Chapter 222 Come to the door
While the Ye family and the Jiang family were in chaos because of the sudden arranged marriage, the Yin Mansion was completely quiet.

The servants here have been in Yunzhong for a long time. The people in Yunzhong are simple and tough, not as lively as Yanjing City. Because Yin Zhan is a general, the servants seem to have acquired the habit of the barracks, walking quietly, not as lively as other mansions. In addition, seeing that the masters looked unhappy tonight, the servants dared not say much.

After getting off the carriage and entering the mansion, Madam Yin wanted to pull Yin Zhiqing back to the yard first. Yin Zhiqing broke free, took two steps, and walked in front of Yin Zhan, wanting to say something, but couldn't say anything, and pouted, almost crying.

Yin Zhan glanced at her and said, "Zhiqing, go back to the house with your mother first."

Yin Zhiqing blinked, and Yin Zhili patted her shoulder and said softly, "Let's talk about it tomorrow. It's late today, Zhiqing."

Madam Yin also nodded and looked at Yin Zhiqing nervously. Yin Zhiqing suddenly felt a little embarrassed, so she simply turned her head and ran back to the yard without paying attention to Madam Yin's shouts behind her. Madam Yin had no choice but to smile at Yin Zhan and Yin Zhili helplessly, saying sorry, and then chased after them.

Yin Zhili looked at Yin Zhiqing's back and sighed.

Yin Zhiqing was born charming and beautiful, but in fact, Yin Zhan loved his son Yin Zhili the most. Although he doted on Yin Zhiqing, he was definitely not like Yin Zhili, who brought him up by himself and taught him to read, ride and shoot arrows. Yin Zhiqing was raised by a wet nurse, but from childhood to adulthood, Yin Zhan never lacked anything for Yin Zhiqing, and because the Yin family did not have concubines, concubines, illegitimate sons and daughters, Yin Zhiqing's life was innocent and carefree.

However, compared to Yin Zhan, the half-siblings Yin Zhiqing and Yin Zhili have a better relationship.

While I was still in a daze, Yin Zhan's voice rang in my ears. He said, "Come with me."

Yin Zhili followed Yin Zhan to Yin Zhan's study.

Under the lights, Yin Zhan's face lost the cheerfulness he had at the palace banquet. Although he couldn't be called gloomy, he was definitely not happy. He asked, "Do you know what happened tonight?"

Yin Zhili shook his head: "I don't know."

"I guess you don't know either." Yin Zhan said, "I saw Jiang Yuanbo's expression today, and he didn't look like he knew anything. Ji Heng's behavior is really surprising. Didn't you get along well with Miss Jiang Er before?"

Yin Zhili suppressed the bitterness in his heart and said, "It's very good."

"This is very strange," Yin Zhan said, "Jiang Li was not surprised when she received the imperial edict today. She even smiled at me. I suspected that she had known about this for a long time, or even colluded with Ji Heng. After all, Zhiqing once said that they had ridden in the same carriage when they just returned to Yanjing City."

Yes, Yin Zhili thought to himself, that was the first time he met Jiang Li.

"At first I thought they had a close relationship, but later I found out that Jiang Li was taken to Huangzhou by King Cheng's men, and Ji Heng happened to pass by and saved her, so they returned to Huangzhou together. However, I always find it strange that Ji Heng doesn't look like a brave man. There is something fishy between Jiang Li and him. Although there is no real evidence today, I still think that Ji Heng did this on purpose. Zhili," he looked at the young man, "when you were with Jiang Li, didn't you find that she had a lover?"

Yin Zhili felt even worse, but he just said, "No, Second Miss Jiang didn't show it."

"Maybe it was the Jiang family's idea." Yin Zhan said, "The Jiang family told Ji Heng about our intention to form an alliance with them, so Ji Heng was able to get the imperial decree before us. Otherwise, it wouldn't be such a coincidence."

"But isn't Prime Minister Jiang willing to form a marriage alliance?" Yin Zhili asked doubtfully.

