The Double

Chapter 83 Chaos

"Madam, something has happened to the young master!"

The wife of Marquis Ningyuan was startled and asked sharply, "What happened? Why are you so panicked?"

The maid was about to speak but noticed the astonished gazes of the noblewomen surrounding the marquis's wife. She immediately fell silent, her face flushing red as she stammered incoherently, seemingly unable to bring herself to speak.

Seeing the maid's demeanor, the marquis's wife felt her heart sink like a heavy stone plummeting downward.

Unable to contain herself when it concerned her fiancé, Jiang Youyao stepped forward and asked, "What happened to Young Master Zhou?"

The maid seemed to notice Jiang Youyao only then and grew even more flustered. She avoided Jiang Youyao's questioning gaze while subtly glancing toward Yang Shi.

Yang Shi looked puzzled, but Ji Shuran suddenly glanced at Jiang Li. Seeing Jiang Li standing composedly with a faint smile at her lips, a terrible thought flooded Ji Shuran's mind.

"Regardless," the marquis's wife said, disregarding propriety, "where is the young master? Take me there at once!"

The maid's voice trembled with tears as she replied, "The master and others are all at Yuxiu Pavilion... Many officials are present as well, madam... The young master is in serious trouble this time!"

Though her words were vague, everyone could infer the situation from the maid's demeanor. If it were merely a minor issue, why would she be so evasive? The mention of "serious trouble" clearly implied scandal. Since many officials had witnessed it, they would eventually learn the details by inquiring with their husbands upon returning home.

Hearing this, the marquis's wife staggered, nearly collapsing. Having managed the marquis's household for years, she could roughly guess what had occurred from the maid's behavior. The presence of numerous witnesses made the situation dire—the more people who knew of a scandal, the harder it would be to conceal.

Jiang Li stood beside Ji Heng, her face still adorned with a gentle smile. It was either Zhou Yanbang's foolishness or his audacious lust that led to this. While Hongxiao Emperor was discussing state affairs with his ministers in a side hall near Yuxiu Pavilion, Shen Ruyun's commotion would inevitably draw the officials' attention, allowing them to swiftly arrive and uncover the truth.

Thus, Zhou Yanbang's scandal would become known throughout the court—a fitting outcome for her meticulous planning.

Noticing the smile on Jiang Li's lips, Ji Heng found it amusing. He mirrored her composure, standing motionless while using his fan to conceal the slight curl of his own smile.

Jiang Youyao, however, was too distraught to think clearly. Concern for Zhou Yanbang overrode all else. "Yuxiu Pavilion? Madam, let me accompany you," she urged, tugging at Ji Shuran's sleeve. "Mother, let's go see what happened!"

Ji Shuran wished she could cover Jiang Youyao's mouth. While engaged couples in Yan Dynasty were permitted some closeness, the noblewomen who had guessed the scandal's nature now regarded Jiang Youyao with pity in their eyes.Ji Shuran was left in a dilemma by Jiang Youyao's words, unsure whether to go or stay. Madam Liu, however, spoke up slowly, saying, "No matter what, staying here isn't a solution. Soon the banquet will end and everyone will return to their residences. Let's first head to the waterfront corridor. It's getting late, and we should all go home."

This gave the Heir of Marquis of Ningyuan a way to save face.

Liu Xu disdainfully turned her head away. If it were her, she wouldn't offer these people an easy way out—she'd insist on witnessing exactly what had happened.

The wife of Marquis Ningyuan gratefully smiled at Madam Liu and said, "That's right, we should head back first." As she walked, her steps seemed somewhat unsteady.

Jiang Li noticed this but didn't say a word. Ji Shuran, however, approached Jiang Li, looked into her eyes, and asked softly, "Does Li'er know what happened here?"

So the suspicion had fallen on her after all.

Jiang Li promptly feigned a look of surprise and shook her head. "I've been with the Duke the whole time. How would I know about the Heir of Zhou's affairs? Mother, your question is rather strange."

Ji Shuran then glanced at Ji Heng. Though he was exceptionally handsome, his amber eyes swept over her lightly, sending a chill down her spine.

She immediately fell silent, forcing a faint smile before hurrying after Ji Chen Shi ahead, intending to discuss the matter with her.

