The Double

Chapter 220: Visiting

While the Ye and Jiang families were thrown into disarray by the sudden imperial decree, the Yin residence remained enveloped in silence.

The servants, having long resided in Yunzhong—a place of simple yet rugged customs, far less bustling than Yanjing City—had adopted the military habits of their master, General Yin Zhan. They moved soundlessly through the halls, their subdued demeanor a stark contrast to the liveliness of other households. Tonight, witnessing their masters' grim expressions, the servants grew even more reticent.

Upon alighting from the carriage and entering the residence, Lady Yin attempted to lead Yin Zhiqing back to their courtyard. But Yin Zhiqing broke free, took a few steps toward Yin Zhan, and opened her mouth as if to speak, only to find no words. Her lips trembled, and she nearly burst into tears.

Yin Zhan glanced at her and said, "Zhiqing, go back to your room with your mother for now."

Yin Zhiqing blinked back tears, and Yin Zhili patted her shoulder gently. "Whatever it is, we can discuss it tomorrow. It's late now, Zhiqing."

Lady Yin nodded in agreement, watching her daughter with concern. Suddenly feeling overwhelmed with shame, Yin Zhiqing turned away abruptly, ignoring her mother's calls from behind, and dashed back to her courtyard alone. Lady Yin could only offer an apologetic smile to Yin Zhan and Yin Zhili before hurrying after her.

Yin Zhili sighed as he watched Yin Zhiqing's retreating figure.

Though Yin Zhiqing was exquisitely beautiful and delicate, Yin Zhan's deepest affection was reserved for his son, Yin Zhili. While he doted on Yin Zhiqing, it was nothing compared to the care he had lavished on Yin Zhili—raising him personally, teaching him to read and write, ride horses, and shoot arrows. Yin Zhiqing had been brought up by wet nurses, yet Yin Zhan had never deprived her of anything. With no concubines, illegitimate children, or half-siblings in the Yin family, her life had been one of innocent simplicity.

Surprisingly, despite their different mothers, Yin Zhiqing and Yin Zhili shared a closer bond than either did with Yin Zhan.

Lost in thought, Yin Zhili was startled by Yin Zhan's voice beside him. "Come with me," he said.

Yin Zhili followed Yin Zhan to his study.

Under the lamplight, Yin Zhan's face had shed the cheerfulness of the palace banquet. Though not exactly gloomy, it was far from pleased. "Did you know about tonight's events?" he asked.

Yin Zhili shook his head. "I didn't."

"I thought as much," Yin Zhan replied. "Today, when I observed Jiang Yuanbai's expression, he didn't seem aware either. Ji Heng's actions are truly unexpected. Weren't you getting along well with Second Miss Jiang before?"

Suppressing the ache in his heart, Yin Zhili said, "Yes, very well."

"That's what puzzles me," Yin Zhan mused. "When Jiang Li received the decree today, she showed no surprise. She even smiled at me, making me suspect she might have known beforehand—perhaps even colluded with Ji Heng. After all, Zhiqing mentioned once that they shared a carriage when they first returned to Yanjing City."

Yes, Yin Zhili thought to himself, that was the first time he had ever laid eyes on Jiang Li."At first I also thought they had a deep relationship, but after making inquiries, it turned out Jiang Li was kidnapped by Prince Cheng's men and taken to Huangzhou. Ji Heng happened to pass by and casually saved her, so they returned to Huangzhou together later. However, I always found it strange—Ji Heng doesn't seem like the kind to act chivalrously. There's definitely something more between Jiang Li and him. Although there's no concrete evidence today, I still believe Ji Heng did this intentionally. Zhili," he looked at the young man, "when you were with Jiang Li, didn't you notice if she had someone in her heart?"

Yin Zhili felt even more unsettled, but he only said: "No, Second Miss Jiang didn't show any signs."

"Perhaps it was the Jiang family's scheme," Yin Zhan said. "The Jiang family informed Ji Heng about our intention to form a marriage alliance with them, allowing Ji Heng to preemptively seek the imperial decree before we could. Otherwise, such a coincidence would be impossible."

