The Double

Chapter 153: Seeking Medicine

Xiao Deyin was helped back to her courtyard by her maid.

She knew nothing, only faintly recalling the words echoing in her ears: "No one knows the identity of that mysterious person. No one ever sees them. Some say they might not even be human—otherwise, why would their true face remain unseen?"

She closed her eyes.

These past days, she had feigned illness and secluded herself, all because of the familiar melody she heard at the Shen residence that day. It had planted a seed of fear in her heart, leaving her restless and hiding indoors. Who would have thought that the moment she stepped out today, she would hear such news? Suddenly, it felt as though that presence was clinging to her, overwhelming and inescapable.

The maid, unaware of what had happened, assumed Xiao Deyin’s cold had worsened and busied herself with fetching a physician and medicine. Leaning against the bed, Xiao Deyin felt a growing chill seep into her body.

Who was that person? Human or ghost? Was it the deceased Xue Fangfei or a living enigma? Why did they have to play "Moon Over the Mountain Pass" of all tunes? What if everyone found out that the title of Northern Yan’s top qin master had changed hands? She had forsaken marriage, fame, and fortune—all for the sake of being the "best." For those two words, she had even conspired to murder her closest friend. For those two words, she had betrayed her own heart. And now, was she to lose even this sole possession?

For some reason, Xue Fangfei’s face surfaced in Xiao Deyin’s mind. The first time she saw Xue Fangfei, it wasn’t her widely praised beauty that struck her, but the joy of finding a kindred spirit in the art of the qin—someone who shared her thoughts and understood her soul. She was thrilled to have found a confidante, but the deeper she delved, the more alarmed she became. Xue Fangfei’s mastery of the qin far surpassed her own.

Though Xue Fangfei was known as a talented woman, the world saw only a fraction of her abilities. After marrying into the Shen family, Shen’s mother forbade her from appearing in public, insisting she manage household affairs instead of spending her days playing the qin or reading. Thus, Xue Fangfei rarely had the chance to display her skills, except during occasional meetings with Xiao Deyin. Secretly, Xiao Deyin felt relieved—if not for Shen’s mother’s restrictions, were Xue Fangfei to perform publicly, her own reputation as the top qin master would seem like a joke.

She couldn’t pinpoint when jealousy, resentment, and anger had begun to fester within her. She only knew she grew increasingly fixated on Xue Fangfei, attending every banquet where Xue Fangfei was present, fearful of what would happen if Xue Fangfei played the qin. Learning that Ji Luo of Mingyi Hall secretly admired Shen Yurong, she often sowed discord between Ji Luo and Xue Fangfei. She didn’t fully understand why she did it—only that Xue Fangfei’s existence filled her with unease.

Her once closest friend had become a source of anxiety, and this unease peaked after Shen Yurong achieved the top honors in the imperial examinations.

With Shen Yurong as the top scholar, Xue Fangfei would now be an official’s wife. At gatherings of such ladies, qin performances and scholarly discussions were common, and Xue Fangfei’s talent could no longer be hidden. She was like a gem—even a glimpse of her brilliance was dazzling. If her full radiance were revealed, nothing else would capture anyone’s attention.Xiao Deyin did not envy Xue Fangfei for having a talented and handsome husband, nor did she envy Fangfei's peerless beauty. She cared for nothing, yet in her obsession with musical artistry, no one could surpass her stubbornness.

She desperately wanted to destroy Xue Fangfei.

It wasn't that she hadn't hesitated—after all, over the past decade, only Xue Fangfei had truly understood her musical talent. Jinghong Xianzi came from a house of pleasure, her music often filled with decadent melodies that Xiao Deyin looked down upon. Only Xue Fangfei's zither music, ethereal and free, was what she admired most.

Moreover, Xue Fangfei had genuinely treated her as a confidante. Gentle and kind-hearted, whenever Xiao Deyin saw the sincerity in Fangfei's eyes, she could feel her own darkness and madness.

Until one day, someone approached her, asking if she would be willing to put something in Xue Fangfei's cup.

At first, Xiao Deyin thought she had revealed too much—that her jealousy had long been noticed by others. But she later realized the person had sought her out simply because she was Xue Fangfei's close friend, making her an easy target.

She pretended to refuse, unmoved by gold or silver, so the other party threatened her with blades and her family. Xiao Deyin then went along with it, feigning reluctant acceptance under duress.

She had never allowed the slightest stain on her reputation. Even if the truth came to light one day, she could claim she was forced rather than acting out of personal jealousy.

