Chapter Twenty-Eight The Doppelganger

End of the Sixth Year of King Ying Zheng’s Reign

Today, the girls in the courtyard are noticeably happier than usual, for Li Yu has instructed Xiao He to give each of them an extra month’s wages. Even Jing Ni received a red envelope from Li Yu, saying it was for her future daughter.

Jing Ni gazed curiously at the abundance of wooden puppet toys scattered about the yard, and asked Li Yu, who was finishing his Tai Chi practice, “What are these?”

Li Yu wiped his brow symbolically and replied, “These are toys I commissioned from a carpenter, meant for our future daughter to play with.” He pointed to a small tricycle. “This is my invention, a human-powered carriage, crafted by the Gongshu family.” Then he pointed to another. “This is a baby walker.”

Jing Ni looked at the room full of toys; her usually placid heart seemed stirred by something. She turned away and returned to her room.

“Master, I want a gift too,” Tian Mi came out just then, coquettishly speaking to Li Yu.

Li Yu smiled at Tian Mi. “The gift you wish for, I cannot give. But the gift I offer, I wonder if you dare accept it, Miss Mi?”

Tian Mi was puzzled by his words, finding them rather convoluted, and asked, “What gift does Master wish to give me?”

Li Yu’s expression grew serious; he stepped forward and stared at Tian Mi. “I can help you become the leader of heroes, but what I require in return is your loyalty. Can you give me that?”

Li Yu was laying his cards on the table—soon he would depart for Han, and had no time for games.

Tian Mi’s face changed dramatically; she instinctively stepped back. “Master, you must be joking. I do not know what it means to be the leader of heroes; I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

Li Yu said no more, merely chuckling as he turned and left—he’d already said enough, and any further pretense would be pointless.

Arriving at Xianyang Palace, he exchanged a few casual words with Ying Zheng as usual, and before leaving slipped him a red envelope, claiming it was a tradition from his hometown. Not wishing to favor one over another, Li Yu gave another red envelope to Gai Nie.

His custom of handing out red envelopes as he walked left everyone bewildered, especially Zhao Gao and the Six Sword Slaves, who received theirs with truly perplexed expressions.

Nestled against Zhao Ji’s majestic bosom, Li Yu’s heart found peace. Three months in this world of Qin had left him at times confused and lonely; only in the arms of his beloved did he feel he was not alone.

Caressing Zhao Ji’s belly, Li Yu’s eyes were filled with tenderness. He wondered who would give birth first—Zhao Ji or Liu Feixu. At last, in this world, he felt the belonging of home.

After lunch with Zhao Ji, Li Yu headed to the Stargazing Tower. The towering seven-story wooden structure, in this era without steel or concrete, was already a marvel.

The words “Moon Palace” hung above the residence. Li Yu knocked, and the door was opened by a young girl, about the same age as Nuomin. Seeing a stranger, she asked, “Who are you looking for?”

Li Yu, though unfamiliar with her, assumed she belonged to the Yin-Yang Clan. He bowed and said, “I am Li Yu, here to see Dongjun of the Yin-Yang Clan.” He made sure to wear a gentle, friendly expression.

The girl opened the door wider. “Master Dongjun said if someone named Li Yu came, he should be sent directly to the Stargazing Tower.”

Only then did Li Yu notice another young girl inside, identical to the one at the door.

“Black and White Junior Commanders?” Li Yu murmured to himself, then strode toward the tallest building.

At the base, looking up, he realized the tower was even higher than he’d expected—nearly thirty meters, a miracle in this era.

Such extravagance! Li Yu shook his head.

He knocked lightly.

The person who opened the door surprised him. She was here too?

Dressed in red, her gaze was sharp, a lock of hair drifting across her face, adding a touch of devilish allure. Most striking were her jade hands, crimson as flames, adorned with strange silver patterns, nails black as ink—utterly bizarre.

Wasn’t this the Grand Commander? How many Yin-Yang Clan members were here?

“What business?” came the cold voice of the Grand Commander.

“I am Li Yu, here to see Dongjun,” Li Yu bowed and replied.

“You are Li Yu?” The Grand Commander scrutinized the youth before her, curious. He was handsome, but nothing remarkable. Why did Dongjun care so much for him? Did Dongjun have a taste for young men?

