The Double
Chapter 142 - 142 83 Encounter with Beauty_4

142: Chapter 83: Encounter with Beauty_4 142: Chapter 83: Encounter with Beauty_4 Someone asked, “Lotus with Twin Flowers?

I really haven’t seen that before.

I heard that there was one in the pond behind the White Cloud Temple, and many people went to see it, claiming that those who saw it would be blessed with familial harmony.”

Familial harmony, and there’s another phrase that people are likely too embarrassed to say out loud, which is that it smooths out the relationship between a husband and his wife.

Among the female guests present, which married one wouldn’t want harmony between her and her husband?

Even the unwed young ladies long for the day they can leave their parental homes to find an Ideal Gentleman to live in harmony with for the rest of their lives.

With such a fortunate sight, who wouldn’t want to take a look?

“Indeed, there is such a thing,” Consort Li also said with a smile, “If the ladies want to take a look, they could go see it.”

The ladies and young misses present were immediately thrilled by Lady Ji Chen’s suggestion to go see the Lotus with Twin Flowers.

Liu Xu was somewhat reluctant to go; she found it difficult to mingle with those noble ladies, but Madam Liu had to socialize with the wives of Gentleman Chengde’s colleagues, so she patted Liu Xu on the head, signaling her to go along.

Ji Shuran also smiled as she stood up, saying, “Lili is in the teahouse at the end of the corridor.

She must have rested for a while by now, so her dizziness should have subsided.

It’s just the right time for me to fetch her, and then we can leave the palace together.”

Jiang Yu Yan timidly spoke up, “My fourth sister hasn’t come back yet.”

Jiang Li had gone to rest, and Jiang Yue had left to change her clothing, but now she too had not returned.

Lady Yang noticed this and complained, “That girl, where has she wandered off to?

Why hasn’t she come back yet?”

“No need to worry,” Jiang Youyao said, “Fourth sister and second sister left together.

Perhaps they’re staying somewhere together right now, and we might see them when we go to the teahouse.”

Lady Yang dared not contradict Jiang Youyao’s words, but she didn’t believe it in her heart.

She knew her daughter best.

Jiang Yue and Jiang Li never got along, so why would they be together?

Moreover, on the day of the palace banquet, how could Jiang Yue be content with hiding in the teahouse instead of showing herself?

Based on Jiang Yue’s personality, she should have already come out to draw attention to herself.

Even though she was anxious, Lady Yang could not show it.

Besides, she really had no idea where Jiang Yue had gone, so she thought to go to the teahouse first to see if Jiang Yue was there.

The group then headed towards the teahouse at the end of the corridor.

The moon had disappeared at some point, hiding beneath layers of clouds, leaving only a few dim glimmers of light on the lotus leaves and flowers that rustled in the wind.

The fish, seeing people passing by, scrambled to hide under the lotus leaves.

Ripples gleamed on the water, with a hidden turbulence beneath.

The corridor seemed very long, but while walking and laughing, it was just a moment before they reached the end.

At the end of the corridor, indeed, there was a Lotus with Twin Flowers, but it was not as vibrant and eye-catching as the other lotus flowers, just two small and inconspicuous blooms.

Everyone was somewhat disappointed.

Nevertheless, they looked at it a few more times because of the legend that it could bless “familial harmony,” but after viewing it, they felt the scenery inside the waterside pavilion was more attractive.

Ji Shuran laughed and said, “Lili is just inside this teahouse.

I’ll go in and check on her.

If anyone is thirsty and wants to come in for a cup of tea, feel free to join me.”

After walking for a bit, indeed there were ladies who were thirsty and wanted some tea, so they went with Ji Shuran.

Ji Shuran approached the teahouse.

There was only a dim light in the teahouse, which seemed especially intimate and lingering in the night.

Through the window, it was impossible to see the figures inside; it was eerily quiet.

Jiang Youyao smiled and said, “Did second sister fall asleep?

Why is it so quiet inside?

I can’t hear a single sound.”

“Very possible,” Ji Shuran said with concern, “She mentioned being dizzy earlier.

If she’s fallen asleep now, I hope she hasn’t caught a cold.” Yet inside, she felt extraordinarily smug; at this moment, Jiang Li was probably exhausted from her passionate encounter with Ye Shijie, deeply asleep, unable to hear the noise outside.

The effects of the drug were at their strongest, and with so many “witnesses” behind her, Jiang Li and Ye Shijie were bound to have an unforgettable night.

Therefore, without any hesitation, Ji Shuran softly called out, “Lili,” while pushing the door open.

The door of the teahouse seemed to be unlocked, opening with just a gentle push.

The light inside flickered suddenly.

Ji Shuran stepped through the doorway.

Upon entering, Ji Shuran felt a sudden sense of wrongness, but before she could ponder it, she saw Ye Shijie, looking pensive, propping his face with his hand and frowning as he looked towards her.

Neatly dressed and clean, in front of him were just tea and snacks on a small table, and there was no sign of Jiang Li in the room.