The Double

Chapter 157: Giving Gifts

On the way back, Tong'er could hardly contain her beaming expression.

Jiang Li felt quite helpless. "Tong'er, you should tone down that smile a bit."

"Every time I recall that man's tone earlier, I just can't help but laugh," Tong'er said. "He thought he had swindled a great deal from you, feeling so pleased with himself. If he ever finds out he sold this blood-sweating horse to you for just five hundred taels, who knows how much he'll regret it."

Jiang Li smiled. "That's how the East Market is. Once the deal is done and payment is settled, no one can go back on it. If you lack a discerning eye, no one would dare to buy things recklessly."

"Yes, yes," Tong'er laughed. "Our young lady has sharp eyes!"

She was quite carefree, not even questioning how Jiang Li was so certain the foal was a blood-sweating horse. If Jiang Li said it was, she believed it without a doubt. Many people who shopped at the East Market ended up losing everything, especially first-timers. Who would have thought Jiang Li, on her first visit, could unearth such a rare treasure.

"The East Market is such a wonderful place," Tong'er smacked her lips. "If we get the chance, let's go again!"

This girl only thinks about having fun. Jiang Li shook her head.

"After we return, we need to clean this foal thoroughly. We can't present it to Old General Ji all dirty," Jiang Li said.

"I understand," Tong'er nodded, though somewhat reluctant. "Such a fine horse..."

Jiang Li gently tapped her head. "So what? It only cost five hundred taels!"

"That's true," Tong'er giggled foolishly again.

When they returned to the Jiang residence, Jiang Li had the foal taken directly to Fragrant Garden Courtyard. The courtyard was spacious enough, and she instructed Bai Xue to have someone wash the foal clean. Just as she returned to her room, Qingfeng arrived with an invitation and a message: after much deliberation, Jiang Yuanbai and Old Madam Jiang had finally decided to allow Jiang Li to attend Old General Ji's birthday banquet.

Exactly as Jiang Li had expected.

She smiled and accepted the invitation, sending word back to Evening Phoenix Hall that she acknowledged it.

After a while, Bai Xue's voice sounded from the courtyard, calling Jiang Li to come see. Jiang Li stepped out of her room and saw the maids gathered in a circle. In the center stood a light golden foal, holding its head high proudly and majestically.

After being cleaned of mud, the foal revealed its true color—a pale golden coat. Its fur was extremely smooth and thick, though perhaps due to insufficient nutrition before, it lacked some luster. Even so, it was a very handsome young horse with a proud demeanor.

Tong'er was even more enamored upon seeing it. Zhao Ke, hidden in the shadows, also witnessed the scene. Though he didn't immediately recognize it as a blood-sweating horse, he could tell it was an exceptional steed, one that would stand out even among the Duke's stable. Since ancient times, heroes have cherished fine horses, and he couldn't help but covet it. He wondered where Jiang Li had found such a mount and whether there were others left so he could pick one for himself.

Jiang Li walked up to the foal. The foal glanced at her, its gaze still somewhat haughty. Jiang Li reached out and stroked its forehead, and the young horse let out two soft snorts.

The surrounding maids laughed, and Bai Xue said, "Young lady, why don't you give it a name?"Just as Jiang Li was about to speak, she paused, then shook her head and said, "Never mind. Since this little horse is a gift for Old General Ji, it would be better for him to name it himself."

"It's a boy!" Bai Xue exclaimed.

"Even better," Jiang Li stroked the foal. "If it were a girl, wouldn't it be a waste to keep her in the Duke's residence?"

Zhao Ke: "..."

What did she mean by "a waste"? Even the flowers and plants in their Duke's residence were male! It was high time they had more girls around. Keeping girls outside was the real waste!

Everyone played with the little horse for a while. As dusk fell, Jiang Li instructed someone to take good care of the foal before returning to her room to sleep.

