"Elder brother, with this parting, I hope that in three years' time when we meet again, both of us will have risen to prominence, becoming the most honored among the honored."
The two turned and walked away, neither looking back. Many years later, when the Da Jin Dynasty had become a prosperous and splendid realm, this moment would be recounted with relish by many. The legendary siblings' farewell at the city gates marked the true beginning of their glorious destinies.
A horse let out a long whinny as the morning sun burst forth, dyeing half the sky of Da Jin Dynasty in crimson hues. Brilliant clouds cast their glow upon the high-spirited elite troops. The ornate carriage began to move, its warm colors gently watching the procession depart.
...
Spring blossoms covered the branches of an apricot tree, beneath which stood a simple stone table bearing a cup of fragrant tea and delicate hibiscus cakes on a jade plate. A breeze sent petals fluttering down like rain, some landing on the figure seated below the tree.
In the royal ancestral temple grounds, the figure in dark green robes sat with slightly bowed head, studying the chessboard before her. One hand held a black piece, the other white, playing against herself. Her lowered face obscured her features, but the simple robes outlined a graceful silhouette—a slender waist that seemed barely a handful, long legs and narrow hips—a pleasing sight even from afar.
A young maid came running from the distance, her sweet, cheerful voice calling out from afar: "Miss! Miss!"
The dark-robed girl's brows twitched slightly as two older maids standing nearby glared at the approaching girl. "Luzhu," one chided, "must you always be so reckless? Quiet now, you're disturbing the young lady's game."
Luzhu stuck out her tongue. Compared to the naive girl of three years past, she had matured somewhat, becoming even more charming and quick-witted. Slowing her steps, she approached the seated figure. "This servant was just overjoyed—everything's been packed as instructed. Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has given orders—we depart at dawn tomorrow."
The dark-robed girl placed her final piece and raised her face, revealing beauty so extraordinary it seemed otherworldly. Even in the plain robes of the temple, her radiance was undeniable. The once slightly childish face had slimmed, now barely the size of a palm. Her eyes glistened like flowing spring water or translucent amber gems. Redder lips, whiter teeth, her hair loosely tied in a simple bun exuded a lazy sensuality.
Lianqiao, her personal maid, caught her breath. Their young mistress had always been beautiful, but these years had refined her features to near perfection—sometimes even the closest attendants would stare transfixed. Who knew what commotion such beauty would cause in the capital? The thought brought unease—excessive beauty was no blessing, especially without power to protect it. Though for now, under Empress Dowager Yide's protection, there should be no trouble.
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. "Three years already."
Time had flowed like fleeting water. These three years she had spent following the Empress Dowager in temple life—vegetarian meals, scripture recitations, simple robes and meditative walks. By remaining patiently at the Empress Dowager's side, never growing restless like ordinary girls during long sutra readings, she had gradually won Yide's favor. Day by day, she had woven herself into the Empress Dowager's life, subtly ingratiating herself until, though not Princess Yuan Rong, she had come to occupy a daughter-like place in the older woman's heart.So perseverance pays off. Ten days ago, Empress Dowager Yide personally presided over her coming-of-age ceremony and sent a message to the capital requesting her title as a princess. The Emperor approved and bestowed upon her the title of Princess of Great Peace.
Tomorrow marks the journey back to the capital. Once she returns to the palace, everyone will know of this newly appointed princess of the Da Jin Dynasty, and her status will no longer be the same as before.
These years spent by Empress Dowager Yide's side had not been spent deliberately seeking news from the outside. The Jiang family never sent any letters, but whenever the Empress Dowager received updates about the battles at the border between the Celestial Jin Kingdom and the Da Jin Dynasty, she would call Jiang Ruan to listen together. To their delight, Jiang Xin Zhi had repeatedly turned the tide of war over the past three years, achieving remarkable feats. Fighting alongside Guan Lianghan, he even matched Guan Lianghan's bravery. Moreover, he always managed to strike first whenever the enemy attempted a surprise attack. Thus, the title of another war god of the Da Jin Dynasty fell upon Jiang Xin Zhi.
However, the war had not yet been completely quelled, so Jiang Xin Zhi could not return to the capital for the time being. As a result, the legends about him grew increasingly mythical.
