The Double

Chapter 121: Imperial Son-in-Law

The next day, Jiang Li set off for Yanjing with Ye Mingyu's group and the citizens of Tongxiang in a grand procession.

Thanks to the ill-gotten wealth Feng Yutang had extorted from the people, they had no shortage of funds for travel expenses. Though the journey was inevitably slower with such a large group, their early departure ensured it wouldn't cause any issues.

The Ye family bid Jiang Li a reluctant farewell, particularly Old Madam Ye, who stood at the city gate watching until Jiang Li's figure disappeared from sight before leaving with the rest of the family.

In the carriage, Jiang Li sat with Xue Huaiyuan. By now, everyone had grown accustomed to her affectionate treatment of him. Cleaned up, Xue Huaiyuan appeared thin but had regained some of his former handsome features. Indeed, Xue Huaiyuan had been quite good-looking—otherwise, his children Xue Fangfei and Xue Zhao wouldn't have been so exceptionally attractive.

Jiang Li had brought clean clothes from the Ye family for Xue Huaiyuan to change into. If not for his childlike, self-absorbed behavior, one could vaguely glimpse his past demeanor.

When Ye Mingyu found a moment to join them in the carriage, he saw Jiang Li patiently using a handkerchief to wipe crumbs from Xue Huaiyuan's clothes. As he watched, a strange illusion struck him: Jiang Li and Xue Huaiyuan shared no blood relation or familial ties, and their features bore no resemblance. Yet, whether in their expressions or the look in their eyes, there was an uncanny similarity.

They looked like father and daughter.

Startled by this thought, Ye Mingyu inwardly scolded himself for overthinking. How could Jiang Li and Xue Huaiyuan be father and daughter? Jiang Li's father was the powerful Grand Secretary in Yanjing. Such an idea would insult both Jiang Yuanbai and Ye Zhenzhen.

Shaking off these wild thoughts, Ye Mingyu asked, "A Li, our journey will take a few more days. Your father doesn't know what you've done here yet, but once we return to Yanjing, we'll accomplish our goal. He'll surely forbid you from getting involved then. Why don't you brief me on what to do next? Or write it down so I can follow your instructions."

Ye Mingyu had sensed that Jiang Yuanbai was unaware of Jiang Li's actions in Tongxiang, even though she had used his name. As a noble young lady and the daughter of a Grand Secretary, Jiang Li couldn't afford further involvement to avoid complications. No matter how bold Ye Mingyu was, he couldn't prevent Jiang Li from returning home.

But once she was back, it might be difficult for her to leave promptly.

Yanjing was no place for recklessness, and the Jiang family was not like the Ye family. Ye Mingyu wasn't sure if he could successfully extract Jiang Li if needed. Thus, it was better to prepare for both scenarios. If Jiang Li couldn't leave temporarily, Ye Mingyu could handle matters on her behalf with her guidance, without her direct involvement.Jiang Li smiled and shook her head, saying, "That won't do. The relationships among official households in Yanjing City are very complex. The Ye family are merchants—if someone wants to suppress this matter, it could easily be buried. But involving me is different. Since I come from an official family, it will naturally draw attention. The Xue family case must create a huge uproar to have any chance of success. The bigger the commotion, the more anxious our opponents become. And when they act in haste, they'll make mistakes—that's when our opportunity arises."

"But..." Ye Mingyu hesitated, "What about your father..."

"Don't worry, I'll convince him," Jiang Li replied with a smile. Jiang Yuanbai was an intelligent man. Her current actions had already offended the Right Prime Minister through the Ye family, and the Xue family case had angered Princess Yongning. Since they had already made enemies, the superficial peace would be shattered. Once this began, stopping would be difficult.

Jiang Yuanbai understood this principle—he was in a predicament where retreat was impossible. Now, whether he wanted to or not, he had to act. So this matter had to be pursued relentlessly to deal a heavy blow to their opponents; otherwise, stopping midway would allow the other side to seize the initiative.

In his political career, Jiang Yuanbai was far from the fool he appeared in domestic affairs—he was shrewd. Jiang Li believed he would make the same choice she did.

