The Double

Chapter 142: Winter Solstice

Rumors about Ji Shuran spread like wildfire through every street and alley, yet Jiang Yuanbai’s men ultimately failed to uncover the source. The matter seemed to have become an unsolved mystery, but the outcome was painfully real—the Jiang family’s reputation suffered a severe blow. At court, countless memorials accused Jiang Yuanbai of failing to maintain proper discipline within his household.

Supporters of the Right Prime Minister seized the opportunity to spread various damaging rumors about Jiang Yuanbai. In such circumstances, the more one tried to clarify, the deeper one sank into the whirlpool of gossip. Jiang Yuanbai eventually claimed illness to avoid attending court and grew increasingly silent. Jiang Yuanping was also implicated, and the atmosphere in the Jiang residence grew tense.

Amid these complicated circumstances, the winter solstice arrived quietly in Yanjing City.

On the day of the winter solstice, heavy snow fell. Tong’er stood at the courtyard gate and remarked, “I’ve never seen such heavy snow in Qingcheng Mountain. It’s truly beautiful.”

What northerners took for granted was a novelty to Tong’er. Having lived in a temple for many years, she had rarely witnessed such a scene of everything blanketed in silver. Tong’er asked Jiang Li, “Miss, are you still going to the Ye family’s residence today?”

“Yes,” Jiang Li replied with a smile. “But before that, we’re going somewhere else.”

“Somewhere else?” Tong’er was puzzled.

Jiang Li smiled but did not answer.

Outside, the snow fell heavily. Even the street vendors who usually set up their stalls daily were absent. The streets were empty, with very few pedestrians. Thick snow covered the ground, marked only by deep ruts left by carriage wheels and scattered hoofprints.

When Jiang Li left the residence, the gatekeeper hesitated, but in the end, he dared not discourage him. Everyone knew that the Second Miss now held sway in the main household. Even the old madam had granted her permission to come and go without reporting. How could mere servants dare to stop her?

Exiting the residence went smoothly. Jiang Li headed to the Mist and Rain Pavilion at Egret Bay—the final resting place of Xue Zhao.

Tong’er and Bai Xue still remembered this place. Before their return to Tongxiang, Jiang Li had visited once. It was said that the Mist and Rain Pavilion was best enjoyed during misty rain, and it had indeed been raining during their last visit. But today, there was no rain. Was the snowy scenery at the Mist and Rain Pavilion particularly beautiful? Was that why Jiang Li had decided to visit on a whim?

Jiang Li asked her maids to wait outside the courtyard while she entered the rear garden of the Mist and Rain Pavilion. Under the peach tree, Xue Zhao’s grave lay quietly, almost entirely buried under the snow. If not for the partially exposed epitaph, it would have been completely hidden from sight.

Since Jiang Li’s return to Tongxiang, no one had come to pay respects here. The sight filled her with sorrow. Leaving Xue Zhao alone in such loneliness pained her deeply.

She bent down, found an old broom nearby, and cleared the snow in front of the grave, creating a small open space. She then carefully wiped the tombstone with a cloth from her basket before placing incense and offerings on the cleared ground.

Although she could now leave the residence freely, visiting the Mist and Rain Pavilion was not something she could do without caution. The Ye family was, after all, her maternal relatives, but Xue Zhao had no connection whatsoever to the Second Miss Jiang. If someone were to see her and link it to the recent lawsuit on behalf of Xue Huaiyuan, it could lead to unnecessary trouble.But on the Winter Solstice in the past, it had always been Xue Zhao, her, and Xue Huaiyuan spending the day together indoors. Xue Zhao would roast venison from his hunts in the mountains, and Xue Huaiyuan would permit them to drink wine on that day. Thus, plum wine would be warming on the stove, Xue Zhao would animatedly talk about his dreams of the martial world, she would chime in occasionally, and Xue Huaiyuan would smile indulgently from the side.

The setting remains, but the people are gone—some dead, some scattered, some driven mad. Jiang Li still couldn't bring Xue Huaiyuan to Xue Zhao's grave; she could only come alone.

