The Double

Chapter 213: Confession

The carriage traveled through the night, along a familiar route with the familiar night breeze, yet Jiang Li sat inside with an unfamiliar state of mind.

Fate in the human world is rather strange. From Tongxiang to Yanjing City, separated by thousands of miles, she never expected to marry from Tongxiang to Yanjing, entangled in the past life with the Shen family. The grievances with Shen Yurong and Princess Yongning turned her into Jiang Li, and after becoming Jiang Li, the many people she met inexplicably brought her into contact with Ji Heng.

The road between the Duke's residence and the Jiang residence had only been traveled for about a year or so, yet it felt as if she had grown very familiar with it. So much so that when it came time to part, she felt reluctant. From the initial surprise, thinking that leaving the residence at night was outrageous and unbelievable, to later becoming accustomed to it and even taking the initiative to go—when did this change happen? No one noticed.

Such actions would not happen again in the future, nor would such feelings. That complex mix of unease, anxiety, yet filled with anticipation and reassurance—she supposed it would all be gone. Jiang Li didn’t know if she would feel sad in the future. Perhaps she would feel a little sorrowful when she remembered, but she truly had no regrets. Although she was leaving Yanjing and a stable life behind, she could take her father, bring Xue Zhao back to their hometown, or even travel the world with Xue Zhao’s ashes, fulfilling his long-cherished dream.

Having been confined to the inner courtyards for the first half of her life, it was time to fly free. In this life, freedom is truly precious.

So the corners of her lips lifted slightly, and the earlier melancholy vanished without a trace. Even if it was time to say goodbye, it should be done with a smile. Compared to when she had just become Second Miss Jiang, everything now was much better than she had initially imagined. The great vengeance against Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong had been avenged, her father was still alive, and she still had a future—it wasn’t so bad after all.

The carriage stopped at the entrance of the Duke's residence. Jiang Li jumped down and followed Zhao Ke inside.

Every time she came to the Duke's residence, it was for various reasons, and Jiang Li had never carefully observed the place. Today, however, she looked with extra attention, as if wanting to engrave every plant and tree in her memory, to remember clearly. This way, when she recalled it in the future, it would remain preserved for years, rather than fading over time until she forgot what the place she had once visited looked like.

Her unusual behavior did not escape Zhao Ke’s notice, and he grew increasingly puzzled. When they reached the courtyard, Zhao Ke asked Jiang Li to wait there while he went to announce her arrival. After a while, he returned and said, “The Lord is in the study. Second Miss, please follow me.”

Jiang Li followed Zhao Ke to Ji Heng’s study. The door was slightly ajar, and she pushed it open and entered. Zhao Ke closed the door behind her.

Ji Heng was seated at his desk, reviewing what appeared to be memorials piled high on the table. When he saw Jiang Li, he stood up, leaving the memorials untouched, and walked over to sit at a small table. “What brings you here?” he asked.The table still held two teacups and a pot. He naturally poured a cup of tea for Jiang Li, just as he had done countless times before. To him, this had almost become a habit, and for Jiang Li, it had nearly become second nature. She sat down as well, and Ji Heng pushed the teacup toward her before leisurely pouring tea for himself. As he poured, he asked, "Why so quiet? What trouble has come up?"

Jiang Li suddenly laughed. The way Ji Heng spoke made it seem as though every time she visited, it was never for a good reason—always bringing a pile of troubles to seek his help. But upon second thought, he wasn’t wrong. And though his words were sharp, in reality, he had always handled everything for her impeccably.

Jiang Li picked up the teacup from the table. The tea for summer had been cooled in advance, carrying a faint chill of the evening breeze—slightly bitter yet fragrant. She smiled and said, "Actually, I came today to bid you farewell, Duke."

Ji Heng paused mid-sip. He set down the teacup and looked at Jiang Li, his amber eyes holding an unreadable expression. "Farewell?" he asked.

"Over the past year, I’ve been very grateful for your care. Although I’ve always said that if you ever need anything in the future, I would do my utmost to help, you always accused me of lying. Now it seems you might have been right—I’m afraid I’ll have to break my promise." Her smile was gentle. "I’m leaving Yanjing City and likely won’t return. Before I go, I wanted to say goodbye. It would be too heartless to leave without a word."

Ji Heng raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by 'won’t return'? Does Jiang Yuanbai know about this?"

