The Double

Chapter 80: Future Prospects

After the lively palace banquet, the Empress Dowager proposed viewing the lotus blossoms by the pond outside the Jade Bright Hall.

The palace pond had been excavated by artisans in imitation of Yanjing City's Yongning River, making it exceptionally vast. In summer, the ten-mile lotus pond shimmered with emerald hues under the bright moon and scattered starlight, creating a breathtaking scene.

The lingering oppressive heat of recent days vanished completely, leaving everyone refreshed and invigorated.

Appreciating flowers after feasting had always been a favored pastime among nobility.

Jiang Li followed the Jiang family to the lotus pond's periphery, with Ji Shuran and Jiang Youyao sticking close to her every step of the way. Jiang Li understood perfectly well this wasn't out of any affection from her stepmother toward her as a stepdaughter—not that she particularly cared.

Along the water corridor, ladies and young misses settled into seats where fruits and pastries were arranged on tables. As Jiang Li moved in that direction, she suddenly felt something being pressed into her palm. Turning back, she saw an unfamiliar palace maid brushing past her.

Clenching the object in her hand—vaguely discernible as a slip of paper—she instinctively glanced at Ji Shuran and Jiang Youyao, suspecting this might be Ji Shuran's arrangement. Yet Ji Shuran showed no unusual reaction, appearing completely unaware, which puzzled Jiang Li momentarily.

When they finally reached the lakeside pavilion, Jiang Li deliberately lagged behind. Seizing the moment when Ji Shuran and Jiang Youyao weren't watching, she quietly unfolded her palm to confirm it was indeed a note. By the dim lantern light, she could make out a line of delicate characters:

"Meet at Yuxiu Pavilion behind the eastern garden gate." Signed: Zhou Yanbang.

Jiang Li froze briefly before Ji Shuran called for her. She immediately crumpled the note, initially intending to toss it into the lake, but after a sudden thought, concealed it in her sleeve instead.

As she approached Ji Shuran, the latter smiled and remarked, "Li'er walks rather slowly."

Jiang Li responded with a pleasant smile, though inwardly she felt both fury and bitter amusement at Zhou Yanbang's note. Zhou Yanbang likely wasn't part of Ji Shuran's scheme—given Jiang Youyao's possessiveness toward him, she would never allow anything to implicate him. This was probably Zhou Yanbang's own initiative.

Jiang Li never expected Zhou Yanbang to involve himself in this matter. She wondered where the Heir of Marquis of Ningyuan found the confidence to assume she would actually comply with a mere note. Did Zhou Yanbang believe Second Miss Jiang still carried a torch for him? Yet Jiang Li carefully reviewed her limited encounters with Zhou Yanbang since returning to Yanjing City—she hadn't shown the slightest interest in him.

Perhaps those prone to wishful thinking could always find evidence of others' affection, no matter how frostily they were treated.

As Jiang Li contemplated, she realized that while she and Ye Shijie wouldn't fall into Ji Shuran's trap as intended, letting Ji Shuran off so easily seemed too lenient.

Since arriving at the Jiang residence, Jiang Li had observed every family member with detachment. She sympathized with the real Second Miss Jiang, but until her own family vendetta was settled, she preferred to avoid entanglement in the Jiang family's turmoil to prevent complications.

Adhering to the principle of not provoking others unless provoked, Jiang Li considered her counterattacks against Ji Shuran's schemes perfectly justified. But this time, Ji Shuran had truly angered her.

Ji Shuran's methods were utterly despicable, reminding Jiang Li of her own past. With old wounds reopening and fresh grievances accumulating, Jiang Li felt intensely willing to exact revenge at this moment.People say that true revenge is seizing what someone treasures most and tearing it to shreds. What Ji Shuran cherished most were Jiang Youyao and Jiang Bingji. Jiang Bingji was still too young to have much to lose, but Jiang Youyao was different.

What Jiang Youyao obsessed over now was none other than Zhou Yanbang, the heir of Marquis Ningyuan. Ji Shuran and her daughter had exhausted all means to snatch this marriage arrangement from Second Miss Jiang, while constantly guarding against the possibility of her reclaiming it. Now, Jiang Youyao even resented Jiang Li because of Zhou Yanbang—Zhou Yanbang was Jiang Youyao’s weakness.

