The Double

Chapter 76 Banquet Invitation

Not long after the Mingyi Hall examinations concluded, the Jiang residence promptly received an invitation to the palace night banquet.

The Hongxiao Emperor had favored simplicity and frugality since childhood, disdaining extravagance. However, the current Empress Dowager delighted in lively festivities. Though not biological mother and son, the Emperor and Empress Dowager maintained a harmonious relationship. The Emperor’s birth mother, Consort Xia, had passed away early, while the Empress Dowager bore no children. The late emperor had placed the Hongxiao Emperor under the Empress Dowager’s care, and over the years, their bond had deepened into one of mutual affection and filial piety.

This banquet, aside from entertaining court officials, was widely known to be the occasion where the Hongxiao Emperor would honor the top candidate of the recent examinations. This represented immense prestige both for the scholar and their family. Thus, even though Old Madam Jiang did not particularly favor Jiang Li, she instructed her attendants to meticulously prepare Jiang Li’s attire and accessories for the palace banquet, ensuring not a single detail was overlooked.

Jiang Li’s circumstances had improved somewhat compared to before. At the very least, after the examinations, the Jiang household servants no longer discussed her openly and carelessly as they once had, instead whispering behind her back. Though somewhat bittersweet, it was an undeniable fact that Jiang Li’s status had risen slightly.

Many officials from Yanjing City would attend the palace banquet, but Meng Youde, the Commissioner of Announcements, would be absent this time.

The Meng residence, once bustling, now appeared desolate. The garden plants seemed neglected, many having withered untended. Yellowed leaves littered the pathways, and even the sweltering summer air carried a tinge of bleakness.

At night, the lamplight within the rooms was dim. From an inner chamber, faint voices could be heard—apparently arguing. After a moment, a sharp "crack" echoed, as if something had shattered, followed by someone storming out and slamming the door.

It was Meng Youde.

In just a few days, Meng Youde had grown haggard and aged, devoid of his former confident demeanor. His wife, Madam Meng, hurried after him.

“My lord, my lord—” Madam Meng pleaded, half-running.

“Enough! Tomorrow, send her back to the estate to recuperate. If this continues, she will bring disaster upon us sooner or later!” Meng Youde declared without turning back.

“She is your daughter! How can you be so heartless!” Madam Meng shrieked.

“Heartless?” Meng Youde halted abruptly and spun around, pointing at the tightly shut door in the distance. “Look at her state! Will staying here do her any good? I have already offended Princess Yongning, and the Right Prime Minister ignores me. My career is finished! All of this is your beloved daughter’s doing! If she hadn’t been so arrogant as to challenge Jiang Li to that wager, if she hadn’t shot that arrow injuring Princess Yongning at the equestrian grounds, would I be in this predicament?”

“But…” Madam Meng attempted to interject.

“She has lost her mind! Do you think I don’t care for my own daughter? But she is mad! Keeping her here is not necessarily for the best. If others learn of her condition, who would dare marry her? If she stays at the estate for a while and recovers, no one will know she was ever insane. Isn’t that better?”

Hearing this, Madam Meng gradually calmed. Gazing at Meng Youde with sorrow, she asked, “What exactly happened to Hongjin with Princess Yongning? Is there truly no way we can seek justice for her?”"Revenge?" Meng Youde sneered coldly, his anger seemingly directed both at Princess Yongning and himself. He said, "Behind Princess Yongning stands Prince Cheng. Prince Cheng's current influence has even made His Majesty wary. In the future..." He sighed, "Commoners don't fight officials, officials don't fight royalty!"

The helplessness and bitter resentment in his tone instantly silenced Madam Meng.

Inside the room, Meng Hongjin clutched tightly at the quilt while huddling in a corner of the bed, watching the newcomers with vigilant eyes as she cried, "Go away... go away!"

A shattered medicine bowl lay on the floor, its contents spilled everywhere. One maid was bent over cleaning up the mess while another softly comforted Meng Hongjin: "Young mistress, it's alright now, this servant would never harm you."

"Go away!" Meng Hongjin screamed, "It wasn't me! I didn't do it!"