"Jiang Yuanbai is an old fox. I'm afraid he is also weighing the pros and cons and is wavering. He just wants to see who is stronger between us and the Duke's Mansion. I underestimated him." Yin Zhan smiled, but there was a bit more coldness in his smile.

Yin Zhili said nothing.

"This matter is not your fault. It's not that you are not as good as Ji Heng and failed to win the heart of Miss Jiang Er. It's because the Jiang family came prepared and made two plans, and we missed one layer."

Yin Zhili thought bitterly, no, that's not the case, Second Miss Jiang really likes that guy. From the way she looked at Ji Heng and the hint about the fan, she really lost to Ji Heng.

"These are all minor matters, Zhili, don't be frustrated by this." Yin Zhan said, "The Jiang family is so untrustworthy, they will naturally pay the price in the future. The most urgent thing is that we must stay in Yanjing. Once we stay in Yanjing City, the first person we have to deal with is Duke Su, Ji Heng."

Yin Zhili opened his mouth, wanting to ask why, but finally remained silent. He had actually asked Yin Zhan this question before, but Yin Zhan refused to tell him, so Yin Zhili could only give up. Even if he asked today, he would not get an answer. He could only numbly say yes.

When Yin Zhili walked out of Yin Zhan's room, his steps were very heavy.

Behind him, the lights in the study were bright, and it seemed that they would burn all night until dawn. Yin Zhan was such a person. He had countless official business to deal with. Even when he was in Yunzhong, many people laughed at him for being a hollow general and would never be able to return to Yanjing City in his life, Yin Zhan was still like this. When he was a child, Yin Zhili was very confused. He didn't understand why Yin Zhan had so many things to do every day when he was in Yunzhong and the emperor was far away. Later, when he grew up, this doubt was not resolved, but Yin Zhili learned not to ask, probably because he was used to it.

He walked very slowly, step by step, and before he knew it, he had arrived outside Yin Zhiqing's yard.

When he came to his senses, Yin Zhili shook his head and turned to leave. Suddenly, a voice called him: "Yin Zhili!"

Yin Zhili turned around and saw Yin Zhiqing sitting at the stone table in the yard, looking at him sadly.

She usually called him "brother", and always called him by his name in private. Yin Zhili also indulged her. He saw Yin Zhiqing's face full of tears, sighed in his heart, walked forward, looked around, and didn't see Madam Yin, so he asked: "Where is mother?"

"I said I was going to sleep and asked her to go back." Yin Zhiqing said.

"What's wrong with you?" Yin Zhili said, "Hurry up and wipe your face, it's all covered with tears."

Yin Zhiqing wiped her face with her sleeve. She had dressed up carefully and put on makeup for the palace banquet. Now her tears had washed away all the makeup, which made her look very beautiful. If someone else were here, they would definitely feel sorry for the beauty with tears in her eyes. Unfortunately, the beauty was crying for someone else.

"What did Dad say?" Yin Zhiqing asked, "Is there any room for maneuver in this arranged marriage?"

Yin Zhili said: "That is an imperial decree. If you disobey it, you will lose your head."

Yin Zhiqing was greatly disappointed when he heard this. He looked at Yin Zhili with a sad heart and said, "You and I are really in the same boat."

She didn't hide her feelings from Yin Zhili, and of course, Yin Zhili's feelings were not hidden from her. I think the same is true for the two of them. The lover that the brother and sister fell in love with became a couple by accident. If this were written in a storybook, I'm afraid that the audience would not believe it.

"Dad must have comforted you." Yin Zhiqing said sullenly, "Telling you not to be sad, the next one will be better?"

Yin Zhili smiled bitterly. Everyone thought he was favored, so Yin Zhiqing naturally thought that Yin Zhan would feel all his joys and sorrows, but in fact, that was not the case. In fact, sometimes Yin Zhili himself was puzzled. He knew that his father was good to him, and he was grateful for the father-son relationship that he taught him step by step. So Yin Zhili strictly required himself from childhood to adulthood, to be the most perfect son in his father's heart, the most outstanding one. He did very well indeed, whether it was the use of troops and formations, or the writing of articles, he could do it extremely well. Whenever he saw the proud smile on his father's face, he would feel that everything was worth it.