Xiao Deyin didn't know what the powder was, guessing it to be a lethal poison. She didn't know whom Xue Fangfei had offended, but this goal aligned perfectly with her own.

That night, Xiao Deyin stared at the paper packet under the lamp for a long time.

She had never killed anyone, her hands had never been stained with blood. How could hands that played the zither harm others?

But then she thought, if Xue Fangfei died, she could end this anxious existence, no longer constantly worrying that Fangfei would showcase her musical talent and overshadow her. Otherwise, people would say, "Look at that woman—she refused to marry, gave up the chance to enter the palace, wanting only to be the top zither master, yet she was still surpassed. How presumptuous, daydreaming in broad daylight."

She didn't want to be ridiculed. She wanted to remain the top zither master forever.

So Xiao Deyin put the substance in Xue Fangfei's wine. She followed the mysterious person's instructions exactly, but she never expected the powder wasn't poison at all—it was something even more vicious than poison. Compared to what happened to Xue Fangfei afterward, death would have been a mercy.

Xue Fangfei was discovered in an illicit affair, her reputation utterly destroyed. Mingling in the crowd, watching her friend's bewildered and helpless gaze as she faced contempt and rejection, Xiao Deyin thought she would feel guilty. But to her surprise, in that moment, she felt only satisfaction.

It was then she suddenly understood—yes, she hated Xue Fangfei, she was jealous of Fangfei, jealous that she possessed everything, including musical talent. Jealous that she was heaven's favorite, able to become the person Xiao Deyin could never be.

She turned and left.

From that day on, Xiao Deyin never set foot in the Shen residence again. Others said it was because Master Xiao possessed noble character and refused to associate with tainted individuals, but only Xiao Deyin knew the truth—she was merely conscience-stricken.Xue Fangfei was exceptionally clever and would soon discern her own suspicions. Xiao Deyin had no desire to confront Xue Fangfei directly, as that would reveal her true nature—a petty and ugly person.

As time passed, news of Xue Fangfei's death eventually arrived, and Xiao Deyin felt an immense wave of relief. With this, no one would ever discover that she had been the one to poison Xue Fangfei. Her darkness and jealousy would vanish from the world along with Xue Fangfei's demise. She would remain the gentle and noble premier qin master, free from the fear of one day becoming a laughingstock.

As for who had instructed her to administer the poison, Xiao Deyin no longer cared. Since the other party had achieved their goal, they would not pursue the matter further. Only heaven, earth, and the deceased Xue Fangfei knew the truth—no one else would ever find out.

Yet, the Shen family's "Moon Over the Mountain Pass" and today's performance of the same piece forced her to recall the facts she had deliberately buried. It reminded her of what she had done in the past, and the unease of having everything snatched away at any moment resurfaced. Unlike before, she now also carried the weight of a life debt.

For a moment, she was utterly disoriented, unsure of what to do.

...

At the start of the New Year, most people in Yanjing City were joyful. Few wore frowns or seemed sullen, but Xiao Deyin was one exception, and the master of the princess's residence was another.

Princess Yongning sat in the main hall while a maid played the qin beside her. The music was elegant and clear, yet the more Princess Yongning listened, the more agitated she became, her face unconsciously betraying a trace of irritation. Noticing this, Meixiang signaled for the maid to stop playing and leave promptly. Once the maid had gone, the hall returned to silence.

Fresh fruits and pastries were laid out on the table, but Princess Yongning had little interest in them. A few days earlier, she had attended a banquet at the Shen residence, hoping to grow closer to Shen Yurong. To her dismay, he had not shown any delight and had even seemed subtly reproachful.

She knew that rumors about the Tongxiang case had not yet fully subsided, but restraining herself because of it was simply not in her nature. The more cautious Shen Yurong became, the more infuriated Princess Yongning grew. If he truly loved her, why would he care about such trivialities? He should overcome all obstacles to be with her. Yet, judging by his current demeanor, it seemed he would only decide to marry her once everything was perfectly secure.

But she would not allow him to dictate the pace. A hint of impatience flickered between Princess Yongning's brows. She considered confiding in Consort Liu, but Consort Liu had never held Shen Yurong in high regard and was unlikely to approve. Her only option was to approach Prince Cheng, who admired Shen Yurong greatly. With Prince Cheng's support, the matter could surely be settled.

At this thought, Princess Yongning rose to her feet. "I am going to Prince Cheng's residence."

Meixiang hurried after her.

...

Tong'er returned in the afternoon, while Bai Xue did not come back until evening. The two maids had left the residence separately to avoid suspicion, claiming they were out purchasing items needed by their mistress.

