Li was young now, and it would not be difficult for her to remarry. There was no one in the Duke's Mansion, and no one would protect her in the future. The gold, silver, and treasures in the Duke's Mansion were like a child hiding gold, which would inevitably attract people's attention. If someone took advantage of them to attack, it would be difficult for Jiang Li to keep them alone.

But Jiang Li just smiled and said, "I understand what grandma said. But Duke Su and I had an agreement that I should wait for him to come back. If he doesn't come back, I should keep his things and not let others take them away. Ji Heng has no relatives in this world anymore. If I don't keep them for him, no one will. I know grandma is worried about me, but from a public point of view, I am a descendant of the Jiang family and should not bring shame to the Jiang family. If I really do such an ungrateful thing, how can I face the ancestors of the Jiang family in the underworld many years later? Personally, I am sorry for the trust and sincerity of Duke Su."

"Besides," she turned to look at Jiang Yuanbai, "the emperor's intention in this matter is really intriguing."

Jiang Yuanbai was stunned.

"The emperor values ​​Duke Suguo, and the fact that Duke Suguo cannot come back now is what makes the emperor extremely regretful and trustful. If the Jiang family does this at this juncture, I'm afraid the emperor will be unhappy. My father resigned now, allowing the Jiang family to get away with it, but what about many years later, a hundred years later? The descendants of the Jiang family may not be unable to return to Yanjing City. At that time, if the descendants of the Jiang family are in trouble because of me, it will really be a loss. I am willing to use myself in exchange for the smooth road that the Jiang family may have in the future. To achieve a good reputation, at least when Yanjing City mentions the Jiang family, it will not be a disgrace to the Jiang family. The Jiang family is still the clean family of the past, isn't it?"

Jiang Li's words were very high-sounding, but she knew that these were just excuses. The reasons were all false, and the only reason was that she wanted to wait for Ji Heng here.

This life is long, so long that she may meet countless people, but this life is also short, so short that after she met Ji Heng, she knew that in the future, she would never meet someone like Ji Heng whom she likes.

But she would not seek death. Neither Xue Fangfei nor Jiang Li would seek death. Ji Heng knew herself and had no reason to give up her life under any circumstances. She was here, guarding everything in the Duke's Mansion and would never be the one who broke her promise.

Madam Jiang stopped talking, not because she was reminded by Jiang Li's words. Although Jiang Li's words made sense, more importantly, Jiang Li was not a person who was willing to defend herself. She had heard many things and agreed to them. Just like when she was talking about Yin Zhili, she was straightforward about her likes and dislikes, but today, she said a lot about staying in Yanjing City. She really wanted to stay in Yanjing City, not because of the situation.

"Forget it," Jiang Yuanbai spoke up, and he said slowly: "Since you want to stay in Yanjing City, then stay in Yanjing City. Xiaoli, you are a smart girl. What the old lady said must have been what you have thought of a long time ago. But you are still like this, which means you have made up your mind. Neither I nor the old lady can persuade you. I felt ashamed of you and your daughter at the beginning. Now, do whatever you want to do. However, if one day you change your mind and don't want to insist, you can come to Yongzhou. You are still a lady of the Jiang family."

Perhaps when people are about to part, they take everything lightly. It was rare for Jiang Yuanbo to say such a thing. Jiang Li smiled and said, "I know, father. I also hope that everything is going well for you in Yongzhou and that the Jiang family will prosper."

Jiang Yuanbai's face was not happy, but rather sad. He had three daughters, one of whom died, one left, and the only one left was the crazy Jiang Youyao. He once thought that he was successful and had a smooth career, and that his life would be glorious and glorious, but in the end, nothing was left.

For a moment, he really believed in the word "karma". He did this to Ye Zhenzhen and Jiang Li, and now it was his turn. Even if he wanted to make amends, the past was the past and could not be repeated. Some things could not be simply resolved in a day or two.

These are just the bitter fruits of one's own actions.

Jiang Yuanbai didn't say anything else, only said: "We will leave in half a month, and the Jiang family's house will probably be sold. If you want to move to the Ye family, or the Duke's Mansion, you should start preparing in the next few days."

Jiang Li nodded: "Okay, father."

……

Since that day when Jiang Yuanbai mentioned leaving, Jiang Li really started to plan to "move". It would have been fine if she didn't pack up, but once she did, she found that she had very few things in the Jiang family. In addition to some clothes and jewelry, there were books. After Jiang Li moved to Fangfei Garden, she was not like Jiang Youyao and Ji Shuran to buy some vases and ornaments in the yard and the house, so all she put away were just a few simple boxes. Bai Xuetong'er and Qingfeng Mingyue followed Jiang Li, and apart from them, no one in the Jiang family was willing to stay with Jiang Li. Except for the servants who had followed Jiang Yuanbai for many years, most of the servants were sent back home. Jiang Jingrui knew that Jiang Li would not go with him, and he was very sorry. He told Jiang Li unwillingly that one day in the future, Jiang Li would regret it, and then she should not come to Yongzhou to find them crying.

Jiang Li smiled and didn't answer.