Jiang Li hesitated for a moment, then shook her head. "I’ve kept it from him. Or rather, I’m leaving the Jiang family and Yanjing."

"This isn’t leaving—it’s fleeing." Ji Heng asked, "What has the Jiang family forced you to do?"

Jiang Li shook her head with a smile. "It’s my own decision."

"It’s about Yin Zhili, isn’t it?"

Jiang Li froze.

The young man held the teacup, which only accentuated the elegance of his hands. His expression was casual, but his tone was certain as he said, "Is the Yin family forcing a marriage?"

He had actually guessed?

Jiang Li thought about it and realized it made sense. Since Ji Heng kept a close watch on the Yin family, he would naturally know what Yin Zhan had been planning. Her sudden urgency to leave wasn’t hard to deduce.

Ji Heng frowned. "How dare they force a marriage?"

"It’s an imperial decree." Since Ji Heng already knew, Jiang Li saw no reason to hide it. She explained, "My maid overheard my father and the matriarch discussing it. Yin Zhan plans to use his military achievements at the victory banquet, when the Emperor rewards merits, to request an imperial marriage decree—marrying me to Yin Zhili."

As she spoke, Jiang Li felt the room grow colder. In the heat of summer, the sudden chill was particularly noticeable.

She glanced at Ji Heng. He was still smiling, but there was a hint of menace in that smile. He leaned back in his chair, and perhaps because it was evening, his outer robe was loosely draped over his inner garments, which were casually open, revealing his collarbone. His fair skin made him appear all the more vivid and captivating in the night.

Jiang Li averted her eyes and said, "If the Emperor truly issues the decree, I have no other choice. My father and the matriarch seem to like Yin Zhili very much."

"So you’re fleeing to avoid marrying Yin Zhili?" He stared at Jiang Li and asked."Correct." Jiang Li replied with refreshing candor, "But I have no alternative for now. I've advised the Jiang family not to get too close to the Yin family, yet Father wouldn't listen. There's something I'd like to request of you: if you ever confront the Yin family in the future, and I believe they're no match for you, could you spare the Jiang family? At least ensure they survive?"

Ji Heng raised an eyebrow: "No."

Jiang Li asked: "Why not?"

"They're not your real family, so why protect them? Jiang Yuanbai is using you as a bargaining chip now. If I were you, I'd have them all eliminated." He spoke lightly, but a murderous glint in his eyes revealed he wasn't lying, and Jiang Li knew it.

"Regardless, after I became Second Miss Jiang, the Jiang family gave me shelter. I'm not trying to threaten you, Duke. I just wish to act with a clear conscience. Whether you agree or act on it is up to you. Before I leave, I'll leave a letter to warn Father." Jiang Li added, "Similarly, whether he heeds it depends on the Jiang family's fate."

"You're truly kind-hearted," he remarked with a hint of sarcasm, perhaps disapproving of her approach. Suddenly leaning closer, he asked, "Why don't you want to marry Yin Zhili?"

Why?

The evening breeze rustled the trees outside, their shadows dancing. Jiang Li found his question odd and replied, "Naturally, it's because I don't have feelings for Young Master Yin and have no intention of marrying. As you know, Duke, I've been married before, deceived and hurt. For me in this lifetime, marriage is no longer a necessity."

"What if you meet someone you truly love?" He leaned in further, encroaching on her space. "Would you still refuse to marry?"

He was too close, and Jiang Li nearly held her breath. She wanted to turn away but found herself trapped in Ji Heng's gaze. When they first met, she had been struck by his beauty—his long, phoenix eyes full of emotion. Now, falling into his amber eyes, she struggled to escape.

"No," she forced herself to calm down, smiling slightly. "I haven't met anyone I fancy yet, so there's no need to dwell on hypotheticals. If such a day ever comes, I'll decide then."

The girl evaded, yet pretended to be serious. She was truly endearing—having been married and wounded once, she seemed not to know how to protect herself, or perhaps she was fearless. Whether brave or reckless, she could still love and wouldn't let external events change her into someone else.

Perhaps the current Jiang Li, stripped of hatred, was no different from the young Xue Fangfei of her maiden days.

Ji Heng couldn't resist leaning even closer, tilting his head to scrutinize her carefully. His gaze was sharp yet tender, enough to intoxicate even the sober. He said, "You're lying."

Jiang Li looked up at him: "How so?"

