The Double

Chapter 87: Family Gathering

The fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month was the Mid-Autumn Festival.

This day was no different from any other, at most the Jiang family had a reunion meal together. But even this reunion meal couldn't accurately be described as "together." Since Jiang Yu'e had been sent to the manor to "recuperate," and she was scheduled to go to the Marquis Ningyuan's residence next spring—though she was still young—Yang Shi feared that delaying further would be detrimental to Jiang Yu'e, so she had no choice but to let Jiang Yu'e marry first.

Jiang Youyao probably finally realized there was no room for reversal in this matter. Even if unwilling to accept it, being confined by Old Madam Jiang daily left her with few options. In less than a month, she had grown noticeably thinner. Her former charming and lovely appearance now seemed as fragile as if a gust of wind could topple her, pitiable and delicate.

However, this only made Jiang Yuanbai feel more heartache for her. During the meal, Jiang Li noticed that Jiang Yuanbai was extremely gentle toward Ji Shuran and her daughter, likely feeling that the Zhou Yanbang incident had wronged Jiang Youyao and wanting to compensate her.

Seeing their harmonious family dynamic, Jiang Li didn't feel particularly affected. But Lu Shi couldn't stand it and deliberately provoked Ji Shuran by saying, "Everyone's going to the Mid-Autumn lantern festival tonight, right?"

"Youyao won't be going," Ji Shuran replied. "Youyao has caught a chill and hasn't recovered yet. If she goes out and gets exposed to the wind, it'll only worsen her condition. You all go ahead; I'll stay home with Youyao."

Old Madam Jiang hadn't lifted Jiang Youyao's confinement yet. Given Jiang Youyao's temperament and her feelings for Zhou Yanbang, there was concern that if released, she might seek out Zhou Yanbang. Old Madam Jiang hoped Jiang Youyao would let go of her attachment. If Jiang Youyao persistently pursued Zhou Yanbang, it would also make the Marquis Ningyuan's family look down on the Jiang family.

Jiang Youyao herself had no desire to go out. Although being confined was frustrating, the thought of facing everyone's pitying glances outside filled her with humiliation. The Zhou Yanbang incident, though unrelated to her, had dragged her into becoming the laughingstock of the scandal—the pitiable fiancée. Rather than enduring others' stares outside, she preferred staying in the manor, out of sight, out of mind.

"I won't be going either," Jiang Yuanbai said. "I still have court affairs to attend to." Now that he felt Jiang Youyao had been wronged, he was determined to compensate his younger daughter. Since Ji Shuran and Jiang Youyao weren't going, it was unthinkable for Jiang Yuanbai to leave his wife and daughter behind and go alone.

Lu Shi's eyes darted around as she said, "If none of you are going, what about Li'er? Surely we can't let Li'er go alone?"

Jiang Yuanping on the side coughed lightly.

"It's fine," Jiang Li said with a smile. "I don't particularly want to go either."

"Li Yatou, go with your second aunt," Old Madam Jiang suddenly spoke up. "You just returned to Yanjing City this year, and the Mid-Autumn lantern festival is quite splendid. You've been through a lot lately—take this chance to relax and rest."

With Old Madam Jiang having spoken, Jiang Li couldn't very well refuse. Though inwardly reluctant, she had no choice but to agree. This put Jiang Yuanbai in a dilemma: on one side was his eldest daughter who had recently returned to the capital, on the other his younger daughter who had been wronged—both were dear to him. In the end, however, he decided to stay at the manor. Jiang Li appeared understanding and magnanimous, whereas Jiang Youyao had never experienced much hardship before. There would be opportunities to compensate Jiang Li later.Seeing her eldest son still only caring for Ji Shuran and her daughter, remaining stubbornly unyielding, Old Madam Jiang sighed inwardly, shook her head, and returned to her quarters after the meal. Jiang Jingrui, on the other hand, was the most delighted. After the old madam left, he kept winking and making faces at Jiang Li. When the gathering dispersed, he deliberately lingered behind and said to Jiang Li, "You said you didn’t want to go, but with the old madam’s word, you still have to follow obediently, don’t you?"

