The Double

Chapter 217 Prophecy

From the moment Jiang Li returned to the Jiang residence from the Ye family, she had been smiling all along.

Tong'er and Bai Xue were puzzled, not understanding why Jiang Li was in such high spirits today. They thought it might be because she hadn't seen Ye Mingyu and Ye Shijie for a long time, as Jiang Li had always been very close to this uncle of hers.

After returning to the Jiang family and paying respects to Old Madam Jiang, Jiang Li finally returned to Fragrant Garden Courtyard. Once back, she closed the door and sat alone at her desk.

On the wall in front of the desk hung a painting that Xue Huaiyuan had given her for her birthday. At that time, Xue Huaiyuan didn't yet know she was Ali. But now, looking at this painting felt like her father was watching over her, bringing her immense comfort. Thinking back to her last birthday, everyone had sent gifts except for Ji Heng. After some thought, Jiang Li figured Ji Heng probably knew it wasn't her real birthday, which was why he didn't send anything.

She caught herself unconsciously making excuses for Ji Heng. Jiang Li shook her head - she was truly happy today. Her father and Ah Zhao were both by her side, and they had been reunited. This was the greatest blessing amidst misfortune. Ever since learning that Xue Zhao was still alive, Jiang Li had pinched herself multiple times, afraid it was all just a beautiful dream. Now it seemed heaven hadn't treated her too poorly.

Ah Zhao's words had also lifted all her worries. While the Jiang family hoped she would marry Yin Zhili and considered Ji Heng an unsuitable match, at least Ah Zhao stood by her side when it seemed the whole world disapproved of Ji Heng. Ah Zhao's encouragement and approval, showing no negative opinion of Ji Heng, finally put Jiang Li's heart at ease.

Encouragement from family was always the most precious.

It felt as if she had shed all her previous troubles, and what followed would be long-awaited good times. Even in sleep, she wore a smile.

More than ten days passed like this.

Then something else happened in Yanjing City. The family of Right Prime Minister Li Zhongnan was discovered to be colluding with Prince Cheng in treason. Li Zhongnan fled overnight with his two sons but was captured by the city garrison. He died from sword wounds while resisting arrest. Hongxiao Emperor issued a strict order to thoroughly investigate everyone connected to the Li family and punish them severely. The entire Li household, numbering in the hundreds, were all executed by beheading.

Thus, the once glorious Right Prime Minister who could almost rival the Jiang family disappeared from Northern Yan's history. As Prince Cheng's right-hand man, this outcome for the Li family was expected. What was unexpected was the decisiveness and coldness Hongxiao Emperor displayed, making people realize that the seemingly insignificant young emperor had now become a truly unfathomable ruler.

When Jiang Li learned this news, she was reading in the residence. These days she had little to do besides occasionally visiting the Ye family to see her relatives. Her current reading and writing felt different from before, as her state of mind had truly become peaceful and relaxed.

When the Li family members were executed, Tong'er went with other Jiang family servants to watch the spectacle. Upon returning, she told Jiang Li: "Ah, their blood dyed the ground completely red. It was truly terrifying."

Hearing this, Bai Xue said dismissively: "They brought this upon themselves by harboring treacherous intentions."Jiang Li smiled. Jiang Yuanbai had finally rid himself of a formidable adversary. However, this did not mean he could rest easy. Previously, the Jiang family, Prince Cheng, and the Hongxiao Emperor had formed a tripartite balance of power. Now that Prince Cheng's faction had completely collapsed, disrupting this equilibrium, who could say whether the Hongxiao Emperor might turn his attention to the Jiang family next? Although the emperor might have deduced from Jiang Yuanbai's actions during the Prince Cheng affair that he lacked the courage to rebel, the heart of an emperor was inscrutable. What if he chose to suspect Jiang Yuanbai regardless?

Moreover, Jiang Yuanbai still harbored intentions of forming a marriage alliance with the Yin family.

At the thought of the Yin family, Jiang Li's hand, which had been turning the pages of her book, stilled, and she couldn't help but sigh. She found it hard to believe that the Yin family hadn't played a role in the matter concerning the Right Prime Minister. For one, Yin Zhan had his own reasons to target Prince Cheng's faction, and for another, by eliminating both the Right Prime Minister and Prince Cheng, the Jiang family could forge closer ties with the Yin family, thereby strengthening the prospects of their proposed marriage alliance.