The Grand Commander gossiped inwardly, but her face remained expressionless. “Come in,” she said, turning to lead the way.

Li Yu watched appreciatively as she walked ahead, her mysterious stride captivating—a true goddess.

The Grand Commander felt a shiver run through her. Though she did not look back, she sensed Li Yu’s gaze. Who would have thought this boy was so clever? Why did Dongjun like him? Her curiosity only grew.

After a few steps, Yan Fei appeared before them. As Li Yu entered the courtyard, Yan Fei had already sensed his arrival.

“Feiyan, you really are here,” Li Yu stepped forward and took Yan Fei’s hand.

“I’ll be here for quite a while,” Yan Fei replied softly.

She turned to the incredulous Grand Commander. “You may go now.”

Master Dongjun actually smiled—because of this boy?

“Yan Fei, come home with me tonight—let’s celebrate together,” Li Yu invited earnestly.

“All right, I have things to handle first, I’ll come later,” Yan Fei answered seriously.

“Really? That’s wonderful. I’ll wait for you at dinner.” Li Yu was surprised by her quick agreement; he’d rehearsed his words several times.

“Feiyan, do you live here alone?” Li Yu asked, searching for conversation.

“No, my junior sister is here too,” Yan Fei replied.

At that moment, a silhouette floated out—yes, floated, silent and gentle.

“Sister, this Grand Artisan has sought you several times. Even your junior sister is moved,” came a mocking, odd voice.

Yan Fei frowned, annoyed. “It’s none of your business. Leave.”

It was the Moon Goddess herself. Li Yu was intrigued—did these sisters always squabble upon meeting? The last time he’d seen the Moon Goddess, she was aloof; this was quite different.

“Sister, the courtyard is called Moon Palace, a residence bestowed upon me by the King of Qin,” the Moon Goddess persisted.

Yan Fei said no more; with a single hand, she struck at the Moon Goddess. A wave of heat filled the room. The Moon Goddess, unable to dodge, was sent flying. She wiped her mouth, then disappeared with a flick of her sleeve.

Li Yu felt sorry for the Moon Goddess—why provoke her and get beaten?

Farewell to Yan Fei; Li Yu headed for the Fragrant Pavilion.

Year’s end made business at the Fragrant Pavilion unusually quiet. Life in Qin times was unlike the modern age; everyone preferred to stay home for the grand family reunion.

Li Yu helped Liu Feixu sit, supporting her waist, then helped remove her shoes and socks.

Liu Feixu, her face radiant, said, “Husband, I can still move myself; I dare not trouble you so.”

Li Yu kissed her small feet gently. “Soon I must leave Qin, and I feel guilty toward you. While I am still here, let me serve you more; it eases my heart.” With that, he began to caress her.

“Husband, don’t—so smelly!” Liu Feixu lay on the bed, laughing.

Li Yu kissed her up to her forehead. “Your scent is intoxicating; how could it be unpleasant?”

“Husband,” Feixu embraced Li Yu’s head and pressed it against her chest.

Their passion burned until dusk, when Li Yu reluctantly departed the Fragrant Pavilion.

Returning home, he found the house adorned with lanterns. Little Peach bounced around, holding a lantern, trying to hang it on the door frame.

Li Yu stepped forward, took the lantern from Little Peach, and hung it up, teasing, “You need to eat more, Peach—your height!” He shook his head playfully, making Little Peach stomp her feet in frustration—so what if he’s tall?

In the courtyard, he found Jing Ni practicing swordplay. Li Yu watched, fascinated—it was his first time seeing her wield a sword. Her tall figure was truly pleasing to the eye, especially her shapely hips and long legs.

Jing Ni finished, adjusted her breathing, and Li Yu quickly handed her a towel. “Sister, now that you’re pregnant, you should exercise less, especially these first months.”

Jing Ni replied, “I haven’t practiced in a long time and felt rusty. Watching you do Tai Chi inspired me to try.”

Li Yu asked, “How did it feel?”

Jing Ni answered, “Your swordplay is easy to learn but hard to master.”

Li Yu replied, “No rush—I’m not using it to fight. It’s mainly for health.”

Jing Ni said, “You’re highly gifted.”

Li Yu said, “Let’s not talk about that. Let’s discuss something else. Sister, are you satisfied with your current life? Is it what you wanted?”

