The Double

Chapter 79: Old Tricks

Ji Heng arrived very late.

Even so, the Hongxiao Emperor showed no displeasure, as if this were commonplace. Not only that, but no one dared to comment, including Prince Cheng.

Jiang Li observed this silently. While many feared Duke Su for his sinister and ruthless nature, his unpredictability and capricious temper, she believed that in the court, Duke Su's ability to act so freely must rely on something else. There were plenty of arrogant and unrestrained individuals, but if they provoked someone of higher status, they would inevitably be taught a harsh lesson.

Yet, it seemed no one had ever dared to discipline Duke Su. Even the arrogant faction of Consort Liu likely never spoke disrespectfully to him. When Princess Yongning encountered Duke Su, she too refrained from saying much.

In this world, those of lower status fear those above them, and those of higher status fear those even higher. Though the Hongxiao Emperor was the Son of Heaven, his life might not be any easier than Duke Su's.

Jiang Li thought that living as Duke Su did could be considered satisfying—at least no one dared to bully or insult him.

At this thought, she found her own musings rather amusing and shook her head, dismissing these whimsical notions.

After paying his respects to the Hongxiao Emperor, Ji Heng took his seat. At the palace banquet, his position was very close to Prince Cheng's, almost on equal footing.

Jiang Li noticed that many young ladies in the hall, who had previously been casting glances at Prince Cheng or Shen Yurong, were now turning their attention to Ji Heng.

After all, in terms of appearance, all the men in the hall combined could not compare to Ji Heng. Even handsome figures like Shen Yurong and Ye Shijie seemed dull and dusty in his presence.

Such a person was naturally meant to be the center of attention, outshining everyone else.

However, the current Jiang Li found no joy in superficial beauty. Xue Fangfei had once been the foremost beauty of Yanjing, yet in the end, she could not withstand the allure of wealth and status. It was clear that beauty alone was not enough.

"Duke Su seems to be highly regarded by His Majesty," Liu Xu whispered to Jiang Li.

"His Majesty has no confidants," Jiang Li smiled. "He can only rely on Duke Su." With the Hongxiao Emperor's throne unstable and Prince Cheng's faction watching closely, the situation was tense. Previously, Prince Cheng had been somewhat restrained, but now, with the support of the Right Prime Minister, his faction had grown even more solid. On the other hand, Jiang Li's father, Jiang Yuanbai, as the leader of the civil officials, wielded extensive influence in the court. Though the Jiang family might not harbor rebellious intentions, to an emperor with weakening power, their strength was a threat.

On one side was the Grand Secretary's faction, on the other was Prince Cheng's faction, and in the middle was the Hongxiao Emperor himself. The Northern Yan dynasty was like a tripod standing on three legs. Jiang Yuanbai's influence was so vast that without him, many court affairs would likely come to a standstill. The Hongxiao Emperor had to rely on Jiang Yuanbai to maintain stability in the court while guarding against Prince Cheng's covert attacks. Among the three factions, the Hongxiao Emperor had become the most vulnerable. Jiang Li couldn't help but feel sympathy for his plight.Most court officials were divided into two factions: one supported Jiang Yuanbai, representing the conservatives, while the other backed Prince Cheng, a faction harboring ambitious intentions. The Hongxiao Emperor had very few reliable people at his disposal. Although he had been on the throne for seven years and had likely cultivated some of his own confidants, seven years was far from enough time to nurture officials capable of rivaling the other two factions. Under such circumstances, Duke Su Ji Heng became an excellent choice.

Firstly, Ji Heng had the support of his father, Golden Crow General Ji Mínghán’s former troops, commanding a considerable military force with significant influence. Secondly, Ji Heng’s grandfather, the old general, had grown up on horseback since childhood and firmly believed in loyalty to the sovereign and serving the country—his character was beyond doubt. The Hongxiao Emperor could use him with peace of mind. Thirdly, Ji Heng himself was known for his unpredictable temperament and ruthless nature, making him harder to bribe. Additionally, his daily whereabouts were mysterious; he neither associated with the Jiang faction nor had any ties to Prince Cheng’s faction, remaining clean and untainted.

Thus, it was only natural for the Hongxiao Emperor to value Ji Heng and regard him as a trusted confidant.

