The Double

"Indeed, Brother," Li Lian also said, "You mentioned that you haven’t touched her. Could it be..." He revealed a face full of interest.

Li Xian knew what he was thinking at a glance and said with disgust, "I indeed haven’t touched her. On the wedding night, I had someone else take my place."

Li Xian had no interest in women; even if a heavenly beauty stood before him, intending to become intimate, he would feel disgusted. And that was even more so for Princess Yongning. Both Li Zhongnan and Li Lian knew this, so when the marriage was arranged, the Li Family was not much happier than Princess Yongning herself.

On the wedding night, Li Xian had someone else step in to consummate the marriage with Princess Yongning. Naturally, that servant had been executed afterward.

"How could you let her get pregnant?" Li Zhongnan said angrily. He loved and hated this son of his. Unlike Li Lian, who had capabilities and talent that made Li Zhongnan very proud. Yet Li Xian’s disinterest in women meant that he would never be able to expand the Li Family’s lineage. Li Zhongnan had tried to change this, but every attempt had been fruitless, and over time, he had given up. At least he had another son, Li Lian, who was never short of women.

"After she entered our door, it would be impossible for her to become pregnant," Li Xian said, "The man went in after taking medicine, which made it impossible for him to get her pregnant."

"Then where did the mistake occur?" Li Lian asked, "Was there a problem with the medicine?"

Li Xian smiled playfully, "Father, Second Brother, don’t you find it very strange? I heard that this marital gift was requested by Empress Dowager Liu from the Empress Dowager, who spoke to the Emperor for it. Even if Empress Dowager Liu wanted to find a Prince Consort for Princess Yongning, having the wedding just a month after the engagement seems too hurried, doesn’t it? Ordinary brides-to-be wait at least half a year, let alone a princess of noble birth who would also want to maintain her high status?"