The Double

Chapter 218: Seizing Love

Jiang Li and her party entered the palace, with the palace attendant leading the way in front and Jiang Li walking behind. Jiang Jingrui also noticed the scrutinizing gazes from the official wives directed at Jiang Li earlier. Though he initially intended to tease her about it, he wisely held his tongue when he turned and saw her indifferent expression, which seemed somewhat displeased. He didn’t dare say another word.

Strangely enough, he feared no one in the Jiang family except Jiang Li. Even though she always wore a smile, he could distinguish between her polite smiles, perfunctory ones, and those that signaled anger.

It was best not to provoke an angry young woman, especially when that woman was Jiang Li.

Upon entering the hall, Jiang Li noticed that the number of officials present for today’s rewards and recognition was not large—at least not as many as at the previous palace banquet. Upon closer inspection, she understood why. Many in the court had ties to Prince Cheng and the Right Prime Minister, and a significant number had been purged this time. Among the high-ranking officials, nearly half were missing. Of course, this didn’t mean the court of Northern Yan was thrown into turmoil. The Hongxiao Emperor had likely been preparing for this day long in advance, quietly nurturing new nobles. Now that these ambitious old ministers had vacated their positions, it made room for newcomers. These new officials were absolutely loyal to the Hongxiao Emperor. Once veterans like Jiang Yuanbai also stepped down, the court’s landscape would be completely transformed, filled entirely with the emperor’s own people.

Jiang Yuanbai looked around, and whether he had reached the same realization or not, his expression turned somewhat peculiar.

Jiang Li had expected Liu Xu to be present today, but after scanning the room, she didn’t see Madam Liu. It seemed Madam Liu hadn’t been invited to this palace banquet. Apparently, only high-ranking officials and new nobles were in attendance—a Chengde Official like him wasn’t qualified to be here.

However, this meant Jiang Li had no familiar friends around. Jiang Jingrui and Jiang Jingyou, on the other hand, had a few brothers to talk to and soon went off to join them. Jiang Li stood in a corner of the hall with Lu Shi when suddenly someone called her name: "Second Miss Jiang!"

Jiang Li turned around and saw Yin Zhiqing calling out to her from behind.

Jiang Li quickly responded, "Princess Pingyang."

Yin Zhiqing walked over, smiling cheerfully. "I spotted you as soon as I arrived. Did you just get here too?"

Jiang Li nodded slightly, her gaze taking in Yin Zhiqing’s appearance. Yin Zhiqing was dressed exquisitely today, wearing a peacock-patterned brocade robe and a rose-red long-tailed phoenix skirt. With her red lips and pearly teeth, her radiant beauty was captivating. Even Jiang Li couldn’t help but inwardly praise her as a stunning beauty with jade-like features.

Despite her astonishingly alluring appearance, Yin Zhiqing’s temperament was straightforward and unreserved. She reached out to take Jiang Li’s hand as if they were old friends and said, "My brother is over there. Come, let’s go say hello to him together."

Before Jiang Li could respond, Lu Shi chimed in with a smile, "Xiao Li, you should go. The Commandery Prince’s heir is there as well. Young ladies like you would find it dull staying with me."

Old Madam Jiang also nodded in agreement. Though Jiang Li inwardly sighed, she could only smile and reply, "Alright."Yin Zhili was standing outside the hall, speaking with a young man. He had actually lived in Yunzhong all along and had no connections with the people of Yanjing City. Strangely enough, however, the scions of Yanjing’s official families didn’t seem to dislike him in the slightest. There was no sense of exclusion; in fact, they appeared to be on very good terms with him. Jiang Li’s estimation of Yin Zhili rose another notch—achieving this was no easy feat. Most of Yanjing’s young nobles tended to be arrogant and unwilling to associate with those they looked down upon. Even Jiang Li, after a year in Yanjing City and despite her status as a daughter of the Jiang family, had made no close friends. This was partly because she was unwilling to ingratiate herself with them, but they themselves had also been resistant to her joining their circle from the start.

Yin Zhiqing called out, “Brother!”

Yin Zhili had just finished speaking with the person before him and was about to leave when he heard Yin Zhiqing’s voice. Turning around, he was momentarily taken aback to see Jiang Li, but then a hint of a smile appeared in his eyes as he said gently, “Second Miss Jiang.”

