The Double

Chapter 81: Inviting Disaster

The teahouse was dimly lit, enveloped in silence outside.

Jiang Li and Ye Shijie sat facing each other. Jiang Li had already withdrawn her hand from the curved blade. Ye Shijie’s gaze lingered on the knife on the table for a moment, as if in disbelief, before finally settling on Jiang Li. “You brought a knife into the palace?” he asked.

Jiang Li had no time to explain why she had brought the knife. Instead, she asked, “Why aren’t you drunk?”

The young man snorted. “The Ye family has dealt with countless people in business. Among those toasting and congratulating today, some were sincere, while others clearly intended to take advantage of the chaos.” He added, “I didn’t drink much—I was only pretending to be drunk to see what they were up to. I didn’t expect there’d be a follow-up. When I was brought to this room, I thought they had some scheme in mind, but I never expected you’d be here too.” Finally, he frowned and asked, “What’s the meaning of this?”

Jiang Li nearly laughed in exasperation. On one hand, Ye Shijie was sharp enough to notice the ill intentions of others and even feigned drunkenness to uncover their plot. On the other, he seemed utterly clueless about the situation and their motives.

She replied calmly, “A man and a woman alone—naturally, it could lead to impropriety after drinking.”

Ye Shijie nearly fell off his stool. Flushing red, he stammered, “H-How can you be so shameless?”

“Is that what you call shameless?” Jiang Li replied indifferently. “I was merely stating their intentions.”

“Why would they do this?” Ye Shijie seemed uncomfortable but forced himself to speak seriously. “Just to ruin your reputation?” In his view, the Jiang family was a mess, and Jiang Li’s status likely made her a target. For a young woman, such a situation would undoubtedly tarnish her reputation.

Jiang Li said coldly, “Don’t speak as if I’ve dragged you into this, Young Master Ye. Think about it—if some scandal involving us were to occur, would you still be able to serve as the newly appointed Vice Minister of Revenue? Would the Ye family ever set foot in official circles again?”

Ye Shijie fell silent. As soon as Jiang Li mentioned it, he understood, breaking into a cold sweat. They always said the officialdom was treacherous, but he hadn’t fully grasped it until now. He hadn’t even assumed his post yet, and already someone was scheming against him. He wondered whose path he had obstructed.

Anger surged within him. “They’re trying to kill two birds with one stone!”

“Exactly,” Jiang Li said. “Fortunately, neither of us fell into their trap.”

Ye Shijie studied Jiang Li and suddenly asked, “Did they drug you too?”

Jiang Li nodded. “Yes, but I didn’t drink it.” Seeing Ye Shijie sigh in relief, she curled her lips slightly. “I gave it to someone else to drink.”

“You?” Ye Shijie exclaimed angrily. “How could you harm someone?”

“I gave it to someone who wanted to drink it,” Jiang Li said indifferently. “After they drink it, they’ll understand what it means to be hoist with one’s own petard.”Ye Shijie felt that Jiang Li was acting rather strange tonight. Usually always smiling and unhurried, tonight she seemed provoked by something, turning sharp and aggressive. Moreover, she appeared to disdain concealing this sharpness, instead seeming to anticipate something happening.

Ye Shijie swallowed and asked, "What if I had truly gotten drunk tonight? What would you have done?" He had sensed something amiss in advance, thus averting a disaster. Still, Ye Shijie was curious: if he hadn't noticed anything wrong and had fallen into the trap, what would Jiang Li have done? Given that those people had drugged them, it was easy to imagine the effects of the drug. If he had lost control... Ye Shijie's face flushed slightly. How would Jiang Li have handled the ensuing situation?

"Nothing serious," Jiang Li said calmly. "If it had come to that, I would have stabbed you with a knife and then left. When discovered, people would only think there was an assassin in the palace. Since you'd be wounded, you'd naturally sober up and, upon realizing what happened, cooperate with me. This scene of 'a lone man and woman secretly meeting in the palace' would simply become 'the newly appointed official attacked in the tea room.'"

