The Double

Chapter 224: Painful Matters

Ji Heng left directly, leaving Yin Zhan standing alone in place. The cheerful smile that usually graced his face had completely vanished, replaced by a gloomy expression.

He could clearly detect the heavy murderous intent in Ji Heng's words, tinged with an almost eager delight. Suddenly, he felt a sense of urgency—that time was running short. He abruptly turned around and strode away quickly.

Ji Heng entered the palace, passing through long corridors and grand halls. Eunuch Su led him to the emperor's study and then withdrew outside the door.

Ji Heng stepped inside. The young emperor sat at his desk, which was piled high with memorials.

"Your Majesty," Ji Heng went straight to the point, "the time has come."

Hongxiao Emperor looked up from the memorials and gazed at Ji Heng.

Initially, others believed that Ji Heng's loyalty to Hongxiao Emperor was not the wisest choice. When Prince Cheng was still around, Hongxiao Emperor's influence was weak, and Prince Cheng could have replaced him at any moment. Only after the matter with Prince Cheng was resolved did everyone realize that this emperor, whom they had always underestimated, was truly a slumbering lion. From the very beginning, Ji Heng had keenly chosen the most powerful figure.

However, the relationship between such a ruler and his subject seemed unstable, almost as if they were using each other. Moreover, if Hongxiao Emperor had once doubted the Right Prime Minister, how could he not be wary of Ji Heng?

But Hongxiao Emperor knew otherwise. Between him and Ji Heng existed a peculiar bond—perhaps it was mutual sympathy in suffering, or perhaps it was shared hatred for a common enemy. To Hongxiao Emperor, Ji Heng was not merely a bargaining chip or a reliable minister; in some ways, Ji Heng could even be considered a trusted friend in his lonely life as an emperor.

Maybe it was because Ji Heng had revealed his intentions from the start, or perhaps because Ji Heng always strictly adhered to the duties of a subject. Though he appeared unrestrained in his actions, he precisely maintained the appropriate distance, giving Hongxiao Emperor no reason to doubt him.

"Are you truly decided?" Hongxiao Emperor asked. "I do not wish for you to take this risk."

"Your Majesty, I have been planning this for many years. If I do not carry it out, others may not succeed. In that case, all our efforts would be wasted." Ji Heng's expression remained unchanged. "My mind is made up. I beg Your Majesty to grant your approval."

Hongxiao Emperor let out a long sigh.

Yes, he had known for a long time that this day would come. Reaching this point had not been easy. The complete defeat of Prince Cheng and Yin Zhan's return were all within their control. They had meticulously planned every step, only to realize now, at the final moment, how many years had passed—time flies like a shuttle.

"Ji Heng, you must return safely," Hongxiao Emperor said.

"I will," Ji Heng smiled faintly. "Whether for Your Majesty or for the Ji family, I will... personally kill him."

Eunuch Su stood at the door, his expression unchanged as if oblivious to everything, though inwardly he sighed. People often say that public glory comes with private suffering. Others only see the current success of His Majesty and Duke Su, but who knows how difficult these years have been for them?

They just never speak of it.

...

Yin Zhan returned to the Yin residence.He returned from the palace quite early, but everyone in the mansion assumed he was absent, as he had secluded himself in his study upon arrival. It wasn't until nightfall, when Yin Zhan emerged from the study, that the servants were startled. Yin Zhiqing exclaimed, "Father, you were home after all! I thought you had gone out."

Yin Zhiqing had grown somewhat thinner these days, owing to Ji Heng's engagement with Jiang Li. However, being of a spirited and forthright nature, she was striving to move forward, at least not wholly consumed by sorrow.

Yin Zhan glanced at her, and his gaze made Yin Zhiqing flinch—it was unusually cold, as if looking at a stranger. Though she knew Yin Zhan had always favored her elder brother, he had never regarded her with such an expression. She instinctively took a step back.

Just then, Yin Zhili approached from the other side and, catching sight of them, greeted, "Father, Zhiqing."

"Brother," Yin Zhiqing murmured fearfully, hiding behind Yin Zhili. Puzzled, Yin Zhili turned to Yin Zhan. While Yin Zhan was typically strict with him, he was usually cheerful and smiling. Today, however, not a trace of a smile touched his face—it was almost frightening. Yin Zhili was taken aback, hearing Yin Zhiqing whisper behind him, "What mistake have you made to anger Father so?"

Yin Zhili was utterly bewildered; he had done nothing wrong. Then Yin Zhan said to him, "Zhili, come with me."