“Young Master Yin,” Jiang Li replied.

Yin Zhiqing blinked and said, “You two talk first. I’ll go let Mother know.” Without waiting for Yin Zhili to respond, she dashed off, leaving only Jiang Li and Yin Zhili standing together.

Yin Zhili sighed helplessly. “My apologies, my younger sister…”

“The county princess is innocent and lively, very endearing. Young Master Yin need not worry,” Jiang Li said with a smile.

Hearing this, Yin Zhili relaxed and smiled as well. “Miss Jiang is as considerate as ever.”

Standing together, the two naturally attracted many gazes. The young man, dressed in white, was gentle and refined, handsome and amiable. The young lady, in green, was lively and graceful, delicate and well-mannered—they made a strikingly well-matched pair. Yin Zhili, with his outstanding looks and family background, was naturally admired by many young ladies. Those with ulterior motives felt their hearts sink at the sight. If the Yin and Jiang families were to form a marriage alliance, there would be no room for anyone else. Judging by their current familiarity, it seemed Yin Zhili and Jiang Li were already quite close. Had there been signs of this all along?

Jiang Li felt the weight of many speculative and suspicious glances upon her. Though inwardly amused, she showed no trace of nervousness. To Yin Zhili, it seemed Jiang Li did not mind being seen with him. Gazing at her, he asked curiously, “Miss Jiang, why aren’t you carrying the fan that Zhiqing gave you?”

“The fan?” Jiang Li was momentarily puzzled, then suddenly recalled the fan that Ji Heng had confiscated and his warning: “Try accepting gifts from other men again.”

He had taken the fan just like that and still hadn’t returned it, leaving her unsure of what he had done with it. The thought amused her, and a faint smile unconsciously touched her lips. Noticing her expression, Yin Zhili asked softly, “Miss Jiang?”

Jiang Li snapped back to attention and said, “That fan… summer is almost over, and I noticed the weather is turning cooler, so I put it away.”

Yin Zhili was taken aback.

As Jiang Li prepared to improvise further, a voice drifted over from behind. It was languid, tinged with laughter, and unhurried as it spoke.

“Often I fear the autumn days will come,

When cooling breezes blow summer heat away.

In my box the fan is laid aside,

The love between us halfway cast away.”

With a meaningful smile, he asked, “Second Miss Jiang, whom are you comparing to an abandoned wife?”

Jiang Li turned to see Ji Heng, who had approached unnoticed.He must have just arrived, dressed today in a long robe of red with black peonies—a vibrant yet profound pattern that suited him with uncanny harmony. Men need not adorn themselves with powder and rouge, yet even so, standing here, he outshone all the women vying for attention in the hall. Anyone would pale in comparison under the gaze of his narrow, affectionate amber eyes.

He stood behind Jiang Li, while Yin Zhili stood before her. Ji Heng was tall, even slightly taller than Yin Zhili. Looking down at the two of them, he smiled and leisurely stroked his fan. As the fan unfurled inch by inch, the golden-thread peonies on it appeared exceptionally enchanting, captivating the soul. At the handle, a crimson butterfly danced as if in flight.

Yin Zhili was momentarily stunned, his gaze following the fan. Suddenly, he felt the fan he had gifted Jiang Li was utterly plain and dull in comparison. His eyes then shifted from the fan to Jiang Li and Ji Heng.

The young man was bewitchingly radiant, while Jiang Li was elegantly refined. Standing together, they did not seem the least bit mismatched. Their presence here made others feel inadequate, as if no one could ever intrude between the two of them.

Such was their harmony.

"Duke," Jiang Li nodded in greeting.

Hearing Jiang Li's words, Yin Zhili snapped back to reality. He had heard of Duke Su's name and knew that Yin Zhiqing had always taken notice of him. Though he had caught a fleeting glimpse of him before, this close encounter was far more stunning. Just as he was about to bow to Ji Heng, Ji Heng walked past him without so much as a glance. Whether it was his imagination or not, Yin Zhili felt that Ji Heng had cast him a glance—mocking and disdainful.

