The Double

Chapter 143: Inside Story

For no apparent reason, when she arrived at the Duke's residence, it happened to be lunchtime. So everyone sat down to eat together.

Apart from Ji Heng, who seemed less cheerful than usual, everyone else was quite happy.

Kong Liu and Wenren Yao were the most lively. Wenren Yao enthusiastically said, "Second Miss Jiang, you must try the Duke's cooking. It's even more authentic than the imperial chefs in the palace, and it's not something you can taste every day. Only during festivals..."

With a sharp "snap," the silver chopsticks in Ji Heng's hands broke in two. Wenren Yao immediately fell silent, becoming extremely quiet.

Old General Ji glanced at Jiang Li and asked, "Young lady, your surname is Jiang? I haven't asked yet, which family's daughter are you? Judging by your accent, you're from Yanjing, right?"

Jiang Li politely replied, "Yes. My father is Grand Secretary Jiang. You must know him, Old General. I am the second child in my family."

"Jiang Yuanbai?" Old General Ji's expression shifted slightly. "You're Jiang Yuanbai's daughter?"

Jiang Li nodded.

Old General Ji muttered something under his breath, and his gaze toward Jiang Li lost its earlier warmth. It seemed he had some past grievances with Jiang Yuanbai, but Jiang Li didn't particularly mind.

She tasted a bit of the ham and fresh bamboo shoot soup in the small bowl before her—it was exceptionally delicious. She also tried the jujube paste and yam cake—sweet and tangy, very palatable. Wenren Yao was right; although she didn't often have the chance to sample imperial cuisine, she imagined that even the imperial chefs' dishes couldn't surpass this.

The fact that Ji Heng could cook, and with such skill, overturned Jiang Li's previous assumptions about him. For someone who spent his days scheming and captivating souls, he actually had such a down-to-earth side. Jiang Li felt that she might never have truly understood Ji Heng.

"How is it?" Kong Liu asked with a smile. "Does the food suit your taste?"

Jiang Li nodded. "Very good."

Ji Heng impatiently slammed his chopsticks down, as if enduring this large table of people had exhausted all his patience. After restraining himself for a moment, he picked up his chopsticks again.

"Second Miss Jiang, can you cook?" Wenren Yao suddenly asked Jiang Li. "I've heard that some young ladies have a natural talent for cooking, but I've never met one. Someone like Jiuyue certainly can't cook—I'm afraid she'd poison the food."

Situ Jiuyue sneered, "There's poison in your bowl right now."

Jiang Li was taken aback for a moment before replying, "I know a little."

"I know Second Miss Jiang is always modest. What you call 'a little' probably means you're quite skilled." Wenren Yao's eyes lit up.

Kong Liu also looked at Jiang Li. The idea of Jiang Li knowing how to cook was truly strange. Kong Liu had witnessed this young lady's prowess in archery and horseback riding at the training grounds—she was a heroine who rivaled any man. Though she appeared delicate, she was actually fierce and formidable. If she weren't Jiang Yuanbai's daughter, Kong Liu would have considered recruiting her for the cavalry. How could such a young lady stoop to cooking? It seemed like a waste of talent!

"What is Second Miss Jiang best at cooking?" Wenren Yao asked.

Jiang Li thought for a moment. "Roasted venison and beggar's bird."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the room turned their attention to Jiang Li. Even Ji Heng, who had been rather displeased, looked at her with a probing gaze.

"This... this... Would the Jiang family make such dishes?" Wenren Yao asked hesitantly.

"Sounds like something a wanderer would make," Lu Ji narrowed his eyes. "Second Miss has always had an air of free-spirited elegance.""I lived on Qingcheng Mountain for eight years, where many things were quite different from Yanjing," Jiang Li said with a smile. "The mountain air is heavy with cold—though it doesn’t snow in winter, it somehow feels colder than Yanjing City. When hunters caught deer, they would take the hides and sell us the meat cheaply. My maid and I would gather firewood in the forest to roast the venison, needing no seasoning beyond a bit of coarse salt. The roasted meat had no gaminess; instead, it carried the faint fragrance of bamboo from the skewers."

