The Double

Chapter 161 Persuasion

After Xiao Deyin left, Jiang Li returned to her room. Tong'er couldn't help but follow her around and asked, "Miss, what did Lady Xiao suddenly come to see you for? She's never shown much concern for you before."

"Indeed, she usually pays no attention," Jiang Li smiled, "but at a critical moment of life and death, she comes to use me as a shield."

Tong'er was startled: "Critical moment? Shield? What critical moment? Are you alright, Miss?"

"I'm fine," Jiang Li said. "Your young lady isn't foolish."

Tong'er relaxed but still felt indignant. "She's truly not a good person."

Gazing out the window, Jiang Li smiled inwardly. Yes, Xiao Deyin was certainly no good person.

She had asked Ye Mingyu to send people to intimidate Xiao Deyin, intending to break the alliance between Xiao Deyin and Princess Yongning. However, something unexpected must have happened, or perhaps Jiang Li had miscalculated from the start. Instead of seeking self-preservation, Xiao Deyin had chosen to take the initiative and eliminate Princess Yongning permanently.

In this regard, Xiao Deyin was far more capable than she had been in the past, Jiang Li thought. When faced with potential threats, Xiao Deyin directly removed them. But she also knew she couldn't topple someone as powerful as Princess Yongning alone and needed an ally. What Jiang Li hadn't expected was that Xiao Deyin would choose her as that ally.

Xiao Deyin had made clever calculations. Since Jiang Li had previously suggested at the Imperial Council that Princess Yongning was the one who directed Feng Yutang, it meant Jiang Li wasn't afraid of the princess's power. Throughout their conversation, Xiao Deyin lamented her own insignificance and lack of influence while emphasizing Xue Fangfei's pitiful state, attempting to evoke Jiang Li's sympathy.

From Xiao Deyin's perspective, if Jiang Li handled Xue Fangfei's case the same way she had handled the Tongxiang case, she would inevitably stand up for Xue Fangfei. If Jiang Li gained the upper hand, Xiao Deyin would step forward, accuse Princess Yongning of murdering Xue Fangfei, confirm the illicit affair between Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong, and once Princess Yongning was completely overthrown, Xiao Deyin could live peacefully in Yanjing City.

If Jiang Li were at a disadvantage, Xiao Deyin would likely not come forward at all. Instead, she would trim her sails to the wind and might even offer Jiang Li's head as a grand gift to curry favor with Princess Yongning.

This person was truly too cunning.

Bai Xue carefully placed the sun-dried books one by one into a chest and asked, "What does Miss plan to do about her? Ignore her?"

"Not exactly," Jiang Li replied. "She seems to know many things. If possible, learning more truths from her would be a very profitable deal."

"That's right, that's right," Tong'er chimed in. "Our young lady never loses in business deals. Didn't she buy that blood-sweating horse worth ten thousand taels of gold at the East Market for only five hundred taels of silver? Whether it's money or lives, anyone who tries to outsmart our young lady is heading straight for doom." She spoke with such fierceness that Jiang Li couldn't help but laugh.

This was precisely why she hadn't immediately agreed to Xiao Deyin's proposal. Xiao Deyin desperately wanted Jiang Li to confront Princess Yongning, diverting the trouble elsewhere. To quickly win Jiang Li over, Xiao Deyin would surely reveal many hidden truths to pique her interest. Much of what she said might be embellished by Xiao Deyin, but by stripping away the embellishments, the truth would remain.These truths were precisely what Jiang Li greatly needed.

...

The transition from winter to spring seemed to begin with a rain shower.

After a drizzle, the barren ground beneath the windows that had been bare all winter unexpectedly sprouted tender green shoots. Their vibrant verdant color brought an instinctive delight to those who saw them. Farmers who understood the weather patterns remarked that it appeared Yanjing City would likely see no more snow this season.

Winter had passed, and spring was approaching.