Jiang Li’s fingers brushed against the short note tucked in her sleeve, and she suddenly smiled.

Since Zhou Yanbang had willingly stepped into this muddy water, he couldn’t blame her for redirecting the trouble. Jiang Youyao was always on guard against her, unaware that Zhou Yanbang, as a handsome man in Yanjing City, had more than one woman vying for his hand—such as her former sister-in-law Shen Ruyun, or Jiang Yu'e, the illegitimate daughter of the third branch of the Jiang family.

If Jiang Yu'e were given a chance to marry into the Ningyuan Marquis household, what choice would she make? On one side, a sister she usually addressed with warmth and familiarity; on the other, a prestigious match she might never encounter again. Jiang Li was eagerly anticipating Jiang Yu'e’s decision.

Ji Shuran glanced at Jiang Li from time to time. As time slowly passed, Jiang Li propped her forehead with her hand and said softly, "Mother, I feel a bit dizzy..."

So soon? Ji Shuran was puzzled, having expected the drug to take effect a bit later. But with Jiang Li saying this, she had no choice but to respond. Fearing that staying longer might arouse suspicion and lead to trouble, she had to let Jiang Li leave early.

Ji Shuran turned to a maid standing nearby and said, "Take Second Miss back to her room to rest properly. I’ll come for her later."

Jiang Youyao tentatively asked, "Second Sister?"

Jiang Li frowned slightly and waved her hand, accidentally knocking over a cup beside her. The full cup of tea splashed all over Jiang Yu'e’s skirt.

Jiang Yu'e gasped in surprise and quickly stood up.

Jiang Li widened her eyes slightly, seeming to sober up a little, and hurriedly said, "I’m sorry, Fifth Sister, I didn’t mean to spill it on your dress." She looked apologetically at the stain on Jiang Yu'e’s clothes. "What should we do now? Why don’t you come with me to change? I could use a rest too."

"No need..." Ji Shuran started to object.

"Mother, this is a palace banquet. It wouldn’t be proper for Fifth Sister to wear a stained dress. The palace must have some spare clothes for emergencies, or at the very least, Consort Li might have some. It’s better for Fifth Sister to change."

Jiang Yu'e was already annoyed—this was the first time she had worn this dress today. The fabric had been specially tailored by the old madam, and she rarely had the chance to wear such fine clothing. Now, Jiang Li had ruined it. But hearing Jiang Li mention Consort Li, her heart stirred. If Consort Li provided her with a dress, even the simplest palace fabric might be better than what the old madam had given her. She immediately stood up and smiled. "Aunt, it’s no trouble. I’ll go with Second Sister. She’s right—wearing a stained dress might make people think our Jiang family disrespects His Majesty. I can look after Second Sister on the way."Ji Shuran’s palms grew slightly damp. Jiang Yu’e had no idea of her plans, and Ji Shuran truly did not want Jiang Yu’e to ruin things for her. However, after a moment’s thought, she relaxed. Once they were halfway there, she could have someone lead Jiang Yu’e away, and Jiang Li would proceed as originally planned. Moreover, since the drug had taken effect so quickly on Jiang Li and she had left the banquet early, there was ample time to make arrangements. Ji Shuran exchanged a meaningful glance with the palace maid beside her and said, “In that case, the two of you may go ahead.”

Yang Shi remained silent. Although Jiang Yu’e was her daughter, the girl spent her days currying favor with the main branch of the family, treating Ji Shuran, her aunt by marriage, with more closeness than her own birth mother. Yang Shi had long grown accustomed to this.

Jiang Yu’e and Jiang Li then followed the unfamiliar palace maid as they departed.

Not far from the lakeside pavilion, at the edge of the water corridor, there were many vacant tea rooms, prepared for nobles in the palace who might suddenly feel unwell, need to rest, or change clothes. These rooms were usually quiet and seldom occupied.

As Jiang Li and Jiang Yu’e walked together, perhaps due to drinking too much at the palace banquet, Jiang Yu’e began to feel increasingly dizzy. Jiang Li, meanwhile, chatted with her about Jiang Youyao’s marriage prospects.

