The Double

Chapter 164: The Wedding Banquet

Less than a month passed from the time Hongxiao Emperor bestowed the marriage upon Princess Yongning to the day she was married.

A month ago, Princess Yongning was still indulging in beautiful dreams of spending a lifetime with Shen Yurong. A month later, she was about to marry another man while carrying Shen Yurong’s child. For the sake of the child, even though she was utterly unwilling, she had to have Consort Liu persuade the emperor to bestow the marriage sooner. If she waited any longer, her belly would become impossible to hide.

On the day of Princess Yongning's wedding, the streets of Yanjing City were deserted as everyone flocked to see the spectacle.

They all went to witness the grand occasion of Northern Yan's most noble princess getting married. The procession was entirely composed of royal paraphernalia, and even the lucky money scattered by the entourage was in the form of silver ingots. The common folk joyfully scrambled to pick up the silver, shouting auspicious words. The young maidens watched the wedding procession disappear into the distance with envy in their eyes. Who wouldn't want to be married in such a splendid fashion? What's more, the man Princess Yongning was marrying was such an outstanding individual. But she was a princess of noble birth, and they could only blame themselves for not being born into such a good family.

Early in the morning, Jiang Li listened to Tong'er, who loved to gossip about exciting events, describe the lively scenes on the streets. Jiang Li listened distractedly. The Jiang family was also attending the Li family's wedding banquet today. Although the two families did not interact, they had to keep up appearances. Jiang Li had not wanted to go; she wanted to visit the Ye family to see Xue Huaiyuan. It had been almost a month, and Xue Huaiyuan had yet to wake up. Although Situ Jiuyue kept saying everything was fine, Jiang Li couldn't help but worry.

Going to the Li family's wedding banquet naturally meant she couldn't go see Xue Huaiyuan. Bai Xue asked, "Which outfit will you wear today, miss?"

Jiang Li casually pointed to a set of clothes. "This one."

Among the unmarried young ladies of the Jiang family, besides Jiang Youyao who was not at the residence, there were only her and Jiang Yuyan. Ever since Jiang Li had subtly hinted to Jiang Yuanbai that the third branch might be colluding with the Right Prime Minister, Jiang Yuanbai had been very displeased with them. Naturally, he would not be taking Jiang Yuyan this time. Thus, aside from Jiang Jingrui and Jiang Jingyou, she was the only young lady from the Jiang family attending.

Old Madam Jiang was too old to go, but the entire second branch family went.

Tong'er and Bai Xue were both a little excited. They had never seen a princess get married and found it novel, and besides, a joyous occasion was always lively. But Jiang Li was not very happy. She didn't need to see this joyous occasion to know that neither the bride nor the groom was willing. However, since she had to make a trip to the Li Mansion anyway, being able to witness Princess Yongning's unhappiness firsthand was also quite worthwhile.

Moreover, at an occasion like this, Shen Yurong would definitely be present.

At this thought, a trace of mockery flashed in Jiang Li's eyes. Shen Yurong had desperately wanted to become the Imperial Son-in-Law, even to the point of watching Princess Yongning kill his wife and unborn child. Now that it had all come to nothing, a man as proud and arrogant as him must be furious inside.

Seeing him unhappy made her happy.

Jiang Li smiled slightly, put on her outer robe, and said, "Let's go."

When she got outside, the people from the second branch and Jiang Yuanbai were already there, waiting only for her. Jiang Jingrui also looked like he had no interest in such festivities, his expression full of impatience. Jiang Jingyou was fine. Lu Shi's eyes lit up when she saw Jiang Li. "A Li, the fabric of your dress is so beautiful."

Jiang Li smiled. "This was a gift from my uncle in Xiangyang. I still have a few bolts left. When I get back tonight, I'll have someone send a few to Second Aunt. You can use them to make skirts."

Hearing this, Lu Shi's smile grew even wider. "How could I accept..."

