The Double

Chapter 86 Mid-Autumn Festival

Just as the Marquis Ningyuan's residence was discussing how to deal with Jiang Yu'e, in the Jiang residence, within the third branch's courtyard, Yang Shi was also quarreling incessantly with Jiang Yuanxing over Jiang Yu'e's matter.

"Yu'e is already with Zhou Yanbang now. She can only marry into the Marquis Ningyuan's household!" Yang Shi widened her eyes. Perhaps because of Jiang Yu'e's situation, she appeared noticeably thinner overnight, her face sharper and more gaunt, with prominent cheekbones, making her seem even more shrewish than usual.

"I absolutely will not allow my daughter to become a concubine!" Jiang Yuanxing, contrary to his usual timid nature, argued fiercely with Yang Shi, his face flushed and neck taut. He said, "If she becomes Marquis Ningyuan's concubine, her sons will end up like me—nothing but illegitimate children!"

This left even Yang Shi speechless. She looked at her husband. When she married Jiang Yuanxing, it wasn't that she didn't like him. Though Jiang Yuanxing was merely an illegitimate child of the third branch, she herself was only the illegitimate daughter of a minor official. Marrying into a wealthier family had been impossible. Moreover, Jiang Yuanxing appeared refined and gentle, which wasn't unpleasant.

But daily life always boiled down to practical matters. The human heart tends to compare, and compared to the wealth of the first and second branches, the third branch's impoverished circumstances filled Yang Shi with resentment. Bitter and blaming, she often quarreled with Jiang Yuanxing. Jiang Yuanxing never retorted, merely accepting it meekly, which made Yang Shi realize this man wasn't just gentle—he was inherently weak, destined to remain a proofreader for life.

After years of marriage, this was the first time Jiang Yuanxing had argued with her. And for him to even say something like "end up like me—nothing but an illegitimate child" showed he was truly enraged.

Jiang Yuanxing was indeed furious.

Only he knew how humble it was to be an illegitimate child. Though he usually seemed indifferent about it, in front of his two elder brothers, he always felt inferior and unable to hold his head high. As a child, he had fantasized that if his birth mother had been Old Madam Jiang, he would have everything his brothers had and be respected wherever he went. Growing up, he came to understand that everything was fate. Since heaven willed him to be born from a concubine, his life was destined to be trampled underfoot by his two elder brothers.

His fate was unchangeable, but his daughter's wasn't. Jiang Yu'e didn't have to walk this path. She could choose not to marry Zhou Yanbang, thus sparing her children the tragic fate of being illegitimate.

"Then what do you suggest we do?" Yang Shi suddenly calmed down. Instead of persisting in their usual endless arguments, she spoke with near despair: "Given Yu'e's status, she can only become the heir of Marquis Ningyuan's concubine. Do you think they would take her as the principal wife? Now the entire Yanjing City knows Yu'e is with Zhou Yanbang. No one will marry her. Do you want her to stay in the residence as an old maid forever? Or should she just cut her hair and spend her life in a temple, accompanied by the green lamp and ancient Buddha?" Yang Shi murmured, "I didn't raise our daughter well, but if you weren't just a proofreader, if it were the first branch's daughter in trouble instead of Yu'e, the outcome would never be like this."

Jiang Yuanxing staggered back two steps as if struck by lightning.At this moment, Jiang Yu'e rushed in from outside and immediately knelt on the ground, weeping as she addressed Jiang Yuanxing: "Father, I don't want to become a nun, nor do I want to remain in the mansion for the rest of my life. Things have already come to this—if I don't marry Zhou Yanbang, I have no other path to take. Father, are you trying to drive your daughter to her death?"

Seeing his wife and daughter in such a state, and considering his own current standing, Jiang Yuanxing's face turned ashen, leaving him with no means to resist. His lips trembled slightly before he finally closed his eyes and, after a long pause, uttered a single word: "Fine."

Thus, the matter was settled.

...

Time passed steadily, and summer finally gave way to autumn, arriving with the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms from the distant skies.

This summer had felt exceptionally long, and Yanjing City seemed to have witnessed many significant events. Upon reflection, however, unless it concerned life and death, most matters were trivial. Yet even among these trivialities, some became the subject of gossip for months on end.

Zhou Yanbang's romantic fortune from the Marquis of Ningyuan's household was one such topic.

