The Double

Chapter 78: Flaunting

The ladies and young misses in the hall were no strangers to the women of the Jiang family. As one of Yanjing City’s foremost official households, whenever any lady hosted a banquet, she would never forget to invite the ladies of the Jiang family. Aside from Yang Shi, Ji Shuran and Lu Shi often mingled with these noblewomen. The second branch had no daughters, and in the eight years since Jiang Li left, the main branch had only Jiang Youyao, leading many to forget that there was still a Jiang Li. They had seen Jiang Youyao many times, but encounters with Jiang Li were few and far between.

The most vivid impression of her came from her two consecutive examinations—one in music, the other in equestrianism.

"Silent until she speaks, but astonishing when she does"—this was the impression outsiders had of Jiang Li. However, those who had not attended the examinations remained skeptical, dismissing it as exaggerated hearsay and believing Jiang Li was not as remarkable as the rumors claimed. Thus, the palace banquet became an opportunity to verify the truth of these rumors.

Everyone’s eyes were fixed behind Ji Shuran.

Behind the matriarch, Ji Shuran and Lu Shi walked at the front, with Yang Shi trailing behind. Among the young ladies, Jiang Youyao took the lead.

Jiang Youyao wore a sweet, delicate smile, her attire and demeanor clearly reflecting the life of a privileged young lady untouched by hardship. Moreover, Ji Shuran had taken great care to present Jiang Youyao as dignified and composed. After all, while men might admire a woman for her beauty, intelligence, and character, prominent families selecting a daughter-in-law also considered her temperament, capabilities, and whether she could maintain harmony within the household.

Especially after Zhou Yanbang’s recent attempt to break off the engagement, Ji Shuran had been furious. If not for the fact that the Marchioness of Ningyuan had personally visited to apologize and Jiang Youyao was genuinely fond of Zhou Yanbang, Ji Shuran would never have let the Zhou family off so easily.

The more outstanding Jiang Youyao appeared, the more it proved that in this match, she was far from overreaching—she was more than worthy of Zhou Yanbang.

Jiang Youyao entered gracefully, like a blooming flower bud. Her stunning beauty added luster to the Yuming Hall. Some of the less attractive young ladies couldn’t help but feel a sense of inferiority as they gazed at her.

Raised in an enviable official family, blessed with unparalleled beauty, doted on by her family, innocent and carefree, with a smooth engagement to a handsome, gentle, and well-matched husband—wasn’t this everyone’s dream? Even though most of the young ladies present came from wealthy families, each household had its own troubles. The lives of wealthy young ladies were not always as glamorous as they appeared; some suffered in silence.

Jiang Youyao took in everyone’s admiration, feeling a surge of pride, and her steps grew even lighter.

Walking behind Jiang Youyao was Jiang Li.

In terms of seniority within the family, Jiang Li should have walked ahead of Jiang Youyao. However, no one had informed Jiang Li of this, so Jiang Youyao had taken the lead on her own. Jiang Li didn’t mind such matters; in her view, who walked first or last was unimportant.

Everyone watched as, behind the flower-like Jiang Youyao, a girl as serene as water emerged.

Compared to Jiang Youyao’s elaborate attire, she appeared far too plain, too understated. Yet, within that simplicity, her distinct features stood out like bold strokes in an ink-wash painting, exuding an endless charm.Second Miss Jiang walked with measured, unhurried steps, appearing more gentle and composed compared to Jiang Youyao’s light-footed briskness. If Jiang Youyao was the carefree daughter of an official family in Yanjing City, this girl resembled a delicate and ethereal fairy from the mountains—the former suited for adding brilliance to a world of opulence, the latter for an otherworldly serenity.

Some sharp-eyed observers noticed that Jiang Li’s slender wrists bore no jade bracelets or ornaments, but instead, a string of black prayer beads. The beads, smooth and warm, accentuated the jade-like purity of her wrists.

A few recalled that Jiang Li had spent eight years in a mountain nunnery. Though the nunnery was now known to be a den of corruption, it seemed not to have tainted the spiritual clarity and Buddhist aura she had cultivated there.

She was remarkably "ethereal."