"But wasn't Grand Secretary Jiang willing to form the alliance?" Yin Zhili asked in confusion.

"Jiang Yuanbai is an old fox, probably weighing the pros and cons and wavering in his decision. He just wants to see whose influence is stronger between us and the Duke's residence. I underestimated him." Yin Zhan laughed, though his smile carried a hint of coldness.

Yin Zhili remained silent.

"This isn't your fault. It's not that you're inferior to Ji Heng or failed to win Second Miss Jiang's affection. The truth is, the Jiang family had already prepared for this, making contingency plans while we overlooked one layer."

Yin Zhili thought bitterly, no, that's not it. Second Miss Jiang truly likes that man—the way she looks at Ji Heng, along with the hints about the fan—he had indeed lost to Ji Heng.

"These are trivial matters, Zhili. Don't let this discourage you," Yin Zhan said. "The Jiang family has acted in bad faith, and they will pay the price in time. What's urgent now is for us to remain in Yanjing. Once we've settled in Yanjing City, our first target will be Duke Su, Ji Heng."

Yin Zhili opened his mouth to ask why but ultimately fell silent. He had asked Yin Zhan this question before, but Yin Zhan refused to tell him, so Yin Zhili had no choice but to drop it. Even if he asked today, he wouldn't get an answer. He could only numbly agree.

When Yin Zhili walked out of Yin Zhan's room, his steps were heavy.

Behind him, the study was brightly lit, as if the lamp would burn through the night until dawn. Yin Zhan was that kind of person—he had endless official duties to attend to. Even when they were in Yunzhong, where many mocked him as a hollow general who would never return to Yanjing City, Yin Zhan remained the same. As a child, Yin Zhili was puzzled, unable to understand why Yin Zhan had so much to do every day in Yunzhong, so far from the emperor's reach. As he grew older, this confusion remained unresolved, but Yin Zhili learned not to ask, perhaps out of habit.

He walked slowly, step by step, and before he knew it, he had arrived outside Yin Zhiqing's courtyard.

When he came to his senses, Yin Zhili shook his head and turned to leave. Suddenly, a voice called out to him: "Yin Zhili!"

Yin Zhili turned around and saw Yin Zhiqing sitting at the stone table in the courtyard, looking at him sorrowfully.

She usually called him "brother," but in private, she always addressed him directly by his name. Yin Zhili indulged her. Seeing her face streaked with tears, he sighed inwardly and walked over. After glancing around and not seeing Lady Yin, he asked, "Where's Mother?""I said I wanted to sleep, so I sent her away," Yin Zhiqing said.

"What's wrong with you?" Yin Zhili asked. "Quickly wipe your face, it's covered in tears."

Yin Zhiqing haphazardly wiped her face with her sleeve. She had dressed meticulously for the palace banquet today, carefully applying makeup, but now her tears had washed it all away, revealing a different kind of beauty. If anyone else were here, they would surely feel heartache for this weeping beauty, but unfortunately, her tears were shed for someone else.

"What did Father say?" Yin Zhiqing asked. "Is there any room for change in this arranged marriage?"

Yin Zhili replied, "It's an imperial decree. Defying it would cost us our heads."

Yin Zhiqing was deeply disappointed upon hearing this. She looked at Yin Zhili with a heavy heart and said, "We truly share the same misfortune."

She had never hidden her feelings from Yin Zhili, and of course, Yin Zhili hadn't concealed his from her either. It was ironic—the two siblings had fallen for people who, through twists of fate, ended up together. If this were written in a story, even the audience wouldn't believe it.

"Father must have comforted you," Yin Zhiqing said gloomily. "Told you not to be sad, that the next one will be better?"

Yin Zhili smiled bitterly. Everyone thought he was favored, and Yin Zhiqing naturally assumed that Yin Zhan empathized with all his joys and sorrows, but that wasn't the case. Sometimes, even Yin Zhili himself was perplexed. He knew his father cared for him—the father-son bond forged through hands-on guidance filled him with gratitude. So, from a young age, Yin Zhili had strictly demanded perfection from himself, striving to be the ideal son in his father's eyes, the most outstanding one. He had indeed excelled, whether in military strategy or literary pursuits, achieving remarkable success. Whenever he saw the proud smile on his father's face, he felt it was all worth it.