It was said that ever since the heir of the Marquis of Ningyuan had entangled himself with two women in front of the guests during the palace banquet, men envied Zhou Yanbang for his ability to enjoy the company of multiple beauties, while women unanimously sympathized with his original fiancée, Jiang Youyao.

It was truly an unexpected calamity. Third Miss Jiang had only one year left before she could marry Zhou Yanbang, yet such an incident occurred midway. She had done nothing wrong, yet her fiancé was snatched away. Those who envied Jiang Youyao clapped their hands in delight, claiming it was all retribution—hadn't Third Miss Jiang taken this engagement from Second Miss Jiang? It seemed that what truly belonged to one could not be stolen, no matter how hard one tried.

Regardless of public opinion, this romantic affair was ultimately resolved through Zhou Yanbang's marital arrangements.

Zhou Yanbang would marry Miss Shen Ruyun as his wife and take Third Miss Jiang as his concubine.

Shen Ruyun had been "compromised" by Zhou Yanbang and was the sister of an Imperial Secretariat Writer. Since a young woman's reputation was of utmost importance, Shen Ruyun had to be married into the family. As for Jiang Yu'e, rumors in Yanjing City mostly suggested that Fifth Miss Jiang had long been secretly involved with her prospective brother-in-law. To cover up the scandal, she was taken in as a concubine. Given the low status of the Jiang family's third branch, becoming a concubine was sufficient. Naturally, the third branch agreed, which inadvertently confirmed the rumors of Jiang Yu'e's prior affair with Zhou Yanbang.

To outsiders, Zhou Yanbang now had a beautiful wife and a charming concubine, and he had also become a favorite of the current emperor—being the brother-in-law of an Imperial Secretariat Writer. It seemed like a happy outcome for all. But the true taste of this situation was known only to Zhou Yanbang himself.

In Fragrant Garden Courtyard, Tong'er sat on a small stool in front of the house, making Chinese knots with Bai Xue.

"With Third Miss absent, the weather has improved a lot lately." Tong'er took a deep breath, inhaling the intense fragrance of osmanthus in the air.

Bai Xue nodded seriously. "Indeed."

"I just wonder how long Third Miss will be confined," Mingyue and Qingfeng, who were sweeping the floor, chimed in with a laugh. "It would be best if she's kept for a few more days."

Jiang Li smiled as she watched the maids in the courtyard. Over this period, they had become much more relaxed, perhaps because Ji Shuran and her daughter had been too preoccupied to bother with Fragrant Garden Courtyard.

Jiang Youyao was under house arrest.That day in the Evening Phoenix Hall, Jiang Youyao and Jiang Yu'e got into a fight. Though Jiang Li didn't witness it herself, she heard from maids who saw it that Jiang Youyao had slashed Jiang Yu'e's face, causing blood to gush out profusely. Given Jiang Yuanxing's status, he couldn't demand anything from Jiang Yuanbai or take any action against Jiang Youyao. However, Old Madam Jiang was furious and ordered Jiang Youyao to be confined to her quarters.

Jiang Li thought that Old Madam Jiang's decision to confine Jiang Youyao wasn't really about punishing her for injuring Jiang Yu'e. Instead, it was likely because she feared Jiang Youyao still hadn't given up on Zhou Yanbang and might do something foolish upon learning that he was set to marry both Shen Ruyun and Jiang Yu'e. Confining her was a way to cut off that possibility.

Old Madam Jiang's move actually saved Jiang Li a lot of trouble. With Jiang Youyao absent from the Jiang residence and no longer causing annoyance, Ji Shuran was probably too preoccupied to bother with Jiang Li. These days, the Jiang residence had been unusually quiet.

Jiang Yu'e was reportedly sent to a manor to recuperate from her injuries, and the marriage alliance with the Marquis Ningyuan's household was finalized. Jiang Li couldn't help but admire the decisiveness of the Marquis Ningyuan's family—Zhou Yanbang's marriage was settled so effortlessly. By now, Zhou Yanbang had already been through three betrothals, though this last one was likely the one he was least satisfied with.

But while Zhou Yanbang might be displeased, Shen Ruyun and Jiang Yu'e were certainly content.

