The Double

Chapter 210 Pursuit

A late spring and early summer night should have been beautiful—a night for sweet dreams, waking to fresh sunlight and renewed vitality. Yet this particular night felt endlessly dark, with everyone lying awake, their minds heavy as they awaited news of uncertain outcome.

Jiang Li was no exception.

The sky gradually shed its blackness, like ink dissolving in water until clarity returned. Unnoticed, the moon vanished. Distant rooster crows heralded the dawn as morning clouds bloomed at the whitening horizon.

A panting servant rushed in, exclaiming, "Re...retreated! Prince Cheng has withdrawn his troops!"

Lu Shi urgently asked, "Is it true?"

"Absolutely true. Everyone is emerging from their homes now," the servant replied joyfully. "I even encountered the master on the road. He said everyone endured a hard night and should eat early and rest—the crisis has passed."

Jiang Li thought to herself: It seems Yanjing City has been successfully defended.

Old Madam Jiang heaved a deep sigh of relief. Advanced in years and having stayed awake all night, she was promptly escorted by her maids to rest. Lu Shi also rose, while Jiang Jingrui and Jiang Jingyou stretched lazily. Only Jiang Youyao had slept soundly, oblivious to the turmoil, dozing off when tired. As for Jiang Bingji, he remained completely unaware of what had transpired.

It was as if everyone only now felt their exhaustion, all retiring to sleep without even touching breakfast. Though Jiang Li had sat through the night and felt bodily aches, she remained more alert than the others. Returning to her courtyard, she nibbled on pastries and drank hot tea before removing her outer garments and lying down. Yet sleep eluded her, her thoughts lingering on Prince Cheng.

General Zhaode had defended Yanjing City, but the extent of Prince Cheng’s losses remained unknown. To eradicate this threat entirely, General Zhaode would likely pursue beyond the city walls and annihilate the rebel forces. Though Prince Cheng commanded substantial troops, they paled against Yin Zhan’s forces. Prince Cheng’s original plans had never accounted for Yin Zhan—even if he had, he wouldn’t have anticipated that after all these years, Yin Zhan’s army remained battle-ready. The harsh lands of Yunzhong had not dulled Yin Zhan’s edge; if anything, it had honed his forces to greater ferocity.

Jiang Li held no doubt that Yin Zhan could crush Prince Cheng. She even intuited that the turmoil Prince Cheng had plotted for years might be swiftly quelled by Yin Zhan. But Yin Zhan’s return was no blessing—driving out a wolf only to welcome a tiger. This felt like releasing a tiger back to the mountains. If she could foresee this, how could Hongxiao Emperor fail to?

She wondered what Hongxiao Emperor was feeling now.

…

For now, no one knew Hongxiao Emperor’s sentiments. The emperor’s heart was inscrutable, and none dared speculate.

Within the palace halls, the Empress Dowager was conversing with Hongxiao Emperor.

The upheaval in Yanjing City had been so severe that even the reclusive Empress Dowager had recently emerged frequently from Cining Palace, setting aside her sutras to inquire about outside events. Last night was no exception—countless households in Yanjing City had kept their lamps burning through the night, awaiting an outcome. The palace was no different, its eunuchs and maids even more fearful than the commoners.Though the common people were unarmed, Prince Cheng's forces could not truly slaughter the entire city. Some might still escape disaster, while only the unlucky would lose their lives. However, the palace was different. Never had it been heard that anyone who successfully rebelled showed mercy and spared those in the palace. After every rebellion, it was the palace that truly became a river of blood, with almost no survivors.

This was the moment when life hung by a thread, where life and death were decided in an instant. It was said that the Empress Dowager had recited Buddhist sutras all night in the Cining Palace, unaware that countless eunuchs and palace maids were doing the same, silently praying in their hearts for a peaceful night.

Perhaps Heaven, in its benevolence, heard their prayers and allowed them to escape calamity.

"Prince Cheng's troops have finally retreated," the Empress Dowager said. "This old heart of mine can finally rest easy."