But Yin Zhili was only in his twenties now. As a child, he could follow his father's wishes, but as he grew older, he developed his own thoughts. Especially when his father often didn't explain the reasons, merely instructing him to act, Yin Zhili gradually began to resist.

When they first came to Yanjing City for the marriage alliance with Jiang Li, Yin Zhili had initially refused. It wasn't until he heard the rumors about Jiang Li and saw her in person that he became somewhat willing. Unfortunately, it was rare for him and his father to share the same opinion on something they were both willing to do, and it had ended abruptly in failure.

Yin Zhiqing was deeply upset. Yin Zhili said, "Stop crying, it's alright. Look at me—I'm in the same situation, and I'm not crying. You're so beautiful; you'll surely find someone better in the future."

"But I won't like anyone better," Yin Zhiqing stubbornly replied.

Yin Zhili didn't take her words seriously. She had only met Ji Heng a few times and barely spoken to him—it was just a fleeting infatuation. Her resolute words would soon fade. In contrast, he himself appeared calm and detached on the surface, but in reality... no one knew of his disappointment.

It was all in the past. Yin Zhili looked up at the sky and took a deep breath.

He had to accept defeat.

...

In the palace, the grand banquet had ended. The lanterns glowed dimly, and after the excitement faded, the place seemed even more desolate than usual.

The Empress Dowager and the Hongxiao Emperor were walking toward the imperial garden.The Hongxiao Emperor dismissed the consorts and concubines. Though he had drunk some wine today, he was not yet intoxicated, yet he appeared exceedingly cheerful. The Empress Dowager observed his demeanor and smiled, saying, "Your Majesty seems very happy today."

"Naturally," the Hongxiao Emperor replied. "I recall that several years ago, Old General Ji mentioned to me that if a suitable young lady were found, she must be betrothed to Duke Su, as the Duke's residence lacks a mistress. Several years have passed, and I have finally fulfilled Old General Ji's wish, thus not failing his trust."

His eyes and brows were filled with laughter, utterly unconcealed. The Empress Dowager smiled along and said, "Today's events also startled me. I originally thought the marriage would be bestowed upon the Commandery Prince's heir, but unexpectedly, Duke Su took the first step. Your Majesty did not inform me beforehand of such a matter."

"Mother does not know because Duke Su came to me himself. Throughout Yanjing City, it is said that Duke Su is unpredictable in mood, never placing anyone in his heart. Yet he took the initiative to approach me, expressing his desire to marry Second Miss Jiang. I happened to think the Jiang family is respectable, and Second Miss Jiang demonstrated both courage and wisdom in the Tongxiang case. Duke Su's judgment is not mistaken, so I simply went with the flow and played the role of a matchmaker."

"Only it is a pity for the Commandery Prince's heir," the Empress Dowager sighed. "I observed him today, and he seemed deeply affected."

"That is because he and Second Miss Jiang lack fate; he cannot blame others," the Hongxiao Emperor said with a laugh. "Moreover, a true man need not worry about lacking a wife; there is no need to dwell on it so persistently."

"That is true. Duke Su has truly gotten his wish this time." The Empress Dowager seemed to recall something, her face taking on a reminiscent expression. "I still remember when he was a child, brought into the palace by General Ji. He was like a doll that had stepped out of a painting. His temperament was quite obedient as a child, yet the older he grew, the more inscrutable he became, making people fearful."

The Hongxiao Emperor dismissed this notion: "Duke Su is merely somewhat unrestrained in his actions. If others do not provoke him, he will not seek trouble."

These words clearly sided with Ji Heng. The Empress Dowager glanced at the Hongxiao Emperor with a smile and did not continue the topic further. The two walked the final stretch of the imperial garden. As the sky grew late, the Empress Dowager claimed fatigue and returned to Cining Palace first.