Jiang Li suddenly felt awkward, silently cursing Ji Heng for humiliating Yin Zhili in front of her. How could he save face like this?

Yet Yin Zhili was remarkably good-natured. After Ji Heng left, he smiled and said, "Seeing Duke Su today, his reputation is indeed well-deserved."

Jiang Li studied Yin Zhili carefully, noting that he showed not a trace of resentment, as if his praise was sincere. Whether feigned or genuine, his ability to carry himself this way at least spared others embarrassment.

Yin Zhili smiled again and said, "As Miss Jiang said earlier, autumn is approaching, and fans will no longer be of use. It's best to put them away." Though he spoke these words, his mind lingered on the poem Ji Heng had recited. The poem's meaning was that fans are discarded in autumn, much like abandoned women. Was Ji Heng's remark a reminder? Did Second Miss Jiang's mention of the autumn fan carry some hidden meaning?

His smile then became somewhat distracted.

Jiang Li had no desire to converse further with Yin Zhili. Seizing the opportunity of his absentmindedness, she found an excuse to return to Lu Shi's side. After that, she stayed close to Lu Shi, unwilling to deal with the Yin sisters. Despite Lu Shi's subtle hints, she pretended not to notice.

Not long after, the emperor and Yin Zhan arrived.Today's palace banquet was held to celebrate Yin Zhan's military achievements, making him the center of attention. This was Jiang Li's first time seeing Yin Zhan, and he differed from her expectations. She had imagined him as a rough, burly man like Ye Mingyu, but instead found him exceptionally handsome—both dashing and wild, the kind who would undoubtedly be many women's sweetheart in this era. In contrast, Yin Zhili bore no resemblance to Yin Zhan. Yin Zhan's features were deeply sculpted, much like Yin Zhiqing's, while Yin Zhili was as gentle and soft as an ink-wash landscape painting.

Ji Heng sat in a corner of the hall, half in shadow. Jiang Li was too far away to discern his expression, so she couldn't tell whether he was looking at Yin Zhan or what his gaze might convey.

The banquet soon commenced.

Jiang Li lowered her head and slowly ate her food. So far, the Hongxiao Emperor had not mentioned rewards, and Yin Zhan naturally hadn't requested a marriage decree. The Empress Dowager and the Empress were both present. The Empress Dowager, who seldom left the Cining Palace, appeared particularly cheerful today, chatting with the Empress. Li Pin, once highly favored, was now mere dust, yet court officials were already scheming about which daughter to send into the palace. With his position secure, Prince Cheng eliminated, and no further threats, the young emperor was a prime target. Any young woman who caught his eye could elevate her family to greatness.

Thus, many young ladies had spared no effort tonight to adorn themselves like celestial beings.

However, Jiang Li thought differently. From the incident involving Li Pin, it was clear this emperor was not one to indulge in feminine charms. Becoming a second Li Pin would be no easy task. Amid the sea of fragrant beauties, Yin Zhiqing stood out strikingly. Naturally stunning and lavishly dressed, she was impossible to overlook. Others likely assumed she harbored ambitions to enter the palace, but Jiang Li knew Yin Zhiqing's true target was Ji Heng.

Their matching red attire today made it obvious.

Princess Pingyang had gone to great lengths this time, but unfortunately, she was unaware of the deep-seated enmity between Ji Heng and the Yin family—a feud destined to end in life-or-death struggle. Yin Zhiqing's aspirations were doomed to bear bitter fruit.

After three rounds of drinks, as the atmosphere grew warm with clinking cups, the Hongxiao Emperor spoke of Yin Zhan's merits in suppressing Prince Cheng's rebellion. "The Prince of Xia has rendered great service in quelling the rebellion and deserves generous rewards—indeed, heavily rewarded!"

Yin Zhan rose from his seat. All eyes fixed on him as he swept aside his robe and knelt before the Hongxiao Emperor. "Suppressing rebels is my duty. I dare not claim credit; it was all due to Your Majesty's wise commands. I have one request and beg Your Majesty, in light of my efforts in leading the troops to pacify the rebellion, to grant it."

"Oh? What request does the Prince of Xia have? Speak freely." The young emperor seemed in high spirits, his gaze toward his subject even carrying a smile, full of magnanimity.

