The Double

Chapter 206: The Invitation

"The most crucial point is probably that Princess Yongning gouged out Third Miss Jiang's eyes and imprisoned her in a private prison, offending the Grand Secretary, which led to her being thrown into prison."

Situ Jiuyue did not mention the Xue family matter. In her view, if it were only Xue Huaiyuan coming forward to seek justice, it might not have been enough to bring down Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong. The reason Princess Yongning stumbled this time was entirely because she had set up a private prison in her residence, crossing the emperor's bottom line. Moreover, her actions were too reckless—she even dared to lay hands on Jiang Yuanbai's own daughter. If it were an ordinary family, like Ah Zhao who appeared to have no background, even if their entire life were ruined by Princess Yongning, they could only resign themselves to misfortune and wouldn't be able to stir up any trouble. But Jiang Yuanbai was different—he was not one to suffer losses in silence. Harming his daughter, Jiang Yuanbai would surely find a way to retaliate.

This time, the swift handling of Princess Yongning's case was also greatly aided by Jiang Yuanbai's efforts behind the scenes.

"That Grand Secretary?" Ah Zhao had clearly heard of Jiang Yuanbai's name. He murmured, "I never expected that in the end, it would be him who avenged our family."

Situ Jiuyue said, "No matter what, your enemy is gone now, so you don't need to seek revenge. But in your current state, you won't be able to achieve much anyway. You might as well do whatever you want."

These words were quite hurtful, but Situ Jiuyue had always been this way. She didn't care what others thought; even if the truth was bloody, she couldn't be bothered to offer a comforting lie.

Ah Zhao smiled. When he smiled, his expression became exceptionally bright and radiant. He said, "In the past, I hoped to travel the world, visit famous mountains and great rivers, uphold justice, and live a life of freedom and vengeance. I still feel the same way now. But before that, there are still some things I need to do."

Situ Jiuyue applied medicine to him as she spoke, "Well, you can't travel to famous mountains and great rivers now. You might have to rely on others to move for the rest of your life. In all my years, I've never seen a great hero like that, so you might as well give up that idea. As for the things you say you still need to do—it's not about seeking revenge again, is it? Princess Yongning is already dead. Are you planning to go after Prince Cheng and Consort Liu as well? Let me tell you, Prince Cheng is currently leading a rebellion, and Consort Liu has already been executed by the emperor in the palace."

The young man was stunned, clearly not expecting Situ Jiuyue to suddenly reveal so much information—things he had never heard before. During his time at the Duke's residence, he hadn't even been able to get out of bed, and the servants didn't speak to him. The only person slightly closer to him was Situ Jiuyue.

Seeing him staring at her without speaking, Situ Jiuyue asked, "You still haven't told me what it is you plan to do. You can't cause trouble here. Although I saved you, I'm not some benevolent saint. If you bring trouble to the people here, you'll have to leave immediately."Ah Zhao suddenly laughed and said, "Physician Situ, rest assured, I won't seek revenge anymore. Since the enemy is gone, further pursuit would be futile. However, I still have my father back in my hometown. I was imprisoned and tortured by Princess Yongning in her private prison for nearly a year. During this time, my father must have thought I was long dead. Once I recover a bit more, I'll find a way to return home to see him. The dead cannot come back to life, but at least the living must carry on."

He appeared completely unaffected, his openness and composure making Situ Jiuyue glance at him in surprise. Many who were once prosperous, after suffering sudden calamities and hitting rock bottom, often undergo drastic changes in temperament—becoming bitter and resentful or collapsing entirely—rarely recovering so quickly.

Ah Zhao's life had clearly experienced dramatic rises and falls, yet amidst such turbulence, Situ Jiuyue couldn't detect a trace of gloom. He had accepted his past with remarkable speed and moved on just as swiftly, as if he had never endured any suffering.

Suddenly, Situ Jiuyue began to understand why Ji Heng had specifically rescued this young man from Princess Yongning's private prison, as Zhao Ke had mentioned. She hadn't believed it at first—why would Ji Heng actively save someone? But this youth, though young, possessed a resolve and magnanimity surpassing most.