"I know the real reason you don't want to marry Yin Zhili." His voice was deep and mellow, creeping into one's heart like a numbing spell, rendering them immobile, forced to watch his captivating smile as he drew nearer. He declared, "I've long known that you have feelings for me."With a "boom," something seemed to explode in Jiang Li's mind. Flustered, she instinctively tried to deny it, "No, I haven't..."

The next moment, her lips were sealed by someone.

The young man's face was so close that Jiang Li could see his eyelashes clearly in her wide-eyed shock. His lips were soft and warm, lingering against hers. With one hand supporting the back of her head, he drew her closer, deepening the kiss.

No one could resist or remain unaffected after being kissed by Ji Heng—even Jiang Li was no exception. His expression was gentle, but his actions were firm. It took several struggles before she managed to push him away.

Covering her lips, she stared at the young man across from her and said, "Ji Heng, you!"

"Angry?" he replied. "You're calling me by my full name now." Ji Heng chuckled, his voice hoarse as he leaned in again. Gazing down at her with indulgent softness, he said, "I know you like me. But do you know that I like you too?"

Jiang Li froze.

He watched her leisurely, unable to conceal his delighted smile. Under his gaze, Jiang Li felt somewhat awkward and stammered, "What are you talking about..."

"I didn’t want to involve you so soon, little girl," he said, gently tucking a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. "But you seem a bit impatient. I can’t let you run away."

His movements were natural, as if he had done this countless times, yet they left Jiang Li at a loss. She had thought Ji Heng saw her only as a friend—that his care and concern, whether out of pity or a whim, had nothing to do with affection. A man like him probably wouldn’t fall for anyone. But his words now made her doubt her own assumptions.

"Do you like me?" she asked softly.

The girl’s gaze was pure and sincere, filled with genuine curiosity—utterly endearing. Unable to resist, Ji Heng leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Of course."

"You’re not lying to me, are you?" Jiang Li asked.

Ji Heng raised an eyebrow. "Do I look like someone who would lie to a woman?"

Jiang Li thought for a moment. "No."

Ji Heng would never deceive a woman—not because he was particularly honorable or upright, but because he couldn’t be bothered. For him, most things came easily. Besides, he had no need to resort to deceit. A little gentleness from him was enough to make people fall for him, one after another.

"So, you don’t have to leave Yanjing City," Ji Heng said. "I’ll find a way."

Jiang Li was puzzled. "What can you do? Yin Zhan is counting on an imperial marriage arrangement. He’s just won a battle, and the emperor trusts him. If he uses his military merits to request a marriage decree, the emperor won’t refuse. We can’t openly defy an imperial edict."

"Don’t worry," he said with a smile. "He won’t get the chance. He’s not the only one who can ask for an imperial marriage."

Jiang Li was stunned. "You..."

"Little girl, would you be willing to marry me?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.He called out with such naturalness, clearly aware that she had been married and was someone's wife, yet he always addressed her with such intimate terms. It made Jiang Li feel as though everything from her past life was but a grand dream, long since faded without a trace, and she was still that carefree young girl, cherished and treasured in the palm of someone's hand.

"If you're unwilling, you don't have to agree to me just yet," Ji Heng said lightly. "We can talk about it when you're ready. But I think, since you like me so much, you'll eventually agree, won't you?"

Jiang Li replied, "No."

Ji Heng said, "You're lying."

"I don't know if you'll turn out to be another Shen Yurong," Jiang Li laughed openly. "I can love someone, and I can trust someone, but I won't do anything for them without limits anymore. Once bitten, twice shy, Ji Heng. I need to love myself first before I can love others."

She thought Ji Heng would be angry upon hearing this, or even think she was just being stubborn. Yet he only smiled and patted her head, saying, "That's good. Then you won't get hurt, and I can rest easy."

Jiang Li looked at him. His gaze was more serious than ever before. He wasn't lying; he meant every word.

"I've never believed selflessness is a virtue," Ji Heng said softly. "But I think it's fine if you can't learn to be selfish. I'll handle those things. You just do what you want to do."

Jiang Li lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously clutching the fan in her hand. It was the fan Yin Zhiqing had given her. The summers in Yanjing City were unbearably hot, and this fan was quite useful, so Jiang Li carried it with her. Ji Heng noticed her movements, his eyes lingering on the fan for a moment before he gently took it from her hand.

"Is this the fan Yin Zhili gave you?" he asked.

Jiang Li nodded, then shook her head. "It was given to me by Yin Zhiqing."