Ever since Meng Hongjin had been returned by Princess Yongning's people three days ago, she had been like this since waking up.

Fearing that Princess Yongning might have tortured Meng Hongjin, Meng Youde and his wife had immediately ordered someone to examine her for injuries upon her return. Despite thorough examination, no wounds were found. Yet after waking up, Meng Hongjin had become like this - hiding from everyone as if terribly frightened, unrecognizing of those around her, seemingly having even forgotten herself.

No one knew what had happened to Meng Hongjin at Princess Yongning's place. Only the mad Meng Hongjin and Princess Yongning herself could know the truth. No one dared to confront Princess Yongning and demand answers - not even Meng Youde, who, as long as he still wanted his career prospects, had to accept that Meng Hongjin was destined to become a meaningless sacrifice.

...

At the princess' residence, the scene was completely different from the Meng household - brightly lit and lively.

In the main hall, young dancers in sheer gauze dresses moved gracefully, white veils covering half their faces while revealing captivating eyes filled with tender affection, all directed toward the man at the center of the hall.

The central man had a high nose bridge, deep-set eyes, thin lips, and thick eyebrows - handsome features that appeared somewhat unapproachable due to his narrow, elongated face.

This was Prince Cheng.

"Elder brother, whichever one you fancy, you may take from me," Princess Yongning said listlessly.

Prince Cheng glanced at her, "Why so dispirited?"

"Nothing interesting happening, of course I'm dispirited," Princess Yongning propped her head on her hand, her gaze soft and charming, though she seemed to grow somewhat agitated as if remembering something.

Prince Cheng said, "Didn't you bring back the Commissioner's daughter recently? How is that still not amusing?"

Hearing this, Princess Yongning appeared surprised, "I'm astonished you'd pay attention to such matters." Picking at her nails, she continued, "Don't mention it. That Meng Hongjin appeared formidable but was actually weak. I merely took her through the prison in my residence - didn't even lay a hand on her - and she wet herself in terror." Princess Yongning showed a disgusted expression, "Seeing her like that, I lost even the pleasure of tormenting her and sent her back."

"Even men might not withstand the horrors in your prison," Prince Cheng chuckled, "Taking her to see such things, no wonder she went mad with fear."The prison of the princess's estate held only those who had displeased Princess Yongning—those she deeply hated yet did not wish to die immediately. They were kept here while she devised methods of torment, such as flaying half their skin, gouging out kneecaps, or mimicking boiling punishments. In short, it was no exaggeration to call it a living hell. Though Meng Hongjin was usually domineering and ruthless, in the Meng residence, the worst she had witnessed was the occasional beating death of a maid. Such vivid brutality was enough to shatter her courage, becoming an eternal nightmare in her heart.

"How dull," Princess Yongning sneered. "The true fun in tormenting someone lies in keeping them under your eye and slowly breaking them. It’s best if they struggle desperately for survival, just when they think a glimmer of hope is within reach—" She puffed out a breath, extinguishing the flame of a small lamp before her as if amused, then giggled before continuing, "—like this, snuffing out their last shred of hope, leaving them in despair. That’s what makes it interesting. Prey that fights back and struggles makes for the finest hunt…"

Prince Cheng smiled faintly. "You’re referring to Xue Fangfei, aren’t you?"

Princess Yongning curled her lip, about to reply, when someone announced from outside, "Imperial Secretariat Writer Shen has arrived."

Hearing this, Princess Yongning’s eyes lit up, the weariness in her gaze vanishing instantly. She spoke cheerfully, "Quick, let him in!"

Prince Cheng picked up his teacup and took a silent sip, offering no comment.

A moment later, Shen Yurong entered, guided by a servant. He first bowed to Prince Cheng, then turned to Princess Yongning and said, "Your Highness."

At the sight of him, Princess Yongning was overjoyed, her expression even becoming approachable compared to before. She said to Prince Cheng, "I invited Minister Shen here. Brother, you mentioned a while ago that the Wenchang Pavilion is short on staff…"

Prince Cheng frowned slightly, seemingly displeased by Princess Yongning’s eagerness. Fortunately, only the princess was carried away; Shen Yurong remained standing in the hall, dignified and proper, his gaze steady. This satisfied Prince Cheng somewhat.