Shen Ruyun had finally achieved her wish to marry the man she had long admired. Jiang Li, however, believed that Shen Ruyun's future would be far from easy. Shen Ruyun was narrow-minded and domineering, but she would have to contend with Jiang Yu'e, who was cunning and skilled at flattery. Moreover, Zhou Yanbang didn't truly love Shen Ruyun, and over time, he would inevitably grow resentful toward her. With these three together, the Marquis Ningyuan's household was bound to be thrown into chaos.

It was a case of "the wicked meeting their match"—pairing Shen Ruyun and Jiang Yu'e together was a perfect arrangement.

Thinking about the future turmoil in the Marquis Ningyuan's household, Jiang Li couldn't help but feel amused. Just as she was lost in thought, a young man's voice sounded beside her: "Are you daydreaming about love? Or are you daydreaming about love?"

Jiang Li looked up to see Jiang Jingrui staring at her with a teasing expression, as if he had uncovered some secret of hers. Not content with that, he leaned in closer and said, "Tell me, which young master has caught the eye of our Second Young Lady? I'll help you check him out."

"Stop talking nonsense!" Tong'er sprang to her feet. "My young lady is pure and innocent—she's hardly even met any men! What nonsense about 'daydreaming about love'! If you keep spouting such rubbish, Second Young Master, be careful or Second Madam will teach you a lesson!"

"Now you're threatening to tattle to my mother?" Jiang Jingrui exclaimed in mock surprise. "Jiang Li, your maid is way too fierce."

Jiang Li couldn't be bothered to deal with him. Jiang Jingrui seemed to have nothing better to do all day, drifting around aimlessly until he ended up here. It was strange how Lu Shi managed Jiang Jingyou so well yet was so lenient with Jiang Jingrui. Was it really a case of "the squeaky wheel gets the grease"? The more unruly Jiang Jingrui became, the less anyone dared to discipline him? That didn't make sense—if Xue Zhao dared to act like this, Xue Huaiyuan would have long since punished him until he cried out in misery.

"What are you here for, anyway?" Jiang Li asked.

"The Mid-Autumn Festival is in three days. There's a lantern fair in the evening—want to go?"

Jiang Li: "No.""You're not going?" Jiang Jingrui widened his eyes, staring at Jiang Li as if she were some kind of monster. "Why won't you go? The Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival has so many delicious foods and fun activities. You haven't been before... ahem, even if you went years ago, it's much livelier now than before. Why not go?"

Jiang Li replied, "I don't want to." She stood up and was about to head inside. Unexpectedly, Jiang Jingrui acted like a rascal, immediately getting up and pestering her as she moved about. "Jiang Li, there's something wrong with you! All the other young ladies look forward to the Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival every year for the excitement, but you—you're not going. What's the matter? Everyone in our household will be out that day. If you don't go, what will you do at home? Play Leaf cards with Jiang Youyao, who's under house arrest? Or copy Buddhist scriptures with Grandmother?"

Even someone as good-tempered as Jiang Li was growing impatient with him. "There's no reason. I just don't want to go."

Jiang Jingrui stood rooted to the spot, while Tong'er and Bai Xue also turned their gazes toward Jiang Li.

Only then did Jiang Li realize her tone had been too harsh. She softened her mood and spoke gently to Jiang Jingrui, "I don't like crowds. With so many people, it's easy to bump into others, and I'm genuinely afraid. You should go ahead by yourself. It's fine if I don't go." Though her tone was gentle, it carried an unyielding finality.

Jiang Jingrui lingered for a while but eventually realized Jiang Li showed no intention of changing her mind. He could only leave, crestfallen.

After Jiang Jingrui left, Jiang Li no longer stayed in the courtyard to bask in the sun and went inside by herself.

Once Jiang Li had entered her room, Bai Xue asked Tong'er in confusion, "Why is the young lady unhappy?"

Tong'er shook her head. "I don't know. Maybe Second Young Master is just too annoying."

Inside the room, Jiang Li sat by the window.

Amid the emerald leaves of the osmanthus tree bloomed tiny, pale yellow flowers. Though inconspicuous to the eye, their fragrance surpassed that of any other blossom. Beneath the tree, many withered flowers had fallen, turning from pale yellow to golden, and finally into fragrant mud—dust to dust, earth to earth.

Another Mid-Autumn Festival had arrived, Jiang Li thought silently.

