The Double
Chapter 201 - 201 95 Qiongzhi_4

201: Chapter 95 Qiongzhi_4 201: Chapter 95 Qiongzhi_4 Qiongzhi asked, “What do you mean by that?”

“Because of my relationship with Xue Fangfei, I am trying to investigate this matter, but I can assure you that Xue Zhao had another cause of death, although it is still unclear.

My visit to Xiangyang is to fulfil Xue Fangfei’s last wish, Miss Qiongzhi,” Jiang Li looked at her, “I know you are capable.

The wealthy families of Xiangyang visit Cherish Flower Tower every day, so it’s a piece of cake for you to inquire about things here.”

“What do you want me to investigate?” Qiongzhi immediately asked.

“The Xue Family from Tongxiang,” Jiang Li said, “As for the deaths of Xue Zhao and Xue Fangfei, I can be certain because I saw…

But as for Xue Huaiyuan in Tongxiang, I do not know.

I would like to ask you to help me find out why Xue Huaiyuan died half a year ago, who managed his funeral, and where he was buried?”

“Why should I believe you?” Qiongzhi asked.

Though caught off guard by the news of Xue Zhao’s death and deeply grieved, at this moment, she had not lost her sense of reason.

“Xue Zhao was a person of loyalty and integrity, and I believe those he befriended are not heartless and unprincipled.

I am here for the Xue Family, and I hope you can help me,” Jiang Li said, “I have no chips to trade with you because you lack nothing, so I am requesting your help.”

Qiongzhi stared blankly at Jiang Li.

Jiang Li was extremely sincere, almost to the point of humbleness, and her eyes were earnest and resolute, not resembling those of a liar.

“Xue Zhao was not well-known in Yanjing City, but Xue Fangfei’s name is known to all in Yanjing City,” Jiang Li continued, “Some of the people who come to Cherish Flower Tower might have been to Yanjing.

If you take the trouble to ask around, you can find out about Xue Fangfei’s current state and whether I’ve told the truth or not.”

After pondering, Jiang Li felt that Qiongzhi was the most suitable person to investigate matters in Tongxiang.

First, Qiongzhi was indeed the top courtesan in Cherish Flower Tower, with clients who were either rich or noble.

She could easily inquire about anything and unearth details unknown to others.

Second, Qiongzhi was not someone to be threatened.

From her words implying that she found it satisfying to be a courtesan, one could tell she was not wanting for silver, feared no death, and had no ambition to cling to power and climb higher in status.

Furthermore, without any relatives, even if someone detected her reaching out to Qiongzhi and tried to wheedle information out of her, they would find it futile, as Qiongzhi would not let them succeed.

Finally, naturally, it was because hardly anyone would suspect that Jiang Li, the Chief Minister’s daughter, would have connections with Qiongzhi, a top courtesan.

Staying hidden in the shadows was always the safest approach.

After a long struggle, Qiongzhi clenched her teeth and said, “I can agree to help you, but you need to let me see that Xue Zhao is truly dead.”

“Xue Zhao’s grave is in Yanjing,” Jiang Li said softly, “but rest assured, one day, both siblings will return to their homeland, and I will ensure their reunion.

By then,” she continued, “Miss Qiongzhi, you can visit your old friend.”

…

When Jiang Li came out of the room, Tonger and Bai Xue, who had been anxiously awaiting her return, could barely contain themselves, fearing that Jiang Li had fallen victim to that “Miss Qiongzhi’s” malicious hand.

Seeing Jiang Li emerge unharmed, they finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Tonger wanted to take a peek inside, only to see a figure in a blue robe sitting in front of a dressing table, her shoulders shuddering slightly, as if crying.

Tonger was startled and thought, What’s going on here?

Why is Miss Qiongzhi crying?

Surely, it can’t be that Jiang Li bullied her?

How could Jiang Li, a young lady, make someone cry?

Jiang Li said, “Don’t look anymore, let’s go.”

Tonger quickly gathered her thoughts and hurriedly followed Jiang Li, along with Bai Xue.

Jiang Li’s steps were not light, but they were not heavier than when she arrived.

Asking Qiongzhi for help was something Jiang Li was unsure of from the start.

She only counted on the fact that when she was still Xue Fangfei, she had met Qiongzhi and vaguely sensed Qiongzhi’s affection for Xue Zhao.

However, such feelings were from long ago, and it was uncertain how much remained.

People often say that courtesans have no love and actors no loyalty, that women of the pleasure quarters never have true feelings, but Jiang Li believed that when women from such places truly cared, they cared more absolutely than ordinary people.

This time, she had won the bet, as Qiongzhi still harbored old feelings for Xue Zhao, and his death had moved her.

Qiongzhi’s willingness to help was the most favorable outcome.

As long as the news from Tongxiang and the status of Xue Huaiyuan were uncovered, her trip would not have been in vain.

Knowing the situation would make planning her next move much simpler, and it would resolve the dilemma of finding an excuse for returning to Tongxiang on this trip to Xiangyang.