Chapter 223 In-laws
Jiang Li didn't know when she finished singing. She just felt that Ji Heng, who was holding her, didn't move at all. She wanted to look up, but Ji Heng's voice rang out from above her head. He said, "Don't move. Just stay like this."

For some reason, at this moment, Jiang Li seemed to be able to catch some strange emotions in him. It was a strange Ji Heng, fragile, confused and helpless.

She remained quiet and motionless.

The sunlight in autumn was not as warm as in summer, it was gentle and golden, slowly shining on them. She should have pushed Ji Heng away, because if the servants saw her, and there were gossipers, it would be troublesome. But she did nothing.

When she needed help, Ji Heng helped her. Even if this help might disrupt his plan, he didn't care. If she was still stingy with a hug now, it would be a bit ungrateful. Moreover, his embrace was not as cold as she imagined, which Jiang Li felt was good.

After a very long time, so long that everyone except Jiang Li fell asleep, maintaining the same posture. When she felt tired, Ji Heng let go of her hand.

He looked at Jiang Li, curled his lips, and said, "Ali is so cute."

He seemed to be giving her sincere praise, not teasing or flirting, so Jiang Li didn't feel shy, but just asked with some concern: "What's wrong with you? Did something happen?"

"No." Ji Heng groaned, "I just wonder when it would be more appropriate to meet my father-in-law."

Jiang Li said, "You have the final say." She could go to Ye Mansion anytime, but Ji Heng could not. He had to keep an eye on Yin Zhan's movements, so he might not have much time to stay in Yanjing City.

"Just in the next few days." Ji Heng said, "I'll let Zhao Ke give you a message."

Jiang Li nodded, thought for a while, and said: "Is there any action from the Yin family?"

Ji Heng sneered: "I was trying every possible way to stay in Yanjing, but it seems that I can't wait any longer."

"Be careful."

"Don't worry." Ji Heng replied.

The brief warmth soon ended, and before Jiang Yuanbai came back, Ji Heng left the Jiang Mansion. Although Jiang Yuanbai couldn't control him now, he was the son-in-law appointed by the emperor himself in the future, and if he really wanted to enter the Jiang family, he could do it openly. However, probably because he didn't want to speculate with Jiang Yuanbai, Ji Heng left very happily.

When Tong'er and Bai Xue entered the room, they couldn't help but smile. Jiang Li asked, "What are you laughing at?"

"People outside say that the Duke is a vicious person who does all kinds of evil things, but they haven't seen how the Duke treats the young lady. We servants feel that the Prince of the Yin family is not as gentle as the Duke. Besides, the Prince of the Yin family is gentle to everyone, but the Duke is only gentle to the young lady. We servants are happy for the young lady. She did not misjudge him." Tong'er said a long string of things.

Jiang Li smiled and said, "You know a lot."

In her heart, the original anxiety and confusion have completely disappeared. The past is completely in the past. Xue Fangfei's caution and prudence, revenge and pain are gone. She likes herself now and has a brand new future.

Jiang Li was a little nervous when she thought about when Ji Heng would go to see Xue Huaiyuan. Would her father like someone like Ji Heng? After all, Ji Heng was too arrogant and unpredictable. What would Ji Heng do to her father? If they didn't get along, how would she resolve it?

It’s really a difficult problem.

……

On the fifth day of October, the weather in Yanjing City was already very cool. Even in the early morning and evening, there was already a shadow of early winter. Yanjing is located in the north, and winter comes early. Jiang Li has lived here for several years and has become accustomed to it. This morning, she had dinner, put on her clothes, and prepared to go out.

Jiang Li planned to go to Ye's house. She and Ji Heng had already made an appointment to go to Ye's house to meet Xue Huaiyuan today. Before she left the house, it started to drizzle outside. The autumn rain was getting colder. Bai Xue even went to get a cloak for Jiang Li before Jiang Li got on the carriage.

After getting on the carriage, Jiang Li couldn't help but feel a little worried when she thought about what would happen next.

Jiang Li was not worried when Jiang Yuanbai met Ji Heng. Ji Heng and Jiang Yuanbai had met at court banquets on weekdays, and Jiang Yuanbai also understood face. But Xue Huaiyuan was different. He resigned from the post of Minister of Industry because he could not stand the darkness of officialdom. Ji Heng was used to being alone on weekdays. It was unknown what he could say to Xue Huaiyuan. Xue Huaiyuan was righteous, upright, and fair. He was completely different from Ji Heng. Jiang Li thought about it and felt it was horrible. Although it might be better with Xue Zhao, Xue Zhao often did bad things with good intentions, adding fuel to the fire.

