The Double

Chapter 77 Entering the Palace

"Li Yatou, tomorrow you will enter the palace with us," Old Madam Jiang began. "If you lack anything or need anything, just tell your mother. She will prepare it for you."

Jiang Li nodded in acknowledgment.

"This is your first time entering the palace since returning to Yanjing City. Be careful not to breach any etiquette. If there's anything you don't understand, just ask. If you're unsure what to do at any moment, simply follow Youyao's lead." Old Madam Jiang instructed meticulously. "Your clothing and accessories have all been prepared. Tomorrow you represent the Jiang family's dignity. I believe you can handle this well."

For once, Old Madam Jiang actually praised her. Jiang Li smiled and nodded, not showing any particular excitement.

Her calm demeanor made Jiang Yu'e, standing nearby, feel quite sour. Jiang Yu'e had watched Jiang Li's status gradually rise since her return to the residence. Envy towards those who have and mockery towards those who lack had always been her nature. Seeing Jiang Li doing well was like a thorn in Jiang Yu'e's eye. She wished Jiang Li would fall into hell overnight and end up more destitute than herself—that would truly be satisfying.

"Li Yatou is truly remarkable. This time, she'll receive honors directly from His Majesty. Among the younger generation in our residence, only Li Yatou has achieved this," Lu Shi said with a cheerful smile. "I heard this year's Imperial College top scholar is Ye Shijie. Ye Shijie is from the Ye family of Xiangyang. Speaking of which, they're somewhat related to our Jiang family—he's actually Jiang Li's cousin."

Ye Zhenzhen had passed away many years ago, and the Jiang family had no contact with her maternal family. By bringing up Ye Shijie now, Lu Shi clearly intended to annoy Ji Shuran. After all, Ji Shuran's own nephew hadn't even made the Imperial College honor roll, let alone become the top scholar.

Hearing Lu Shi mention Ye Shijie, Jiang Li sighed inwardly. She didn't want to drag the Ye family into the Jiang family's muddy waters. The Ye family was in Xiangyang, and later when she returned to Xiangyang to pay respects to Xue Huaiyuan, she would still need to rely on them. Involving the Ye family with the Jiang family might not be beneficial for the Ye family.

She wanted the Ye family to remain clean.

Ji Shuran smiled as she looked at Jiang Li: "That's right. I also think Li'er should interact more with Young Master Ye. Although Sister Zhenzhen has passed away, our families are still connected by marriage. If Young Master Ye enters officialdom, our master could provide some support later. We're all family—helping our own is always better than helping outsiders."

Hearing this, Jiang Li's eyes flickered slightly.

Ji Shuran's words sounded utterly sincere. But would Ji Shuran truly be so kind-hearted as to have Jiang Yuanbai support Ye Shijie? That was absolutely impossible. Ji Shuran would only secretly suppress Ye Shijie. It wasn't that Jiang Li deliberately thought the worst of people, but after spending these days in the Jiang residence, she knew exactly what kind of person Ji Shuran was.

Recently, Zhou Yanbang had even proposed breaking off his engagement with Jiang Youyao to be with her. Given all these incidents, it would be strange if Ji Shuran and her daughter didn't hate her to the bone.

Yet so far, Ji Shuran and her daughter had remained quiet, without causing any trouble.

Thinking this, Jiang Li turned her gaze to Ji Shuran.

Ji Shuran smiled virtuously, appearing every bit the loving mother. But Jiang Li felt her gaze was more like a venomous serpent coiled on a branch, narrowing its eyes as it leisurely examined its prey, emitting a sinister chuckle, its fangs dripping with poison.

She was plotting something.

Jiang Li's gaze then shifted to Jiang Youyao.Jiang Youyao, being younger, couldn't maintain the flawless composure of Ji Shuran. Though she tried hard to wear a carefree smile, she couldn't conceal the hatred in her eyes toward Jiang Li, along with a flicker of inexplicable excitement.

That sticky, clinging gaze felt familiar to Jiang Li, but in that fleeting moment, she couldn't recall where she'd seen it before. The only certainty was how deeply uncomfortable it made her—a chill running down her spine, jolting her to full alertness.

