The Double

Jiang Li smiled generously at Yin Zhan. Seeing that Jiang Li was not shy, but rather composed in this manner, Yin Zhan narrowed his eyes, his gaze sweeping over Jiang Li and Jih Heng before finally retracting it.

This imperial decree of marriage came unexpectedly. Following that, Emperor Hongxiao still bestowed many gold, silver, and jewels upon Yin Zhan as compensation for Yin Zhili’s unsuccessful request for marriage. By the time they returned to their seats, the focus of the discussions among the attendees had already shifted; Jiang Li, Jih Heng, and Yin Zhili became the talk of the event.

Jih Heng returned to his corner and, faced with looks from all directions, appeared utterly indifferent, continuing to pour and drink wine at his leisure. Of course, those who looked at Jih Heng knew of his unpredictable temper and did not dare to stare openly, but instead peeked at him secretly and cautiously.

In comparison, the glances toward Jiang Li and Yin Zhili were somewhat more brazen.

Upon Jiang Li’s return to her seat, the expressions of the other Jiang family members were inscrutable, especially Madam Jiang the Elder and the two brothers, Jiang Yuanbai, whose complexions were quite unsightly. Jiang Jingrui, Jiang Jingyou, and Lady Lu did not understand the underlying implications and only felt that the person in the arranged marriage had suddenly changed to Jih Heng. Compared to Yin Zhili, Jih Heng was unpredictable in temper, and of course, even harder to engage with. Let alone becoming a son-in-law in frequent contact with the Jiang Family, it was best to avoid him at all costs in ordinary times.

Yin Zhiqing sat beside Yin Zhili with a pale face, on the verge of tears; she almost burst into crying. She had initially thought that today was a joyous occasion, that the marriage between Jiang Li and Yin Zhili was a done deal. Her brother was exemplary in every way; Jiang Li got along well with Yin Zhili, and the Jiang family members liked Yin Zhili too—there was no reason for this marriage not to happen. Yet, it had indeed fallen through.

Moreover, the person decreed to marry Jiang Li had turned out to be Duke Su, Jih Heng.

Yin Zhiqing felt bewildered. She had only met Jih Heng twice, but each time he had left an astounding impression on her. Outsiders considered Duke Su ruthless, yet she found such a Jih Heng even more mysterious. Though inexperienced in matters of the heart, she knew that over the years, Jih Heng was the first man to attract her. She had thought there was no hurry and that she could gradually get to know Jih Heng, become friends with him, understand and accompany him, but suddenly, out of nowhere, Jih Heng now had his Duchess.