But... she wondered what expression Yongning in Yanjing City would wear when she learned what Jiang Li had done?

She must be utterly furious.

...

Yanjing City was located in the northern regions, where not a single winter day passed without falling snow.

In the thick snowfall, the poor still had to brave the bitter cold to sell their labor, wearing thin clothing as they earned a few copper coins for their daily household expenses on icy streets.

Wealthy families fared much better, with heated floors and warm mansions. Delicate young ladies could sit indoors, holding hand warmers given by their maids, admiring the snowy scenery outside while composing poetry, painting, playing the qin, or reading.

The princess's residence was as warm as spring.

Long wool carpets embroidered with intricate patterns covered the floors, so soft one could walk barefoot without feeling cold. Thus, the young woman on the elevated seat wore only thin gauze clothing even in winter, faintly revealing the edge of her lotus-patterned undergarment, as radiant as a lotus about to bloom in summer.

She lay across someone's lap.

The man was handsome and gentle, smiling down at the lovely figure resting on his knees.

Her rosy lips uttered lingering verses: "In the past, I left my hair uncombed, silk tresses cascading over my shoulders, my wrists resting on your lap—how could anyone not find this endearing..." As she reached the final word, her voice dropped to a seductive whisper, her neck tilting upward as her red lips gently met the man's thin ones.

The servants in the hall all lowered their heads, not daring to look. When Princess Yongning was intimate with her lover, no one dared steal a glance.

"Yongning..." he sighed softly between his lips.

This sigh drove the woman to madness. Gazing into his eyes, she nearly lost herself in their tenderness. Suddenly, she asked, "My dear Shen, when shall we marry?"

The man—now an Imperial Secretariat Writer and a favorite of the Hongxiao Emperor, Shen Yurong—startled, as if abruptly awakened from his intoxicated desires. He leaned back slightly, evading Princess Yongning's intimate embrace.

Princess Yongning sensed his distance and snapped out of her earlier infatuation. Yet the next moment, she pressed forward again, clinging to him coquettishly. "My dear Shen," she pouted, "why aren't you saying anything?""Princess," Shen Yurong no longer called her 'Yongning.' He frowned, "My wife passed away less than a year ago..."

Xue Fangfei again! Princess Yongning's heart burned with hatred. He always claimed he was observing mourning for Xue Fangfei, wanting the world to witness his devotion. But Yongning knew clearly—this was merely an excuse.

The reason he refused to marry her was that the wretched woman still occupied his heart! Even dead, Xue Fangfei remained unforgotten in his thoughts! His tender affections toward her were only because she had Prince Cheng as her elder brother and held the status of a princess—he stayed with her for power and wealth!

Princess Yongning was not unaware, but understanding brought no solace, for she loved him. The more restrained and proper Shen Yurong was, the more restless she became. His ambivalence, his shifting closeness and distance, were a lethal poison to her. Since Xue Fangfei dwelled in his heart, she would carve that woman out piece by piece, until she vanished into dust.

The unattainable is always the most desirable—the more she couldn't have Shen Yurong, the more she craved him. Whether his feelings for her were genuine or feigned, she would bind him to her side. In this lifetime, he could only gaze upon her, a woman. If she couldn't possess his heart, she would take his person. Now, it seemed winning this man's heart would require more time, but she had grown impatient, her endurance worn thin. She could wait no longer to claim him.

She wanted Shen Yurong to become her Imperial Son-in-Law.

"Shen Lang," Princess Yongning cooed, "I've reached marriageable age. Just yesterday, my mother spoke of seeking a suitable match for me... Being of royal blood, my marriage isn't mine to decide. If not for my feelings for you, and my efforts to delay, I might already be another man's wife."

Shen Yurong gazed at her tenderly. At times, he was cold toward Yongning; at others, intimately affectionate. His unpredictability unsettled her, leaving her helplessly captivated—like now.

Her voice softened further, almost melting into a pool of water, her body languidly enveloping Shen Yurong.