"I troubled Mother with worry last night," the Hongxiao Emperor said with a smile. "Prince Cheng's retreat is partly due to Mother's efforts."

"This old one did nothing," the Empress Dowager also smiled. "I merely copied some sutras. I know well in my heart that this time, it was thanks to the Duke of Xia. If he hadn't led his troops back, Prince Cheng wouldn't have retreated so quickly."

"This is indeed the merit of General Zhaode," the Hongxiao Emperor said, whether intentionally or not, not referring to Yin Zhan as the "Duke of Xia." "When the time comes for rewards, I will properly bestow honors upon him." He sighed softly. "I've heard that General Zhaode achieved numerous military merits in the past. After all these years, he remains as sharp as ever. I've also heard that his son and daughter are exceptionally outstanding. I've met him but have yet to meet his children."

"This old one has heard of this as well," the Empress Dowager said. "When Your Majesty decides on rewards, perhaps it would be better to bestow them upon his children rather than the Duke of Xia himself. His noble rank is already high enough, and I imagine the late emperor rewarded him generously with gold and treasures."

"Mother's consideration is sound," the Hongxiao Emperor said. "All this must wait until the matter of Prince Cheng is fully resolved before plans are made."

The Empress Dowager fell silent for a moment before saying, "Does Your Majesty intend to have the Duke of Xia pursue the victory?"

"Of course. General Zhaode and I are of the same mind, and I have already informed him. Prince Cheng, with his wolfish ambition, has schemed for so many years but forgot that I have also been guarding against him. Ascending to this position is not as simple as he thinks."

He said this with a smile, but in the young emperor's eyes, there was a rising aura of killing intent and ambition that chilled the heart.

The Empress Dowager's movements paused slightly, and it was a long while before she slowly said, "Your Majesty has not had it easy all these years. This position is ultimately not something Prince Cheng could covet, so he brought this suffering upon himself. It is good that Your Majesty acts this way. Once Prince Cheng's matter is settled, the world will be at peace."

"This is also thanks to Mother," the emperor said with a laugh. "It is because Mother recites sutras and prays for blessings daily that Heaven protects Northern Yan."

The Empress Dowager smiled and said no more. The Hongxiao Emperor gazed into the distance, where the sky outside the palace was exceptionally clear and blue—a fine, bright day. Everyone desires to grasp the power of the world, but this picturesque land is fraught with peril at every turn. With Prince Cheng gone, will there be others?He probably wasn't lacking in that regard, but there was one thing he hadn't been wrong about—if he could handle Prince Cheng, he could naturally handle others as well. In that play of "the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind," no one could know until the very end who would be the oriole and who would be the cicada.

...

By the afternoon of the second day after Prince Cheng's retreat, everyone had finally rested enough. When Jiang Li woke up, it was nearly evening. She had slept the entire day, feeling groggy and disoriented, but she still remembered to send a servant to deliver a letter to Ye Mingyu, asking about his situation. In such chaotic circumstances, Jiang Yuanbai was even less likely to allow her to leave the residence freely.

The servant went and returned quickly. Ye Mingyu didn’t want to write a reply and instead sent a verbal message: everything was fine at the Ye residence, and both Ye Shijie and Xue Huaiyuan were doing well. He urged Jiang Li to stay in the residence, take care of herself, and if she encountered any difficulties, to send word to the Ye family—he would come to protect her.

Hearing that the Ye residence was safe, Jiang Li felt relieved. The day passed without incident, albeit with some lingering tension. By the fifth day, Prince Cheng’s troops had not launched a second attack on the city. Instead, General Zhaode, Yin Zhan, led his forces out to engage the enemy.

The panic from the previous days had not yet dissipated when new worries arose. Both Tong'er and Bai Xue seemed preoccupied. While brewing tea, Bai Xue nearly spilled it on the table.

"What’s wrong, Bai Xue?" Jiang Li asked with a smile. "What has you so distracted?"

