The Double

Chapter 207: Meeting

On the morning three days later, just when the Yin family's children were about to visit the Jiang residence, Jiang Li rose, and Tong'er busied herself with dressing her up.

Since both Old Madam Jiang and Lu Shi had instructed, Jiang Li had to dress meticulously today. Fortunately, the new clothes sent by Lu Shi were not particularly bright in color. Probably aware that Jiang Li did not favor eye-catching hues, they were all in soft, understated shades, quite suitable for her. Thus, Jiang Li glanced at them and found nothing amiss. Tong'er then selected hairpins and earrings that matched the colors of the attire and adorned Jiang Li with them. Gazing at the young lady in the mirror, she sighed, "Miss, there's no trace of your former self left now."

Jiang Li looked at the reflection of the young lady in the mirror. Strangely, when she first woke up in the body of Second Miss Jiang, she had also seen that child's appearance—sallow and emaciated, extremely frail, yet still a child. Now, after only a year or so, all the childish innocence had completely faded, revealing the youthful delicacy and charm of a maiden.

She really ought to thank heaven—from being Xue Fangfei, she had returned as a young lady, given a chance to start life anew, with seemingly limitless possibilities ahead. Just as Lu Shi and Old Madam Jiang envisioned, a girl like her ought to spend her future days gracefully and unhurriedly, growing more beautiful, finding a good match, living in harmonious bliss and wealth for a lifetime.

But after all, she was not the true Second Miss Jiang, nor was she willing to be forever confined to the same monotonous routine day after day.

Jiang Li stood up and walked out into the courtyard. The flowers in the yard were all in bloom. Ever since returning to Fragrant Garden Courtyard, Tong'er had diligently scattered flower seeds around the courtyard. During autumn and winter, it wasn't noticeable, but as spring arrived, the flowers rushed to bloom, leaving no trace of the desolation that had greeted Jiang Li when she first arrived at the Jiang residence.

"Miss, see? I told you our days would get better and better," Tong'er said with a laugh.

Jiang Li also smiled. "Naturally."

She, too, hoped things would continue to improve.

While they were talking, Mingyue came over and said, "Miss, Sister Feicui from the old madam's side just came by. She said the Commandery Prince's son and Princess Pingyang have already arrived at the gate and asked you to hurry over."

"So early?" Tong'er muttered.

Nobles of such high status often arrived fashionably late when visiting others to display their dignity. Of course, for the Xia Commandery Prince, the Jiang family was not one to be slighted. If his children were to put on airs at the Jiang residence, Jiang Yuanbai might not tolerate it anyway.

Since she had to meet them eventually, Jiang Li was not afraid. She said, "Let's go."

Just as they reached the entrance of Evening Phoenix Hall, before they could step inside, they saw servants leading people in from the far end of the garden. Judging by their appearance, these must be the guests. Therefore, Jiang Li did not proceed further but stopped at the doorway, looking toward the approaching figures.

The newcomers were naturally a pair—a young man and a woman—the son of Yin Zhan and the strikingly handsome siblings Jiang Li had encountered on the street that day. The Commandery Prince's son was dressed in white, exuding an air of refined elegance. His handsome features were as gentle as jade, causing the Jiang family's young maids to blush and steal glances at him. He also had a pleasant disposition, smiling constantly, as if he could tolerate anything.Walking beside him was Princess Pingyang, Yin Zhiqing. Today, Yin Zhiqing wore a crimson gown with gold-embroidered crane patterns and wide-sleeved gauze robes. Her features were already striking, and the vibrant colors perfectly complemented her aura, making her beauty seem almost overwhelming. Her eyes were large and alluring, and she often wore a smile, but compared to the gentle smile of the prince, her smile was dazzling and intensely radiant.

As Jiang Li looked at the woman in her red dress, she inexplicably thought of Ji Heng. For some reason, Jiang Li felt that Princess Pingyang had chosen to wear such a striking red dress today—perhaps because she naturally favored such eye-catching colors, or perhaps... because of Ji Heng.

The two approached Jiang Li, and Yin Zhiqing suddenly halted her steps. She looked at Jiang Li, first furrowing her brows as if finding her familiar, then let out a soft "ah" of surprise, as if recalling who Jiang Li was.

Yin Zhili also stopped, his expression one of astonishment.

Jiang Li smiled faintly and said, "I am Jiang Li, the Second Miss of the Jiang family. A few days ago on the street, you saved my friend. We have met before."

Yin Zhiqing suddenly understood and exclaimed, "So you are that Second Miss Jiang Li!" She turned to look at Yin Zhili.