She sat before the tomb, placed the oil-paper-wrapped venison, and poured a cup of plum wine for Xue Zhao, just as in all those past years.

After sitting a while longer, she stood up, brushed the snowflakes from her clothes, and turned to leave.

Tong'er and Bai Xue had been waiting outside, chilled to the bone. Finally seeing Jiang Li emerge, they didn't ask where the bamboo basket she had brought had gone, only saying, "Shall we head back?"

Jiang Li nodded.

"Then let's go. It's really not good to stay out in this weather for long." Tong'er handed the warming stove to Jiang Li and helped her into the carriage.

Next, Jiang Li went to the Ye residence.

At the Ye residence, Ye Mingyu was feasting and drinking heartily with his martial arts brothers. When the gatekeeper announced Jiang Li's arrival, Ye Mingyu panicked momentarily—how could he receive anyone in such a messy state? Seeing this, Ye Shijie shook his head and went out himself to meet Jiang Li first.

Not seeing Ye Mingyu in the room, Jiang Li asked Ye Shijie, who had come alone, "Why isn't Uncle here?"

"He's been drinking and is changing clothes now that he knows you're here," Ye Shijie replied with a headache. Hearing the rowdy drinking games from inside and seeing Ye Shijie's helpless expression, Jiang Li understood. Ye Mingyu had always been rough and unrestrained, while Ye Shijie was extremely restrained. Now that Ye Mingyu had brought the martial world into his home, it was naturally not a pleasant situation for Ye Shijie.

Jiang Li glanced toward the back and smiled. "Uncle has a carefree nature; you should be more tolerant of him."

"I know," Ye Shijie replied. "Third Uncle has always been like this." He looked at Jiang Li. "Why have you come so early?"

"Today is the Winter Solstice; I came to see you all." Jiang Li had Bai Xue bring out the pastries she had prepared in advance. "And to bring you some treats."

Ye Shijie took them, a strange feeling welling up in his heart. Jiang Li's expression was gentle, her attitude natural, as if treating them like family. When the word "family" crossed his mind, Ye Shijie jolted as if struck by something.

Just as he was lost in thought, Ye Mingyu emerged, having changed his clothes. He must have been drinking merrily with his brothers earlier; though he had changed, the smell of alcohol still lingered. Fortunately, he was relatively sober. Seeing Jiang Li, he said, "A Li, you're here! Come in and sit?"

"Uncle, you have guests; I won't stay long," Jiang Li replied with a smile. As a young lady surrounded by burly men, she didn't mind, but the men might feel uncomfortable.

"I've brought you some things and also came to see Magistrate Xue," Jiang Li said cheerfully. "I'll leave after visiting him."

"Why..." Ye Mingyu tried to persuade her to stay, but Ye Shijie interrupted, saying, "Alright, it's really not convenient for you to be here today. Come again another time when there are no outsiders around."He emphasized the words "no outsiders" heavily, glancing at Ye Mingyu.

Ye Mingyu, knowing he was in the wrong, rubbed his nose and chuckled awkwardly, "Well then, shall we go see County Magistrate Xue now? That little girl Situ has been coming to give him acupuncture these past few days. The old man's health has improved a lot—he can eat a full bowl of rice every day and is in good spirits!"

As he spoke, he led Jiang Li to Xue Huaiyuan's courtyard.

Xue Huaiyuan was intently watching someone perform a shadow puppet show, likely a small amusement Ye Mingyu had specially arranged for him. He watched with great enthusiasm, occasionally breaking into happy laughter. Seeing this, Jiang Li couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed.

There was no sign of his sanity returning.

Ye Shijie seemed to sense her thoughts and said, "You don’t need to be too anxious. Miss Situ said that County Magistrate Xue’s illness isn’t easy to cure—it must be approached gradually. Besides, as Third Uncle said, his health has improved a lot these past few days. When he first came to Yanjing from Tongxiang, he was extremely weak. Now he’s almost fully recovered."