Jiang Li was too troubled to bother with him. Jiang Jingrui continued chattering on his own: "You’ll surely be amazed when the time comes—the snacks along the way, the sugar figurines, the lantern riddles... I heard Jin Mantang will even perform at a private gathering tonight. I’ll show you something extraordinary then. Hey, don’t walk away—"

Jiang Li strode far ahead, leaving Jiang Jingrui behind, her steps quickening as if she couldn’t escape fast enough. She had originally thought of staying in to avoid stirring up painful memories, but with Old Madam Jiang’s decree, avoiding it would seem too deliberate. Still, going out wasn’t without its advantages. If outsiders saw her attending the lantern festival while Jiang Yuanbai, Ji Shuran, and Jiang Youyao were absent, they would likely gossip a little.

In front of others, Jiang Yuanbai would have to maintain some semblance of fairness, striving to treat everyone equally.

She could only take things one step at a time.

As Old Madam Jiang had instructed, after dinner, as dusk fell, Jiang Li was forced to go out with the second branch of the family.

Old Madam Jiang did not join them; her legs were inconvenient, so she stayed in the manor amusing Jiang Bingji. From the main branch, only Jiang Li went out, while the second branch was fully present. The third branch—Yang Shi and Jiang Yuanxing—did not come out either. After Jiang Yu'e’s incident, Jiang Yuanxing now kept his head down when meeting colleagues outside and naturally wouldn’t go out to embarrass himself. Jiang Yuyan was even less likely to appear.

Tong'er and Bai Xue accompanied Jiang Li. Both maids were experiencing the lantern festival for the first time and couldn’t help exclaiming in wonder from time to time. Jiang Jingrui deliberately fell behind, walking alongside Jiang Li, and remarked, "Why aren’t you the least bit curious? Even your two maids seem more excited than you."

Jiang Li’s expression was placid—a different kind of placid than usual. Jiang Jingrui noticed she could even be described as indifferent. Though the corners of her lips held her usual smile, not even the warm glow of the lanterns could brighten it.

Yet this faintly lonely beauty attracted the attention of many young noblemen enjoying the festivities. Along the way, Jiang Jingrui counted no fewer than seven or eight young masters stealing glances at Jiang Li.

The streets and alleys of Yanjing City, along with its taverns and teahouses, were filled with all kinds of lanterns, handmade by the common folk. Customs varied only slightly from place to place; for instance, the lanterns in Yanjing were akin to the river lanterns in Tongxiang. The difference was that these lanterns were hung on ropes, while river lanterns floated on water.

Some were hexagonal, others shaped like lampstands. There was no shortage of skilled and clever craftsmen. Despite Jiang Jingrui’s usually carefree demeanor, he showed great interest in these beautiful creations, repeatedly tugging at Jiang Li to ask whether this one or that one looked better. Jiang Li found it rather exasperating, thinking that compared to her, Jiang Jingrui seemed more like a genuine young maiden—innocent, radiant, and full of tender anticipation.When he spotted a lantern shaped like a rabbit, Jiang Jingrui simply couldn't move another step. He didn't even bother keeping up with the Second Branch members ahead, insisting on buying it. However, the lantern maker was just as stubborn, declaring that the lantern wasn't for sale unless someone could solve the riddle written on it—only then would he gift it as a reward.

Jiang Jingrui had always dreaded anything to do with reading or writing, and Jiang Jingyou had already moved far ahead with the others. So, he grabbed Jiang Li by the sleeve and said, "Aren't you the top scorer in the exams? Come on! Solve this riddle and help me win that rabbit lantern. I'll give you fifty taels of silver!"

Jiang Li looked down on such behavior from Jiang Jingrui and initially wanted to refuse. But upon hearing his last sentence, she changed her mind. Fifty taels was no small sum—Jiang Jingrui truly lived up to his reputation as a spoiled noble, squandering money so freely for a useless lantern. It was ironic how a lack of money could humble even the most capable, and Jiang Li never imagined she would one day trade her intellect for silver.

Still, having money was better than having none. Hadn't she seen countless scholars, brilliant and learned, yet penniless?