Yin Zhili was also taken aback for a moment before breaking into a smile. "So we have already met—what a coincidence. Second Miss, I am Yin Zhili. You already know my sister’s name."

Jiang Li smiled in return. "I’ve met the heir.""

As they spoke outside, Lu Shi’s voice called from inside, "Xiao Li, why aren’t you coming in? Have the Crown Prince and the Princess arrived?"

"Let’s go in and talk," Jiang Li suggested.

Yin Zhiqing and Yin Zhili nodded in agreement.

The group entered Evening Phoenix Hall, where, surprisingly, everyone had already gathered. Jiang Yuanbai and Jiang Yuanping were also present. Jiang Li noticed that Yin Zhili and Yin Zhiqing had no one else with them, meaning their father, General Zhaode Yin Zhan, had not come. This was puzzling. If Jiang Yuanbai intended to build a relationship with the Yin family, why had Yin Zhan not appeared, sending only his son and daughter instead?

Over on the other side, Old Madam Jiang had already begun conversing with Yin Zhili and his sister.

Jiang Li had initially assumed that the Yin family, whom Ji Heng opposed, could not be good people. Even if they appeared pleasant on the surface, they were likely scheming and hypocritical. She had encountered many such individuals—Shen Yurong, Xiao Deyin, and even Zhou Yanbang. However, the demeanor and conduct of this brother and sister did not seem feigned but rather naturally cultivated over many years. Yin Zhili was gentle and courteous, while Yin Zhiqing carried a straightforward, brisk manner often found in military families. She spoke candidly but remained clever, carefully avoiding any inappropriate or revealing topics during her chat with Old Madam Jiang, sticking only to lighthearted everyday matters.

Even the unruly Jiang Jingrui from the second branch and Jiang Jingyou, who was wholly absorbed in his scholarly pursuits, listened to their conversation with rapt attention.

Jiang Li sighed inwardly. Old Madam Jiang, in her old age, sometimes grew confused and repeated questions. Yet Yin Zhili acted as if he hadn’t noticed, patiently explaining everything again without a trace of impatience on his face.Thus, Lu Shi’s expression grew even more satisfied. Jiang Li thought to herself that if the second branch of the family had a daughter instead of only two sons, Jiang Jingrui and Jiang Jingyou, Lu Shi would probably have wished for Yin Zhili to be her son-in-law as well.

Jiang Yuanping was relatively amiable, speaking with a smile, but Jiang Yuanbai had hardly spoken today. He kept scrutinizing Yin Zhili, occasionally seeming lost in thought. Jiang Li understood perfectly—Tong’er was likely right. Today was clearly meant to be a matchmaking session for her, and so far, this “suitable match” had made no mistakes. Everyone in the family seemed quite pleased—except Jiang Li herself.

Yin Zhili and Yin Zhiqing were half-siblings. Over the past few days, Tong’er had exhausted all efforts to gather information for Jiang Li. Yin Zhili’s mother had passed away while giving birth to him, and a few years later, Yin Zhan’s second wife gave birth to Yin Zhiqing. Although they were not full siblings, the two shared a good relationship. Yin Zhan likely showed no favoritism, and the stepmother was not someone like Ji Shuran, which explained the family’s harmony.

Of course, if one were to think more cynically, it was also possible that the stepmother was no match for Yin Zhili, completely under his control, and thus never had the chance to cause trouble.

After some lighthearted conversation, Old Madam Jiang suddenly said, “You’re all young people. Second Girl, Jingrui, Jingyou, why don’t you accompany the heir and the princess for a stroll in the courtyard and chat? We elders might bore you if we talk for too long.”

Although Yin Zhili and Yin Zhiqing politely declined, Lu Shi insisted, and eventually, the group of young people stepped outside.

Jiang Li smiled faintly but said nothing as she followed them out. Throughout the entire gathering at Evening Phoenix Hall, she had remained unusually quiet, speaking even less than Jiang Jingyou. She understood Old Madam Jiang’s intention—to give her and Yin Zhili some time alone. However, leaving an unmarried man and woman unchaperoned would be improper, so Yin Zhiqing and the Jiang brothers were included.

In the eyes of the Jiang family, even setting aside Yin Zhan as the father, Yin Zhili himself was undoubtedly a highly satisfactory match. Even Jiang Li had to admit that Yin Zhili was a genuinely likable person. Back in Tongxiang, she had thought Shen Yurong was the gentlest and most talented man she had ever met, but in comparison, Shen Yurong fell far short of Yin Zhili.