The girl also wore a smile, but unlike Jiang Youyao’s, Jiang Li’s smile seemed to emanate from the heart—a serene, comforting expression, as if untouched by worldly worries, putting those who saw it at ease.

The wife of Marquis Ningyuan, who was speaking with Ji Chen Shi, frowned.

Ever since Zhou Yanbang mentioned ending his engagement with Jiang Youyao, the marquis’s wife had been troubled. Though she had been close friends with Ye Zhenzhen years ago, Ye Zhenzhen had long passed away, and Jiang Li, as her daughter, naturally did not receive the same affection as Ji Shuran’s own daughter. Moreover, after Jiang Li caused Ji Shuran to miscarry and her reputation was ruined, Ye Zhenzhen’s wish to form a marital alliance with the Jiang family had faded.

Even though the Jiang family was influential, no one dared to take in a young lady known for her ruthlessness and scandalous reputation.

Unexpectedly, Ji Shuran had approached her proactively.

As if understanding her thoughts perfectly, Ji Shuran expressed her reluctance to let go of the engagement and the prospect of having the Ningyuan family as in-laws. After much consideration, she suggested that while Jiang Li was unsuitable, the Jiang family had more than one daughter.

The marquis’s wife was overjoyed. In her view, no family in Yanjing City offered a better match than the Jiangs, and Jiang Youyao was in every way superior to Jiang Li. Not only was she Jiang Yuanbai’s legitimate daughter, but her looks, talents, and temperament were all commendable. Later, Zhou Yanbang also visited and raised no objections to the match, so the marquis’s wife assumed the matter was settled.

Who could have predicted that shortly after Jiang Li returned to the capital, Zhou Yanbang would suddenly propose such an absurd idea?

Startled, and fearing Ji Shuran’s displeasure upon learning of Zhou Yanbang’s intention to break the engagement, the marquis’s wife felt compelled to visit and apologize, even bringing Ji Chen Shi along to help mediate. After much persuasion, Zhou Yanbang finally stopped mentioning his reckless idea, but knowing her son’s nature, the marquis’s wife was well aware that he had not truly given up the notion.

Frustrated and anxious, she worried that Zhou Yanbang might cause further trouble. Determined to see Jiang Li for herself at today’s palace banquet, she attended despite having missed both of Jiang Li’s earlier examination performances. Though she had heard abundant praise about Jiang Li’s achievements, the marquis’s wife dismissed it as exaggeration.

Now, at last, she saw the girl who had so captivated her son.To be fair, Jiang Li's eyes and brows resembled Jiang Yuanbai's—delicate and well-defined—while her facial contours took after Ye Zhenzhen, giving her a kind of innocent sturdiness. Yet her gaze and smile were neither as effortlessly elegant as Jiang Yuanbai's nor as purely vivacious as Ye Zhenzhen's.

Her gentleness disarmed people, yet somehow made them feel she knew everything.

Madam Marquis Ningyuan's heart sank. It was no surprise that someone like Jiang Li could captivate Zhou Yanbang's heart.

But she couldn't allow this to happen. If Zhou Yanbang remained unwilling to let go, Jiang Li would inevitably become an obstacle between him and Jiang Youyao. If the marriage alliance turned into enmity, it would be better to abandon this match altogether.

Madam Marquis Ningyuan felt a headache coming on.

Unaware of her thoughts, the crowd focused on the Jiang family's young ladies. Jiang Youyao was charming and delightful, while Jiang Li possessed an ethereal grace. In comparison, Jiang Yu'e appeared rather vulgar, and Jiang Yuyan was too plain to attract attention.

Thus, it became widely accepted that the two daughters of the Jiang family's main branch each had their unique merits, at least in terms of appearance, where they were evenly matched.

As soon as the Jiang family's women arrived, many approached to greet them warmly due to their status. Ji Shuran naturally sat with Ji Chen Shi, while Lu Shi joined her acquainted friends. Yang Shi, having few close friends and receiving no flattery, had no choice but to sit beside Old Madam Jiang with Jiang Yu'e and Jiang Yuyan, looking somewhat neglected.

Jiang Li went straight to find Liu Xu.