"Tell me, if my mother were to marry me off to someone else one day, would you grieve? Would you regret it?"

Shen Yurong replied softly, "Naturally, I would grieve and regret."

Princess Yongning's face blossomed into a radiant smile. "Then why wait? Once I inform my mother, this matter can be settled."

"But..."

"Are you going to mention observing mourning for Xue Fangfei again?" After repeated delays, Princess Yongning's patience finally snapped. Though she still smiled, her tone carried a chill. Her crimson nails traced lightly over Shen Yurong's cheek. "Shen Lang, the world knows how Xue Fangfei died—from shame and melancholy after committing adultery. Everyone sympathizes with your plight. Even if you skipped mourning and remarried the next day, no one would fault you."

"Xue Fangfei is dead, but I am alive. Will you cling to mourning for a corpse and watch me slip away? My brother has met you several times and holds you in high regard. If you break my heart, he will be displeased... I wouldn't want misunderstandings to arise between you because of me." Her words were deliberately vague.

It was a blatant threat.Shen Yurong had recently gained Prince Cheng's special favor, though he hadn't yet demonstrated his full capabilities to become the prince's trusted confidant. Prince Cheng was bound to rebel sooner or later, and it appeared his chances of success were quite high. Amid the unpredictable tides of fate, Shen Yurong also aspired to achieve great deeds.

Princess Yongning could serve as his stepping stone, but she could just as easily become his stumbling block. She could build a bridge between Shen Yurong and Prince Cheng, or she could shatter it with a single step.

He knew she was capable of both.

Shen Yurong looked at her. Princess Yongning smiled at him with lingering affection, murmuring coquettishly, "Shen Lang, please agree... agree to me..."

He knew she had always been impatient. When she first took a fancy to him despite him having a wife, she swiftly disposed of Xue Fangfei. The patience she had shown him was already unprecedented. Perhaps he should be grateful that Princess Yongning's patience with him lasted this long. Once her patience ran out and she turned to someone else, he would lose his chance forever.

His chance to change his destiny.

Shen Yurong let out a soft laugh.

His smile carried a strange hint of irony, though it vanished in an instant, replaced by profound tenderness. He said, "Alright."

Princess Yongning's smile froze as she looked at him. "What did you say?" She had prepared herself for another rejection, but in her heart, she had also resolved not to back down this time. Whether through coercion, temptation, or outright force, she would become Madame Shen, regardless of Shen Yurong's willingness.

But he had actually agreed.

Princess Yongning leaped up. In that moment, her usually proud and somewhat sharp face lit up with genuine, childlike joy. She threw her arms around Shen Yurong's neck and exclaimed happily, "Shen Lang, you agreed! Tomorrow, I'll go to the palace and tell Mother Consort, so she can inform His Majesty!"

Shen Yurong affectionately patted her back and returned her embrace. The servants all kept their heads bowed, and since Princess Yongning had her back to him, no one noticed the fleeting coldness in Shen Yurong's eyes.

He knew Princess Yongning's limits, so he had to tread carefully. Often, going too far or falling short could ruin everything. He needed to be measured and patient, slowly but steadily securing what he desired.

When it was time to leave the princess' residence, Princess Yongning was deeply reluctant.

She wished Shen Yurong would stay the night, but he refused. He explained that, given his current position, many court officials were watching him closely, waiting for a misstep. If anyone caught wind of impropriety, it could lead to trouble.

Princess Yongning had no choice but to relent. Since Shen Yurong had already agreed, she consoled herself with the thought that she would soon become his rightful wife and firmly claim him as her own. For that, she could endure this brief separation.

Shen Yurong left the princess' residence, walked through the streets, and returned to the Shen residence.

The Zhuangyuan Mansion gleamed brilliantly, as pristine as when the emperor first bestowed it. The gatekeeper bowed to him. Shen Yurong entered the courtyard and paused by the flowerbed.

The gentle smile he had maintained suddenly cracked. He bent over as if nauseated by something and began to retch violently.