She recalled the first time she followed Shen Yurong to Yanjing City, her first Mid-Autumn Festival spent there. Mid-Autumn was a time for reunion, and she missed her father and Xue Zhao back in her hometown, feeling particularly melancholy. Shen Yurong had taken her hand and said, "From now on, this is your home. You haven't seen Yanjing City's Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival yet, have you? It's no less impressive than Tongxiang's. I'll take you to see it, and every year after that, until you grow to love this place."

And so, Shen Yurong took her to the lantern festival.

Unlike small towns like Tongxiang, which were simple, natural, warm, and endearing, Yanjing City was bustling, glamorous, lively, and crowded. It was her first time seeing so many lanterns. The riddles written by the vendors on the lanterns were always exceptionally simple, and she and Shen Yurong guessed every one correctly. They won so many lanterns they couldn't hold them all, eventually giving them to children they met along the way.

She still remembered one riddle: "Searching for him a thousand times in the crowd." She guessed it was "longing." Shen Yurong whispered in her ear, "This word is just like how I feel about you."

He "longed" for her. At that time, she thought it was true and genuinely believed it, not knowing that behind that "longing" lay another word: "death."

He longed for her death, so that nothing would stand in his way.Jiang Li clenched her fist, took a deep breath, and slowly relaxed her palm.

She had no desire to dwell on past memories, but the more brutal the present became, the clearer those memories seemed. Jiang Jingrui had suggested she go out to see the Mid-Autumn lantern festival, but Jiang Li was afraid. She feared that stepping outside would bring back memories everywhere, reminders of the past at every turn.

That would be too cruel. She would rather not see it, forever remembering only the ugly sides of others. That way, the warmth and beauty would remain unbroken, sealed away underground, as if they had never existed in the first place.

She would not invite suffering upon herself.

...

In an inn in Yanjing City, the lamplight in one room burned particularly bright.

Ye Shijie sat inside, carefully adjusting the wick of the lamp. As he was doing so, a sound came from the direction of the door behind him—someone had pushed it open and entered.

Ye Shijie stood up and turned to look, his face showing a flicker of excitement. "Second Uncle!"

The newcomer was a lean, middle-aged man with a refined and scholarly appearance. He wore a feathered cap and a white robe with two silver ribbons hanging down, looking every bit the scholar, though a hint of cunning intelligence gleamed in his eyes. He closed the door and hurried forward, exclaiming, "Shijie, you’ve really made something of yourself!"

He walked up to Ye Shijie and gave him a firm pat on the shoulder. "I’ve heard all about your accomplishments. I’ve been hearing praises for you all along the way. Well done, you’ve brought honor to our Ye family!"

This man was Ye Shijie’s second uncle, the second master of the Xiangyang Ye family, Ye Mingxuan.

Ye Shijie glanced behind Ye Mingxuan but saw no one else. Puzzled, he asked, "Second Uncle, why are you alone? Where’s my father?"

At this, Ye Mingxuan’s brow furrowed slightly, and his earlier joy faded a little. "Your grandmother hasn’t been well. She fainted at home a few months ago and now needs constant care. There’s also some trouble with the family business in Xiangyang. Not only is your father tied up, but even your third uncle has returned to Xiangyang."

"What?" Ye Shijie was taken aback. "What happened?"

"Nothing too serious," Ye Mingxuan replied, snapping out of his thoughts and patting Ye Shijie’s head. "I came here to bring you some silver notes and to wrap up the business in Yanjing City. Now that you’re an official, there will be many places where you’ll need to spend money. Although it’s unwise to flaunt wealth, you must use it where necessary. Our family isn’t lacking in that regard."

Ye Shijie still felt uneasy and asked, "Second Uncle, are you sure nothing’s wrong? I’d like to go back to see Grandmother."

"You’ve only just taken up your post—how could you take such a long leave to return to Xiangyang? Don’t worry, your grandmother’s condition isn’t serious. Just stay in Yanjing City and focus on your duties. Once you’ve established yourself here, it won’t be difficult for the whole family to move to Yanjing. Hmm, I estimate it’ll take until you’re promoted to the third rank, which should only take three to five years." He stroked his chin thoughtfully.

Ye Shijie fell silent for a moment, then said to Ye Mingxuan, "Second Uncle, do you remember our aunt?"