She had only this one close friend. Liu Xu, who had been bored alone, was overjoyed to see her. After Jiang Li paid her respects to Madam Liu, Liu Xu pulled her aside and asked, "I heard Zhou Yanbang and Jiang Youyao's engagement is settled?"

Jiang Li was momentarily surprised that the news had spread so quickly, then nodded with a smile.

"Don't worry," Liu Xu struggled for a moment, unable to find comforting words, and finally patted her hand. "There are countless men in the capital better than Zhou Yanbang. You'll surely find someone ten thousand times better than him. Honestly, being with Zhou Yanbang would be a loss for you."Jiang Li nearly laughed aloud but keenly noticed a gaze scrutinizing her." She looked up and was taken aback to find Shen Ruyun, her former sister-in-law, staring at her.

Shen Ruyun's gaze was as critical and picky as ever, making Jiang Li feel somewhat dazed. It reminded her of when she first arrived at the Shen family in Yanjing with Shen Yurong—back then, Shen Ruyun had sat in the room, examining her with the same objectifying stare. At the time, Jiang Li hadn't understood, but now she knew: that look was meant to assess how much use she could be and what benefits she could bring to the Shen family.

In truth, Shen Ruyun and Xue Fangfei hadn't always been at odds. Jiang Li remembered that before Shen Yurong passed the imperial examinations and became an official, Shen Ruyun, despite her flaws, would still put on a polite front and affectionately call her "sister-in-law."

But after Shen Yurong achieved the top scholar rank, Shen Ruyun no longer regarded her with any respect.

Noticing Jiang Li staring at Shen Ruyun, Liu Xu asked curiously, "Do you have some grudge against her? Before you arrived, it was Shen Ruyun who brought up how Jiang Youyao stole your engagement and got together with Zhou Yanbang. Wasn't she deliberately stirring trouble and using you as a pawn? Have you offended her in some way?""I have done nothing to offend her." Jiang Li shook her head. She understood clearly that Shen Ruyun was stirring up trouble over this matter precisely because of Zhou Yanbang. Others might not know, but as her sister-in-law, she was well aware that Shen Ruyun had admired Zhou Yanbang for years. Now that she finally had the standing to discuss marriage with him, Jiang Youyao had snatched him away first—how could she not be resentful?

She probably even resented Jiang Li herself. If Second Miss Jiang hadn't been engaged to Zhou Yanbang earlier, Third Miss Jiang wouldn't have taken the nest like a cuckoo, securing Zhou Yanbang so soon.

Jiang Li wondered what expression Shen Ruyun would wear upon learning that her own sister-in-law had obstructed her marriage prospects. The thought amused her slightly.

Jiang Li's smile caught Shen Ruyun's eye, making it all the more irritating. Moreover, Shen Ruyun always felt that Jiang Li's demeanor and mannerisms seemed strangely familiar. Yet Shen Ruyun was certain this was her first time meeting Jiang Li, and this sense of familiarity left her uneasy. She snorted disdainfully and turned her head away, refusing to look at Jiang Li any longer.

After some light conversation, a palace maid announced from outside that the Empress Dowager had arrived.

All the noblewomen rose together to welcome the Empress Dowager.

The current Empress Dowager was not the birth mother of the Hongxiao Emperor but was known for her benevolent nature. She often engaged in Buddhist practices and charitable deeds, remaining detached from worldly affairs. It was precisely because of this that the earlier rivalry between Consort Xia and Consort Liu had erupted in the rear palace. At the time, rumors spread that the Empress, having no son, would lose her position. However, Consort Xia later fell ill and passed away early. The Hongxiao Emperor was raised under the Empress Dowager's care, and when the previous emperor intended to establish him as Crown Prince, Consort Liu finally restrained herself.

After the previous emperor passed away, the Empress became the Empress Dowager, and Consort Liu became Consort Liu. Consort Liu's son and daughter were the current Prince Cheng and Princess Yongning. Prince Cheng was even older than the Hongxiao Emperor, and the factions supporting him had grown restless, making the Hongxiao Emperor's throne precarious.

This was why court officials now showed Prince Cheng a degree of deference.