A smile played on Ji Heng's lips as he slowly unfolded the fan. The fan was adorned with pear blossoms, but on the handle, a small lotus was carved. The handle was made of white jade, pure and flawless, and the intricately carved lotus was delicate and vivid, utterly charming.

Ji Heng said calmly, "Yin Zhili is certainly generous, but his judgment is questionable. What white lotus? It's clearly a man-eating flower that devours without leaving a trace."

Jiang Li was taken aback at first, then understood what Ji Heng meant. She quickly collected herself and asked, "How do you know what Yin Zhili said to me? Is Zhao Ke still staying at the Jiang residence?"

"I can't bear to leave my little girl alone in a place like the Jiang residence," he said. "Of course, I have to keep an eye on you."

If he wanted to charm someone, it was unlikely they could resist. Just as Jiang Li was feeling somewhat moved, she saw him holding the fan and saying to her, "I'm confiscating this fan."

"But it's mine," Jiang Li protested.

"Yours?" The corner of his lips curled up as he suddenly reached out and grasped Jiang Li's chin. With his other hand, he gently stroked her lips, his tone warning, "Little girl, if you ever accept gifts from other men again, just see what happens."

Jiang Li fell silent.

His fingertips were cool, yet where they brushed against her lips, it felt as though they were being scorched. Jiang Li was reminded again of the sudden kiss from earlier, and her face grew even hotter.In a daze, she only heard Ji Heng chuckle softly. He said, "I thought you were brave before, so why are you so terrified of me now?"

"I'm not afraid of you." Jiang Li broke free from his grasp and replied, "It's just that I'm not quite used to it yet."

"No matter. You'll gradually get used to it in time."

Jiang Li looked at him and fell silent. Ji Heng waited patiently, and after a while, she finally spoke up, "Will I disrupt your plans? If you step in to stop the Yin family's marriage proposal, you'll inevitably draw their attention. When that happens, could it interfere with your affairs?"

"Yin Zhan has long been aware of me. Whether your marriage proposal happens or not makes no difference." Ji Heng smiled faintly, comforting her, "There's no need for you to worry about it."

"I still don't understand the grudge between you and Yin Zhan. If you don't wish to speak of it now, I won't press further. But what is his purpose in returning to Yanjing City? An alliance with the Jiang family through marriage—surely it isn't merely Yin Zhili's own idea. I'm no peerless beauty; Yin Zhili wouldn't fall for me after just one meeting. What is his true motive?"

Jiang Li remained puzzled. Without clarity on Yin Zhan's intentions, she couldn't determine how to guide the Jiang family.

"Li Zhongnan is no longer influential. The head of the civil officials is now Jiang Yuanbai." Ji Heng said calmly, "By winning over Jiang Yuanbai, he would secure half the court's power."

Hearing him use the word "win over," Jiang Li's heart skipped a beat, and she blurted out, "Does he want to become a second Prince Cheng?"

Ji Heng smiled, "Is there a better reason?"

"Why?" Jiang Li grew even more confused. "If he intends to usurp the throne, why did he remain obscure in Yunzhong for so many years? Why wait until now? He could have done it when the Emperor was still young."

"The Emperor needs time to grow, Prince Cheng needs time to grow, and of course, the Prince of Xia needs time to grow as well. Otherwise, why do you think the late Emperor exiled the Prince of Xia to Yunzhong? It was because the late Emperor discovered some clues but lacked sufficient evidence. Though suspicious, he could only banish him. In the end, the late Emperor was too sentimental. If it were me..." Ji Heng said indifferently, "I would never nurture a threat."

"He and you..."

"Shh," Ji Heng made a silencing gesture and smiled at Jiang Li, "There are many things you don't need to know. The more you know, the more dangerous it becomes. I care for you too much to see anything happen to you."

He spoke such sweet words effortlessly, yet it never felt cloying or insincere. Jiang Li accepted it naturally. Their relationship, which had begun with mutual testing and calculation, had gradually intersected, evolving into friendship, understanding, and even what it was now.

It felt perfectly natural.

Since Ji Heng was unwilling to speak, no amount of questioning would yield answers. Jiang Li let it go, thinking she could always find a way to investigate on her own if necessary. Still, the revelation of Yin Zhan's rebellious intentions shocked her deeply.

"Father... Will the Jiang family be implicated?"