As his head spun and his chest tightened, he seemed to see a pair of feet. Following them upward, he saw the most familiar person—the one who had once shared his pillow.The woman possessed peerless beauty, captivating enough to topple cities and kingdoms. She said nothing, merely watching him quietly as she always had, everything unchanged. Yet in those cool, clear eyes, Shen Yurong still detected mockery.

Just as he had mockingly looked upon Princess Yongning.

He reached out, wanting to touch the hazy silhouette, but it shattered.

Shen's mother's voice rang out: "Yurong, what are you doing?"

Shen Yurong swayed slightly, straightened his posture, and softly replied, "It's nothing," before returning to his room.

Nothing. Gains inevitably come with losses. He had lost some things, and though it occasionally brought sorrow, he had ultimately gained much more.

He had finally changed his destiny. He was no longer that impoverished scholar whom everyone looked down upon.

A life completely different from before had only just begun.

...

Ten days after Jiang Li left Tongxiang, the letter about her return to the capital finally reached Jiang Yuanbai.

Not only the letter about her return, but also the rampant rumors spreading throughout Yanjing City. The rumors claimed that the Jiang family's second young lady, Jiang Li, had caused a major disturbance in Tongxiang, Xiangyang, over a case involving a disgraced official, even leading local villagers to the capital to file a complaint.

This incident caused an uproar in Yanjing City, as nothing so bizarre had ever occurred there before. A well-bred young lady from an official family, who had simply returned to her hometown to visit relatives—how had she become entangled in a case involving a disgraced official? And not just that, she had brought villagers to the capital. Did she want to play the righteous official? Did she even aspire to serve in court?

Colleagues in the court began looking at Jiang Yuanbai differently. Those aligned with Prince Cheng, who held grudges against Jiang Yuanbai, deliberately remarked to him, "Truly, a tiger father doesn't beget a dog daughter! Your daughter certainly takes after you—drawing her sword to aid the oppressed when she sees injustice. Such a righteous act, such a righteous act!"

In noble social circles, Jiang Li was viewed as meddlesome. They believed she was doing all this merely to show off and attract attention. All her theatrics and constant public appearances were seen as disgraceful for an official's daughter, utterly beyond the pale. They were relieved she wasn't their own sister, lest she tarnish their reputations.

Among the common people, however, curiosity about Jiang Li's deeds grew. Her dazzling performance at the verification grounds had already made her famous among the populace. Now, with her involvement in the disgraced official case, it seemed like a thrilling drama unfolding. The people eagerly awaited to see what Jiang Li would do next, almost treating it as a form of entertainment in Yanjing City. Everyone looked forward to the day she would return to Yanjing, wondering what surprises she would bring.

Regardless of others' opinions, Jiang Yuanbai was furious. Jiang Li and Ye Mingxuan had gone back to visit Old Madam Ye—how had they stirred up such a mess? He didn't suspect Jiang Li herself, as she couldn't possibly have known Xue Huaiyuan and had no reason to interfere in the case. Jiang Yuanbai suspected it was the Ye family's doing, likely using Jiang Li as a pawn to meddle in the affair.

The matter of the Ye family's Ancient Fragrance Satin was one thing—the Weaving Office Order had later discreetly mentioned it to him, and Jiang Yuanbai learned that Jiang Li had used his name to get the Weaving Office to act. That could be overlooked, but the Ye family was still connected to him by marriage. Jiang Li's actions in Xiangyang to help the Ye family resolve their troubles hadn't harmed the Jiang family's reputation. Even if she offended a few people, as the Grand Secretary, he had no reason to fear anyone over such matters.However, the Xue family case was different. Even before Jiang Li returned, it had already caused a stir throughout the city. Since Xue Huaiyuan was an honest official, how could he end up in such a wretched state? Feng Yutang dared to act so tyrannically in Tongxiang, clearly because he had powerful backing. Jiang Yuanbai had vaguely heard rumors that behind the Xue Huaiyuan case was a noble figure from Yanjing City.