The Hongxiao Emperor had no maternal clan support—he had only himself—and those backing him were few. It was uncertain when he might have to relinquish the throne. Prince Cheng appeared to possess far more advantages than the Hongxiao Emperor.

The Empress Dowager wore a deep purple palace gown embroidered with gold and a cloud-patterned crown. Though she had reached her fifties, her well-maintained appearance made her seem scarcely older than the Empress standing beside her, revealing traces of her stunning beauty in youth. A gentle smile graced her lips, giving her a kindly air.

Following behind the Empress Dowager was Consort Liu, Prince Cheng's mother. Standing beside the Empress Dowager, Consort Liu appeared much more aged. Nevertheless, this did nothing to temper her disposition. She was adorned in bright, lavish attire, and the arrogance in her eyes mirrored that of her daughter, Princess Yongning.

The moment Jiang Li caught sight of Princess Yongning, her blood ran cold for an instant.

Princess Yongning wore a shimmering gown of gold-threaded sheer silk, a single delicate piece representing the painstaking labor of countless weavers. Her beauty was as radiant as a flower, possessing a allure beyond Jiang Youyao's youthful charm. Standing in the hall, she carried herself with the haughty demeanor of one born to privilege, looking down on everyone with disdain.

It was said that Consort Liu was arrogant, but the Empress Dowager paid her no mind. In the rear palace, Consort Liu essentially held sway. The Hongxiao Emperor's influence was weak, let alone the Empress's. Thus, hardly anyone dared contradict Princess Yongning.The Empress Dowager, seeing everyone rise, smiled and said there was no need for formalities, then had them sit down again. The palace banquet would begin shortly.

Jiang Li noticed Princess Yongning looking around as if searching for someone and inwardly sneered. There was no doubt Princess Yongning was looking for Shen Yurong.

Her admiration for Shen Yurong was truly sincere.

The female guests had arrived early. The palace banquet was held in the Yuming Hall, outside which stretched long flower ponds and pavilions. After the night feast, one could admire the moon and appreciate the flowers—a very elegant affair.

After a while, the male guests began arriving one after another.

Men and women sat separately but still within the same hall. Unlike previous dynasties, in Northern Yan, women did not need to avoid unrelated men in public. Still, some shy young ladies turned away to spare themselves embarrassment.

Jiang Yuanbai walked over with his brother Jiang Yuanping. Jiang Yuanxing, whose relationship with the two brothers was not particularly close, appeared somewhat awkward.

Jiang Li spotted Ye Shijie. Having made a remarkable achievement, Ye Shijie was destined to soon enter officialdom. Many young nobles sought his friendship, and quite a few walked alongside him. Ye Shijie seemed to get along well with them.

Jiang Li breathed a soft sigh of relief.

If Second Miss Jiang had a powerful maternal family, it would only benefit her future.

Ye Shijie, riding high on his success, was followed by the second-place candidate in the Imperial College examination—Li Jing, the eldest son of the Right Prime Minister’s household, who should have been first but was surpassed by Ye Shijie.

Li Jing’s appearance was rather plain, and compared to his younger brother Li Lian, he was not particularly popular with the young ladies. But heaven was fair: while Li Jing lacked handsomeness, he was exceptionally talented; Li Lian was handsome and charming but an uneducated playboy.

The Li brothers entered with their father, Right Prime Minister Li Zhongnan, and many bold young ladies took the opportunity to observe them.

After all, the Right Prime Minister’s influence had grown significantly, almost rivaling the Jiang family. If the Jiangs were once the leaders among civil officials, that position was now precarious due to the Right Prime Minister’s rise. Naturally, the Li brothers became highly sought-after.

Jiang Li’s gaze lingered on the Li brothers only briefly before moving on. She had no intention of engaging with the Li family. She had already warned Ye Shijie, and it seemed he had taken her advice to heart, maintaining no contact with Li Jing or Li Lian.

Whatever schemes the Li family might have, as long as Ye Shijie kept his distance, he would be safer.

On the Imperial College’s honor roll, the top candidate was Ye Shijie, second was Li Jing, and third was naturally Zhou Yanbang, the Heir of Marquis Ningyuan.