Ye Shijie lingered behind. His eyes met Jiang Li's, and he seemed on the verge of speaking, but perhaps noticing Ji Heng nearby, he hesitated, pursed his lips, and followed the crowd with his head lowered.

Ji Heng and Jiang Li walked at the very back.

Jiang Li quickened her pace, deliberately trying to put distance between herself and Ji Heng, keeping her head down as she strode forward. Yet Ji Heng, with his long legs and unhurried gait, effortlessly kept pace with her, matching her step for step.

He remarked leisurely, "Second Miss Jiang's acting skills are even more impressive than those of Liusheng from the Xiangsi Troupe."

A cold dread gripped Jiang Li's heart. After all, that very Liusheng from the Xiangsi Troupe had his legs broken and was thrown out by the man before her for attempting to climb into his bed.

Was Ji Heng hinting at something?

Jiang Li pondered deeply but kept her composure, replying, "You misunderstand, Duke. I have no interest in acting."

"Those who act don't need interest," Ji Heng said with a faint smile. "They just need to do it well."

Jiang Li truly couldn't fathom what Duke Su meant by this, but she had no choice but to stay alert and deal with Ji Heng. After all, he didn't seem like a good person at all.

Who knew what schemes he was brewing in his mind? Even Hongxiao Emperor had fallen victim to his machinations.

The thought that Ji Heng might have shifted his allegiance to Prince Cheng sent a shiver down Jiang Li's spine.

Ji Heng held no loyalty to sovereign or subject—this went beyond mere ruthlessness; it was an arrogance that acknowledged no bounds.

In Jiang Li's view, such a person, even if strikingly beautiful, was best kept at a distance.

Ji Heng fell silent, strolling leisurely alongside Jiang Li. Their figures—one delicate and slender, the other opulent and captivating—were utterly mismatched, yet under the lantern light, their shadows merged on the ground, entwined in an unsettlingly intimate harmony.

Once they passed the waterfront corridor, they headed toward the palace exit to await their respective husbands.

As the group of ladies walked on, a woman's voice suddenly called out, "Mother!"The voice was extremely shrill. Everyone looked and saw a disheveled woman stumbling toward Shen's mother near a pavilion.

The woman was Shen Ruyun.

Even Jiang Li was somewhat surprised. Her original intention had merely been to have Shen Ruyun witness Jiang Yu'e and Zhou Yanbang's affair, hoping jealousy would draw others to the scene. But now Shen Ruyun appeared with disheveled clothing and messy hair, as if something unexpected had happened to her.

Could there have been unforeseen circumstances?

Madam Liu, who was holding Liu Xu's hand, allowed a faint smile to flicker across her face.

While others had been focused on the maid reporting to the Marchioness of Ningyuan, she had overheard the maid mention Yu Xiu Pavilion. Knowing they would pass it on their way out of the palace, she suggested leaving immediately. The Marchioness, too distressed to think clearly, didn't notice the subtle implications. Even those familiar with the palace routes like Li Pin remained detached, unwilling to intervene.

Madam Liu bore no grudge against the Ningyuan Marquis household; she simply felt injustice for Jiang Li. The daughter of her dear friend Ye Zhenzhen was clearly a sensible and well-behaved girl who had suffered unjustly. How could the Ningyuan Marquis household break their promise and change the marriage arrangement? Hearing about Zhou Yanbang's misfortune brought her no sympathy, but rather a sense of satisfaction, as if heaven had finally opened its eyes. Since that was the case, why not lead everyone to see firsthand how Zhou Yanbang had "gotten into trouble"? Wouldn't that be wasting heaven's kind intention?

She had no intention of giving the Ningyuan Marquis household an easy way out!

Shen Ruyun threw herself before Shen's mother, nearly fainting. Only then did everyone see clearly that Shen Ruyun's face was streaked with tears, looking utterly pitiful.

"Mother, mother..."

"Ruyun, what happened to you?" Shen's mother asked urgently.

"Mother, the Heir of Marquis of Ningyuan... he... he molested me!"

