The Double

Chapter 212 Farewell

Jiang Li arrived at Evening Phoenix Hall and, as expected, Yin Zhili was there again. This time, Yin Zhiqing was also present. They had brought congratulatory gifts for Jiang Li in boxes, which she instructed Tong'er to carefully store away. Old Madam Jiang was very pleased and asked Yin Zhili some questions about Yin Zhan. After all, Yin Zhan was currently the most popular figure among the people in Yanjing.

It seemed Yin Zhan had some disagreements with the Right Prime Minister. Now that the Right Prime Minister had become like a grasshopper after autumn—unable to jump much longer—with Yin Zhan in charge, the Jiang family need not worry about anything.

The Jiang family hoped Jiang Li could spend more time with Yin Zhili, so they asked her to accompany the siblings for a walk in the courtyard. Jiang Jingrui and Jiang Jingyou remained in Evening Phoenix Hall to look after Jiang Bingji.

Though aware of the Jiang family's arrangements, Jiang Li did not object. She had always appeared obedient and accepted such requests on the surface. Yin Zhili walked ahead, while Yin Zhiqing and Jiang Li lagged behind.

The morning courtyard was not too hot, and it was quite cool under the shade of the trees. The summer breeze rustled through, creating waves of green that brought a sense of peace to the heart. As they walked, Yin Zhiqing suddenly tugged at Jiang Li's sleeve and whispered, "Second Miss Jiang, have you ever been to the Duke's residence?"

Jiang Li was taken aback and looked at Yin Zhiqing.

Yin Zhiqing was also wearing a thin, red gauze dress that day. Such clothing could easily appear frivolous if not worn well, but on her, it perfectly accentuated her brightness and beauty. Noticing Jiang Li's gaze, Yin Zhiqing said, "I once saw Duke Su in the palace before."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Li couldn't help but stop in her tracks.

"That Duke Su must have just left the palace. We met in the imperial garden. I thought we had met once before, so I took the initiative to greet him. He returned the greeting, and I wanted to say a few more words to him, but he seemed very busy and left quickly."

"Is that so?" Jiang Li's heart felt somewhat unsettled.

"I've heard that the Duke's residence collects all kinds of rare flowers from around the world and is the most scenic place in Yanjing City. It's a pity I've never been there. Since you know Duke Su, Second Miss Jiang, have you ever been to the Duke's residence?" She stared at Jiang Li with a smile, but her tone carried a hint of barely detectable probing.

Jiang Li immediately sensed it—perhaps because matters related to Ji Heng made her particularly sensitive, or maybe because she was inherently wary of the Yin family. Almost without hesitation, she shook her head and said, "No, I have never been to the Duke's residence. I don't know what it's like inside."

"You haven't been to the Duke's residence either." Yin Zhiqing's tone was somewhat disappointed, but her expression clearly relaxed.

"Is the County Princess particularly interested in matters concerning Duke Su?" Jiang Li countered.

"You could say that. I've heard many rumors about him in Yanjing City, but I've only seen him a few times. I always feel he's a very mysterious person," Yin Zhiqing said with a laugh. "But I suppose there will be opportunities to meet him in the future, so there's no need to rush."

Her words were remarkably straightforward and candid, perhaps because women from Yunzhong were accustomed to such dispositions. But to Jiang Li, listening to them felt somewhat uncomfortable."Oh, we've fallen far behind my brother. Let's catch up first." Yin Zhiqing pulled Jiang Li over to where Yin Zhili stood. Having noticed their lag, he had stopped beneath a grapevine trellis to wait. Yin Zhiqing gave Jiang Li a gentle push toward her brother and laughed, "I suddenly feel quite thirsty. Brother, Second Miss Jiang, why don't you chat here while I take the maids to the teahouse for some refreshment? Northern Yan's summer heat is far more intense than in Yunzhong." Without waiting for Jiang Li's response, Yin Zhiqing departed with her maids in tow.

Jiang Li watched their retreating figures, caught between amusement and exasperation.