Jiang Li soon noticed Zhou Yanbang.

It wasn’t that she wanted to pay him attention, but his gaze toward her was utterly undisguised and far too intense. If not for the crowd, it would have been obvious to all. Jiang Li felt both annoyed and disgusted—Zhou Yanbang’s behavior was truly nauseating.

Others might not have noticed Zhou Yanbang, as he was already engaged despite being a talented young man. However, the Heir of Marquis Ningyuan, along with Ji Shuran and her daughter, had been closely watching Zhou Yanbang’s every move since he entered.

Seeing him immediately search for Jiang Li upon entering, they grew anxious.The mind of the Marquis Ningyuan's wife buzzed, and she immediately thought, "This is bad." Zhou Yanbang was so unafraid of being seen, his behavior too obvious, inevitably causing Jiang Youyao distress and displeasing Ji Shuran.

Yet Ji Shuran and her daughter harbored an extraordinary hatred. On one hand, they resented Zhou Yanbang for his weak will, easily swayed by others; on the other, they deeply loathed the instigator, Jiang Li. If Jiang Li hadn't seduced him, how could Zhou Yanbang be so infatuated!

Jiang Li decisively stood up and moved to another spot, blocking Zhou Yanbang's line of sight. She truly wanted no unclear entanglement with Zhou Yanbang. After the Mingyi Hall evaluation, her reputation had just begun to improve, and she had no desire to see it vanish again because of him.

Unable to see Jiang Li, Zhou Yanbang felt a flicker of disappointment, but quickly regained his composure, resuming his elegant demeanor as he chatted and laughed with others.

Jiang Li passed through the crowd and finally caught sight of Shen Yurong.

Shen Yurong was wearing his official robe today—something Jiang Li had never seen before. During their time as husband and wife, Shen Yurong had been warm, gentle, and tolerant. After the birthday banquet for Shen's mother, she had seen him only a handful of times; back then, she was filled with guilt, while he remained silent.

But the Shen Yurong now was vastly different from that time.

Clad in the official robe of a third-rank court minister, he had risen from a common scholar to fame, the robe seemingly adding boundless brilliance to his presence. He still appeared refined and cultured, yet his eyes now held a worldly wisdom and maturity.

Watching him converse with his colleagues—their flattering postures, his lofty stance—Jiang Li felt, for a moment, that this Shen Yurong resembled Princess Yongning.

Both believed themselves superior, both looked down on others.

Jiang Li shifted her gaze to Princess Yongning on the other side.

Princess Yongning made no attempt to conceal her adoring gaze toward Shen Yurong, her eyes following his every move. Yet it seemed like unrequited affection—Shen Yurong did not cast a single glance her way.

Jiang Li couldn't help but sneer inwardly. Of course, in such a public setting, he would conceal it. Princess Yongning had her royal status, but Shen Yurong was a cautious man who wouldn't let anyone seize his weaknesses. He had always been meticulous, just as he had deceived her in the past.

But Xue Fangfei was already dead. Princess Yongning had gone to great lengths to make her, the original wife, step aside. So why hadn't she become the lady of the Shen household yet? A fleeting sense of satisfaction crossed Jiang Li's heart, but it vanished as quickly as it came. Truthfully, the current Jiang Li very much wanted to see what would become of Princess Yongning after marrying into the Shen family—whether it would be the joyous outcome they envisioned or one of mutual resentment.

Soon after, Jiang Li spotted the Ji family, including Ji Shuran's father, Ji Yanlin, and Liu Xu's father, Liu Yuanfeng. Prince Cheng arrived later and, upon entering, paid his respects to the Empress Dowager.

The last to arrive was the Hongxiao Emperor.

In both her lifetimes, this was only Jiang Li's second time seeing the Hongxiao Emperor. At twenty-seven, he was remarkably young for an emperor. In the seven years since his ascension, the Yan dynasty had seen no major turmoil. Even so, his throne remained precarious, far less stable than it appeared.Anyone within the court knew that Prince Cheng was the greatest threat to the Hongxiao Emperor. Seven years ago, when the Hongxiao Emperor ascended the throne in haste, Prince Cheng suffered a military defeat. In these seven years, could the Hongxiao Emperor have caught up to the current Prince Cheng?