Thinking of this, Jiang Li became more worried and urged the driver several times, wishing she could get to Ye Mansion as soon as possible to avoid what would happen if Ji Heng arrived at Ye Mansion first and met Xue Huaiyuan first.

Tong'er saw that she was anxious and felt strange. She consoled her, "Miss, the road is slippery on rainy days. Don't walk too fast. We left early today. There is plenty of time. We won't be late. Master Ye won't blame you."

Jiang Li forced a smile, and finally saw the gate of Ye's house. The coachman pulled the reins, and the carriage stopped at the door of Ye's house. Bai Xue got off the carriage first, holding an umbrella, and Tong'er helped Jiang Li get off the carriage, and the three of them walked towards Ye's house together.

The doorman opened the door for them familiarly, and Jiang Li asked, "Is there anyone else here?"

The servant was stunned: "Others? No, isn't it only Miss Cousin who is coming today?"

It seemed that Ji Heng and the others had not arrived yet. Jiang Li had just breathed a sigh of relief when the sound of a carriage was heard at the door again. This carriage was much larger than the one of the Jiang family, and it looked extremely gorgeous and bright. Jiang Li looked over and saw the curtain of the carriage being lifted. A familiar figure jumped out, followed by his jumping voice, "Second Miss Jiang, long time no see!"

Jiang Li was stunned. It turned out to be Wen Renyao.

If Ji Heng hadn't come here today, what was Wen Renyao doing here? Then, Jiang Li saw a little head poking out from behind Wen Renyao. It was Lin Yao, whom Jiang Li had rescued from Huangzhou. Jiang Li had rarely seen Lin Yao since he followed Wen Renyao back to Yanjing City. She didn't know what Wen Renyao had been pulling him to do. Now, at such a young age, he was wearing Taoist clothes, which made him look quite fairy-like. He also looked a little thinner, perhaps because he had grown taller.

Then, Situ Jiuyue jumped down from the carriage, followed by General Ji, and finally the carriage curtain was opened by a beautiful hand, and Ji Heng walked down slowly.

Jiang Li was stunned.

She really didn't know how Ji Heng came alone, so suddenly there were so many people. No wonder they had to use such a big carriage. Jiang Li was stunned and asked, "What's going on?"

The group first approached the gate of the Ye family, and no one could see them from outside. Wen Renyao said, "Second Miss Jiang, I heard that you and Ah Heng are engaged. I am very happy. Ah Heng wants to visit your uncle from the Ye family today. I think it is not good for him to be alone. As his friends and family, we should also be present. Otherwise, people will think that the Duke's Mansion is empty and lonely, although it is indeed the case."

"Get lost," General Ji shouted vigorously, "How could there be no one in the Duke's Mansion! Jiang girl, I heard that you have a very good relationship with your uncle, and your uncle is a hero in the martial arts world. I admire him very much! I came here specially to see him!"

Jiang Li looked at Situ Jiuyue with a puzzled look in her eyes. Situ Jiuyue said coldly, "I'm not here to see anyone. Xue Zhao's wound still needs medicine. I came here to deliver the medicine. I'll also check the wound to make new poison."

Jiang Li thought this was strange. Situ Jiuyue was clearly doing good for Xue Zhao, so why did she deny her kindness so impatiently and emphasize that it was for "making drugs"? Jiang Li shook her head in her heart, thinking that Situ Jiuyue was a girl with a cold face but a warm heart, and she was a little awkward about this matter, so she didn't want people to notice her kindness.

Ji Heng smiled and said, "They are all here to visit. Let's go, Ahri."

His words were also full of sarcasm. Jiang Li could imagine the scene where, apart from Situ Jiuyue, this group of people desperately clung to Ji Heng's carriage and insisted on coming along.

The servant at the gate of the Ye Mansion was also stunned. He never expected that the cousin would come to the Ye family as usual, but would bring such a large group of people. However, each of these people seemed to be an extraordinary person, so he did not dare to neglect them. He asked someone to report and lead the way.

Jiang Li felt it was weird. She walked side by side with Ji Heng and whispered, "Didn't you persuade them?"

"I have advised you." Ji Heng narrowed her eyes, "But don't you think this is better?"

Jiang Li was stunned for a moment before she understood what Ji Heng meant. Judging from Ji Heng herself, although Jiang Li knew that she was a good person, not everyone had a deep relationship with Ji Heng, so it was understandable that they didn't know what kind of person Ji Heng was. However, Ji Heng brought so many people with her, which indirectly denied the rumors that Duke Su was moody and evil.