Jiang Li slowly calmed down and shook her head, "I’m just too impatient."

"I know," Ye Mingyu scratched his head. "You care more about Old Man Xue than your own father, so of course you’re concerned about him. Why don’t you consider making him your adoptive father once he recovers? After all you’ve done for him, he wouldn’t refuse. As for your father, don’t worry—I’ll talk to him!" Then he added resentfully, "I haven’t even settled the score with him about Ji Shuran yet. Back then, everything was based solely on Ji Shuran’s words—how could he treat our Ye family like that?"

Speaking of this matter, Ye Mingyu gritted his teeth in anger.

When the truth about Ji Shuran’s past actions came to light, Ye Mingyu and Ye Shijie were among the first to know. Unsurprisingly, they fiercely criticized Jiang Yuanbai. If Ji Shuran hadn’t already died, they would have gone to the Ji family to demand an explanation. In the end, it was Jiang Li who stepped in to calm Ye Mingyu down.

However, after learning how much injustice Jiang Li had suffered, Ye Mingyu grew even more displeased with the Jiang family. He even considered having Jiang Li leave the Jiang family and return to the Ye family, but the more rational Ye Shijie ultimately stopped him.

"Adoptive father?" Jiang Li’s heart stirred. She had never considered this idea before, but Ye Mingyu, who traveled the world frequently, was accustomed to such practices as pledging allegiance or recognizing adoptive fathers. Though he had spoken casually, Jiang Li took it to heart. Her excessive concern for Xue Huaiyuan might invite gossip in the future, but if he were her adoptive father, everything would naturally fall into place.

However, unless Xue Huaiyuan regained his sanity first, even if the Jiang family felt guilty toward her, they would never allow Jiang Li to recognize a mentally incapacitated person as her adoptive father.

With this new direction in mind, Jiang Li felt much more at ease. When she spoke with Ye Mingyu and the others again, her smile seemed more genuine.

Ye Shijie vaguely sensed the change in Jiang Li’s demeanor but couldn’t pinpoint the reason. Seeing her radiant, carefree smile—a rare sight unburdened by schemes—he paused and swallowed the question on the tip of his tongue.

Jiang Li remained in high spirits until she left the Ye residence.

Bai Xue asked, "Miss, shall we return to the residence now?""Let's head back." Jiang Li glanced at the sky. It was actually still early—she would normally have stayed longer at the Ye residence, but since Ye Mingyu's friends were present, it wasn't convenient for her to remain, so she had left first. The snow hadn't stopped yet, and staying outside was far too cold. Since there was nothing else to do, it was better to return now.

Tong'er responded cheerfully, already imagining the cozy warmth of the fire in Fragrant Garden Courtyard, a far better prospect than enduring the chill outside. Just as they were about to board the carriage, an eager voice called out from behind: "Second Miss Jiang?"

Turning around, Jiang Li saw Wenren Yao and Situ Jiuyue, whom she had encountered not long ago. It was Wenren Yao who had stopped her.

At the sight of Jiang Li, Wenren Yao approached with a beaming smile. "Second Miss Jiang, are you just leaving the Ye residence?"

Jiang Li nodded and addressed Situ Jiuyue, "Miss Situ, are you here to treat County Magistrate Xue?"

"No," Situ Jiuyue replied. "There's no need for acupuncture in the next three days."

Jiang Li smiled. "My mistake. Where are you two headed?" Running into Situ Jiuyue at the Ye residence gate, she had assumed the physician had come to treat Xue Huaiyuan, but that wasn't the case.

She had asked casually, not particularly invested in the answer. After all, Situ Jiuyue and Wenren Yao were closely connected to Ji Heng, and whatever they were up to was none of Jiang Li's concern—nor could she afford to meddle.

Unexpectedly, Wenren Yao immediately answered, "We're going to the Duke's residence."

Situ Jiuyue shot him a disapproving glance, likely annoyed by his careless attitude. Jiang Li was briefly taken aback but quickly said, "In that case, I won't keep you." She stepped aside to let them pass.