Yang Shi held little sway in the Jiang household, but her shrewd eyes darted about incessantly, glancing now at Jiang Li, now at Ji Shuran.

Old Madam Jiang said little more, instead giving Jiang Li further instructions about the palace visit. In truth, Jiang Li was already well-acquainted with such matters, having once entered the palace as Shen Yurong's family member. By comparison, the Jiang family, as court officials, followed much more relaxed protocols.

By the time Old Madam Jiang finished her detailed instructions, a long while had passed. Thinking they still needed to prepare, everyone dispersed from Evening Phoenix Hall.

After stepping out of Evening Phoenix Hall, Jiang Li headed toward her own courtyard. Fragrant Garden Courtyard was situated in a remote corner of the Jiang residence, far from the direction of Jiang Youyao and the others' courtyards, so there was naturally no need to walk together.

Unexpectedly, after just a short distance, someone called out from behind: "Second Sister."

Turning around, she saw Jiang Yu'e and Jiang Yuyan, the two sisters.

Of the pair, Jiang Yuyan was the silent one, while Jiang Yu'e had never shown Jiang Li a friendly face. The moment Jiang Li saw Jiang Yu'e, she knew the other was scheming something again.

"Second Sister, you walk so fast I could hardly catch up," Jiang Yu'e said with feigned warmth.

Jiang Li stood still, not even bothering with superficial politeness, and merely replied courteously, "What is it, Fifth Sister?"

Jiang Yu'e hadn't expected Jiang Li to disdain even putting on a facade. Her expression stiffened briefly, but she quickly recovered and smiled, "Earlier in Evening Phoenix Hall, before you arrived, Second Sister, we heard some news." Here, Jiang Yu'e deliberately paused before continuing, "It's about Third Sister's marriage. Aunt said Third Sister's engagement to Young Master Zhou has been settled for late winter and early spring next year. I thought you might not know, so I came specially to tell you."

Just for this?

Tong'er was visibly angered, but Jiang Li smiled faintly and said, "Thank you for informing me, Fifth Sister. I'm aware now."

Seemingly dissatisfied with Jiang Li's indifferent tone, Jiang Yu'e scrutinized Jiang Li's expression carefully. Seeing no trace of pain or disappointment, she remarked, "Actually, your own match with Young Master Zhou was once considered an excellent union. If you hadn't encountered... misfortune, you would have been the one marrying into the Marquis Ningyuan's household. Young Master Zhou is one of the most desirable matches in all of Yanjing City. Now Third Sister gets to marry into the Zhou family without lifting a finger. You're even older than Third Sister, yet your own marriage remains unsettled. I truly feel it's unfair to you, Second Sister."

Jiang Yuyan cast an anxious glance at Jiang Li, wanting to stop Jiang Yu'e, but in the end, she only tugged lightly at Jiang Yu'e's sleeve without saying a word.

Instead of responding immediately, Jiang Li studied Jiang Yu'e intently, a gentle, clear smile gracing her lips. Her smile held no hidden meaning, yet it inexplicably made Jiang Yu'e uneasy.To break through this oppressive atmosphere, Jiang Yu'e asked Jiang Li, "Second Sister, why are you staring at me?"

"Nothing," Jiang Li replied with an air of nonchalance. "I was just touched by how concerned you seem for me. But..." she continued calmly, "I wonder if Mother and Third Sister are aware of your thoughtful intentions?"

Jiang Yu'e's face instantly paled.

She had rushed over to provoke Jiang Li, never considering how her words about "seeking justice for Second Sister" would sound to Ji Shuran and her daughter.

Forcing a smile, Jiang Yu'e said, "This is just private conversation between us sisters..."

Jiang Li looked at Jiang Yu'e and smiled. "Actually, Fifth Sister, you needn't worry so much about my marriage prospects. My father is the Grand Secretary of the court. Even in the worst case in Yanjing City, I could still marry into an official family. Even if Mother doesn't concern herself with this matter, there's still Father and the Old Madame. As the legitimate daughter of the Jiang family's main branch, would I really be married beneath my station?" She gave Jiang Yu'e a meaningful look. "Though you haven't yet reached marriageable age, perhaps you should focus more on your own situation. Third Uncle's official career isn't particularly promising. Given Third Uncle and Aunt's current standing, it's hard to say what kind of family you might marry into."