The invitation stated Old General Ji's birthday was three days away. Suddenly, she wondered when Ji Heng's birthday was. It seemed she had never heard anything about his birthday celebrations.

...

Three days passed quickly.

On that morning, light snow began to fall. Spring came late to Yanjing City - after the New Year, it felt as if winter would linger forever, with even heavier snowfall than before the holidays. Occasional sunny days had become rare occurrences.

Tong'er was carefully selecting clothes in the room when Jiang Li remarked, "Just pick any outfit."

"Isn't Miss attending a birthday banquet?" Tong'er smiled. "Naturally, we should choose something beautiful."

"No need," Jiang Li replied. "There won't be any other young ladies or madams at the banquet. Dressing up would be pointless since no one would see."

"That's not necessarily true," Tong'er shook her head. "Even so, Old General Ji and His Grace Duke Su are men. If Miss dresses more beautifully, they're bound to appreciate you more."

Tong'er, in her innocence, believed that Jiang Li simply needed to look pretty. This also indicated that even Tong'er didn't view the Duke's household with caution. In her heart, Ji Heng and Old General Ji weren't enemies to be guarded against.

Jiang Li thought for a moment and smiled, "Then go ahead and choose."

Selecting the outfit took considerable time, and Tong'er spent even longer matching accessories. By the time everything was ready, it was time to depart. Bai Xue brought the Akhal-Teke foal from the courtyard.

Whether it was her imagination or not, Jiang Li felt the foal's coat looked much brighter than when she had bought it from the East Market three days earlier. This was natural - horse traders only cared about selling the animals and fed them poor quality fodder. After returning to the Jiang residence, Jiang Li had instructed the stable hands to provide proper feed and regular meals. With better nutrition, the horse's pale golden coat had become more beautiful. Even without sunlight today, standing in the courtyard, its entire body shimmered like pale golden satin, emitting a radiant glow.

What surprised Jiang Li most was the small red cloth flower pinned to the horse's ear.

Jiang Li: "...What's with this flower?"

Bai Xue explained, "Since this horse is a gift for the Old General, this servant originally wanted to pick a beautiful collar from the storeroom for it to wear. But the horse refused to wear it, constantly trying to remove it once put on. Having no choice but to remove the collar, I thought it over and decided to find a flower for it to wear instead, making it look more like a gift."

Jiang Li didn't know whether to laugh or cry.The foal of the sweat-blood steed was inherently proud and difficult for ordinary people to tame. Even as a young horse, it disliked wearing restraints like collars. Yet Bai Xue actually thought of adorning it with a flower—this was truly...

The small golden horse hung its head dejectedly, like a defeated rooster, refusing to look at Jiang Li. It seemed to be sulking over the flower by its ear. Jiang Li initially intended to remove it, but Tong'er was already urging her, "Miss, they say the carriage is waiting outside. Let's hurry."

Jiang Li replied, "Alright, coming." She temporarily forgot about the flower on the horse's head.

As they left the courtyard and headed toward the estate gate, they unexpectedly encountered someone rarely seen.

Yang Shi of the third branch was walking toward the house with Jiang Yuyan. Yang Shi held a silk handkerchief in her hand, and Jiang Li noticed at a glance that the fabric seemed unusual, likely not from an ordinary embroidery workshop. Spotting Jiang Li from afar, Jiang Yuyan slowed her pace. When Jiang Li approached, she said, "Second Sister."

"It's A Li," Yang Shi also noticed her, offering a lukewarm smile. "Where are you off to in such a hurry?"

Jiang Li subtly withdrew her gaze from Yang Shi's handkerchief and smiled. "Third Aunt, Fourth Sister." She had been about to make an excuse when an idea suddenly struck her. She promptly replied, "I'm preparing to attend a banquet at the Duke's estate."

"The Duke's estate?" Before Jiang Yuyan could respond, Yang Shi exclaimed in surprise. "Which Duke's estate?"

"The Duke Su's estate."