She spoke so flatly, without even a hint of inflection, that Ye Shijie didn't know how to react. Annoyed, he retorted, "You planned to stab me? Could you really bring yourself to do it?"

"There's no question of bringing myself to do it or not," Jiang Li stood up. "Getting injured is unpleasant, but it's better than living a life worse than death."

Her tone was so cold when she said this that Ye Shijie couldn't help but shiver. He understood clearly that Jiang Li truly was capable of doing it.

As long as it protected her from harm and kept her from falling into the enemy's trap, Jiang Li could devise any method. She was too rational, never allowing her heart to soften even for a moment.

Seeing Jiang Li rise to leave, Ye Shijie instinctively asked, "Where are you going?"

"The people watching outside should be gone by now. If we wait a little longer, those coming to 'catch us in the act' will arrive. I need to leave so that when they get here, they'll only see you alone and believe their own eyes."

"Where will you go?" Ye Shijie, clever himself, immediately countered, "If you show yourself to those people now, they'll know right away their plan went wrong."

"Of course I won't appear before them now," Jiang Li smiled. "I'm going to ensure another scene proceeds safely and without incident." She pushed the door open and slipped out quietly.

Ye Shijie stood frozen in place. It was too dark outside to see even a shadow, but Jiang Li's last words left him inexplicably terrified. He was certain Jiang Li was off to do something, and equally certain that what she intended would make those who had tried to harm them tonight reap what they had sown.

Although the Ye family was immensely wealthy and no stranger to scheming and deception in business, he shouldn't have been so affected by such matters in principle.

Yet Ye Shijie couldn't help shaking his head and muttering to himself.

"She's really bold."

...

In contrast to Jiang Li's smooth progress with Ye Shijie, Jiang Yu'e was currently at a loss.

After arriving at Yu Xiu Pavilion, Jiang Yu'e groped her way inside in the dark. The pavilion wasn't large, and since she was engaged in a rather unsavory affair, she didn't dare light a lamp for fear of drawing attention. She could only rely on the distant lantern light from outside to faintly discern the general layout of the room.

There was no sign of Zhou Yanbang inside.Jiang Yu'e felt somewhat flustered. Whether due to anxiety or not, her body grew increasingly feverish. While struggling to suppress any visible signs, unfamiliar waves of heat surged relentlessly within her. All she wanted was to quickly remove her outer garment and fan herself vigorously to cool down.

The palace shouldn't be this cold, and it was already nighttime—why was it so unbearably hot?

Just as Jiang Yu'e was about to lose control over the overwhelming heat, a faint movement seemed to stir outside the Yuxiu Pavilion. Her heart leaped, and as she rose from the small chair nearby, the main door of the pavilion swung open, revealing a familiar figure slipping inside.

Jiang Yu'e nearly felt tears welling up in her eyes.

Even without any lamps lit in the room, she could recognize the silhouette of Zhou Yanbang, the Heir of Marquis Ningyuan. She had to admit that, in truth, she had long noticed Zhou Yanbang. How could she not envy Jiang Youyao and Jiang Li, having such a handsome and distinguished brother-in-law? In her heart and dreams, she had traced the lines of his brows and eyes countless times. The only difference was that the Zhou Yanbang of the past was an illusion, while the one before her now was real and tangible.

As Zhou Yanbang entered the room, he seemed equally unaccustomed to the dimness. Taking two steps forward, he noticed Jiang Yu'e standing and hesitated briefly before exclaiming with sudden delight, "Second Miss."

Jiang Yu'e was about to clarify that she was not Jiang Li, the words already on the tip of her tongue, but at the last moment, she paused.

Perhaps the heat in her body was clouding her mind, for a sudden thought flashed through Jiang Yu'e's heart: What if she didn't reveal her identity and instead allowed herself to grow intimate with Zhou Yanbang?

