The Double

Chapter 100: Flowers Bloom

Xiangyang City had temporarily settled into calm.

Lizheng Hall had closed its doors. Whether by coincidence or due to the influence of the Ye family's silver, for the next two or three days, no commoners came to cause trouble at the entrance of Lizheng Hall or the Ye residence.

While the Ye family had stabilized, Tong Zhiyang, the prefect of Xiangyang, now found himself in trouble.

"What? The lady and young master are missing?" Tong Zhiyang slammed the table and stood up.

Though he and his official wife, Madam He, appeared to "respect each other like guests," everyone in Xiangyang knew he was henpecked. Tong Zhiyang was well aware that without the support of his wife's family, he would never have attained his position as prefect. Thus, for years, he had never dared to disobey his wife's commands.

Yet, unable to bear the loneliness, though he avoided brothels, he had secretly kept a mistress on the outskirts of Xiangyang. This mistress was gentle, lovely, and considerate—far more endearing than the shrew at home. Tong Zhiyang had even privately instructed the servants to address her as "madam." He held genuine affection for her, risking so much to keep her by his side all these years. Especially since his official wife had borne him no sons, while the mistress had given him an heir, making him even more reluctant to abandon the mother and child.

He had always hidden the pair extremely well, with only his trusted aides aware of their existence. Otherwise, they would not have remained undiscovered for so many years. The sudden news of their disappearance nearly made him cry out in shock.

"What happened? Did Madam He find out?" The thought sent a cold sweat breaking out all over Tong Zhiyang's body. If that venomous woman learned of the mistress and child, not only would the mistress be in danger, but his son might also be killed.

He was his only heir!

The trusted aide quickly shook his head in denial. "No, sir! We don't know who took them, but they left a letter saying they were 'borrowing' the lady and young master for a few days and would return them later."

"How dare they!" Tong Zhiyang roared. "Do they think my people are mere goods?" He pressed fiercely, "What do they want? Money? Or is this revenge?"

"This..." The aide was at a loss. If it were for money, the letter made no mention of silver. If it were revenge, why not kill them on the spot? It seemed like blackmail, but for what purpose? Most importantly, how had these people discovered the pair's existence? Was there a traitor among them?

"To kidnap someone in my territory—they must have a death wish!" Tong Zhiyang snorted coldly and ordered, "Search! Tear the place apart if you must, but find the lady and young master!"

The aide acknowledged the command, then watched as Tong Zhiyang paused before adding, "Keep it discreet. Don't let Madam He find out."

In the end, he was still constrained by fear.

...

Jiang Li learned that Tong Zhiyang's mistress, Ruan Suqin, and her son had been safely settled from Ye Mingyu.

Ye Mingxuan and Ye Minghui had still not returned home, but perhaps because Jiang Li had invoked Jiang Yuanbai's name, Tong Zhiyang did not dare to treat them disrespectfully. When Guan Shi and Zhuo Shi went to visit again, the guards at the gate no longer glared at them coldly but allowed them inside to see Ye Mingxuan and Ye Minghui.Although Ye Minghui and the other were in prison cells, they were relatively clean and uninjured. After inquiring about the events of these past days and learning that Jiang Li was currently holding the fort, they were both astonished and sighed with emotion. They had originally thought that a delicate young lady from an official family would be detached from worldly affairs, but never expected that in a critical moment, it would be Jiang Li who saved the Ye family. Their previous wariness and distance toward Jiang Li instantly diminished by more than half.

The two advised that during this period, the Ye family should refrain from any rash actions and instead wait quietly for the Weaving Office Order's representatives to arrive in Xiangyang. However, they must guard against anyone plotting behind the scenes. If the Ye family had truly been set up this time, the perpetrator would certainly not let the matter rest and would seek another opportunity.

After Guan Shi and Zhuo Shi returned, they recounted everything in detail to the Ye family and also conveyed the gratitude of Ye Minghui and his brother to Jiang Li. Jiang Li accepted their thanks with a smile. Perhaps adversity reveals true feelings; having shared the experience of facing difficulties together, the Ye family's attitude toward Jiang Li became much warmer.