She stopped and carefully examined the lantern that had so captivated Jiang Jingrui.

The lantern maker was quite skilled. Animal-shaped lanterns were difficult to craft, yet this one was vividly lifelike. Its body was wrapped in snow-white cloth, with a bamboo frame inside. The long pink ears and eyes made from two red beans gave it a lively charm, and as the candlelight flickered within, the rabbit's eyes seemed to sparkle, as if it might leap up at any moment.

It was indeed a beautiful lantern.

Then she turned her gaze to the wooden plaque beneath the lantern, where the riddle was written. At first, she smiled faintly, but in an instant, her smile froze and her expression shifted dramatically.

There, in delicate script, was a line of familiar words: "A thousand times I search for him in the crowd.Suddenly, a deep and affectionate voice seemed to echo in Jiang Li's ears, whispering, "This character is just like my feelings for you.""

Memories of the past flooded before her eyes, and Jiang Li recoiled as if burned.

Jiang Jingrui urged her, "What's wrong? Hurry up and guess!"

"I can't solve it," Jiang Li said coldly.

"How is that possible?" Jiang Jingrui retorted. "You're the top scholar of Mingyi Hall. This riddle isn't even marked in red, so it can't be the hardest. How could you not solve it?"

"I just can't," Jiang Li insisted. "You'd better find someone else." She turned and strode away, as if she loathed the lantern so much she couldn't bear to look at it another moment.

Caught off guard and still unwilling to give up the lantern, Jiang Jingrui hesitated and didn't immediately follow her. By the time he chased after her, Jiang Li had already vanished into the crowd. He immediately thought, "This is bad."

Meanwhile, Jiang Li walked slowly along with the flow of people.

Lu Shi and the others were far ahead, Jiang Jingrui was behind, and the crowd was so dense that it was easy to get separated and lost if one didn't stay in place.

Jiang Li wasn't particularly afraid. She knew the roads of Yanjing City well, and from the corner of her eye, she noted the position of the nearest city guard post. If anything went wrong, she could call for help from the closest guards right away.She had no desire to seek out Lu Shi or Jiang Jingrui, feeling this was a rare moment of solitude. Since returning to the capital, she had become Jiang Li. Though she had grown accustomed to this identity, there were still moments when she remembered her original name—Xue Fangfei.

She feared that living as Jiang Li for too long would make her forget her true name and the goals she wished to accomplish. Succumbing to the comfort this identity offered was not what she wanted. Tonight’s lantern riddles were like a bitter, potent medicine—harsh enough to numb her heart, yet they brought a fleeting clarity.

Thus, these moments of casting aside the role of "Jiang Li" and being alone felt precious.

Tong’er and Bai Xue, however, had no idea what Jiang Li was thinking. As the crowd swallowed the figures of Jiang Jingrui and his companions, Tong’er spoke up, “Miss, should we go find Second Master and the others? We can’t see anything now—what if we lose our way back to the estate?”

“It’s fine,” Jiang Li replied. “I remember the way.”

“But the crowd is too dense,” Bai Xue added anxiously. “We didn’t bring any guards. What if something happens?”

Jiang Li glanced around. As Second Miss Jiang, her most bitter enemies were none other than Ji Shuran and her daughter. Yet even if Ji Shuran intended to harm her, she wouldn’t choose such a crowded, public setting. Jiang Youyao might act recklessly, but Ji Shuran was meticulous, leaving no room for mistakes. Still, exceptions existed—if that mother and daughter were driven to madness, anything was possible.

She set aside her desire to wander alone and conceded, “You’re right.”

Both Bai Xue and Tong’er breathed a sigh of relief. Just as Jiang Li prepared to move forward in search of Lu Shi, her gaze inadvertently fell upon a figure not far away. “Ye Shijie?”

Since the palace banquet, Jiang Li had seldom visited Mingyi Hall. The incident involving Jiang Yu’e had inevitably tarnished the reputation of the Jiang family’s young ladies. Old Madam Jiang had advised them to avoid unnecessary outings until the gossip subsided. As a result, Jiang Li hadn’t had the chance to encounter Ye Shijie again.