"We're all family. Besides, it looks good on Second Aunt. When people ask, they'll know the fabric is from the Ye family and will patronize their business. Isn't that killing two birds with one stone? Aunt, you mustn't be polite with me," Jiang Li said.

Lu Shi beamed, unable to close her mouth, and said to Jiang Yuanxing, "Look at this sweet-talker, she really knows what to say." She was growing fonder and fonder of Jiang Li. Since Jiang Li's return to the Jiang family, she had helped her defeat Ji Shuran and regain control of the household. Moreover, she never competed with her for anything and was always sweet-tongued. Lu Shi wasn't one to stir up trouble, and she couldn't find any fault with someone as sensible and tactful as Jiang Li.

Jiang Yuanping looked at Jiang Li, who was laughing and chatting with Lu Shi, and couldn't help but feel a little emotional. He had never expected that this Second Miss Jiang, who had struggled just to return to the residence and whom everyone had shunned as a matricidal and fratricidal monster, would now be the one who got along best with everyone. How the world changes, so unexpectedly.

He then thought about today's joyous occasion. Jiang Li might have even played a small part in it. If Jiang Li hadn't told him the name of the Eldest Son Li, he wouldn't have told the Hongxiao Emperor, and the Hongxiao Emperor wouldn't have bestowed the marriage so quickly.

He wondered how Princess Yongning would feel if she knew that her life's most important event had been decided by a young lady from the Jiang family.

Jiang Yuanbai said, "Let's depart."

In both her past and present lives, this was the first time Jiang Li had come to the Li Mansion.

The entrance to the Li Mansion was already covered in all sorts of "double happiness" characters, and the ground was littered with firecracker debris, a sea of festive red. The servants and pages wore smiles, the atmosphere fervent and joyous. An unknowing observer would probably think the Li family was utterly delighted with this marriage.

Jiang Yuanbai saw Li Zhongnan and said with a smile, "Congratulations."

Li Zhongnan also cupped his hands and replied, "The joy is mutual." Just looking at this scene, one would think they were two old friends with a deep bond exchanging pleasantries, never imagining that these two men were at daggers drawn in the imperial court.

Jiang Jingrui glanced around the hall and whispered to Jiang Jingyou, "There are so many people here today."

The Right Prime Minister had many friends in the court, or rather, many people who had sided with his faction. Besides, once Li Zhongnan sent out invitations, even those not in his faction couldn't very well refuse to come. As a result, almost every important figure in the Northern Yan court had been invited to the Li Mansion. A single glance revealed many familiar faces.

Jiang Li also saw Li Lian.

Li Lian was also dressed quite formally today. As the second son of the Li family, he naturally had to spare no effort to help with his elder brother's wedding. It was also a chance to show the visiting guests that while the eldest son's marriage was settled, the second son was still unwed. If there were any young ladies from suitable families, they could be considered.

Jiang Li sized up Li Lian and saw that he was all smiles, looking triumphant and pleased with himself. It seemed he had been doing quite well recently. She recalled what Ji Heng had said and knew that Jiang Youyao was right here in the Li Mansion. Although she didn't know which courtyard Li Lian had hidden her in, she imagined that Li Lian must have given Jiang Youyao a heads-up: today is Li Xian's big day, people from the Jiang family will be here, so Jiang Youyao must not run around, otherwise if the Jiang family sees her and insists on taking her away, even the Li family would be helpless.

With Jiang Youyao's intelligence, she had probably long believed Li Lian's story and would naturally hide herself well, not running out to be discovered. Of course, Jiang Li had no idle time to go looking for Jiang Youyao. If she really found Jiang Youyao, and others asked how she knew Jiang Youyao was here, what could Jiang Li say? She might even be suspected by the Li family of having a spy in the mansion, leading them to root out the informant Ji Heng had planted.

Ultimately, between Ji Heng and Jiang Youyao, Jiang Li would rather choose Ji Heng. At the very least, she couldn't repay kindness with ingratitude. Being unable to repay Ji Heng already made her feel guilty; causing more trouble for him was something Jiang Li herself couldn't live with.