"I have a son, now twenty-three," Yin Zhan said. "The boy admires the second legitimate daughter of the Grand Secretary's Jiang family. I risk death to implore Your Majesty to bestow a marriage between my son and the Jiang family's second young lady. I would be eternally grateful."

As these words fell, the hall fell into utter silence—so quiet one could hear a pin drop.Yin Zhan remained kneeling on the ground. Yin Zhili was momentarily stunned, then stepped forward and knelt as well. The Hongxiao Emperor did not respond immediately, merely staring at Yin Zhan, lost in thought.

The women in attendance watched Jiang Li with a mixture of envy and jealousy. The Yin family was willing to exchange military merits for an imperial marriage—clear proof of their high regard for Jiang Li. The men, meanwhile, envied Yin Zhili. With Yin Zhan making such a request, the Hongxiao Emperor would surely agree, and Second Miss Jiang would soon become the future lady of the Yin family.

Jiang Yuanbai’s hands, hidden in his sleeves, gradually clenched, and beads of sweat began to form on his forehead. It wasn’t for any other reason, but because the Hongxiao Emperor had not immediately agreed.

Why wouldn’t the Hongxiao Emperor agree? It was merely a matter of bestowing a marriage.

Suddenly, Jiang Yuanbai recalled Jiang Li’s earlier words to him: the court in Yanjing was still unstable, and aligning too closely with the Yin family too soon was not a good thing—it could bring disaster. At the time, he had thought Jiang Li was being overly alarmist. After all, Yin Zhan had just rendered such great service, had done nothing out of line, and had remained peaceful in Yunzhong for many years. The Hongxiao Emperor seemed to trust him; otherwise, he would not have summoned Yin Zhan back to resolve the crisis when Prince Cheng rebelled.

But what did this mean now? Could it be that the emperor did not fully trust Yin Zhan?

Time passed slowly. The Hongxiao Emperor continued to ponder as he watched the kneeling father and son of the Yin family. Gradually, the court officials also sensed something amiss and held their breath, silently observing the scene.

The Yin father and son remained motionless. Yin Zhiqing’s face gradually flushed red. She had no idea what was happening. She had thought everything would fall into place naturally, but it seemed things were not going so smoothly. Under the table, Lady Yin took Yin Zhiqing’s hand, and only then did she feel somewhat better.

Seeing the Hongxiao Emperor’s prolonged silence, the Empress Dowager smiled and said, “Your Majesty, I believe this marriage is quite suitable. The two young people seem very well-matched. Second Miss Jiang is an excellent girl, and the Yin family’s heir, in my opinion, is also outstanding.”

As soon as the Empress Dowager finished speaking, someone suddenly laughed. In the silent hall, where no one else was speaking, this faintly mocking laughter drifted clearly into everyone’s ears.

Yin Zhiqing was shocked. Who would dare speak like this at such a moment, openly defying the Empress Dowager? She followed the sound and saw the striking figure in red she had encountered twice before, each time utterly captivating. In the corner, illuminated by the lamplight, he slowly revealed himself fully.

Ji Heng leaned back with one hand behind his head, the other holding a wine jug, casually pouring himself a drink. His expression was lazy, his movements relaxed. Amid the prolonged gazes of astonishment and suspicion, he maintained an air of detachment, yet he was all the more captivating. Seemingly aware of the attention, he tilted his head slightly, his smiling phoenix eyes almost intoxicating. He drawled, “Heh, Lord of Xia Commandery, I’m afraid you’re a step too late.”

Yin Zhan also turned to look at Ji Heng. A sense of foreboding suddenly rose in Yin Zhili’s heart. The next moment, he heard the Hongxiao Emperor above him burst into loud laughter. The emperor said, “That’s right, my dear subject, you are indeed a step too late. Before you, someone else already came to me with a request. I’ve even drafted the edict, bestowing marriage upon Duke Su and Second Miss Jiang. Eunuch Su.”Eunuch Su hurried forward with small steps, taking the imperial edict from the tray held by a eunuch beside him. Unfurling it, he chanted in a drawn-out voice: "By the mandate of heaven, the emperor decrees: Duke Su Ji Heng, exemplary in filial piety and accomplished in both civil and martial arts, has now reached marriageable age. The Grand Secretary's second daughter, Jiang Li, aged sixteen, virtuous in character and graceful in appearance, wise within and beautiful without, is hereby designated by imperial decree as Duke Su's wife. The wedding shall be scheduled at an auspicious date. So it is decreed!"