Princess Yongning and Prince Cheng shared an extremely close bond, so she could easily tell that he was pleased with Shen Yurong. This made her both happy and proud, as if taking pride in Shen Yurong herself. Ever since she was injured by Meng Hongjin’s arrow at the equestrian grounds, many had come to the princess’s estate to inquire about her health, but Shen Yurong had not been among them.

Shen Yurong was now an Imperial Secretariat Writer and favored by the Hongxiao Emperor. Having lost his wife not long ago, being seen too closely with a princess like her would not be wise. Princess Yongning understood this, but she simply couldn’t resist thinking of him. Shen Yurong did not fawn over her like other men, nor did he flatter her. Yet, the more aloof and indifferent he was toward her, the more Princess Yongning adored him for it.

She believed that Shen Yurong was fated to be her downfall. For him, she had cast aside her royal dignity, lowered her pride, even killed his wife, and revealed smiles she never showed others—all in hopes that Shen Yurong would return the same depth of love.

She loved Shen Yurong deeply.Prince Cheng began questioning Shen Yurong about certain matters. Shen Yurong stood ramrod straight, his demeanor neither subservient nor arrogant, displaying quite the air of a capable man. Prince Cheng’s satisfaction with Shen Yurong grew increasingly evident. Although Shen Yurong had been involved with Princess Yongning, Prince Cheng did not consider this a major fault.

Those who achieve great things do not fuss over minor details, especially over a useless woman.

People in this world are either stepping stones or stumbling blocks. Stepping stones are to be trodden upon, stumbling blocks to be cast aside.

Shen Yurong had merely discarded a stumbling block, yet the path ahead for him would grow ever broader, smooth and unobstructed.

...

“Shen Yurong has arrived at Princess Yongning’s residence, and Prince Cheng is also there,” reported a black-clad guard.

In the study of the Duke’s residence, Ji Heng returned the book he had taken out to the wooden shelf.

The guard vanished once more without a sound.

“It seems Shen Yurong has connected with Prince Cheng,” Lu Ji remarked, taking a sip of tea and smiling as he looked at Ji Heng.

“It was only a matter of time,” Ji Heng replied, having placed the book back but not leaving. Instead, he stood before the huanghuali wood shelf, seemingly searching for another book.

“Congratulations, my lord. Your plans have progressed another step smoothly,” Lu Ji said. “With Shen Yurong aligning with Prince Cheng, Prince Cheng gains a formidable general among the new nobles, and his influence will rise significantly.”

Ji Heng replied nonchalantly, “Shen Yurong has ambition, and Prince Cheng has ambition. Ambitious people exude the same scent. Just as wolves do not associate with dogs, Shen Yurong, in the court, would not choose the emperor but only Prince Cheng. Only Prince Cheng can satisfy his ambitions.”

“My lord truly has a keen eye for people,” Lu Ji sighed, then suddenly remembered something. “It’s just a pity about Meng Youde, the Commissioner of Transmission. Meng Youde was previously aligned with the Right Prime Minister. Now that he has offended Princess Yongning, he has offended Prince Cheng. Since the Right Prime Minister is Prince Cheng’s man, he naturally will no longer employ Meng Youde. Meng Youde is actually quite capable—”

The Meng family originally served the Right Prime Minister and were thus under Prince Cheng’s command. Now, due to the incident at the racecourse involving Meng Hongjin and Princess Yongning, the Meng family is destined to be cast aside by Prince Cheng. It’s not that Prince Cheng is acting out of spite, but rather that Meng Youde’s daughter has been harmed to such an extent. Even if Meng Youde claims not to hold a grudge and continues to serve Prince Cheng, resentment is inevitable in his heart.

Where there is resentment, there may come a day when he turns and bites back. Prince Cheng, cautious and suspicious by nature, would never employ Meng Youde again. In terms of ability, Meng Youde, if allowed to develop, might have become a valuable asset. Even from an outsider’s perspective, one cannot help but feel regret for Prince Cheng.

Unfortunately, what’s done is done and cannot be undone.