If things were set in stone, and the deed was done, even if Ji Shuran tried to intervene or the Zhou family attempted to evade responsibility, with Zhou Yanbang having taken her virtue, he would have no choice but to marry her!

Jiang Yu'e was no stranger to such situations. She had often heard of young masters and misses caught in compromising positions; if they came from prominent families unwilling to let their children suffer, they would simply marry. Though they might face gossip for a short while, over time, people would forget such trivial matters.

Moreover, even if she were talked about for the rest of her life, as long as she lived well, what did it matter? Those rumors were merely born of envy and resentment.

Jiang Yu'e's mind raced with calculations.

Seeing the girl of his dreams standing silently, Zhou Yanbang assumed Jiang Li was shy and took another step closer, his voice trembling with excitement. "I thought you wouldn't come, but..." He directly grasped Jiang Li's hand. "It seems you still can't let me go."

Zhou Yanbang could hardly contain his exhilaration. In recent days, Jiang Li had never shown him any favor. Even during their few encounters, she had been polite yet distant. No matter how he expressed his feelings, Jiang Li treated him like a stranger.

The more unattainable she was, the more he desired her. Zhou Yanbang found himself obsessing over Jiang Li day and night. Eventually, he mustered the courage to suggest to the Marchioness of Ningyuan that he break off his engagement with Jiang Youyao and be with Jiang Li instead. However, the Marchioness rejected the idea without a second thought, laying out the pros and cons of the marriage arrangement and making Zhou Yanbang face reality: the Jiang family would never allow Jiang Youyao to be wronged.Knowing that this marriage could not be undone and his innermost desire could never be realized, Zhou Yanbang felt deeply disheartened. He told himself to abandon the thought, but when he saw Jiang Li again at the palace banquet, his heart immediately stirred with restless longing.

Jiang Li was like a flower beyond his reach, blooming high above. He adored the flower’s flawless purity, yet feared someone else might pluck it first. He yearned to pick it now and claim it as his own, never considering that once plucked, the flower would not live long.

For instance, Zhou Yanbang was well aware that arranging a private meeting with Jiang Li in the palace was dangerous and improper, especially since Jiang Li was Jiang Youyao’s elder sister. If discovered, Jiang Li would face public condemnation. Despite the risks, Zhou Yanbang still sent that note.

He had initially thought Jiang Li would not come, yet a faint hope lingered in his heart. After all, Jiang Li had once thrown herself into the lake at Qingcheng Mountain over his affair with Jiang Youyao—surely that meant she still held some feelings for him. Perhaps she might even cherish a trace of their past connection.

Now, seeing Jiang Li alive and before him, Zhou Yanbang’s joy was beyond words, mingled with a secret pride, as if he had already won the beauty’s heart.

Jiang Yu’e was momentarily stunned when Zhou Yanbang abruptly grasped her hand. She dared not speak, afraid he would discover her true identity. Yet as his hand enveloped hers, she felt her palm grow increasingly feverish. The pleasant fragrance emanating from him made her dizzy and unsteady, her body softening as she leaned weakly toward him.

Zhou Yanbang noticed the heat radiating from Jiang Yu’e’s body and asked in surprise, “Why are you so feverish? Second Miss, you…”

A soft murmur escaped Jiang Yu’e’s lips as she swayed unsteadily.

Instinctively, Zhou Yanbang reached out to steady her, his hands landing precisely on her waist. With her soft, warm form in his embrace and the delicate scent of her hair filling his senses, he felt his heart stir uncontrollably.

He had always been drawn to Jiang Li, and having drunk quite a bit that evening, his restraint—like that of any man—began to falter. In his mind, had it not been for that earlier mishap, Jiang Li would have been his long ago. Since this was a matter of mutual consent, he saw no need to hold back.

Pulling her closer into his arms, he whispered tenderly, “Li’er…”

Even such an intimate address slipped out.

Jiang Yu’e, however, only felt a tingling where his hands had touched her. Though she had initially intended to scheme against him, her mind was now too clouded to think clearly. Driven by instinct, she pressed closer to him, seeking relief from the inner heat. A contented sigh escaped her throat.