"Duke Su's estate?" Yang Shi was stunned. "We haven't heard of any invitation from Duke Su's estate in the household." She looked at Jiang Li, her tone tinged with envy. "Old Madam didn't mention this to us." The Duke's estate often sent invitations to banquets, but unless absolutely necessary, the third branch was never included. Yang Shi had frequently complained about this. Although Jiang Yuanxing wasn't Old Madam Jiang's biological son, he still bore the Jiang surname. Yet the family treated them so distantly. Moreover, wouldn't it be better to promote one's own family rather than benefit outsiders? But Old Madam Jiang insisted on maintaining this aloofness, and even the first and second branches acted superior, looking down on the third branch.

"Rumors say Duke Su isn't an easy man to approach," Yang Shi continued, feigning nonchalance as she observed Jiang Li. "When did he become friendly with our estate? Is he close to your father?"

Jiang Li watched her calmly, a faint smile on her lips and gentleness in her eyes, but she remained silent. After a prolonged silence, Yang Shi grew uneasy under her gaze and asked, "A Li, why are you staring at me like that?"

"I was just thinking about how to answer your question, Third Aunt," Jiang Li replied with a smile. "Father isn't very familiar with Duke Su's estate. In fact, the invitation from Duke Su's estate was sent only to me. Even Father and Old Madam didn't receive invitations, so it's only natural that you and Fourth Sister didn't get one. In the entire household, I alone will be attending the banquet."

At this, Yang Shi was truly dumbfounded, and even Jiang Yuyan looked puzzled. Yang Shi stammered, "How... how can this be? How could Old Madam allow a young lady like you to attend a banquet alone? Besides, it makes no sense...""Indeed," Jiang Li frowned slightly, as if troubled, "but Duke Su's temperament is known throughout Yanjing City. Even as Father's daughter, I dare not outright refuse an invitation from the Duke's residence. I have no choice but to brace myself and go. Though I don't know what dangers lie ahead, for the Jiang family's sake, I must consider the bigger picture."

Her words were half-truths, seemingly carrying hidden implications. Yang Shi's eyelids twitched, and she couldn't help but look up at Jiang Li. Yet Jiang Li appeared sincere, as if confiding her recent troubles to a close relative—utterly guileless, which left Yang Shi somewhat perplexed.

Yang Shi probed cautiously, "But why would the Duke's residence invite only you? Could it be..." She leaned closer, "that you've reached marriageable age..." Seeming to realize her words might be inappropriate, Yang Shi abruptly stopped speaking.

Jiang Li lowered her head, her voice barely audible, "I... I really don't know..."

Her demeanor was unmistakably one of bashful shyness.

This was peculiar. Since Jiang Li's return to Yanjing City from Qingcheng Mountain, the Jiang family had mostly seen her gentle, composed, even coolly detached side. Thus, this display of shyness and awkwardness stood out strikingly.

Jiang Yuyan stared straight at Jiang Li without speaking.

When Jiang Li looked up and met Yang Shi's scrutinizing gaze, she seemed momentarily flustered. "I'm running late now," she said hurriedly, "I won't elaborate further, Third Aunt. I must be going." She sidestepped past Yang Shi and Jiang Yuyan, appearing to flee in panic as if eager to escape.

Jiang Li's figure soon disappeared. Jiang Yuyan remained standing there, and after a moment, she whispered, "Mother, was Second Sister lying just now?"

Yang Shi didn't respond immediately, frowning for a long while before saying, "Whether she's lying or not, the Duke's residence inviting only her is definitely suspicious!"

Meanwhile, Jiang Li had reached the main gate and was being assisted into the carriage by Tong'er.

All traces of her earlier shyness, awkwardness, and unease had completely vanished, replaced by her usual gentle composure. Seated in the carriage, she thought of her earlier performance and couldn't help but laugh inwardly. Unconsciously, she had become someone who could slip into character at any moment, precisely controlling her emotions—showing others exactly what they wanted to see.

