Chapter 55: Dual Personality?
Upon hearing her words, Jiang Liangxu's smile vanished: "Does the young lady despise me so much? She's completely unwilling to help."
Zhao Xian raised an eyebrow slightly: "Aren't you going to call me Madam anymore?"
Jiang Liangxu smiled wryly: "Miss keeps calling me Lord Jiang, isn't that a way of distancing yourself from me? I was being ignorant."
Her tone was particularly aggrieved, which made Zhao Xian's heart clench for a moment. She didn't want to discuss the issue of boundaries: "Then what should I call you in private? Master?"
Jiang Liangxu immediately said, "No way, it feels like we're from different generations coming from the young lady's mouth."
Zhao Xian covered her mouth and laughed: "That's not the case, Master is still young and handsome."
"Call me by my name."
Zhao Xian looked at his suddenly serious eyes, nodded, but did not call out to him.
Jiang Liangxu lay on the bed, his hand behind his head: "I have a question. If I weren't disabled, even if Madam forgot everything, would she still be in no hurry to divorce me and sever ties with me?"
Hearing him call her "Madam" again, Zhao Xian's smile faded, and she said calmly, "Jiang Liangxu, don't keep implying that we have a concept of parallel universes, so... it might not be the same person."
If the same person exists in a parallel universe, then they meet. Even if they have the same name, they are still two or more people. So why can't she be like that?
Her Daoist heart was unstable; Zhao Xian had always known that she was actually easily influenced.
She didn't have those memories to begin with; all she had were hints from the plot in the book, and she had a lot of fun.
If she were to be slowly boiled like a frog, she would indeed adapt to life here.
What hurt her the most wasn't Jiang Liangxu revealing the truth, but rather the realization that she wasn't a being outside of the fictional characters; she was probably one of them too.
This caused her to instantly lose all her advantages and meaning.
She doesn't have those memories, she doesn't acknowledge them, she's a time traveler, and she wants to go back.
She had agreed to three years, and if he kept hinting at it, she wouldn't mind leaving early.
"good."
As Zhao Xian climbed onto the inside of the bed and passed Jiang Liangxu, she seemed to hear him respond.
--
After that, Zhao Xian never saw Jiang Liangxu again, saying that it was almost the New Year and he was too busy at the Office of Transmission to go home.
Whether it was true or false, this actually relieved Zhao Xian.
During this time, Qi Zhengheng resigned; it was time for him to go home.
Before he left, Zhao Xian gave him two boxes of women's items, saying, "These are for your fiancée's dowry. I'll trouble Zheng Heng to make the trip and deliver them to her yourself."
Qi Zhengheng said somewhat embarrassedly, "Auntie, you're too kind. You must come to my wedding banquet."
Zhao Xian didn't respond to this, saying that travel by carriage was very slow in ancient times.
After much thought, Zhao Xian decided that giving him a dowry as an excuse was the most suitable. She only knew that Qi Zhengheng in the book was not married and always missed his betrothed. It wasn't until he met the female lead in the abusive novel who was divorced that he fell in love again. However, because he had impure thoughts and used the female lead as a substitute, he was kicked out of the game.
Judging from the things he's bought these days, it's clear he cares deeply for his fiancée. He'll probably be back home after the New Year. Zhao Xian doesn't know if he'll visit his fiancée's family, but she hopes he'll do so often.
The book doesn't say how his fiancée got into trouble; it seems it happened shortly after he came of age.
Zhao Xian had only read in the book that after he was exposed for using the female lead as a substitute, he explained to her, but the explanation was vague and did not include a specific date, so she could not remind him.
In any case, it would be good to give him a reason to see her, and it would be even better if things could change.
After Qi Zhengheng left, the person in the family who was most reluctant to part with him was Jiang Shuxiu.
I heard that she cried her heart out after the person passed away, her lips were pouting so much that no one could comfort her, which made her father jealous.
Qi Zhengheng left as soon as it was getting light, before she had even woken up.
She couldn't speak, and besides, Qi Zhengheng hadn't held her many times, yet she still had her eye on her.