She spoke unhurriedly, yet her words painted a vivid picture in everyone’s minds: two young girls, master and servant, huddled around a crackling fire in the deep winter mountains, their cheeks flushed red from the heat. Venison sizzled on bamboo skewers, dripping with juices, its aroma the only solace in the secluded wilderness.

"The temple forbids killing and eating meat. You sneaked out, didn’t you?" Situ Jiuyue asked.

"Yes," Jiang Li admitted cheerfully. "Behind the nunnery’s back."

"I can’t believe you’re smiling about it," Situ Jiuyue snorted.

The others’ gazes held a trace of pity, which only amused Jiang Li. In truth, she hadn’t actually spent eight years on Qingcheng Mountain—these venison-roasting methods were learned from Xue Zhao. But to onlookers, it must have seemed like she found joy in hardship, even contentment.

"Girl Jiang, what’s this ‘beggar’s bird’ you mentioned?" Old General Ji, ever the food enthusiast, showed no sympathy for her supposed plight and pressed on. "I’ve only heard of beggar’s chicken, never beggar’s bird."

"It’s quite similar to beggar’s chicken," Jiang Li explained. "After bringing down a bird with a slingshot, clean it but leave the feathers on. Stuff the cavity with seasonings, coat it in mud, and bury it in the embers. Half an hour later, crack open the clay—the feathers come off with it, revealing beautifully golden skin. Brush on some honey, and it’s ready to eat."

Old General Ji slapped his thigh in delight. "Brilliant! I’ll go bag a string of birds tomorrow!"

"Old master, in this freezing weather, where would you find birds…" Lu Ji sighed helplessly.

"Your life sounds quite eventful," Ji Heng remarked, resting his chin on his hand as he smiled at her.

At least he no longer wore that murderous expression from earlier.

"Indeed, Second Miss Jiang, your idea of cooking isn’t what I imagined," Wenren Yao chimed in. "I thought you’d have a private kitchen with ingredients prepped and maids assisting—just giving orders. I never expected you’d forage for your own food and eat so unconventionally. But it sounds fascinating, unlike typical sheltered young ladies!"

Jiang Li smiled faintly. "Necessity forced my hand."

Back when she was Xue Fangfei, after marrying into the Shen family, she had cooked diligently for her mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and husband. Her skills were so exceptional that the Shens, being frugal, dismissed their cook. Her specialty, winter venison roast, was forbidden by Shen’s mother, who claimed the smell was vulgar—fit only for peasants and hunters, not respectable households.

Thus, she lost the simple pleasure of winter feasts. Reflecting now, she realized how much she had sacrificed from the start—the free-spirited self she once was.She was lost in her own thoughts until Ji Heng's voice pulled her back to reality. He said, "Another day, the Duke's estate could also host a venison roast." He looked at Jiang Li with a smiling expression and added, "You'll do it."

"Me?" Jiang Li was astonished.

"I don't know how," Ji Heng narrowed his beautiful, long eyes, "Of course, it's you."

"But..." Her relationship with Ji Heng hadn't reached the point where she could casually go to his estate to roast venison, right? This was the Duke's estate, not the Jiang residence. Why should she go to the Duke's estate to roast venison? Was the Duke's estate some kind of restaurant or tavern?

"Excellent, excellent!" Old General Ji was the first to laugh heartily in agreement, and his address for Jiang Li shifted from "Jiang Yatou" to "Li Yatou." He said, "Li Yatou, you just come over! The estate will prepare all the ingredients—you just focus on roasting! If you need anything, just tell me, and I’ll make sure you don’t overexert yourself!"

Just the roasting alone was exhausting enough, wasn't it?

"Not bad, not bad. I think this proposal is quite good." Wenren Yao, who never missed a chance to join in on the fun, chimed in, "I’ve never even tasted roasted venison before! Just hearing Second Young Lady talk about it earlier made my mouth water. Since that’s the case, let’s set a date. When Second Young Lady starts roasting the venison, we’ll all come. Why not make that beggar's chicken dish too? Let’s all have a taste of something new!"

Kong Liu: "Agreed."