Even Ye Rufeng no longer showed a sour face toward Jiang Li, though he was still not as amiable as Ye Jia'er.

However, with Ye Minghui and his brother absent, Jiang Li's meeting with Old Madam Ye had to be postponed. If Old Madam Ye were to learn that the Ye family was currently in danger, it would only add to her exhaustion and distress, so everyone tacitly agreed to keep this secret.

Only after everyone else had dispersed did Ye Mingyu find an opportunity to secretly tell Jiang Li, "The matter has been taken care of."

"Can Uncle Mingyu guarantee that Tong Zhiyang absolutely won't catch them?" Jiang Li asked.

"Of course," Ye Mingyu said. "How could he easily find someone I've hidden? Besides, Tong Zhiyang is afraid his wife will find out about this, so he doesn't dare search openly, which makes it even easier."

Jiang Li smiled. "Then thank you, Uncle Mingyu."

"Why thank me?" Ye Mingyu said. "This is originally a Ye family matter. If anything, our Ye family should be thanking you."

"We're all family, no need for formalities," Jiang Li replied with a smile.

These words warmed Ye Mingyu's heart immensely. Yes, such a clever and outstanding young girl was their Ye family's niece. Just thinking about it made him feel fortunate. Otherwise, why didn't Tong Zhiyang's household have such a sweet and delightful niece? It simply wasn't meant to be.

As they talked, they walked to the entrance of the residence. The Ye mansion was located on the most expensive land in Xiangyang City. This street was home to the wealthiest families in Xiangyang, so there were very few residences along it. Those that were present were particularly spacious and covered considerable area.

At that moment, the faint sounds of opera singing could be heard.

"Are there opera troupes here?" Jiang Li asked.

Ye Mingyu gestured with his chin toward the wall of a nearby residence. "Newly moved in. Haven't seen their master, but they must be an opera fanatic. These past few days, I've seen people listening to opera inside. Probably just their personal quirk." Ye Mingyu wasn't surprised; having traveled the world for years, he'd seen all sorts of eccentric people. Having an opera troupe perform in one's residence was already quite ordinary.

Hearing this, Jiang Li felt a stir in her heart. She immediately thought of something.

Ji Heng was currently in Xiangyang. This love for opera, combined with having enough silver to afford a residence here and being mysterious—could it not be Ji Heng?

Not just "could it be"—Jiang Li stared at the green stone bricks of the wall and sighed inwardly. She was almost certain that the newly moved-in gentleman Ye Mingyu mentioned was Ji Heng.Even though this was the most expensive land in Xiangyang City, there was no need for Ji Heng to specifically move here. With his status, what kind of fine residence could he not find? Yet he chose to settle right next door to the Ye family, making it hard not to think that Ji Heng had come specifically for her.

Was this man trying to keep an eye on her?

A surge of anger suddenly rose in Jiang Li's heart. So far, she knew that Ji Heng and the Right Prime Minister, Prince Cheng, were not as openly hostile as they appeared—they had some unclear connections. However, Ji Heng had not explicitly stated which side he would take. If her future enemy was the invincible Prince Cheng, and Ji Heng stood on his side, her chances of success would be pitifully slim.

Why was it that everything was always suppressed by greater power? Even as the current Grand Secretary, she still had to bow her head, endure, and scheme? Or were all the treacherous court officials colluding, working together in wicked schemes?

Her heart turned cold, but her eyes shone with an intense light.

Ye Mingyu didn't notice anything amiss with Jiang Li. He stretched lazily and said to her, "I still have to go discuss some matters with my brothers. A Li, you can take a stroll around the estate. If you get bored, go find Jia'er. You two young ladies have a lot to talk about."

Jiang Li nodded.

After Ye Mingyu rode off on his horse, Jiang Li did not return to the estate immediately. She stood at the gate, staring fixedly at the neighboring wall for a while, listening to the faint, drifting sounds of opera coming from behind it. Slowly, she took a step forward.

...