In the imperial palace, the dreary winter atmosphere gave way to a particularly lively spring. The gardeners in the imperial gardens became busy again, selecting new seeds to sow. When the weather grew warmer, the grounds would be filled with a dazzling display of colorful blooms, creating a bustling scene that promised endless charming landscapes by summer.

Consort Liu's side hall was the most vibrant of all. Unlike the Empress Dowager who preferred simplicity and Buddhist chanting, keeping her palace minimally adorned with only elegant flowers, Consort Liu remained true to her flamboyant nature. Even before spring arrived, her courtyard gardens were already bursting with life.

Women's cheerful laughter drifted from the side hall. Consort Liu sat on her soft couch with delicate pastries on a nearby plate, the zither-playing palace maids having withdrawn. She looked at her daughter—Princess Yongning sitting nearby—and asked, "What matter did you want to discuss with me?"

Early this morning, Princess Yongning had come to see Consort Liu. Although she frequently visited the palace, she never came this early. Knowing her daughter's habit of sleeping late, Consort Liu immediately sensed that her daughter must have some request to make.

"I just missed you, Mother," Princess Yongning cooed.

Though no longer a child, Princess Yongning still maintained her girlish demeanor before Consort Liu, who scolded her affectionately. In her youth, Consort Liu had been favored by the late emperor and behaved flamboyantly. Both her children had grown up under her close care and were particularly spoiled. Prince Cheng and Princess Yongning had received boundless affection. Prince Cheng, being older, had developed some ambitions and schemes, but Princess Yongning's temperament almost mirrored Consort Liu's younger self. With features seventy to eighty percent resembling Consort Liu in her youth, the consort was especially indulgent toward this daughter, practically granting her every wish.

"Don't I know your nature," Consort Liu feigned impatience. "If you don't speak soon, I'll leave."

"Wait, Mother, I'll tell you." Princess Yongning hastily grabbed her sleeve. "Mother, I want to marry Shen Yurong."

Hearing this, Consort Liu's previously cheerful expression instantly cooled. "Why bring this up now?" she said. Among all the talented young men at court, Consort Liu truly looked down on Shen Yurong. Though he appeared to be a rising star, he lacked family backing. For imperial relatives like them, while they didn't need to marry supremely well, they certainly shouldn't marry too far beneath them. Consort Liu particularly had high standards—how could she possibly accept marrying her beloved daughter to someone who was previously a commoner without official status?

"Mother, you agreed before," Yongning wheedled. "How can you go back on your word?""Earlier, your brother was also persuading me on the side. Although I don't like him, I couldn't resist both of you. But Yongning, what time is it now? The case with Xue Huaiyuan hasn't even been clearly resolved yet. Getting involved with Shen Yurong at this moment would only give people grounds for gossip," said Consort Liu. She wasn't clear about what Princess Yongning had done to the Xue family, but she understood her daughter's temperament—to obtain Shen Yurong, she would naturally do anything. Consort Liu believed the rumors didn't arise from nothing, yet she chose to turn a blind eye. For families like theirs, whatever they wanted must be obtained, and any obstacles in the way could simply be removed.

"This matter has long passed," Yongning said indifferently. "Besides, whoever dares to spread rumors again, I'll have their tongue cut out! I am a princess—who would dare speak against me? Mother, I truly love him. I'm no longer young, and I wish to marry him soon, Mother—"

Consort Liu remained unmoved, merely saying, "Nonsense!"

In her heart, she still felt Shen Yurong wasn't a good choice.

Princess Yongning looked at Consort Liu, who was genuinely growing impatient. Her gaze fell upon her own abdomen—still flat and showing nothing—but Yongning knew that a new life was growing there, one that connected her and Shen Yurong. For the sake of this child, she had no way back and had to stake everything on one throw.

With a hardened heart, Yongning suddenly raised her hand. A flash of blade light appeared—she had hidden a dagger somewhere, and now it was pressed against her own neck. "Mother!"

Startled by her sudden action, Consort Liu stood up in a panic and cried, "What are you doing? This is madness! Yongning, put the knife down at once! Guards!"