A "pfft" sound escaped from one of the noble young ladies, who couldn't hold back her laughter. Although women would feel angered by such advances, they would never speak of it openly—not just because of modesty, but because discussing such matters in public was considered improper. Yet Shen Ruyun had announced it loudly, as if afraid others wouldn't hear. Or was it because she came from a humble background that she didn't know the rules?

Shen's mother shot a dark glare at the young lady, who immediately fell silent and hid behind her own mother in fear.

Shen Ruyun continued to sob uncontrollably.

Jiang Li, however, found this unexpected. This was beyond her predictions. Based on her assessment, although Zhou Yanbang was indeed a hypocrite, he would never molest Shen Ruyun, as she was a stranger to him. Moreover, with Jiang Yu'e present at the time, how would Zhou Yanbang have had any spare attention?

Just then, she caught a glimpse of Shen Ruyun, nestled in her mother's embrace, blinking—not with sorrow, but with the triumphant gleam of someone whose scheme had succeeded.

Jiang Li wondered if she had misseen and looked again. This time, although she didn't see the same expression in Shen Ruyun's eyes, she noticed that the disarray of her clothes and the messiness of her hair seemed deliberately arranged. Besides, how could someone who had been molested be completely disheveled yet have shoes without a speck of dirt, hairpins perfectly in place, and earrings still intact?

It was all too strange.

A sudden possibility struck Jiang Li.She stared at Shen Ruyun in disbelief. If her suspicions were true, then even as Shen Ruyun’s sister-in-law, she would be shocked by the girl’s audacity.

Shen Ruyun insisted that Zhou Yanbang had taken liberties with her, but Jiang Youyao was furious upon hearing this. Before the Marchioness of Ningyuan could speak, she stepped forward first. "Nonsense! How could Young Master Zhou take liberties with you? He is honorable and upright—you must be slandering him!"

In everyone’s eyes, it seemed highly improbable. Though Shen Ruyun could be considered decent-looking, she paled in comparison to Jiang Youyao. For Zhou Yanbang to ignore a beauty like Jiang Youyao and instead harass someone far less attractive like Shen Ruyun—unless he were a fool, there was no logical explanation.

Seeing Jiang Youyao acting as though she were already Zhou Yanbang’s rightful wife, Shen Ruyun grew irritated. Jealousy surged within her, and without thinking, she sneered, "Hmph, he didn’t just harass me—he also harassed your family’s Fifth Miss!"

Jiang Yu’e!

Ji Shuran’s mind went blank, and she instinctively looked at Yang Shi. Yang Shi was also stunned. She had already been anxiously searching for Jiang Yu’e, and upon hearing Shen Ruyun’s words, she felt as if struck by lightning.

Unlike the others, if Shen Ruyun’s claims were true, given her status as the sister of a top scholar, marrying Zhou Yanbang would not be difficult. But how could Jiang Yu’e compare to Shen Ruyun? Would she have to become Zhou Yanbang’s concubine? And even if she did, how could the main branch ever forgive her?

Yang Shi murmured, "Impossible…"

"How is it impossible?" Shen Ruyun retorted immediately. "The Emperor and all the ministers witnessed it with their own eyes. Even Miss Jiang Four was… was…" She trailed off, leaving the rest unsaid.

The Marchioness of Ningyuan felt as if the world were spinning. Heavens, what had Zhou Yanbang done? Why had he suddenly become entangled with two unrelated young ladies, and why had the Emperor witnessed it?

Zhou Yanbang was ruined!

Jiang Youyao took two steps back, feeling as if all strength had left her body. Though she still cried out, "Impossible!" in her heart, she already believed it to be true.

Since Shen Ruyun claimed the Emperor and the ministers had seen it with their own eyes, it was likely not fabricated. In that moment, Jiang Youyao felt her heart ache terribly. She couldn’t understand why Zhou Yanbang would do such a thing. Shen Ruyun was one thing, but Jiang Yu’e was a member of the Jiang family! Zhou Yanbang was slapping her in the face! How could she face others in the future? Would she have to allow Jiang Yu’e to marry into the family as a concubine, with sisters sharing one husband? Even as the principal wife, Jiang Youyao would never permit it!

At this point, Jiang Youyao still saw herself as Zhou Yanbang’s rightful wife, likely believing that despite this incident, he would still marry her.