The Hongxiao Emperor stood in the garden, a pleased smile still on his face, quietly watching the retreating figures of the Empress Dowager and the palace attendants. Eunuch Su stood to the side, head bowed, though for some reason, a trace of unease flickered in his heart.

"Let's go," the Hongxiao Emperor said.

After returning to Cining Palace, the Empress Dowager first seated herself on the soft couch. Palace maids hurried over to massage her shoulders and legs, serve tea, and fan her. Incense burned within the hall, and the Empress Dowager's mood seemed to have calmed somewhat.

"Did Duke Su enter the palace yesterday?" she asked with a frown.

The palace maid closest to the Empress Dowager replied, "We did not see any sign of Duke Su."

The Empress Dowager's frown deepened. After a moment, she said to the maid before her, "Go and send a message: tell Yin Zhan not to act rashly for now. The Emperor... is wary of him."

The maid nodded in acknowledgment and lifted her head, revealing a familiar face—none other than Meixiang, Princess Yongning's most trusted personal maid in the past.

...

No matter what, the matter had already come to pass.In this late summer and early autumn season, Jiang Li's marriage was thus settled. Moreover, it was an imperial decree. Back then, the engagement with the Marquis Ningyuan's household had been merely a verbal agreement—Zhou Yanbang could break it as he pleased and switch brides at will. But now, with the emperor's golden words, who would dare break it or change the arrangement? Everyone could only obediently prepare.

Jiang Yuanbai personally visited the Duke's residence and returned to inform Jiang Li that after discussing with Old General Ji, since the imperial decree had come rather suddenly and the Jiang family was unprepared, the wedding would be postponed until next summer. Jiang Li suspected Jiang Yuanbai was trying to buy more time, likely still distrusting Ji Heng. But this was merely a delaying tactic—how could an imperial edict be altered? Unless Ji Heng were no longer alive, but even then, she might still be expected to remain a chaste widow.

Regardless, matters had to be handled one by one.

The Jiang family felt helpless about this marriage arrangement and thus showed little enthusiasm. Lu Shi, unaware of the underlying complexities, simply believed Yin Zhili was far more gentle and kind-hearted than Ji Heng. She sighed repeatedly in front of Jiang Li, expressing her regrets.

Jiang Li paid no mind to this. The happiest were the maids of Fragrant Garden Courtyard, specifically Bai Xue and Tong'er. These two had always aligned their preferences with Jiang Li's—to them, nothing in the world could be better than Jiang Li marrying the one she loved. Thus, regarding the wedding dress, jewelry, and even the embroidery patterns for pouches, Tong'er and Bai Xue were far more enthusiastic than Jiang Li herself.

Jiang Li found this both amusing and exasperating. After learning of the imperial decree, she visited the Ye residence. Ye Mingyu immediately pulled her aside to demand an explanation. After finally calming him down, when facing Xue Huaiyuan and Xue Zhao, Jiang Li found herself at a loss for words.

However, even this matter had been handled in advance by Xue Zhao. Surprisingly, Xue Huaiyuan expressed that he had long been aware of Jiang Li's close relationship with Ji Heng. If Jiang Li truly loved Ji Heng, Xue Huaiyuan would have no objections. Jiang Li immediately understood that Xue Zhao had told their father everything. Xue Zhao even boasted proudly that without him, Jiang Li would have had to spend considerable effort explaining things to Xue Huaiyuan.

In short, what proved difficult for the Jiang family was effortlessly understood by the Xue family. Xue Huaiyuan told Jiang Li that although he had never met Ji Heng, based on Xue Zhao's accounts, he likely wasn't the utterly wicked man rumors made him out to be. Moreover, Xue Huaiyuan trusted that Jiang Li was a sensible young woman—how could she love someone truly evil? He believed in Jiang Li's judgment but still hoped to meet Ji Heng personally someday, so he could set his mind at ease.

Naturally, Jiang Li agreed. Only after returning to the Jiang residence did she begin to worry. Ye Mingyu thoroughly disliked Ji Heng—why would he ever invite Ji Heng to the Ye residence? Moreover, if Ji Heng visited the Ye residence to see Xue Huaiyuan... what would people say if they found out?