Her gaze swept past Li Lian, then suddenly froze and stopped moving.

Not far away stood Shen Yurong. He had also been invited today. It made sense; if Prince Cheng was coming, Shen Yurong naturally would too. If Shen Yurong didn't come, it would be seen as a fit of pique. He could manipulate Princess Yongning's emotions and express his displeasure with this marriage, but he couldn't do so in front of Prince Cheng. Firstly, it would show he didn't respect Prince Cheng, and secondly, it wasn't what Prince Cheng wanted to see.

What Prince Cheng wanted to see was his right-hand men getting along harmoniously, supporting each other. Even if Li Xian had stolen his woman, Shen Yurong had to show magnanimity. Since the matter with Yongning had become a mistake, he shouldn't let a past mistake make the future pay the price.

Shen Yurong was a man who excelled at weighing pros and cons. Therefore, while he might put on a hurt facade in front of Princess Yongning, in front of Prince Cheng, he would only display his magnanimity and willingness to compromise for the greater good. Besides, Jiang Li didn't believe Shen Yurong had much genuine affection for Princess Yongning anyway.

He was truly not a man with a sincere heart. In this world, he loved himself most of all.

As she was thinking, Shen Yurong suddenly turned his head, his eyes meeting Jiang Li's. He was slightly taken aback when he saw her.

Jiang Li did not hide the coldness in her gaze.

Shen Yurong hesitated for a moment, then walked towards Jiang Li. He had seen Jiang Li several times, and each time, he had an indescribable feeling. He remembered that during the Imperial Council, Jiang Li had also looked at him with that kind of gaze—a familiar, strange look. Although it was well-concealed, Shen Yurong had still seen the ridicule within it.

She was mocking him? Why? Shen Yurong grew puzzled. He didn't understand why this unfamiliar young lady always looked at him with such a gaze, as if they were very familiar. And he, in turn, couldn't help but pay attention to Jiang Li, even though he shouldn't. They had barely even spoken.

"Second Miss Jiang," Shen Yurong said as he reached her.

Jiang Li nodded slightly. "Master Shen."

"Did Second Miss Jiang know me in the past?" Shen Yurong asked, a smile playing on his lips. "Or perhaps, we have some past connection?"

His question was remarkably direct. Jiang Li couldn't help but be surprised. The Shen Yurong of the past would not have spoken so bluntly. He always considered others' feelings; even his questions were gentle. To ask an unfamiliar young lady such a question was rather abrupt, yet he had asked it.

"How could that be?" Jiang Li lifted her face and smiled. "I've been back in Yanjing City for less than a year."

That much was true. In the past years, Jiang Li had been living on Mount Qingcheng. Shen Yurong said, "I just feel that Second Miss Jiang seems to hold some prejudice against me."

Just as Jiang Li was about to speak, a smiling voice came from behind her. "What prejudice?"

Ji Heng had appeared at some point.

Jiang Li was astonished. This was Li Xian's wedding, and seeing Ji Heng here was something Jiang Li had never expected. Upon seeing Ji Heng, Shen Yurong quickly bowed in salute. Ji Heng waved his hand in acknowledgment.

He wasn't wearing red today. Perhaps because it was Li Xian's wedding, wearing red would be a breach of etiquette and an inconvenience to the Li family. Of course, in Jiang Li's heart, she believed Ji Heng was not the type to be so considerate of others. He simply disliked the idea of wearing the same red as Li Xian and felt uncomfortable about it.

So he wore a black robe embroidered with silver peonies. The peonies were magnificent, yet the black was deep, like a stream of light blooming in the night, not diminishing his stunning beauty in the slightest. His pair of amber eyes were all the more captivating. The absence of red added a touch of grimness to his soul-snatching charm. With every move, he exuded an extra degree of nobility.

"Second Miss Jiang," he said with a raised eyebrow. His familiar manner with Jiang Li left Shen Yurong on the side, not knowing how to interject, nor was it appropriate to do so anymore.