“This time, it’s also because of Second Miss Jiang,” Lu Ji chuckled. “Previously, Ye Shijie’s plans were altered because Second Miss Jiang intervened, and now Meng Hongjin’s situation has caused the Meng family to break away from Prince Cheng, also due to Second Miss Jiang. Twice, Second Miss Jiang has obstructed your plans, my lord. It seems she truly has a karmic entanglement with you.”

“Are you suggesting that Second Miss Jiang’s actions were not unintentional?” Ji Heng asked.

“Doesn’t my lord think the same?” Lu Ji replied with a smile. “Otherwise, you wouldn’t have sent Wen Ji to investigate who was behind the guidance given to Ye Shijie.”

Ji Heng finally found the book he was looking for on the shelf. He pulled out the volume and turned around, the hem of his crimson robe embroidered with a golden butterfly that seemed to flutter past behind him.

He said, “It was Second Miss Jiang.”

Lu Ji’s smile faded as he looked at Ji Heng. “The Jiang family…”"It's not the Jiang family." Ji Heng slowly curved his lips into a cryptic smile. "It's Second Miss Jiang."

"Isn't it interesting?" Ji Heng leaned back lazily. "I suspect this Second Miss Jiang was born to be my nemesis."

...

The summer days stretched long, with autumn approaching yet no hint of coolness in sight. The scorching sun persisted relentlessly, wilting the flowers in the garden until they drooped listlessly.

Thus, the belated rain was always particularly cherished.

After raining through the night, the downpour continued into the morning, though it softened from a torrential pour to a gentle drizzle. Raindrops fell from the eaves like delicate beaded curtains, pattering rhythmically on the bluestone bricks in the courtyard, washing them exceptionally clean until they resembled ancient jade stones. One could almost smell the fragrance of damp earth.

Tong'er entered with breakfast, surprised to find Jiang Li still asleep. Usually, Jiang Li woke early and never indulged in laziness—by the time Tong'er brought breakfast, she would already be washed and dressed.

"Young lady," Tong'er called softly.

On the bed, Jiang Li's eyes snapped open from her dream. Recognizing Tong'er, she hesitated for a moment before grasping her surroundings. Sitting up, she pressed her forehead. Noticing Jiang Li was drenched in cold sweat, Tong'er froze briefly before hurriedly fetching a handkerchief to gently wipe it away. "Did you have a nightmare, young lady? You're covered in sweat."

Bai Xue entered from outside just then and, hearing this, walked to the window and pushed several panels open. The cool breeze swept in, dispelling the room's stuffiness, and Jiang Li seemed to regain her clarity.

"I had a dream," she said.

"So it was a nightmare," Bai Xue replied. "No matter. In my village, there's a saying: if you have a bad dream and feel unsettled, just bask in the sunlight and you'll be fine. If you're scared, young lady, we can go sunbathe—"

"What nonsense are you talking?" Tong'er interrupted before Bai Xue could finish. "It's raining outside right now. Where would we find sunlight?"

Bai Xue finally realized her mistake. "Oh, then we'll wait a few days to sunbathe."

Tong'er asked Jiang Li, "What did you dream about that frightened you so?"

Though Jiang Li tried to conceal it, traces of fear and unease flickered in her eyes. She usually went about her tasks with a smile, as if nothing could trouble her, making any lapse in composure particularly noticeable.

"Nothing much," Jiang Li lowered her gaze, masking her emotions. "I just dreamed of an old acquaintance."

Last night, she had dreamed of Xue Zhao again.

Unlike the dream of Xue Zhao during the equestrian examination, this time Jiang Li saw him imprisoned in a dungeon-like place, heavily guarded by fierce-looking men. Xue Zhao, covered in blood, hung upside down in a cell. Jiang Li tried to approach him but was barred by iron railings. She called his name repeatedly, but Xue Zhao remained motionless, his condition unknown.

Then, figures emerged from nowhere and began torturing him. They branded him with red-hot irons and doused him with saltwater mixed with chili peppers. Xue Zhao screamed in agony, and Jiang Li felt utterly tormented, yet she couldn't reach him.