Lu Ji: "...Agreed."

Situ Jiuyue: "..." Though she didn’t speak, her expression showed no clear refusal—clearly, she was tacitly agreeing.

Jiang Li: "I don’t agree."

Her "I don’t agree" didn’t even make a ripple; it was drowned out by the lively discussion around her. Feeling frustrated, Jiang Li couldn’t help but glance at Ji Heng, only to find him resting his chin in his hand, watching her with a gaze that unmistakably held the triumphant glee of a successful prank.

He probably just didn’t like cooking himself, so he dragged her into it along with him. Was this the so-called "if I’m going to hell, I’m taking you with me"?

How cunning.

By the end of the meal, Jiang Li had somehow become the one who ended up inexplicably unhappy. After the meal, everyone went their separate ways. Wenren Yao even tried to pull Jiang Li to the Duke’s estate’s flower garden to admire the flowers, saying, "We won’t get too close—just look from a distance. In Yanjing City in the dead of winter, this is the only place with flowers."

He really treated the Duke’s estate like his own home, without any sense of formality. But taking a young lady to admire flowers in the middle of winter—only Wenren Yao would do something like that.

Jiang Li stopped at the doorway and asked, "There’s one thing I’m quite curious about, if I may ask—what is your relationship with the Duke, Young Master Wenren?"

At the very least, Situ Jiuyue and Ji Heng had known each other since childhood and grew up together. Wenren Yao’s behavior clearly showed he was very familiar with Ji Heng and the Duke’s estate. Situ Jiuyue was an expert in poisons, but what was Wenren Yao’s identity? He seemed like nothing more than a handsome, frivolous young master—and the brainless kind at that.

"My grandfather and Old General Ji were family friends. My father and General Ji were family friends. As for me and Ji Heng... you could say we’re family friends!"

Jiang Li: "Why do you say 'you could say'?"

"Tsk, Ji Heng doesn’t acknowledge me as his family friend," Wenren Yao said with grievance. "He looks down on me."

Jiang Li: "..." On that point, Wenren Yao had no right to feel wronged. Whoever ended up with a family friend like him wouldn’t want to admit it either."But my father and grandfather are both dead, I'm the only one left in our lineage," Wenren Yao said. "He has to acknowledge it whether he wants to or not. Without me, who would perform planchette writing for him?"

"Planchette writing?" Jiang Li was taken aback.

"Our lineage belongs to the 'Planchette Immortal Sect.' With our divination through planchette writing to predict fortunes and misfortunes, there's almost never been an error. However, we can only perform it for one person in our lifetime," he apologized as he looked at Jiang Li. "Although I greatly admire Second Miss Jiang, I cannot defy my master's orders and thus cannot perform planchette writing for you."

Jiang Li was astonished. So Wenren Yao was the genuine expert, unlike that fraud Chongxu Daoren. But... looking at him now, it was truly hard to believe.

"To be honest, I also think it's a bit wasteful that my exceptional talent can only be devoted to one person. Especially since every time I perform planchette writing for Ji Heng, the results are almost the same. After divining for him all these years, aside from one woman, it's always been identical, nothing particularly special."

"A woman?" Jiang Li asked curiously. "What woman?"

"The woman destined in Ji Heng's fate," Wenren Yao leaned in closer. "Don't tell anyone, but when I performed planchette writing for Ji Heng years ago, I discovered that his life is tied to a woman. Simply put, his success and failure both hinge on this woman—one thought can lead to enlightenment, another to ruin. The divination slip read like this..."

"Wenren Yao." Before he could finish, a voice interrupted him from behind. They turned to see Ji Heng standing at the courtyard gate, watching them from a distance.

It was unclear how much of their conversation Ji Heng had overheard.

Jiang Li felt the awkwardness of being caught gossiping about someone behind their back. After a moment's thought, she said to Wenren Yao, "I have some matters to discuss with the Duke, so I won't take up any more of your time."

"Eh?" Wenren Yao asked. "Aren't we going to admire the flowers?"

"Not today," Jiang Li smiled. "Another time."