Yongning merely held the knife and knelt on the ground. As a princess, no one dared search her when she entered the palace, allowing her to easily conceal the dagger. She rarely knelt to anyone, and such a gesture was unheard of between her and Consort Liu as mother and daughter.

"Mother," Princess Yongning stared into Consort Liu's eyes, her tone resolute and each word deliberate, "if you do not grant my request, I will die right here before you!"

Consort Liu was stunned.

Although Princess Yongning was spoiled, precisely because she could obtain anything effortlessly, she never needed to threaten others, let alone use her own life as leverage. That she had gone to such lengths showed there was no room for negotiation in her heart—this was something she absolutely had to accomplish.

In her daughter's eyes, she saw a desperate, all-or-nothing resolve.

In the heavy silence, Consort Liu and Princess Yongning stood in a standoff. After what felt like an eternity, she finally sighed and asked, "Are you truly determined?"

Princess Yongning replied, "Without a shred of doubt!"

Consort Liu let out a deep, helpless sigh and said, "I agree. Now, put the knife down.""Mother," Princess Yongning set down the dagger and said earnestly, "This is not merely a momentary impulse. I have invested too much effort in Shen Yurong, and even with the fear of achieving nothing, he must become my Imperial Son-in-Law. Please do not think that temporarily placating me will suffice. If this does not come to pass, life would hold no meaning for me, and I would surely find a way to end it."

This was an undisguised threat.

Consort Liu nearly grew angry, but upon seeing the stubborn determination in Princess Yongning's eyes, her heart softened. After all, her daughter had been accustomed to getting whatever she wanted since childhood. If that were the case, what harm was there in letting her marry the one she loved? If she were dissatisfied later, there would be countless ways to replace him. Sooner or later, the entire empire would belong to their family—what did one Shen Yurong matter?

"There is no need to threaten me. If I say I will do it, I will," Consort Liu replied stiffly.

Hearing Consort Liu relent, Princess Yongning knew the matter was settled. Immediately, a radiant smile spread across her face. She tossed the dagger aside, stood up, and rushed to Consort Liu's side, embracing her arm as she laughed, "Mother, you care for me the most! I knew you would grant my wish!"

Seeing Princess Yongning's joyful expression, Consort Liu found herself caught between anger and amusement. She remarked, "For his sake, you have truly exhausted all your schemes! You even dare to threaten your own mother!"

"That is because I know you will surely feel for me and consider my interests," Princess Yongning said, sitting up straight. "Mother, please bring this matter to the Emperor tomorrow and request an imperial marriage decree. Or you could have the Empress Dowager issue the decree instead." The Empress Dowager had long withdrawn from worldly affairs, and persuading her would be as easy as turning one's hand. As for the Emperor... given his high regard for Shen Yurong and his connection to Prince Cheng, he might be unwilling to let Shen Yurong become Yongning's Imperial Son-in-Law.

"Tomorrow?" Consort Liu frowned. "So soon?"

"This is not soon at all, Mother," Princess Yongning insisted. "I am already seventeen, and next month, I will be eighteen. Ordinary young ladies of this age are already married, let alone a princess? Shen Yurong and I have been entangled for a year now. I do not want to risk complications and would even prefer to marry next month if the decree is issued."

"You..." Consort Liu frowned at Princess Yongning. "Why such haste to marry? Has something happened?"

Princess Yongning's heart skipped a beat, but she maintained a smile. "Nothing has happened, Mother. Just consider me impatient to wed and enter the Shen family!"

"You!" Consort Liu shook her head but ultimately could not resist Princess Yongning's coaxing and agreed to speak with the Empress Dowager the following day.

After conversing for a while longer and sharing lunch with Consort Liu in the palace, Princess Yongning took her leave.

Once outside the side hall, she glanced at her abdomen and smiled faintly.

Everything had proceeded smoothly. Once Consort Liu spoke with the Empress Dowager tomorrow and the Empress Dowager issued the marriage decree, she would marry into the Shen family next month. Soon, "joyful news" would spread, allowing the child in her womb to be born openly and without reproach.