Yet Jiang Li wasn't overly concerned about this marriage. After all, Ji Heng had assured her that day to simply remain in the residence and leave everything else to him. She trusted that he would handle the matter, at the very least ensuring she wouldn't actually end up marrying Yin Zhili.

It was now midsummer, the most unbearably hot time of the year. Aside from the evenings, no one dared venture outside during the day. The sun seemed intent on sapping the very life out of people, its glare dizzying. Bai Xue had mentioned that after another ten or so days of intense heat, the Beginning of Autumn would arrive, and the weather would gradually cool. This year's summer would then truly be over.

That evening, Old Madam Jiang suddenly sent Zhenzhu to the Fragrant Garden Courtyard, summoning Jiang Li to the Evening Phoenix Hall. Jiang Li went with her maid and, upon entering, saw that everyone had already gathered.

"Second girl," Old Madam Jiang pointed to the seat beside her and said, "Come, sit here."

Jiang Li obediently took the seat next to Old Madam Jiang.

Jiang Yuanbai and Jiang Yuanping sat to Jiang Li's right. Jiang Yuanbai looked at her as if he wanted to say something but ultimately remained silent. Ever since their unpleasant parting over the Yin family matter, Jiang Li had had little interaction with him. Their daily exchanges were limited to a few polite words. Jiang Li suspected Jiang Yuanbai could sense her distance.

"Second girl," Old Madam Jiang began, "Tomorrow evening, we are to enter the palace. His Majesty is hosting a celebration in honor of General Zhaode. Our residence has received an invitation. Since your third sister cannot attend, you will be the only young lady from the Jiang family present."

"Indeed," Lu Shi chimed in warmly, "Be sure to dress appropriately for the occasion."

Their words suddenly made everything clear to Jiang Li. Especially when Jiang Jingrui subtly winked at her, she recalled Tong'er's eavesdropping on Jiang Yuanbai and Old Madam Jiang's conversation in the Evening Phoenix Hall—when the Hongxiao Emperor distributed rewards for merits, Yin Zhan would propose the marriage alliance.

Jiang Li had long known this day would come. The recent period of tranquility had only been temporary. Tonight's discussion signaled the end of that peace.

"Alright," Jiang Li replied succinctly.Seeing her so straightforward, the Jiang family instead hesitated. Jiang Yuanbai stared at Jiang Li intently—he knew she was somewhat unwilling about this matter, yet in his view, Yin Zhili was a good choice. Jiang Yuanbai had previously worried that Jiang Li seemed rather close to Ji Heng, but after sending someone to investigate discreetly, he found that Jiang Li and Ji Heng had no relationship at all.

Jiang Yuanbai couldn’t understand what young women were thinking. Jiang Li had a strong will of her own, and his opinions couldn’t sway her in the slightest. But at this moment, an alliance with the Yin family was the best choice for both Jiang Li and the Jiang family.

“A Li,” Lu Shi said, “have you seen the Commandery Prince’s heir these past few days?”

Jiang Li smiled and replied, “Aunt, you jest. I’ve been staying in the residence all this time—how could I have seen the Commandery Prince’s heir?”

As she spoke, everyone in the room sensed a change in Jiang Li. In the past, although Jiang Li also handled matters with a smile, even when she had her own ideas, she was gentle and obedient—or at least pretended to be. This was true not only when she first returned to the Jiang residence from Qingcheng Mountain but also later when her status in the household rose steadily.

But now, although Jiang Li was still smiling, that gentleness and obedience were gone. Instead, there was more stubbornness, as if she no longer needed to compromise or endure anything, or as if she had gained support, making her words more direct and confident.

Why was this?

Jiang Li took in the varied expressions of everyone in the room and smiled inwardly. Of course, it was because she now had Ah Zhao and her father backing her, so she no longer needed to be as cautious and calculating as before.

The atmosphere in the room inexplicably grew awkward and tense. Lu Shi quickly changed the subject, talking about other matters, but the listeners were all preoccupied with their own thoughts and showed little interest.

