The Double

Chapter 166: An Encounter

A month had passed since Princess Yongning and Li Xian's wedding, and their lives had been peaceful.

The fervent discussions about this marriage in Yanjing City gradually cooled down as people became captivated by new gossip. The court also appeared calm, with no major events on the horizon.

In the Right Prime Minister's residence, Princess Yongning sat in her room, asking Meixiang to bring her some preserved salted plums to eat. Since becoming pregnant, she had developed a stronger craving for sour foods and often had Meixiang prepare them in advance. Fortunately, she still enjoyed considerable freedom in the Right Prime Minister's residence. Li Zhongnan and his two sons were busy with political affairs during the day and rarely at home. Aside from Lady Li, there were few others in the mansion. Moreover, her mother-in-law was gentle and accommodating, yielding to her in every way. Princess Yongning was quite satisfied with her life after marriage.

On their wedding night, the jug of wine that Princess Yongning had asked Meixiang to prepare went unused. Li Xian blew out the lamp as soon as he entered the room and, after taking only a few steps, was already drunk. Princess Yongning struggled to drag him to the bed and then fell asleep herself. The next day, the bed bore the prearranged traces. All Princess Yongning had to do was wake up drowsily.

After all, Li Xian had been drunk, and a drunk person would not remember what they had done.

After the wedding night, Princess Yongning used a cold as an excuse to avoid sharing a room with Li Xian. She could not rely on such tactics every day, fearing she might slip up. If anyone discovered she was pregnant, she worried whether the child in her womb could be kept safe.

Initially, Princess Yongning thought Li Xian might be displeased or suspicious, but the Eldest Son Li truly lived up to his reputation for having a good temper and did not question anything. Every night, he slept in the study.

This only made Princess Yongning more satisfied. Her child was almost two months along. Soon, she could feign illness, have a physician take her pulse, and slightly adjust the timeline to claim the child was conceived on the wedding night. For now, she could rest easy.

Today, Li Xian had gone to court early in the morning. After finishing the last plum in the dish, Princess Yongning stood up and said, "Staying in the room is stifling. Meixiang, accompany me for a walk outside."

Meixiang hurried over to support Princess Yongning as they walked out of the Li Mansion.

The servants of the Li Mansion bowed to her as she passed. Princess Yongning's status in the Right Prime Minister's residence was undoubtedly high. Whether Prince Cheng had spoken to Li Zhongnan in advance or not, life in the Right Prime Minister's residence was no different from life in the princess's own residence. Princess Yongning did not even need to pay morning and evening respects to her mother-in-law daily; as long as appearances were maintained, it was sufficient.

For Princess Yongning, she saw no need to curry favor with anyone. She believed her stay in the Right Prime Minister's residence was only temporary. One day, she would marry into the Shen family and become one of them. Thus, there was no need to expend effort on the Li family.

"Your Highness, which direction would you like to go?" Meixiang asked.

Princess Yongning glanced around and casually pointed in one direction. "That way. I heard Li Xian usually stays there. These days, he has slept in a separate room without complaint. Could it be that he has already taken in some concubine over there? If it's true, she ought to come and pay respects to me, his lawful wife."Princess Yongning's eyes flashed with malice. She had never wanted to become the wife of the Eldest Son Li, but once she had the title, she delighted in using it to torment others. Now that Li Xian slept in separate quarters, Princess Yongning wanted to see whether his silent acquiescence meant he already had other bed warmers. If it were true, she wouldn't mind teaching those women a lesson. Since this marriage had brought her displeasure, she would find ways to make others suffer too.

After all, no one would dare say anything—not even Li Xian. They were just low-born women; would he really disrespect her for their sake?

With this thought, Princess Yongning headed toward the courtyard where Li Xian usually resided, accompanied by Meixiang.

Having heard that Li Xian’s courtyard was quite remote, Princess Yongning now truly felt it. After walking for a while, she began to tire, unsure whether it was due to her current heavy body. Supported by Meixiang, they finally arrived. "Your Highness, we’re here," Meixiang said.

The courtyard was indeed elegantly designed, with a lush, dense bamboo grove behind it. Yet it was unusually quiet, without even a sweeper in sight.

"Does Eldest Son Li have no attendants?" Meixiang whispered. "Why is there no servant around?"

"How could that be?" Princess Yongning also found it strange. After a moment’s thought, her eyebrows arched high. "Perhaps he’s hiding a beauty in a golden chamber. Let’s go in and see."

