The Double

Chapter 27: Sudden Turn of Events

Facing the varied gazes in the courtyard, Jiang Li walked as if nothing were amiss. Her steps were light yet leisurely, like a young girl strolling through a flower garden, lost in her own joy and beauty.

She stopped beside Jiang Youyao in the courtyard and smiled, saying, "Congratulations on your hair-pinning ceremony today, Third Sister." Then, she offered an apologetic smile to Jiang Yuanbai and Ji Shuran on the steps, adding, "I didn’t know the ceremony was in the central courtyard. I tried to find a servant to guide me, but with how busy things are today and the shortage of staff in the estate, I couldn’t find anyone to lead the way. I had to find my own way here, which took quite some time. Please don’t be angry with me, Father and Mother."

Upon hearing this, the guests around them began to ponder. How could the estate of a Grand Secretary possibly be short of staff? Jiang Li’s inability to find a servant clearly indicated that someone had deliberately prevented her from arriving on time—likely to embarrass her by making her late.

As they mulled this over, they suddenly recalled what the girl had just said: Jiang Li?

Was this the Second Miss Jiang, Jiang Li—the one who had killed her mother and younger brother?

The guests attending the ceremony were either elders a generation older than Jiang Li or peers around her age. The younger ones had never seen Jiang Li, while the elders who had seen her remembered only the young child from many years ago.

In the mouths of Yanjing City’s elite, the image of the Jiang family’s second young lady was largely a product of imagination. Word had it that while she might not be a green-faced, fanged demon, she was at least a sharp-featured, harsh-looking figure.

Yet the girl before them was too pure and gentle—so much so that her softness and elegance nearly overshadowed Third Miss Jiang. It was hard to imagine someone like this committing matricide and fratricide.

The moment Jiang Li appeared, Ji Shuran’s expression shifted slightly.

Skilled at reading people, she could clearly see the astonishment of the guests at Jiang Li’s arrival and their admiration for her beauty. What Ji Shuran dreaded most was Jiang Li outshining Jiang Youyao. Just as she, after becoming the mistress of the Jiang family, had made everyone forget Ye Zhenzhen, she intended for Jiang Youyao to make Jiang Li seem like mud on the ground.

But now, this "mud" had nearly overshadowed her treasured daughter. In that instant, a flash of brutality crossed Ji Shuran’s heart.

Jiang Yuanbai stood on the steps, looking down at his two daughters. Deep down, he naturally favored Jiang Youyao, who had grown up by his side. Yet Jiang Li now resembled him, and her striking appearance and demeanor brought him great face. Thus, his dissatisfaction with her quickly dissipated.

Jiang Yuanbai waved his hand and said, "It’s fine."

Jiang Li then bowed to him again and stood beside Lu Shi, pretending to observe the ceremony.

Jiang Li’s presence drew the attention of everyone in the courtyard, shifting the focus away from Jiang Youyao as the sole protagonist of the hair-pinning ceremony. Furious but unable to show it, Jiang Youyao suppressed her anger and continued with the ceremony.

As the guests took their seats, Jiang Yuanbai stood to deliver a speech. The officiant was a respected female scholar from Yanjing City, who had combed Jiang Youyao’s hair. An attendant presented a silk handkerchief and hairpin.

Ji Chen Shi stepped forward to Jiang Youyao and chanted the blessing loudly: "On this auspicious day, you don your ceremonial attire. Cast aside childish ways and embrace virtuous deeds. May longevity and great blessings be yours." She then knelt to comb Jiang Youyao’s hair.Jiang Li gazed at the scene, her mind drifting back to when she was still Xue Fangfei, during her own hair-pinning ceremony.

Her mother had passed away too early, and Tongxiang was too small a place—the honored guest who combed her hair was the aunt next door who had watched her grow up. During the ceremony, Xue Huaiyuan had secretly wiped away tears behind her back. According to Xue Zhao, Xue Huaiyuan had murmured to himself, "Ali is all grown up now, soon she’ll leave her father."

Back then, carefree and oblivious, she had clung to Xue Huaiyuan’s arm and laughed, "Ali isn’t going anywhere. Ali will stay with Father, together forever."

Jiang Li took a deep breath, forcing back the tears in her eyes.

The one who had vowed not to leave had ended up abandoning her elderly father and younger brother to marry far away, never to return. Perhaps her tragic fate as a beauty who died young was a punishment for breaking her word.

Jiang Yu'e stood beside Yang Shi, watching Jiang Youyao complete the ceremony on stage, unable to hide the longing and envy in her eyes. Her own hair-pinning ceremony would never be as grand as Jiang Youyao’s. At this thought, a sense of resentment welled up in her, and she couldn’t help glancing at Jiang Li.

As another legitimate daughter of the Jiang family, Jiang Li, upon seeing Jiang Youyao’s ceremony and reflecting on her own, should surely be seething with indignation. A sudden thrill of schadenfreude surged in Jiang Yu'e’s heart, but when she looked over, she saw Jiang Li staring calmly at Jiang Youyao on stage, as detached as a stranger.

How was this possible?

Did Jiang Li not feel anger, injustice, or resentment?

Not only Jiang Yu'e, but many guests around were also observing Jiang Li’s expression.

Yet Jiang Li simply watched, a genuine smile playing on her lips, as if she were sincerely happy for Jiang Youyao.

The onlookers were baffled.

Jiang Youyao, even while performing the rituals on stage, kept a close eye on Jiang Li’s demeanor. The calmer Jiang Li appeared, the more Jiang Youyao refused to believe it, screaming inwardly, She’s faking it! It’s all an act!

It wasn’t until Ji Shuran shot her a warning glance that Jiang Youyao realized she had nearly lost her composure. She steadied herself, thinking of the scene Jiang Li would soon face, and her earlier fury dissipated, replaced by eager excitement.

Just then, after the three bows and three additions were completed, Jiang Youyao knelt before Jiang Yuanbai and Ji Shuran to receive their admonitions. The ceremony concluded with a bow of gratitude.

Once the rites were over, it was time for the guests to present their gifts.

To show goodwill toward the Jiang family, the nobles were generous, offering treasures one more lavish than the last. Within the Jiang household, aside from the Third Branch’s comparatively modest gift, all the presents were extravagant.

Jiang Youyao held the box Jiang Li had sent over with Tong'er, smiling sweetly at Jiang Li as she asked, "Second Sister, may I open your gift now?"

Her smile still carried a hint of shyness, caught between girlhood and womanhood, making her appear especially innocent.

The guests paused, their attention turning to Jiang Li.

Although Second Miss Jiang now seemed gentle and lovely, the past incidents had undeniably occurred. Third Miss Jiang was young, sheltered, and unaware of the world’s cruelties—how would the notoriously cunning Second Miss Jiang respond to her question?

Jiang Li smiled. "Of course."

Xiang Qiao stood far behind the crowd, her palms sweating imperceptibly. To be fair, Jiang Li had treated her well these days—not only with generous rewards but also with kindness, far surpassing Jiang Youyao and Ji Shuran by a wide margin.However, Xiang Qiao thought with regret, this world does not reward good people—the kind are bullied, the tame are ridden, a truth even a three-year-old understands.

Jiang Youyao lowered her head and opened the box. No one saw the deepening smile at the corner of her lips, yet in an instant, she let out a startled cry as if greatly frightened, exclaiming in disbelief, "Heavens, what is this?"

Stirring up trouble, stirring up trouble~

(End of Chapter)