Before Jiang Li could speak to him, she heard the sound of gongs and drums from outside. The new couple had arrived.

The wedding matron was outside, instructing Princess Yongning and Li Xian on the rules. Prince Cheng had also arrived. As Princess Yongning's elder brother and the Li family's master, he was an indispensable figure. Jiang Li didn't go out to watch the excitement. She stood quietly in her spot. Ji Heng and Shen Yurong also didn't move, standing on her left and right. This scene, if seen by others, would surely seem very strange.

Ji Heng asked, "Why don't you go and watch?"

"Watch what?" Jiang Li asked, puzzled.

"The wedding procession, the excitement."

"There's nothing to see," Jiang Li said. "It's all the same thing, just a matter of being simpler or more elaborate. It's just for others to see."

Ji Heng smiled. "You say it as if you're very knowledgeable about it."

Shen Yurong also looked at Jiang Li. Girls of her age usually loved to watch such spectacles. Even the quieter ones who didn't enjoy crowds would show some curiosity in their expressions, because they would think of their own wedding day, their anticipation and longing showing on their faces. But this Second Miss Jiang was very calm, without a single shred of desire to go and watch.

Jiang Li indeed did not want to watch. She had experienced it herself. Although her wedding back then hadn't been so grand, because Shen Yurong had not yet become an official or the top scholar, and his family was poor. What they could offer at the time was the best the Shen family could manage. Even then, Xue Fangfei had felt for him, telling him that these were just formalities for others to see, and as long as it was passable, it was fine. What mattered was their life together in the future.

Xue Zhao had even privately complained about Xue Fangfei, saying she was too considerate of Shen Yurong and didn't think of herself. But what Xue Fangfei thought at the time was, since they were going to spend a lifetime together, the excitement of these few hours, or this one day, was only temporary. Future prosperity was what mattered most.

She just never expected that Shen Yurong had no intention of spending a lifetime with her, and so her understanding and consideration regarding the wedding also became a one-sided joke.

"The Duke seems to be quite interested?" Jiang Li said. Ji Heng was looking at the entrance with a smile on his face. Jiang Li couldn't see his eyes clearly, but she felt that him just standing there had completely outshone the magnificently dressed groom.

"No," Ji Heng said lightly.

Jiang Li smiled. "But if the Duke were to marry, the scene would surely be ten thousand times more lively than this. If it were the Duke getting married, I would be curious, I would find it novel, I would want to get a glimpse, and I would have the desire to walk to the front to see clearly." If Ji Heng were to marry, Jiang Li couldn't imagine what he would look like as a groom. He would probably be the most handsome groom in Yanjing City, or even all of Northern Yan. She wondered how beautiful the bride would have to be to not be outshone by her own husband.

"You're flattering me," Ji Heng fanned himself and smiled. "I've never thought about such things."

Shen Yurong stood beside them, listening to their conversation, and a strange feeling suddenly arose in his heart. It was as if there was a tacit understanding between Jiang Li and Ji Heng that no one else could reach, making him feel uncomfortable and out of place just by standing there.

He silently turned and walked away.

Although Jiang Li was speaking to Ji Heng, her peripheral vision had never left Shen Yurong. Seeing him leave, she turned her head to look at his back and said softly, "Master Shen seems quite dejected."

"Dejected?" Ji Heng smiled. "Not necessarily."

"At least if he appears a little more dejected, it will make Princess Yongning feel even more guilty and make Prince Cheng feel gratified by his 'consideration for the bigger picture.' This dejection is not a bad thing," Jiang Li also smiled.

As they spoke, Li Xian and Princess Yongning had already entered. After the three bows, Princess Yongning was escorted to the bridal chamber, while Li Xian remained outside to greet guests with the Li family. Jiang Li took her seat at the banquet. She really had no interest in following the crowd to the bridal chamber to watch the bride and groom drink the nuptial wine.

In any case, they were a couple in appearance only, their hearts elsewhere.

In the bridal chamber, Princess Yongning's face was covered by a veil. The sounds of teasing and cheering surrounded her. The groom, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, was to lift her veil and drink a cup of nuptial wine with her before leaving.