Empress Dowager Yide reclined on her couch, smiling faintly. "Young Ruan, you do have a capable brother."
Jiang Ruan nodded, a slow swell of pride rising in her heart.
For three years, she had lived peacefully in the temple, listening to Buddhist chants and reciting scriptures every day, oblivious to the happenings outside. In the eyes of Empress Dowager Yide, she was no different from any ordinary young maiden. But Jiang Ruan knew that the hatred in her heart had never truly faded, not for a single day. Kneeling before the golden statue of the Buddha, her expression devout, she cursed inwardly. Smiling kindly at the young monks sweeping the grounds, she plotted step by step how to destroy those villains. Every night, leaning against her bed, scenes from her past life flashed before her eyes—the more furious she felt inside, the gentler her expression became.
She committed demonic deeds under the Buddha's very feet—so what?
The journey back to the capital was about to begin. She wondered if those people were ready for hell.
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly and glanced at the chessboard beneath the apricot tree. The white and black pieces had all been played, seemingly chaotic, yet the trap was already set—the white pieces had no retreat left, while the black ones advanced with deadly intent.
With a light sweep of her sleeve, the chessboard overturned, the pieces scattering, and the outcome vanished once more.
Everything had only just begun.
...
In the twelfth year of Huide, Empress Dowager Yide returned to the capital.
The capital was bustling with excitement that day. Teahouses and taverns were abuzz with discussions about the event. Empress Dowager Yide had left the capital three years ago and was only returning now. It was said the Emperor, along with his civil and military officials, would welcome her in an unprecedented grand ceremony. Ordinary folks couldn't witness the spectacle firsthand, but they could still imagine it in their minds, as if they were seeing it with their own eyes.
The day also happened to be blessed with fine weather. Spring had arrived earlier than usual this year, and the morning sun seemed to know this was a momentous occasion, shining even brighter than the day before.
In the Jiang residence, Xia Yan was gently adjusting Jiang Quan's official robes. She smiled and said, "I’ve already instructed the kitchen to prepare your favorite osmanthus chicken today."
Jiang Quan frowned slightly. "You needn’t trouble yourself with such trivial matters. Leave them to the servants." His gaze fell on Xia Yan's abdomen. "You should focus on recuperating."
A flicker of joy passed through Xia Yan's eyes. "Speaking of which, I haven’t arranged a bedroom maid for you these past days. Apart from Lian Ye, there’s Lin Lang by my side—she’s quite obedient...""No need," Jiang Quan waved his hand. "And as for Hong Ying, what kind of impression would it give if word got out? I must leave now. The Emperor has issued an edict today, and I cannot afford to delay." With that, he fastened the top two buttons of his collar himself and hurried out the door.
Once Jiang Quan had left, the smile on Xia Yan's face vanished completely. She had thought her pregnancy would be a good thing, but instead, it had given that vixen Hong Ying an opportunity. Jiang Quan hadn't visited her courtyard in a long time, leaving everything to Hong Ying. Now, she couldn't even manage to send Lin Lang over to him.
She sat down dejectedly. Seeing this, Li Momo quickly handed her a cup of red date honey water. "Madam, you mustn't be angry with the master. Be careful not to harm the young master in your womb."
"Mom, it's not that I'm being willful," Xia Yan said, a trace of sorrow flashing in her eyes. "He only knows today is the day the Empress Dowager returns to the palace, but he doesn't realize it's also the day Su Su comes home. Su Su has been in the family temple for three years—I haven't seen her in three years. And yet, today, he didn't even ask about her. Does she still have a place in his heart?"
Xia Yan's tone was so bitter that Li Momo quickly interjected, "Madam, you mustn't speak like this. If 'that one' hears, she might stir up trouble in front of the master again."
"That one" naturally referred to Fifth Concubine Hong Ying. Over the years, Hong Ying's position in the Jiang household had grown increasingly secure, almost to the point of rivaling Xia Yan's. Though Li Momo advised caution, Xia Yan was too upset to listen. She spat angrily, "Pah! She's nothing but a whore from the brothels, putting on airs of purity. It's all just tricks to seduce men—utterly disgraceful!"
Had anyone overheard, they would have been shocked. Xia Yan, renowned in the capital as a talented and refined lady, was now spewing words like a vulgar village shrew.