Jiang Li stayed with them until late at night before returning.

As she was about to leave, Jiang Yuanbai suddenly called out to her. They walked behind the others, and Jiang Yuanbai moved slowly. He said, “A Li, do… do you hate me?”

He asked hesitantly, and Jiang Li turned to look at him. She still remembered how spirited and elegant Jiang Yuanbai had been when she first arrived at the Jiang residence. But after the incidents involving Ji Shuran, Ye Zhenzhen, and Jiang Youyao, one after another, Jiang Li noticed that this man’s eyes held only deep exhaustion, and even a few wrinkles had appeared on his face.

Jiang Li said, “I don’t hate you, Father.”

But she didn’t love him either.

Jiang Yuanbai seemed moved by her words. He breathed a sigh of relief and said, “I won’t harm you, A Li.”

Jiang Li smiled and walked ahead without responding further.

Human emotions were complex, and even Jiang Li couldn’t judge Jiang Yuanbai’s sincerity at this moment. She thought that Jiang Yuanbai might genuinely feel fatherly affection for Second Miss Jiang, but he could also arrange this marriage without hesitation despite her resistance. If the real Second Miss Jiang were here, would she understand Jiang Yuanbai’s well-intentioned efforts?

Jiang Li was grateful she wasn’t Second Miss Jiang, because if Xue Huaiyuan treated her this way, she would be deeply hurt.

Tong’er walked beside Jiang Li, and Jiang Yuanbai’s shadow grew farther and farther away. When they returned to Fragrant Garden Courtyard, Tong’er watched as Bai Xue lit the lamps and closed the door. She looked at Jiang Li, wanting to speak but hesitating, her eyes full of concern.

“What’s wrong, Tong’er?” Jiang Li asked, curious at her expression."Miss, Old Madam Jiang wants you to enter the palace tomorrow, likely regarding the marriage arrangement matter. What should we do?" Tong'er said. It was she who had overheard Old Madam Jiang and Jiang Yuanbai's plans and informed Jiang Li.

"Didn't Miss say the Duke would handle it?" Bai Xue asked.

"This servant thought the Duke would make the Yin family change their mind, but now it seems the victory banquet is still proceeding as scheduled. Perhaps the Duke failed to persuade the Yin family." Tong'er anxiously paced around, "Now it's too late to leave even if we wanted to. What should Miss do?"

Bai Xue also grew worried.

Jiang Li looked at her two maids and, for some reason, shook her head and smiled. Everyone else said Yin Zhili was good, but these two maids and Ah Zhao didn't think so. At least this way, she wasn't standing against the entire world.

"It's alright," Jiang Li comforted them. "Tomorrow will be fine."

"Tomorrow?" The two maids exchanged puzzled glances, not understanding Jiang Li's meaning.

"Anyway, there's no need to worry," Jiang Li said with a laugh. "When tomorrow comes, there will naturally be solutions for tomorrow."

She spoke with such certainty that Tong'er and Bai Xue gradually calmed down. They trusted Jiang Li and didn't press further. When Jiang Li went to bed that night, thinking about tomorrow's events, she couldn't help feeling nervous.

She had been feigning calmness, but if Ji Heng really requested the marriage arrangement before all the officials tomorrow... what should she do? This step was truly dangerous, but perhaps there was some part of her that enjoyed adventure, as she didn't resist it at all.

Jiang Li looked out the window again. Outside was quiet, with only deep tree shadows. It had been a long time since she last saw Ji Heng - precisely since that day she met Ah Zhao. Jiang Li knew Ji Heng had been very busy lately, so she didn't think much of it, but tomorrow... at tomorrow's palace banquet, she would probably see him.

Tomorrow's matters could wait until tomorrow, Jiang Li thought as she pulled up the covers and closed her eyes.

...

In the summer night of Yanjing City, cicadas could be heard chirping amidst the profound silence. Someone emerged from the end of the street.

A young man in red robes walked at a leisurely pace, his fine clothes standing out in the night. If anyone saw him at this moment, they would surely doubt their eyes, thinking they had encountered a legendary spirit, astonished by his peerless beauty.