Jing Ni glanced at the courtyard and at Li Yu, then nodded slightly.

She didn’t ask for much, like Li Yu. All she wanted was a family. But in these troubled times, even the simplest dreams are a luxury.

Night began to fall, and Li Yu saw a golden figure approaching the gate.

It was Yan Fei. Li Yu stepped forward to greet her. “Feiyan, you arrived quickly—I thought I would have to wait much longer.”

“Li Yu, thank you,” Yan Fei was touched to see Li Yu waiting outside in the winter cold.

Li Yu welcomed her inside.

The room was lively, made warmer by Li Yu’s charcoal stove invention. The temperature was much higher than outside.

Li Yu helped Yan Fei remove her fur coat and hung it on the wooden rack. Yan Fei was intrigued by the decorations.

Solid wood chairs lined the walls; two Eight Immortal tables stood in the center, piled with all sorts of prepared ingredients.

Yan Fei watched the maids, each holding plates, chatting and eating—a novel sight.

Li Yu gave Yan Fei a plate and chopsticks. “This is called a buffet—it’s lively and informal.”

Then he addressed everyone in the room. “Let me introduce you. This is your future mistress, Dongjun Yan Fei from the Yin-Yang Clan. Please welcome her.”

The crowd was silent—until Xiao He started clapping and shouting “Welcome!” The others followed suit.

Yan Fei blushed deeply. “Who said I agreed to marry you?”

Li Yu grinned. “Feiyan, if you don’t marry me, who else would you marry? I decided to wed you before I even met you. I must marry you in this life, or I’ll never rest in peace.”

Yan Fei scoffed. “Your destiny may be strange, but I can see you’re not a stable man. How did I end up on your pirate ship?”

Li Yu rubbed his nose, not denying it—especially since Jing Ni was busy nearby, there was no point.

Though he’d told Yan Fei that Jing Ni was his savior, Yan Fei wasn’t blind; she could see the warmth in Li Yu’s gaze.

As for Tian Mi, who sat in the corner looking seductive, Li Yu didn’t even glance her way.

Dinner ended in a lively atmosphere. Li Yu led Yan Fei to the courtyard and called out, “Are you ready?”

A melodious female voice answered from outside, “Ready, master! Begin!”

Yan Fei asked, “Li Yu, what are you doing?”

Li Yu replied, “Wait and see—it’s for you.”

As he finished speaking, a bright light shot into the sky, followed by a loud bang. The light burst like celestial flowers, illuminating the entire night sky.

As fireworks bloomed one after another, Li Yu knelt, raising Yan Fei’s hands.

Yan Fei understood what he was doing—Li Yu had done something similar three months ago.

“This beautiful fairy, I, Li Yu, adore you and wish to spend my life with you. Through sickness and hardship, through age and fading beauty, I vow to protect and cherish you. Your presence completes my life. Feiyan, marry me.” He took a golden ring from his pocket and slipped it onto her finger.

Yan Fei struggled briefly, but finally let Li Yu slide the ring on.

Seeing the ring in place, Li Yu’s excitement turned to joy. He embraced Yan Fei and spun her around the courtyard.

Jing Ni looked at the empty bedding on the floor, feeling a slight melancholy.

Li Yu led Yan Fei to his room, which was decorated in red—red bedding, red lamps, and the double happiness symbol pasted above the bed. Li Yu explained, “For now, I can only arrange a simple wedding. In five years, we’ll hold a grand wedding with our child in attendance.”

Yan Fei slapped Li Yu’s shoulder, stopping his nonsense. Who holds two weddings five years apart? And who would bear him another child then?

Li Yu chuckled, “Feiyan, I think our love deserves the world’s blessing. Rest assured, in five years, I’ll make sure everyone wholeheartedly blesses us—perhaps even write a book about it.”

“Husband, it’s late. I should go home now,” Yan Fei, the dignified Dongjun, was ready to leave.

But with the atmosphere so ripe, to let Yan Fei leave would make Li Yu a fool. He pulled her to sit on the bed and took out a deck of cards. “Feiyan, let’s just play cards.”

The night sky over Xianyang grew brilliantly bright once more, even more so than before, accompanied by swirling clouds and vibrant colors.

The Moon Goddess gazed at the changing sky, speechless. This was the fourth time—the first during the day, with purple clouds from the east; the next two at night; and now again?