“...Today, I heard Mother mention Third Sister’s engagement to Young Master Zhou again. Third Sister seemed very pleased. I noticed that the Marchioness Ningyuan also appeared quite satisfied with her.”

“...To be honest, Third Sister’s match is truly excellent. Young Master Zhou is considered one of the finest young men in Yanjing City. It’s just that I have no fate with him, so I’ll likely have to seek another match in the future.”

“...Fifth Sister, you’ll soon be of age too. I overheard the servants in Father’s courtyard say that Third Uncle has asked Father to help find a suitable family for you. I wonder whose household you’ll end up in.”

Jiang Li’s sudden focus on these topics made Jiang Yu’e suspect that Jiang Li was retaliating against her. Last time, when Jiang Yu’e had informed Jiang Li about Jiang Youyao and Zhou Yanbang’s engagement, Jiang Li must have been heartbroken. Now, Jiang Li was twisting the knife by bringing up Jiang Yu’e’s own marriage prospects, stirring up resentment in her.

Jiang Yu’e replied, “Second Sister seems quite concerned about my marriage prospects. But I’m still young, even younger than you. As you said, my father isn’t as influential as Uncle. If we’re looking for a match, naturally, it won’t compare to yours or Third Sister’s.” Her tone carried a hint of defiance. Under normal circumstances, she would never have spoken so boldly, but today, perhaps emboldened by drink, she felt more daring.

Jiang Li glanced at her, a trace of pity in her eyes. “Why can’t people choose their own birthright? In my opinion, Fifth Sister, you’re no less beautiful or talented than Third Sister. The only thing you lack is her status. If you were born into the main branch, you and Young Master Zhou would be a perfect match.”

The mention of this only fueled Jiang Yu’e’s bitterness. Recalling all the injustices she and Jiang Youyao had faced within the Jiang family, she felt a surge of resentment and sourness, leaving her momentarily unable to respond.Jiang Li murmured to herself, "What a pity. With your looks and talents, Fifth Sister, you'll likely end up matched with some obscure man someday. Forget about being compared to the Zhou heir—you might not even measure up to ordinary sons of officials. Then again, being the legal wife of a commoner might not compare to being the Zhou heir's concubine. What a shame," she trailed off, shaking her head with a sigh. "Comparing yourself to others only highlights your shortcomings—it's all fate."

Jiang Yu'e grew even more distressed. In this life, what she hated most was being outshone. Yet in the Jiang household, it seemed anyone could trample over her at will. Furious yet unwilling to lose the verbal sparring, Jiang Yu'e retorted, "Such is my fate, of course I can't compare to Third Sister. But Second Sister is truly broad-minded. The Zhou heir was originally meant to marry you, yet now he's become your younger sister's husband—and you still face it so calmly. No wonder they say spending time in a temple makes one detached from worldly desires."

Jiang Yu'e thought Jiang Li's serene demeanor was undoubtedly feigned. Were it herself, she'd never feel so at ease. Yet every time Jiang Yu'e tried to provoke Jiang Li, it ended in failure—Jiang Li simply never seemed to get angry.

Sure enough, this time too, upon hearing Jiang Yu'e's provocation, Jiang Li merely smiled faintly and said, "What does it matter if I'm resigned or not?" It's already done. Besides, I'll have opportunities in the future. Though they may not compare to the Zhou heir, I'll still have choices—unlike Fifth Sister..." She cast a meaningful glance at Jiang Yu'e and left the sentence hanging.

Jiang Yu'e knew exactly what Jiang Li left unsaid: the men Jiang Yu'e could choose from would never be as numerous as Jiang Li's options.

Perhaps due to the mix of anxiety, anger, and resentment, Jiang Yu'e felt her chest grow hot and her head dizzy, momentarily at a loss for words.

As she spoke, Jiang Li kept a peripheral watch on the leading palace maid's expression. Noting how the maid remained utterly unmoved by their exchange, Jiang Li grew even more alert.