However, would Ji Heng truly be content to serve as the Hongxiao Emperor’s confidant? Jiang Li couldn’t help but glance at the young man in red. She always felt that Ji Heng’s nature was not as unpredictable as others claimed. The difficulty in understanding him did not stem from a lack of traces but from how deeply he concealed himself.

Jiang Li also vaguely sensed something strange but couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was. In any case, she detected a subtle complexity in the relationships between the Hongxiao Emperor, Prince Cheng, and Ji Heng—it was not as simple as it appeared on the surface.

Before she could figure it out, Liu Xu gently tugged at Jiang Li’s sleeve and said, “The palace banquet is about to begin.”

The palace banquet was about to start, and everyone needed to take their seats.

Jiang Li had to sit with the women of the Jiang family, so she parted ways with Liu Xu. When she took her seat, she found herself between Jiang Youyao and Jiang Yu'e. Jiang Youyao’s forced smile was laced with malice, making it almost unbearable for Jiang Li to look at.

If she didn’t want to smile, why bother forcing herself in front of everyone?

The Hongxiao Emperor had not yet taken his seat. The empress stood by his side, while Li Pin stood slightly behind, still positioned close to the emperor. Jiang Li’s eyes flickered—the Hongxiao Emperor’s favor toward Li Pin was even greater than she had imagined.

The Hongxiao Emperor announced, “I have heard that the official examination results have been released this year. The top scholars from the Imperial College and Mingyi Hall are both in this hall. Who are they? Step forward and let me see what outstanding young men and women they are.”

Jiang Li and Ye Shijie stood up simultaneously.

Under the table, Jiang Youyao secretly clenched her handkerchief, while Jiang Yu'e stared at Jiang Li as she rose, barely able to conceal her jealousy.

Ye Shijie walked toward the center of the hall, and Jiang Li followed closely behind.

Perhaps because it was his first time facing the emperor, Ye Shijie tried hard to remain calm but couldn’t help revealing a trace of nervousness, his steps slightly stiff. However, no one would comment on his tension here—anyone who topped the Imperial College examinations was worthy of respect regardless.

Surprisingly, Jiang Li, in contrast to Ye Shijie, appeared composed and serene, as if she were not facing the supreme ruler but an ordinary family member.

The Hongxiao Emperor’s gaze revealed a flicker of interest.The Commandant of Light Chariots, Kong Liu, was also present today. Seated beside Ji Heng in his familiar armor, he whispered, "The little girl doesn't seem intimidated at all—quite spirited."

Ji Heng glanced at him and replied indifferently, "Obviously."

After Jiang Li and Ye Shijie paid their respects, the Hongxiao Emperor instructed them to rise. He first looked at Ye Shijie and asked, "You are Ye Shijie?"

"Your Majesty, it is I, your humble subject," Ye Shijie replied respectfully.

"I've heard that despite your merchant background, you possess remarkable scholarship, having topped the Imperial College examinations. Impressive," the Hongxiao Emperor said with a smile. "I value your ambition and must reward you handsomely. The Ministry of Revenue currently has a vacancy. I appoint you as a Vice Director in the Ministry of Revenue. Assume your post after the palace banquet!"

Ye Shijie was both shocked and delighted. He promptly kowtowed and said, "Your subject accepts the decree. Thank you for Your Majesty's immense grace!"

Jiang Li was equally astonished. She never expected the Hongxiao Emperor to directly appoint Ye Shijie as a Vice Director in the Ministry of Revenue. Though the position seemed unremarkable, many in Yanjing City would scramble for it. Firstly, it was a capital official post—most young graduates from the Imperial College were initially assigned to regional posts, yet Ye Shijie could remain in Yanjing City. Secondly, the rank was Deputy Fifth Grade. By comparison, Jiang Yuanxing of the Jiang family's third branch, despite leveraging the family's reputation for years in his career, had only just reached Deputy Seventh Grade as a Proofreader.

Ye Shijie had already surpassed many at the very start of his official career!

Li Lian's hand trembled slightly as he held his cup. He had long anticipated Ye Shijie's promising future and had intended to win him over. Everything had been progressing smoothly, but for some unknown reason, Ye Shijie had suddenly distanced himself. Now, just as he predicted, Ye Shijie had achieved such success upon entering officialdom. Yet, their relationship was far from what he had hoped, making things difficult.