Now, right before her eyes, Ye Shijie stood at a stall selling lanterns, chatting familiarly with a middle-aged man as they browsed the selections.

Suspecting the man was someone Ye Shijie knew, Jiang Li considered approaching to inquire about Ye Shijie’s recent situation—especially whether Li Lian had attempted to win him over again. She decided to weave through the crowd toward Ye Shijie.

Unbeknownst to her, every move she made was being observed by another.

Up in the Gazing Immortal Pavilion, Kong Liu stared blankly at the bustling crowd below. Truthfully, he had little interest in flowers or lanterns—their glittering brilliance strained his eyes. Still, compared to the tedious official duties back at the ducal estate, the lively scene was far more entertaining. Moreover, the crowd was dotted with charming young ladies who brightened the dim night.

But tonight, among these pleasing sights, Kong Liu spotted a familiar figure.

“Hey, it’s Second Miss Jiang!” Kong Liu sprang to his feet, excitedly calling out to Ji Heng, “Come look—it’s Second Miss Jiang! I didn’t expect her to come out for the lantern festival tonight. Wait, why is she alone? There’s not a single Jiang family member with her. Did she sneak out?”While sipping tea, Lu Ji followed his gaze downward and remarked, "Who would bring their maid along when sneaking out? With so many people outside, she's probably just separated from her family."

"Separated?" Kong Liu frowned. "With such a crowd and plenty of scoundrels around, women get abducted every year. A delicate young lady like her is bound to attract attention—it would be terrible if something happened to her."

"What do you intend to do then?" Lu Ji asked curiously.

"I'll help her find her family, of course!" Kong Liu declared as if it were the most natural thing.

"Kong Liu," Lu Ji said, "don't delude yourself. Even if she weren't the Grand Secretary's daughter, just an ordinary girl wouldn't fancy someone your age."

"My age?" Kong Liu exploded in anger. "I'm in my prime! What do you know? What's wrong with my age? You're the old one—your beard is this long already!"

Lu Ji remained unruffled, smiling as he pointed outside again for Kong Liu to see. "I'm not joking—how can you compare to a young gentleman? Look, isn't Second Miss Jiang heading toward Young Master Ye now?"

At these words, not only Kong Liu but even Ji Heng, who had been idly playing with his fan nearby, couldn't resist glancing downstairs.

Sure enough, amid the flowing crowd, Jiang Li and her two maids were making their way across the street. The throng of people made even this short distance difficult to traverse. Remarkably, her sense of direction was impeccable; she steadily moved in one direction without being swept astray by the continuous stream of pedestrians.

Her destination was unmistakably the exceptionally handsome young man, Ye Shijie.

She was trying to reach Ye Shijie's side.

Lu Ji chuckled. "These cousins share an exceptionally close bond."

"Obviously, they're relatives," Kong Liu retorted, momentarily forgetting Lu Ji's earlier jab about his age as he focused on Jiang Li and Ye Shijie.

Ji Heng also stood by the window, pensively watching for a moment before suddenly snapping his fan shut. "Wen Ji."

The black-clad guard materialized silently before him.

"Invite Second Miss Jiang upstairs."

Both Lu Ji and Kong Liu were taken aback by Ji Heng's sudden request, turning to stare at him with unconcealed surprise.

"Tell her I've invited her to watch Jin Mantang's performance and reserved the front-row seats for her at Gazing Immortal Pavilion."

Kong Liu's jaw nearly dropped.

...

The crowd was indeed overwhelming.

Though Yanjing City was much larger than Tongxiang, it was also far more populous. Even Tongxiang at its busiest couldn't compare to half of Yanjing's current bustle. It was hard to imagine that this narrow street, usually easy to cross, had become such an ordeal today.

They were finally nearing the other side.

Just as Jiang Li breathed an inward sigh of relief and prepared to lead her maids toward Ye Shijie, a figure in black suddenly blocked their path.

Tong'er nearly shrieked in fright, while Bai Xue raised her fists. The black-clad man, expressionless, stated methodically, "Second Miss Jiang, the Duke invites you to watch Jin Mantang's performance. He has arranged the front-row seats for you at Gazing Immortal Pavilion."