But Jiang Li saw things clearly: Jiang Youyao’s hopes of marrying Zhou Yanbang were now impossible.

All because Shen Ruyun had inserted herself into the affair.

If Shen Ruyun hadn’t interfered, it would merely have been a scandal between Zhou Yanbang and Jiang Yu’e, known to all. But Jiang Yu’e was, after all, the daughter of an illegitimate child—her status was different, and it would have been natural for Jiang Youyao to dominate her. Zhou Yanbang’s political career would never recover, and over time, conflicts would inevitably arise between Jiang Youyao and him. Throwing Jiang Yu’e into the mix and letting the sisters fight amongst themselves would have conveniently saved Jiang Li the trouble.

But now, Shen Ruyun had also been "harassed" by Zhou Yanbang.Shen Ruyun was the rising star of the court and Shen Yurong's biological younger sister. With the Hongxiao Emperor currently valuing Shen Yurong, he would certainly stand by him. Shen Ruyun, whose heart belonged solely to Zhou Yanbang, could not bear to see him punished. The best solution was for Shen Ruyun to marry Zhou Yanbang.

Shen Ruyun had gotten her wish.

Jiang Li was almost certain that the so-called "harassment" of Shen Ruyun by Zhou Yanbang was fabricated by Shen Ruyun herself. Zhou Yanbang had likely been in a daze at the time, and Shen Ruyun seized the opportunity to pin the blame on him.

Jiang Li didn't know how Shen Ruyun had come up with this plan, but she couldn't help but admire her. Shen Ruyun had been determined to marry Zhou Yanbang, and now she had achieved her goal through such means. Jiang Li had initially thought her sister-in-law was only capable of foolish tantrums, but she now realized that Shen Ruyun could be quite clever when it mattered.

Like now.

Just then, a commotion arose from the front. The ladies all turned to look and saw a crowd of officials gathered at the entrance of the pavilion, though it was unclear what they were doing.

Seeing this, Shen Ruyun immediately sobbed and said, "Look, that's them."

Jiang Youyao, already emotionally distraught, ignored Ji Shuran's attempts to stop her and rushed forward upon hearing that Zhou Yanbang was there. The officials standing at the entrance of Yuxiu Pavilion stepped aside, unwilling to witness the scene. Jiang Yuanbai was among them and called out, "Youyao," when he saw her.

Jiang Youyao ran to the entrance.

Inside Yuxiu Pavilion, chaos reigned, and a peculiar scent lingered in the air. Zhou Yanbang and Jiang Yu'e seemed to have awoken, though their clothes were disheveled, as if hastily put on. Zhou Yanbang's face was flushed with embarrassment. Jiang Yu'e, however, looked at Jiang Youyao and pitifully called out, "Third Sister."

Jiang Youyao strode forward without hesitation and slapped Jiang Yu'e hard across the face.

Jiang Yu'e staggered from the blow but did not move away. Instead, she covered her cheek as tears streamed down her face. "Third Sister, I... I've wronged you," she whispered.

Jiang Youyao then turned to Zhou Yanbang, her voice filled with sorrow. "Young Master Zhou, how... how could you do this?"

"I... I don't know," Zhou Yanbang stammered, utterly bewildered. He had no recollection of what had happened. He remembered arranging to meet Jiang Li, and when she arrived, they had grown intimate. After that, his memories became hazy until a woman's scream jolted him awake. A stranger accused him of assaulting her. Then the Emperor, his father, and several court officials arrived, only to find Jiang Yu'e lying beside him.

Zhou Yanbang remembered nothing. But seeing Jiang Youyao strike Jiang Yu'e and Jiang Yu'e enduring the humiliation with tearful resilience, he felt a surge of pity for her. Moreover, Jiang Youyao had always been a cheerful and innocent girl in his eyes—he had never seen her act so violently.

Standing among the crowd, Jiang Li was puzzled by Zhou Yanbang's behavior. Logically, only Jiang Yu'e had consumed the drugged wine, so why did Zhou Yanbang also appear dazed and confused?

"What is Second Young Lady thinking?" Ji Heng suddenly asked.

"I'm wondering why Young Master Zhou remembers nothing. Could it be an excuse to evade responsibility?"Ji Heng let out a soft chuckle.