This sudden bestowal of marriage came as a genuine surprise, leaving everyone struggling to comprehend the turn of events. It had clearly been the Prince of Xia who requested the emperor to grant a marriage between Second Miss Jiang and the prince's heir, yet the final decree unexpectedly paired Second Miss Jiang with Duke Su. Duke Su?

The Empress Dowager's face slightly changed color. Yin Zhan kept his head lowered, making his expression unreadable, while Yin Zhili felt as if a stone were lodged in his heart. Not only had the emperor refused to grant his marriage to Jiang Li, but he had instead bestowed her upon Duke Su—undoubtedly a sharp slap to both their faces, stripping them of all dignity.

"Lord Jiang," Eunuch Su reminded, "Receive the decree!"

Jiang Yuanbai jolted, only then snapping back to reality. He hurriedly rose to accept the edict, nearly stumbling in his flustered astonishment. In contrast, Jiang Li remained perfectly composed. Ji Heng stepped forward as well, lifting the hem of his robe with a smile as he said cheerfully, "Thank you for Your Majesty's gracious arrangement."

Hongxiao Emperor glanced at Ji Heng, seemingly quite satisfied with this marriage arrangement. Yet, Ji Heng appeared to be the only one genuinely pleased. Jiang Li would not show her feelings openly, while for everyone else, shock far outweighed any delight.

Hongxiao Emperor then turned to Yin Zhan, magnanimously laughing as he said, "Prince of Xia, this time it is not that I am unwilling to grant your request, but you truly came a step too late. I observe that your son is indeed an outstanding talent. Why not speak up—if you have taken a liking to any other family's daughter, provided she is unwed and without prior engagement, I shall grant the marriage immediately."

Instantly, the young ladies present grew excited again, all gazing expectantly at Yin Zhan. Marriage into the Yin family meant becoming the wife of a prince's heir, with the prospect of eventually becoming a princess consort. Moreover, Yin Zhili was indeed handsome and refined, making him an appealing match.

Yet Yin Zhan lifted his head, half-disappointed and half-resigned, saying, "That will not be necessary. It seems Second Miss Jiang and my son simply lack fate's blessing—no one else is to blame." He then turned to Jiang Yuanbai and Jiang Li, smiling as he offered, "Congratulations, Lord Jiang, and Second Miss Jiang!"

Jiang Yuanbai forced a smile. He understood one thing clearly: Hongxiao Emperor's attitude toward the Prince of Xia was far from mere trust. The undercurrents behind today's marriage grant sent cold sweat trickling down his back. He vaguely sensed that his earlier agreement to the Yin family's marriage proposal might have been a misstep, one that now implicated the Jiang family. It was possible that Hongxiao Emperor had also grown suspicious of the Jiangs.

Jiang Li responded to Yin Zhan with a poised and open smile. Seeing that she showed no shyness but instead such composure, Yin Zhan narrowed his eyes, his gaze sweeping over Jiang Li and Ji Heng before withdrawing.

This unexpected marriage decree had taken everyone by surprise. Subsequently, Hongxiao Emperor bestowed numerous gold, silver, and jewels upon Yin Zhan as compensation for the failed marriage request on Yin Zhili's behalf. By the time the banquet resumed, the focus of everyone's discussions had completely shifted—Jiang Li, Ji Heng, and Yin Zhili became the central topics of conversation.Ji Heng returned to his corner seat, completely unfazed by the gazes from all directions, still leisurely pouring wine and drinking by himself. Of course, those watching Ji Heng were aware of his unpredictable temperament and dared not stare openly, instead stealing cautious, furtive glances.

In contrast, the looks directed at Jiang Li and Yin Zhili were rather brazen.