"As long as your marriage with Yin Zhili doesn't proceed, there's nothing to worry about." Ji Heng spoke lightly, "Jiang Yuanbai is ambitious but lacks courage. He would never dare to engage in rebellion. The Jiang family may not have been aware of Yin Zhili's earlier intentions. Once Yin Zhan reveals his ambitions, Jiang Yuanbai will naturally steer clear.""I just think, if the Emperor mistakenly believes the Jiang family is as greedy and rebellious as the Yin family..." She suddenly thought of something and asked, "Does the Emperor know about this?"

Ji Heng only smiled without answering.

Jiang Li immediately understood Ji Heng's meaning—the Hongxiao Emperor actually knew. The Hongxiao Emperor truly hid his depths more than anyone imagined. She wondered if Yin Zhan knew about this, but perhaps even if he did, he wouldn’t care. To Yin Zhan, his troops were strong, and even the imperial guards of Yanjing City were no match for him.

Yet Ji Heng didn’t seem afraid of Yin Zhan.

Could it be that the missing tiger tally...

"Little girl, don’t overthink it," he said. "Just stay quietly in your residence, and everything will be resolved."

"Ji Heng," Jiang Li gazed into his eyes, "don't let anything happen to you."

Ji Heng paused, then smiled. His smile was particularly captivating, the tear mole beneath his eyes crimson like blood. His voice gentle, he replied, "Alright."

The night was perfect, the moonlight neither too strong nor too faint, as if aware this night was worth remembering, becoming wildly beautiful in its own way.

After speaking with Ji Heng, Jiang Li prepared to return. She had originally come today to bid him farewell, but somehow, in a muddled way, ended up opening her heart to him instead. She had always been straightforward by nature, retaining some reservations before avenging the Xue family. Now that the great vengeance was accomplished, past grievances had vanished like smoke, and she had regained her former open-heartedness.

Fortunately, the other person liked her too.

At this thought, Jiang Li couldn't help but curl the corners of her mouth upward.

She had once thought that after loving someone once, she wouldn't easily love or trust another person again. But matters of the heart are largely unreasonable. That she could still love without fear of being hurt was a good thing. Her father and Ah Zhao would be happy for her if they knew.

Of course, this time she wouldn't blindly lose herself for the other person, becoming someone else. Love had never been sustained by one person making all the compromises.

With these thoughts in mind, she walked out with Ji Heng. Ji Heng held her hand—this time, he didn't just grasp Jiang Li's sleeve. His palm was long and broad, enveloping her hand as if he would never let go.

"Smiling so happily," Ji Heng said. "It seems you like me quite a lot."

"Holding on so tightly," Jiang Li immediately retorted. "It seems you're afraid I'll run away."

"What is there to fear?" he snorted lightly. "Even if you run to the ends of the earth, I'll always find a way to bring you back."

Jiang Li scoffed, too lazy to argue with him. Ji Heng was seeing her to the carriage at the mansion gate. As they passed the flower garden near the courtyard, they noticed someone sitting there. The person was struggling to support themselves with both hands on the chair, in a strange posture.

Seeing that figure, Jiang Li felt her heart skip a beat and inexplicably asked, "That is..."

Ji Heng also looked in that direction.

"That's the young man we rescued earlier," Zhao Ke explained. "His legs are broken. Miss Situ won't let him walk. During the day he sits in his wheelchair, but this kid has a stubborn streak, never accepting his fate. He sneaks out at night to practice walking." He sighed. "Quite a tough spirit, but what a pity—his martial arts are ruined. Miss Situ has said he'll never stand again. Why is he so stubborn?Jiang Li watched the figure. Just as Zhao Ke had described, the person was struggling tremendously to stand. The chair was against the window by the door. He was using both hands on the windowsill, trying to push himself up, but despite expending great effort, he only managed to lift himself slightly before falling back down with a "thud"—the sound alone made Jiang Li wince in sympathy.

Ji Heng said, "Tell him to go back."

In the moonlight, the sight was truly heartbreaking. Even with just a vague silhouette, it strangely and suddenly made Jiang Li's heart ache. She didn't know why, but she stopped walking, her gaze fixed intently on the person in the chair, yet not understanding why she was doing this.Zhao Ke, having received Ji Heng's instructions, walked directly over to that person while calling out, "Ah Zhao, stop practicing. It's so late, others still need to sleep. The master wants you to go back and rest."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Li trembled all over and asked in return, "Ah... Zhao?"

(End of Chapter)