"The Duke?" Jiang Li said. "Ji Heng?"

Wen Ji was taken aback that Second Miss Jiang had uttered his master's name so calmly and without changing expression. He nodded in confirmation.Jiang Li frowned as Tong'er whispered, "Miss, this person appeared out of nowhere claiming to be from the Duke's household. Could it be a deception..."

"It's not a deception," Jiang Li replied. "He is Duke Su's man."

Wen Ji grew even more astonished. He was certain Jiang Li had never seen him before, yet she spoke with such conviction. The next moment, her calm voice reached his ears: "Duke Su appreciates beauty and despises ugliness. This guard is so exceptionally handsome—he must undoubtedly be Duke Su's man."

Though Wen Ji stood perfectly steady, upon hearing Jiang Li's words, he nearly stumbled.

Tong'er, however, now earnestly raised her head to examine Wen Ji. When she clearly saw his face, she couldn't help but gasp softly, "It's true! Miss, he's much more handsome than the guards in our mansion! Almost as good-looking as Second Young Master!"

Wen Ji: "..."

Bai Xue tugged at Jiang Li's sleeve and whispered, "Then, Miss, are we still going?"

Jiang Li looked at Wen Ji, whose expression remained unreadable. After some internal deliberation, she finally sighed and said, "Let's go."

Tong'er was still somewhat fearful, but Jiang Li felt helpless. She knew that even if she refused Duke Su, Ji Heng would find a way to make her go. His current politeness was merely a facade—beneath it flowed the blood of an autocrat.

No one could refuse him, for he always had his methods.

Recognizing the wise course of action, Jiang Li could only say, "Let's go."

She, Tong'er, and Bai Xue followed Wen Ji toward the Gazing Immortal Pavilion.

Ye Shijie was selecting lanterns with Ye Mingxuan when he casually glanced back and caught sight of a familiar figure. He nearly called out Jiang Li's name, but before he could speak, the figure disappeared into the crowd, vanishing from view.

Wondering if his eyes had deceived him, Ye Shijie stared blankly into the distance. Ye Mingxuan, having paid the vendor, noticed his dazed expression and asked, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Ye Shijie withdrew his gaze and shook his head, thinking it must have been an illusion. Even if Jiang Li had come out tonight, she wouldn't be alone—surely someone from the Jiang family would accompany her.

He was being overly paranoid.

...

The Gazing Immortal Pavilion was Yanjing City's grandest restaurant.

During her time as a daughter-in-law of the Shen family, Jiang Li had passed by this establishment with Shen's mother and Shen Ruyun. While Shen's mother and Shen Ruyun had gazed with envy, Jiang Li remained largely indifferent—her desires were always far more subdued compared to the Shen family. Still, from that moment, she knew the Gazing Immortal Pavilion was a den of extravagance, a place for the elite.

A place she couldn't enter in her previous life, yet now she was swaggering in as an "honored guest"—though this "invitation" was not what it seemed, it was nonetheless legitimate.

The main hall on the first floor already held some guests, but Jiang Li was escorted to the second floor.

To a tea chamber.

The Grand Secretary's residence was already luxurious, but the Gazing Immortal Pavilion surpassed even the Jiang family in refinement. The carpet covering the floor was a Persian long-pile embroidered rug, and the ceiling was adorned with gemstones. The incense burning in the room emitted a fragrance Jiang Li couldn't identify—exceptionally soothing and aromatic. As Xue Zhao would say, it "looked expensive at first glance."In the tea room on the second floor of the "visibly luxurious" Gazing Immortal Pavilion, Wen Ji held the curtain aside for Jiang Li as she entered.

Jiang Li saw the people inside.

Contrary to her expectations, aside from Ji Heng, there were two others present. One was a blue-robed scholar with a goatee who smiled at Jiang Li. She didn’t recognize him but returned the smile politely. The other person, however, was familiar to Jiang Li—he was Kong Wei, the Commandant of Light Chariots, who had served as the examiner for the "equestrianism and archery" discipline during the academy assessment. He was commonly known as Kong Liu.