Unlike the Ye residence, which was bright and imposing, this neighboring estate appeared strikingly austere at its entrance. The color scheme was predominantly black and white, and not even a lantern hung by the gate. As Jiang Li approached, she saw that the gatekeeper was a rather handsome young man.

The moment she saw the young man's face, Jiang Li could confirm that the owner was indeed Ji Heng. Otherwise, who else would have a gatekeeper with such striking looks? Such beauty would stand out even in a male brothel.

Without a word, the gatekeeper opened the main gate upon seeing Jiang Li, assuming a welcoming posture. He addressed her as "Second Miss Jiang," as if he had long known she would visit. Needless to say, this was again Ji Heng's arrangement.

Jiang Li had never liked those who toyed with people's minds. As for Ji Heng, a demon who could grasp everything in the palm of his hand and see through people's hearts, she disliked him even more. Therefore, instead of feeling honored as a guest, she felt somewhat displeased.

Once inside, a beautiful maid came to guide her. Jiang Li noticed that the estate was devoid of decorations—black bricks and white stones created an extremely austere atmosphere. It was hard to imagine someone as strikingly beautiful and flamboyant as Ji Heng living here, but upon second thought, it seemed to suit him perfectly. His stunning appearance could make poppies bloom in such austerity. If it were any more lavish, it might resemble a world of frivolous glamour, lacking substance.

As she entered the courtyard, she saw a large, square space with a high stage erected in the center. On stage, a performer with captivating eyes, dressed in lavish costumes, was singing an opera. Below the stage, however, there was only one audience member—a young man in red robes, reclining leisurely on a long chair, his back turned as he sipped tea.

The maid smiled and announced, "My lord, Second Miss Jiang is here."

Jiang Li walked forward slowly.

Ji Heng did not turn around, seemingly engrossed in the opera, and waited until Jiang Li stood before him.

"The Duke has come all the way to Xiangyang to listen to opera," Jiang Li said with a faint smile, her tone laced with what might have been sarcasm."They came of their own accord." Ji Heng smiled carelessly. Jiang Li looked toward the stage and saw that although the female role's face was painted with greasepaint that obscured her features, her slender figure and soft singing voice unmistakably identified her as Little Peach Red—the same performer who had sung "Nine Child Case" at Jin Mantang's private performance back then.

Why would Jin Mantang come to Xiangyang? Jiang Li glanced at Little Peach Red on stage. Though she sang continuously with the young male leads beside her, the affection in her eyes was undoubtedly directed at Ji Heng.

Suddenly, Jiang Li understood. Ji Heng could arrange for Jin Mantang to perform at venues like Gazing Immortal Pavilion, and he could also make this newly established opera troupe from Yanjing famous. For the Jin Mantang people, clinging tightly to Ji Heng's coattails was much faster than working hard to perfect their craft. As for Little Peach Red... with such a powerful patron—so young and handsome—it was easy for a girl to lose her heart.

However... Jiang Li inwardly scoffed. Before deciding to latch onto Ji Heng's powerful tree, they had probably forgotten what kind of person he was. Had they inquired about how the once-famous Xiangsi Troupe in Yanjing had fallen into decline, they wouldn't have made such a rash decision.

Ji Heng was no benevolent soul. He was ruthless, merciless, cunning and vicious. Anyone who tried to scheme against him would likely end up being outmaneuvered to the point of having nowhere to cry.

On stage, Little Peach Red was singing "Hearing the Bell in Jiange," reaching the verse: "It's a heartbroken soul hearing heartrending sounds! Such unkind bells, such unkind rain. How can they withstand my unending longing, my unbreakable affection. Each drop against the window strikes my heart to shards, each rustle through the trees ruins my dreams. The startling clatter rises from the eaves, the bone-chilling cold seeps from beneath the quilt..."

Jiang Li turned to Ji Heng and said, "The Duke seems to enjoy tragedies."

First "Nine Child Case," now "Hearing the Bell in Jiange"—both such miserable plays. Did Ji Heng dislike seeing others happy, to the extent that he wouldn't even watch cheerful operas?