But Yin Zhili is only in his twenties now. When he was a child, he could follow his father's wishes. When he grew up, he also had his own ideas. Especially in many cases, his father did not tell him why, but just let him do it. Over time, Yin Zhili himself would also resist.

This time when he came to Yanjing City to form a marriage alliance with Jiang Li, Yin Zhili had refused at first. If he hadn't heard the rumors about Jiang Li later and hadn't seen Jiang Li in person, Yin Zhili wouldn't have been very willing. Unfortunately, he rarely had the same idea as his father, and something he was willing to do failed under such an abrupt situation.

Yin Zhiqing was very sad, Yin Zhili said: "Don't cry, it's okay. You see, I am the same as you, I didn't cry either. You are so beautiful, you will naturally find someone better in the future."

"I don't like anyone better than you even if they are better later." Yin Zhiqing answered stubbornly.

Yin Zhili didn't take it seriously. She had only met Ji Heng a few times and they didn't even talk much. It was just a spur of the moment thing. She said it decisively, but in fact, it would soon be forgotten. On the contrary, he looked calm and indifferent, but in fact... no one knew his frustration.

It's all over. Yin Zhili looked up at the sky and took a deep breath.

Be willing to admit defeat.

……

In the palace, the grand banquet was over, the lights were dim, and after the bustle disappeared, it seemed even more deserted than usual.

The Queen Mother and Emperor Hong Xiao were walking towards the Imperial Garden.

Emperor Hong Xiao asked all the concubines to leave. He had drunk some wine today, but he was not drunk yet. However, he looked very happy. The Queen Mother looked at him and smiled, "Your Majesty is very happy today."

"Of course." Emperor Hong Xiao said, "I remember that a few years ago, General Ji mentioned to me that if he met a suitable girl, he must marry her to Duke Su. The Duke's Mansion is in need of a mistress. A few years have passed, and I have finally fulfilled General Ji's wish, which can be regarded as living up to his trust."

The corners of his eyes and eyebrows were full of smiles, and he did not hide it at all. The Queen Mother followed with a smile and said, "I was also shocked by what happened today. I originally thought that the marriage would be granted to the prince's son, but I didn't expect that the Duke of Suguo would take the lead. The emperor didn't tell me that this happened before."

"Your Majesty, you don't know because Duke Su came to me on his own. People in Yanjing say that Duke Su is moody and never cares about anyone. But he took the initiative to mention to me that he wanted to marry Miss Jiang Er. I just happened to think that the Jiang family is good. Miss Jiang Er's performance in the Tongxiang case was also brave and resourceful. Duke Su has good vision, so I just went with the flow and made it a success."

"It's a pity for the prince." The Queen Mother sighed, "I was very shocked when I saw him today."

"That's because he and Miss Jiang Er are not meant to be together, so you can't blame anyone else." Emperor Hong Xiao said with a smile, "Besides, a man will never have trouble finding a wife, so there's no need to worry about it."

"That's true. Duke Su has finally gotten what he wanted this time." The Queen Mother seemed to have remembered something, with a nostalgic look on her face. "I still remember when he was a child, he was brought into the palace by General Ji. He was really like a doll from a painting. He was quite well-behaved when he was a child, but the older he got, the more unpredictable he became. He was scary."

Emperor Hongxiao disagreed: "Duke Su is just a little arrogant. If others don't provoke him, he won't cause trouble."

These words clearly supported Ji Heng's side. The Queen Mother smiled and glanced at Emperor Hong Xiao, but did not continue. The two walked the last section of the Imperial Garden. It was getting late, and the Queen Mother said she was tired, so she went back to the Cining Palace first.