All her calculations came to nothing, vexing the Moon Goddess, who prided herself on unmatched divination.

Since meeting Li Yu, the Moon Goddess had felt nothing but misfortune. Yan Fei had gone to his house and hadn’t returned.

Could these celestial signs be tied to Li Yu? His destiny was certainly unique.

She began her calculations again.

Not only the Moon Goddess, but an old man on Mount Taiyi also watched in the direction of the Qin palace.

Petals of red marked the turning point in Yan Fei’s life.

From this moment, she became a wife.

“Honey, let’s try the Emperor’s Twelve Exercises,” Li Yu whispered, caressing Yan Fei’s cheek.

“Husband, this ancient practice feels unsettling—it’s not as simple as it seems,” Yan Fei replied, now serious as she discussed her field.

“What’s there to fear?” Li Yu said, beginning the practice as described in the diagrams.

At first, all was well—until the twelfth diagram. Suddenly, ripples swept the room; gravity seemed to vanish. Both floated, bodies entwined, unable to move even their eyes.

Their spirits separated from their bodies and fused together in the air, pleasure so intense Li Yu shuddered. Yan Fei was no better—pain vanished, replaced by ecstasy like the deadliest drug.

A white light shone from Li Yu’s core, stronger than ever, enveloping them both.

Within the halo, their energies merged—Yan Fei’s red and Li Yu’s white formed a massive three-dimensional Tai Chi, slowly rotating.

A shadow appeared in the vortex, eyes closed, then slowly opened.

Li Yu looked around curiously; the Tai Chi still spun, his body still entwined with Feiyan, while their spirits tangled above, sharing unprecedented bliss.

What was happening? Li Yu felt himself—he was still himself, flesh and blood.

What was this?

As their spiritual fusion peaked, their bodies simultaneously reached their ideal climax. When calm returned, their spiritual energies re-entered their bodies, and the Tai Chi energy was absorbed.

A scream pierced the night. The door was suddenly struck open. Both Li Yus looked—the one entering was Jing Ni, sword drawn, facing the three within the room, then short-circuited.

“Who can tell me what’s going on?” she asked, closing the door behind her to shield the three from exposure.

Both Li Yus responded, “I wish I knew!”

Yan Fei, naked, hurriedly dressed and studied the two Li Yus. “What are you thinking?”

Both replied, “Wondering how this happened.”

Yan Fei asked, “Which one of you is Li Yu?”

Both said, “Let me put it this way—I feel like I have two bodies and one mind. It’s a strange feeling, like having a left and right hand, Feiyan, do you understand? Like two bodies separated by space.”

Yan Fei examined them—identical in every detail, even down to the hairs. She was amazed.

“You can’t stay like this forever, can you?”

Li Yu said, “I sense that if I wish, we can quickly merge into one.”

Yan Fei said, “Well, what are you waiting for?”

Li Yu closed his eyes, and one of him moved toward the other, gradually merging. It felt like a dream.

Yan Fei said, “Legend has it the Emperor lay with three thousand women a day. I always wondered why—it turns out to be this! This practice was made for rakes!”

Seeing Li Yu laugh until he couldn’t stand, she grew furious and struck him, knocking him onto the bed.

Li Yu looked sorrowfully at Yan Fei. “Feiyan, as soon as we’re done, you turn your back on me? Who’s the rake? And Jing Ni, you didn’t stop her!”

Jing Ni turned away. “Put your clothes on.”

“Oh,” Li Yu quickly dressed.

Yan Fei calmed herself and addressed Li Yu. “Let me be clear—if there are other sisters in the future, you’ll have to get past us first.”

She picked up a boiled egg from the table, crushed it in her hand.

Jing Ni blushed: Why me? Why us? Yet she felt as if a weight had been lifted.

Yan Fei asked, “How many people can you split into now?”

Li Yu replied, “Only one.”

Yan Fei breathed a sigh of relief—if he could make thousands, the whole world would be sisters.

Yan Fei never doubted Li Yu’s charm—otherwise, she wouldn’t have fallen so thoroughly. She hadn’t known him long, but his sweet words had dropped her IQ to negative. Regrets? None. Yan Fei could feel the sincerity of Li Yu’s affection.

In this chaotic age, finding someone who truly loves you is already a rare blessing.