Among the male guests, Jiang Yuanxing's expression soured. A young man just starting his career already held a higher rank than he did. He knew Yang Shi would likely throw another fit when they returned home.

Jiang Yuanping and Jiang Yuanbai exchanged glances, understanding each other's thoughts. After all, Ye Shijie was considered a relative of the main branch. Officials at their level often favored appointing their own. If Ye Shijie proved capable, promoting him might yield future benefits.

Ji Shuran frowned slightly. Ye Shijie's sudden appointment as a Vice Director in the Ministry of Revenue was unexpected. She had no intention of allowing the Ye family to prosper—it was best if they remained in decline so that Ye Zhenzhen would be forgotten, ensuring she remained the sole Grand Secretary's wife. However, recalling the events planned for that evening, her brow smoothed. Regardless of Ye Shijie or Jiang Li's fortunes, after tonight, Ye Shijie would not have the chance to enjoy his lucrative post. Two disgraced individuals might not even survive the summer—why bother with present discomfort?

After Ye Shijie expressed his gratitude, the Hongxiao Emperor turned his smiling gaze to Jiang Li. "I've long heard the Imperial Tutor has a legitimate daughter, though I've never met her. Are you the Second Miss Jiang?"

Jiang Li raised her head and smiled. "Your subject greets Your Majesty."

Compared to Ye Shijie's nervousness, she was far more composed, poised, and calm—devoid of even a trace of excitement at meeting the emperor.

Jiang Yuanbai, who had been worried about Jiang Li making a mistake, finally relaxed at the sight.Jiang Yuanping remarked, "Elder Brother, Li Yatou's temperament is remarkably composed."

Jiang Yuanbai was also somewhat dazed.

The Hongxiao Emperor observed the young girl before him. Her gaze held no fear of the imperial family, yet it did not come across as disrespectful or offensive. Instead, it was very serene. Jiang Li's eyes were exceptionally pure and clear, more like those of a young child. The Hongxiao Emperor was not angered by this. Noticing the Buddhist prayer beads on her wrist, he recalled that Jiang Li had lived in a nunnery for eight years and asked, "Do you often read Buddhist scriptures? Which ones do you study?"

"Your Majesty, in my spare time, I enjoy copying Buddhist scriptures. I usually read the Prajnaparamita Sutra, the Avatamsaka Sutra, the Golden Light Sutra, and the Lotus Sutra," she replied calmly.

The Hongxiao Emperor smiled and said, "No wonder I find your temperament so tranquil. Your nature would surely resonate with the Empress Dowager."

The current Empress Dowager was deeply devoted to Buddhist practices, so the emperor's words were a significant compliment to Jiang Li.

Jiang Li responded with a smile, all the while studying the Hongxiao Emperor. Though he was only twenty-seven years old, he appeared older than his peers and carried an air of exceptional steadiness. Likely, this was due to the burdens of being an emperor and the many concerns he had to manage. Moreover, the Northern Yan dynasty was not as peaceful and prosperous as it seemed on the surface. Jiang Li could somewhat understand the Hongxiao Emperor's plight.

The Hongxiao Emperor was also surprised. He had long heard many rumors about Jiang Li, including allegations of matricide and fratricide. However, perhaps because Jiang Li had lost her mother at a young age, the emperor felt a sense of shared hardship and did not harbor much dislike for her. Now that Jiang Li had become the top candidate in the Mingyi Hall examination, and having witnessed her gentle and pure demeanor firsthand—so unlike the malicious figure described in rumors—he felt a growing appreciation for her.

The Hongxiao Emperor declared, "Minister Jiang, you have raised a fine daughter. She is worthy of being called a pearl in the palm. Since she is the top candidate of Mingyi Hall, I shall bestow rewards upon her." With a casual wave of his hand, a eunuch stepped forward, holding a scroll, and read out a long list of items.

They were nothing but jewels and treasures, which gave Jiang Li a headache. After all, the emperor could not grant her an official position, and bestowing a title like County Princess would be too abrupt at this point. Jiang Li had no particular fondness for jewels and treasures and listened calmly. In contrast, Jiang Yu'e at the banquet was nearly green with envy upon hearing the list.