However, Wenren Yao's handsome face broke into an even more enthusiastic grin. "No trouble at all! We're just dropping by the Duke's residence. It's the winter solstice today—we're going for a meal. Second Miss Jiang, you're heading back, aren't you? It's still so early; why not join us for dinner at the Duke's residence?"

Jiang Li: "..."

She was baffled. How exactly did Wenren Yao's mind work? Did her relationship with Ji Heng seem familiar enough to casually visit each other's homes? Of course, Ji Heng could drop by the Jiang residence—but that was because he was willful, not because they were on friendly terms.

Jiang Li politely declined. "That won't be necessary."

"Why stand on ceremony?" Wenren Yao persisted cheerfully. "Come on, there's no time like the present! Since we've met on the road, it's fate. We're all friends here; sharing a meal is no big deal. You strike me as straightforward, Second Miss Jiang—no need to be bound by these formalities."

Jiang Li: "...I think you've misunderstood my relationship with the Duke. We are not friends."

She thought this would make her stance clear, but Wenren Yao acted as if it were perfectly normal. "I get it. With his temper, no one in the world would want to be his friend. But even if you're not his friend, you can still be mine, right? Don't be shy! Don't feel awkward just because Ji Heng didn't invite you. He didn't invite me either, and I still go, don't I?"

Jiang Li: "..."

She truly had no words for this Young Master Wenren.Situ Jiuyue, who had been watching from the side, could no longer stand it. She glared at Wenren Yao before turning to Jiang Li. After a moment's thought, she said, "If you have nothing else to do, you might as well visit the Duke's residence. I heard about what happened at your residence a few days ago. Ji Heng was involved in this matter privately, so perhaps you two could discuss it."

These words from Situ Jiuyue reminded Jiang Li of something—why Consort Li remained unharmed, where Chongxu Daoren was currently, and whether the Hongxiao Emperor knew that Chongxu Daoren was a fraud. She had originally intended to ask Zhao Ke about this, but now it seemed more convenient to inquire with Ji Heng. After all, Zhao Ke was constantly guarding the Jiang residence day and night, while Ji Heng had access to palace news.

Since Wenren Yao had invited her, she could take this opportunity to visit the Duke's residence. However... showing up uninvited was something she couldn't do as casually as Wenren Yao.

"Don't worry, you can say Wenren Yao kidnapped you," Situ Jiuyue said calmly, as if reading her mind.

Wenren Yao perked up at this. Instead of refuting, he laughed and said, "I'd be happy to oblige."

And so, the matter was strangely settled. No sooner had Jiang Li left the Ye residence than she found herself being steered toward the Duke's residence.

To avoid drawing attention, Jiang Li didn't take the Jiang family carriage but rode with Situ and Wenren instead. Throughout the journey, Wenren Yao proved extremely talkative, finding various ways to engage Jiang Li in conversation. In contrast, Jiang Li remained rather silent. Though the distance wasn't long, Jiang Li found the trip quite exhausting. Even Jiang Jingrui, the noisiest person in the Jiang residence, seemed "quiet and refined" compared to Wenren Yao. She couldn't understand how this elegant-looking young man could be so overwhelmingly sociable. Jiang Li swore that if Wenren Yao simply stood by the street corner keeping his mouth shut, he would attract more admiring glances than he ever could by forcing conversation with young ladies.

When the carriage arrived at the Duke's residence gate, Wenren Yao jumped down first. Tong'er and Bai Xue helped Jiang Li alight, only to see Wenren Yao already familiarly urging the gatekeeper to open the main door.

He acted as unceremoniously as if this were his own home.

The main gate of the Duke's residence swung open.

In both her past and present lives, this was Jiang Li's first time entering the Duke's residence. Rumors about the Duke's residence ranged from describing it as sinister and terrifying to glamorous and romantic. This proper estate had been portrayed as either a celestial paradise or a hellish abyss through vulgar gossip. But as Jiang Li stepped inside, she had only one impression: it was breathtakingly beautiful.