Who exactly this noble was, Jiang Yuanbai did not know. In the past, he might not have been so wary, but now, with Prince Cheng and the Right Prime Minister eyeing the Jiang family covetously, if the Jiang family were to be caught in any scandal, his rivals would surely seize the opportunity to kick them while they were down. Jiang Yuanbai was currently focused on "maintaining stability" and thus unwilling to stir up any trouble.

As soon as Jiang Li returned to the capital, he intended to confine her to the estate, forcing her to reflect deeply and understand that, as a member of the Jiang family, she could not act recklessly and disregard the family's reputation. This would also help sever her ties with Tongxiang and the case, allowing him to dismiss those people.

In the Elegant Beauty Garden.

Jiang Youyao stormed into the room without even closing the door and immediately demanded, "Mother, have you heard? That little wretch Jiang Li is coming back!"

During Jiang Li's absence, Jiang Yu'e had become a concubine and was taken into Zhou Yanbang's residence. Jiang Yu'e had left in a hurry, perhaps fearing that staying in the Jiang estate would invite trouble from Jiang Youyao. She moved into the Zhou residence shortly after Jiang Li's departure.

Shen Ruyun was not set to marry into the Zhou family until the coming spring.

Among the young ladies of the Jiang estate, only Jiang Youyao and Jiang Yuyan remained. Jiang Yuyan was timid and cowardly, and with Jiang Yu'e gone, she hardly even ventured out of the third branch's courtyard. Even if she weren't so timid, Jiang Youyao would still disdain playing with the daughter of an illegitimate child.

Over these days, Jiang Youyao had gradually calmed down. She thought it through clearly: regardless of whether she could marry Zhou Yanbang, there were two people she absolutely could not let off—Jiang Yu'e and Jiang Li. Jiang Yu'e had dared to covet her fiancé—this was a provocation! And the reason Jiang Yu'e had succeeded was because Jiang Li had stirred up trouble behind the scenes. They were in it together!

As for Shen Ruyun, until she married into the Zhou family, she could not be considered the Zhou family's mistress. Who could predict what might happen in the meantime? Who said Jiang Youyao had no chance at all?

It seemed that after the incident with Zhou Yanbang, Jiang Youyao had matured considerably, becoming more cunning and composed. Sometimes, when she sat quietly, her expression even bore a resemblance to Ji Shuran's.

Ji Shuran frowned, instructing the maid to close the door, and scolded, "Why are you shouting so loudly? Be careful your father hears and becomes displeased."

Although Jiang Yuanbai was not particularly affectionate toward Jiang Li, she was still his daughter. If he witnessed Jiang Youyao's unruly behavior, he would naturally be displeased.

"But she's coming back!" Jiang Youyao stamped her foot. "Mother, have you thought of how to deal with her?"

Ji Shuran felt a headache coming on.

When the news of Jiang Li's imminent return reached her, she could not hide her shock. The assassins she had sent out were first-rate experts, and the matter had been arranged with the help of her sister, Chen Jishi. The guards accompanying Jiang Li were no match for those men.

She had been anxiously waiting in Yanjing City for news, but there had been no reply for a long time. Ji Shuran had already begun to feel uneasy, until Jiang Yuanbai received that letter.She gritted her teeth. It seemed Jiang Li had managed to evade this disaster. Otherwise, those people would have succeeded long ago. How could she be so capable!

Jiang Youyao, unaware of her mother's secret arrangements, only said impatiently, "Mother, what should we do now? It's her fault that I've become the laughingstock of Yanjing City and lost the Zhou heir. I absolutely cannot let her get away with this!"

"I know." Ji Shuran sighed. "I will find a way to resolve this matter. Don't worry, even before she returned to Yanjing, she has already caused so much trouble. Your father is already very displeased with her, and your grandmother won't take her side this time either. If she truly offends someone she shouldn't, she'll be digging her own grave without me having to lift a finger. There will be plenty of time ahead; after all, I am still the wife of the eldest branch. There will be many opportunities to deal with her." She looked at Jiang Youyao, her expression growing slightly more serious. "But as for you, Youyao. Young Master Zhou has already moved on. In the future, I will find you a better husband. Don't think about him anymore. It's impossible for you to marry into the Zhou family now."