It wasn't until Tong'er woke her that Jiang Li realized it had all been a dream.Her heart couldn't help but feel uneasy—why had she dreamed of Xue Zhao? It was said that deceased loved ones might visit family members in dreams at night, but why would Xue Zhao show her those scenes? What place was that? Could it be hell? But a young man like Xue Zhao, who had never done anything wrong, sincere and passionate, honest and brave—no matter what, he shouldn't end up in hell, should he?

And the feeling of helplessness as she watched Xue Zhao was truly more painful than death itself.

Though it was just a dream, Jiang Li found it hard to let go. Coupled with the overcast, drizzly weather today, perhaps influenced by it, she didn't feel like speaking at all and remained very quiet.

Jiang Li's silence was noticed by the maids in Fragrant Garden Courtyard. Tong'er and Bai Xue didn't know the reason, but seeing that Jiang Li didn't want to be disturbed, they all went about their tasks quietly.

In the afternoon, Old Madam Jiang's maid Feicui came to Fragrant Garden Courtyard, saying that Old Madam Jiang wanted Jiang Li to go to Evening Phoenix Hall as she had important matters to discuss.

After acknowledging the message, Jiang Li returned to her room to change clothes. Seizing this moment, Bai Xue asked, "I wonder what Old Madam wants with you, miss."

"Isn't it obvious?" Tong'er said while helping Jiang Li into her outer robe, "It must be about the palace banquet. Tomorrow is the palace banquet, and our miss not only has to attend but also receive the emperor's ceremonial honors. Such a great honor—Old Madam will surely give detailed instructions to avoid any mishaps. Though," Tong'er muttered quietly, "since returning to the capital with miss, I've never seen her make any mistakes. They should worry more about Third Miss and the others themselves..."

Tong'er's nature carried a bit of irreverence, perhaps from having lived in the countryside for so long. Hearing this, Jiang Li couldn't help but chuckle, the gloom that had lingered since morning dissipating slightly.

Seeing Jiang Li finally smile, Tong'er and Bai Xue breathed a sigh of relief. Jiang Li then said, "That's right, Old Madam must be summoning me about the palace banquet. Let's go now."

At Evening Phoenix Hall, besides Jiang Li, all the women from the first, second, and third branches had already gathered.

Jiang Yuanbai was the current Grand Secretary, Jiang Yuanping held a third-rank position in administration, and although Jiang Yuanxing was merely a Proofreader, with such influential elder brothers, he could also benefit from attending the palace banquet. The palace banquet was a significant event representing the Jiang family's reputation, so Old Madam Jiang naturally needed to give some instructions.

These matters had mostly been covered, as they were every year. However, since Jiang Li would be attending this time, she would receive additional reminders.

While waiting for Jiang Li to arrive, Lu Shi, perhaps finding it dull, asked Ji Shuran, "Sister-in-law, I heard that Youyao and Young Master Zhou's wedding date has been set?"

At this, the expressions in the room varied.

Old Madam Jiang showed no change in expression, while the third branch members looked surprised, clearly hearing this for the first time.

Ji Shuran smiled gently, "Sister-in-law is quite well-informed. Indeed, a few days ago, I discussed it with the Marquess Ningyuan's wife. She believes Youyao has already come of age and should marry soon—next winter would be best."

By next winter, Jiang Youyao would be nearly sixteen.

Hearing this, Jiang Youyao's cheeks immediately flushed crimson. Since her engagement to Zhou Yanbang was common knowledge, there was no need for secrecy. She merely lowered her head shyly without speaking.Jiang Yu'e was utterly astonished. She had long known that the marriage between Jiang Youyao and Zhou Yanbang was bound to happen eventually, but she never expected it to be so soon. Zhou Yanbang was the Heir of Marquis of Ningyuan, and as the Marquis's only son, the entire Marquis Ningyuan estate would one day be his. Once Jiang Youyao married him, she would manage the household and become the Marchioness. Moreover, Zhou Yanbang, the Heir of Marquis of Ningyuan, was renowned throughout Yanjing City as a handsome man—erudite, talented, and gentle in temperament. Jiang Youyao's life after marriage was certain to be comfortable.