Jiang Li looked up and cast a suspicious glance at him, only to see him meaningfully shake his fan. Suddenly, understanding dawned on her.

This man loved watching drama so much—he never minded adding fuel to the fire. Since he had known her intentions from the start, could it be that he had thrown in some extra kindling to make this spectacle even more thrilling?

Was Zhou Yanbang’s disgraceful state perhaps his doing?

Jiang Li felt a mix of emotions, unsure what to say. Ji Heng had few redeeming qualities, but in this matter, he had inadvertently done something good, achieving an unexpectedly favorable outcome.

It seemed that Shen Ruyun, upon seeing Zhou Yanbang in such a senseless state, had been struck with inspiration and devised this cunning scheme.

Was this a fortunate accident?

Even though she felt Ji Heng had done something beneficial, Jiang Li’s gaze toward him softened slightly. Ji Heng, however, seemed not to notice, still smiling as he watched the unfinished drama unfold before him.

Jiang Yuanbai could bear it no longer. He pulled Jiang Youyao aside and handed her over to Ji Shuran. Having witnessed the scene with her own eyes, Jiang Youyao was utterly distraught. Without a care for anything else, she collapsed into Ji Shuran’s arms and wept silently.

The Hongxiao Emperor had already left, reportedly unable to stomach such a sordid spectacle.

But how would this drama conclude? Jiang Li was also curious. Zhou Yanbang would undoubtedly be taken back to his residence for the time being, and the Ningyuan Marquis’s household would have to deliberate on how to address the situation. But how would Jiang Yu’e face the wrath of the main branch? Jiang Yu’e had stolen Jiang Youyao’s fiancé, and Jiang Li did not believe for a moment that Jiang Youyao would let the matter rest.

Moreover, with a casual glance, Jiang Li noted that Shen Yurong had yet to appear.

No sooner had the thought crossed her mind than a figure hurriedly approached from the edge of the crowd. Shen Ruyun spotted him and cried out, “Elder Brother!”

Shen Yurong had arrived.

The Ningyuan Marquis, already anxious about how to proceed, felt his head spin at the sight of Shen Yurong. Though the Ningyuan Marquis’s household was influential and wealthy, this Imperial Secretariat Writer was currently a favorite of the emperor. Shen Yurong had only one younger sister, Shen Ruyun. How could he not seek justice for her when she had been wronged?

The Ningyuan Marquis’s household was caught in a dilemma.

Setting aside Jiang Yu’e’s status for the moment, Zhou Yanbang and Jiang Youyao were already betrothed. One was the daughter of the Grand Secretary, the other the sister of the Imperial Secretariat Writer. Neither could be offended, yet it seemed both sides had already been provoked.

“Yurong, why did you only come now?” Shen’s mother wailed. “Your sister has been humiliated!”

Jiang Li sneered inwardly. Why had he come so late? Naturally, he had spent that precious time meeting with Princess Yongning.

Sure enough, not long after Shen Yurong’s arrival, Jiang Li spotted a graceful female figure approaching leisurely from the darkness. Who else could it be but Princess Yongning?

Truly, they were inseparable, following each other like a devoted couple.

Jiang Li stared at Princess Yongning, struggling to conceal the coldness in her expression, but Ji Heng noticed it all. He thoughtfully gripped his fan, a strange glint flashing in his eyes.

Princess Yongning also strolled over unhurriedly to join the commotion, feigning surprise as she asked what had happened.

After hastily comforting Shen Ruyun with a few words, Shen Yurong stood up and walked toward Zhou Yanbang, who stood beside Jiang Yu’e, looking utterly lost.

Whether it was due to the effects of the drug or not, Zhou Yanbang had not fully regained his senses. He seemed unaware of fear and the gravity of the situation, still somewhat dazed.Shen Yurong, seeing him like this, walked directly up to Marquis Ningyuan and said, "Lord Zhou, this matter requires an explanation for my sister."

Being spoken to in such an imperious manner by a young junior before so many colleagues, Marquis Ningyuan felt both humiliated and enraged. However, he was well aware that Zhou Yanbang was entirely at fault in this matter. Though inwardly furious, he managed to put on an appropriately apologetic expression and said, "It is entirely my failure in disciplining my son that has led this worthless boy to commit such a grave offense. There is no need for further words from you, Young Master Shen. I will certainly make this worthless son give your sister a proper account!"