She had long sensed something odd about the third branch. Jiang Yuyan and Yang Shi's clothing and accessories had become noticeably more luxurious lately, yet Jiang Yuanxing hadn't received any promotion, nor had the third branch started any side business. Their improved lifestyle was too conspicuous—it would require substantial funds.

Moreover, since Jiang Yu'e married, the third branch seemed unconcerned about the rift with the first and second branches. Jiang Yuanxing couldn't even be bothered to maintain the pretense of brotherly harmony anymore.The scandal involving Ji Shuran and Liu Wencai had suddenly spread throughout Yanjing City overnight. Jiang Yuanbai investigated all the Jiang family servants but found no suspicious individuals. For a long time afterward, many people believed Jiang Li was behind it, seeking revenge against Ji Shuran. However, whether she had actually done it or not, only Jiang Li herself knew. Later, it occurred to her that aside from the servants, the third branch of the family had also been present that day. If there was anyone in the Jiang family who had grown distant from the main and second branches, the third branch was undoubtedly a possibility.

Could the third branch be the traitor within the Jiang family? Jiang Li had been unable to find evidence until she saw Yang Shi earlier. Suddenly, she thought she could use this matter to test her suspicions.

Her feigned shyness and coyness might mislead Yang Shi. If Yang Shi misunderstood something because of it and informed someone else, causing the matter to leak out, it would almost certainly prove that Yang Shi was involved.

The carriage set off, and Jiang Li sat inside, gazing at her fingertips.

She hoped her suspicions were wrong.

But if they were right, it wouldn’t matter either. It was merely a hidden venomous fang within the Jiang residence—once extracted, it would be nothing.

…

At the entrance of the Duke’s residence, Zhao Ke was squatting in the courtyard, chatting with Wen Ji.

He had been away on business the previous night and returned to the Duke’s residence early in the morning to report, so he hadn’t gone back to the Jiang family.

Inside the house, Situ Jiuyue was busy working. In her spare time, she concocted new poisons. Haitang stood beside her, occasionally handing her the materials she needed.

After Haitang’s facial injury healed, she found herself with nothing to do in the Duke’s residence. Unable to find any other occupation, she simply became Situ Jiuyue’s assistant. Whenever Situ Jiuyue was refining medicines, Haitang would help by her side.

Zhao Ke watched the two women in the room and shook his head, sighing, “Such a fine girl—why did she have to follow Miss Situ?”

Was Situ Jiuyue beautiful? Naturally, she was. Her looks could even rank among the top ten women in Yanjing City. But she was far too fierce—she wouldn’t hesitate to force poison down someone’s throat at the slightest disagreement. Who would dare get close to her? As for Haitang, regardless of anything else, the Duke’s guards held her in high regard. Situ Jiuyue had treated the wound on Haitang’s face using a venomous spider method, combating poison with poison. The danger and pain of that venomous spider were well-known to everyone in the Duke’s residence. The fact that Haitang was willing to undergo the treatment was already surprising enough, but her ability to endure it was beyond anyone’s expectations.

For a young woman to be so resilient and brave, the Duke’s guards couldn’t help but admire her. Some had even developed feelings for her and confessed their love.

Unfortunately, this girl, who had regained her original delicate features, was inherently aloof. She firmly rejected all the guards who expressed their affection for her, insisting that she would never marry in this lifetime. Everyone knew about the affair between Shen Yurong of the Shen family and Princess Yongning, and they speculated that Haitang had become disillusioned with men’s hypocritical façoons, giving up on love altogether because of one bad experience. Secretly, they cursed and condemned Shen Yurong all over again.

Wen Ji said, “Stop wasting time. Hurry to the entrance. By my calculations, Second Miss Jiang should be arriving soon.”