Yin Zhiqing walked ahead. Perhaps because of her striking beauty, even Jiang Jingrui, who usually paid no attention to “matters between men and women,” couldn’t help but glance at her frequently and initiate conversation. Yin Zhiqing responded cheerfully. As they walked, Jiang Li suddenly realized that she and Yin Zhili had been left behind alone.

At first, she was startled, but then she understood. Everyone present today likely knew what Old Madam Jiang had in mind and was deliberately creating opportunities for them to interact. The Jiang brothers were obvious participants, and even Princess Pingyang seemed to hope for a match between them.

With the lively chatter gone, Jiang Li’s heart grew calmer. She deliberately slowed her pace even further, strolling leisurely through the garden.Walking beside Yin Zhili, she felt no discomfort whatsoever—one might even say she could almost pretend he didn't exist. People are often like this: when someone occupies your heart, others simply fade from view. Yin Zhili was perfectly pleasant, but in Jiang Li's eyes, what did that have to do with her?

Her nonchalance, observed by Yin Zhili, came across as serene composure.

The young maiden wore a deep blue soft satin skirt and a spring-green brocade top, her hair adorned with a red bean hairpin and tiny green jade drops dangling from her ears. Layers of varying greens made her stand out with striking clarity amidst a sea of gaudy blossoms.

Her delicate profile carried a refined elegance distinct from typical aristocratic young ladies. She wasn't like a pampered flower cultivated to dazzle in manicured gardens, but rather resembled a unique plant growing by a mountain stream—gracefully upright, existing not to please anyone, yet radiating a moving, comfortable charm.

"Since arriving in Yanjing City, I've heard many rumors about Second Miss Jiang," Yin Zhili suddenly spoke.

His voice was gentle. Jiang Li asked, "What rumors?"

"There are indeed many stories about you, but what impressed me most was how you led the citizens of Tongxiang County to the capital to strike the stone lions and appeal for justice, clearing Xue Huaiyuan's name." He smiled. "Hearing this, I was quite astonished that such a woman existed in this world and very much wanted to meet you. So I sent a visiting card to Grand Secretary Jiang." At this point, he added sheepishly, "I know this might seem presumptuous, but I meant no disrespect—I simply felt such a woman was truly worth knowing."

He chuckled again, "I initially imagined such a woman would be fervent and straightforward, much like my younger sister. I expected a spirited young lady, never imagining it would be you whom I saw on the street that day. To be honest, Second Miss Jiang, you're different from what I envisioned, but this makes me understand why the citizens of Yanjing City speak of you as they do."

Curious, Jiang Li asked, "How do the people of Yanjing City speak of me?"

"They say the Grand Secretary's second daughter is ethereally lovely, pure and kind like a snow-white lotus. At first, I didn't believe it," he admitted. "I always thought the girl in those rumors sounded too delicate to accomplish such courageous deeds. But now I see... one shouldn't judge by appearances. I was narrow-minded."

His manner of speaking was immensely comfortable—unhurried, devoid of any aggression. His admiration was genuine admiration, his curiosity sincere curiosity, without a trace of pretense or forced flattery.

Jiang Li smiled, "So that's how the people describe me."

"It suits you perfectly."

"What does?"

"Ethereally lovely, like a lotus," he said.

Such praise from a jade-like gentleman would likely make any maiden blush with shy delight. Yet when Jiang Li heard it, she could only laugh inwardly.

This proved Yin Zhili still didn't truly understand her—he only saw her surface. Unlike Ji Heng, who had repeatedly reminded her that she was quite cunning and not nearly as docile as she appeared.

"I heard Second Miss Jiang also ranked first in the Six Arts examination at Mingyi Hall," Yin Zhili remarked. "That's quite remarkable."

"If the Young Master had been among the examinees, you would have achieved first place too," Jiang Li replied.According to the information Tong'er gathered, this commandery prince's heir was also accomplished in both literary and martial arts, nearly omnipotent with nothing he wasn't skilled at. Jiang Li didn't doubt this.

"What a pity I wasn't present that day, otherwise I could have witnessed the Second Young Lady's elegance. Truly regrettable." Yin Zhili smiled: "I truly hope there will be another opportunity in the future."

Jiang Li smiled faintly: "There are many people in this world more accomplished than I. The heir will naturally see the best, but that isn't me."

Her words seemed to carry some additional meaning. Yin Zhili looked at Jiang Li, who remained calm. He appeared thoughtful for a moment before falling silent. Coincidentally, they had reached the stone table in the courtyard, where a chessboard and pieces were arranged. Yin Zhili asked: "Second Young Lady, would you care for a game of chess?"