Unlike the Ye family's ostentatious wealth or the Jiang family's refined elegance, the Duke's residence was just like its master—vibrant and dazzling. Even in the cold winter, the garden remained a blaze of colorful blooms. Snow blanketed the branches, though someone had carefully brushed away the heavy snow that weighed down the petals. The more pristine the snow covering, the more brilliantly the vibrant spring colors stood out against the silver-white backdrop. It was hard to tell whether it was early spring or deep winter—just like its master, where it was impossible to discern whether he was passionate or indifferent, always leaving people perplexed.Wenren Yao was long accustomed to such sights. Noticing Jiang Li carefully observing the flowers along the path, he remarked, "Every single plant in this estate is Ji Heng's treasured blossom. You mustn't step on or touch them. Oh, it's not just because they're extremely valuable transplants that cost him a fortune—lest you be turned into fertilizer—but because most of these flowers are poisonous. A mere brush against your skin could be life-threatening."

"Poisonous?" Jiang Li turned back in surprise.

"Indeed," Situ Jiuyue replied. "The more vibrant something appears, the more toxic it tends to be. Flowers are no exception."

Jiang Li fell silent, reflecting that this characteristic aligned perfectly with Ji Heng's nature. He wasn't the type to lavish resources solely for aesthetic pleasure. Moreover, he had explicitly stated he only valued things with utility—and toxicity was precisely the value these flowers provided.

They traversed corridors, bypassed flower beds, and detoured around most pathways. Jiang Li even spotted a training ground—a rare luxury within a ducal estate. Scattered nearby were assorted weapons and archery targets. Wenren Yao adopted a proprietorial air as he explained, "This is the old general's domain. Ji Heng designated this space specifically so his grandfather could practice with blades without endangering the flowers."

Jiang Li: "..." Fortunately, the estate was vast enough to accommodate such arrangements.

The household appeared to have no female members, but as rumors suggested, all attending servants were remarkably handsome youths, creating a visually pleasing atmosphere. These attendants clearly underwent rigorous training—they remained focused on their tasks without glancing up as Wenren Yao led his guests through.

Finally, they reached the main hall.

The estate was truly expansive. Upon entering the main hall, booming laughter echoed from within, so vigorous it seemed to vibrate through the air.

"Grandpa!" Wenren Yao called out affectionately.

Crossing the threshold, Jiang Li saw an elderly man in armor seated at the center, twirling a red-tasseled spear with practiced flourishes. Hearing Wenren Yao's voice, the old man turned—the lengthy spear nearly grazing Wenren Yao's face.

"Yao boy! When did you return to Yanjing?" The elder's eyes widened as he noticed Situ Jiuyue. "Ah, Jiuyue's here too!"

Wenren Yao whispered to Jiang Li, "This is the old general—Ji Heng's grandfather."

Recognition dawned on Jiang Li. She had only heard legends of the old general's military prowess from his youth. Seeing him now, the rumors held truth—at least his robust vitality at such advanced age proved his vigor wasn't fabricated.

However... the familiar rapport between the old general, Wenren Yao, and Situ Jiuyue revealed new dimensions to their relationship with the Ji family.

Their whispered exchange didn't escape the old general's notice. Approaching Jiang Li, he scrutinized her before exclaiming, "Yao boy! You've acquired a wife in these years apart? Whose daughter is this? She looks clever—what made her settle for you?"

Wenren Yao: "..."

Jiang Li: "..."

The old gentleman certainly didn't mince words.Wenren Yao said, "What kind of talk is this, old sir! What do you mean by 'how did she take a fancy to you'? What's wrong with me? Don't give me that look—countless girls in Northern Yan want to marry me. How come in your words, I don't seem decent at all?"

"Cut the nonsense," the old general mercilessly exposed Wenren Yao's lie. "As for you, forget the rest—my grandson surpasses you in every way, and he doesn't even have a wife. If you have one, isn't it just because the girls are blind?"