This made him a laughing stock for several days.
Three days after Qi Zhengheng left, Lou Bai came to the Jiang family and handed over the information he had found.
Lou Bai: "The young lady that Madam asked me to investigate is quite interesting."
Zhao Xian: "What do you mean?"
Lou Bai: "This Miss Lang sometimes calls herself Lang Zhizhi, and her personality changes very much, as if she has become a different person. She also says some inexplicable things that people can't understand."
Zhao Xian rested her chin on her hand: Split personality? Or...?
As he spoke, Lou Bai added, "When my subordinates sent people to investigate this Miss Lang, they also found out that she had spread rumors about the eldest young master."
Opening the records, the information was incredibly detailed, starting from when the Lang siblings were children, including their place of origin and age...
Zhao Xian glanced at Lou Bai.
This is practically a combination of paparazzi and hackers! There's no internet here, so it's not that convenient, yet they've found out so much.
How terrifying.
Looking down at the booklet in his hand, he saw his elder brother Lang Mingxuan, his younger sister Lang Qingwan, and his widowed mother.
They knew everything that had happened to them, and even when they had moved.
And spread rumors in Changzhou that Jiang Wei had saved his life.
Seeing this explains everything that happened before.
Jiang Wei was indeed innocent; he did not have a savior.
"Where did the Lang siblings stay in Jin'an?"
Lou Bai gave a place name.
The next day, one of the private rooms in the restaurant opposite the courtyard where the Lang siblings lived was booked for a whole month.
According to the information Lou Bai found out, Lang Qingwan appeared after being injured in the arm by a villain and waking up with a high fever from shock.
Zhao Xian initially thought that Lou Bai was very capable and had investigated too thoroughly, which made her feel a sense of fear.
After sitting in the private room of the restaurant for two days, Zhao Xian discovered that Lang Zhizhi's exposure stemmed from her lack of discretion.
For example, right now, I can see that my steps suddenly become more lively, and my eyes are darting around, looking at everything with curiosity and wonder.
Finding the door locked and unable to find the key, she simply climbed over the wall and went outside.
"Madam, that young lady is asking about the location of the Jiang family."
"Madam, that girl has gone the wrong way."
"Madam, that girl has gone back again."
After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Miss Lang returned. Judging from her gait and demeanor, it was Lang Qingwan.
The Lang family was once wealthy. After Lang's father passed away, the family relied on their ancestral property to make a living. Because there was a scholar in the family and no other way to earn money, the Lang family struggled to make ends meet.
Lang Qingwan was a girl from a modest family, well-educated and reasonable. Even though her life was a bit poor, she never complained.
She takes excellent care of her family and her brother. She appears gentle and mild-mannered, but she is very organized and not at all delicate.
The one who calls herself Lang Zhizhi is the complete opposite of Lang Qingwan.
Lang Zhizhi is reckless, acts without thinking, and speaks very frankly.
Also, I have no sense of direction.
According to observations, Lang Zhizhi appears for only a short time, about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn (30 minutes).
Judging from Lang Qingwan's behavior, she knew that another person was there and was afraid that she would come out, so she locked the door in advance.
Zhao Xian took a sip of tea.
Lang Qingwan is incredibly brave; an ordinary person would probably be terrified, but she didn't show any unusual behavior.
They still went out to buy New Year's goods as usual.
She would only return home at certain fixed times, and after finding that locking the door was useless, she tied herself up.
Lang Zhizhi has no sense of direction. Last time she went to the Jiang family, Qi Zhengheng led the way. Ever since then, Lang Qingwan has been particularly wary of her.
As a result, every time Lang Zhizhi woke up, her body was initially tied to a chair. After she was untied, she would wake up again and find herself very dizzy, unable to walk more than a few steps before collapsing to the ground, and even unable to get up.
Lou Bai would occasionally come over for a sit-down, saying, "Madam, that Qingwan girl is a ruthless person."
There was a hint of appreciation in his tone.
Zhao Xian did not refute this point. Lang Qingwan was indeed admirable. After several times, she timed her drugging herself precisely so that even if Lang Zhizhi woke up, she would not be able to leave the room.