Yin Zhili had no choice but to follow.

Yin Zhan led him into his own courtyard and into the study. He even dismissed all the servants at the study door, sending them to guard the courtyard entrance. The vast courtyard was left with only Yin Zhili and Yin Zhan inside.

Accustomed to Yin Zhan's decisive and uncompromising nature, the servants obeyed without curiosity, dutifully taking their posts at the courtyard gate. Yin Zhili, however, grew increasingly uneasy, wondering what crucial matter Yin Zhan was about to disclose that required such meticulous precautions.

As soon as they entered, Yin Zhili asked, "Father, what has happened?"

Yin Zhan merely stared at him, silent. Yin Zhili had never seen such a complex look in his father's eyes—he was usually straightforward, speaking directly or not at all, never hesitating or beating around the bush. But today, his gaze resembled that of a drowning man desperately struggling, sending chills down Yin Zhili's spine.

An inexplicable unease washed over Yin Zhili, and he repeated, "Father?"

After a long, long pause, Yin Zhan finally spoke, "Zhili, there is something I must tell you. Your birth mother... is still alive."

Yin Zhili's eyes widened in shock, and he stammered, "H-how can that be? Mother... didn't she..." He had always been told she died giving birth to him.

"She was not your birth mother," Yin Zhan said gravely. "Your birth mother is the current Empress Dowager."

Yin Zhili stepped back, his face instantly pale. "Father... you..."

"You are the son of the Empress Dowager and me, Zhili," Yin Zhan stated.With just one sentence, all the cause and effect became instantly clear. There was no need to ask more, no need to doubt anything—Yin Zhan’s expression said it all. Having spent so many years with Yin Zhan, Yin Zhili had long known what his expression looked like when he was telling the truth.

It was exactly this expression.

"No... impossible..." Rationally, he knew it was true, but emotionally, Yin Zhili couldn’t accept it. Only one thought echoed in his mind: he was a bastard! This disgusting label would follow him for the rest of his life!

But Yin Zhan only looked at him, just as he had countless times before when imparting lessons, and said, "You know I would never lie to you."

Suddenly, Yin Zhili understood everything.

All the things he had never understood before seemed to fall into place all at once. For instance, why his birth mother was almost never mentioned in the household, and why Yin Zhan seemed indifferent whenever he asked about her. Yin Zhan never spoke of Yin Zhili’s birth mother on his own, yet he didn’t seem particularly fond of the current Lady Yin either. At times, Yin Zhili had felt that his father might have cherished someone in his heart, but that person had remained a mystery—until now. Now he understood: that person was the Empress Dowager.

From Yunzhong to Yanjing, from Prince Cheng to the Jiang family, he had never understood why Yin Zhan did what he did, and Yin Zhan had never given him a reason. Now that reason had emerged, so self-righteous, yet Yin Zhili couldn’t accept it.

"What do you want me to do?" Yin Zhili sneered. "The marriage alliance with the Jiang family—it’s because you have ambitious designs, isn’t it! So what if I’m the Empress Dowager’s son? Since the current emperor isn’t her biological child, she must want me to inherit the throne. Are you planning to usurp the throne? How dare you do such a thing! I don’t have a mother like that!"

Smack! Yin Zhan’s palm struck Yin Zhili’s face with brutal force.

He said in a low, stern voice, "I won’t allow you to insult her!"

With red-rimmed eyes, Yin Zhili retorted, "If you’ve done it, don’t be afraid of others talking!"

"When I met her, she was still Miss Lin. We were in love, and I was preparing to propose! But the Lin family, greedy for glory, accepted an imperial marriage decree, and she married my elder brother. My brother won her but didn’t cherish her—she lived a life worse than death in the palace. If I hadn’t appeared later, she might have died there. Yin Zhili," he called him by his full name, as if enraged beyond measure, "I forced her! Your mother was innocent! She could have chosen not to give birth to you—at least then she wouldn’t have had a weakness or faced danger. But she still gave birth to you because she couldn’t bear to let you go! You can hate me, but you cannot hate your mother. She has never wronged you! Do you understand?"

Tears suddenly streamed down Yin Zhili’s face. A man does not shed tears lightly, but at this moment, he simply didn’t know what to do. He couldn’t blame the Empress Dowager, for she had risked her life to give birth to him. He couldn’t blame Yin Zhan either, for Yin Zhan had raised him all these years, nurturing and teaching him with care. So who could he blame? Who the hell could he blame?