"I don't care for comedies," Ji Heng replied, playing with his folding fan. "They're too fake."

Jiang Li stared at him, momentarily at a loss for words. That Ji Heng found comedies too false revealed something telling about him.

What kind of man was he?

Shaking off these wandering thoughts, Jiang Li continued, "I just didn't expect the Duke to reside near the Ye family." She added playfully, "One might think you came here for me."

"What if I said I did come for you?" Ji Heng countered.

Jiang Li froze momentarily.

A light smile still lingered on his lips, his eyes like varying shades of amber—both affectionate and fickle, more captivating than gold or jewels, utterly irresistible.

"Then I'd have no choice but to keep my distance," Jiang Li said calmly.

Ji Heng laughed silently. Resting his chin on the fan's handle, his gaze held a wicked innocence as he remarked, "Second Miss Jiang certainly understands the principle of discretion for self-preservation."

"The weak must tread carefully to survive."

"Second Miss needn't be so modest," he said, narrowing his eyes. "The weak don't set traps to lure their prey."Every time Jiang Li was with Ji Heng, they would always engage in verbal sparring, which was far from easy, and she often felt perplexed. He had originally been completely unrelated to her life, yet due to a series of unforeseen events, they were repeatedly entangled. Now, even avoiding him was no longer an option—he had already begun to suspect her.

She had to take things one step at a time.

Jiang Li smiled and said, "We've been talking for so long, aren't you tired, Duke? Little Peach Red's voice is a treasure beyond price—let's not waste it."

Her change of topic was abrupt and clumsy, yet her demeanor was natural and gentle, as if she were completely unaware of it. Ji Heng couldn't help but glance at her a moment longer before turning away with a smile and replying, "You're absolutely right."

On the stage, Little Peach Red, seeing that Ji Heng had finally stopped speaking with Jiang Li and was now looking at her, immediately sang with even more enthusiasm.

Jiang Li found it rather amusing. It was said that the most skilled actors must immerse themselves in their roles to convey true emotion, but while Little Peach Red sang the opera, her eyes were clearly fixed on Ji Heng. Her mind was elsewhere, but this girl's tender affections were likely to wither and fade, for she did not realize that this beauty in red was accustomed to being a spectator, never stepping into the play himself.

"Pity your fragrant soul scattered by the wind, leaving me with tears of blood falling like rain. Grieving at the brink, your starry eyes wide and pearly teeth clenched, your jade-like body trembling and flower-like beauty fading."

Little Peach Red continued her mournful singing, the breeze from her flowing sleeves carrying a touch of sorrow. Yet Jiang Li detected a hint of murderous intent.

At first, she thought she had misheard—this was, after all, a genuine tragedy, and the mournful singing was fitting. But Jiang Li, now particularly sensitive to subtle emotions in others, sensed a barely perceptible coldness beneath the sorrow.

She lifted her gaze to Little Peach Red.

Little Peach Red continued to cast tender, pleading glances at Ji Heng, her eyes shimmering and pitiful. Yet Jiang Li felt that the way Little Peach Red fixed her gaze on Ji Heng was akin to a wild beast.

Involuntarily, Jiang Li straightened her back, her fingers curling subtly into her sleeves, as if she had caught the scent of a conspiracy.

"Helplessly, I can neither save you nor take your place; in sorrow, how shall I repay you or face you? Most heartbreaking is the annual bloom of pear blossoms, for from now on, each sight of them will bring me grief."

As she sang the final word "grief," Little Peach Red's voice suddenly turned shrill, causing listeners to frown. Jiang Li's heart tightened, and before she could react, she saw Little Peach Red, clad in white opera robes, leap from the stage. Her sleeves fluttered, and a glint of silver flashed in her palm as she lunged straight at Ji Heng!

She was an assassin sent to kill Ji Heng!

Before Jiang Li could cry out, the young male and elderly female actors who had been performing with Little Peach Red suddenly emerged from all directions, their faces now ferocious and menacing, completely devoid of their earlier vivid stage personas.