Emperor Hong Xiao stood in the garden, still with a happy smile on his face, quietly watching the backs of the empress dowager and the palace maids go away. Eunuch Su stood aside, lowering his head, and for some reason, a trace of uneasiness flashed through his heart.

"Let's go." Emperor Hong Xiao said.

After the empress dowager returned to the Cining Palace, she sat down on the couch. The palace maids came over to massage her shoulders and legs, served her tea and fanned her. There was still incense burning in the palace, and the empress dowager seemed to be calmer.

"Did Duke Su enter the palace yesterday?" she asked with a frown.

The maid closest to the Queen Mother replied, "I didn't see any trace of Duke Suguo."

The Queen Mother frowned even more. After a moment, she said to the maid in front of her, "Go and tell Yin Zhan not to act rashly now. The Emperor... beware of him." The maid nodded and raised her head. It was a familiar face. It was Meixiang, the most trusted personal maid of Princess Yongning.

……

Regardless, it has already happened.

In this late summer and early autumn, Jiang Li's marriage was decided. And it was a marriage granted by the emperor. The marriage with Ningyuan Marquis was just a verbal agreement. Zhou Yanbang could cancel it or change the person if he wanted. Now it has become the emperor's golden words. Who dares to cancel it or change the person? They have to prepare obediently.

Jiang Yuanbai went to the Duke's Mansion in person, and when he came back, he told Jiang Li that he had discussed it with General Ji. Because the marriage was granted suddenly, the Jiang family had not prepared anything, so they had to wait until next summer to get married. Jiang Li guessed that Jiang Yuanbai wanted to delay for some time, probably because he felt that Ji Heng was still untrustworthy, but all this was still just a delaying tactic. Could the emperor's decree still be changed? Unless Ji Heng was no longer alive, but even if she was no longer alive, she might still have to wait for her husband to be widowed.

But no matter what, things still have to be done one by one.

The Jiang family had no choice but to accept this marriage, so they were not very enthusiastic. Mrs. Lu did not know the interests involved, but simply thought that Yin Zhili was much gentler and kinder than Ji Heng, and she sighed and expressed regret in front of Jiang Li several times.

Jiang Li didn't think so. The happiest people were the maids in Fangfei Garden, to be exact, Bai Xue and Tong'er. They had always followed Jiang Li's preferences. There was nothing better than Jiang Li marrying the person she loved. So when it came to wedding dresses, jewelry, and what patterns to embroider on the purse, Tong'er and Bai Xue were more enthusiastic than Jiang Li.

Jiang Li didn't know whether to laugh or cry. After learning about the marriage, Jiang Li went to Ye's house. Ye Mingyu pulled her aside and asked what was going on. After finally calming Ye Mingyu down, Jiang Li didn't know how to explain to Xue Huaiyuan and Xue Zhao.

But even this matter, Xue Zhao had done it for her in advance. Xue Huaiyuan actually said that he had known for a long time that Jiang Li and Ji Heng had a close relationship, and if Jiang Li really liked Ji Heng, Xue Huaiyuan would not have any objection. Jiang Li knew as soon as she heard it that Xue Zhao had told her father everything, and Xue Zhao was still complacent, saying that if it weren't for him, Jiang Li would have to spend a lot of effort just to explain to Xue Huaiyuan.

In short, what was difficult to do in the Jiang family was easily understood in the Xue family. Xue Huaiyuan also told Jiang Li that he had never met Ji Heng, but from what Xue Zhao said, she was not as evil as the rumors said. In addition, Xue Huaiyuan also believed that Jiang Li was a girl with sense of propriety. If Ji Heng was really such a bad person, how could Jiang Li like her? He believed in Jiang Li's vision, but he still hoped to see Ji Heng in person one day, so that he could feel at ease.

Jiang Li naturally agreed, but she started to feel troubled after returning to the Jiang family. Ye Mingyu disliked Ji Heng anyway, so how could he take the initiative to let Ji Heng go to the Ye family? Besides, what if Ji Heng went to the Ye family to see Xue Huaiyuan... what if others knew about it?