Wenren Yao rubbed his nose and left reluctantly. Jiang Li walked up to Ji Heng and smiled, "Duke."

In the icy, snow-covered landscape, his crimson robes stood out strikingly, and he himself was profoundly captivating. When they were alone, he revealed that lazy, indifferent demeanor toward everything.

Ji Heng asked, "You have something to say to me?"

Jiang Li nodded.

"Follow me, then," he said, turning to leave. Jiang Li hesitated for a moment before following him.

The courtyard was blanketed in deep snow, a vast expanse of silver-white. His red robes flowed like fire, while Jiang Li's emerald-green dress was fresh and vibrant—one stunningly beautiful, the other elegantly graceful. They were two contrasting colors that should have clashed, yet they appeared strangely harmonious, as if they were meant to be that way.

Hidden behind the door, a few people were peeking. Old General Ji stroked his chin, lost in thought.

Kong Liu nudged Lu Ji's arm quietly and asked, "Don't you think the Duke seems somewhat different toward Second Miss Jiang?"

Lu Ji gave him a disdainful look. "Don't you think?" Even a fool could see it! Although it was unclear what their lord's intentions were, Second Miss Jiang was clearly not just some insignificant official's daughter to Ji Heng—the kind who could die without it mattering."I can't help but think they look quite good together, at least..." Kong Liu gestured with his chin toward Situ Jiuyue's direction, "better than those two walking together. When walking with Situ, there's an overwhelming demonic aura, but with Second Miss Jiang, it's at least a bit more peaceful."

Situ Jiuyue said, "...I heard that."

...

Jiang Li didn't know about the comments from those behind her. Ji Heng brought Jiang Li back to his study.

Contrary to Jiang Li's expectations, Ji Heng's study was extremely austere in black and white, with very few items placed around. She had thought someone as flamboyant as Ji Heng would prefer extreme luxury and warmth, but upon entering, it felt like stepping into another world.

Outside the door, Wen Ji was dutifully guarding the entrance. Ji Heng walked to the desk and sat down, while Jiang Li took a seat opposite him.

The desk was by the window, offering a clear view of the snowy scenery outside—both desolate and magnificent in its own way. A servant brought hot tea, and Ji Heng poured a cup, pushing it toward Jiang Li.

Pouring tea was typically a servant's task, but in the few times Jiang Li had seen him, he seemed to prefer doing it himself. Of course, his tea-pouring movements were elegant, and his hands were beautiful—just watching the act was pleasing to the eye and soothing to the heart.

Jiang Li took the tea and sipped it.

The tea was fragrant with a slight bitterness, warm as it flowed down, easing some of the chill from the wind and snow outside.

"Speak," Ji Heng said as he poured tea for himself. "What is it you want to say?"

Jiang Li hesitated for a moment before asking, "Where is Chongxu Daoren now?"

Ji Heng paused in pouring tea and looked at Jiang Li. "What do you mean?"

"My father said he would inform His Majesty of Chongxu Daoren's true identity. If the Emperor knew Chongxu Daoren's identity, he would surely take action against Li Pin. But so far, there has been no movement from Li Pin. So I'm wondering if Chongxu Daoren isn't in Yanjing City at all, or if my father changed his mind at the last moment?"

"Oh." Ji Heng lowered his head again, slowly pouring tea for himself. He poured just the right amount, barely covering the rim of the cup, presenting a light brown hue that made the porcelain cup appear even more radiant and smooth.

Ji Heng looked back at Jiang Li, a faint, mocking smile on his lips. "Something like this—you should ask Jiang Yuanbai. Why ask me?"

"My father might not tell me the truth," Jiang Li replied.

"Then how can you be sure I won't lie to you?" Ji Heng responded unhurriedly.

Jiang Li smiled. "The Duke has no reason to deceive a young woman like me. I'm not worth the Duke's effort to lie to."

"There's no need to belittle yourself. You're no ordinary young woman. In my eyes, you're more of a swindler than Chongxu Daoren." Ji Heng gazed at her lazily. "If you want to inquire about Li Pin, just ask directly. Why use Chongxu as a pretext?"

Jiang Li was momentarily speechless.