After walking some distance, another palace maid suddenly approached. Smiling at Jiang Yu'e, she said, "Consort Li has instructed this servant to take Fifth Miss Jiang to the side chamber first to select garments." Then, turning to Jiang Li, she added, "Second Miss Jiang may proceed to the front room to rest. Once Fifth Miss Jiang has chosen her attire, this servant will escort her back."

Jiang Li sneered inwardly—Ji Shuran's people were indeed impatient to separate Jiang Yu'e from her. Playing along with the charade, she pressed her temples and smiled faintly at Jiang Yu'e. "In that case, Fifth Sister, you should go ahead. I have a terrible headache and will rest in the room while waiting for you."

Having swallowed a bellyful of resentment from Jiang Li during their walk, Jiang Yu'e naturally offered no objection. Moreover, the prospect of selecting garments prepared by Consort Li lifted her spirits somewhat. Jiang Yu'e agreed and watched as Jiang Li turned to follow the original palace maid forward.

But just as Jiang Li turned, something slipped from her sleeve.

Jiang Yu'e, standing nearby, instinctively bent to pick it up—it was a slip of paper. She was about to call out to Jiang Li when, in that instant, the lantern light hanging in the corridor illuminated the handwriting on the paper.

Jiang Yu'e's voice caught in her throat.

Clutching the paper as she stood up, she watched Jiang Li's receding figure, her heart racing wildly.The note unexpectedly contained Zhou Yanbang's request to meet Jiang Li privately, seemingly scheduled for that very night. Jiang Yu'e's first instinct was to take the note to Ji Shuran and expose Jiang Li's scandalous affair. With this thought, her dizziness actually eased considerably.

Jiang Yu'e tucked the note into her sleeve just as Jiang Li and the palace maid disappeared around the corner of the corridor. Only then did she turn to face the waiting maid assigned to help her select garments, smiling as she said, "My second sister is so careless—she didn't even realize she dropped something. I'll have to find a way to return it to her later. Shall we go?"

Jiang Yu'e then followed the maid who had appeared midway, turning back in the opposite direction.

Meanwhile, Jiang Li, who was accompanying another maid toward the tea room, subtly curled the corners of her lips.

When she dropped the note and heard no reaction from behind, she knew Jiang Yu'e had taken the bait.

In such circumstances, it was impossible for Jiang Yu'e not to have seen the note fall. That she hadn't called out meant she had clearly read its contents.

What Jiang Yu'e intended to do was likely to seek favor with Ji Shuran, but even if she presented the note, it wouldn't prove anything—after all, Jiang Li had no intention of keeping the appointment. However, if Jiang Yu'e had truly listened to Jiang Li's remarks along the way, she might make a different choice.

Given Jiang Yu'e's competitive nature and unwillingness to be subordinate, she was easily blinded by immediate gains. Jiang Li's statement that "being Zhou Yanbang's concubine is better than being a wife in an ordinary family" would be rejected by any woman with sense and dignity, but Jiang Yu'e was an exception.

For now, it was enough to handle this side of the situation.

Jiang Li followed the guiding maid around another corner before arriving at the tea room at the end of the corridor. The maid smiled and said, "Second Miss Jiang, please rest inside. There are tea and snacks available. This servant will fetch some bronze ice to relieve the heat."

Jiang Li replied, "You may go."

After the maid left, Jiang Li sat quietly for a moment before rising and walking over to the lit incense in the room. With a faint smile, she effortlessly snapped the incense stick in two.

Having experienced something similar once before, Jiang Li felt remarkably calm at this moment. Her hand brushed against a small curved knife hidden in her sleeve—a gift from Jiang Jingrui when he heard she was attending Mingyi Hall. No one in the palace would expect Jiang Yuanbai's daughter to carry such a weapon, or else Jiang Li would have no way to explain herself.

Unhurried, she sat back down at the small table, propping her chin with one hand as if dozing, while the other hand lightly tapped the table. The rhythmic knocking caused the oil lamp before her to flicker, casting dazzling sparks.