Bai Xue replied, "I’m worried about my parents back home. Who knows how long this war will last, or whether it will affect my family?"

"Isn’t Zhaohua Village quite far from Yanjing City?" Tong'er interjected. "Even if the fighting continues, it shouldn’t reach Zhaohua Village for now. Instead of worrying about them, you should worry about yourself! General Zhaode has marched out of the city—is he trying to drive Prince Cheng completely out of Yanjing? But what if Prince Cheng returns?"

Jiang Li smiled. "I don’t think he’s merely driving them away. He probably intends to wipe out the rebels completely and eliminate the threat for good."

"Really?" Tong'er exclaimed. "That would be wonderful! Then we wouldn’t have to worry day and night. After accomplishing such a feat, General Zhaode will likely return to Yunzhong, right? I thought he might stay in Yanjing to guard against Prince Cheng’s return."

"How could that be? The national treasury probably can’t afford to support so many troops indefinitely," Jiang Li replied. As she spoke, a thought suddenly struck her—Tong'er’s words had reminded her of the saying, "When the cunning hare dies, the hound is boiled." If Prince Cheng’s forces were completely destroyed, there would be no reason for Yin Zhan to remain in Yanjing. Yet he was pressing his advantage so aggressively. Either he was genuinely devoted to the nation, focused solely on protecting Yanjing and planning to return to Yunzhong immediately, or he had deeper intentions—perhaps he had already made other plans and was confident he could stay even after eliminating Prince Cheng.

Why would that be?

A faint unease slowly crept into Jiang Li’s heart. The outcome of the battle ahead remained uncertain, and since she was not a soldier, she could only wait anxiously indoors for the final result.

Mingyue entered from outside and, after hesitating for a moment, said to Jiang Li, "Miss... the Commandery Prince’s son is here."

Yin Zhili? What was he doing here?Jiang Li involuntarily furrowed her brows. She always carried a hint of smile when meeting others, yet every time she encountered Yin Zhili, she felt a sense of resistance. Perhaps it was because she knew exactly what the Jiang and Yin families were scheming, and her unwillingness to comply made her react this way.

As she stepped out of the courtyard, she saw Yin Zhili following behind a maid.

This time, even Yin Zhiqing was nowhere to be seen.

Jiang Li bowed to him. "Young Master Yin."

"There's no need for such courtesy, Miss Jiang." Yin Zhili, still dressed in his gentle white robes, replied, "I've just met with Old Madam Jiang. Today, I came on my father's behalf to speak with Grand Secretary Jiang. After our conversation, I thought I'd take the opportunity to deliver something to you."

Jiang Li looked at him in surprise. For an unrelated man and woman to exchange gifts privately was somewhat improper.

Yin Zhili seemed to realize his words were abrupt and smiled sheepishly. "Actually, it's from Zhiqing. She knew I was visiting the Jiang residence today and asked me to pass it along. I intended to give it to Old Madam Jiang, but she insisted I deliver it to you personally."

Old Madam Jiang still hadn't given up on the idea of pairing her with Yin Zhili, Jiang Li thought to herself. Just then, Yin Zhili produced a small box. "I took a look at it and thought it would suit you well, Miss Jiang."

Jiang Li opened the box and was momentarily stunned. Inside was a fan. She drew it out to examine it—the fan's surface was pure white, made of some unknown fabric that shimmered faintly. Embroidered on it was a pear blossom, delicate and exquisitely crafted. The colors were subtle and understated, yet the fan's handle was made of jade, cool to the touch. While fans were common, one as refined and thoughtful as this was rare. Most young women would be delighted to receive such a gift.

But Jiang Li didn't feel particularly joyful. Though the fan was beautiful, it paled in comparison to Ji Heng's golden-thread peony folding fan. Jiang Li found it strange—she had never been fond of overly vibrant colors, but after spending so much time with Ji Heng, she had adopted some of his tastes. Now, this snow-white, charming fan seemed too plain and bland.

