The Double

After the incident of assassins killing civilians on the streets of Yanjing City had stirred up public unrest and the culprits were not apprehended, another major event occurred in the palace just two days later.

Consort Li was speaking with Ji Wan, a young and beautiful maiden recently sent by the Ji family. Ji Wan was charming, although not as outstanding as Consort Li when she first arrived, yet now was in her prime, vibrant like a newly blossomed bud—crucially, she was only sixteen years old.

If Consort Li had a child, this girl could well be her own. Therefore, even though Consort Li was always graceful and beautiful, when compared with Ji Wan, she seemed like a flower that had already bloomed; despite her efforts to maintain her beauty, her color had faded, not as fresh as the younger. Even though Emperor Hongxiao doted on her regularly, and Consort Li appeared calm and confident, as if she feared no one could take her place, the unease and doubt in her heart were known only to herself.

Ji Wan’s replies to Consort Li were soft and careful, with a cautious flattery in her tone, as well as a hint of the confidence and pride that came with youth. This sentiment, though she endeavored to conceal it, couldn’t escape the seasoned eyes of those who had struggled and survived in the palace for many years. Ji Wan herself was completely unaware.

Consort Li, smiling, took her hand and comforted her tenderly as if she had only the best intentions for this family member. Just a few days ago, Emperor Hongxiao had mentioned Ji Wan, and Consort Li knew she could no longer keep her avoidance; it was only a matter of time before she would meet Ji Wan, so it was better to meet her sooner and show the emperor her "gentle generosity." Acting petulant occasionally might seem cute, but doing so often could become annoying and irritating. Especially for an emperor who was second to none, he did not need to accommodate anyone, and there would never be a shortage of replacements waiting behind him.

That’s why Consort Li specifically sought out Ji Wan for a talk. Although both of them knew what game the Ji family members were playing, which was nothing more than cultivating another Consort Li—who was younger and perhaps likely to bear children.

Ji Wan was full of longing for the future life painted by Consort Li, who subtly informed Ji Wan about the comfortable life she currently led in the palace. As long as Ji Wan could hold tightly to the emperor’s heart, she too could lead such a life. After all, there were not many in this palace as endowed with youth and beauty as Ji Wan.

Just a few words had made her somewhat elated, and Consort Li, seeing this, held her in contempt. The Ji family had picked and chosen, yet they had settled on such a person. Of course, it might not be that Ji Wan was foolish, but rather that she was new to the palace, while Consort Li had already survived there for many years.