However, the fact that the Jiang family was leaving Beijing did stir up a storm in Yanjing City. Many people wanted to see Jiang Li's reaction. If Jiang Li left with the Jiang family, it would be like crossing the river and destroying the bridge, which was not very moral. When the news came out that Jiang Li would not leave with them but would stay, some people thought that Jiang Li was really the daughter of the Jiang family and had a lot of character, some people thought that Jiang Li was just seeking fame and pretending, and more people felt sorry for Jiang Li and sympathized with her future fate. A young girl in her prime had to live alone from now on and become a widow at such a young age. Not to mention the daughter of the Prime Minister, even if she was in an ordinary family, others would say that her life was miserable.

No matter what Jiang Li chooses, there will always be people who gossip about it. Tong'er would get angry and argue with people whenever she heard these rumors, but Jiang Li herself didn't care much. Since she couldn't control everyone's opinions, she could just control herself.

Half a month later, the Jiang family will leave.

Jiang Li got up early in the morning. Since it was the last day in Yanjing, the Jiang family had breakfast together. Since Jiang Li returned to the Jiang Mansion, it was the first time for her to have breakfast with the whole family. The nanny asked the maid to help Jiang Youyao sit aside and feed her. Jiang Youyao still stared blankly in front of her, swallowing the food in her mouth strangely - she looked much more docile now than when she was domineering before.

It was supposed to be the last family meal, but everyone ate in silence. For the Jiang family, leaving here is like leaving their hometown. Leaving home at such an old age is not a matter of life, but it is not their own initiative. If so many things hadn't happened, who would be willing to leave?
This breakfast took an unusually long time. Everyone was very leisurely, even the usually carefree Jiang Jingrui became polite. It was as if they hoped that this meal would last forever.

But all good things must come to an end, and this meal finally came to an end. After breakfast, Jiang Li wanted to send the Jiang family to the city gate. In the carriage, Mrs. Jiang talked to Jiang Li about her childhood for the first time. Of course, it was all about Jiang Li's childhood before she was sent to Qingcheng Mountain. Mrs. Jiang also had some feelings for her. Unfortunately, Jiang Li now was not the real Second Miss Jiang, and she had no memories of Second Miss Jiang in her mind. Those past events did not belong to her. After hearing this, Jiang Li just felt sorry. It would be great if the real Second Miss Jiang was here. Unfortunately, people who leave will never come back, so we should cherish the people in front of us.

When they reached the city gate, Jiang Li got off the carriage. The Jiang family also got off. Jiang Jingrui looked at Jiang Li and said, "Have you really thought it through? It's not too late to regret now. Just say you want to go to Yongzhou and go with us, and you don't need those things. There's nothing fun for you to stay in Yanjing City alone."

Mrs. Lu seemed to want to say something but hesitated, and seemed to want to give some advice as well, but thinking that Jiang Yuanping had already greeted her before, she ended up saying nothing.

"Have fun in Yongzhou," Jiang Li said to him with a smile, "Maybe I'll come to Yongzhou if I get the chance in the future, and I'll need you to lead the way."

Jiang Jingrui snorted and whispered, "How stubborn."

Jiang Li just smiled and said nothing. She still remembered the first time she saw Jiang Jingrui. When the Jiang family was full of indifference and hostility towards the second young lady Jiang, this young man was carefree, but he did not look at her with a wary and strange look like others. When she looked at Jiang Jingrui, she always thought of Xue Zhao. The second young lady Jiang and Jiang Jingrui were of similar age, but Xue Fangfei was older than Jiang Jingrui.

Jiang Yuanbo looked at Jiang Li with a complicated expression. In the end, he just patted Jiang Li on the shoulder and said, "Take good care of yourself."

"Father, too." Jiang Li said sincerely, "It's getting cold, put on more clothes, don't catch a cold."

Jiang Yuanbai is not a bad person, but he is too confused about the matter of the second young lady Jiang. If he had not been unable to distinguish right from wrong, the second young lady Jiang would not have died at such a young age. Because of this, Jiang Li could never be as close to Jiang Yuanbai as she was to the Ye family. It was as if she was sorry for the second young lady Jiang who died young. But at the end, at this moment, she suddenly felt that the past was all gone like smoke, and all the grudges and hatreds were wiped out.

That's it.

Jiang Yuanbai and Old Madam Jiang got back on the carriage. Lu and the others waved goodbye to Jiang Li in the carriage. Jiang Li stood at the city gate and watched the line of carriages gradually go away.

Tong'er and Bai Xue stood behind her, both of them were a little sad. Jiang Li suddenly felt a little lonely. No matter what, her nominal family was gone from then on. She didn't know if she would have the chance to see them again in this life.

Parting is hard to bear, and at this moment, she understood how Ji Heng felt back then. He watched his family members leave one after another, until he was the only one left.

Jiang Li turned her head and was stunned. It was a snowy day in December. In the wind and snow, Xue Huaiyuan was standing not far away. Situ Jiuyue was pushing Xue Zhao with an umbrella. They looked at her worriedly. They were right behind her and she could see them when she turned her head.

Jiang Li was stunned at first, and then slowly, slowly began to laugh.

Perhaps, she has never been alone. It feels so good to have someone waiting behind her, so how could she let Ji Heng turn around and find that there is no one behind her?
She also wants to be the one waiting behind.

　I will update the finale later tomorrow, tentatively scheduled to watch it at 8pm~
　　
　
(End of this chapter)