After a long pause, she said, "The Duke sees things clearly. I am truly ashamed."

"You don't look ashamed. You look like someone who's given up and stopped caring." Ji Heng picked up a folding fan from the table and toyed with it. His slender fingers brushed over the fan's handle. People often describe women's delicate fingers as "fingers like peeled scallions," but Ji Heng's fingers were not so fragile. Though beautifully shaped, they were full of strength.

One could believe that if these hands were to grip someone's throat, they could snap it with ease.

"Could the Duke please tell me?" Jiang Li withdrew her gaze from Ji Heng's fingers and asked politely."Agreed." Ji Heng replied readily. "Chongxu is imprisoned in the private prison. The Emperor is aware of his identity."

Jiang Li was taken aback and cautiously asked: "Could it be... His Majesty has already taken action against Li Pin, but kept it confidential due to the gravity of the matter?" After all, acknowledging Chongxu Daoren's identity would inevitably revive the old case, which had wrongfully claimed the life of a noble. Moreover, for the Emperor to admit he had been deceived by an impostor would damage the imperial dignity.

"No." Ji Heng's answer surprised Jiang Li. He said: "Li Pin remains safe and sound."

This time, Jiang Li couldn't conceal her astonishment. "Why? Has His Majesty truly become so infatuated with Li Pin?"

If that were truly the case, Li Pin would only need to whisper in the Emperor's ear to get whatever she wanted.

Ji Heng glanced at Jiang Li with a faint smile and countered: "What do you think?"

His tone gave no indication of his stance on the matter, yet it gradually calmed Jiang Li. It couldn't be—if Li Pin were indeed that favored, the Ji family would have risen to rival the Jiang family by now. Although the Ji family had seen some promotions since Li Pin entered the palace, they had still operated within the bounds of propriety without overstepping.

Besides, if the Emperor were truly so easily swayed by beauty, why would Ji Heng align himself with him? At least in Jiang Li's current view, Hongxiao Emperor was not a weak or incompetent young ruler. He had his own methods and considerable ambition.

"Why does the Emperor know but remain silent?" Jiang Li adopted a humble, inquiring posture. "Does keeping Li Pin serve some other purpose for him?"

Ji Heng still wore a smile, but his tone sharpened. "This is a court secret, young lady. You shouldn't seek to know everything—beware of bringing disaster upon yourself."

Unfortunately, Jiang Li had grown increasingly bold in his presence and showed no fear. Instead, she retorted righteously: "But my life now belongs to the Duke. Any secrets you share with me will be taken to my grave—the dead are the best at keeping secrets, aren't they? So, what harm is there in telling me?"

The young girl tilted her face upward. She was not yet old, still in the prime of her youth, her features radiating the vitality of spring, like the flowers in the Duke's estate that bloom brilliantly even in the depths of winter.

In his over twenty years of life, Ji Heng had met many who spoke lightly of life and death—secret agents burdened with secrets, brave souls sacrificing themselves for righteousness. But he had never encountered a fifteen-year-old girl discussing her own death with such composure. There was no reverence for death in her expression, nor any trace of timidity. She spoke with such frankness that it made one wonder what experiences had shaped such a contradictory nature.

He let out a soft laugh and said: "You speak as if you've died once before."

Jiang Li's gaze dimmed slightly.

She had indeed died once. It was precisely because she had died that she understood why Princess Yongning had been determined to kill her and exterminate her entire family. In Princess Yongning's eyes, only the dead could keep secrets."Speaking of which," Ji Heng suddenly thought of something and turned to Jiang Li, saying, "Since you keep insisting your life is mine, when do you plan to give it to me? Now that Ji Shuran is dead, there are no more opponents for you in the Grand Secretary's residence."

Jiang Li was taken aback, raising her eyes to look at him.

The young man's crimson robe contrasted with the snow, his posture lazy yet elegant. His amber eyes were filled with a clear, captivating smile, while the tiny red mole at the corner of his eye added a touch of bewitching charm to his grace.

Jiang Li lowered her gaze. "It's not yet time."

"Then when will it be?" he pressed, unusually assertive.