This Jin Mantang was merely a front for assassins. It seemed the mastermind behind this scheme knew Ji Heng well—aware of his love for opera, they had set up this troupe to perform nothing less than a "Banquet at Hong Gate."

What an utterly undeserved disaster!

Assassins closed in from all sides, while Little Peach Red, brimming with murderous intent, charged straight at them. Jiang Li had nowhere to escape. Even though she was not the target, she knew full well that if Ji Heng died, his attackers would not spare her. Moreover, blades and arrows were blind—even if Ji Heng survived, she could easily be caught in the crossfire and killed by mistake.She had been reborn and schemed step by step, not to die here in such an absurd misunderstanding!

Jiang Li immediately reached for the whistle in her sleeve, but Little Peach Red's martial arts were unexpectedly formidable. From within her flowing sleeves, several daggers emerged, already closing in—a critical moment!

Just then.

A flash of light, and from the side, a peony suddenly bloomed.

The dagger plunged into the vibrant peony, as if stunned by its beauty, and halted its advance.

Jiang Li focused her gaze and realized it wasn't a peony—it was Ji Heng's folding fan. He had unfolded it to block Little Peach Red's strike.

The next moment, she felt herself lifted lightly as Ji Heng supported her back, pulling her backward. That exquisite golden-threaded folding fan was now held horizontally before his chest, fully displaying its stunning, intricate pattern.

Little Peach Red was also taken aback.

Her razor-sharp dagger had been effortlessly blocked by that ornate fan, as if her attack were trivial. The peony on the golden-threaded fan, with its curling and unfolding petals, was breathtakingly beautiful, almost mocking her insignificance.

Jiang Li's heart still raced with fear.

No matter how calm and composed she usually was, facing a life-or-death crisis—especially one as inexplicable as today's ambush—she couldn't respond with her usual serene smile as in the past.

The one smiling was Ji Heng.

He held the folding fan horizontally before him, his crimson robe sweeping the floor, draping elegantly. The sunlight outside dimmed, making him appear even more radiant in the gloom, the peony on his fan blooming with desperate brilliance.

His hand rested lightly behind Jiang Li's back. Since she was shorter than him, from a distance, it looked as though he had drawn her into his embrace. If he lowered his head, his chin would touch the top of her head. Yet, he didn't glance at Jiang Li at all. His narrow phoenix eyes, shimmering with a teasing smile, gazed at Little Peach Red.

Jiang Li turned to look at Little Peach Red.

The woman's face was smeared with ink, making her expression unreadable. Only her eyes remained cold and hard, devoid of the charm she had displayed while singing earlier.

"Who sent you?" Ji Heng asked softly.

His voice was gentle, as if addressing a friend or a delicate beauty he couldn't bear to startle, filled with infinite tenderness.

Little Peach Red remained silent.

"I'll know even if you don't say," he said with a faint, strangely captivating smile. "If you speak, I'll make your end swift."

A chill ran down Jiang Li's spine. To utter such terrifying words in such an intimate tone—this man was truly frightening.

At that moment, observing the surrounding actors closing in, Jiang Li suddenly realized something: How could such a large mansion have no guards in sight? She refused to believe Ji Heng had none.

As she pondered, Little Peach Red snorted coldly and, along with the other actors, lunged at Ji Heng from all sides!

Enemies surrounded them on all fronts. Fleeing was impossible; staying was perilous. Resolute, Jiang Li threw herself toward Ji Heng's side. She believed that someone as cunning as him would never wait passively for death. There had to be a way out, but she couldn't cling to him and leave her back exposed to Little Peach Red. If Ji Heng used her as a human shield, that would be the ultimate injustice!In a daze, Jiang Li heard what sounded like Ji Heng's soft chuckle, then felt her own body moving along with his sudden shift. Behind Ji Heng, she saw a white-faced opera performer raising a sword to strike down at his back.

"Look out!" Jiang Li cried out in alarm.