If he was such a person, he would definitely not have any relatives or friends around him. But General Ji, Wen Renyao, Situ Jiuyue, and even Lin Yao were all here, which showed that Ji Heng was not as cold-blooded as rumored, and that he loved and protected his own people.

And since Wen Renyao was so noisy, maybe it could make everyone happy. This was the only thing Jiang Li could think of.

Just as they walked to the courtyard of the Ye Mansion and before they reached the hall, Ye Mingyu had already rushed over after hearing the news. He first looked at Jiang Li and said, "A Li, why didn't you come alone?" His eyes fell on Ji Heng, and he suddenly fell silent again.

Every time he saw Ji Heng, Ye Mingyu was a man and would not be attracted by Ji Heng's beauty. He was a man of the world and would only feel that the murderous aura on this person could not be concealed and was extremely dangerous. Ye Mingyu was determined not to hand Jiang Li over to such a dangerous person, but the imperial decree had been issued and they, as merchants, seemed to have no other choice. He saw General Ji again and was immediately moved by his righteousness and perseverance.

After all, he is a general who has been on the battlefield.

Ye Shijie followed behind, slowing down his pace. He saw Jiang Li and Ji Heng walking side by side, and Jiang Li's trust in Ji Heng.

This is her most precious thing.

When the two parties met, they were both a little embarrassed and didn't know where to start. At this time, a happy voice broke the silence, he said: "Sister... Miss Jiang Er! Doctor Situ!"

Situ Jiuyue's eyes moved, and Xue Zhao came over from behind pushing a wheelchair. During the days he stayed in Ye Mansion, he seemed much happier than when he stayed in the Duke's Mansion. There was some youthful excitement on his face, and his smile was still as warm as ever.

"A Zhao," Jiang Li said, "We came to see our uncle, and we also want to see Mr. Xue and you."

Ye Mingyu muttered in his heart. Of course he welcomed Jiang Li to visit him, but he was upset when she brought such a group of people with unknown origins to visit him. However, in front of his niece, he could not show these thoughts, so he squeezed out an especially fake smile and said, "Then you guys talk first, I'll ask someone to check the kitchen."

He didn't want to talk to a man who used his good looks to trick young girls!
Ye Mingyu left, and Ye Shijie smiled apologetically. He could see that Jiang Li brought these people mainly to see Xue Huaiyuan. Although he didn't know why, the relationship between Jiang Li and the Xue family was quite subtle. Ye Shijie was a smart man, so he said, "I'll go see Uncle San, you go find Mr. Xue first."

Jiang Li smiled at him gratefully.

Xue Huaiyuan was reading in the yard.

Xue Zhao was lively and followed Ye Mingyu to learn whip techniques during the day, so he was the first to know that Jiang Li was coming. Xue Huaiyuan was later, and when he knew about this and wanted to come over, Jiang Li had already brought people to him.

In front of other people, Jiang Li could only call him "Mr. Xue".

"Miss Jiang." Xue Huaiyuan followed suit and said in a gentle voice. He stood up and looked at the group of people in front of him. His eyes first fell on Ji Heng who was beside Jiang Li.

The young man's appearance was extremely handsome, with a charming look between his eyebrows, but also a hint of murderous intent. The most important thing was his eyes, which were a pair of amber eyes full of affection, but without a trace of confusion, sober and almost cold. Only when he occasionally looked at Jiang Li, would there be a moment of tenderness.

In an instant, Xue Huaiyuan's opinion of Ji Heng changed.

He had lived for most of his life, and had brushed shoulders with the King of Hell. He had seen the evil of human hearts and the difficulties of the world. He dared not say that he could see through people's hearts, but at least he could see some of them. Shen Yurong was so gentle and polite to others, but she killed the person beside her, while Ji Heng, who was so notorious, only showed his gentle side to Jiang Li.

Any father would be happy to see his precious daughter being held in the palm of someone's hand and cared for.

"You must be Mr. Xue." Ji Heng said, "Ah Li often talks about you."

Everyone present was stunned, including Jiang Li, who looked at Ji Heng as if they had seen a ghost. When did Ji Heng speak to others so politely? Not to mention his own grandfather, even when facing Emperor Hong Xiao, Ji Heng's smile was probably a little lazy and casual.

Could it be that I met a fake Ji Heng? This thought suddenly popped up in Jiang Li's mind.

General Ji seemed to be shocked by his grandson's words. He was horrified. In order to redeem himself, he looked at Xue Huaiyuan and said, "Minister Xue, do you still remember me?"

When Xue Huaiyuan was Xue Lingyun, he was still very young and Ji Minghan had not yet married. At that time, the reputation of General Jinwu was still there. Although one was a civil official and the other was a military officer, they had heard of each other's names. General Jinwu had made great military achievements, and Xue Lingyun built the canal to benefit the people.