Zhou Yanbang was taken aback at first, but seeing her unsteady state, he understood. He assumed Jiang Li must have drunk heavily that night and was now intoxicated, unaware of her actions. He felt immensely grateful that he was the one who had found her in this state—had any other man seen her like this, ill intentions would surely have arisen.As Jiang Li squirmed restlessly in his embrace, Zhou Yanbang felt a surge of illicit desire rising within him. He was no inexperienced youth—his family had long ago provided him with maids to initiate him into the ways of intimacy. Without hesitation, he pressed the "Jiang Li" in his arms onto the small couch behind the screen in the pitch-dark room.

The room soon echoed with the creaking of the bedframe, interspersed with other sounds that would make anyone blush.

...

Meanwhile, in the palace pavilion, Ji Shuran, Jiang Youyao, and their companions continued to leisurely admire the lotus flowers.

Madam Liu, noticing Jiang Li's absence, asked Liu Xu, "Where has Second Miss Jiang gone?"

Liu Xu replied, "She said she felt dizzy and went to the tea room to rest." She then shook her head in puzzlement. "She didn't drink much today—how could her tolerance be so low?"

Madam Liu frowned, an inexplicable unease settling in her heart. But with nothing amiss apparent, she had no choice but to continue chatting and laughing as usual.

Just as Ji Shuran was smilingly listening to the ladies praising Jiang Youyao, her attendant Sun Momo approached and whispered something in her ear. Ji Shuran nodded, a flicker of joy in her eyes.

Ji Chen Shi, observing Ji Shuran's satisfied smile, also nodded with a knowing grin.

Lu Shi, who had been watching this exchange, glanced at Jiang Li's empty seat and understood the situation. She deliberately moved closer to Ji Shuran and said, "Sister-in-law, why hasn't Li Yatou returned yet?"

"Li'er said she was terribly dizzy," Ji Shuran replied with a smile. "I never realized her alcohol tolerance was so poor. Then again, she spent eight years at Qingcheng Mountain—the nunnery forbade drinking, so she's never really had alcohol before. It's no wonder a little fruit wine overwhelmed her."

She had once again brought up Jiang Li's past banishment from the household for the alleged murder of her mother and brother.

The surrounding ladies began whispering among themselves.

Lu Shi sneered inwardly but couldn't bear to see Ji Shuran's triumphant expression. She added, "I think we should send some servants to watch over Li Yatou. The palace is vast, and it's her first time here—we wouldn't want her to get lost."

"There's no need," Ji Shuran said magnanimously. "Yu'e is with her anyway, and there are palace maids to guide them. Surely you're not suggesting the palace is unsafe? There are guards everywhere—it's perfectly secure."

Lu Shi was silenced. She could never imply that the palace was unsafe, especially with the Empress Dowager present. Moreover, as she spoke, she noticed Li Pin glancing her way from a distance. A chill ran down her spine, and she immediately put on a pleasant smile. "I'm just concerned about the children. You're right, sister-in-law—there's nothing to worry about."

Though Lu Shi's maternal family was respectable, it paled in comparison to the current Ji family. After all, Li Pin of the Ji family enjoyed the Hongxiao Emperor's deep favor—who could rival that? Who would dare?

Discretion was the better part of valor.

Ji Shuran was currently too pleased to mind Lu Shi's deliberate provocation. She had just received news that both Jiang Li and Ye Shijie had gone to the tea room. They had been drugged, and the room was filled with aphrodisiac incense—they must be locked in passion at this very moment.

Soon, when both witnesses and evidence were in place, they would have a perfect excuse to "discover" Jiang Li and Ye Shijie's illicit affair and expose this scandal for all to see.Jiang Li's day of reckoning had arrived. The smile on Ji Shuran's lips was exceptionally gentle as she stroked Jiang Youyao's jet-black hair, her heart filled with the joy of a victor.