Once back in the courtyard, Tong'er first secured the doors and windows tightly before reporting, "Miss, everything went smoothly. Just as you predicted, upon hearing what the passersby said, Master Xiao immediately returned to her residence and has not emerged since. I hid in the shadows and saw a maid from her household come out to fetch a physician and medicine—it seems Master Xiao has caught a chill."

Jiang Li smiled. "You've done very well."She had Tong'er use silver to bribe a few unfamiliar commoners to play "Moon Over the Mountain Pass" at the route Xiao Deyin must take when going out, and then had people pretend to chat unintentionally within Xiao Deyin's earshot. With a guilty conscience, Xiao Deyin would naturally be startled and fearful, revealing her flaws. To drive a wedge between Xiao Deyin and Princess Yongning, she first had to make Xiao Deyin break down.

However, as she gradually confirmed that Xiao Deyin had indeed aided and abetted in her previous life's death, Jiang Li still felt an indescribable emotion. After all, she believed she had done nothing to wrong Xiao Deyin. Merely for the sake of competing for the title of top qin master, Xiao Deyin had ruthlessly turned against her close friend—truly a hard-hearted person. Moreover, Xue Fangfei herself had never even thought of contending for any such title.

Although Tong'er did as Jiang Li instructed, she was somewhat puzzled. Since there seemed to be no grudge between Jiang Li and Xiao Deyin, she asked, "Why is Miss doing this? Has Master Xiao done something?"

"She once harmed someone," Jiang Li replied. "What I'm doing is merely helping her recall the sins she committed. Otherwise, as time passes, she might forget and believe she has lived a spotless, virtuous life."

Tong'er exclaimed in surprise, "Master Xiao harmed someone?! I truly couldn't tell!"

Indeed, who could have guessed? After all, no one would believe that someone seemingly free of desires would actively harm others. Even her closest friend, Xue Fangfei, hadn't seen it—let alone outsiders.

Just as she finished speaking, someone knocked on the door outside, and Bai Xue's voice sounded, "Is Miss inside? This servant has returned."

Tong'er hurriedly opened the door, and Bai Xue entered. She had likely been running around all day, and despite the harsh winter, fine beads of sweat dotted her forehead. However, her gaze toward Jiang Li was apologetic as she said, "Miss, I've searched all the renowned pharmacies in Yanjing City, but none have this medicine." She added, "To avoid drawing attention, I even wore a hat to cover my face and didn't dare return directly to the residence, taking a long detour before coming back."

This was within Jiang Li's expectations. She said, "In that case, you've worked hard."

"Miss, should we look elsewhere? If the pharmacies don't have it, perhaps this medicine is held by some famous physicians. After all, it's a folk remedy..."

"Folk remedies haven't been verified and lack guarantees. If it leads to a life-threatening situation, someone will surely investigate thoroughly, and if it traces back to us, it would be troublesome." Jiang Li shook her head. "It's fine. I'll think of another way for this matter. For now, let it be. Bai Xue, you've been running about all day—go rest quickly."

Bai Xue nodded. Tong'er glanced curiously at Bai Xue, then at Jiang Li. She didn't know what task Jiang Li had assigned Bai Xue, but she didn't ask further and soon followed Bai Xue out of the room.

Left alone in the room, Jiang Li sighed. Things had gone smoothly with Tong'er, but with Bai Xue, it was much more difficult. Then again, these tasks were never simple to begin with. She couldn't recklessly mobilize the Jiang family's resources, or Jiang Yuanbai would discover her actions and question her, leaving her unsure how to respond.

Jiang Youyao still hadn't been found, and Jiang Yuanbai was already in a foul mood. She couldn't afford to cause him more trouble at this critical juncture—it would only work against her.Lost in thought, she hadn't noticed the sky darkening. Jiang Li glanced upward—night had fallen, and the sounds of people outside had faded. As she reached to close the window, fearing the wind might extinguish the lamp on the table, she suddenly heard footsteps.

In the deep silence, the footsteps were neither heavy nor light, neither hurried nor slow, as if imbued with a magical quality that compelled one to follow the sound.

A face of soul-stirring beauty appeared outside the window. His crimson robes were adorned with black and gold butterflies, both dazzling and eerie.

"Duke?" Jiang Li gazed at him in surprise, though the shock no longer held the panic it once did. It was like discovering a wild beast that had strayed into the room at night—a moment of astonishment, then it passed.