Unaware of Jiang Li's thoughts, Yin Zhili continued smiling. "Summer is approaching soon. I thought this fan might come in handy for you, Miss Jiang."

"Thank you for Princess Pingyang's kindness, and thank you, Young Master Yin, for taking the trouble to deliver it to me," Jiang Li replied with a smile.

Yin Zhili said, "I'm glad you like it, Miss Jiang."

"I do like it. Thank you. I'll take good care of it," Jiang Li said as she placed the fan back into the box, closed it, and handed it to Bai Xue.

Her choice of words—"take good care of it" rather than "use it"—made Yin Zhili pause briefly. Then, he replied gently, "You're welcome. Yanjing City has been unsettled lately, Miss Jiang. Please be cautious. I heard that Prince Cheng's men once took you to Huangzhou. To prevent such incidents from recurring, it's best to stay vigilant."

Jiang Li smiled. "I know. These days, my father won't even allow me to leave the residence. Speaking of which, General Yin is currently confronting Prince Cheng. Shouldn't you be there with him, Young Master Yin?"

Yin Zhili gave a bitter smile. "I wanted to accompany my father, but he insisted I remain in Yanjing. He said that if anything were to happen here, I would be better positioned to handle it."

Jiang Li asked, "It seems Young Master Yin is also well-versed in military training and drills?""Being from a military family, one must learn a little of everything. Not just me, but Zhiqing also has to learn."

Jiang Li smiled, "That's truly admirable."

Yin Zhili said, "I actually think Miss Jiang has the bearing of a strategist. Though you lack martial skills and carry no weapons, you can determine the outcome of battles from a thousand miles away."

"Are you referring to me, Young Master Yin? When have I ever done such things?"

Yin Zhili laughed, "We've heard about the events in Tongxiang all the way in Yunzhong. Zhiqing previously told me she very much wanted to meet you. After seeing you last time, she said you were different from what she imagined—appearing so quiet and gentle, unlike such a decisive woman in matters of life and death."

"When it comes to decisiveness in battle, I dare not show off my meager skills before an expert. Why are you teasing me, Young Master Yin?"

Her tone remained unhurried. When Yin Zhili joked with her, Jiang Li showed no trace of shyness, instead appearing open and dignified, which made her quite pleasant to behold.

"How is General Yin's battle situation progressing over there?"

"Miss Jiang needn't worry. Although Prince Cheng has been scheming for many years, he isn't originally from military ranks. Most of his soldiers are mere rabble. When it comes to troop formations and strategies, he's no match for my father. So Prince Cheng's rebellion will inevitably be quelled—it's only a matter of time. Moreover, according to messages from my father's men, it won't take more than a month to completely eliminate Prince Cheng's forces."

He likely said this to comfort Jiang Li and ease her worries, but it made her think of something else. She asked, "After the matter with Prince Cheng is settled, will General Yin and your family return to Yunzhong?"

Yin Zhili was taken aback, then smiled, "This... we don't know yet."

Saying "we don't know yet" instead of directly confirming they would return to Yunzhong—Jiang Li took mental note of this. She said nothing more, and Yin Zhili continued, "When we first met, Zhiqing saved a child, initially thinking he was your younger brother. But I heard you don't have a brother of that age."

"That was a child I rescued back in Huangzhou," Jiang Li said. "His entire family died at the hands of bandits during the turmoil in Huangzhou. He was the only one left. Seeing him alone and helpless, I originally intended to bring him back with me. Later, my kind-hearted friend simply took him in as a disciple."

"Friend?" Yin Zhili smiled. "That would be the person accompanying Duke Su that day."

He knew Ji Heng's identity—likely told by Yin Zhiqing. Since Ji Heng and Yin Zhan were enemies, Yin Zhili naturally wouldn't have favorable impressions of Ji Heng either. What did he mean by asking her this?

"Are you and Duke Su quite familiar, Miss Jiang?"

"Not particularly," Jiang Li smiled, directly cutting off the inquiry. "If Young Master Yin is asking on behalf of the County Princess to gather information about Duke Su, I'm afraid I can't be of any help."