The Jiang family should never have had two legitimate daughters. Her daughter could only be the one and only precious jewel of the Jiang family. Jiang Li could compete with Jiang Youyao in nothing—neither Jiang Yuanbai's affection, nor the status of the eldest branch's legitimate daughter, nor even her future husband.

Jiang Li would have to yield everything.

……

The palace corridors were silent.

Under the eaves hung colored glaze lanterns, their flames swaying slightly in the night breeze, the trembling shadows carrying a hint of alluring fragrance.

The palace was vast, and Jiang Li walked slowly.

She was in no hurry to see whether Jiang Yu'e and Zhou Yanbang could "be together," for she was confident in her plan. For someone like Jiang Yu'e—of lowly birth yet restless—the mind was most susceptible to suggestion. With just a little guidance, Jiang Yu'e would surely grasp the implication.

Jiang Li sighed softly.

In the magnificent palace, the night concealed too many filthy deeds. Who knew if beneath these vibrant flower beds, the soil was mingled with layers of bones?

She was not afraid of getting lost, for she had possessed a photographic memory since childhood and remembered the way after just one visit. The cool evening breeze brushed against her face. Strangely, Jiang Li felt no joy or excitement from revenge. Unlike Ji Shuran's uncontrollable triumph, she felt remarkably calm at this moment.

To Jiang Li, Ji Shuran and her daughter were nothing but strangers. The love and hatred between strangers naturally stirred little fluctuation in her heart. The reason she did this was merely to seek justice for the pitiable Second Miss Jiang, and as a retaliation from a gentle-natured person provoked beyond endurance.

But what she hated most in her heart were Shen Yurong and Princess Yongning.

Without a doubt, Jiang Li knew that Shen Yurong and Princess Yongning were surely using the palace banquet as an opportunity to secretly rendezvous. However, unlike Jiang Yu'e, Shen Yurong was inherently cautious and meticulous in his actions, while Princess Yongning would have countless people covering up and guarding for her. Thus, their scandal remained temporarily concealed.

Jiang Li felt regretful.

Biding her time to approach the enemy required patience, yet forcing a smile while bearing a sea of hatred was truly an unbearable challenge.

As these thoughts crossed her mind, she suddenly spotted two familiar figures in the flower bed across from her.

They appeared to be a noble young lady and her personal maid. The young lady was dressed extravagantly; the cloisonné multicolored lovesickness hairpin alone in her hair was worth several hundred taels of silver. Among the young ladies attending today's palace banquet, she could at least rank in the upper tier.

Yet, despite her opulent attire, the young lady seemed in low spirits. She complained, "Those people speak so tediously, and I'm tired of hearing their praises. They only want to use me to inquire about my elder brother. They should look at themselves—how could they ever hope to climb up to my brother?"

Jiang Li had been listening to the girl's complaints with a faint smile, but upon hearing these words, her smile gradually faded.

The girl was none other than Shen Yurong's younger sister, her sister-in-law, Shen Ruyun.

Shen Ruyun must have slipped away to get some fresh air, not staying with Shen's mother. Recalling Shen Ruyun's earlier words, Jiang Li couldn't help but feel a cold sneer rising in her heart.Today's gathering was attended by daughters of court officials, or at the very least, young ladies from prominent official families. Shen Ruyun spoke with remarkable audacity—someone of Shen Yurong's status, lacking both a noble title and the protection of paternal rank or official position, was merely a talented young man whose influence remained limited. In Yanjing City, there were countless noble sons from families more distinguished than Shen Yurong's, yet Shen Ruyun actually believed none could compare to him.

Jiang Li understood clearly: Shen Ruyun spoke this way not because she genuinely thought Shen Yurong was extraordinary, but because in her heart, only a royal princess of imperial lineage like Yongning was worthy of being her sister-in-law. How could the daughters of ministers ever measure up to Princess Yongning? It was only natural for her to assume that only royalty or imperial relatives were fit matches for her elder brother.