However, many years have passed, some have died, some have dispersed, and when they meet again, they are in this relationship.

Xue Huaiyuan said: "General Ji."

General Ji laughed loudly: "I heard about your story later. You haven't had an easy life these years. Fortunately, Zhao is still alive. You may not know that Zhao was rescued by my grandson!"

Xue Huaiyuan had known about this for a long time, but after hearing General Ji talk about it in person, he still felt a little emotional, so he said to Ji Heng solemnly: "Thank you, Duke, for saving my life. Ah Zhao, why don't you thank me?"

Xue Zhao hurriedly thanked him again. In fact, he had already thanked him when he was in the Duke's Mansion. Now that Ji Heng was his future brother-in-law, they were family. What was the point of paying respects to him?
Wen Renyao was not willing to give up because he had no chance to interrupt. He took the opportunity to speak up and said, "We are here today because of Ah Heng. Although the marriage between Miss Jiang Er and Ah Heng was granted by the Emperor, Ah Heng is not someone that anyone would be willing to be granted. Ah Heng is also very happy to be able to discuss marriage with Miss Jiang Er. We all know that Miss Jiang Er has a deep connection with the Xue family and thinks highly of Mr. Xue, so we all came to take a look so that we can get to know each other."

He was laughing and talking nonsense. If it were any other day, Ji Heng would have told him to get out. But today, Ji Heng said nothing and just let Wen Renyao talk nonsense.

Xue Huaiyuan felt even more satisfied.

Jiang Li was already in the whirlpool, the pros and cons, the dangers, and there was no way to change that. And no one could change the decision Jiang Li made, even her father and brothers had to respect her. But now it seemed that Ahri's choice was not as bad as it seemed.

Xue Huaiyuan didn't know who Ji Heng was, but he knew about General Ji's dispute. Even if Ji Minghan was gone, the grandson raised by General Ji would inherit some of the Ji family's qualities.

General Ji was actually very puzzled in his heart. Such a big family meeting their in-laws and discussing things in harmony and laughter should have happened in the Jiang family. After all, Jiang Li was the daughter of the Jiang family, but Ji Heng had never mentioned going to the Jiang family. Instead, this time, she took the initiative to tell him that she wanted to go to the Ye family together.

Going to the Ye family to see Jiang Li's uncle? General Ji could barely understand this, after all, he heard that Jiang Li and her third uncle were very good, but when he arrived at the Ye family, Ye Mingyu just greeted him and disappeared, and was dragged to talk to Xue Huaiyuan. General Ji was not a fool, he could see that he was clearly here to see Xue Huaiyuan.

Jiang Li treated Xue Huaiyuan better than Jiang Yuanbo. General Ji had heard this before and was gloating at the time. It was his due. Jiang Yuanbo was so cunning, but Jiang Li was so upright and brave. Of course, he would get along better with a good official like Xue Huaiyuan. But now... didn't this seem a bit too much?

General Ji's mind was full of thoughts, but he didn't show it on his face. Because he knew that even if he said it, no one would answer him. Forget it, after all, he was here for his grandson to meet his in-laws. It made no difference to him whether he met Jiang Yuanbo or Xue Huaiyuan. If he knew, it would be Jiang Yuanbo who would cry loudly, not him. So why should he care? Just let him be!

Thinking of this, General Ji simply put aside his doubts, walked into the house with Xue Huaiyuan, sat down at the tea table, drank tea and talked about the glorious past.

This time, the others were left alone in the yard.

Jiang Li was a little stunned. This was really beyond her expectation. General Ji might have not seen his old friend for a long time, so he was in high spirits for a while, and Xue Huaiyuan became the one to talk to him.

Jiang Li looked at Ji Heng helplessly, and Ji Heng smiled and said, "It's okay."

Jiang Li could only remain silent. Wen Renyao looked at Xue Zhao who was sitting in a wheelchair and asked him, "Master Xue, what are you holding in your hand? Is it a whip?"

"Yes." Xue Zhao smiled and said, "Master Ye San taught me a set of whip techniques and gave me a whip. I will use this whip to practice martial arts. In the future, I will not be completely powerless and can protect the people I want to protect."

He couldn't even stand up, but he was so optimistic that he kept saying he wanted to protect others. Such people are rare in the world. Xue Zhao didn't think there was anything wrong. There was not even a hint of darkness in his eyes. He said, "I'm not familiar with this whip yet. I'll change it when I'm familiar with it."

Situ Jiuyue looked at Xue Zhao, and suddenly remembered what Xue Zhao said about protection when they were at the Duke's Mansion.