"My apologies," Yin Zhili said with some embarrassment. "My sister means no harm. She's simply naive and doesn't consider consequences thoroughly."

"It's quite alright, Young Master Yin. There's no need to explain," Jiang Li replied. "In fact, I find the bond between the County Princess and you quite admirable. Though if I'm not mistaken, you and the County Princess are half-siblings?"

Normally, Jiang Li spoke with gentle circumspection, rarely this direct. But Yin Zhili was different—his perpetual warmth and magnanimity made one curious about his boundaries, wondering what might provoke his anger. Thus she posed this pointed question. Had Jiang Yuanbai been present, he would surely have chastised her impropriety.

Yin Zhili merely paused briefly before smiling. "Yes, my birth mother passed away early—I have almost no memory of her. Later... my stepmother treated me with great kindness, as her own son. Zhiqing and I have never felt distant since childhood."

Jiang Li studied Yin Zhili's eyes as he spoke. His demeanor suggested honesty, indicating that Lady Yin had indeed never mistreated him, which explained their harmonious relationship.

"How enviable," Jiang Li remarked.

Yin Zhili smiled gently. "Second Miss Jiang also has siblings."

Jiang Li responded with a faint smile but no words. If this were about Xue Fangfei, she indeed had a deeply beloved younger brother for whom she'd sacrifice everything. But as Jiang Li, she had no full-blooded siblings—only half-sisters like Jiang Youyao and Jiang Yu'e, whose constant schemes and lethal intentions could hardly be called familial affection.

Realizing his misstep—likely aware of the Jiang family's complicated dynamics—Yin Zhili flushed slightly and sought to change the subject. His gaze fell upon the fan in Jiang Li's hand, the very one Yin Zhiqing had gifted her. Recent heat had prompted Jiang Li to use it; the cool ivory handle and refreshing breeze made it exceptionally comfortable.

"Second Miss Jiang is already using this fan?" Yin Zhili noted with a smile. "I thought you might not."

"This fan is excellent—both beautiful and practical. My thanks to the County Princess," Jiang Li replied. By specifying "the County Princess," she emphasized that regardless of who actually selected the gift, it was given under Yin Zhiqing's name. This allowed her to use it without social implications or burden.

She was subtly reminding Yin Zhili of boundaries.

Whether he failed to grasp her meaning or chose to ignore it, Yin Zhili merely smiled and said, "I'm glad you like it, Second Miss Jiang. Should you ever need anything in the future, please don't hesitate to ask Zhiqing or me. We'll help however we can."Jiang Li looked at him with amusement. "Young Master Yin, you're being too polite. Others might criticize."

"That shouldn't happen," Yin Zhili replied. "Because Second Miss Jiang is a friend to both me and Zhiqing."

He spoke with a gentle smile, his temperament mild, his gaze focused on Jiang Li with a warmth that seemed utterly transparent. Uncomfortable under his stare, Jiang Li had to turn her head away. She remained silent, not responding to Yin Zhili's words, as she truly didn't know how to reply. Yet, her heart suddenly tightened with tension. In their few encounters, Yin Zhili had always strictly adhered to propriety. Although Jiang Li knew both the Yin and Jiang families favored this match, she had never been able to discern his personal stance.

He treated her well, but not excessively—just as one would treat a friend, maintaining a comfortable distance. That was why Jiang Li was willing to speak with him. Moreover, judging by his chess skills, Yin Zhili was an intelligent man. In their previous meetings, Jiang Li had subtly expressed her reluctance about the marriage, and she assumed he had noticed. If Yin Zhili were a proud man, he likely wouldn't have continued to approach her.

But today, Jiang Li could sense his attitude had become more evident than before. Instead of stepping back, he had taken a clear step forward.

Why was that?

Had the Yin family already formed other plans and was preparing to act immediately? But they had only met a few times—it couldn't be that fast, could it? Today happened to be Second Miss Jiang's sixteenth birthday. After turning sixteen, most noble young ladies in Yanjing City would marry around this age. For Jiang Li to still be without an engagement was already considered quite late.