She felt a little headache and couldn't help pressing her forehead.

Tong'er was sketching flowers. Seeing her like this, she said, "What's wrong, young lady? Are you tired? Why don't you go to bed and rest for a while? You've been reading books since early morning."

"It's you who should take a break." Jiang Li replied, "You've been sitting here drawing patterns since this morning. Aren't you tired?"

"Not tired." Tong'er said with a smile: "I am very happy to do it. Look, young lady, how about embroidering a peony pattern on the purse? Or a butterfly would also be beautiful? I have sketched several flower patterns, young lady, choose one carefully, and the other servants will make them for others, but you have to make the one for the Duke yourself."

Jiang Li was speechless and asked, "Why should I make a purse for him?"

"Things are different now." Tong'er was still happy, "The young lady and the Duke are both engaged, so naturally they have to exchange tokens."

"I don't like sewing." Jiang Li said. In fact, it's not that she doesn't like sewing. When she was Xue Fangfei, she also made clothes for Xue Zhao and Xue Huaiyuan. After marrying Shen Yurong, it was the same. However, after becoming the second Miss Jiang, although she didn't have everything provided for her, she didn't have to do many things herself, so she hardly touched sewing.

The same is true now.

"But if the young lady makes purses for the Duke, he will be very happy. Right, Baixue?" Tong'er asked Baixue who was drying tea on the side.

Bai Xue was suddenly called out. She was an honest person. She was stunned for a while before she said, "I'm not the Duke. I don't know if he will be happy."

Jiang Li was suspicious. Would Ji Heng be happy? This man was very particular about the clothes he wore. Jiang Li had seen him several times before. His clothes were made of high-quality materials and he changed them every day. Although they were all red, the patterns were different. Although her craftsmanship was not bad, it was really shabby in comparison.

It is better to hide one's shortcomings than to try to be clever. Jiang Li knows this very well. There is no reason for her to ask for trouble.

"Miss, do you want to go to the jewelry store in a few days? I want to make some new jewelry. Alas, there is no girl getting married in our house, and I don't know what to prepare for the wedding." Tong'er said, "I'd better ask someone."

Among the young ladies in the Jiang family, only Jiang Yu'e got married, and she was a concubine. There was no auspicious date, nor a sedan chair carried by eight people, so it could not be called a marriage at all.

"It's still early." Jiang Li said, "Don't be impatient."

As they were talking and laughing, Mingyue ran in from outside the yard, panting, and said, "Miss, the Duke is here!"

Tong'er and Bai Xue were both stunned, and then they came to their senses and realized that Mingyue was talking about Duke Su. Jiang Li stood up and said, "How could it be?"

"Really! I just came from Wanfeng Hall. The Duke was talking to the old lady. The old lady wanted to ask Sister Zhenzhu to come find you, but the Duke said it was not necessary and he would come find you himself." Mingyue said in one breath.

Jiang Yuanbo and Jiang Yuanping are not in the mansion now, why is Ji Heng here?

Just as Jiang Li was thinking, she heard Ji Heng's voice coming from the gate of the courtyard. He said, "Your maid is really smart. She came to tip off so quickly."

Jiang Li looked back and saw Ji Heng walking in from outside the yard. He was wearing a red robe which made him particularly conspicuous in the elegant Jiang Mansion. Mingyue and several maids hurriedly saluted, and Jiang Li told them to do their own things and not to stay here.

The maids in Fangfei Garden blushed so much that blood could drip out. Jiang Li found it interesting, as if it was the first time she had seen them like this. However, it was also the first time that Ji Heng appeared in the Jiang Mansion openly. The previous nights when he came uninvited were not counted. His appearance was indeed impeccable. Although Wen Renyao was also gentle and handsome, he was not as seductive as he was. The maids were all in their prime, so how could they withstand his unconscious teasing? Even looking at him, they were afraid that they would feel yearning.