Yin Zhili looked at Jiang Li in astonishment, probably not expecting her to be so blunt. He paused for a moment, then laughed, as if both helpless and amused. "I didn't expect Miss Jiang to be so straightforward."

"The County Princess is also quite straightforward."

"Zhiqing has lived in Yunzhong all along—innocent and naive, unaware of worldly affairs. Duke Su is outstanding, so she merely asked casually without any particular meaning," Yin Zhili explained.

"I know," Jiang Li smiled slightly. "I was also just speaking casually without any particular meaning. Please don't take it to heart, Young Master Yin."Her tone was gentle, almost docile, yet her words always weighed heavily on the heart, making one feel stifled and unable to vent their anger, leaving an inexplicable sense of awkwardness.

Yin Zhili did not bring up the matter of Ji Heng with Jiang Li again and instead shifted to other topics. He inquired about Jiang Li's past, but he was considerate enough to skip over the less pleasant memories, such as the time she was sent to Qingcheng Mountain or when she was falsely accused of pushing Ji Shuran and causing a miscarriage. He only spoke of the beautiful moments.

However, what Yin Zhili did not know was that Jiang Li was not the real Second Miss Jiang. Those beautiful memories were merely fabrications she casually spun. He listened earnestly, without a trace of doubt.

He truly seemed like a simple and guileless person.

Jiang Li thought silently to herself. After conversing for a while, Yin Zhili finally took his leave.

Jiang Li did not see Yin Zhili off. Her mind was preoccupied with what Yin Zhan intended to do, leaving no room for thoughts of Yin Zhili. Meanwhile, the maids in the courtyard gathered around, exchanging glances before Mingyue whispered, "Miss, why did this Young Master Yin come specifically to see you?"

Mingyue and Qingfeng worked in the outer courtyard and were not as close to Jiang Li as Tong'er and Bai Xue, so they were unaware of the matters between Jiang Li and Ji Heng. In their eyes, this Young Master Yin was an impeccable match—far superior to the engagement Jiang Youyao had snatched away and later usurped by Jiang Yu'e. Leaving aside other considerations, a prince was far more distinguished than a mere marquis. Moreover, although Zhou Yanbang was considered decent, he paled in comparison to the radiant, elegant, and handsome heir.

Tong'er said, "Shoo, shoo! He was just here on behalf of the County Princess to deliver something. Our miss asked him a few questions about the war. Our miss has always cared about the common people, and as the son of a general, he naturally knows the current situation. She just asked a bit longer and took up some time. Don't talk nonsense—there's nothing special about it, and he didn't come specifically to see our miss. Everyone, disperse now, disperse!" She waved her hands and pushed the curious Mingyue and Qingfeng out.

Jiang Li walked into the courtyard. Bai Xue closed the door, and Tong'er curled her lips disdainfully toward the outside, saying, "They really enjoy stirring up trouble without caring about the consequences."

Of her two maids, Bai Xue was originally the daughter of a farming family. Unlike other servants born into servitude who knew all the rules from childhood, Bai Xue was honest and dutiful—Jiang Li's thoughts were her thoughts. Tong'er, on the other hand, had spent eight years with Jiang Li at Qingcheng Mountain and had long since shed the constraints of obedience. She was far more open-minded than the other maids in the courtyard and viewed matters without rigid restrictions. Yin Zhili might be excellent, but if their young lady didn't like him, then so be it. Forcing a relationship would only lead to bitterness. If their young lady truly didn't favor him, could they really drag her onto the bridal sedan?

Bai Xue placed the box in front of Jiang Li and asked, "Miss, what about this fan?"

Jiang Li had initially intended to have someone store the fan away, but for some reason, she changed her mind and said, "Summer is almost here. Leave it on the table. When the heat arrives, it will come in handy."