Kong Liu remarked, "See that? Second Miss Jiang remains completely unmoved. She is truly a noble lady untouched by worldly desires, unswayed by wealth and glory."

Ji Heng curled his lips into a faintly mocking smile. "Her ambitions lie beyond such trivialities, so of course she remains unmoved." He glanced sidelong at Kong Liu and added, "Not everyone has such shortsighted vision as you."

"Shortsighted?" Kong Liu retorted, "I can hit a target from a hundred paces away, damn it!"

Ji Heng couldn't be bothered to respond.

After expressing her gratitude for the emperor's favor, Jiang Li returned to her seat amid the envy of the other guests. Ji Shuran praised her with a smile, "Li'er, you've truly brought honor to our household."

"Second Sister is far more accomplished than I am," Jiang Youyao also flattered.

Ji Shuran's behavior was expected, as Jiang Li knew she often put on such acts. However, even Jiang Youyao suppressing her displeasure to save face surprised Jiang Li.

Jiang Youyao should have remained silent like Jiang Yu'e, secretly seething with hatred.

She scrutinized Jiang Youyao carefully and noticed a hidden sense of anticipation and excitement in her eyes, which put Jiang Li on alert.

Regardless, the palace banquet was about to begin.The dishes were sumptuous, yet Jiang Li had no appetite to savor them. Jiang Yu'e explained each course to Jiang Li with a hint of ostentation, as if proving she had seen far more of the world than Jiang Li. At times, she deliberately omitted how certain dishes should be eaten, waiting to see Jiang Li embarrass herself. Unexpectedly, Jiang Li either navigated the situation flawlessly or simply avoided those dishes altogether, thwarting Jiang Yu'e's schemes.

As time passed, Jiang Yu'e grew less concerned with Jiang Li. Instead, she focused on presenting her best self, subtly turning toward the men's seating area, likely to "attract attention."

Jiang Li found Jiang Yu'e's behavior laughable. She wondered what Yang Shi thought, but if everyone in the third branch of the family was as foolish as Jiang Yu'e, it was no surprise that Jiang Yuanxing had remained a mere Proofreader for so many years.

Remaining a laughingstock without even realizing it was truly foolish.

At the men's seating, Zhou Yanbang frequently glanced in Jiang Li's direction.

Since Jiang Li was seated beside Jiang Youyao, others assumed Zhou Yanbang was looking at his fiancée, Jiang Youyao. Those around him teased him about it, and Zhou Yanbang smiled in response, though his thoughts were entirely elsewhere.

Breaking off his engagement with Jiang Youyao and making Jiang Li his wife again had become an obsession for Zhou Yanbang. Unfortunately, the Marquess Ningyuan's wife disapproved, and the Marquess himself was furious upon hearing the idea. Zhou Yanbang knew his desire was absurd—after all, the Jiang family was no ordinary household, and how could he repeatedly break off engagements?

But Jiang Li was truly different now.

Every time Zhou Yanbang saw Jiang Li, he grew more appreciative of her virtues. She stood apart from the noble ladies of Yanjing, and the more distant she was toward him, the more unwilling he became to let go. Zhou Yanbang knew that since the verification, Second Miss Jiang's reputation had improved, and many noble families had begun to turn their attention to her. During the recent ceremony where the Hongxiao Emperor bestowed honors, Zhou Yanbang clearly noticed many young noblemen gazing intently at Jiang Li.

Talented, gentle-natured, ethereally beautiful, and the daughter of the Grand Secretary—now even favored by the Emperor—she was among the most exceptional young ladies in Yanjing's noble circles.

Zhou Yanbang felt restless and uneasy, fearing he would lose Jiang Li forever. Yet his own wedding with Jiang Youyao was already scheduled for late winter next year. Barring any unforeseen events, he would only pass Jiang Li by.

Zhou Yanbang was deeply unwilling to accept this.

As he repeatedly glanced toward Jiang Li, he failed to notice that his actions had caught the attention of another—Shen Ruyun.

Shen Ruyun was overjoyed to finally have a chance to see her beloved in person. However, her joy quickly faded. Though she was in the same room as Zhou Yanbang, his gaze never once fell on her but remained fixed on Jiang Youyao's direction.