Watching Jiang Yu'e's face turn ashen, Jiang Li felt quite pleased and continued unhurriedly, "In this world, you must understand that while talent, appearance, temperament, and virtue are all important, without family background, they amount to nothing. Otherwise, look at those girls in Yanjing's Yihong Pavilion - each one is exceptionally beautiful and refined, yet they remain courtesans for life."

After saying this, she didn't wait for Jiang Yu'e's response but left gracefully with Tong'er.

Naturally, she didn't see the expression on Jiang Yu'e's face after she departed.

On the way back, Tong'er was practically doubled over with laughter. When they returned to Fragrant Garden Courtyard, she recounted every detail to Bai Xue and the others. After finishing, she laughed heartily, "You should have seen Fifth Young Lady's expression! Oh my, our Young Lady is truly remarkable, comparing Fifth Young Lady to the girls of Yihong Pavilion. Fifth Young Lady must be furious! Serves her right for having ill intentions and deliberately provoking us!"

"Why does Fifth Young Lady always oppose our Young Lady?" asked Mingyue, who was young and curious. "If Third Young Lady opposes our Young Lady, it's because they're both legitimate daughters of the main branch, and Third Young Lady is jealous. But Fifth Young Lady is from the third branch - our Young Lady hasn't done anything to her."

"Can't stand to see others doing well," Tong'er blurted out. "She wants everyone to be as miserable as she is. Why should they? Our Young Lady is a golden branch and jade leaf - why does Fifth Young Lady constantly compare herself? Isn't it natural that our Young Lady is better than her?"

Listening to her maids' discussion, Jiang Li smiled and shook her head.

What did Jiang Yu'e want? Nothing more than dissatisfaction. Jiang Yu'e wanted to see her living in destitution and heartbroken, so she could feel superior. Jiang Yu'e even hoped to use Zhou Yanbang to provoke her, but what Jiang Yu'e didn't understand was that Jiang Li truly had no interest in Zhou Yanbang whatsoever.

To her, Zhou Yanbang was a stranger - and quite a disagreeable one at that.

Jiang Li said, "There are people like this - born into unfavorable circumstances yet restless, constantly thinking about climbing higher, believing the world is entirely unfair, filled with resentment. Such people are capable of anything."

The maids nodded, though they only partially understood.Jiang Li thought to herself, it seemed that Jiang Yu'e and Shen Yurong were actually the same kind of people. The more humble one's origins, the more they craved the taste of high status once they had experienced it. This longing bred obsession, driving them to climb upward by any means necessary. The only difference was that Jiang Yu'e didn't know how to conceal her discontent, while Shen Yurong was all too skilled at hiding his.

He concealed it so well that even his own wife failed to notice, still believing he was driven by passionate ambition.

How ridiculous.

Jiang Li's smile gradually faded as she recalled the look Jiang Youyao had given her in the Evening Phoenix Hall. That familiar gaze still made her uncomfortable.

She needed to be on guard.

After a moment's thought, Jiang Li said, "Tong'er, bring me my jewelry box."

...

The turmoil of the previous day did not dampen the joy of entering the palace on the second day.

When Jiang Yu'e saw Jiang Li again, she did not glare coldly at her because of yesterday's incident. Instead, she wore the same smile as before and even complimented Jiang Li's dress, saying it looked exquisite.

Jiang Li replied, "Fifth Sister, you look lovely too."

Jiang Yu'e was about to come of age. Though she was younger than Jiang Youyao and the youngest daughter of the Jiang family, she was tall, only slightly shorter than Jiang Li, and did not appear childish at all. She wore a honey-colored gown embroidered with crab-claw chrysanthemums, her long hair styled in a cascading cloud bun adorned with a Haitang jade hairpin with emerald beads.

In truth, this opulent attire overwhelmed Jiang Yu'e's delicate, modest charm, but she herself seemed delighted. Likely because the clothing and accessories for the palace visit were prepared by tailors arranged by Old Madam Jiang, and Jiang Yu'e rarely had such luxurious garments and jewelry, she found nothing amiss and was quite pleased.

Ji Shuran clearly took pleasure in this situation. With Jiang Yuyan's ordinary looks and Jiang Yu'e's overly heavy attire, Jiang Youyao naturally stood out as the most striking.