She forced herself to maintain a gentle smile until evening, when the Yin siblings finally left the Jiang residence.

This time, Old Madam Jiang didn't summon Jiang Li to the Evening Phoenix Hall after seeing off the siblings, perhaps realizing that any advice given to Jiang Li would fall on deaf ears, so she simply didn't bother calling her.

Jiang Li returned to the Fragrant Garden Courtyard.

Bai Xue brought over the two boxes gifted by the Yin siblings and asked, "Miss, these are the presents from Princess Pingyang and the Commandery Prince's heir. Should we open them?"

"Open them," Jiang Li said.

Bai Xue complied. Yin Zhiqing's gift was a set of jeweled hair accessories, clearly of immense value. Jiang Li guessed it might have been part of the late emperor's rewards previously bestowed upon General Zhaode. Such a set couldn't be bought in any shop—Yin Zhiqing had certainly been generous.

Yin Zhili's gift, however, was a book that appeared ordinary at first glance. When Jiang Li opened it, she found it was a rare handwritten copy by a great scholar from the previous dynasty—priceless and impossible to find on the market. This book was even more valuable than Yin Zhiqing's gift.

After a brief glance, Jiang Li said, "Put them away in the chest." She showed no intention of reading the book or wearing the hair accessories. Bai Xue dutifully stored them away. Not seeing Tong'er around, Jiang Li asked, "Where did Tong'er go?"

"She said she was going to the kitchen to fetch some cold dishes for you, but she's been gone for a while. I'm not sure why she hasn't returned yet. Miss, should I go check on her?"

"It's fine," Jiang Li shook her head. "Perhaps something delayed her. I don't need anything urgently—I was just asking."Jiang Li sat at the table, idly flipping through a book she had picked up. For some reason, her heart was racing uncontrollably, as if something was about to happen. She couldn't focus on a single page of the book before her, feeling deeply unsettled. Pressing her forehead, she was about to massage it when suddenly, someone knocked outside. Bai Xue asked who it was, and Tong'er's voice sounded from beyond the door.

Bai Xue opened the door, and Tong'er entered. Seeing her empty hands, Bai Xue asked in surprise, "Weren't you going to fetch some chilled food for the young lady? Why do you have nothing?"

Tong'er stammered a few words. Noticing her hesitation, Jiang Li said, "Just speak plainly. We're all close here; there's no need to worry."

"It's... it's not that I'm worried about that..." Tong'er hesitated for a moment, glancing at Jiang Li, who nodded encouragingly. Emboldened, Tong'er finally blurted out, "Young lady, the master is going to marry you off to Young Master Yin!"

Even though Tong'er spoke in a very low voice, both Jiang Li and Bai Xue were startled. Bai Xue exclaimed, "What are you saying? Why bring this up so suddenly?"

"Tong'er, did you hear something? Don't be afraid, tell me, and I'll think of a plan," Jiang Li reassured her.

Her voice was gentle, and after the initial shock, she quickly regained her composure. Seemingly influenced by Jiang Li's calmness, Tong'er gradually steadied herself. She said, "This evening, I originally intended to go to the kitchen to fetch chilled food for the young lady. It was hot, so I thought I'd take a shortcut through the rooms behind the Evening Phoenix Hall—it's a shorter route. But as I passed under the window, I happened to overhear the Old Madam and the master talking."

Unlike the other maids in the estate, who were well-versed in rules and followed them strictly, Tong'er had spent eight years with Jiang Li at Qingcheng Mountain and was more free-spirited. Moreover, Jiang Li often indulged her, so Tong'er frequently took shortcuts.

"I heard the master tell the Old Madam... General Yin has won a battle this time, and His Majesty will surely reward him for his merits. When the emperor bestows the rewards, the master plans to request an imperial decree to arrange a marriage between you and the Prince's heir."

Jiang Li and Bai Xue were both stunned. Exchanging military merits for a marriage? For other young ladies, this might be a glorious affair, highlighting their value and the importance their future in-laws placed on them. But to Jiang Li, it felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured over her head on a scorching summer day, chilling her from head to toe.