No one knew.

Beside the Hongxiao Emperor stood a young woman. She was exceptionally beautiful and delicate, with a pitiful charm, yet her attire was not lavish—it could even be described as simple and plain. She wore a faint smile all along. Liu Xu whispered to Jiang Li, "That is Li Pin, Jiang Youyao's maternal aunt."

Jiang Li suddenly understood—this was Ji Yanlin's legitimate eldest daughter, Ji Shuran's elder sister, Li Pin.

Last time she entered the palace with Shen Yurong, Jiang Li hadn't encountered Li Pin, though she'd long known of her existence. Some said Li Pin was to the late emperor what Consort Xia had been—the late emperor's most beloved woman. However, the difference between Li Pin and Consort Xia was that Li Pin had the Ji family backing her, while Consort Xia had nothing behind her.

Jiang Li observed Li Pin, who appeared even younger than Ji Shuran, her skin maintained like a maiden's with unspoken care. Gentle and amiable, she offered no directives—compared to the aloof Princess Yongning, she seemed almost excessively approachable. Yet Jiang Li understood clearly: if Li Pin were truly as delicate and unambitious as she appeared, she would never have carved a path through the harem to become Hongxiao Emperor's favored consort.

Those without capability would have long fallen prey to the law of the jungle—how could they stand safely by Hongxiao Emperor's side, feigning humility in victory? It was all performance.

After Li Pin exchanged some words with Hongxiao Emperor, he waved a hand, and she stepped forward to greet Ji Chen Shi and Ji Shuran.

Jiang Youyao naturally went to greet this maternal aunt, drawing envious gazes from the noble young ladies around her. Having an aunt like Li Pin was even more glorious than having an empress aunt. Though the empress had borne the crown prince, the heir was merely five years old. Should Li Pin bear a young prince, given Hongxiao Emperor's favor toward her, who would ultimately inherit the throne remained uncertain.

After all, the deposing of crown princes wasn't unheard of in previous dynasties.

Not knowing what Ji Shuran said to Li Pin, the consort glanced at Jiang Li with a smile. Though the look revealed nothing particular, Jiang Li felt inexplicably unsettled.

Liu Xu asked, "Aren't you going to pay respects?"

"They didn't summon me," Jiang Li replied indifferently. "I won't go."

Liu Xu stared in astonishment before seeming to comprehend moments later, remarking cheerfully, "That's truly your character."

Jiang Li chuckled inwardly. Unlike Jiang Yu'e, she didn't need to curry favor with Ji Shuran, nor did she share blood ties with Li Pin like Jiang Youyao. Li Pin was only her nominal aunt—likely, the original Second Miss Jiang was meeting her for the first time.

Ultimately, Li Pin was Ji Shuran's sister and would naturally side with her. Destined to be Jiang Li's adversary, this opposition wouldn't change regardless of whether Jiang Li went to pay respects.

"Don't do pointless things, especially those you're unwilling to do." Xue Huaiyuan had said this, and Jiang Li had taken it to heart.

Just as Hongxiao Emperor was speaking with the Empress Dowager, a eunuch announced another arrival.

To arrive later than the emperor required considerable audacity. Even Prince Cheng adhered to protocol. Jiang Li looked up to see a figure approaching leisurely down the corridor beyond the palace doors.

The young man wore crimson brocade robes woven with gold, their hems trailing splendor that outshone even the gemstones embedded in the great hall's pillars under the dazzling lantern light.

Such elaborate and resplendent garments would overwhelm anyone lacking sufficient beauty, becoming "clothes wearing the person"—unless one possessed peerless features without a single flaw, coupled with transcendent elegance, to barely match them.Yet this garment on the young man was not merely a passable fit—it could be said to enhance him perfectly. Seeing him wear these robes, one couldn't help but sigh inwardly, forced to admit that such attire would only be truly worthy when worn by him alone in this world.

The magnificent robes shone brighter than gemstones, yet his beauty outshone even the resplendent garments.

This was none other than Duke Su, Ji Heng.

The Duke has come again to conquer with his devastating beauty~

(End of Chapter)