A mournful, agonized cry escaped from his throat.Yin Zhan watched with a pained expression, knowing this was nothing short of torment for Yin Zhili. But he understood his son’s temperament—too soft-hearted, kind to a fault, or, to put it bluntly, indecisive. Yin Zhili yielded to gentleness but resisted force; spoken this way, he would find it impossible to harden his heart against the Empress Dowager.

Yin Zhan didn’t care whether Yin Zhili resented him; his only worry was that Yin Zhili might refuse to acknowledge Lin Roujia as his mother.

“Royal blood flows in your veins,” Yin Zhan said to him curtly and resolutely. “Listen carefully. I am about to undertake a dangerous task—one from which I may not return. If I do not, everything of the Yin family will be entrusted to you, and the Empress Dowager will also be implicated. Promise me you will protect your mother.”

Yin Zhili’s sobbing halted abruptly. He looked at Yin Zhan, a dawning realization in his eyes. “What are you planning to do?”

“It is time to settle old grudges from years past,” Yin Zhan replied. “I do not fear the consequences; I am only reluctant to leave you and your mother behind.”

Yin Zhili shook his head. “No, you mustn’t.”

“There is no turning back.” Yin Zhan suddenly laughed, his laughter as hearty as ever, but his eyes held a trace of obsessive madness. “From the moment I met your mother, my fate was sealed. In this life, I have lived for no one but her. Zhili, you are the same—this is your destiny. I will clear the obstacles ahead for you, but the rest you must accomplish on your own. You must not fail when success is within reach. All members of the Yin family, as well as my troops, will be yours to command in the future.”

He spoke with such gravity, as if certain he would never return. A profound sorrow surged in Yin Zhili’s heart, yet he still shook his head and insisted, “No, this cannot be.” Whether he was resisting the destiny forced upon him or rejecting an unknown, unwanted future, he did not know.

But at the same time, he understood: Yin Zhan had begun preparations many years earlier. He had taught him military strategy and the art of governance—all part of a long-laid plan, perhaps from the moment of his birth, or even while he was still in the Empress Dowager’s womb. Yin Zhan and the Empress Dowager had mapped out a future they deemed glorious and radiant for him—to rule the world.

“You are lying to me, aren’t you, Father?” Yin Zhili gazed at Yin Zhan, bewildered and pleading. “I am not the Empress Dowager’s son. You only say this to make me follow your wishes, don’t you?”

This elegant, handsome noble, the envy of all, had never been so vulnerable. Yet Yin Zhan hardened his heart and said, “I am not lying. The year Roujia gave birth to you, Consort Liu framed her. To prove her innocence, she went to Red Mountain Temple for reflection and penance. It was there that she gave birth to you…”

Speaking of the past, scenes from those days seemed to resurface before Yin Zhan’s eyes. Those were perilous times, requiring constant vigilance to prevent anyone at Red Mountain Temple from leaking the secret. Now, those anxious days were over, yet the future seemed to have reached a dead end.

Perhaps this was his fate—a path from which he could not deviate.Yin Zhili couldn't stop trembling again. He had never felt so helpless before. Yin Zhan said, "Zhili, I don't care what you think now, but there's no time left. I must tell you what comes next, and you must listen..."

Not a single sound could be heard in Yin Zhan's courtyard. In the outer room, Yin Zhiqing sat beside Lady Yin and asked worriedly, "Has Yin Zhili caused serious trouble? I just saw Father's expression—it was truly terrifying."

"No, he hasn't," Lady Yin comforted gently. "Your father has always doted on Zhili. Even if he did make a mistake, he wouldn't scold him too harshly."

Upon reflection, Yin Zhiqing felt Lady Yin's words made sense and finally relaxed. This was indeed true. Yin Zhan's affection for Yin Zhili was evident to all. While it's often said fathers favor daughters, especially since Yin Zhiqing was the youngest, everyone could see the difference in how Yin Zhan treated Yin Zhiqing and Yin Zhili.

Fortunately, Yin Zhiqing had grown accustomed to this since childhood, and besides, Yin Zhili had always been very kind to her.

"But they've been in there talking for so long and still haven't come out—it's really worrying," Yin Zhiqing said. "A few days ago, Yin Zhili was upset over Second Miss Jiang's matter. If Father scolds him now, it'll only make things worse."

Lady Yin looked at Yin Zhiqing and sighed inwardly. Everyone said Yin Zhili was heartbroken over Jiang Li's affairs, but wasn't Yin Zhiqing the same? This foolish child had grown thin and haggard herself, yet she still worried about others. Just like her, she possessed a stunningly beautiful and clever appearance but suffered more than anyone. Lady Yin couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow.