He approached the window, and in the next instant, he was inside the room. Jiang Li hadn't even caught his movement, only a flash of crimson before her eyes. Instinctively, she closed the window tightly, wary of prying eyes or ears that might arouse suspicion.

The young man settled familiarly at the small table in the room, pouring and sipping tea, then casually asked, "I heard your maid spent the day searching all over Yanjing City for medicine that can induce false pregnancy. So, who do you plan to use it on?" He glanced at Jiang Li, his tone teasing. "You probably don't need it yourself."

Jiang Li paused, thinking to herself how swiftly news traveled. Bai Xue had returned only a few hours ago, and Ji Heng's people already knew. In this world, borrowing Ji Heng's power was undoubtedly the simplest route—why should she struggle to do everything herself? Yet, she couldn't help it; she still had her pride and felt too embarrassed to repeatedly ask Ji Heng for help.

"It's for Princess Yongning," Jiang Li said after a moment.

Ji Heng paused mid-sip and looked at her. "Do you know what you're doing?"

"I do," Jiang Li replied with a faint smile. "I'm clearer than anyone. I believe the time is ripe now. Delaying any further would make me impatient. I truly wish to settle this matter quickly. Princess Yongning deeply loves Shen Yurong. No matter how dissatisfied she may feel inside, she'll eventually yield for his sake—or rather, Shen Yurong can deceive her into doing so. If this continues, it could take years."

"That won't do. I must give them a push," she said, her voice calm and gentle.

Ji Heng studied her. In the past, she had been more reserved, but now she hardly concealed anything from him. Aside from the secret buried deep in her heart, she seemed to confide almost everything, as if she trusted him implicitly.

"Oh? And have you found the medicine you were looking for?" Ji Heng asked.

Jiang Li shook her head. "No, it's not an easy task."

"Even if you found it, getting close to Yongning and making her take it wouldn't be simple either."

Jiang Li smiled. "I'm well aware, which is why I'm still pondering my strategy."

"You should know," he toyed with his folding fan, a half-smile playing on his lips, "I can help you."

Jiang Li was momentarily taken aback, then chuckled and shook her head. "You've already helped me greatly, Duke. This matter carries risks too. Behind Princess Yongning stands Prince Cheng. If things are traced back to you…"

"Then you underestimate me," he replied with a faint trace of mockery. "If I act, no one will ever find out.""Then what price must I pay?" Jiang Li's smile was sincere. "I've thought it over, and there's nothing about me worth the Duke's scheming. This transaction isn't favorable for you. If you help me, you'd be giving more than receiving. I truly have no face to take advantage of you again."

These words were so high-sounding that even Ji Heng couldn't find a rebuttal. He stared into Jiang Li's eyes, his beautiful eyes narrowing slightly. "I find you unsuitable to be a cunning merchant. Your conscience is truly useless."

"Does the Duke see me as someone without a conscience?" Jiang Li also smiled.

"Initially, I thought so. Now it seems I was mistaken," Ji Heng said leisurely. "You could actually be considered a good person."

When they first met at the nunnery on Qingcheng Mountain, he had watched her set up her schemes perfectly, deceiving everyone. With an innocent face, she'd speak a few soft words and shed a few tears to achieve her goals. This teenage girl possessed shrewd calculation, as if she'd fought her way through bloodshed. Back then, he knew this young girl was no kind soul.

Later, through various coincidences, they returned to Yanjing. He witnessed her dealing with her stepmother, half-sister, and scheming fiancé. Fearlessly, she would always disrupt others' plans with a slight smile. When she returned to Tongxiang and worked to resolve the Xue family case, facing Feng Yutang's interrogations and Princess Yongning's pursuit, she merely lured others into traps.

He could see the cold heart beneath her gentle appearance, yet sometimes Ji Heng believed Jiang Li wasn't a completely heartless girl. She helped Xue Huaiyuan, argued fiercely for others' causes, offered quiet blessings and protection on New Year's Eve, and now retreated due to guilt, unwilling to let others give endlessly.

Sometimes Ji Heng could sense her kindness. Her tenderness and coldness combined made her both contradictory and captivating, compelling attention. She seemed to be desperately shedding parts of herself to become someone else, yet the imprints in her bones remained deeply ingrained.

She probably hadn't even noticed these changes in herself.

"The Duke's words happen to align with my thoughts," she said, looking at Ji Heng with a slight smile. "Initially, I also thought the Duke was quite heartless, but now it seems I was mistaken."

"No one in this world has ever called me a good person," Ji Heng raised an eyebrow.

"Then I'll be the first," she responded with a smile.