He looked at Situ Jiuyue and smiled, "Physician Situ always says she's a poison doctor, cultivating toxins rather than medicine. But in this world, those who carry medicine chests aren't necessarily incapable of killing, and those who wield blades aren't necessarily incapable of saving lives. Though you cultivate toxins, you saved me. To me, you are a kind-hearted good person."

His gaze was bright and sincere, his smile so genuine it nearly dazzled Situ Jiuyue. She averted her eyes, thinking this youth was truly naive, leaving one unsure whether to call it foolishness or preciousness.

"Who else is in your family? You can't travel far now. If possible, your family should come to fetch you."

The young man's voice softened slightly, pausing before he replied, "Only my father and elder sister remain. After my sister passed away, I disappeared. I don't know how my father has been since then, or if he went to Yanjing. That's why I want to return and see."

"Where is your hometown?" Situ Jiuyue asked.

"Tongxiang, Xiangyang."

"Tongxiang?" Situ Jiuyue was taken aback.

"What is it?" Ah Zhao looked at her.

"Nothing, it just sounds familiar." Situ Jiuyue shook her head, though inwardly she thought: Wasn't that the place involved in the case Jiang Li previously investigated? It was that very case from Tongxiang that implicated Princess Yongning and led to subsequent events.

Perhaps the next time she saw Jiang Li, she could ask her to inquire about this youth's family. And Xue Huaiyuan, the county magistrate of Tongxiang—now that he had regained his senses and had served as magistrate for many years, he would naturally know the families in Tongxiang. Since Xue Huaiyuan was currently staying with Ye Mingyu, he could be invited to the Duke's residence to meet this youth. Perhaps the two were old acquaintances.

Lost in these thoughts, Situ Jiuyue didn't notice Ah Zhao until his voice startled her. She turned to see him looking at her and asking, "Physician Situ, what's wrong?"

Only then did Situ Jiuyue realize she had been spending far too much mental energy on this unfamiliar young man.Perhaps it was simply because his smile was too pure and radiant, even carrying a rare childlike innocence. Despite suffering harm, he remained open-minded and warm, reminding her of the sun over Molan.

Those brief yet joyful years she had long forgotten.

Situ Jiuyue stood up and said, "It's nothing." Carrying her medicine chest, she hurried out the door without even finishing the half-applied wound medicine for Ah Zhao.

As if she were avoiding something.

...

On the fifth day after Jiang Li returned to Yanjing City, she heard that Prince Cheng's troops had reached the wilderness a hundred li outside the city.

Townsfolk who had left the city witnessed this and spread the news, causing immediate panic in Yanjing City. Prince Cheng's advance was fierce, his troops a dark, overwhelming mass. It was said that once they breached the city walls, they would be unstoppable.

Jiang Li still couldn't leave the estate. Jiang Yuanbai's restrictions were too tight; even Old Madam Jiang took every opportunity to summon Jiang Li to the Evening Phoenix Hall, hinting openly and subtly that Yanjing City was in turmoil and urging her not to wander about. With the gatekeepers so vigilant, Jiang Li couldn't visit the Ye family. Zhao Ke was no longer around—if he were, Jiang Li could have asked him to find a way to slip her out of the estate unnoticed at night, as Zhao Ke always had plenty of tricks up his sleeve.

Thinking of Zhao Ke inevitably led her thoughts to Ji Heng. Jiang Li had retrieved that porcelain whistle and tied it to the sachet at her waist, hiding it inside so she could blow it anytime, anywhere. But she never once did. Zhao Ke had already left the Jiang residence—Jiang Li knew this. Among the Jiang family's gardeners, Zhao Ke's figure was long gone.

Ji Heng had severed ties with her, and Jiang Li couldn't quite articulate what she felt about it. She knew it was for the best—like a glass of poisoned wine placed before her: succumbing to the temptation to drink it would cost her life. Staying away from her naturally meant greater safety. But reason was one thing; what her heart dwelled on was another.