She felt a headache coming on and unconsciously pressed her temples.

Tong'er, who was sketching floral patterns, noticed and said, "What's wrong, Miss? Are you tired? Why not rest on the couch for a while? You've been reading all morning."

"The one who should rest is you," Jiang Li replied. "You've been sitting here sketching patterns since morning—aren't you tired?""I'm not tired at all." Tong'er said cheerfully: "This servant enjoys doing this work very much. Look, Miss, how about peony patterns for the embroidered pouch? Or perhaps butterflies would be prettier? I've sketched out several floral designs. Please choose one carefully, Miss. The others can be made by other servants for other people, but the one for the Duke must be made by your own hands."

Jiang Li was at a loss for words and said: "Why should I make him a pouch?"

"Things are different now." Tong'er remained delighted, "Since Miss and the Duke are engaged, it's natural to exchange tokens of affection."

"I don't enjoy needlework." Jiang Li said. Actually, it wasn't that she disliked needlework - when she was Xue Fangfei, she had made clothes for Xue Zhao and Xue Huaiyuan. After marrying Shen Yurong, she had done the same. But after becoming Second Miss Jiang, although she wasn't completely waited on hand and foot, many things indeed didn't require her personal attention, and she had hardly touched needlework.

The same held true now.

"But if Miss makes a pouch for the Duke, he would be very happy. Right, Bai Xue?" Tong'er asked Bai Xue, who was drying tea leaves nearby.

Bai Xue, caught off guard by the sudden question, was an honest person. After a moment's hesitation, she said: "I'm not the Duke, so I don't know if he would be happy."

Jiang Li wondered suspiciously - would Ji Heng be happy? This man was extremely particular about his clothing. Jiang Li had seen it several times - his clothes were made of superior fabric, changed daily, and although they were all red, the patterns differed each time. Her needlework wasn't bad, but compared to his standards, it would appear quite shabby.

Better to hide one's inadequacy than to display clumsy work - this was a principle Jiang Li understood well. There was no reason for her to invite trouble.

"Miss, would you like to visit the jewelry shop in a few days to have some new jewelry made? Ah, there are no young ladies in our mansion who have married, so we don't know what needs to be prepared for the wedding." Tong'er said: "This servant should go ask around for information."

Among the young ladies of the Jiang residence, only Jiang Yu'e had married, and even then as a concubine - without an auspicious wedding date or a proper bridal sedan chair, it couldn't truly be called a marriage.

"It's still very early." Jiang Li said: "No need to rush."

As they were chatting and laughing, Mingyue came running into the courtyard, out of breath, and said: "Miss, the D-Duke is here!"

Tong'er and Bai Xue were both stunned, then quickly came to their senses, realizing Mingyue meant Duke Su. Jiang Li stood up and said: "How can that be?"

"It's true! This servant just came from Evening Phoenix Hall. The Duke is speaking with the Old Madam. The Old Madam wanted to send Sister Zhenzhu to fetch you, but the Duke said it wasn't necessary and that he would come find you himself." Mingyue said all in one breath.

Both Jiang Yuanbai and Jiang Yuanping were away from the residence now - what could Ji Heng be doing here?

As Jiang Li was pondering this, she heard Ji Heng's voice from the courtyard entrance. He said: "Your maid is quite clever, coming to report so quickly."

Jiang Li turned to look and saw Ji Heng walking in from outside the courtyard. His crimson robe stood out strikingly in the elegant Jiang residence. Mingyue and the other maids quickly bowed in greeting. Jiang Li told them to attend to their own tasks and not remain there.The young maids in Fragrant Garden Courtyard blushed so deeply their cheeks seemed about to drip blood. Jiang Li found it amusing, as this appeared to be the first time she had seen them in such a state. However, this was also Ji Heng's first open appearance at the Jiang residence—those uninvited nocturnal visits in the past didn't count. His looks were truly beyond reproach. Though Wenren Yao was gentle and handsome as well, he lacked Ji Heng's captivating allure. The young maids, all at a tender age, could hardly withstand his unintentional teasing; even just looking at him might stir longing in their hearts.