Listening to the raucous cheers outside, Princess Yongning's heart was filled with rage. She had imagined the feelings on her wedding day thousands of times before. It was supposed to be joyful, shy, and full of anticipation. But she never expected that when the day finally came, there would only be endless disgust, impatience, and humiliation.

Her heart belonged to another, and she was not marrying the man she loved.

A long silver rod extended before her. Princess Yongning lowered her head and saw the slender rod flick at her veil. With a whoosh , a burst of loud laughter erupted from outside, sounding exceptionally harsh to her ears. She saw the man standing before her, dressed in a groom's attire, looking at her with a face full of smiles.

Princess Yongning suddenly felt a wave of nausea and almost had to cover her mouth to retch. Fortunately, she gripped the mattress beneath her tightly and held it back. No, she couldn't show any sign of anything being wrong. She had to protect the child in her belly.

Li Xian smiled and called out to her, "Wife."

Princess Yongning looked at him. Although Li Xian was not bad, in her eyes, he was far, far inferior to Shen Yurong. Seeing Li Xian, her heart felt not a single ripple, only that this man with a servile air was to be her husband, which was a great humiliation to her.

Therefore, she couldn't even be bothered to pretend, and replied icily, "Husband."

This was already the greatest sacrifice Princess Yongning could make.

The people in the bridal chamber exchanged glances. The bride wore gorgeous makeup, but her attitude was so cold, looking aloof and unapproachable. The people around couldn't help but feel sympathy for Li Xian. Why on earth did he have to marry a princess? Princesses were known to be spoiled and ignorant of worldly etiquette. He was in for a tough time ahead.

Li Xian was also stunned for a moment, but his expression quickly returned to normal. He had someone pour the wedding wine, picked up a cup and handed it to Princess Yongning, then raised another cup himself to drink the nuptial wine with her.

Princess Yongning struggled for a few moments, but finally raised the wine cup helplessly. However, anyone with eyes could see her reluctance. Li Xian smiled and raised his cup. Their arms intertwined, their breaths mingling. It was clearly an extremely intimate posture, yet they were as distant as if separated by a thousand miles.

Princess Yongning did not see the flash of brutality in Li Xian's eyes.

After drinking the nuptial wine, Li Xian went to the front hall to greet the guests. Only Yongning and her handmaiden, Meixiang, were left in the room. Yongning let out a sigh of relief, holding her waist and saying, "I'm exhausted."

After becoming pregnant, her waist had grown heavier, and she often felt tired. Going through the entire wedding ceremony today, she felt as if the world was spinning from exhaustion. She said to Meixiang, "Quick, give me the medicine."

Meixiang quickly took out a small bottle from her sleeve, poured out a pill, and then poured a cup of hot water for Princess Yongning. It was fetus-protecting medicine. Having just married into the Li family, she couldn't openly brew medicine, so Yongning had someone make it into pills beforehand for convenience.

She was extremely cautious about the child in her belly, terrified that any mishap might befall it. Firstly, she genuinely loved this child of hers and Shen Yurong's. Secondly, if something went wrong, the matter would likely be exposed. She didn't know what the consequences would be if the Li family found out. Although she could rely on Prince Cheng and Consort Liu to prevent them from harming her directly, Yongning was still afraid of them secretly causing trouble.

In the Li family, she was ultimately all alone.

"Is the wine ready?" Princess Yongning asked.

"It's ready, Your Highness."

At night, when Li Xian returned to the room, Yongning would drink another cup of wedding wine with him as husband and wife. After that cup, Li Xian would be unconscious. The next day, he would think they had already consummated the marriage, and everything would be over.

"He's getting off easy," Princess Yongning snorted softly.

Li Xian walked outside.

His personal page asked, "Young Master, the princess still has a maidservant with her."

"Find a way to send her away later," Li Xian said impatiently.