Shen Ruyun was heartbroken. She had long admired Zhou Yanbang, but in the past, her status had been beneath his. Now, as the sister of the top scholar and with her brother serving as an official, she could stand beside him—yet he was already engaged.

If it were merely an engagement, it might have been bearable. But Shen Ruyun could clearly see the tender affection in Zhou Yanbang's eyes as he looked at Jiang Youyao, a clear indication that Jiang Youyao held a place in his heart.Shen Ruyun's heart plummeted to the depths in an instant. Beyond the sorrow, a surge of resentment and jealousy welled up within her. She couldn't help but wish for some obstacle to arise in Jiang Youyao and Zhou Yanbang's marriage, hoping it would never come to fruition.

Jiang Li found the dishes as tasteless as chewing wax, her appetite spoiled merely by the sight of Shen Yurong and Princess Yongning. Yet, the palace banquet had to continue, so she suppressed her discomfort and forced herself to carry on.

The banquet dragged on for what felt like an eternity. Officials clinked glasses and exchanged toasts, engaging in bureaucratic small talk, while the ladies chatted idly about trivial anecdotes from their respective households. The young ladies and gentlemen, separated by the long curtain dividing the men's and women's sections, occasionally stole glances at one another. When their eyes accidentally met, they would swiftly look away, pretending nothing had happened, yet secretly memorizing each other's appearance and mannerisms, intending to make inquiries after returning home.

It was a vivid tableau of diverse expressions and scenes, each unique in its own way.

Between Prince Cheng and the Hongxiao Emperor, there appeared to be brotherly affection and respect, yet the undercurrents of tension swirling beneath the surface remained unknown to others. The Empress Dowager remained as serene as ever, while Consort Liu conversed with the Empress. Li Pin sat gently to the side, occasionally pouring wine for the Emperor—a task that should not have fallen to her, yet she performed it with natural ease and warmth.

In the jade-white porcelain bottles on the table was apricot blossom wine. Since the ladies had little tolerance for alcohol, the palace night banquet served sweet fruit brews that were not intoxicating. Jiang Li had only a cup of tea in front of her and had not touched the wine glass at all. Ever since the incident at Shen's mother's birthday celebration, whenever she recalled it, she felt that if she had not drunk the wine placed before her that day, her circumstances might have been entirely different.

Wine leads to trouble, so she had since abstained from alcohol entirely. The more formal the occasion, like this palace banquet, the more cautious she was to avoid even the slightest misstep.

Jiang Yu'e, unaware of these matters, seemed to greatly enjoy the sweet taste of the fruit brew. She drank until her eyes grew hazy and a blush crept across her cheeks, revealing a charm seldom seen in her usual demeanor.

Just then, Ji Shuran asked with a smile, "Li'er, why not try the apricot blossom wine?"

Jiang Li looked up to see Ji Shuran naturally pick up the wine cup in front of her, fill it to the brim, and place it before her with a smile, saying, "The apricot blossom wine in the palace is different from what we brew at home. It's clearer and sweeter, and not intoxicating. For young ladies like you, drinking a little more is actually beneficial."

Jiang Li glanced at Ji Shuran, who smiled gently, but for some reason, Jiang Li suddenly felt a sense of unease, as if a voice in her heart was warning her not to drink that wine.

Trusting her intuition, Jiang Li replied, "Thank you, Mother, but I have little tolerance for alcohol."

"This can hardly be called wine; it's practically sweet syrup," Ji Shuran said with a laugh. "I noticed you haven't eaten much tonight, Li'er. In summer, it's easy to feel lethargic. A little apricot blossom wine can help relieve the heat."

A jolt of alarm shot through Jiang Li's heart. Her gaze inadvertently fell upon Shen Ruyun and Shen's mother conversing not far from her. Startled, a series of images flashed through her mind in an instant. Suddenly, she realized where she had seen that look in Ji Shuran's eyes before, and why it felt so eerily familiar.Ji Shuran’s expression—the look of barely suppressed anticipation disguised as nonchalance, like a venomous snake lying in wait—was exactly the same as the look in Shen’s mother’s eyes during her birthday banquet, and the smile on Xiao Deyin’s face when she urged her to drink!

In that instant, Jiang Li nearly lost her composure.