Jiang Youyao had indeed put considerable effort into her appearance. Her rose-red gown with golden embroidery and long phoenix tails was enough to draw attention. She wore a golden hairpin, an eight-treasure bracelet, and a cherry-red tassel at her waist, complemented by carefully applied makeup. Jiang Youyao seldom wore heavy makeup, but for this palace visit, she had taken the trouble to apply powder, rouge, and draw her eyebrows. Her delicate, exquisite features could carry such bold makeup, and standing beneath the flowers, she outshone them with her radiant beauty.

Dressed like this, she would undoubtedly attract the attention of noble young men. Yet Jiang Li was puzzled: since Jiang Youyao was already engaged to Zhou Yanbang, why was she dressing so elaborately?

After all, Jiang Youyao looked down on everyone else and would never actively seek to attract others.

As Jiang Li observed Jiang Youyao, Ji Shuran was also scrutinizing Jiang Li. Lu Shi even covered her mouth exaggeratedly and laughed, "If I didn't know these two maids, I truly wouldn't recognize Li Yatou."

Jiang Li had never been fond of lavish attire. Perhaps Old Madam Jiang had noticed this habit, as the tailors had not chosen bright red colors for her this time. However, since they were to meet the emperor, her outfit could not be too plain and needed some color. Jiang Li wore a magnolia-green double-embroidered silk gown over a jade-green brocade skirt, in soft, refreshing shades of green. Her hair was styled in a gourd bun, making her look particularly fresh and neat. She wore no hairpins, only a pair of white jade earrings that accentuated her small, delicate ears and made her face appear as pure as jade.She did not apply heavy makeup like Jiang Youyao, only lightly tracing her brows. Her eyebrows were like dark emerald, her eyes like pools of ink, and her lips were pale, yet she carried an ethereal grace.

When standing beside Jiang Youyao, it was like comparing green bamboo to red blossoms, a secluded valley to bustling fireworks. The latter might be more immediately appealing, but the former left a lasting impression.

Ji Shuran turned and gently pressed Jiang Youyao’s shoulder, prompting her to retract her resentful glare.

Meanwhile, Old Madam Jiang couldn’t help but glance a few more times at Jiang Li. Among the Jiang family’s daughters, those from the third branch were born of an illegitimate child, so she looked down on them. The second branch had no daughters, and of the two daughters from the main branch, she had always thought Jiang Youyao was the beloved jewel. But now, it seemed Jiang Li, who had been raised outside, was like an uncut jade washed ashore, possessing her own delicate and refined charm.

Which was better or worse was now truly difficult to distinguish.

Seeing both his daughters standing gracefully, Jiang Yuanbai felt a surge of satisfaction and said, “We can set off now.”

Each branch rode in their own carriage. In Jiang Li’s carriage, Jiang Youyao incessantly acted coquettishly toward Jiang Yuanbai, perhaps to provoke Jiang Li.

Jiang Li merely watched the scene with a faint smile, unmoved, which made Jiang Yuanbai somewhat uncomfortable. Jiang Li could tell that Jiang Youyao often behaved this way toward Jiang Yuanbai, and his discomfort now might stem from a guilty conscience toward her, his own daughter.

Yet she showed no trace of sadness. Seeing this, Jiang Youyao felt as though she had thrown a punch into cotton, her heart stifled. The ever-virtuous Ji Shuran did nothing to stop Jiang Youyao’s provocative behavior. After all, it was only natural for a daughter to act playfully with her father—why would anyone need to intervene?

Seeing Jiang Li’s indifference, Jiang Yuanbai felt a slight disappointment. This daughter of his had grown into such beauty and excellence—he was not without pride. Jiang Li seemed to hold no grudge against his past actions and never complained. Perhaps it was her magnanimity, but Jiang Yuanbai felt it was more that she simply didn’t care.

Jiang Li was like an observer watching strangers.

At this moment, however, Jiang Li sat in the carriage, lost in memories of her past visits to the palace.