Ye Mingxuan froze slightly and looked at Ye Shijie.

The Ye family had three sons and one daughter. The only daughter was Ye Zhenzhen, his younger sister. But this sister had been ill-fated, passing away far too young. Merely mentioning her brought a sigh of sorrow.

Observing Ye Mingxuan’s expression, Ye Shijie cautiously continued, "A while ago, I met Aunt’s daughter... my cousin."

"Jiang Li?" Ye Mingxuan reacted swiftly, immediately speaking Jiang Li’s name.Ye Shijie finally breathed a sigh of relief in his heart. Good, Ye Mingxuan hadn't forgotten about Jiang Li's existence. Since he still remembered, things would be much easier to discuss. Ye Shijie proceeded to tell Ye Mingxuan everything in detail - his recent encounters with Jiang Li, what she had said to him, and the rumors circulating about her in Yanjing City. He had many unresolved questions about Jiang Li, and now he finally had someone to consult with, someone with whom he could discuss these matters.

After finishing his lengthy account, Ye Shijie felt parched and took a gulp of tea from the cup on the table. "Second Uncle," he asked, "what do you think Jiang Li means by all this? Does she want to reconcile with our Ye family? But she once said she disdained associating with merchant families. I'm becoming more and more confused."

Being older than Ye Shijie, Ye Mingxuan didn't respond immediately after hearing his account. Instead, he pondered carefully before speaking: "I understand what you've told me. We shouldn't believe everything based on one person's account alone. It's not that I distrust Jiang Li, but rather I don't trust the Jiang family. Although the Jiang family holds official status, officials can sometimes be less straightforward than merchants. I'm concerned this might not be Jiang Li's true intention, but rather the Jiang family's guidance behind the scenes. Even though our Ye family has nothing worth scheming for, it's always wise to be cautious." Ye Mingxuan tapped the table and said, "Here's what we'll do - find an opportunity for me to meet Jiang Li face to face. Then we'll know whether her intentions are genuine or not."

"Second Uncle," Ye Shijie asked hesitantly, "Jiang Li claimed that those disparaging remarks she made about merchant families weren't her true feelings. Do you think that's true?"

Ye Mingxuan smiled. When he smiled, his merchant shrewdness faded considerably, making him resemble a scholar again. "It's not impossible," he said. "However, even if someone instructed her to say those things, if she had trusted us back then and told us the truth to our faces, we could have found a way to take her away. But she didn't trust the Ye family."

"Maybe she was too young at that time," Ye Shijie couldn't help interjecting. "When children are too young, they're easily intimidated."

Ye Mingxuan didn't respond, but simply looked at Ye Shijie with an amused smile until the latter grew uncomfortable. "Wh-what is it?" Ye Shijie asked.

"Nothing," Ye Mingxuan said. "You're right, children are indeed easily influenced. If that were truly the case, we wouldn't blame her - we'd blame ourselves for not noticing the situation back then. But she's not a child anymore now. From what you've described, she's a determined young woman with considerable courage. This time, she can express her true thoughts and decide for herself whether to trust us or not."

"We'll know everything once we meet her," he concluded.

...

Duke Su's Residence.

Despite the bleak autumn weather, the garden within the Duke's residence remained vibrant with blooming flowers.

The Duke's residence seemed untouched by the desolation of autumn and winter. Duke Su maintained a residence full of flowers, naturally including varieties that could bloom throughout all four seasons. While peach blossoms wouldn't flower in autumn, chrysanthemums flourished; though lotus flowers wouldn't last into winter, red plum blossoms would take their place.Of course, ordinary peach blossoms, plum blossoms, chrysanthemums, and plumeria were all unworthy of Duke Su's attention. The flowers cultivated in Duke Su's residence were more delicate than most people in Yanjing City. They couldn't stand the cold, nor could they tolerate excessive heat. Overwatering was unacceptable, and shallow soil coverage was equally problematic. They required constant pruning, pest removal, and a carefully chosen comfortable spot—neither too cramped nor too spacious. They must not be scratched by cats nor pecked by birds.

Every person in the Duke's residence, from the stewards and guards down to the night-soil collectors, was an expert in flower cultivation. If ordinary people struggled to nurture a particular flower, they could simply wait outside Duke Su's gate and casually stop any servant emerging in the morning for advice—each one was guaranteed to explain the intricacies with remarkable clarity.