She said, "This whip is not good."

Everyone looked at her in confusion, and Xue Zhao also asked, "Why did Doctor Situ say that?"

"It takes a lot of effort to kill someone with a whip. In comparison, it's much easier to kill someone with a sword or dagger. When you're sitting in a wheelchair, you don't have as much strength as someone standing up, so it's even harder to kill someone."

Wen Renyao sneered and said, "Situ, you are a girl after all, why do you keep talking about killing people? Our Master Xue likes to rob the rich to help the poor, punish evil and encourage good, not to kill people just because he doesn't like them. He is different from you."

Situ Jiuyue was stunned. She had heard the words "different from you" countless times before. When she was a fugitive, people said she was different from other girls and too cold. When she killed people, people said she was different from other doctors and was like an executioner. But she never took it to heart. Different is different, so what? But today, this "different" sounded particularly harsh.

Her face gradually darkened.

Jiang Li saw this and was moved. She was about to say something to change the subject, but Xue Zhao spoke.

Xue Zhao said: "But to protect someone, sometimes you can't avoid killing. If you want to protect yourself, killing is okay."

As he said this, he looked at Situ Jiuyue with a smile, his eyes were warm and tolerant enough to melt ice and snow.

Situ Jiuyue was stunned.

"I have believed since I was young that the strong prey on the weak. I don't need anyone to save me. I will kill anyone who wants to hurt me." Suddenly, the conversation between himself and Xue Zhao that day appeared in Situ Jiuyue's mind again.

She was telling the truth, so she deliberately frightened those people and made them hate her, which was exactly what she wanted. But if she could do it again, if she was still the princess of Molan, if there were no turmoil, who would be willing to pick up a poisoned sword instead of a fragrant flower, who would be willing to live a life of wandering and fear for no reason?
She felt that she was not wrong, even though she was paranoid, hard-hearted and cold, but this was all forced by life. In order to survive, she changed herself from an innocent princess to a demon that everyone feared. People in the world feared her, scolded her, and regarded her as a snake, but no one tried to understand why.

It was as if she was born to love killing for fun.

But the young man in front of her, this young man who was completely different from her, was a man whose dream was to travel all over the mountains and rivers, to punish evil and promote good. Not to mention killing people, he might have never done anything bad in his life. He was as clean as a blank sheet of paper, but he could stand in front of her and say something that seemed close to understanding.

Just like light pulls people out of darkness, just one word can bring salvation to people.

Xue Zhao smiled and said, "If my whip can kill people, the people around me won't have to kill people. When I am strong enough to protect those close to me, they won't have to pick up a knife to protect themselves. Doctor Situ." When he called Situ, he stubbornly used the word "doctor", although Situ Jiuyue kept emphasizing that she was not a doctor, she was a poisonous concubine who would harm people.

Xue Zhao said: "Is there any way to make a whip the same as a dagger or sword?"

Situ Jiuyue was silent.

She knew that Xue Zhao was helping her out. He was like taking care of an ordinary girl who had lost face and made a fool of herself, so that she would not be embarrassed or lose her composure.

"Yes," she heard herself say, "I put poison on the whip."

If the whip is poisoned, when it hits a person, the person will be injured but it is unlikely to kill him. However, if it is poisonous enough to kill a person instantly.

He really hated poison, but Xue Zhao smiled and said, "Good idea, then I'll trouble Doctor Situ, can you give me some poison?"

Wen Renyao didn't understand what Xue Zhao and Situ Jiuyue meant, but she felt that the atmosphere between them was a little strange. Jiang Li, however, looked at the scene thoughtfully.

"Your brother is really a talented person." Ji Heng stood behind Jiang Li and spoke with a smile.

"You also think..."

"Don't ask me," Ji Heng said, "It has nothing to do with me."

Jiang Li glared at him. She was a little suspicious and unsure for a moment, but looking at Xue Zhao and Situ Jiuyue, she thought it was not a bad idea. At this moment, General Ji came out of the room. He had drunk his tea and his face was red. He looked quite happy. When he walked to Ji Heng, he patted Ji Heng on the shoulder and said, "Stinky boy, Minister Xue wants you to come in."

Jiang Li was surprised.

Wen Renyao was also puzzled: "Why did Mr. Xue ask Ah Heng to come in?"

"How should I know?" General Ji was unhappy. "I'm not a gossiper. I'm not asking what he wants to say. Go quickly." He said impatiently, "What are you standing there for?"

Ji Heng went in.

　Jiang Yuanbai: Who is the father-in-law? It hurts...

　　
　
(End of this chapter)