No one would be able to find fault.

Thinking this, Princess Yongning could not help but laugh aloud.

...

Having received Princess Yongning's instructions, Consort Liu sat in the side hall, pondering for a long time, and finally decided to seek out the Empress Dowager.She had thought it through. Firstly, it seemed Princess Yongning was truly fond of that man named Shen Yurong. Even if she didn’t find a way to fulfill her request, given Princess Yongning’s temperament, she would resort to other means. Rather than that, it would be simpler to handle it herself.

Secondly, Prince Cheng had previously joined Princess Yongning in persuading her, saying that Shen Yurong was quite talented, even if his family background was humble. Consort Liu suspected her daughter had lost her senses due to infatuation, but she trusted her son’s judgment. Since even Prince Cheng praised Shen Yurong, it was clear he had merit. As for his humble origins, they could start building the family’s status from this generation. When Prince Cheng ascended the throne in the future, he could simply promote Shen Yurong generously.

Consort Liu didn’t even wait until the next day. That afternoon, she went to see the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager’s Cining Palace was located in the east. When the Grand Empress Dowager was alive, the Cining Palace was no different from any other. After the Grand Empress Dowager passed away and the Empress Dowager moved in, the palace had almost become a Buddhist hall.

In the palace, only upon entering the Cining Palace could one immediately smell the rich scent of incense.

When Consort Liu entered, the Empress Dowager was copying scriptures in the main hall.

She was dressed very plainly, in an autumn-fragrance-colored silk gown, her demeanor serene. Though no longer in the bloom of youth, she did not appear aged. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating her face, and one could still glimpse the gentle charm of her younger days.

Even the willful Consort Liu had to admit that the Empress Dowager was beautiful.

It was said that the late emperor loved beauties, and there wasn’t a single woman in the palace who wasn’t lovely. Back then, the Empress Dowager, then the empress, was gentle and captivating; Consort Liu was bold and radiant; while the mother of Hongxiao Emperor, Consort Xia, was clever and spirited—each had her own beauty. The late emperor respected the Empress Dowager, doted on Consort Liu, but truly admired Consort Xia.

So much so that even after Consort Xia’s death, the late emperor raised Hongxiao Emperor under the Empress Dowager’s care and eventually made him emperor. Meanwhile, Consort Liu’s own son and daughter, though seemingly deeply favored, ultimately missed out on the highest positions.

Consort Liu shook her head, dismissing the distracting thoughts, and walked up to the Empress Dowager. "Sister," she said.

The Empress Dowager paused her brush and looked at her. "You’ve come."

The relationship between Consort Liu and the Empress Dowager could hardly be described as warm. When the late emperor was alive, Consort Liu, relying on his favor, had often caused trouble for the Empress Dowager. However, the Empress Dowager’s maternal family was powerful, and Consort Liu could do little about it. After the late emperor passed away, Consort Liu and the Empress Dowager had maintained a surface peace for many years. But Consort Liu didn’t believe for a moment that the Empress Dowager truly trusted her not to harbor ambitions of replacing her.

In fact, Consort Liu had never been able to understand the Empress Dowager. Raising another’s son, placing someone else’s child on the throne, toiling for years only to pave the way for another—was the Empress Dowager truly content? What was the point of hiding in the Cining Palace all day, copying scriptures? Consort Liu didn’t think the Empress Dowager was foolish. Everyone from that family was clever.

Because of this, Consort Liu still felt a hint of wariness toward the Empress Dowager. She could act willfully in front of her but never crossed the line.

"I’ve come today to ask for your help, sister," Consort Liu said. "I hope you will agree."

"What is it?"The two women conversed, even dispensing with superficial pleasantries where possible. It was likely they both understood that one wouldn't visit the temple without a cause—if there were truly no matter at hand, Consort Liu wouldn't have taken the initiative to seek out the Empress Dowager.

"Yongning has now reached marriageable age. I've taken a liking to a suitable match and would like to ask for your assistance in bringing this happy union to fruition," Consort Liu stated.