In that instant, a peculiar thought suddenly surfaced in Jiang Li's mind.

She knew Shen Ruyun's hidden feelings. For instance, when Shen Ruyun stepped out for fresh air now, Jiang Li was certain it was because she couldn't see Zhou Yanbang. Since she knew Shen Ruyun's secret, it would be a waste not to make use of it, especially considering their past sister-in-law relationship from their previous lives.

Thinking this, Jiang Li smiled faintly and slowly stepped forward, calling out, "Miss Shen."

Shen Ruyun, who was sulking, was startled by the sudden call. She turned around and, seeing it was Jiang Li, frowned and reluctantly replied, "Second Miss Jiang."

Shen Ruyun was well aware of this Second Miss Jiang. Both publicly and privately, she disliked Jiang Li. The mere fact that Jiang Li had once been Zhou Yanbang's fiancée was enough to make Shen Ruyun resent her. Moreover, Jiang Li had a notorious reputation for allegedly killing her mother and younger brother—such a fearsome person was best kept at a distance. In the past, Shen Ruyun would have mocked Jiang Li upon encountering her. But since Jiang Li's return to the capital, she had made a remarkable display at the examination, and her status in the Jiang family was not as lowly as others had assumed. Gradually, no one dared to look down on this Second Miss Jiang anymore.

Although Shen Ruyun acted arrogantly by relying on Shen Yurong's influence, Jiang Yuanbai was the current Grand Secretary, far surpassing Shen Yurong in status.

Jiang Li smiled at Shen Ruyun and asked, "Why has Miss Shen come out?"

Shen Ruyun replied haughtily, "Haven't you come out too?"

Jiang Li was slightly surprised. Although she knew her sister-in-law was quite spoiled, it had only been directed at Xue Fangfei in the past. In public, Shen Ruyun had always been very demure.

There was a saying about a dog relying on its master's power, and now Jiang Li understood it firsthand. It seemed that as Shen Yurong rose in rank, Shen Ruyun's temper had grown considerably as well.

Jiang Li shook her head. "I only came out because I drank too much fruit wine and felt a bit dizzy. I needed some fresh air to sober up." As if remembering something, she chuckled and said, "What a coincidence tonight, running into acquaintances repeatedly. Just now, I saw Heir Zhou, and now I've run into you, Miss Shen."

"Heir Zhou?" Shen Ruyun, who had been impatiently listening to Jiang Li, immediately perked up at the mention of "Heir Zhou." She eagerly pressed, "Do you mean the Heir of Marquis Ningyuan?"

"Exactly."

Shen Ruyun eyed Jiang Li suspiciously, thinking of her past relationship with Zhou Yanbang, and said sourly, "You and Heir Zhou seem quite close."

Jiang Li laughed. "Not at all. It was just a chance encounter. Heir Zhou was on his way to the Elegant Pavilion in the East Garden to rest for a while, which is how we happened to meet." She pointed in a direction. "Over there."

"The Elegant Pavilion in the East Garden?" Shen Ruyun asked.

"Indeed. I noticed Heir Zhou had also drunk quite a bit and seemed unwell." Jiang Li smiled. "But I must return to my mother now. Miss Shen, you should head back soon too—it's chilly outside." With that, she bid farewell to Shen Ruyun and turned to leave.

Shen Ruyun stood frozen in place, her expression shifting uncertainly. She bit her lip, seemingly struggling with a decision.

Her maid, growing uneasy, whispered, "Miss, what now..."

"Let's go to the Elegant Pavilion in the East Garden," Shen Ruyun resolved.

"Miss, is that really appropriate?" the maid asked, still cautious."What's good or not! I just happened to pass by and ran into him!" Shen Ruyun snapped sharply, then immediately headed toward Yuxiu Pavilion in the East Garden with her maid.

After the mistress and servant had left, Jiang Li emerged from behind the rose bushes in the garden.

Shen Ruyun is truly lovesick.

(End of Chapter)