"Wouldn’t Eldest Son Li be angry if we intrude so rashly? What if there are secrets inside…" Meixiang hesitated. Yongning shot her a glare. "Why should he be angry? I married into this family, so I have the right to see every corner. And what if there are secrets? Does he think he can hide them from me? The more he tries to conceal, the more I must uncover what the Li family is scheming behind my back!" With that, she pushed Meixiang aside and strode in through the door herself.

Meixiang sighed inwardly. After learning of her pregnancy, Princess Yongning had briefly restrained her temper. But now, married into the Li family and having passed the wedding night without incident, her true nature had resurfaced—stubborn, unyielding, and even more audacious than before.

Following her inside, Meixiang saw Princess Yongning frowning at the doorway, refusing to step further. Peering in, Meixiang found a study-like room that also contained a bed. It was surprisingly spacious, comparable to a large courtyard, fully equipped for daily living.

But that wasn’t what startled them. What was astonishing was the number of people inside—all young boys or children, dressed like well-off servants, delicate and frail in appearance.

Princess Yongning frowned, taken aback not to find any maidservants. She turned to the nearest child, who looked about eight or nine years old. He stared blankly at the two women, as if he didn’t recognize them, offering neither a greeting nor a word—perhaps he was simple-minded.

"Who are you?" Princess Yongning demanded.The child continued to stare at her vacantly, neither speaking nor making a sound. Just as Princess Yongning was about to lose her temper, an older boy suddenly pulled the child aside, pointed to his own mouth, and shook his head at the princess.

"Your Highness, they seem to be mutes," Meixiang observed.

"Mutes?" Princess Yongning was taken aback and turned to look at the others in the room. There were about ten young boys and children in total, all staring at them blankly without uttering a word. Suddenly, Princess Yongning realized the source of the strange feeling she had upon entering the room—it was because the place was unnervingly quiet. With so many people present, not a single sound could be heard. Wasn't that odd?

"Could all these people be mutes?" Princess Yongning frowned as she asked.

The boy who had pulled the child aside nodded vigorously.

"So it's true," Meixiang said.

"What is Li Xian doing with so many mutes here?" Princess Yongning rubbed her arm. "It's downright creepy."

"Perhaps they are all servants. Look at their clothing—they're dressed as servants. Oh," Meixiang added, "it just occurred to me that I've heard this Eldest Son Li is known for his kindness and has taken in some orphans with no parents. He lets them work as servants in his residence. I hadn't thought of it before, but seeing these servants now, all so young, it's very likely they are the orphans he adopted."

Princess Yongning scoffed. "So, Li Xian is a great philanthropist? But what a coincidence that every orphan he adopts is a mute. Could it be that he poisoned them to make them mute?"

Meixiang paused and said softly, "Every household has its secrets. Since this is the study, it must hold many important things. Perhaps Eldest Son Li made these people mutes to ensure those secrets aren't discovered."

Though the matter was clearly cruel, the master and servant discussed it as if it were commonplace. Princess Yongning remarked, "Only the dead can truly keep secrets. If he really wanted to prevent discovery, he should have killed these people. Why keep them alive? Or better yet, he shouldn't have brought them into the residence in the first place. In my opinion, this Li Xian is a fool."

Meixiang remained silent. As a maid, she could not comment on her master.

"Never mind. Since there are no women here, it's uncomfortable to stay. Let's go." Princess Yongning cast another glance at the young boys and said, "If he wants to play the good man, let him. At least it's not me who's the fool."

Meixiang and Yongning left the room, which remained eerily silent. After the door closed, it seemed as if no one was inside, though in reality, the room was full of people. The thought of them moving and working in complete silence sent a chill down Princess Yongning's spine. Suddenly, she felt a wave of nausea in her chest and hurried to a tree in the courtyard, leaning against it as she retched.

"Your Highness!" Meixiang exclaimed in alarm. Princess Yongning reached out a hand to her. "The medicine!"

Meixiang retrieved the medicine from her sleeve and gave it to Princess Yongning. After resting against the tree for a while, Princess Yongning said, "The symptoms are getting worse. In a few days, have the physician come and inform Li Xian that I am with child, not yet a month along."

Meixiang nodded in agreement."These past few days, Lord Shen hasn't come to see me..." Princess Yongning's tone grew increasingly sorrowful as she spoke. "He doesn't even care about his own child, letting me marry into the Li family just like that. If this matter comes to light, he'll be implicated too."

Just as Meixiang was about to offer some comfort, a clear sound of something falling to the ground came from beyond the wall. Princess Yongning turned her head sharply: "Who's there?" Meixiang had already quickly pursued the source. The person hiding behind the wall, likely panicked and flustered, hadn't managed to run far before stumbling and falling, soon being dragged by Meixiang before Princess Yongning.