The Empress Dowager finally looked up from her sutras and asked, "Whom are you referring to?"

"Imperial Secretariat Writer Shen Yurong, Lord Shen."

"Lord Shen?" The Empress Dowager expressed surprise. "Hasn't Lord Shen been married before?"

"Yes," Consort Liu smiled. "But that previous marriage was truly a grievance for Lord Shen. I see that Lord Shen comes from a respectable family and is sincere at heart. His deep affection and loyalty toward his deceased wife, who failed to uphold womanly virtues, show that he is a person of profound sentiment and righteousness. Yongning has been pampered since childhood. If she marries into the Shen family, I believe Lord Shen will take good care of her and not let her suffer any grievances. That would set my mind at ease."

Consort Liu spoke these words almost breathlessly.

"Lord Shen's family background does not match Yongning's," the Empress Dowager stated. "You should be aware of this. There are many talented young men in the court who are of equal social standing."

Consort Liu's smile was strained. Naturally, she knew this, and she too wished for Yongning to marry into a wealthy and influential family, but in this world, no parent can ultimately prevail against their children's stubbornness.

"Although the Shen family's status is somewhat humble, that is precisely why I feel assured entrusting Yongning to them. They would not look down on Yongning because of it. Even if they don't treat her like a revered treasure, at the very least, they wouldn't dare neglect her. Sister, I know you have always cherished Yongning. Moreover, I've already discussed this match with Yongning. She also believes Lord Shen is a good man."

The Empress Dowager studied Consort Liu for a moment before nodding. "Since she is satisfied, then I will speak to the Emperor about this matter."

"Or..." Consort Liu suggested, "You could directly bestow the marriage. The Emperor is occupied with state affairs and may not have much energy to spare for such matters concerning young women."

The Emperor held Shen Yurong in high regard. If Shen Yurong were to become Yongning's Imperial Son-in-Law, he would align with Prince Cheng's faction. What if the Emperor, considering this, deliberately obstructed the match?

The Empress Dowager replied gently, "That won't do. No matter how busy His Majesty is, this is a matter of imperial family importance. Besides, there are no secrets between His Majesty and me. I cannot make such a decision arbitrarily."

Consort Liu nearly cursed inwardly. The Empress Dowager's implication was clear: she should not sow discord. If the Emperor opposed Shen Yurong's marriage to Yongning, but the Empress Dowager bestowed the union anyway, it would inevitably create a rift between the Emperor and the Empress Dowager.

Indeed, those who survived in the palace, even if they pretended to be detached and desireless, were still cunning and shrewd at heart, Consort Liu thought resentfully. So be it. If Hongxiao Emperor truly forbade it, that would actually suit her wishes. She had never liked Shen Yurong in the first place and was only yielding to Princess Yongning's insistence. If Princess Yongning knew she had done her best, but the Emperor refused, she wouldn't blame her.

With this thought, Consort Liu felt considerably lighter. She said, "Since you have agreed, sister, I won't disturb your worship and sutra copying any longer." She stood up, bowed to the Empress Dowager, and gracefully withdrew.After Consort Liu left, the Empress Dowager did not continue copying the sutras. She merely gazed at the scripture, lost in thought. After a while, she stood up, and the palace maid hurried over to support her. She said, "Fetch my outer robe."

"Where is Your Majesty going?"

"The Imperial Study," the Empress Dowager replied.

...

Jiang Yuanbai held a memorial in his hand as he walked toward the Imperial Study.

The eunuchs in the palace bowed to him upon seeing him, appearing to treat him with the same respect due to the esteemed Grand Secretary. Yet Jiang Yuanbai knew that the Jiang family's affairs had likely long become the subject of their idle gossip. Behind his back, he could only imagine how they spoke of him.

Nevertheless, he maintained a faint smile, carrying himself with unyielding dignity. In the court, one must wear a mask to survive. Whether in favor or disgrace, one's demeanor must remain impeccable.