This person walked directly toward the Duke's residence.

In the Duke's residence, two people were waiting in the courtyard with lanterns lit. When they heard Ji Heng's footsteps approaching, they both stood up simultaneously. One was a scholarly man in blue robes, the other an elegant young gentleman - precisely Lu Ji and Wenren Yao.

Wenren Yao said, "Ah Heng, you've finally returned."

Lu Ji said, "My lord, let's talk inside."

The three entered the study.

Old General Ji had already retired for the night. Situ Jiuyue wasn't asleep but was busy in the medicine room. Ever since Xue Zhao went to the Ye family, Situ Jiuyue no longer needed to administer acupuncture to him and found herself unexpectedly free. She had been acting somewhat strange these past few days, often seeming distracted. After being questioned several times by Wenren Yao until she grew annoyed, she now buried herself in the alchemy room every day, leaving early and returning late, seeing no one, focusing solely on brewing poisons.

Wenren Yao naturally didn't dare provoke her. If he offended Situ Jiuyue and she poisoned him, though their years of friendship would prevent her from taking his life, she wouldn't hesitate to make him suffer considerably. So Wenren Yao followed Little Red's example and kept his distance from Situ Jiuyue - if you can't handle someone, you can at least avoid them.In the study, Ji Heng settled into a chair, leaning back and pressing his fingers to his forehead.

"Sir... have you seen the Emperor?" Lu Ji asked.

"Indeed."

"What did His Majesty say?"

"Of course, he agreed." Ji Heng smiled faintly.

Lu Ji, however, could not bring himself to smile. "Sir, making this decision now will likely arouse the suspicion of the Prince of Xia... drawing attention to you too soon."

"Even if I don't do this, he will keep watching me." Ji Heng waved it off indifferently. "To get what he wants, I am the obstacle. Sooner or later, he will try to kill me—it's either him or me. I can't just hand over what's mine for a moment's peace."

Lu Ji fell silent. Having followed Ji Heng for so long, he couldn't claim to fully understand him, but one thing was clear: no one could take anything from Ji Heng's grasp.

Ji Heng's interest in Second Miss Jiang was obvious to everyone around him, even the simple-minded Kong Liu. Yin Zhili's attempt to seek an imperial marriage at this time was nothing short of suicidal. Yet Lu Ji believed that this game of chess had reached its final, most thrilling stage, and they must not lose sight of the bigger picture for minor gains or panic unnecessarily.

Ji Heng disliked playing chess not because he was unskilled—Lu Ji had once played a game with him and found his strategy exquisite. The reason he avoided chess was that it revealed too much about a player's thoughts, and Ji Heng detested being read.

"Then, Sir, we should consider our countermeasures if the Yin family moves against us now." Knowing he couldn't dissuade Ji Heng, Lu Ji changed the subject.

"Yin Zhan is incompetent; all he can do is amass troops." A flicker of contempt crossed Ji Heng's eyes. "There are no other strategies—in the end, all paths lead to the same outcome."

Wenren Yao, who had been silent throughout the conversation between Ji Heng and Lu Ji, suddenly interjected, "A-Heng, it suddenly strikes me that Second Miss Jiang might be the woman from the divination slip."

Ji Heng paused, glanced at him, and ignored the remark.

After speaking with Ji Heng a while longer, Lu Ji and Wenren Yao left the study. Outside, instead of heading to their respective rooms, Lu Ji stopped and asked Wenren Yao, "You keep saying Second Miss Jiang is the woman from the divination slip—what do you mean?"

Wenren Yao explained, "In our Planchette Writing Sect, we perform planchette writing only once for a person in our lifetime. You should know that for A-Heng, every divination has gone smoothly except one."

Lu Ji frowned. "When was that?"

"When A-Heng was fourteen, I performed planchette writing for him. That particular divination slip was... unusual."

For some reason, Lu Ji felt a stir of tension, perhaps because the usual playfulness had vanished from Wenren Yao's face, replaced by a grave expression.

Wenren Yao recalled that time vividly.

Back then, Ji Heng was still a stunningly beautiful youth. Seated across from him, the incense smoke curling upward, he wore crimson robes, his features so brilliantly striking he seemed otherworldly. Wenren Yao had remarked, "A-Heng, looking at you like this, one can't help but fear the saying 'beautiful people die young.'"