"Very well," Jiang Li replied.

They sat down at the stone table. Under the tree, through the gaps in the branches and leaves, tiny sunbeams fell upon the chessboard, creating scattered golden patterns.

Yin Zhili gestured for Jiang Li to make the first move. She chose the black pieces, leaving Yin Zhili with the white ones.

Black moves first.

It had actually been quite some time since Jiang Li last played chess with anyone. Xue Zhao didn't enjoy chess, but Xue Huaiyuan was quite fond of it. When she was young, Xue Huaiyuan would insist on playing chess with Xue Fangfei, stubbornly transforming a poor player into a skilled one. During her early years after marrying into the Shen family, Shen Yurong also enjoyed playing chess with her, and they had shared moments of refined elegance reminiscent of "gambling with books amid the scent of ink." However, such moments were gradually eroded by increasingly tedious matters.

Later, when she became Jiang Li, solely focused on revenge, she had no one to play chess with. Ji Heng didn't seem to enjoy chess either, or at least he never played with her. Therefore, Yin Zhili could be considered the first person to play chess with her during her leisure time since becoming Jiang Li.

Yin Zhili's chess style was gentle yet steadily progressive. In comparison, Jiang Li's moves appeared somewhat disorganized and awkward. However, someone who ranked first in the Six Arts couldn't possibly be completely ignorant of chess. Yin Zhili sighed: "Second Young Lady's chess strategy is quite unconventional."

"Just using some petty cleverness," Jiang Li replied casually as she placed another piece. "The heir must be aware that Prince Cheng's troops have recently arrived outside the city, preparing to rebel."

Yin Zhili's hand paused, seemingly surprised by Jiang Li's sudden mention of this matter. Nevertheless, he responded gently: "I know about this. My father returned to the capital this time under imperial orders to capture the rebels."

"Can General Zhaode suppress the rebels?" Jiang Li asked.

Her question sounded rather naive, as if she were completely unaware of the number of Prince Cheng's troops or the soldiers under General Zhaode's command. To her, war seemed to be simply about "winning or losing," with no understanding of anything else.

Yin Zhili smiled: "Second Young Lady need not worry. With my father here, the rebels won't enter the city."

"So General Zhaode must be stronger than Prince Cheng?" Jiang Li asked.

Yin Zhili had just placed a white piece when he looked up at Jiang Li upon hearing her question.The girl seemed unaware of the other's unusual expression, holding a black piece as if seriously contemplating where to place it. She remarked casually, "General Zhaode surely wouldn't just defend the city—he must also suppress the rebels. Otherwise, Prince Cheng's forces lingering outside would create endless inconveniences: those outside unable to enter, those inside unable to leave. What if Prince Cheng simply attacks other cities? History records instances where rebels seized half the realm and declared themselves kings, doesn't it?"

"You're not wrong to think that way, Second Young Lady," Yin Zhili replied, lowering his head again. As Jiang Li placed her piece, he swiftly followed suit, his moves rapid and decisive, unlike her thoughtful pauses, as if he had calculated every step in advance. "The rebels must be eliminated eventually, but once war breaks out, it's always the common people who suffer," he said, a flicker of anguish crossing his eyes.

Jiang Li noted his distress with surprise. Rumors painted this commandery prince's heir as compassionate and kind-hearted, and now it seemed they held truth. Those in high positions seldom empathized with the populace or understood their hardships, yet Yin Zhili could consider the civilians affected by war—a rarity indeed.

"War is also waged to protect more civilians," Jiang Li reassured. "This isn't your burden to bear, so please don't blame yourself excessively."

Yin Zhili smiled wryly. "My father often says I have a woman's soft heart, which isn't advantageous. Forgive my embarrassment, Second Young Lady."

"Compassion and righteousness are nothing to be ashamed of. You needn't speak so," Jiang Li replied gently. "You are admirable."

"You always address me so formally as 'heir,' which feels distant. We met once on the street and now share a game of chess—surely we can consider ourselves friends," Yin Zhili said softly. "From now on, please don't call me 'heir.'"

Jiang Li hesitated briefly before responding, "Young Master Yin."

Though an improvement, it still maintained a degree of formality. Fortunately, Yin Zhili wasn't one to press further; instead, he seemed content with the address and let the matter drop.

They focused on their game.

Throughout, no one disturbed them—not even a maid to pour tea—granting them serene solitude. Initially, Yin Zhili's white pieces dominated, seemingly cornering Jiang Li's black pieces at every turn, yet her black pieces repeatedly found escapes. By the mid-game, her black pieces gradually caught up, capturing some white ones, balancing the board into a stalemate. Yin Zhili's previously swift moves slowed, and he began pausing to ponder.