The maids outside wouldn't leave just yet, Jiang Li mused. They would at least wait until Ye Shijie entered. She wasn't sure how disoriented Ye Shijie might be, but if he were severely incoherent, she wouldn't mind using a bloody method to sober him up. Her fingers gently stroked the curved knife in her sleeve once more.Unaware of how much time had passed, the oil in the lamp had already diminished by a small portion when voices suddenly drifted in from outside. After a while, the door creaked open, and someone entered from outside.

Jiang Li continued to feign sleep, propping her chin on her hand.

"Young Master Ye, please rest here for a moment. This servant will fetch more tea and snacks," a woman's voice said.

Before Jiang Li could react, the door was gently closed again, and stumbling footsteps suddenly approached.

Jiang Li's heart tightened as the pungent smell of alcohol suddenly filled her nostrils. She suppressed her discomfort, unsure if the palace maid outside was still there, and felt someone pushing against her.

At that moment, memories from her past life flooded her mind.

Although Xue Fangfei at that time remembered nothing except being drunk, after waking up to countless scornful gazes and accusations, she had repeatedly replayed the possible events in her mind. The more she thought about it, the more nauseating and terrifying it became.

Although it was later proven to be a conspiracy, the weak and helpless version of herself who had allowed others to manipulate her remained forever unforgivable in her heart.

Jiang Li suddenly drew the curved dagger from her sleeve, accurately pressing it against the other person. Her voice was cold, restrained yet carrying an uncontrollable violence, as she said, "Ye Shijie."

The other person's breathing suddenly became steady.

She opened her eyes and saw her blade tip pressed against Ye Shijie's throat. His face was flushed red, reeking of alcohol, undoubtedly appearing like a drunkard, yet he looked at her with a stunned expression.

Jiang Li frowned slightly.

Ye Shijie wasn't drunk—he was sober.

...

Jiang Yu'e was led by the guiding palace maid to another side room to wait while changing clothes.

She was actually quite eager to take the note from her sleeve to show Ji Shuran, so much so that she lacked the patience to wait for the person delivering the clothes. Feeling somewhat restless, she couldn't help but carefully examine the note that had fallen from Jiang Li once more.

Jiang Yu'e thought to herself, who would have thought that while Jiang Li claimed to no longer care about Zhou Yanbang, she was still secretly maintaining ties with him. After all, Jiang Li was also Jiang Yuanbai's daughter. If this matter were truly exposed, since both were his flesh and blood, and the Zhou family couldn't afford to offend either of the two legitimate daughters, who would Zhou Yanbang ultimately marry?

It should still be Jiang Youyao, since she was the one currently engaged to Zhou Yanbang.

After all, Zhou Yanbang still needed to form a marital alliance with the main branch of the Jiang family.

For some reason, Jiang Yu'e suddenly recalled the words Jiang Li had spoken earlier.

"Fifth Sister, with your appearance and talents, you'll likely only end up matched with some unknown man. Not to mention comparing to Young Master Zhou, you might not even measure up to ordinary officials' sons. Well, being a legal wife to an ordinary man might indeed be inferior to being Young Master Zhou's concubine."

Jiang Yu'e thought bitterly, why wasn't she the one Zhou Yanbang wanted to meet? Clearly, she was no worse than Jiang Li or Jiang Youyao. Was it just because of her background that she wasn't even qualified to catch Zhou Yanbang's eye?

Thinking about how Jiang Li and Jiang Youyao were entangled with someone like Zhou Yanbang, the heir of Marquis Ningyuan, while her future husband might not even compare to one of Zhou Yanbang's toes, Jiang Yu'e suddenly felt a sense of listlessness, as if she had lost interest in everything, even her desire to see Jiang Li humiliated had faded.Her temples throbbed intermittently, and Jiang Yu'e's heart gradually grew warm. Suddenly, a bold idea flashed through her mind.

What if she were the one meeting Zhou Yanbang today?

What if she used Jiang Li's name and this note to be with Zhou Yanbang? Would he take pity on her? Would he develop even a sliver of affection for her, enough to find a way to bring her into Marquis Ningyuan's household as well?