She wanted to distract herself with other matters, but she couldn't visit the Ye family, and Ye Mingyu hadn't come to see her at the Jiang residence these past few days—Ye Mingyu disliked Jiang Yuanbai and had no desire to step foot in the Jiang estate willingly. Meanwhile, Prince Cheng's movements had forced the Hongxiao Emperor and his court officials to treat the situation with utmost seriousness, and Ye Shijie was busy with these affairs day in and day out.

Unable to go to the Ye family or the Duke's estate, Jiang Li realized how pitifully few friends she had in Yanjing City. Initially, it was because she bore the reputation of having killed her mother and sibling, causing others to keep their distance. Later, as the Jiang family faced frequent troubles, gossip was everywhere. Jiang Li had no patience for flattering or pleasing others, so even after a year or so, though her status within the Jiang family had changed, she remained as estranged from Yanjing's elite social circles as she had been at the start.

Her only friend was Liu Xu, daughter of Chengde Official Liu Yuanfeng. Even Liu Xu, she heard, had been busy these days being dragged by her mother to various banquets, as they were seeking a suitable match for her. After all, Liu Xu was a year older than Jiang Li, and Madam Liu was eager to settle her daughter's future.At this moment, Jiang Li actually felt somewhat relieved. Jiang Yuanbai was so busy running around in circles that he wouldn't have time to think about her marriage arrangements anytime soon. The main household lacked a proper mistress, Old Madam Jiang was advanced in years, and after what happened to Jiang Youyao, the old madam seemed to have suffered a blow, now only concerning herself with Jiang Yuanbai and trivial matters. Lu Shi wouldn't take the initiative to meddle in the main household's affairs either. As for the third branch, they had long since separated from the main family and were no longer considered part of the household, so how could they interfere? Thus, Jiang Li didn't need to worry about whom she might be married off to for the time being.

Considering that Prince Cheng's rebellion was imminent, the Jiang family probably didn't have the mood to prepare for joyous occasions anyway.

But even if the matter wasn't discussed now, it would inevitably come up one day. The main branch of the Jiang family only had two daughters. With Jiang Youyao now in such a state, the family had already resigned themselves to supporting her for life. That left Jiang Li as the only legitimate daughter. Although Jiang Yuanbai certainly regarded Jiang Li as his own daughter, his official career also required marital alliances to sustain it. Just like the Ji and Jiang families back then, who could say Jiang Li wouldn't become the next Ji Shuran?

Enough of this—she would deal with it when the time came. If the man turned out to be utterly unworthy and detestable, she could always follow the examples from those stories Xue Zhao used to tell her. Sitting atop the wall, he would animatedly recount tales of young ladies who fled their marriages to elope with their beloved. Although a proper betrothal made one a wife while elopement reduced one to a concubine, the present-day Jiang Li couldn't possibly elope with anyone. Still, she thought that escaping marriage and traveling the world with Xue Huaiyuan for the rest of her life might not be worse than being married off.

Her mind wandered with these random thoughts about the future until Tong'er's voice snapped her out of her reverie. "Miss," Tong'er said, "everyone outside is saying that General Zhaode returned to the capital today."

"General Zhaode?" Jiang Li stood up in surprise. "Are you telling the truth?"

"Absolutely," Tong'er replied. "The maids who went out for shopping in the outer courtyard saw it with their own eyes. General Zhaode was sitting tall on his horse, looking extremely imposing. I only learned today that there was such a general. I heard General Zhaode was quite famous back in the day, but why haven't we heard any legends about him all these years?"

That was because General Zhaode had left Yanjing many years ago. Later, when the Northern Yan region saw no military conflicts, naturally, this general was forgotten. When Jiang Li was young, she had heard rumors about General Zhaode, though not about his battlefield exploits, but rather about his extraordinary handsomeness, which was said to rival that of the Golden Crow General of his time.

The Golden Crow General... Jiang Li thought, that would be Ji Heng's father, Ji Mínghán. It was said that Ji Mínghán and Yin Zhan admired each other and shared a brotherly bond, though whether this rumor was true or not remained unclear. After all, one had been stationed in the northwest at Yunzhong for many years, while the other had simply vanished without a trace for so long that his fate was unknown.

"Did he just return to Yanjing City today?" Jiang Li asked.