"When Princess Yongning dies." Jiang Li lifted her head, speaking with determination. "After I've settled all matters, I will personally come to your residence and submit myself to the Duke's judgment."

Her eyes were clear, her tone gentle yet stubborn, clearly determined and not just speaking idly. She had always been cunning, leaving herself room for maneuver in everything. Only in this matter did she seem determined to exhaust all her strength, sparing no means and disregarding the consequences to see it through.

Ji Heng raised an eyebrow.

He said, "You just say it outright?"

"I have nothing to hide from the Duke," Jiang Li smiled. "Hiding it would be a waste of effort."

"You're pragmatic," Ji Heng said, "and sweet-tongued. Among my advisors, none are more likable than you."

Jiang Li curved her eyes into a smile. "Thank you for the praise, Duke."

When she smiled, it was incredibly warm, just like a carefree, innocent young girl in her early teens. A flicker of deeper meaning passed through Ji Heng's eyes—he knew, of course, that this was not the case.

This girl was also standing on stage wearing a mask, her face painted with greasepaint, so that when people saw her smiling face, they had no idea what truth lay beneath the makeup.

No matter, take it slow. The truth would always be uncovered.

He gave a light cough and said, "Do you really want to know why Li Pin remains unscathed?"

Jiang Li said, "I do."

Ji Heng: "Why?"

"Royal secrets—who wouldn't want to hear them?" Jiang Li said as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

This reason, which could hardly be called a reason, left Ji Heng momentarily speechless. After a moment of silence, he said, "Li Pin is Prince Cheng's person."

Jiang Li had been about to pick up her teacup, but upon hearing this, her hand faltered, nearly tipping it over. Fortunately, Ji Heng was quick-eyed and swift-handed, grabbing her wrist just in time to prevent the scalding tea from spilling onto her.

His hand was cool against her skin, as soothing as jade pressed against it—a thought inexplicably popped into Jiang Li's mind. Ji Heng withdrew his hand, not noticing her distraction, and only asked, "Is it that surprising?"

Jiang Li stared at him in a daze: "Of course..."

Li Pin was Prince Cheng's person!

Li Pin was from the Ji family, and the Ji family was related by marriage to the Jiang family. Although the Jiang family and Prince Cheng were currently at peace, everyone knew that if Prince Cheng truly harbored that ambition and succeeded, the Jiang family would not be spared. Had the Ji family actually sided with Prince Cheng? Jiang Yuanbai definitely didn't know about this!

"The Ji family hasn't sided with Prince Cheng," Ji Heng seemed to guess her thoughts and spoke up promptly. "It's only Li Pin acting alone."

"Wh-why?" Jiang Li said. "Does the Ji family not know about this?"

"You've dealt with the Ji family; you should know their temperament," Ji Heng's smile carried a trace of biting mockery. "When it comes to weighing advantages and disadvantages, no one surpasses them."

"Li Pin has been in the palace for many years without bearing a child. The Ji family is already preparing to send other Ji women into the palace." With just this one sentence from Ji Heng, Jiang Li understood.

Although Li Pin enjoyed the Hongxiao Emperor's favor, she had not given birth to a prince after all these years. No matter how favored she was, she couldn't be considered firmly established in the palace. This was precisely why Li Pin hadn't become arrogant despite the imperial favor and could still be described as gentle and obedient.

But the Ji family wasn't satisfied with this. If Li Pin couldn't bear a prince and further consolidate her position, the Ji family couldn't continue climbing higher. Human greed is insatiable—the Ji family planned to select some beautiful and clever young women from the clan to enter the palace, with Li Pin assisting from the side to win the Hongxiao Emperor's favor and, ideally, bear him an heir.This appeared to be for the greater good, but for Li Pin, it was highly unfavorable. Having another beautiful young woman come to share the emperor's favor, especially when it was her own family's idea, was a bitter pill to swallow.

Li Pin was bound to feel resentful.

"Prince Cheng knows about Li Pin's resentment," Ji Heng said. "He manipulated Li Pin, and she fell for it."

A grand game of Werewolf: Court Intrigues

(End of Chapter)