A very long time later, Yin Zhan emerged from the courtyard. When he came out, his gaze was cold, his expression grim. None of the servants dared approach him. Yin Zhiqing and Lady Yin didn't dare say a word either. He walked out of the courtyard and straight through the main gate of the Yin residence. It was so late—no one knew where he was going.

Yin Zhiqing said to Lady Yin, "Mother, I'll go check on Yin Zhili."

Lady Yin nodded, and Yin Zhiqing quickly ran to Yin Zhan's courtyard. The courtyard was empty. When she pushed open the study door, she didn't see Yin Zhili at first. Puzzled about how he could have disappeared so quickly, she was about to step out to search the courtyard when she turned her head and froze.

Yin Zhili was hiding behind the door.

He was truly "hiding" behind the door, as if he had suffered a tremendous shock. His whole body was curled into a ball, his head buried in his arms. Yin Zhiqing was startled and rushed over, calling, "Yin Zhili?"

Yin Zhili lifted his head, and the words Yin Zhiqing had been about to say died in her throat.

She remembered never having seen Yin Zhili cry before. Since childhood, he had always carried an air of calm composure, his face perpetually adorned with a gentle, serene smile. Even when he fell from a horse during a martial arts competition, he would smile and reassure his family. Though Yin Zhiqing sometimes thought Yin Zhili was too easily bullied and too soft-hearted, deep down, she had always been proud of him. Now, faced with this fragile version of Yin Zhili, she could hardly believe her eyes.

She wanted to reach out and touch him but didn't know how to begin. Instead, she softened her voice and asked, "What's wrong? What did Father say to you?"

The numbness in Yin Zhili's eyes sent a chill through her heart."Hey, Yin Zhili!" Yin Zhiqing pushed him hard. "Don't scare me!"

Only then did Yin Zhili slowly turn his gaze to Yin Zhiqing. At this moment, he suddenly understood some things. No wonder Yin Zhan had married a second wife, showing endless affection before, but after Yin Zhiqing was born, he began to neglect Madame Yin, becoming as distant as if he were a different person. Yin Zhili had once thought it was because Yin Zhan feared he would overthink—worried that his stepmother and stepsister would take away Yin Zhan's favor—so he intentionally acted this way. Yin Zhili had even felt apologetic toward Madame Yin and her daughter, naively believing it was because his father loved him enough to always put him first.

Now, looking back, it all seemed like a laughable delusion. Yin Zhan had done this merely to avoid suspicion—marrying a second wife and having a child was likely to reassure the emperor and prevent anyone from connecting him to Lin Roujia. The Yin mother and daughter were nothing but pawns in this scheme. Yin Zhili didn't know whether to feel sorrow for them or disgust at Yin Zhan and Lin Roujia's selfish love.

Yin Zhiqing frowned, deeply disliking the way Yin Zhili was looking at her, as if he were pitying some wretched creature. She asked, "What's wrong with you? Did you cause some major disaster that Father scolded you into this state?"

She was also puzzled; even if Yin Zhan had disciplined Yin Zhili harshly, it shouldn't have reduced him to such a state. Yin Zhili withdrew his gaze and stood up. Whether it was from crouching too long or some other reason, his entire body seemed devoid of strength, and he nearly stumbled—only Yin Zhiqing's support kept him upright.

Once steady, he slowly turned to look at Yin Zhiqing and said, "Zhiqing, you and Mother should return to Yunzhong."

"What?" Yin Zhiqing stared at him in disbelief. "Why? What about you and Father? Are you coming back to Yunzhong with us?"

"We probably can't go back," Yin Zhili smiled at her, but Yin Zhiqing thought his smile looked uglier than tears.

"You and Mother return to Yunzhong—the sooner, the better. I'll handle the rest." After saying this, he staggered away, ignoring Yin Zhiqing's questions from behind.

...

The nights at the Duke's estate in winter remained vibrant with blooming flowers, but the profusion of blossoms brought no warmth—instead, there was an eerie desolation.

By the flowerbed, someone stood with hands behind his back, beside a tree. The tree was still young, not yet fully grown, facing its first winter. It stood there, its spine straight and somewhat stubborn, reminding Ji Heng of another person.

The corner of his mouth lifted in a smile.

"These flowers have bloomed again," Situ Jiuyue said beside him.

Dressed in black, with bells adorning her body, hair, and wrists, Situ Jiuyue was usually icy cold, but tonight she seemed strangely different.