Jiang Youyao's fortunate marriage made Jiang Yu'e reflect on her own situation. Her father was merely a Proofreader, holding an extremely low official rank. As an Illegitimate child in the Jiang family, she wasn't close with her uncle or cousins. Though she had tried hard to please Ji Shuran, she knew Ji Shuran wouldn't put much effort into arranging her marriage. With few people she could rely on, there was no way she could marry someone as ideal as Jiang Youyao's match.

Seeing others' fortune made Jiang Youyao contemplate her own future fate, sighing inwardly with both self-pity and resentment.

Lu Shi smiled and said, "Youyao is truly blessed. That Zhou heir is someone every family in Yanjing City wishes to marry. But sister-in-law," she asked with apparent concern, "don't forget that Li'er is also part of our Jiang family. Li'er is the elder sister, yet while her marriage remains unsettled, Youyao's engagement has been decided first. This might invite gossip."

Her words carried subtle implications. Everyone knew Jiang Youyao's current engagement originally belonged to Jiang Li. Not only had Jiang Youyao taken what wasn't hers, but she had also seized the advantage.

Old Madam Jiang slightly closed her eyes, turning a deaf ear to her daughters-in-law's veiled conflicts. Such scenes were all too familiar to her. Ji Shuran appeared gentle but was actually strong-willed, while Lu Shi was vain and competitive. When these two were together, friction was inevitable, though it remained harmless bickering that wouldn't affect more important matters.

"Thank you for your concern, sister-in-law," Ji Shuran replied amiably, as if unaware of the sarcasm in Lu Shi's words. "Yuanbai has asked me to keep an eye out for suitable matches for Li'er, and I have it in mind. Li'er has reached marriageable age, but no one has come to propose yet. I haven't seen any particularly good matches either, and I'm reluctant to marry her off in haste. If you know of any suitable candidates, please do let me know. I'll have Yuanbai review them, since Li'er's lifelong matter isn't something I can decide lightly. It must be approved by Mother and Yuanbai."

Ji Shuran skillfully avoided the topic of Jiang Youyao stealing Jiang Li's engagement while subtly disparaging Jiang Li. Though people said a desirable daughter would have countless suitors, since Jiang Li's return to Yanjing City, no one had come to propose marriage to her. If others didn't value Jiang Li, the Jiang family couldn't very well offer their daughter proactively. She then shifted all responsibility for Jiang Li's marriage onto Old Madam Jiang and Jiang Yuanbai, completely absolving herself.

Coincidentally, Jiang Li happened to arrive at the entrance of Evening Phoenix Hall just in time to hear Ji Shuran's remarks and couldn't help but laugh.

Tong'er was fuming with anger. Seeing Jiang Li laughing instead of being angry at Ji Shuran's words puzzled her—what was there to laugh about?

Jiang Li stepped into Evening Phoenix Hall and greeted, "Old Madam."

Old Madam Jiang's eyes darkened slightly. Jiang Li still addressed her as "Old Madam" rather than "Grandmother," as if deliberately distancing herself from her, or perhaps from the Jiang family altogether. Old Madam Jiang could clearly see that the current Jiang Li shouldn't be considered the same person as the former Second Miss Jiang. Jiang Li had changed significantly, though Old Madam Jiang wasn't sure whether this was for better or worse.

Lu Shi glanced away with schadenfreude, thinking that since Jiang Li had overheard Ji Shuran's remarks, she would surely retaliate with some sharp words to make Ji Shuran uncomfortable—something Lu Shi would always delight in witnessing.But Jiang Li seemed not to have heard Ji Shuran's earlier slander at all. After greeting Old Madam Jiang, she politely bowed to each of them in turn, never once mentioning Ji Shuran's wrongdoing.

Jiang Yu'e stared at Jiang Li's newly changed pleated skirt with scattered flower patterns—a reward Old Madam Jiang had given Jiang Li after the evaluation—her eyes nearly turning red with envy.

Jiang Youyao fixed her gaze on Jiang Li, thinking of what she had heard from the maids earlier—that Zhou Yanbang wanted to break off his engagement with her to pursue Jiang Li—and couldn't suppress the venomous resentment in her eyes.

Jiang Li stood composedly, completely ignoring their stares.

She simply didn't care.

(End of Chapter)