Kong Liu appeared delighted to see Jiang Li and greeted her in a rough voice, "Second Miss Jiang." He seemed eager to strike up a conversation with her but, after much thought, couldn’t find the right words. In the end, he awkwardly praised, "Second Miss Jiang rides horses well and shoots arrows excellently!"

It sounded exactly like how he would praise the soldiers under his command.

Lu Ji and Ji Heng both gave him an odd look.

Kong Liu scratched his head, chuckled, and fell silent.

Jiang Li then turned her gaze to Ji Heng. The young man was dressed in a pale red robe today, and though the color was light, it accentuated his striking features all the more. His skin was fairer than that of a woman with makeup, his lips redder than April peach blossoms—so white grew whiter, red grew redder, all while his eyes shone with a translucent amber hue. He seemed untouched by the mortal world; wherever he stood, it became a painting. Even lazily toying with his gold-threaded folding fan, he was beautiful enough to be immortalized in a painting at any moment, a mystery in himself.

“What does the Duke need me for?” Jiang Li asked. She truly couldn’t fathom why Ji Heng had summoned her.

Ji Heng glanced at her and suddenly smiled. “We do share some acquaintance, after all, Second Miss Jiang. No need to be so distant. It’s the Mid-Autumn Festival today, and we happened to cross paths. Jin Mantang is performing at Gazing Immortal Pavilion, and I’d like to invite you to enjoy the show.”

Jiang Li was puzzled. What “acquaintance” did they share? If anything, it was a string of ill-fated encounters. Ji Heng had witnessed her scheming against Jing An Shitai and Liaowu on Qingcheng Mountain, and he’d also seen her inciting Shen Ruyun to muddy the waters between Zhou Yanbang and Jiang Yu’e. She, in turn, had stumbled upon Ji Heng’s secret dealings with the Li family. They knew each other’s secrets all too well—at times, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say they wished each other dead. Yet Ji Heng spoke with such nonchalance, as if they were old friends of noble virtue.

It was utterly baffling.

And they certainly hadn’t “happened to cross paths.” Ji Heng had sent someone to “invite” her without leaving her any other choice.

Jiang Li said, “Thank you for your kindness, Duke, but I don’t care for opera.”

“If Second Miss wishes to perform better in the future, it wouldn’t hurt to study the masters,” Ji Heng replied with a smile.

Jiang Li nearly laughed in disbelief. His words felt like another reminder of the palace banquet incident. Truly, her biggest mistake had been letting Ji Heng get a hold on her, leaving her at his mercy day after day!

Kong Liu glanced between them, perplexed by the subtle tension between Ji Heng and Jiang Li. Still, he remained amiable and said to Jiang Li, “Second Miss Jiang, when I saw you upstairs earlier, you had no guards or family with you. Have you been separated from them? Every year during the lantern festival, many young women get lost, and there are plenty of ill-intentioned people around. Even with the city guards, it’s not entirely safe. Why not stay for the performance? Afterward, we can arrange an escort to see you home and reunite you with your family, to avoid any mishaps.”

It’s hard to strike a smiling face, and Kong Liu seemed far more sincere and straightforward than Ji Heng, making it difficult for Jiang Li to feel any animosity toward him. Besides, his words made sense. As night deepened, the streets grew brighter with lanterns and more crowded with moon-gazers. Navigating alone through such a throng was hardly wise. Noticing the concern on Tong’er and Bai Xue’s faces, Jiang Li made up her mind to follow Kong Liu’s suggestion for now.

She instantly conjured a warm, gentle smile and said, “Thank you, Lord Kong.”

Kong Liu was both flattered and a little smug, casting a triumphant glance at Lu Ji as if to say, “See? I didn’t scare the young lady. I’m not that old yet, am I?”

Lu Ji turned away, unwilling to indulge his foolish expression.As they were speaking, the distinctive opening sounds of an opera troupe suddenly rose from downstairs.

Jin Mantang's private performance was about to begin—this was the first act starting.

Second Young Master Jiang Jingrui, who adored the little rabbit lantern, possessed a maiden's heart? (´｡• ᵕ •｡)

(End of Chapter)