For some reason, compared to before, she seemed much calmer now. A flicker of surprise passed through Ji Heng's heart. He said, "Situ's pharmaceutical skills are unmatched. She can produce the fake pregnancy medicine you mentioned."

Jiang Li's eyes lit up, as Ji Heng continued, "I can also have someone ensure Yongning takes this medicine. But there are no free gifts in this world."

Jiang Li said, "The Duke may speak freely."

"Prince Cheng will likely make his move soon. When the time comes, I'll need the Jiang family to divert part of Prince Cheng's attention."

Jiang Li was startled: "So soon?"

"Soon?" Ji Heng smiled. "For him, it's already very late."Jiang Li replied, "I understand. Even without the Duke's instructions, once Prince Cheng initiates his rebellion, Father will deal with him. Prince Cheng has always viewed the Jiang family as a thorn in his side. If he succeeds, he will inevitably purge our family. To protect ourselves, Father will not stand idly by."

"Besides, the Jiang family must direct their spearhead toward the Emperor. We must engage in various actions to make others believe that the Jiang family is discontent with the status quo and harbors ambitions."

This time, Jiang Li was truly stunned. She asked, "Why is that?"

"You'll understand when the time comes. For now, just do as instructed." Ji Heng suddenly smiled, his expression carrying an elusive meaning that made his features appear vividly handsome. He said, "This time, I'm inviting you to watch a show."

Jiang Li stared at him, faintly sensing that what Ji Heng planned to do next might be even more shocking than her own dealings with Yongning. Yet she knew better than to inquire further—this was beyond her purview.

"Your roasted venison was quite excellent," Ji Heng remarked. "When you have leisure, you may come to my residence to prepare more."

Jiang Li: "..."

She desperately wanted to refuse, but having just received his assistance, an outright rejection would be improper. She could only mumble a reluctant "Alright."

Ji Heng seemed amused by her reaction. Watching his smile, Jiang Li suddenly recalled another matter and hurriedly asked, "Speaking of which, does the Duke know that Jiang Youyao has escaped from the residence?"

"Jiang Youyao?" Ji Heng's brow furrowed slightly. "No, I don't concern myself with such matters."

Indeed, for someone like Ji Heng, matters he deemed unimportant warranted no special attention. Jiang Li explained, "According to Jiang Youyao's maid, she fled to the Ji family. Yet the Ji family claims she never arrived—they'd have no reason to lie. My father also inquired at Marquis Ningyuan's residence, but she wasn't there either. The authorities have been notified discreetly, and the search continues, but there's been no news for quite some time."

Understanding her implication, Ji Heng raised an eyebrow. "You want me to help locate Jiang Youyao?" He glanced at Jiang Li. "Are you truly this benevolent?"

"Not at all," Jiang Li found this amusing. "While I'm not evil, I've never believed in repaying malice with kindness. I merely wish to know her whereabouts. If she's living peacefully without involving the Jiang family, I'd leave her be. But if she might bring disaster upon us, it's better for Father to retrieve her promptly. Given her talent for causing trouble, letting her roam freely seems unwise."

This was true—with the current complex political climate, if someone used Jiang Youyao as a pawn against the Jiang family, it would be a calamity. Since she'd already sought Ji Heng's help regarding Yongning, Jiang Li thought she might as well request his assistance with this matter too.

"Agreed," Ji Heng nodded. "If there's news of her, I'll have Zhao Ke inform you."

"Thank you, Duke." Jiang Li expressed her gratitude.

"No need for thanks. By the way," he added, "that maid named Haitang has fully recovered. Her current appearance makes it unwise for her to appear in public, as Yongning's men might recognize her. If you wish to see her, come to the Duke's residence. Any messages can be relayed through Zhao Ke."

Overjoyed by this news, Jiang Li couldn't conceal her delight. Haitang had regained her original appearance! The maid who suffered misfortune for her sake had finally reclaimed what she'd lost. This significantly eased Jiang Li's guilt.

Noticing her evident happiness, Ji Heng curved his lips. "You're pleased?"

"Extremely pleased," Jiang Li replied. "I truly thank you, Duke. May I visit Haitang tomorrow?"Her clear eyes gazed intently at Ji Heng, brimming with genuine yearning. Ji Heng turned his head away and said, "Alright."

After a pause, he added, "You can also visit Little Red."

Little Red? Jiang Li was taken aback. Who was Little Red? She had never heard this name before. Was it someone she knew?

Before she could ask, Ji Heng had already risen and left the window.

(End of Chapter)