Yin Zhan truly left no room for escape. If Hongxiao Emperor issued the decree, this marriage would be irrevocable. Just like the once arrogant Princess Yongning—hadn't she obediently married into the Li family as soon as the imperial decree was announced?

The Yin family was willing to sacrifice military merits just to secure her marriage into their household. It seemed they were determined to form an alliance with the Jiang family.

Tong'er added, "From what I heard, the Old Madam seemed quite pleased. She said it would be a blessing for you to marry into the Yin family, ensuring a worry-free life in the future. The only concern was whether the Yin family might return to Yunzhong later. But since General Yin has contributed to suppressing Prince Cheng, the emperor probably won't let him go back to the northwest. Moreover, with our family as in-laws, the master and the second master will persuade the emperor to find a way to keep the Yin family here."Jiang Li couldn't help but sneer coldly: "The Yin family truly plays a clever game."

Tong'er was startled by Jiang Li's expression. Her young mistress had always been gentle and amiable, and even when angry, she concealed it seamlessly. Unlike now, where she was clearly furious, her entire face darkened, making her appear frightening.

But the message still needed to be delivered. Tong'er continued: "The master also said that since the young mistress has passed her sixteenth birthday, the Emperor's bestowed marriage can be completed this winter. I wanted to hear more, but footsteps approached, so I had to flee. I was so focused on returning to tell you this that I forgot to fetch the cold dishes from the small kitchen."

At a time like this, who cared about cold dishes? Bai Xue tugged at Tong'er's sleeve, but Tong'er stared at Jiang Li with deep concern.

Both maids could see that Jiang Li clearly favored Duke Su. How could the Jiang family mismanage the matchmaking, pairing Jiang Li with Young Master Yin? Bai Xue thought for a moment and said: "Young mistress, should you speak with the master and clarify things? Since you find the Yin family unsuitable, state your reasons. After all, the master is your father. If your arguments are reasonable, he will listen."

"Talking to him is useless," Jiang Li replied. "Father must consider the Jiang family's interests. Moreover, the Yin family comes with ill intentions and cunning methods. Even if I speak with Father, he won't believe me."

"Then... should we seek Duke's help?" Tong'er asked cautiously.

Bai Xue glanced at Tong'er, who returned an innocent look. In Tong'er's mind, any trouble her young mistress faced could be resolved at the Duke's residence. If all else failed, Duke Su could negotiate with the Yin family. With Duke Su's capabilities, he could surely make the Yin family retreat without a fight.

Jiang Li's hand pressed against the table, clenching into a fist. The Yin family acted swiftly, using underhanded methods that left her no opportunity to refuse. A young woman's marriage was not her own to decide—the Yin family held the initiative, placing Jiang Li in a passive position.

No wonder Yin Zhili's attitude toward her had changed today. Clearly, he already knew that Yin Zhan would request the Emperor's bestowed marriage at the victory banquet. They treated her like a turtle in a jar, waiting to be slaughtered. Instantly, Jiang Li's resentment surged. Having died once, she detested nothing more than being controlled and submitting to fate.

They wanted to manipulate her, but she refused to comply!

If she couldn't refuse openly, she had plenty of covert methods. She had intended to play her role in the Jiang family's drama with integrity from start to finish, but she wouldn't allow herself to be treated as a puppet in someone else's hands. She would no longer watch this play or participate in this game. She would leap off the board and cease being anyone's pawn.

Jiang Li stood up, draped her outer garment over her shoulders, and said: "When night falls, we leave."

Bai Xue asked: "Where are we going, young mistress?"

"The Duke's residence," Jiang Li replied, removing the porcelain whistle from her waist. She hadn't blown it in a long time. Though Zhao Ke seemed to have left the Jiang residence, Jiang Li decided to gamble. Late at night, she would sound the whistle and see what happened. If no one came, she would go herself and find a way to reach the Duke's residence.Tong'er's eyes lit up as she said, "Are you planning to elope with Duke Su...? Wouldn't that be too risky?" She was truly torn between joy and worry—delighted that Jiang Li was seeking her beloved to resolve matters, yet anxious because people often said elopements never ended well. Those stories of wealthy young ladies running off with poor scholars always concluded with the couple struggling in poverty and the lady eventually being abandoned in misery.