When Jiang Li returned to her seat, the other members of the Jiang family wore inexplicable expressions, particularly Old Madam Jiang and the two brothers Jiang Yuanbai, whose faces were grim. Jiang Jingrui, Jiang Jingyou, and Lu Shi were unaware of the underlying circumstances, only feeling that the imperial marriage arrangement had suddenly shifted to Ji Heng. Compared to Yin Zhili, Ji Heng’s unpredictable nature made him far more difficult to deal with. Forget about having him as the Jiang family’s son-in-law and interacting with him—even in ordinary times, it was best to steer clear of him.

Yin Zhiqing sat beside Yin Zhili, her face pale and unsteady, on the verge of tears. She had originally thought today would be a joyous occasion, with Jiang Li and Yin Zhili’s union being a foregone conclusion. Her brother was exceptional in every way, Jiang Li and Yin Zhili got along well, and the Jiang family liked Yin Zhili—there seemed no reason for the marriage not to proceed. Yet, it had truly fallen through.

Not only that, but the one granted the imperial marriage with Jiang Li had become Duke Su, Ji Heng.

Yin Zhiqing felt somewhat bewildered. She had only seen Ji Heng twice, but each time left a stunning impression. Outsiders described Duke Su as ruthless and cunning, yet she felt that such a Ji Heng was all the more mysterious. Though inexperienced in matters of the heart, she knew that over the years, Ji Heng was the first man to captivate her. She had thought there was no hurry—she could gradually get to know Ji Heng, befriend him, understand him, and accompany him. But suddenly, without warning, Ji Heng had his Duchess.

Yin Zhiqing felt as though heaven was playing a cruel joke on her.

Lady Yin watched her with concern but was powerless to help. She held little sway in the Yin family, let alone the ability to alter an imperial decree.

Seated beside Yin Zhan, Yin Zhili wore a faint smile, appearing entirely unperturbed by what had just transpired. Yet, upon closer inspection, his movements as he raised his cup betrayed his distraction.

Not only Yin Zhiqing, but even Yin Zhili himself had believed this marriage would proceed without a hitch. Reality had dealt him a harsh blow. It wasn’t that Yin Zhili felt humiliated or anything of the sort—he just felt… somewhat unsettled.

Before the palace banquet began, the handsome Duke Su had passed by him, leisurely reciting a poem. Reflecting on it now, it was filled with an air of assured victory and the mockery of a spectator. Yin Zhili thought to himself, he truly was Jiang Li’s autumn fan—once autumn arrived, it served no purpose and was meant to be discarded.

Yin Zhili smiled self-deprecatingly. For over twenty years, his life had been smooth sailing, with countless young ladies admiring him. He never imagined he would one day experience unrequited affection. He knew that perhaps his feelings for Jiang Li didn’t amount to deep love, but he had genuinely liked her—at least, before this, no other young lady had occupied his thoughts so deeply.

That fan… Yin Zhili closed his eyes.

Ji Heng’s opulent peony folding fan, and the white jade folding fan adorned with pear blossoms that he had gifted Jiang Li. He didn’t know how Ji Heng and Jiang Li viewed the fan he had given, but they must have… thought him overestimating his capabilities.

Ji Heng must have known about this imperial marriage decree long ago, which was why he had sought the emperor’s approval before Yin Zhili’s father could. But did Jiang Li know?

Involuntarily, Yin Zhili tilted his head slightly, looking past the crowd toward Jiang Li.

The young woman sat at the banquet, her back straight and her profile delicate and lovely. A faint smile graced her lips, no different from the countless smiles she had directed at Yin Zhili. Yet, he could clearly discern that her smile now held a touch more ease.

So, she had known all along. Yin Zhili’s heart sank.

Just then, Yin Zhan’s voice sounded in his ear, so soft that only Yin Zhili could hear it.

“Do what you must. Now is not the time to be distracted.”

Yin Zhili jolted back to attention, once again adorning his gentle smile.From his high seat, the Hongxiao Emperor observed the scene before him with apparent interest, a faint smile playing on his lips. The Empress sat properly by his side, saying nothing, her demeanor as gentle and submissive as ever, much like the Empress Dowager in her youth.

The Empress Dowager... Her armored fingernail lightly scraped against the chair, producing a soft sound, though she seemed unaware of it. Her gaze swiftly swept over Yin Zhili and Yin Zhan before vanishing just as quickly.

No one noticed.

The grand game of Werewolf officially begins~

(End of Chapter)