Back then, she had been genuinely and profoundly happy, proud of Shen Yurong’s achievements and grateful to be his wife. Afraid of making even the slightest mistake that might embarrass Shen Yurong, she had nervously rehearsed at home. It was rare for her to be so anxious, and Shen Yurong had laughed at her, saying, “Don’t worry, Ali. If you make a mistake and anger His Majesty, at worst, I’ll resign from my post and return with you to Tongxiang to farm.”

She had pretended to be angry and made to hit him, causing Shen Yurong to burst into laughter. Thinking back now, it felt like a lifetime ago. In reality, she had not embarrassed herself at the palace banquet but had performed excellently, even earning praise from the empress for her cleverness. And Shen Yurong would never have resigned his post for her—instead, he would kill her to advance his own career.

What she thought was real turned out to be false; what she believed were lies were not lies at all. Truth and falsehood intertwined—this time, walking the same path she had trod before, she would no longer let her eyes be clouded.

She would slowly make her way to where she wanted to be, accomplishing what she needed to do, step by step.

To avenge her father and Xue Zhao, and to seek justice for her own wrongful death.The carriage journeyed on, and as time passed, Jiang Youyao fell silent as well. Each member of the family was lost in their own thoughts, making the time seem to fly by.

After about half an hour, the carriage came to a stop.

The coachman outside announced, "Madam, Master, we've arrived."

Jiang Yuanbai stepped down first, followed by maids and elderly servants who came to assist Ji Shuran and the others. As Jiang Li alighted from the carriage and set foot on the ground separated from the palace gates by only a wall, she gazed at the deep palace walls, her emotions momentarily complex.

It was within this very palace that a person as vicious and domineering as Princess Yongning had been raised—someone who used power to oppress the common people. And it was for the sake of securing a place in this resplendent palace that Shen Yurong had unhesitatingly sacrificed her.

The palace appeared magnificent and grand, yet how many of those who resided within were mere walking corpses? They adorned themselves in gold and silver, seeming to possess everything, yet in reality, they had nothing. Jiang Li pitied them, looked down on them, and had no desire to associate with them.

"Second Sister, this is the palace gate," said Jiang Yu'e, who had descended from the carriage behind.

Jiang Li smiled. Jiang Jingrui shifted uncomfortably, as he had to dress properly today and couldn't be as unrestrained as he was at home. For Jiang Jingrui, this was nothing short of torture. Beside him, Jiang Jingyou remained as amiable as ever, the spitting image of his father, Jiang Yuanping.

Outside the palace gates, carriages from other officials' families arrived one after another. Those of lower ranks came over to greet Jiang Yuanbai with flattering gestures. However, the Jiang family had arrived somewhat late, and Jiang Yuanbai still needed to meet with the Hongxiao Emperor first, so they didn't linger long outside the gates. Instead, they followed their guide directly inside.

Jiang Youyao had initially thought that Jiang Li, being her first time in the palace, would surely be flustered and overly nervous. She would have been delighted to see Jiang Li make a fool of herself. But when she turned to look, she saw Jiang Li lifting the hem of her skirt slightly and walking with remarkable ease, as if the palace were her own backyard.

Jiang Youyao couldn't help but feel frustrated. Even on her first visit to the palace, she had been trembling with fear of making a mistake, yet Jiang Li showed no sign of stage fright. Jiang Youyao was eager to find fault with Jiang Li, but as they neared their destination, Jiang Li remained flawless, not a single misstep to be found.

Old Madam Jiang was quite pleased. Among the younger generation present today, Jiang Li was the least familiar with the palace, and she had been worried that Jiang Li might cause a mishap. But from the looks of it, Jiang Li was handling herself well, and there should be no issues.

By now, the main hall of the Yuming Palace was already filled with many officials' family members. These ladies and noblewomen were the relatives of officials of the third rank and above in Yanjing, all of esteemed status. Since the evening banquet had not yet begun, most were engaged in conversations with acquaintances. At such palace banquets, young women made every effort to adorn themselves. Whether they had come of age or not, they all wished to leave a favorable impression. After all, many young sons of nobility and talented scholars were also present at the palace today. The customs of Northern Yan were relatively more open compared to previous dynasties; as long as young men and women did not overstep boundaries and had mutual affection, they could propose marriage and form alliances.