"Who are you? How dare you eavesdrop on my conversation!" Princess Yongning demanded angrily.

"Your Highness, spare me!" the woman pleaded in terror. "This subject's daughter heard nothing! I didn't mean to, I just twisted my ankle while walking by the wall!"

"Subject's daughter?" Princess Yongning was taken aback, carefully examining the woman. She noticed the woman wasn't dressed like a servant, and her face looked familiar, though she couldn't immediately place it. Meixiang, however, had a flash of recognition and said: "Your Highness, this is the Third Miss Jiang from the Grand Secretary's residence!"

Third Miss Jiang? Jiang Youyao!

Jiang Youyao was horrified. She had already deeply regretted using the term "subject's daughter" in her panic. Now that she had been identified by Princess Yongning's maid, she truly didn't know what to do.

"Jiang Youyao?" Princess Yongning finally recalled and asked: "What are you doing in the Li residence?"

Meixiang leaned close to Princess Yongning and whispered: "Some days ago, I heard the Magistrate of the Capital mention that the Third Miss Jiang had gone missing. Grand Secretary Jiang has been searching everywhere for her, though to protect Third Miss Jiang's reputation, he hasn't made it widely known."

Princess Yongning suddenly understood: "Could it be that you've eloped with someone? Are you someone that Li Xian is keeping in his residence?"

Jiang Youyao was startled. She knew that Princess Yongning had recently married Li Xian. If she were mistaken for a seductress who had bewitched Li Xian, she would likely face severe consequences. Therefore, she quickly denied: "This subject's daughter doesn't know Eldest Son Li. I was harmed by someone outside earlier, and fortunately Second Son Li came to my rescue. He brought me back to his residence to recuperate from my injuries."

"Recuperate from injuries?" Princess Yongning laughed mockingly. "Why didn't you return to the Jiang residence to recuperate? I suspect you're using recovery as a pretext for improper conduct!"

Though the words were harsh, Jiang Youyao didn't dare refute them. This was the Li residence, not the Jiang residence, and no one could protect her here. Moreover, the speaker was Princess Yongning - that arrogant, domineering figure who stood far above her.

"Your Highness, this girl cannot be allowed to stay," Meixiang said quietly. "She just overheard our conversation..."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Youyao trembled like a leaf in a storm: "This subject's daughter heard nothing! I heard nothing at all!" She was frightened out of her wits, inwardly lamenting her misfortune. Earlier that day, she had argued with some maids from Li Lian's courtyard and, in a fit of anger, had stormed out. She thought she would take a walk outside Li Xian's courtyard, but just as she arrived, she saw Princess Yongning and her maid emerging from Li Xian's study. Princess Yongning appeared unwell, leaning against a tree while retching. Immediately after, she overheard the conversation between the princess and her maid.

Having learned this enormous secret, she became terrified and immediately tried to flee. But the more frantic she became, the more mistakes she made. She stepped on a stone, fell to the ground, and was discovered by Princess Yongning and Meixiang."I heard nothing, Your Highness... Mmm..." Jiang Youyao's words were cut short as Meixiang gagged her and twisted her arms behind her back.

Having served by Princess Yongning's side, Meixiang had learned some martial arts. Though not exceptional, it was more than sufficient to handle a delicate young lady like Jiang Youyao who couldn't even truss a chicken. Jiang Youyao struggled desperately but remained immobilized, her eyes pleading pitifully toward Princess Yongning.

"Only the dead can keep secrets," Princess Yongning remained unmoved. "Who told you to overhear things you shouldn't have? Third Miss Jiang, for my sake, you'll have to take the first step onward."

"Your Highness," Meixiang said, "this Jiang Youyao is after all the Grand Secretary's daughter, not some ordinary maid. If something happens to her, it might be difficult to handle the aftermath."

Princess Yongning displeasedly replied, "What? Are you suggesting I lack the capability to deal with a mere girl?"

"This servant wouldn't dare." Meixiang continued, "It's just that the Jiang family hasn't given up searching for Jiang Youyao yet. If Jiang Yuanbai learns her death is connected to Your Highness, he would spare no effort to find evidence against you. Your Highness now has the young lord..." If Jiang Yuanbai found proof of Princess Yongning's pregnancy and used the child in her womb against her, the consequences would outweigh any gains.

A flicker of irritation crossed Princess Yongning's brow. "So we can't kill her? Should we keep her alive then?"

