The Double
Chapter 170 - 170 89 Watching the Play_2

170: Chapter 89: Watching the Play_2 170: Chapter 89: Watching the Play_2 Jiang Li heard this story for the first time when she was still a little girl in Tongxiang.

At that age, she didn’t shed tears over it but was filled with indignant fury at the injustice suffered by Xiao Jiuer.

She even told Xue Zhao that if she were in that position, knowing that the person by her side was such a callous creature, she would never hang herself in front of the scholar’s door; instead, she would take a knife and make sure the scholar met the same end as hers.

Xue Zhao had said at that time, “When that time comes, you’ll surely not bear to do it.”

She sneered at that.

What was there not to bear?

It was just a traitorous white-eyed wolf, worse than an animal.

The story’s Xiao Jiuer even clung to the past kindnesses; she couldn’t understand whether it was the storyteller’s lack of thought or a flaw in the story itself that was at fault.

Back then, she couldn’t comprehend it, yet she never expected that many years later, the story would replicate itself, re-engraving on her life as if on a new edition.

She became another Xiao Jiuer.

Her life underwent colossal changes; lies, betrayal, gossip, and injuries filled her final days.

But one thing had never changed from the beginning to the end; even now, asked again, she could still say there was nothing she couldn’t let go of.

When the other person chose betrayal, it meant they had sliced away all past affection with a sword.

Treasuring things that others don’t care about is not kindness; it’s devaluing oneself.

She would never allow herself to be looked down upon.

On stage, Little Peach Red, playing Xiao Jiuer, finally found her husband, but he avoided acknowledging her.

The actor sang, “It’s not that I don’t recognize you; I fear one wrong step brings disaster upon me.”

Xiao Jiuer: “What do you mean by one wrong step, disaster upon me?

Clearly, you’ve got a new love and forgotten old favors.

Back then in Junzhou, as you pursued your studies, I dutifully served your parents at home,

In the major examination year, I sent you off to the capital; when we parted, I entrusted many words to you,

I urged you to return early whether you pass or not; remember, parents age, and their hearts are linked to their children,

Who would have expected that after three years, there would be no news from you, and in the great drought of Huguang, my parents perished,

After the death of parents, unable to afford burial; carrying our children, I sought you,

You’ve forgotten our marital affection, you don’t cherish your own flesh and blood,

Place your hand upon your chest and think; dare you say your heart is made of iron.”

The person on the stage poured out the song with tears streaming; Jiang Li listened, her heart twisted in agony.

The lyrics in various ways made it hard for her not to think of her own situation.

Just as Xiao Jiuer couldn’t understand, she hadn’t done anything wrong, she had done everything well, why did her husband have to act so evasively toward her.

Jiang Li also wanted to ask Shen Yurong, is wealth and honor truly that good?

So good that you can abandon your humanity, forget everything?

Moreover, there was her child.

Her child, who hadn’t even had the chance to come into the world, was buried in this filthy conspiracy.

Did Shen Yurong show any hesitation when sacrificing him, knowing the child had his blood in him?

Jiang Li didn’t dare to think further.

Elsewhere, Lu Jiu, who had also been watching the play, suddenly said, “Look, Miss Jiang the Second is paying close attention.”

All three of them turned their eyes toward Jiang Li.

Jiang Li, with her body turned toward them, eyes cast down low, was staring hard at the people below the stage, obviously watching very carefully.

Looking closely, you could see her gripping tightly to the carved railing of the balcony, her knuckles white with the strength of her grip.

She was lost in the play before her.

“What’s so strange about that?” Kong Liu said dismissively, “Miss Jiang the Second abhors evil and has a clear sense of right and wrong.

This play is full of frustration, making all who listen angry.

It’s normal for Miss Jiang the Second to be moved by the play, to listen more intently.”

“It’s normal for anyone to be captivated and agitated by this play,” Lu Jiu said with a smile, “But this is Miss Jiang the Second we’re talking about.”

Who Miss Jiang the Second is, seemed always to be smiling, or even when not smiling, was as gentle as a calm stream, peaceful and mellow, hardly ever seen in a rage or panic.

This kind of demeanor in some might seem lukewarm, but in Miss Jiang the Second, anyone with a bit of discernment could tell, it is that she held no grudges.

Or rather, most things, in her view, were not significant.

Insignificant things didn’t warrant a place in her heart.

This is a mindset owned only after experiencing monumental life changes, usually seen in the elderly who’ve been weathered by the affairs of the world.

Even if Miss Jiang the Second had once “killed her mother and younger brother” and had been sent to a temple to stay alone for eight years, she wouldn’t have reached her current state of being refined through great trials and tribulations.

Ultimately, Jiang Li wouldn’t fuss over trifles; a person who could be unconcerned even by those who might destroy her reputation for life, would she truly empathize with a mere stage play?

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.