The Double
Chapter 553 - 165 - Wedding Banquet

Chapter 553: 165 Chapter Wedding Banquet

From when Emperor Hongxiao arranged Princess Yongning’s marriage to her wedding day, less than a month had passed.

A month ago, Princess Yongning was still dreaming of a blissful, everlasting future with Shen Yurong. A month later, she found herself carrying Shen Yurong’s child, about to marry another man. For the sake of the child, even if her heart held ten thousand unwillingnesses, she still had to have Empress Dowager Liu persuade the emperor to grant the marriage sooner. If they waited any longer, she wouldn’t be able to conceal her pregnancy.

On the day Princess Yongning got married, Yanjing City was deserted, as its residents crowded the streets.

Everyone went to witness the grand spectacle of the most prestigious princess in Northern Yan getting married. The procession fetching the bride was all imperial pomp and pageantry, and even the money scattered in celebration was silver ingots. The common people joyously collected the silver, uttering auspicious words. Young maidens watched the wedding procession with envy in their eyes. Who wouldn’t want to marry as splendidly as this? Moreover, the man Princess Yongning was marrying was such an outstanding figure. But she was a princess born of the Imperial Family; others could only lament their lack of such noble birth.

Early that morning, Jiang Li heard from Tonger, who loved to follow the bustling crowd, about the lively scene on the streets. Jiang Li listened absentmindedly. Today, the Jiang Family was also going to attend the Li Family’s joyous occasion. Though they didn’t usually interact, the visit was necessary for appearances. Jiang Li initially didn’t want to go; she thought of visiting Xue Huaiyuan at the Ye Family. It had been nearly a month, and Xue Huaiyuan hadn’t woken up yet. Although Situ Jiuyue kept saying there was nothing to worry about, Jiang Li was still anxious.

Since she had to attend the banquet at the Li Family, she naturally couldn’t visit Xue Huaiyuan. Bai Xue asked, "Miss, which outfit will you wear today?"

Jiang Li casually pointed at a set of clothes, "This one."

Among the daughters of the Jiang Family, besides Jiang Youyao, who was not in the residence, only she and Jiang Yuyan remained unmarried. Ever since Jiang Li subtly mentioned the possibility of the third branch colluding with the Right Chancellor in front of Jiang Yuanbai, he had taken a dislike to the third branch. Naturally, he wouldn’t take Jiang Yuyan with him this time. Therefore, aside from Jiang Jingrui and Jiang Jingyou, she was the only daughter of the Jiang Family attending.

The old madam did not go due to her age, but the whole second branch went.

Tonger and Bai Xue were somewhat excited; they had never seen a princess’s wedding and were always curious about such events. Happy occasions were also lively. But Jiang Li was not so cheerful. She was aware that neither the bride nor the groom desired this marriage. However, since she had to visit the Li Family anyway, it would be worthwhile to witness Princess Yongning’s discontent up close.

Furthermore, in such a gathering, Shen Yurong would definitely be there.

At this thought, a hint of mockery flashed in Jiang Li’s eyes. Shen Yurong, who had been so eager to become the Prince Consort, even to the point of being indifferent to the potential extermination of Princess Yongning’s lineage, now saw all his aspirations come to naught. She wondered how angry such an arrogant man must feel inside.

Seeing him unhappy made her happy.

Jiang Li smiled slightly, put on her outer garment, and said, "Let’s go."

When they went outside, the entire second branch and Jiang Yuanbai were already there, waiting only for her. Jiang Jingrui seemed disinterested in the hustle and didn’t hide his impatience. Jiang Jingyou was somewhat better. Lady Lu, upon seeing Jiang Li, lit up, "Ah Li, that outfit you’re wearing is gorgeous!"

Jiang Li chuckled, "This was sent by my uncle from Xiangyang. I still have a few bolts left. When I return tonight, I’ll send some to second aunt. They would make lovely skirts."

Upon hearing this, Lady Lu’s smile grew even brighter, "How could I accept such a thing..."

"We’re all family, and besides, if second aunt looks wonderful in it, others will ask about it and give more business to the Ye Family. It’s a win-win situation. Please don’t be polite with me," Jiang Li said.

Lady Lu beamed with joy, turning to Jiang Yuanxing, "Look at how sweetly the girl talks." Lately, she was growing fonder of Jiang Li. Ever since Jiang Li returned to the Jiang Family, she had helped Lady Lu defeat Ji Shuran, taking back the power to manage the family. Moreover, she had never competed with her for anything. Lady Lu wasn’t one to start conflicts proactively, and with Jiang Li being so considerate and sweet-talking, Lady Lu couldn’t find fault with her.

Jiang Yuanping, watching Jiang Li jest with Lady Lu, couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. It was unexpected; the initial struggle just to return to the household, the girl who everyone spoke of as a matricide and a fratricide, treated with caution and distance, was now the one who got along best with everyone. Indeed, social attitudes can shift in such unpredictable ways.

He also reflected upon the day’s joyous event. Jiang Li might have played a role in it; if it wasn’t for her revealing the name of Eldest Young Master Li, he wouldn’t have informed Emperor Hongxiao, and the emperor wouldn’t have arranged the marriage so swiftly.