But... her young mistress wasn't lacking in funds for now, and Duke Su was certainly not poor. In that case, perhaps it wouldn't be a problem after all.

Before she could ponder whether this was truly a good idea, Jiang Li's voice cut through her thoughts: "No. I'm going to see him to say goodbye."

Say goodbye? Bai Xue and Tong'er stared at Jiang Li, too stunned to speak.

In Jiang Li's heart, what began as hesitation gradually solidified into resolve. It seemed she had no way to change this situation—the only option was to leave the Jiang family. Once Jiang Yuanbai discovered her disappearance, he would naturally find a way to reject this marriage arrangement. But before departing, Jiang Li needed to take Xue Huaiyuan with her. She planned to visit the Ye family tomorrow to reveal her true identity to Xue Huaiyuan and properly bid farewell to Ye Mingyu. After all their shared experiences, Jiang Li—who had no maternal uncle—had long regarded Ye Mingyu as her own blood relative.

Her nighttime visit to Ji Heng served two purposes: to bid him farewell, honoring their acquaintance, and to beg a small favor—if possible, some minor assistance during her and Xue Huaiyuan's journey out of Yanjing City. Evading Jiang Yuanbai might not be difficult, but if the Yin family joined the search for her, Jiang Li wasn't confident they could completely escape. If caught, she feared implicating Xue Huaiyuan, and people would surely wonder why she, unrelated to him, would bring only Xue Huaiyuan along.

She had to leave. There was no alternative.

As night deepened and the courtyard grew still, Bai Xue and Tong'er peered through the gate for a while, confirming that nearly everyone in the residence had fallen asleep. Jiang Li stood before the window, uncurling her palm to reveal the whistle resting there. She brought it to her lips and blew gently.

The clear sound of the whistle pierced the night, distinct even though Jiang Li tried to muffle it with her hand. In the silent courtyard, it remained audible. Tong'er and Bai Xue stood behind Jiang Li, nervously watching the world beyond the window.

After waiting what felt like an eternity with no sign of anyone arriving, Jiang Li turned to Bai Xue in disappointment. "We'll have to find our own way out."

No sooner had she spoken than a voice came from the tree before them: "Where does Second Young Miss wish to go?"

Jiang Li looked up abruptly to see a figure crouched on a branch outside her window—someone who seemed to have been there for quite some time. Noticing her gaze, he leaped down from the tree. It was Zhao Ke.

"When did you get here?" Jiang Li asked in surprise. "I thought you weren't in the residence."

"I've been here all along, arrived a while ago. Seeing that Second Young Miss had no further instructions, I took a nap in the tree," Zhao Ke replied. "I heard your whistle. What do you need?"He still appeared completely unaware of the situation, and Jiang Li didn't know whether he had heard Tong'er's earlier words. However, whether Zhao Ke had heard or not wasn't important, because Jiang Li intended to explain the reason to Ji Heng personally. She said, "I wish to visit the Duke's residence. I have something to say to Ji Heng. Is he currently at the residence?"

Zhao Ke noticed that Jiang Li had referred to him as "Ji Heng" rather than "Duke" today—seemingly a form of address implying equality. He found today's Jiang Li somewhat unusual, though he couldn't pinpoint exactly why. He only replied, "His Lordship is in the residence. Does Second Young Lady wish to see him now?"

Jiang Li said, "Yes."

"Then please follow me, Second Young Lady."

Jiang Li said to Tong'er and Bai Xue, "Both of you stay here at the residence. I will return after meeting with Ji Heng."

Tong'er and Bai Xue nodded. Since they couldn't control Jiang Li anyway, they might as well let it be—as long as Jiang Li was happy.

Jiang Li and Zhao Ke left, the lights in Fragrant Garden Courtyard went out, and everything returned to silence.

(End of Chapter)