Tong'er answered, "Yes. That's what everyone outside is saying. The common people are very happy, saying that now they don't have to worry about Prince Cheng's troops breaking into the city. With another general here, it must be His Majesty's order for the general to return and protect Yanjing City."

Prince Cheng's troops had just arrived outside Yanjing City, and General Zhaode happened to return at this very moment—of course, it would greatly reassure the people. If it was merely a coincidence, then so be it. But if it was intentional, this General Zhaode's purpose in coming was likely not so simple.For years, this name had not been heard, but now, with the right timing, it suddenly became famous among the common people. The rumors outside about his military achievements, whether deliberately spread by someone with ulterior motives or not, originally could have been a great opportunity to elevate the prestige of the Hongxiao Emperor. Yet, in an imperceptible way, it ended up sewing the bridal gown for someone else.

Perhaps because she already knew Ji Heng was targeting Yin Zhan, Jiang Li had a preconceived notion and was filled with caution toward this Yin Zhan. Even though Tong'er spoke with enthusiasm and admiration, Jiang Li's heart was only filled with deep suspicion.

Yin Zhan's grand and ostentatious display, regardless of what Prince Cheng and the Hongxiao Emperor thought, was certainly already known to Ji Heng. As for this scheme he had laid out for so long, with its final key point, it was unclear what Ji Heng would do next.

Jiang Li did not know, nor could she find out.

The waves stirred by Yin Zhan in Yanjing City were even bigger than Jiang Li had imagined. Without mentioning the outside world, even within the Jiang residence that day, as Jiang Li walked through the estate, she could hear servants everywhere discussing how handsome and imposing that general was.

When Zhenzhu arrived at the entrance of Fragrant Garden Courtyard, Bai Xue came to report. Jiang Li saw her, and Zhenzhu smiled, saying, "Second Young Lady, Old Madam has asked you to come to Evening Phoenix Hall."

Jiang Li agreed, but she felt a bit puzzled. She had already been to Evening Phoenix Hall during the day, and being summoned there again in the evening was surely not on a whim—it was likely there was something important to discuss. But what could it be at such a late hour?

When Jiang Li arrived at Evening Phoenix Hall, she found that Jiang Jingrui and Jiang Jingyou were not present. Old Madam Jiang was seated inside, and Jiang Yuanbai, Jiang Yuanping, and Lu Shi were all there.

Jiang Li entered the room.

"Second girl," Old Madam Jiang began as soon as she saw her, first asking Jiang Li to sit down before cutting straight to the point without any unnecessary words: "In three days, the Commandery Prince's heir and Princess Pingyang will be coming to our residence for a banquet. Over the next few days, make sure to dress up properly when the time comes."

"The Commandery Prince's heir and Princess Pingyang?" Jiang Li was taken aback, and a thought suddenly flashed through her mind. She asked, "Are they from the Xia Commandery Prince's family...?"

"Correct," Jiang Yuanbai replied. "You may have already heard—the Xia Commandery Prince has returned to the capital today."

Jiang Li asked curiously, "Father, has our Jiang family had any dealings with the Xia Commandery Prince in the past?"

"There were no dealings in the past," Jiang Yuanping chimed in with a smile. "But there might be dealings in the future."

His words carried an implied meaning, and Jiang Li did not grasp it immediately. After thinking for a while, she recalled the exceptionally handsome man and woman she had encountered on the streets of Yanjing City with Ji Heng that day. Coincidentally, they shared the surname Yin. Judging from Jiang Yuanbai's implication, the Xia Commandery Prince happened to have a son and a daughter. She couldn't help but wonder further and asked, "Father, are the heir and the princess named Yin Zhili and Yin Zhiqing?"

This time, both Jiang Yuanbai and Jiang Yuanping were taken aback. Jiang Yuanbai stared at Jiang Li and asked, "How did you know?"

So it was true? Jiang Li was momentarily lost in thought, never expecting that the man and woman she had seen on the street that day were Yin Zhan's children. Yin Zhan's children had arrived in Yanjing City a few days earlier than him? Why was that?Thinking that the couple would recognize Jiang Li when they came to the residence three days later, she decided not to hide the truth and frankly told Jiang Yuanbai, "On the day I returned to the residence, my carriage collided with another on the street. A man and a woman got out of that carriage and introduced themselves as Yin Zhili and Yin Zhiqing."