Zhao Ke spat out the grass stalk in his mouth. “I’m not her subordinate. Why do I have to handle everything? If the Duke really likes her, why doesn’t he just marry her and bring her into the residence?”"I like it! I like it!" A loud cry startled Zhao Ke out of his wits. Looking up, he saw Little Red perched on a branch, staring at him mockingly, its black glossy feathers particularly striking as it repeated: "I like it! I like it!"

"Grandma, please stop shouting," Zhao Ke wished he could cover its mouth. "If the master finds out I've been talking nonsense behind his back, he'll skin me alive. Shut up!"

But Little Red only grew more enthusiastic, its voice booming with a vigor that rivaled Old General Ji's.

Zhao Ke had no choice. If this wretched bird kept squawking, it would draw the entire Duke's residence. Imagining Ji Heng smilingly asking him what he had been saying sent a shiver down his spine. He turned to Wen Ji and said, "Well, you stay here and keep an eye on it. I'll go fetch Second Miss Jiang right away... See you later!" With that, he slipped away as if his feet were oiled.

Wen Ji took a deep breath, glanced at Little Red preening proudly on the tree, then turned and left as well.

...

Jiang Li's carriage came to a stop at the entrance of the Duke's residence.

The attendant greeting guests smiled more warmly at Jiang Li with each visit, so much so that she almost felt it rivaled the enthusiasm of Ye Mingyu's servants. She had someone lead the small pale golden colt, and the gatekeeper was taken aback. "Second Miss Jiang, this..."

"A birthday gift for Old General Ji," Jiang Li smiled faintly. "Let it follow me into the residence."

The attendant stared blankly for a moment before replying, "Oh, alright."

Gifting a pony for a birthday—this young lady from the Jiang family was truly unlike ordinary people. No wonder the master treated her differently.

Jiang Li followed the guide into the Duke's residence. As they passed by the flower garden, she spotted a tall figure practicing swordplay in a clearing in front of the garden. His swordsmanship was exceptional, with silver flashes weaving like a dragon, his movements agile. Upon closer look, the man wearing a plain white robe and a red sash around his waist was none other than Old General Ji.

From the way he wielded his sword, one could still glimpse the heroic bearing of his youth. Perhaps he was putting too much force into it, for the sword's energy stirred up many petals from the garden, sending them fluttering down like rain. If one ignored Old General Ji himself, the sight of swordplay amidst the shower of petals would have been quite pleasing.

However, Jiang Li vaguely recalled that the flowers in this garden had been transplanted and meticulously cared for at great expense by Ji Heng. The Duke's residence was vast, with plenty of other open spaces, yet Old General Ji insisted on practicing here—truly willful.

She stood quietly by the garden, waiting for some time until Old General Ji finished his practice. A servant approached and said something to him, likely informing him of Jiang Li's arrival. Old General Ji immediately turned and strode toward her.

"Old General," Jiang Li greeted him with a bow.

"You're here," Old General Ji's expression was neither particularly happy nor displeased, though there was a hint of delight. "Today is my birthday. I enjoyed the venison you roasted here last time, so I specifically invited you today. You don't need to lift a finger this time."

Jiang Li forced a smile. "Thank you for your consideration, Old General." She wasn't a servant of the Duke's residence—why should she come here to fulfill others' whims for no reason?

Old General Ji's eyes sharpened, and he suddenly exclaimed, "Fine horse!" In three quick steps, he strode toward the area behind Jiang Li.Bai Xue was holding the reins of the pale golden foal. Jiang Li had instructed Bai Xue not to bring the foal near this flower bed, as the flowers were poisonous. If the foal were to be poisoned, it would be a serious matter.

"What is this..." The old general approached the foal, slightly furrowing his brows, and reached out to stroke its coat. The foal snorted softly, shook its head slightly, and tapped its front hooves.

"This is a birthday gift for the old general. I hope you won’t find it unworthy," Jiang Li said with a gentle smile.