This man was clearly doing it on purpose, Jiang Li thought with irritation. Grabbing his sleeve, she pulled him into her room and shut the door. Suddenly, she realized this might be improper. She had acted as if it were the old days, when his frequent nighttime visits to the Duke's residence had made their solitary encounters feel entirely natural.

Just as Jiang Li moved to reopen the door, Ji Heng said, "Why open it? Better not let others see."

"Others see what?" Jiang Li asked.

"The sight of you drooling over me and getting handsy," he replied with a light laugh.

Jiang Li shot him a glare and asked, "Why are you here?"

Ji Heng leaned against the edge of Jiang Li's desk, casually picking up the book she had been reading earlier and flipping through a few pages. "Just came to see you," he said offhandedly. "Since we're engaged, I thought I'd visit my future father-in-law."

Jiang Li had just taken a sip of tea and nearly spat it out at his words. "What nonsense are you talking?" she exclaimed.

"No nonsense," he replied, setting her book down again and raising an eyebrow. "I've already met this father-in-law here, though he doesn't seem to like me much—not that I care. But what about the father-in-law from the Ye family, Ali? When are you taking me to see him?"

Jiang Li froze.

She almost suspected Ji Heng could read her mind. Her father had wanted to meet Ji Heng, and she had been struggling with how to bring it up. Now he had taken the initiative, sparing her the awkwardness. She looked at him and asked softly, "Are you willing to go?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" He held a folding fan in one hand and leaned closer, using his other hand to ruffle her hair. "Isn't that how it should be?"

Jiang Li burst into laughter.

The girl's smile was radiant, as if her joy simply couldn't be contained. That one sentence from him seemed to light her up from within, making anyone who saw her feel their heart melt.

"Thank you," she said.

"If you really want to thank me..." He suddenly sat down beside her, their chairs so close that she was caught off guard. His face was now inches from hers, his voice gentle yet laced with a coaxing temptation. "Then sing me a song."

Jiang Li frowned. "I don't know how."

"I know you do," he said calmly. "I've heard you sing before."

"When did you hear me sing?" Jiang Li asked in surprise.

"Hmm, during the Mingyi Hall examinations."

Jiang Li then remembered—before performing the "Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute," she had sung a folk song from Tongxiang. Ji Heng must have heard her then. She retorted, "Wenren Yao said you can sing opera. Why haven't you sung for me?"

He smiled. "I'll sing for you someday."

Jiang Li was about to argue, but when she turned her head, she nearly bumped into Ji Heng's face. His lips were dangerously close, their breaths mingling, and her heart seemed to stop. The young man's gaze lingered on her tender lips—full and unadorned by rouge, yet as red as cherries. He slowly leaned in...

Jiang Li abruptly turned away. "Ji Heng!"

He was far too brazen! Just because he could now enter the Jiang residence freely as the "future son-in-law," with no one daring to object, didn't mean he could take such liberties. Even though they were engaged, it was broad daylight, and she hadn't even married him yet. If he dared to act so improperly in her room now, what would he do later? Would he think he could get away with anything?

Ji Heng looked at her and laughed.

Flustered and irritated, Jiang Li glared at him fiercely. But Ji Heng only patted her head soothingly, though his words carried a clear threat. "If you don't sing, little girl, I'm going to kiss you."

Jiang Li snapped, "I'll sing!"

With reluctant anger, she began to sing, her voice clear and warm, carrying a unique charm. Though she started with irritation, her singing gradually softened into a gentle melody.

"The spring river moon rises, the embankment lies flat,

Maidens on the shore walk hand in hand.

Singing all the new songs, yet unseen,

Red clouds, tree shadows, and partridges call...

New melodies pass softly from one to another,

Sleeves flutter, baskets tilt in the wind and dew.

The moon sets, crows cry, clouds and rain disperse,

Wandering children pick up hairpins on the path."Ji Heng reached out and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. Being tall, his chin rested against Jiang Li's forehead as he closed his eyes, his long eyelashes drooping downward.

(End of Chapter)