"Your Highness, perhaps we could send her to the private prison first," Meixiang suggested. "Many have stayed in Your Highness's private prison before. This Third Miss Jiang could stay there without anyone noticing. Moreover, just like those mute children in Eldest Son Li's residence, we could give Third Miss Jiang a dose of mute drug and imprison her. After a year or two, when the Jiang family stops searching for Jiang Youyao, we can then send her on her final journey."

Jiang Youyao clearly heard Meixiang calmly describing her fate, tears immediately streaming down her cheeks. She was utterly terrified, suddenly regretting her choices. If only she had stayed with the Jiang family - at least there she remained Third Miss Jiang, where no one dared mistreat her. If she hadn't left the Jiang residence that night, she wouldn't have encountered Li Lian on the road. If she hadn't met Li Lian, she wouldn't have been brought to the Right Prime Minister's residence. If she hadn't been at the Right Prime Minister's residence, she wouldn't have seen Princess Yongning and learned her secret, leading to her current situation where she would be silenced, dying unknown and unburied!

Wait - Li Lian! She still had Li Lian! Wild hope suddenly flared in Jiang Youyao's heart. Once Li Lian returned and found her missing, he would definitely search everywhere for her. When Li Lian discovered Princess Yongning had taken her, he would surely demand her return. Li Lian could save her!

But the next moment, Princess Yongning and Meixiang's conversation poured cold water over Jiang Youyao's hope, extinguishing it completely with a "pfft" sound.

Princess Yongning said, "This Jiang Youyao is now Li Lian's person. If we take her away, Li Lian will likely come demanding her return.""Not necessarily," Meixiang said with a smile. "Jiang Youyao is currently staying with the Li family, but no one outside knows about it, and the Jiang family probably doesn't know either. It seems the Right Prime Minister is also kept in the dark. What Your Highness took away was just an ordinary maid, not Jiang Youyao. The Second Young Master Li wouldn't dare acknowledge Jiang Youyao's identity and will have no choice but to acquiesce. Your Highness is a princess—punishing an ordinary maid is a simple matter. The Second Young Master won't argue with you over this; in fact, he might even thank you for helping him discipline his household."

"You make a good point," Princess Yongning said, her brow smoothing. "As the elder sister-in-law, I am like a mother to him. He really should thank me."

In her heart, Jiang Youyao felt utterly hopeless. She knew there was no chance of survival for her now. When the men of the Li family were absent, Princess Yongning held absolute power in the Right Prime Minister's residence. They had gagged her and called for an old matron. What awaited her was the fate of being sent to that unknown and terrifying private prison.

...

That evening, just after Princess Yongning had finished her meal, Meixiang entered and said, "Your Highness, the Second Young Master Li is waiting outside. He wishes to speak with you."

Princess Yongning knew very well that Li Lian had come to demand the return of the person. Jiang Youyao had already been sent to the private prison of the princess's residence, and Princess Yongning had long prepared her response, knowing that Li Lian could ultimately do nothing to her. She leisurely draped her outer robe over her shoulders and stepped out.

Outside, Li Lian was seated at a table, waiting for her. When she appeared, he stood and bowed, saying, "Elder sister-in-law."

Hearing this form of address, Princess Yongning couldn't help but frown. It reminded her that she was the eldest daughter-in-law of the Li family, not "Lady Shen." She forced a thin smile and said, "Second Brother, what brings you here so late?"

Li Lian replied, "I heard that you passed by my courtyard earlier today and encountered my... maid, Xiaoyao, and took her away."

"Ah, Xiaoyao," Princess Yongning deliberately drew out the syllable "Yao," watching Li Lian's tense expression with amusement. "Yes, that did happen. That maid has no manners—she didn't even bow when she saw me and even spoke rudely. I simply took it upon myself to discipline your maid for you. Second Brother, you are kind-hearted, but you cannot allow the maids in the residence to disregard their superiors. What kind of order would that be?"

She spoke carelessly, fueling Li Lian's simmering anger. No matter how foolish Jiang Youyao might be, she would never deliberately provoke Princess Yongning. The princess was merely taking advantage of Jiang Youyao's absence to smear her name as she pleased.

Li Lian forced a smile and asked, "May I ask, elder sister-in-law, where Xiaoyao is now?"

Princess Yongning glanced at him and smiled. "That maid was truly wicked. I believe a maid like Xiaoyao should not be kept in the residence—she would only bring trouble sooner or later. So, I called a human trafficker and had her sold. Without a deed of sale, she was practically given away for free. The trafficker didn't seem to be from Yanjing, so she might already be outside the city by now."