She also tried to communicate with Lang Zhizhi, but unfortunately, they couldn't understand each other's handwriting.
The Lunar New Year is just around the corner, and Jin'an is filled with festive cheer. New couplets have been put up on every door, and new paper-cut window decorations have been pasted up.
"master."
The door opened, and Zhao Xian glanced back to see Jiang Liangxu walk in.
Tall and elegant, with a refined and scholarly air, he possesses a maturity beyond his years.
Although she knew he wasn't completely disabled and that it was only a matter of time before he could stand up again, Zhao Xian was still a little puzzled when he suddenly walked towards her like this: "Your leg is healed?"
"Wasn't I supposed to train secretly and amaze everyone?"
Zhao Xian clapped enthusiastically: "Jiang Liangxu, you're so awesome! You keep your word, that's amazing!"
Jiang Liangxu glanced at her exaggerated performance and sat down next to Zhao Xian: "I heard that you have been coming to this restaurant for seven days in a row. Is the food here so delicious that you come every day? Or is there some kind of enchantress here that has bewitched you so much that you can't find your way home?"
"I don't believe Lou Bai didn't tell you." Zhao Xian looked down through the window, not wanting to explain further.
Lang Zhizhi wasn't someone who would passively accept being drugged; she woke up early and stopped Lang Qingwan from taking the medicine.
Snap—
After smashing the medicine bowl, Lang Zhizhi was very unhappy. She muttered something and then took out the silver that Lang Qingwan had hidden. "I've spent it all on you. Let's see how you buy medicine now. You still want to harm me."
He said it through gritted teeth.
In a private room of the restaurant, Jiang Liangxu's gaze fell on Zhao Xian's profile.
His absence from home due to the busyness of the Office of Transmission was not an excuse, especially since it was the end of the year when there was the most business coming and going from various departments.
Unexpectedly, I asked her what she was doing during my busy schedule, and that's when I found out what had happened.
After reviewing Lou Bai's investigation, Jiang Liangxu dared not delay and rushed over, abandoning his official duties.
"Did you see the letter I asked Granny He to give you?"
Outside the restaurant, Lang Zhizhi was spending money from the Lang siblings at this very restaurant.
Zhao Xian got up and went to the door of the private room. From there, she could see downstairs, which was convenient. She looked at Jiang Liangxu with a puzzled expression and asked, "Huh? What letter?"
Lang Zhizhi slammed his hand on the table and said, "Waiter, bring out all your signature dishes."
The girl's voice drew Zhao Xian's attention, causing her to turn her head back. She couldn't help but sigh inwardly, thinking how exaggerated the acting was.
She bought a lot, and although she seemed very hungry and craving food, she didn't eat without any regard for her image.
Because there will be a spring imperial examination next year, Jin'an now has the most scholars participating in the examination.
There are also many restaurants where people drink, chat, compose poems, and paint.
The shopkeeper smiled and arranged the writing implements: "Our shop will provide you with paper, brush, and ink. Anyone who leaves their calligraphy and stamps will be treated to a free meal."
With so many scholars, someone is bound to pass the exam. Then, a piece of their calligraphy will be worth a fortune. If they are among the top three, it will be even more incredible. The shopkeeper is casting a wide net.
Some people were painting, and some were writing poems; the atmosphere was extremely lively.
Seeing the lively scene, Lang Zhizhi's eyes lit up, and he loudly recited a poem by the poet Li Bai.
The scene fell silent instantly.
Lang's hands clenched tightly beneath his squeaky sleeves. Could such things still exist in this era?
The next moment, a voice of praise was heard, "What a fine poem! May I ask who wrote this poem, young lady?"
"What comes out of my mouth is my doing."
In the private room of the restaurant, a slightly cool voice came from above Zhao Xian's head, "The poem that this girl is talking about, I, Ah Xian, have also memorized. It seems that everyone really does study poetry."
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Author's Note: This plot involves the female lead regaining her memories, and it's so frustrating! [crying emojis]
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