Seeing the conversation drift further off track with no one explaining her identity, Jiang Li had no choice but to step forward herself and say helplessly, "Old General, I am not Wenren Gongzi's wife."

The room fell silent for a moment before Old General Ji suddenly burst into loud laughter, so booming that even people in the courtyard outside could hear it. He exclaimed, "I knew it!"

Wenren Yao flushed bright red.

"Girl, who are you? How come you came to the estate with Young Yao? Are you a friend of Jiuyue?" Old General Ji asked.

"Not my friend," Situ Jiuyue denied bluntly. "She's someone Ji Heng knows."

"Someone Ji Heng knows..." Old General Ji's eyes lit up, and his gaze toward Jiang Li was like that of a poor man beholding a pile of gold. He took a few steps closer and asked, "Miss, what is your relationship with that brat Ji Heng?"

"Grandfather." Just as Jiang Li was bewildered by Old General Ji's enthusiastic attitude, a cold voice sounded from the doorway. Turning around, she saw Ji Heng walking in expressionlessly.

Usually, he either wore a faint, ambiguous smile or an outright charming one—even if it was fake, he never adopted such an icy demeanor. Yet within this coldness, there was a relaxed ease, the kind only shown among those he considered his own, with defenses lowered.

"Oh, why is Second Miss Jiang here too?" Another voice emerged from behind Ji Heng. Jiang Li recognized this person—it was Kong Liu. He was holding a plate of pastries, and right behind him was Lu Ji.

Why was everyone gathering here? Jiang Li felt a headache coming on. Had she forgotten to check the almanac before going out today? If she really wanted to speak with Ji Heng, it would have been in private—she didn’t want others to know. But what was going on? Was the Duke’s residence hosting a family banquet? Now everyone would know she had come uninvited to find Ji Heng.

"Miss, what did you come to find our A-Heng for?" Old General Ji pressed relentlessly.

Ji Heng tossed the plate in his hand onto the table and said, "I asked her to come." Before Old General Ji could say more, he added coldly, "Ask any more questions, and you won’t get any."

Old General Ji immediately fell silent.

Jiang Li glanced at Ji Heng, thinking he seemed particularly odd today, as if he were in a bad mood. Kong Liu noticed Jiang Li staring blankly at Ji Heng and sidled up to her, asking, "What’s wrong, Second Miss Jiang?"

"Nothing," Jiang Li replied. "I just feel like the Duke seems quite unhappy today. Is it... because I came?"

"No." Kong Liu, clearly well-versed in the matter, enthusiastically enlightened her. "He’s always in a bad mood when he cooks."

"He cooks?" Jiang Li was astonished.

"Yes." Kong Liu said it as if it were the most natural thing in the world. He pointed toward the table. "All of that was made by him. The old man specifically requested it—whether he likes it or not, he has to do it."

Only then did Jiang Li notice the long table in the center of the main hall, laden with an array of dishes that looked, smelled, and undoubtedly tasted exquisite. It seemed it was almost time for the meal. Kong Liu gestured with the plate in his hand and said, "Pastries made by the Duke himself. Care to try one?"

Jiang Li instinctively followed Kong Liu’s gesture and looked at the plate. The pastries were exquisitely crafted, charming in color, and emitted an enticing aroma—even more beautiful than those from Yanjing City’s most popular pastry shops.

She found it all utterly absurd, even giving rise to the illusion that none of this was real.

She looked at Ji Heng again. Sensing her gaze, he glanced faintly at Jiang Li.That glance carried none of his usual feigned amusement, appearing almost indifferent, yet it sent a chill through Jiang Li's heart.

Oh no, she seemed to have uncovered another one of Ji Heng's secrets. Would she be silenced for this?

Yes! You read that right! The Duke's skills actually include cooking! Who would have thought this flirtatious rogue had the soul of a homebody!

By the way, I just realized Old General Ji sounds like "Gay General" when said quickly.

(End of Chapter)