And at a place like the palace banquet, most attendees were of similar social standing, which made it all the more convenient.Seated in the eastern direction were a mother-daughter pair. The young woman appeared to be around sixteen or seventeen years old, dressed in an emerald floral foreign crepe skirt with a jade butterfly-patterned hairpin adorning her hair. Though quite lovely in appearance, she and the lavishly dressed woman beside her—her mother—lacked the natural grace of the surrounding ladies, carrying instead a somewhat provincial air.

This mother and daughter were none other than Shen Yurong's mother and younger sister, Shen Ruyun.

Now that Shen Yurong held the position of Imperial Secretariat Scholar, Shen Ruyun and Shen's mother naturally qualified to attend the palace banquet. Though Shen Yurong was a widower, everyone in Yanjing City knew his wife Xue Fangfei had committed adultery—her death was seen as divine justice. Shen Yurong himself was young, accomplished, and promising, with peerless good looks and refined manners. Many families had set their sights on him, contemplating marrying their daughters into the Shen household.

After all, the Shen family was simple in structure, with only Shen Ruyun and Shen's mother. Once Shen Ruyun married out, whichever daughter joined the household would take charge without dealing with sisters-in-law, needing only to maintain harmony with her mother-in-law. For many pampered young ladies, this was already quite favorable.

With these considerations in mind, many noblewomen sought to build connections with Shen's mother out of regard for Shen Yurong. They didn’t look down on her humble origins, instead flattering her enthusiastically and praising Shen Ruyun lavishly, making Shen Ruyun somewhat swell-headed.

Nie Xiaoshuang and Zhu Xin'er, two young ladies from Mingyi Hall who had been in Jiang Li's archery examination group last time, were also clustered around Shen Ruyun, chatting animatedly.

Nearby, Liu Xu snorted softly and whispered to Madam Liu, "I’ve never seen anyone so eager to become a replacement wife."

Madam Liu tapped Liu Xu’s forehead and chided in a low voice, "Must you always comment?"

"Well, it’s true," Liu Xu muttered. She couldn’t stand her peers’ behavior—these were supposedly among Yanjing’s top noble daughters! The top scholar had just lost his wife, and regardless of Xue Fangfei’s character, Shen Yurong presented himself as deeply devoted to his late wife. Had these young ladies considered that if he remarried so quickly, his devotion was merely superficial, revealing him as two-faced?

As they spoke, someone nearby remarked, "I heard the marriage between the Ningyuan Marquis heir and the Jiang family’s Third Miss is set for late next winter.""

At this, Shen Ruyun’s expression darkened instantly. "Is that true?" she asked.

"Yes," Nie Xiaoshuang confirmed. "My mother mentioned it a few days ago. Youyao and Young Master Zhou’s engagement was settled long ago; now they’ve just fixed the date, which makes sense."

Unable to suppress her resentment, Shen Ruyun sneered, "I recall Young Master Zhou was originally engaged to Second Miss Jiang."

The surrounding crowd exchanged uneasy glances.

Shen Ruyun’s remark was tactless, and no one dared respond—doing so would offend the Jiang family. Jiang Yuanbai was the current Grand Secretary; who would dare speak ill of his daughter? Yet, as the Imperial Secretariat Writer’s sister, Shen Ruyun wasn’t someone to provoke either, so silence fell.

In that silence, everyone silently recalled Shen Ruyun’s words. It was true—Zhou Yanbang had initially been engaged to Jiang Li. For a younger sister to take over her elder sister’s engagement wasn’t exactly honorable. Glances drifted toward the Marchioness Ningyuan’s expression.

The Marchioness Ningyuan seemed oblivious to the discussion, laughing and chatting with Councilor Ji Chen Shi—Ji Shuran’s biological elder sister—as if unaware of the whispers around her.

Whether she had heard or not, only she knew.

Liu Xu wanted to speak up for Jiang Li but didn’t know what to say. She kept glancing toward the entrance, wondering why Jiang Li hadn’t arrived yet.

Just then, a palace maid announced the arrival of the Jiang family’s women.

Everyone turned to the entrance, where Old Madam Jiang led the procession, followed by Ji Shuran, then Lu Shi, Yang Shi, and the Jiang family’s young ladies, all entering gracefully.

Dreadful Monday （：зゝ∠）

(End of Chapter)