Finally, as black and white pieces divided the board equally, Jiang Li placed her last piece, looked up, and beamed. "I've won."

Her usual mild smile, polite yet veiled, now blossomed into a genuine, heartfelt expression. The girl's face lit up like a flower, her eyes sparkling, with sunlight filtering through the branches to cast a particularly captivating glow upon her.

Yin Zhili was momentarily stunned.Then, he looked at the board and suddenly shook his head with a laugh. As he laughed, he said, "I thought I was the one with a firm goal, but now it seems Second Miss Jiang is the one."

Her seemingly haphazard and erratic moves actually had a single purpose from start to finish. She moved carefully and cautiously, not as thorough as Yin Zhili, but like spending a long time weaving a net. While weaving the net, naturally nothing was gained, but she was in no hurry, patiently waiting, unhurriedly waiting until the net was fully laid out, the prey walked into it, and then she struck all the way through, leaving nothing behind.

Truly a gentle yet deadly strike.

"I can't tell if Second Miss's playing style is gentle or sharp," Yin Zhili said with a bitter smile. "But Second Miss is formidable. I admit defeat."

Gentle or sharp? In Jiang Li's mind, a figure emerged—just as she often wondered whether he was truly affectionate or fickle by nature.

Jiang Li smiled and said, "Young Master Yin is also quite impressive."

One's chess style reflects their character, and Yin Zhili's approach to the game offered glimpses of his personality. Though gentle, he was by no means weak-willed. Anyone attempting to take advantage of him or deceive him would likely find it impossible.

Her words were sincere, and Yin Zhili responded with a smile. Just as they were about to rise, Yin Zhiqing's voice reached them: "I've been looking for you everywhere, and here you are hiding away playing chess." She glanced at Jiang Li before turning to Yin Zhili. "Aren't you usually too proud to play chess with anyone? You never agree when I ask you."

"Your skills are simply too poor," Yin Zhili replied, feigning a headache. "And you're always taking back moves. You'd be better off playing against yourself."

Yin Zhiqing snorted but didn't argue further.

Jiang Jingrui and Jiang Jingyou, who had been following behind, approached and said, "It's getting late. The banquet is about to start—we should head out now."

Jiang Li nodded.

She naturally fell into step with the group, but as they walked, she felt a tug on her sleeve. Turning, she found Yin Zhiqing standing there.

Jiang Li looked at her with mild suspicion.

Yin Zhiqing remained still, waiting until Yin Zhili and the Jiang brothers had moved ahead and created some distance. Then, she turned to Jiang Li, hesitating slightly before asking in a low voice, "Second Miss Jiang, there's something I'd like to ask you."

Jiang Li had a vague idea of what the question might be, and a strange feeling stirred within her. Yet, her expression remained calm as she replied, "Please go ahead, County Princess."

"That day when my brother and I encountered you on the streets of Yanjing City, there was a young man in red by your side. May I ask who he was?"

Jiang Li stared at her.

Yin Zhiqing seemed slightly embarrassed, her cheeks flushing faintly, which made her look as radiant as peach blossoms. Noticing Jiang Li's silence, she frowned slightly and repeated, "Second Miss Jiang?"

"That was the current Duke Su," Jiang Li answered.

"Duke Su?" Yin Zhiqing paused, as if unfamiliar with the official circles of Yanjing City, as though hearing of him for the first time. But she quickly continued, "I don't mean anything by it, but what is the relationship between that Duke Su and you, Second Miss Jiang?"

The question was somewhat presumptuous. Jiang Li wasn't sure if it was due to the open customs of Yunzhong or if the County Princess was intentionally being direct. After a moment's thought, Jiang Li replied, "We are merely acquaintances and have had some interactions."

"Are you two close?"

Jiang Li shook her head. "Not particularly."

As soon as she said this, Jiang Li swore she saw Yin Zhiqing's eyes light up. Yin Zhiqing immediately curved her lips into a smile—so dazzling it seemed to outshine the surroundings. Jiang Li inexplicably found it somewhat glaring.

"We'll be staying in Yanjing City from now on," Yin Zhiqing said meaningfully to Jiang Li. "My brother rarely plays chess with others, and he seldom gets along so well with women. It seems he holds you in high regard."One after another, they all came to hint at something. Jiang Li couldn't help but laugh inwardly, yet she still smiled and said, "The heir is very good. It is my honor to have earned his admiration."

(End of Chapter)