Therefore, when people ask where the most scenic spot in Yanjing City is, it's not White Cloud Mountain, not Qingdao Temple, not the imperial palace, nor the painted pleasure boats—it's the Duke's residence. It gathers the finest colors of the mortal world in one place, a dazzling beauty that stands apart from the outside. Some say if Duke Su weren't so notoriously temperamental and feared, the daily crowd of peepers trying to glimpse his garden would likely topple the outer walls.

It's truly breathtaking.

And perhaps the more beautiful the place, the more beautiful the people it nurtures. Every servant, attendant, guard, and enforcer in the entire Duke's residence is stunningly attractive. Though none can match Duke Su's peerless elegance, taken outside, they'd probably captivate crowds.

It's utterly perplexing.

At this moment, in the study of Duke Su's residence, a conversation was underway.

Kong Liu slammed his fist on the table, his voice gruff: "Are you going to the Mid-Autumn lantern festival tomorrow or not?"

"No." Ji Heng replied with two crisp syllables.

"Why?" Kong Liu asked, "Don't you want to see what tricks Prince Cheng is up to?"

"It's not yet time for him to make his move. Going would be pointless." Ji Heng said carelessly, "It's the same every year. Dull."

"But Jin Mantang will be there this year." Lu Ji, seated on the other side, spoke with refined elegance while stroking his pointed goatee, "My lord, don't you enjoy opera?"

"Yes, yes!" Kong Liu chimed in, "Jin Mantang—they say they're far better than that overrated Lovesick Troupe from before."

Ji Heng glanced at him. Everyone knew the Lovesick Troupe had previously taken Yanjing by storm because of Liu Sheng, who stole every show. But that young actor who always played female roles developed improper ambitions—during a performance at the Duke's residence for the old general's birthday celebration, he actually attempted to climb into Ji Heng's bed. Ji Heng was so disgusted he broke Liu Sheng's legs and threw him out, causing the entire Lovesick Troupe to flee Yanjing overnight.

Offending Duke Su—losing one's life would be getting off lightly.

Thus the Lovesick Troupe vanished from Yanjing, and no other opera troupe rose to prominence. Until recently, when Jin Mantang arrived, said to be quite remarkable.

Seeing Ji Heng remained silent, Kong Liu exclaimed, "If you won't go out, Little Beard Lu and I will have to stay in the residence all night handling official business with you! Tomorrow is Mid-Autumn Festival! Mid-Autumn Festival! Ji Heng! My lord! Your Excellency! Have some mercy! Even beggars get to celebrate holidays!"

Lu Ji didn't speak, but his smiling expression clearly supported Kong Liu's plea. Ji Heng looked at them both, then after a long pause said, "No."

Kong Liu deflated like a punctured balloon, about to protest when the door suddenly opened. Ji Heng's grandfather, the old general, walked in.

Despite the late September chill, the old general remained bare-chested, having just returned from sword practice in the courtyard, glistening sweat still beading his forehead. His sword energy had undoubtedly ravaged another batch of Ji Heng's prized flowers as usual. Noticing a few stray petals clinging to the old general's hair, Lu Ji's eyelid twitched involuntarily. He recognized those petals—they seemed to be from "Fragrant Snow Sea," the flowers Ji Heng had purchased from foreign merchants for a thousand taels of silver. Those few petals alone were probably worth a hundred taels.

No wonder the Duke's servants often said the true spendthrift wasn't Ji Heng, but the old general. How such a flower-destroying grandfather managed to coexist with Ji Heng remained a mystery."So you're going to the Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival tomorrow?" The old general boomed with vigorous energy, his voice resonating through the hall as he looked at Ji Heng with a trace of regret in his eyes. "I originally wanted you to stay at the manor and practice swordplay with me. Just overheard your conversation about some lantern festival—what a pity."

Just as Kong Liu was about to say "It's not a pity since Ji Heng isn't going," he heard Ji Heng's regretful voice chime in: "It truly is a pity."

Kong Liu stared at Ji Heng in astonishment, but Ji Heng merely smiled with unshakable composure and said, "Grandfather can practice alone in the manor. Preferably in the open courtyard—we'll be returning very late."

(End of Chapter)