Young Ji Heng paid him no mind.

Then, the patterns gradually emerged on the tortoise shell.

Impatient, Ji Heng asked, "What is it?"Lu Ji in front of her also asked, "What is it?"

Two sentences, separated by ten years yet overlapping once more, made Wenren Yao feel as if he had returned to that moment in the past. Through the haze of incense smoke, he gazed at the youth in red robes and interpreted the divination word by word:

"Born in the winter month, bearing the countenance of nobility. Ten years hence, disaster shall befall due to a woman's calamity—corpse abandoned in the wilderness, preyed upon by eagles and hounds."

...

The next day, as expected, Old Madam Jiang sent another box of jewelry, instructing Jiang Li to carefully select a few pieces to wear and adorn herself with over the coming days.

The previous boxes of jewelry had been stored away by Tong'er, as Jiang Li had hardly used any of them. When this new box arrived, even Tong'er was at a loss, saying, "Young Lady, the chest is already full. Which ones do you intend to wear?"

Jiang Li had no choice but to pick out a few pieces that seemed less extravagant and said, "Just these."

As Tong'er stored the remaining items back into the chest, she remarked, "Old Madam is truly generous to you, Young Lady."

Jiang Li smiled faintly. Given Jiang Youyao's current state, even if she were gifted an entire chest of jewels and ornaments, she likely wouldn't know how to appreciate them. With no other young ladies in the Jiang family, and Jiang Jingrui and Jiang Jingyou yet to marry, if Old Madam Jiang didn't give them to Jiang Li, who else could she possibly give them to?

Still, since it was the elderly lady's kind intention, Jiang Li naturally accepted it. After tidying up and dressing slightly, Jiang Li noticed the sky was growing dark. Estimating the time was about right, she had Tong'er and Bai Xue set out with her.

When they arrived at the courtyard outside Evening Phoenix Hall, Old Madam Jiang was indeed already waiting for Jiang Li. Lu Shi smiled and said, "I was just about to send Zhenzhu to fetch you, but you arrived just in time."

Old Madam Jiang looked Jiang Li over, her eyes showing satisfaction.

Jiang Li was growing more beautiful by the day. Her features resembled Jiang Yuanbai's, yet her temperament was nothing like his. Instead, she carried a touch of Ye Zhenzhen's innocence and gentleness, but with added liveliness and cunning. Standing alongside the Jiang family, she hardly seemed to belong among them.

Jiang Yuanbai was startled by this sudden thought and quickly dismissed the absurd notion from his mind, saying only, "Since everyone is here, let's go."

Jiang Li rode in the same carriage as Jiang Jingrui and his brother. Jiang Jingyou remained silent, but Jiang Jingrui kept staring at Jiang Li.

Perplexed, Jiang Li asked, "Why are you looking at me?"

"Do you know why Grandmother asked you to come to the palace today?" Jiang Jingrui inquired.

Jiang Li's heart skipped a beat. Not only did Lu Shi seem aware of the Yin family's intentions, but even Jiang Jingrui and Jiang Jingyou knew as well. She smiled faintly and replied indifferently, "It's a victory banquet. What else could it be?"

"Aren't you the least bit curious?"

Jiang Li countered, "What is there to be curious about? Do you know something?"

Jiang Jingyou tugged at Jiang Jingrui's sleeve, clearly warning him not to speak carelessly. Before matters were settled, if word got out, it could needlessly harm Jiang Li's reputation. Jiang Jingrui understood the stakes and didn't press further, though he still seemed somewhat unwilling, likely because Jiang Li herself appeared unconcerned.

"Now that Prince Cheng and the Right Prime Minister have fallen, I wonder how Fourth Sister and Fifth Sister are faring," Jiang Li suddenly remarked.She had only mentioned it in passing, as there had been no news from the third branch of the family these days. Jiang Jingrui said, "Why bring up this family out of the blue? Don’t tell me you feel sorry for them. You should remember that it was the third branch who ruthlessly had you abducted to Huangzhou."

"It’s not sympathy, just a bit of curiosity," Jiang Li replied.