Situ Jiuyue had said that all things in the world are interconnected and mutually restraining—even physicians know how to use poison to counteract poison. If she couldn't even handle a mere fan, she would have truly wasted all these years of growing up.She didn't like Yin Zhili, but she had also given up on Ji Heng. She might as well live her own life well—who knew what would happen in the future? Dwelling on it over and over would only bring unnecessary distress.

Life should be about cutting through complications with a swift blade—that is true freedom and resolution.

...

In the Duke's residence, Ah Zhao was struggling to move his body.

Situ Jiuyue had later given him a wheelchair. The chair had wheels underneath, allowing him to move with assistance. He still couldn't walk, but during his free time, he tried pushing himself to the courtyard to bask in the sun.

In the courtyard, he encountered Zhao Ke.

Ah Zhao recognized Zhao Ke. Once, when Zhao Ke came to visit him, he said, "You're a lucky one, kid. Back when you were brought out of the private prison, it was me who carried you out on my back."

Ah Zhao expressed his gratitude.

He knew he was living in the Duke's residence, and the master of the estate was Duke Su. He had also heard of Ji Heng's name—in his memory, she was a ruthless beauty. But Zhao Ke had told him that it was Ji Heng who spotted him in the private prison of the princess's residence that day and ordered him to be taken out.

Ji Heng was his savior, and Ah Zhao did not deny that. Logically, he had always disliked such people, believing he should associate with those who were upright and honorable. He would avoid those who schemed and wielded power with cunning. But after walking the line between life and death, many of Ah Zhao's views had changed. Shen Yurong had seemed like a good man; back then, Ah Zhao had affectionately called him "brother-in-law" repeatedly. Though he had resented Shen Yurong for lacking martial skills and being unable to protect his sister well, Ah Zhao had admired him for his extensive learning.

Yet this very scholar, who was weak and well-versed in the classics, appearing gentle and virtuous, had committed unspeakable atrocities against his own wife. Unfortunately, Ah Zhao had not been able to exact revenge with his own hands, and now he had no chance—Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong had been reported by the Jiang family, executed to pay with their lives for Xue Fangfei.

As for Ji Heng... Ah Zhao thought, she was entirely different from Shen Yurong. Notorious and feared by all, yet such a person had rescued him from prison. What purpose did she have in saving him? His legs were crippled, and he had lost his martial arts. Zhao Ke told him that initially, Ji Heng might have saved him to serve as a guard in the Duke's residence, but now he was unfit for that role. And the Duke seemed to have forgotten about him; since entering the estate, Ah Zhao had never seen him.

But Ah Zhao still remembered the last time he saw Ji Heng. In the pitch-black, sunless prison cell, amid daily torment, everyone had grown accustomed to the darkness. At first, they would wail and scream, but eventually, their minds grew numb, and even the will to survive was worn away. Ah Zhao held on, and just when he thought he could endure no more, one day, there was commotion in the private prison. He had assumed Princess Yongning had brought people to torture them again, but unexpectedly, it wasn't her—it was a few unfamiliar men.

Two of the men, following some instruction, began searching cell by cell, as if looking for someone. The remaining man walked casually, appearing utterly indifferent to the hellish scene around him, strolling with ease and composure.

Ah Zhao didn't know what these men were there for, but he wasn't willing to let any opportunity slip by, even if it meant risking his life. After all, if he won the gamble, he could get out and avenge his sister; if he lost, it was just his life. Staying here, he would eventually be killed by Princess Yongning once she grew tired of toying with him.

Dragging his legs, he crawled to the bars of his cell and happened to see the man passing by. With great effort, he reached out and grabbed the hem of his robe.

The man's boots came to a halt before him.He saw an extremely handsome and striking pair of eyes, yet within them lay an indifferent disregard, even as they still held a faint smile.

Ah Zhao's heart turned cold, a sense of despair creeping in, but he still spoke the words he needed to say.

And then, he was saved.

Looking back now, from that moment on, he began to feel an indescribable sense of destiny.

The relationship between the brother-in-law and brother-in-law could be said to be quite good...

(End of Chapter)