Disdain? How could that be? At least from Old General Ji's current appearance, there was no trace of disdain whatsoever. The corners of his mouth nearly reached his ears, his face blooming with joy. From the time Jiang Li had known the old general, this was the first time she had seen him so visibly overjoyed. He gently stroked the colt's mane, his movements cautious and tender, then suddenly turned to Jiang Li, hesitating as if he wanted to ask something.

Jiang Li guessed what he wanted to ask and said, "It's a Ferghana horse."

"Aiya!" The old general slapped his thigh. "I knew it! This horse is definitely a Ferghana horse." With Jiang Li's confirmation, his smile grew even more pronounced. He circled the colt repeatedly, like a lustful man beholding a peerless beauty or a greedy person gazing upon ten thousand taels of gold—utterly enchanted.

"It's been years since I last saw a Ferghana horse," he said. "In my opinion, my old steed, Windchaser, was also a fine horse. Sadly, it was shot dead by the enemy during one of our campaigns. Later, I raised Lightning, which stayed with me until the end, dying of old age. But after years away from the battlefield, the horses in the capital are hardly fit for war. They lack that ferocity. This horse is different—you can tell it's exceptional to the core." As he spoke, he grew melancholic again. "Such a fine horse, now stuck with an old man half in the grave, unable to charge into battle or roam the world—what a pity."

Since ancient times, famed generals, like great beauties, are seldom allowed to grow old gracefully. A general in his twilight years is as sorrowful as a fading beauty.

Yet Jiang Li's heart remained utterly calm. Though Old General Ji lamented so, his actions—practicing swordplay in the winter garden, hunting specifically for roasted venison—hardly painted the picture of someone "half in the grave."

As they spoke, exclamations and footsteps echoed from nearby. Jiang Li turned to see Wenren Yao, Lu Ji, and Kong Liu approaching from a distance. Bringing up the rear was, naturally, Ji Heng. It seemed the four of them had been together earlier.

Kong Liu walked the fastest, his eyes glued to the colt. As he drew nearer, he couldn't resist touching and examining it, irritating the young horse into impatient snorts.

"Old man, where did you get such a fine horse? It doesn't look ordinary!"

Old General Ji said proudly, "A Ferghana horse. Don't get envious—this is Second Miss Jiang's birthday gift to me. It's not for you, boy!"

Hearing it was a Ferghana horse, Lu Ji and Wenren Yao were astonished. Kong Liu stared dumbfounded at Jiang Li and said, "A Ferghana horse?"

Yanjing City had once housed a Ferghana horse, a tribute gift from a neighboring kingdom to the late emperor. It was kept in the palace, pampered and well-fed. Beyond that, such horses existed only in rumors. Kong Liu and the others were no fools. After Old General Ji's words and a closer inspection, they knew his claim was true.

"My goodness," Kong Liu couldn't help exclaiming, "This is truly enviable." He looked at Jiang Li. "Second Miss Jiang, this is far too extravagant. Could it be... Grand Secretary Jiang's idea?"A fine steed worth ten thousand taels of gold would not be an exaggeration—was Jiang Yuanbai truly so generous? The Jiang family and the Duke's residence had no particular dealings, and it was quite possible that the Jiang family would hesitate for a long time before allowing Jiang Li to accept the invitation. But if it was Jiang Li's own idea, even if she had ample funds and the Ye family supported her however they could, such a lavish gift seemed unlikely.

"Father doesn't know what gift I sent; he probably assumed it was just ordinary tonics." Jiang Li smiled faintly. "But Lord Kong need not praise me. This horse wasn't expensive, and I do have the silver to give this steed to the old general."

Her expression was calm and natural, without any pretense, even seeming somewhat pleased, which left everyone around stunned—this was truly handling a heavy matter with a light touch.

Ji Heng narrowed his eyes. "How much?"

"Not much—five hundred taels of silver." Jiang Li replied with a cheerful smile.

(End of Chapter)