Jiang Yu'e wasn't so foolish as to immediately dream of becoming Zhou Yanbang's wife. She knew full well that, given her status, it was absolutely impossible for her to become his official wife. But wouldn't it be fine to be his concubine, a noble one at that? Jiang Li had spoken one truth: being the official wife of a commoner was far worse than being Zhou Yanbang's concubine. At the very least, Zhou Yanbang was a young talent praised by everyone in Yanjing City, from a wealthy and influential family, and exceptionally handsome. Marrying him would be no loss for her.

The more she thought about it, the more feasible it seemed. Jiang Yu'e stared at the note in her palm, then suddenly clenched her fist tightly.

She had made up her mind.

Just then, the palace maid who had gone to fetch her clothes returned, carrying them. Seeing this, Jiang Yu'e quickly stood up.

She was eager to change into clean clothes to keep her appointment with Zhou Yanbang, her urgency puzzling the maid. Wanting to send the others away, Jiang Yu'e smiled and said, "I suddenly feel the need to use the latrine. After changing, I'll go. There's no need for you to stay with me, sister—just point me in the right direction."

The maid, likely only sent by Ji Shuran to deliver the message and having no other tasks afterward, saw no reason to doubt Jiang Yu'e's words. She pointed in a direction and said, "It's not far. Just walk straight ahead, miss, and turn right at the end to find it."

After changing her clothes, Jiang Yu'e pushed the door open and stepped out. She first headed toward the latrine, but upon reaching the end and turning right, she glanced back. Seeing no one following her, she immediately turned around and went in the opposite direction.

Exactly as Zhou Yanbang's note had said: the Yuxiu Pavilion at the east gate behind the garden.

Jiang Yu'e walked quickly, and by the end, she was almost running.

As she ran, the cool night breeze brushed against her face, refreshing and cool, yet it did nothing to extinguish the fire burning in her heart. Instead, her emotions grew even more fervent.

She had already planned it out: when she met Zhou Yanbang, she would confess her admiration for him, speak of the hardships she endured in the Jiang family, and even shed a tear or two. Men, when faced with a beauty's adoration, could not help but feel smug. Even those who prided themselves on being upright gentlemen would find it hard to blame a young girl for her heartfelt affections. Moreover, men were naturally inclined to pity the weak. With her delicate and pitiable appearance, a few tears would surely soften Zhou Yanbang's heart, even if he had never noticed her before.

As long as she could secure Zhou Yanbang's promise, as long as she could establish a connection with him... Jiang Yu'e bit her lip. She could escape the fate of marrying some commoner with no status!

Recalling Jiang Li's words from earlier, the sarcasm and subtle disdain in them only fueled the fire raging within her.

What did it matter if they were from the main branch of the Jiang family? Between Jiang Li and Jiang Youyao, only one could marry Zhou Yanbang. Whether it was Jiang Li or Jiang Youyao, one of them would inevitably be the loser.

If she could enter the Marquis Ningyuan's household, at least one of those privileged daughters from the main branch would have lost to her. Being a concubine and having to endure the official wife's disdain was of little consequence. Jiang Yu'e thought to herself, Jiang Li was always hypocritically aloof, and Jiang Youyao was spoiled rotten by Ji Shuran. Naturally, neither of them knew how to please a man.

But Jiang Yu'e was confident she could win Zhou Yanbang's heart.

Lost in her wild thoughts, she had already arrived at the Yuxiu Pavilion in the east garden.The pavilion over the water was now completely dark, without even a single lamp lit inside, indicating that no one usually came here. Zhou Yanbang certainly knew how to pick a spot—or perhaps he had long since scouted this place, waiting for today's secret rendezvous with Jiang Li here.

Jiang Yu'e gave a light laugh and stepped inside.

Her heart grew even more fervent. Whether it was due to her emotions or not, Jiang Yu'e even felt a slight sweat breaking out on her forehead, and her breathing became somewhat labored. She desperately wanted to press something cool against her skin to relieve this heat.

She paused, took a long breath, and stopped in front of Yu Xiu Pavilion.

Once she stepped through this door, she would transform from a sparrow into a phoenix, escaping what could have been a mediocre future. This was the prosperous path she had carved out for herself, entirely unrelated to the Third House.

Jiang Yu'e pushed the door open and stepped inside.

(End of Chapter)