He did not like Princess Yongning. In fact, he did not like any woman. Princess Yongning seemed unwilling with this marriage, but who knew that he was unwilling too. It was just that his father had told him he must go through with this marriage, as it was an imperial decree that could not be defied. Besides, being able to strengthen ties with Prince Cheng was also a good thing.

Li Xian did not consider this a good thing; he had no intention of touching Princess Yongning. Even if the imperial decree had originally married Princess Yongning to Li Lian, the situation would not have become so difficult. Since he could not touch Princess Yongning, how could she remain unaware? Over time, problems were bound to arise. If Princess Yongning were to inform Prince Cheng about this, Prince Cheng would inevitably hold a grudge against him for neglecting her.

Thus, he had no choice but to seek another solution.

For instance... having another man fulfill the duties between husband and wife. As long as Princess Yongning did not conceive a child and the deception could be maintained indefinitely, it might be acceptable. Princess Yongning could still hold the position of the eldest daughter-in-law of the Li family, preventing others from growing suspicious. If one day Princess Yongning could no longer endure it and proposed a divorce, it would not be the Li family’s fault. It would all be her own doing.

Li Xian’s expression relaxed. Truly, women were troublesome, especially those who could not be refused. In comparison, he preferred the little things in his own courtyard—they were far more docile than Princess Yongning and absolutely submissive to him.

...

In the outer hall, after partaking in a bit of the wedding feast, Jiang Li stood up and walked out. The banquet was filled with clinking glasses and lively chatter, a scene she found utterly unsuitable. Moreover, Jiang Yuanbai could not attend to her every need. Lu Shi was happily chatting with familiar female relatives, so Jiang Li did not disturb her and quietly made her way to the courtyard outside.

There, she found Ji Heng already standing there, though she had no idea how long he had been waiting.

“Why has the Duke come out?” Jiang Li asked.

“The food did not suit my taste.”

Jiang Li was taken aback, suddenly recalling the so-called dishes from the Duke’s residence that were said to be prepared by Ji Heng. To be fair, today’s feast truly paled in comparison to Ji Heng’s culinary skills. At this thought, she could not help but laugh.

Ji Heng raised an eyebrow. “What are you laughing at?”

Jiang Li suppressed her smile. “I wasn’t laughing. The Duke must have misseen.”

Ji Heng narrowed his eyes leisurely. “I’ve noticed you’re growing bolder.”

“It’s only because the Duke has become more approachable,” Jiang Li replied with a curved, smiling gaze.

One could not strike a smiling face—no one could remain indifferent to such a gentle and soft smile. Ji Heng averted his gaze and chuckled. “It’s you who’s becoming more difficult to deal with.”

“I’m not so bad,” Jiang Li said with a smile. “For the Li family and Princess Yongning, the Emperor’s arranged marriage is the truly troublesome and inescapable matter.”

“Such schadenfreude could cost you your head,” Ji Heng remarked indifferently.

“Perhaps it’s because I’ve been spending so much time with the Duke that I’ve started to enjoy watching dramas. Consider this one my treat—I hope the Duke will accompany me until the very end.”

Ji Heng smiled. “The end?”

“Li Xian cannot father a son, nor does he want one, yet Princess Yongning arrives with a son. This is fraught with contradictions. I just don’t know who will prevail in this dispute—the Li family or Princess Yongning. I suspect…”

“What do you suspect?”

“I suspect it will be a lose-lose situation.”

“Isn’t that your goal?” Ji Heng smiled, then suddenly looked at her, his gaze profound. “This must be what you referred to as the most important matter.”

Jiang Li was stunned.

The young man’s gaze as he leaned in was exceedingly gentle, yet his words were a cold reminder.

Time was running out. The time he had “lent” her was not indefinite.After she finished this matter, she would offer up her own life.

"Yes." Jiang Li paused for a moment, then slowly smiled. Her smile was not as cheerful as before, yet it remained as serene as ever, as if she had long anticipated this outcome.

"The Duke may fulfill the agreement. I never lie—what I say, I do," she said.

(End of Chapter)