This was not at all because she had a kind heart and couldn't bear to see blood, but rather for her own sake. If Ji Heng died here, she wouldn't be able to live either. Just as she was about to reach into her sleeve again, she saw the pale-faced swordsman suddenly freeze, as if someone had struck his pressure points, and a trail of crimson blood slowly trickled from the corner of his mouth before he fell backward.

A silver arrow had pierced straight through his chest.

With a rustling sound, Jiang Li looked up in the direction of the noise and saw black-clad guards appearing on the eaves at the four corners of the courtyard. They held bows and arrows, their faces expressionless, and their hands never stopped as they relentlessly shot arrows with a "swish, swish, swish."

The courtyard was immediately filled with the rising and falling sounds of screams.

But these screams were much quieter than those of ordinary people, so none of the neighbors nearby noticed. Jiang Li guessed that Jin Mantang's people were death warriors, specially trained individuals whose final moments were deliberately subdued.

Little Peach Red had been wholly intent on assassinating Ji Heng, never expecting that Ji Heng had already laid traps outside. Watching her companions fall one by one, she grew uneasy but was also driven into a frenzy, charging recklessly toward Ji Heng.

Jiang Li sighed inwardly.

Though she couldn't clearly see Little Peach Red's expression, her actions revealed that her mind was in turmoil. Yet, no one could have anticipated this. It was already surprising enough that Jin Mantang's people were death warriors sent to assassinate Ji Heng, but Ji Heng having prepared an ambush in advance was an even greater surprise. Little Peach Red's act had been exquisitely performed, but she hadn't accounted for the fact that Ji Heng had seen many such performances and could discern genuine intentions from false ones with exceptional clarity.

Jin Mantang's people thought they were putting on a show for Ji Heng, but Ji Heng truly regarded Jin Mantang as nothing more than a play.

The seemingly beautiful, indolent, and alluring young man moved with extraordinary grace. Though his movements were not as swift or fierce as Little Peach Red's, he resembled a venomous beast on the hunt, approaching its prey unhurriedly. Jiang Li didn't even get to witness their struggle—she only saw Ji Heng effortlessly snap Little Peach Red's dagger in two with his golden-threaded folding fan.

Without hesitation, he broke Little Peach Red's limbs and dislocated her jaw.

Jiang Li felt a chill run through her entire body.

Even though she had died once, even though she had been tormented by Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong, she could not adapt as effortlessly as Ji Heng to such a bloody environment. He seemed to feel nothing, even enjoying it, while she only wanted to leave.

Little Peach Red was subdued. The jade-like beauty now lay collapsed on the ground, devoid of all dignity, like a pig or dog awaiting slaughter. In her current state, she couldn't even end her own life.

Ji Heng took two steps forward, stopping in front of Little Peach Red. Though Little Peach Red was covered in blood and filth, the hem of Ji Heng's magnificent robe remained untainted by even a speck of dust.

He remained aloof, an ethereal spectator untouched by mortal affairs.

"I gave you a chance," Ji Heng said softly, bending slightly as if in pity. "It's a shame you refused."

A flicker of fear suddenly crossed Little Peach Red's eyes, and Jiang Li saw it clearly.

Even for death warriors, their final reliance was their fearlessness in the face of death. But fearlessness of death did not mean they had no plans for what lay beyond it. Once they lost their last trump card—the ability to end their lives at will—they would face things ten thousand times more terrifying than death.

This had been true since ancient times.Jiang Li recognized the guard named Wen Ji approaching Ji Heng and reporting, "Sir, we've kept ten alive."

The fear in Little Peach Red's eyes intensified. Under such circumstances, Ji Heng had actually managed to preserve ten captives completely unharmed—this was utterly terrifying. Most importantly, what did ten survivors signify? It meant far more opportunities for exploitation. Human nature could never withstand such tests. Ten death warriors entering the private prison together could yield vastly more truth than a single one.

Ji Heng would never let this opportunity slip.

"Your performance was quite impressive," Ji Heng smiled faintly, "a pity though."

Only the peony possesses true imperial splendor, stirring the capital in its blooming season!

I absolutely adore how the Duke wields the golden-threaded peony folding fan as a weapon! So dashing!

(End of Chapter)