This man clearly did it on purpose, Jiang Li was furious. She grabbed his sleeve, let him into her room, and closed the door. Suddenly she realized that it was inappropriate to do so. She treated it as a past experience, and the number of times they visited the Duke's Mansion at night was so many that it was very natural for them to be alone.

Jiang Li was about to open the door when Ji Heng said, "Why open it? To prevent others from seeing it."

"Others saw it?" Jiang Li asked, "What did they see?"

"Seeing you drooling over me and touching me all over," he said with a smile.

Jiang Li glared at him and asked, "Why are you here?"

Ji Heng leaned on the edge of Jiang Li's desk, picked up the book that Jiang Li had read before and flipped through a few pages, then said casually, "Come and take a look. You and I are both engaged, so I came to see my father-in-law."

Jiang Li was just taking a sip of tea when she heard this. She almost spit out the tea in her mouth. She asked, "What nonsense are you talking about?"

"No nonsense." He put Jiang Li's book down again and raised his eyebrows. "I have met this father-in-law here. Although he doesn't like me very much, I don't care. The father-in-law of the Ye family, Ali, when will you take me to see him?"

Jiang Li was stunned.

She almost suspected that Ji Heng was the worm in her stomach. Her father wanted to see Ji Heng, and Jiang Li was still struggling with how to tell Ji Heng about it. He took the initiative to say it, which saved her embarrassment. Jiang Li looked at Ji Heng and asked softly, "Are you willing to go and see him?"

"Why not?" He held the folding fan in one hand, leaned over, and touched Jiang Li's head with the other hand, saying, "Isn't this as it should be?"

Jiang Li burst out laughing.

The girl smiled brightly, as if she couldn't hold back her happiness. His words lit up her whole being. It made anyone's heart melt.

"Thank you," she said.

"You really should thank me..." He suddenly sat next to Jiang Li. The two chairs were so close to each other that Jiang Li was caught off guard. His face was already very close to her. He said in a gentle voice with some seductive temptation, "Just sing a song for me."

Jiang Li frowned and said, "I can't."

"I know you will." He said calmly, "I've heard it."

"When have you heard of it?" Jiang Li was surprised.

"Well, during the Mingyi Hall school entrance exam."

Jiang Li then remembered that she had sung a Tongxiang ballad before "Eighteen Beats of the Hujia", and Ji Heng must have heard it at that time. She said, "Wen Renyao also said that you can sing opera, why didn't you sing it for me?"

He smiled and said, "I'll sing it for you later."

Jiang Li wanted to refute, but when she turned her head, she almost bumped into Ji Heng's face. His lips were so close to hers that her heartbeat seemed to stop when they breathed in and out. The young man's eyes fell on her delicate lips. Her lips were full, without lip balm, but as red as cherries. He slowly moved closer...

Jiang Li turned her head away suddenly: "Ji Heng!"

He was really too blatant! Just because he could enter the Jiang Mansion at will as a "son-in-law", no one dared to say anything. But even if there was an engagement, in broad daylight, before he got married, he dared to be so frivolous in the house. Wouldn't he be punished in the future?
Ji Heng looked at her and laughed.

Jiang Li was a little flustered and angry, and glared at him fiercely. Ji Heng, however, patted her head as if to comfort her, but said something threatening, "If you don't sing, I will kiss you."

Jiang Li: “Sing!”

She sang with annoyance and reluctance.

"The moon rises over the spring river, and the embankment is flat. On the embankment, the girls walk arm in arm. They sing all the new lyrics, but they are no longer seen. The red clouds cast shadows on the trees, and the partridges sing... The new lyrics are passed on gracefully, and the sleeves are raised and the bags are emptied in the wind and dew. The moon sets, the crows cry, and the clouds and rain disperse. The wandering children pick up flower hairpins on the road."

Her voice was clear and warm, and sounded particularly beautiful. She was singing with some anger at first, but as she sang, her voice became gentler.

Ji Heng put his arm around her shoulders. He was tall, and he rested his chin on Jiang Li's forehead. He closed his eyes, and his long eyelashes drooped.

(End of this chapter)