"Take care of them while I'm away," Ji Heng said.

"Of course," Situ Jiuyue replied. "I'll take good care of them. If you don't return, these flowers will all be mine."

"Situ, that's harsh," Wenren Yao complained nearby. "It's really inauspicious! Pah, pah, pah—may no ill omens prevail."Tonight, the Duke's residence seemed more bustling than usual. Lu Ji and Kong Liu stood to the side, though unlike their usual leisurely demeanor, both wore grave expressions as if anticipating some major event.

Little Red also seemed to sense the unusual tension. Perched on a tree branch, she tilted her head observing these people. Normally clamorous, today she remained completely silent, deathly quiet.

Lu Ji asked, "When does my lord plan to depart?"

"Tomorrow."

"Before leaving, shouldn't you bid farewell to Second Miss Jiang?" Kong Liu hesitantly inquired. "After all, you're now engaged - she is your fiancée. For such matters, it would be better to inform her."

"Unnecessary." Ji Heng replied, "She would only worry if she knew."

Everyone fell silent. They all understood how perilous this journey would be. Between Ji Heng and Yin Zhan, this life-or-death confrontation was inevitable. They served as each other's bait, employing risky strategies where both held hidden cards, both aspiring to be the final victor like the oriole that catches the cicada. Neither would easily concede, yet who would ultimately prevail remained uncertain. Ji Heng had been planning this for decades, but hadn't Yin Zhan been doing the same?

Perhaps the difference between them was merely a hair's breadth, entirely dependent on heaven's favor and who was granted a little more luck.

"I am ready," said Kong Liu. "Everything in Yanjing City has been arranged."

"Good," Ji Heng replied. "Lu Ji, you will also remain in Yanjing."

"My lord," Lu Ji frowned, "for you to go alone this time is extremely dangerous. This is a critical moment where the slightest mishap must be avoided. Personally stepping into danger is not the best strategy."

"Yin Zhan's troops remain scattered across Northern Yan, with Yanjing as the key stronghold. His departure serves as bait, so he won't bring many men with him. To lure him out, I naturally cannot surround myself with soldiers, but that doesn't mean I'm without methods." Ji Heng smiled faintly. "This time, he must be eliminated."

As he spoke, he slowly caressed the branch of a small tree before him, then chuckled. "He thinks the same way."

The matters in the Duke's residence garden seemed unknown to anyone. Yet in Old General Ji's study, a lamp was burning.

Though he remained robust and energetic in his old age, he retired early every night, claiming that keeping regular hours helped prolong life. Over the years, he indeed appeared stronger and younger than his peers. But an old general could never compare to a young one—just like the weapons and armor filling the room, all rusted and dust-covered. Even with his frequent polishing, they resembled heroes past their prime, evoking regret.

He walked slowly past these weapons, his hand brushing over golden armor, sturdy helmets, imposing spears, and fierce broadswords... Before each weapon, he would pause and stand quietly for a moment, as if recalling past glories. A nostalgic expression crossed his face until he finally stopped before a sword.

The sword's scabbard was inlaid with sparkling rubies and carved with intricate patterns. The blade itself was snow-bright, slender and lightweight, yet when drawn from its sheath, it dazzled the eyes with an overwhelming aura of fierce killing intent.

This was a battlefield-tested sword named "Qingming." It had been passed down from his generation to Ji Mínghán, but Ji Heng refused to use swords, preferring to carry only a fan in daily life. Old General Ji had repeatedly told him not to use such frivolous things, but Ji Heng went his own way without listening.

He preferred instruments that could take lives in an instant while maintaining elegant grace.

Old General Ji took "Qingming" down from the wall. Walking to the table, he found a cloth and began polishing it slowly.

As the cloth moved, the sword grew brighter, almost giving the illusion of humming and vibrating in his hand.

"Old friend," the general murmured affectionately as he polished it, holding it as if facing a long-lost companion—a brother-in-arms from battlefields of years past. "I've grown old, but you remain as fierce as ever."

Holding the sword, one could almost see visions of a young general wielding it gallantly across battlefields, fearless and heroic. But time had shattered those scenes—the sword remained, yet the man was no longer the same.

He sat clutching the sword in a daze, lost in melancholy for a long while. Anyone seeing him would marvel at how this usually cheerful old man could harbor such sorrow.He wiped the sword clean, sheathed it, and placed it on the table. The lamp burned quietly, illuminating the old general's eyes and the tears within them.

"Minghan," he murmured, "It's been over twenty years. It's time for us, father and son, to meet again."

(End of Chapter)