Jiang Youyao's eyes instantly reddened. Choking back tears, she said, "I know, Mother. I won't."

Ji Shuran had a maid fetch a handkerchief and wiped Jiang Youyao's tears as she spoke. "I don't mean to upset you. You are my daughter, and of course I want you to live well and not suffer any grievances. The Zhou family has already decided to bring Shen Ruyun into their household. Out of respect for Official Shen, they won't allow you to have any further contact with Young Master Zhou. Of course, a family like the Zhou's is not worthy of my regard either."

"There are countless men in this world, Zhou Yanbang is not the only one. You deserve better—no one can compare to you," Ji Shuran said softly.

Jiang Youyao buried her face in Ji Shuran's embrace, her hands hidden in her sleeves gradually clenching into fists.

She simply couldn't accept it.

...

News of Jiang Li spread like wildfire, reaching the Jiang family and naturally, the Zhou family as well.

Jiang Yu'e was washing clothes in the courtyard.

Her long hair was tied up in a married woman's bun, and her clothes were splattered with water droplets, looking even shabbier than what she had worn in the Jiang family's third branch. Several maids stood nearby, chatting nonchalantly as if they didn't see Jiang Yu'e laboring over the laundry.

Jiang Yu'e felt deeply humiliated.

She had never lived like a servant before. Even when she had to curry favor with Ji Shuran and her daughter in the Jiang family, she was at least nominally a young lady of the Jiang family and had never been treated poorly.

But since entering the Zhou residence, what awaited her was not Zhou Yanbang's tenderness. He had merely glanced at her on their wedding night before leaving and had never set foot in her courtyard again. She had entered the Zhou family as a concubine, and the Zhou servants did not treat her as their mistress. Being mocked behind her back was common, and now they had grown so bold as to openly disregard her.

Jiang Yu'e wanted to complain to someone, but she didn't know who to turn to. She couldn't even speak freely outside the Zhou residence, and the Zhou family members whispered behind her back, saying she "climbed into the young master's bed while he was drunk."

Jiang Yu'e hated Zhou Yanbang, hated Jiang Youyao, and hated Jiang Li even more. If it weren't for Jiang Li's meddling back then, how could she have ended up like this?

She almost seemed to channel all her anger into the laundry stick, scrubbing furiously, when a pair of boots suddenly stopped in front of her.

Jiang Yu'e was startled and slowly looked up.

Zhou Yanbang's handsome face appeared before her eyes. Jiang Yu'e could hardly believe what she was seeing.

After all these days, Zhou Yanbang had never once come to see her. Jiang Yu'e had gradually come to understand that whatever slight affection she thought Zhou Yanbang had for her was entirely nonexistent. He hated her for ruining his career prospects, humiliating him at the palace banquet, and ending his engagement with the Jiang family.He blamed everything on himself; he was punishing himself.

Jiang Yu'e said in a trembling voice, "Your Highness..."

Zhou Yanbang looked at her coldly. All the gentleness and refinement he once possessed had vanished. After the palace banquet, it was as if he had become a different person—gloomy and inscrutable, lost in unknown thoughts. He glanced at what Jiang Yu'e was doing and remarked, "I heard Jiang Li is returning to the capital."

Jiang Yu'e was taken aback. She had also heard about Jiang Li leaving the capital, rumored to be visiting the Ye family in Xiangyang. How ridiculous—a mere merchant family, what was there to see? They hadn't been in contact for over a decade; it was all just pretentious posturing.

"Jiang Yu'e, do you want to become one of my people?" Zhou Yanbang looked down on her from his superior position, his tone utterly flippant.

But Jiang Yu'e did not feel insulted; instead, a surge of delight welled up from the depths of her heart.

"When Jiang Li returns to the capital, help me lure her out," he said.

Here come Shen the scumbag and the princess that you all dislike. To all the precious students taking the college entrance exam today, give it your best! May every one of you achieve outstanding results and have your names inscribed on the golden roll!

(End of Chapter)