Seeing Shen Yurong stand up for his sister so resolutely, the noble young ladies present gazed at him with envy in their eyes. Combined with Shen Yurong's handsome appearance, many looked upon him with admiration.

Jiang Li, however, snorted in disdain. Putting on such a righteous and principled gentlemanly act—who would know he was capable of murdering his wife and destroying his own lineage just to climb higher? How utterly shameless.

And yet he was naturally gifted with a deceivingly attractive appearance that women found appealing.

Ji Heng remarked, "Young Master Shen is quite responsible."

Jiang Li had intended to ignore him, but upon hearing others praise Shen Yurong, she couldn't help but retort, delivering a bland response, "The Duke sets rather low standards for people."

"Does the Second Young Lady dislike Young Master Shen?" Ji Heng countered. "Strange. Young Master Shen is handsome, refined, and elegant—why would one dislike him?"

Jiang Li sneered, "Once dead, we're all just piles of bones. What is there to like?"

"The Second Young Lady possesses transcendent Buddhist nature," Ji Heng said. "So it turns out you don't judge by appearances."

Only then did Jiang Li remember that this Duke before her was precisely the type who adored beauty and detested ugliness, judging people primarily by their looks. She didn't know why she felt compelled to confront Ji Heng, but she said, "Since Young Master Shen is so beautiful, why doesn't the Duke consider taking him into your residence? He would be a fragrant blossom indeed."

She made it sound as though Shen Yurong were some male courtesan or kept lover.

There was a long pause without any response from Ji Heng—perhaps he had been rendered speechless by Jiang Li's words. Just as Jiang Li thought to look up at him, she heard Ji Heng's voice. He sighed and said, "I never imagined the Second Young Lady was so worldly and experienced. Truly astonishing."

He was implying that she had even witnessed such affairs and was hardly a proper young lady from a respectable family!

Jiang Li couldn't be bothered to respond. She wasn't a noble lady native to Yanjing City, nor was she some refined maiden from a great family. She had always detested constraints and cherished freedom—let others think what they would. Right now, she only wanted to see Zhou Yanbang's fate.

Meanwhile, Princess Yongning had finally finished listening to her maid's account of the entire incident. Her eyes shifted thoughtfully, and she stepped forward.

In the presence of Prince Cheng's sister, Consort Liu's most beloved daughter, everyone had to show deference. Princess Yongning smiled sweetly and said, "What is there to deliberate? A young lady's reputation is of utmost importance. Miss Shen is a proper young lady—how can she marry in the future after being so gratuitously insulted?" Her gaze swept over the dazed Zhou Yanbang, and she chuckled lightly. "Fortunately, your two families are well-matched in social status. This matter isn't difficult to resolve. Why not have the Heir of Marquis of Ningyuan marry Miss Shen? Wouldn't that make everyone happy?"

Jiang Youyao stiffened, looking at Princess Yongning in disbelief.

Shen Ruyun, nestled in Shen's mother's embrace, struggled to conceal the wild joy in her eyes.Jiang Yu'e was filled with unease. Princess Yongning's instructions had only mentioned Shen Ruyun, but not her. Could it be that as the daughter of an illegitimate child, she was unworthy of being mentioned alongside Shen Ruyun? A deep sense of humiliation washed over Jiang Yu'e, forcing her to lower her head and stare resentfully at her own skirt.

Jiang Li's hands, hidden in her sleeves, unconsciously clenched into fists, while the smile at the corner of her lips turned mocking.

Princess Yongning had masterfully taken control. It was clear she had already discerned Shen Ruyun's intentions and was now capitalizing on the situation to please her sister-in-law. Or perhaps it wasn't about pleasing Shen Ruyun at all—given Princess Yongning's temperament, she wouldn't deign to regard Shen Ruyun as worthy of her attention. It was simply that by helping Shen Ruyun, she would also earn Shen Yurong's gratitude.

If she had only suspected before that the Shen family had long been aware of the relationship between Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong, Jiang Li could now be certain.

They had indeed known all along.

(End of Chapter)