He was on his way to deliver the memorial to the Hongxiao Emperor.

Upon reaching the imperial study, he happened to see someone emerging from it—none other than the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager never interfered in state affairs ordinarily, so why had she suddenly appeared at the imperial study? Could something have happened? Jiang Yuanbai pondered this inwardly, yet maintained a composed smile outwardly. The Empress Dowager noticed him and gave a slight nod. Jiang Yuanbai stepped forward to pay his respects, and she soon departed.

After the eunuch announced him, Jiang Yuanbai entered the imperial study.

The Hongxiao Emperor was reviewing memorials.

The young emperor had matured into a youthful monarch, diligent in governance and caring for his people. Though outsiders might view him as still under Prince Cheng’s influence and not yet fully independent, Jiang Yuanbai knew this fledgling eagle was gradually spreading its wings.

He felt a pang of nostalgia.

The Hongxiao Emperor looked up and said, “Please take a seat, Master.”

Having once served as the Hongxiao Emperor’s Imperial Tutor, the emperor still addressed him as “Master” in private. Years ago, this title had carried genuine respect, but now Jiang Yuanbai was uncertain how much sincerity remained.

He dared not speculate on the emperor’s heart.

“Master, you must have seen my mother when you entered,” the Hongxiao Emperor remarked. “Do you know why she came?”

Jiang Yuanbai replied, puzzled, “Your servant does not know.”

“It was regarding Yongning’s marriage,” the Hongxiao Emperor said with a faint smile. “Consort Liu approached my mother, hoping she would arrange a match for Yongning. They have taken a liking to Imperial Secretariat Writer Shen Yurong and wish for him to become Yongning’s Imperial Son-in-Law.”

Jiang Yuanbai was taken aback but had no time to respond before the Hongxiao Emperor looked at him and asked, “What are your thoughts on this matter, Master?”

“Your servant is apprehensive and dares not speak recklessly,” Jiang Yuanbai hurriedly replied.

“Speak freely,” the emperor insisted. “I consider this matter significant and wish to hear your opinion.”

Jiang Yuanbai met the Hongxiao Emperor’s gaze—earnest and intent, a look that always transported him back to years past, when the child emperor would seek his guidance.

“Your servant believes that since Shen Yurong was previously married, the princess would be entering as a second wife… which would be quite demeaning,” Jiang Yuanbai stated. “Considering the princess has reached a marriageable age and there are many talented young men at court, Shen Yurong is not the most suitable choice.” He knew the emperor would be reluctant to lose Shen Yurong, a rising star, to Prince Cheng’s faction and aimed to align with the emperor’s inclinations.

The Hongxiao Emperor nodded. “I share your view. But aside from Shen Yurong, no other candidate comes to mind at the moment. Do you have any suitable recommendations, Master?”

Jiang Yuanbai’s heart suddenly raced.

Just a day earlier, Jiang Li had come to his study and told him, “Father, if discussions about Princess Yongning’s marriage arise in court recently, you must express your stance and propose this person.”

He had thought Jiang Li’s words unfounded—why would the court suddenly discuss Princess Yongning’s marriage? Yet here it was, unfolding before his eyes.

He did not understand how Jiang Li had obtained this information, even ahead of him, the Grand Secretary. But since Jiang Li had predicted it accurately, the proposed candidate would naturally be the same. Moreover, Jiang Li had convinced him at the time—indeed, no one was more suitable to marry Princess Yongning. Surely the Hongxiao Emperor would agree.

Maintaining a calm expression, Jiang Yuanbai pretended to ponder for a moment before saying, “Your servant has someone in mind. I wonder what Your Majesty might think?”

“Speak.”"There are indeed many talented young men in the court, but very few match Her Highness the Princess in age, appearance, and family background. In my opinion, the Eldest Son Li from the Right Prime Minister's residence is quite suitable. Eldest Son Li is handsome and exceptionally talented, earning widespread praise. He and the Princess appear to be a perfect match—nothing could be better."

(End of Chapter)