Jiang Yuanbai and Jiang Yuanping exchanged glances, while Lu Shi, who had been listening all along, seemed to finally understand and exclaimed in surprise, "Ah, so you've already met! What a coincidence!"

Her tone carried not only delight but also a hint of joy, which puzzled Jiang Li even more. What benefit was there in her having encountered that pair of siblings earlier? Was it worth Lu Shi's happiness? As far as Jiang Li knew, the Jiang and Yin families had no dealings with each other.

Unlike Lu Shi, Jiang Yuanbai showed no surprise and instead asked Jiang Li, "The carriages collided... How did you learn their names?"

Jiang Li fell silent. At the time, Yin Zhiqing had openly announced her name in public, not for any other reason but clearly because of Ji Heng. However, Jiang Li felt it would be awkward to tell others that Princess Pingyang had taken a liking to Ji Heng and had proactively introduced herself. Ji Heng might not appreciate it, and Princess Pingyang might consider her gossipy.

So Jiang Li replied, "It was just a minor accident, and there was no conflict. Father, you needn't worry—we didn't argue."

She sidestepped Jiang Yuanbai's question, which only deepened his confusion. Just as he was about to press further, Jiang Yuanping intervened, saying, "Since you, Xiao Li, are already acquainted with the two siblings, it might actually be a good thing three days from now. This can be considered fate."

After a moment of silence, Jiang Li asked, "Is the Jiang family planning to ally with General Zhaode?"

Jiang Yuanbai asked, "Why do you ask that?"

"Father, I'm merely saying that these are troubled times. Prince Cheng has rebelled, the court is in chaos, and the Right Prime Minister is maneuvering behind the scenes. At a time like this, we cannot afford even the slightest misstep. We don't yet know the true intentions of this General Zhaode's sudden arrival. It's best to be cautious, and you should think carefully before making any decisions, Father."

Lu Shi glanced at Jiang Li and then at Jiang Yuanbai. She didn't understand these matters and listened with a bewildered expression. Old Madam Jiang's eyes flickered slightly, but she remained silent.

Jiang Yuanbai looked at Jiang Li, who calmly met his gaze. After a while, he finally said, "Some matters are not within my control. You're a young lady—don't concern yourself with such things."

He had understood. Perhaps Jiang Yuanbai had long been aware of the points Jiang Li raised, but he still had to proceed this way.

Jiang Li said nothing more.

Seeing the silence around her, Lu Shi spoke up, "Xiao Li, I recently acquired several bolts of new fabric and had a few outfits made for you while having clothes tailored. I'll have the maids bring them to you later. There are also some pieces of jewelry. You're so beautiful—it would be a shame not to dress up properly."

Later, the Jiang brothers left, and Lu Shi chattered with Jiang Li for a while before Jiang Li returned to Fragrant Garden Courtyard. As soon as she entered her room, she sat down and pressed her fingers to her temples.

If Jiang Yuanbai intended to ally with the Yin family, Jiang Li felt nothing but unease. Judging by Ji Heng's demeanor, he was clearly targeting Yin Zhan. If the Jiang family stood on the same side as the Yin family, they would become Ji Heng's enemies.Jiang Li did not wish for the Jiang family to stand in opposition to Ji Heng, not only because of her own feelings, but also because if the Jiang family's enemy were Ji Heng, it would be too terrifying. Although Ji Heng treated her well, his methods toward his enemies were still appalling. Back when Jiang Li had lent her life to Ji Heng, she had told him that she would not become his enemy and, if possible, hoped to assist him.

If she broke her word and repaid kindness with enmity, Jiang Li would despise herself. She also did not want the past connection between her and Ji Heng—a bond that was sincere, complex, and faint—to be worn away entirely by these grievances.

That would be far too regrettable.

"Miss," Tong'er suddenly spoke up in the quiet, "do you know why the Old Madam and the Second Madam both insisted that you dress up properly that day?"