"I’ve heard a little about the third branch," Jiang Jingyou chimed in, clearing his throat. "Third Aunt... reportedly drowned accidentally. Third Uncle entrusted Fourth Sister to relatives of the Yang family and has since disappeared. As for Fifth Sister, I’m not too sure, but I’ve heard that Marquis Ningyuan’s residence is recently discussing a marriage alliance with the Gao family in the city. It’s said that the young lady of the Gao family is to marry into Marquis Ningyuan’s household."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Li wasn't particularly surprised. Since the third branch had once sided with Prince Cheng, gambling on a future, they naturally had to be prepared for the possibility of losing. Yang Shi's drowning and Jiang Yuanxing's disappearance were likely deliberate acts by certain individuals. Jiang Yu'e deserved little sympathy either—the Ningyuan Marquis's household had never been easy to deal with. She had been obsessed with marrying into it and had even suppressed Shen Ruyun after her misfortune, so she should have anticipated that she might one day share Shen Ruyun's fate. The pity was Jiang Yuyan, born into the third branch through no choice of her own. She hadn't committed any heinous deeds herself, merely being somewhat timid by nature, yet she was now paying the price for actions not her own. Perhaps the bitter fruits of the third branch's greed were now being borne by Jiang Yuyan.

"Their family was always crooked—they deserved to die," Jiang Jingrui said with disgust.

Jiang Jingyou shook his head without speaking, and Jiang Li also fell silent.

Regardless, with the downfall of the Right Prime Minister—Prince Cheng's last lackey—the affair surrounding Prince Cheng seemed to have drawn to a complete close. Those officials openly or secretly connected to him had all met their end in this conflict. Everything appeared calm and settled.

But Jiang Li felt a vague unease.

Like the summer weather, still bright with warm sunlight and gentle breezes, she couldn't shake the feeling that dark clouds would soon gather, heralding an impending storm.

All she could do was adapt to circumstances.

...

The carriage stopped at the palace gates. Jiang Li, Jiang Jingrui, and the others alighted and stood outside, gazing into the palace. For a moment, Jiang Li was overwhelmed with emotions.

She had entered the palace many times—for the award ceremony after the examinations, at banquets, during Imperial Council meetings... each event had been a step in accomplishing numerous tasks. Now, returning here, those who once opposed her were gone: Ji Shuran was dead, and Jiang Youyao had gone mad. Those she had sought to revenge—Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong—had long paid the price for their crimes.

Rises and falls, twists and turns—all had transpired in just a year. Yet in that short span, she had nearly fulfilled all the dreams she held since her rebirth. It all went so smoothly, as if heaven were compensating her for the suffering of her past life, or as if a malicious trap had been set, and she was merely tasting the honey laid atop it.

Many colleagues had already arrived, warmly greeting Jiang Yuanbai. With the complete collapse of the Right Prime Minister, his faction had all met misfortune. The leadership among civil officials had unquestionably returned to Jiang Yuanbai, and those aligned with Jiang Yuanping's faction shared in the glory. For now, the Grand Secretary's position seemed very secure. In official circles, those who trim their sails to the wind were plentiful, and many were busy offering flattery.

Many wives of colleagues, whose families had unmarried sons of suitable age, turned their attention to Jiang Li.

It could be said that Jiang Li was now the true jewel of the Jiang family. Whoever married her would rise steadily with the family's influence.Moreover, Jiang Li herself was quite attractive. Previously, during the Six Arts examination, she had demonstrated exceptional talent, with a delicate and charming appearance that was lovely without being overly striking to invite trouble. Her temperament also seemed gentle. Although her earlier act of leading the people of Tongxiang County to strike the stone lion and beat the injustice drum was somewhat unconventional, it was precisely because of this incident that she gained a favorable reputation among the common people, which could hardly be considered a bad thing. All in all, her flaws did not overshadow her virtues, and among the noble young ladies in Yanjing City, she could be counted among the top few.

Jiang Li noticed the scrutinizing gazes of the official wives—enthusiastic, as if appraising an object. She frowned slightly and positioned herself behind Jiang Jingrui, blocking those glances.

(End of Chapter)