Li Lian's heart jolted. He stared at Princess Yongning, uncertain whether she was telling the truth, whether she had recognized Jiang Youyao's identity, or how Jiang Youyao had offended her. With no one else in the courtyard at the time, no one knew what had truly happened.Li Lian was at a loss for what to do. Others might not know, but he was well aware—that was Jiang Yuanbai’s own daughter, yet something had happened to her under the Li family’s roof. If word got out, he wouldn’t be able to escape responsibility.

Princess Yongning said nonchalantly, “Second Brother, there’s no need to be so distressed. After all, she was just a lowly maid. Since she’s been sold off, she probably won’t return to Yanjing City in this lifetime. I haven’t taken this matter to heart, and I hope you won’t dwell on it either. No one cares about the fate of a mere maid. You needn’t worry about her seeking revenge—when I handle matters, I don’t leave room for retaliation.”

Li Lian was startled and looked up at Princess Yongning. Her words clearly indicated that she already knew Jiang Youyao’s identity and was assuring him that there was no need to fear—she wouldn’t give the Jiang family a chance to uncover the truth, nor would she allow them to seek revenge against him.

“What do you say, Second Brother?” Princess Yongning smiled as she looked at him. “You wouldn’t hold a grudge against me over a lowly maid, would you?”

Li Lian quickly replied, "How could that be? I'm grateful that you helped discipline the maid. From now on, aside from Mother, all matters in our household, big or small, will have to trouble you to take charge. If you encounter any malicious servants deceiving their master, please help discipline them."

Li Lian was someone who knew how to adapt to circumstances, and Princess Yongning was quite satisfied. She smiled and exchanged a few more words with Li Lian before returning to her room.

After Princess Yongning went inside, Li Lian paused for a moment before slowly walking out.

He had thought it through—since Princess Yongning had already assured him that no one would see Jiang Youyao again, this matter would remain unknown. No one would know that Jiang Youyao had ever been in his residence; the Li household had merely dealt with a low-ranking maid.

Prince Cheng's uprising was imminent. Once successful, their Li family would enjoy boundless honor and favor, so they must not offend Princess Yongning. Whatever she wanted to do, they should let her have her way.

As Li Lian stepped out the door, he nearly collided with someone. Stopping to look, he saw it was Li Xian.

Li Xian looked at him and asked, "Is everything settled?"

Li Lian nodded. "She said she was sold off." Li Xian had also learned about today's events, as Princess Yongning had first gone to Li Xian's courtyard. It was in Li Xian's courtyard that she had seen Jiang Youyao.

"It's fine, let her do as she pleases." Li Lian patted Li Xian's shoulder. "Are you going in?"

Li Xian nodded.

"Then don't upset her," Li Lian said before walking out.

Princess Yongning sat on the couch. After her visit to Li Xian's courtyard today, she actually felt sore in her legs and feet. She was about to ask Meixiang to fetch some sour preserved fruits for her when she heard Meixiang at the door say, "Eldest Young Master."

She looked up and saw Li Xian enter.

Though displeased, Princess Yongning maintained a calm expression. "You've come. I am not yet fully recovered today, so I must beg your pardon for not greeting you properly."

Li Xian replied, "It's alright, Princess. Please remain seated."

Their conversation was far from that of a married couple—not even like friends. Even strangers might interact more naturally than they did, without such tension.

Li Xian asked, "Did you visit my courtyard today, Princess?"

Princess Yongning said, "You're not here about Second Brother's maid too, are you?"

"She's just a maid. Dispose of her as you wish." Li Xian shook his head with a smile and added, "I heard you entered my room."

"Yes," Princess Yongning said. "I saw a room full of mutes."

Li Xian's expression shifted slightly, but his tone remained gentle. "Those are orphans I took in."

"Are you a good person or a bad one?" Princess Yongning sneered. "You take in orphans, then poison them into mutes. Those orphans are quite unlucky. If you don't want the Li family's secrets discovered, why not just kill them all? Why keep potential threats?"

Hearing this, Li Xian seemed startled, but soon he relaxed as if relieved and smiled. "It was a necessary measure. I apologize for embarrassing you, Princess."

Princess Yongning remained silent. Li Xian stood up, and she grew tense inside. If Li Xian intended to share the bed with her, she would have to use the excuse of not being fully recovered again, though it might arouse suspicion.

Contrary to her expectations, Li Xian did not approach. Instead, he said to Princess Yongning, "Since you are not yet well, I won't disturb your rest." With that, he left gracefully.

Princess Yongning was left somewhat stunned.Li Xian stepped out of the house, his steps suddenly becoming much lighter. He even wore a faint smile as he muttered under his breath, "I actually didn't notice... what a fool."

(End of Chapter)