Though the suspicion seemed to arise from nowhere, Jiang Li was almost certain that Ji Shuran and her daughter were scheming just as those at Shen’s mother’s birthday banquet had schemed back then—they intended to ruin her reputation completely!

From the daughter of a petty official to the daughter of the Grand Secretary, reborn into a new life, she had encountered the same scenario once again.

Jiang Li couldn’t tell whether she felt more anger or absurdity in her heart, but in the end, all she wanted to do was let out a cold laugh.

Her previous life had been tragically ruined by such schemes, and now, with a different set of players, they sought to repeat the same trick. Since that was the case, she would deliberately defy their expectations!

Jiang Li looked at Jiang Youyao and smiled. "Third Sister hasn't touched this wine either."

"Youyao cannot consume anything made with apricot blossoms," Ji Shuran explained. "Even the slightest contact will cover her body in red rashes. Don't be fooled by her restraint—she's probably craving it terribly inside."

Jiang Youyao pursed her lips but remained silent.

Jiang Li, however, saw through it clearly. Ji Shuran was nothing if not thorough—fearing any unforeseen mishap that might lead Jiang Youyao to accidentally drink the wine and cause trouble, she had even fabricated such an excuse.

But did Ji Shuran truly believe that as long as Jiang Youyao avoided the wine, everything would proceed according to her wishes?

She was gravely mistaken.

Jiang Li smiled faintly and said calmly, "Is that so? This is the first I've heard of Third Sister's aversion to apricot blossoms. In that case, thank you for your consideration, Mother." She accepted the wine cup, lifted her sleeve to cover her face as she took a small sip, then set it down again.

More than half of the cup remained.

Ji Shuran watched but did not press Jiang Li to finish the rest. Instead, she began serving Jiang Li more dishes, playing the part of a gentle, caring mother so flawlessly that no fault could be found.

A chill settled in Jiang Li's heart. She glanced toward the men's seating area and noticed Ye Shijie being urged to drink as well. Having just been appointed as a capital official that day, Ye Shijie had many well-wishers offering toasts, and it was only natural for him to drink a little. There was nothing unusual about that, but Jiang Li observed that the eunuch pouring the wine was being excessively attentive.

Among so many young noblemen, the eunuch lingered by Ye Shijie alone. Though Li Lian, Li Jing, Zhou Yanbang, and Shen Yurong were all nearby, the eunuch paid them no mind, focusing solely on Ye Shijie.

In the hustle and bustle of the palace banquet, with wine flowing freely and spirits running high, no one would normally notice the behavior of a minor eunuch. But Jiang Li did. In her childhood, she had often accompanied Xue Huaiyuan, and while he handled official matters, he would occasionally teach her that the more complex the situation, the more one must pay attention to details.

This seemingly insignificant detail, now caught by Jiang Li's eye, suddenly made everything clear.

So that was it—the "lover" that Ji Shuran and her daughter had arranged for her was Ye Shijie.

It made sense, both emotionally and logically. Ye Shijie was her cousin, so there was already a connection between them. Her earlier public defense of him on the street could easily be twisted into evidence of a secret affair. Of course, mutual attraction between young men and women was not inherently scandalous. But if they were caught in disgraceful conduct during a palace banquet, it would be a grave offense.

As a woman, her reputation would be utterly destroyed, and all her efforts at the Mingyi Hall evaluation would come to nothing. As for Ye Shijie, having just been appointed to a capital position, such base behavior would surely provoke the Hongxiao Emperor's wrath. At the very least, his official career would end there.

The enmity between the Ye family and her would deepen further. Whether they married or not, resentment would fester. In short, both she and Ye Shijie would be ruined for life.

What a thoroughly calculated scheme!

A sharp glint flashed in Jiang Li's eyes, but she immediately lowered her head. When she looked up again, her smile was as pure and guileless as before.

Jiang Youyao happened to turn her head and noticed that the wine cup in front of Jiang Li was now empty. Startled, she blurted out without thinking, "When did you finish it all?""Mmm," Jiang Li replied, "It's sweet and delicious, so I drank it all. But one shouldn't be greedy—one cup is enough." She smiled.

Ji Shuran's heart settled with relief.

At the other end, Jiang Yu'e had just set down her wine cup.

Jiang Yu'e: Surprised? Or pleasantly shocked?

(End of Chapter)