Jiang Li replied, "They always tell me to dress up properly for every banquet. Besides, now that Jiang Youyao in the household can no longer show her face, if I don't make an effort, it would inevitably invite gossip." Jiang Li herself, however, was rather indifferent to it all.

"No, that's not it." Tong'er moved around to the other side of the table, looking at Jiang Li seriously. "I think the old madam is actually considering potential matches for you. She probably wants to see what kind of person that Commandery Prince's heir is, and whether you might like him. That's why she specifically instructed you."

Bai Xue paused in her work, and Jiang Li was also taken aback for a moment before shaking her head with a laugh. "That can't be right."

A marriage alliance between the Yin and Jiang families? How absurd. She hadn't even heard of such a person before. And at a time like this, how could Jiang Yuanbai possibly be concerned with her lifelong matters?

"How can you say it's impossible?" Tong'er grew anxious. "Miss, please believe me. Never mind the old madam, but Second Madam's expression—I couldn't have misread it. It was clearly hoping you two would hit it off."

Jiang Li's fingertips twitched slightly.

She hadn't thought much of it before Tong'er mentioned it, but now that she considered it, Lu Shi's attitude had indeed been unusually enthusiastic. Although Lu Shi had always been friendly with her in the past, her earlier warmth felt somewhat peculiar. She had even specifically reminded Jiang Li what to wear and what accessories to put on, as if afraid Jiang Li might forget.

The Commandery Prince's heir...

Jiang Li's mind drifted to that handsome young man she had encountered on the street that day. He seemed gentle-natured and righteous, not like a bad person. The real Second Miss Jiang might have liked him. After all, he appeared much better than Zhou Yanbang.

But she wasn't the real Second Miss Jiang after all. No matter how outstanding this person might be, Jiang Li had no intention of getting to know him from the start. An instinctive resistance welled up within her.

"Does Miss feel unhappy hearing about the Commandery Prince's heir?" Bai Xue suddenly spoke, startling Tong'er.

"Nonsense," Tong'er said. "I've heard that the Commandery Prince's heir is extremely handsome, treating others with gentle courtesy. He's even kind to servants, and rumors say he has a compassionate heart. How could Miss be unhappy?"

Bai Xue lowered her head, silently wiping the table. After a while, she spoke again. "I still think Duke Su is better."

Jiang Li was taken aback.

Tong'er quickly made gestures at Bai Xue, but unfortunately, Bai Xue was focused solely on cleaning the table, polishing it until it shone brightly, as if she had no intention of caring about other matters and completely ignoring Tong'er's meaningful looks.

"No matter how good the Commandery Prince's heir is, he's never helped Miss," Bai Xue muttered.

Jiang Li suddenly smiled.

Even the maids could see it.

...

In the Duke's manor, late at night, in the study, a young man leaned back in his chair, reading a letter in his hand.

His expression was languid, a faint smile playing on his lips. In the flickering lamplight, he appeared both aloof and beautiful, exceptionally captivating.

Someone entered from outside—a guard dressed in black. He set down the letter and casually picked up a fan beside him. After the guard entered, he first reported on various court matters. Ji Heng listened with apparent indifference; to an observer, it might seem he wasn't truly taking in the information. Yet upon closer inspection, there was no trace of intoxication in his gaze—he was completely sober.

"I've also just received news," Wen Ji hesitated before continuing, "Yin Zhili and Yin Zhiqing will be attending a banquet at the Jiang residence three days from now."

The hand toying with the folding fan stilled. Ji Heng asked in return, "The Jiang family?""Yes." Wen Ji replied, "Yin Zhili has met with Jiang Yuanbai multiple times before and seemed eager to visit his residence. For some reason, Jiang Yuanbai only sent him an invitation now. I suspect it might be for Second Miss Jiang's sake. She wasn't in Yanjing previously, so Jiang Yuanbai didn't allow Yin Zhili to visit. After Second Miss Jiang returned to the residence, Jiang Yuanbai extended the invitation to Yin Zhili."

Ji Heng raised an eyebrow, the smile still lingering at the corners of his lips, but his gaze sharpened.

He said, "Yin Zhili."

(End of Chapter)