Seeing her like this, Li Momo hurried to console her. "Madam, why bother with such lowly people? No matter how favored she is, if she can't bear children, she’ll still be at your mercy. Men are always chasing novelty. The master is just momentarily bewitched by that vixen. Once she ages and loses her looks, with no child to rely on, she’ll meet a bad end. Once you give the master a young heir, he’ll realize only you truly care for him. With a son by your side, what is there to fear?"
Xia Yan gradually calmed down and sighed. "You're right. That wretched woman is just a barren hen—nothing to worry about. Now that Chao is making progress, he’ll be able to support the child in my womb in the future."
Jiang Chao was currently working under Ye Li, managing the affairs of the capital's shops. The position wasn’t overly prestigious, but it was far from insignificant. Over the past few years, Jiang Chao had worked diligently and done quite well, earning Ye Li's approval. Even Jiang Quan, who had once been disappointed in him, had gradually begun to see his son in a new light.
But what worried Xia Yan most was Jiang Susu. The letters she sent to Jiang Susu were never answered—only brief messages saying she was fine. She wouldn’t even meet Xia Yan in person. After three years, Jiang Susu was returning to the capital today. Xia Yan had been overjoyed, but Jiang Quan’s indifference had dampened her spirits, leading to her outburst.She slowly caressed her slightly rounded belly. It had just been three months, and the pregnancy was stable. The physician had examined her and said it was most likely a male child. If it truly was a boy, it would mean she could gain a slight upper hand in her standoff with Hong Ying. Xia Yan lowered her head to gaze at her gently swelling abdomen and murmured, "My child, you must be born safely."
...
Empress Dowager Yide returned to the capital. Elite guards stood before the palace gates, with ceremonial guards lining the path for miles. The Emperor led the civil and military officials to welcome her. A long procession approached from the distance. Under the sunlight, the palace appeared extraordinarily magnificent, and the purple-patterned imperial carriage, adorned with golden threads, shimmered brilliantly. The procession came to a graceful halt. Civil officials stood to the left, military officials to the right, all bowing deeply in unison: "We welcome Your Majesty's return to the capital."
The imperial carriage stopped before the palace gates. Exquisitely dressed palace maids hurried forward to lift the beaded curtain. Empress Dowager Yide, clad in golden court robes and a resplendent headdress inlaid with turquoise, stepped out with assistance. She cast a fleeting glance over the crowd—just one look, yet it carried an overwhelming sense of authority.
Behind the imperial carriage closely followed a begonia-colored palanquin, equally opulent, from which a faint, elusive fragrance wafted. For some reason, everyone found their eyes drawn to it, as if anticipating the emergence of someone extraordinary.
The palanquin also came to a stop, its movements so gentle as if afraid to disturb the person inside, further piquing everyone's curiosity. Then, two maids in green approached—both tall and fair-faced, one appearing composed, the other spirited. They stood on either side of the palanquin and reached out to assist the occupant.
A delicate, jade-like hand emerged.
The hand itself was fair and unremarkable, but a faintly glowing blue bracelet at the wrist made the slender fingers appear breathtakingly beautiful—soft and boneless, stirring an inexplicable thrill in the hearts of onlookers.
The maid on the left lifted the curtain fully, and the figure inside bent forward to step out.
At that moment, a light breeze swept through. The crowd instinctively narrowed their eyes. When they opened them again, they saw, beyond the miles-long ceremonial procession and the ranks of elite guards, a figure in fiery red approaching from afar—a vision of soul-stirring beauty.
She was a peerless beauty, unseen in the mortal world.
Clad in a flowing crimson palace gown with intricate patterns, a begonia-colored skirt embroidered with golden clouds, and draped in a sheer, rosy double-phoenix outer robe, her hair was styled in a lotus-cloud coiffure, the raven locks coiled at the back accentuating her snow-white skin. Yet the blazing red seemed to have descended from the heavens, like a stroke of dazzling sunset over the Da Jin Dynasty. Her brows were like spring water, her eyes like peach blossoms, her lips cherry-red. Her features resembled those of a classical beauty from ancient paintings—not ethereal, but like a graceful malevolent spirit that had unwittingly descended upon this land.
She approached slowly, the fiery red hem of her skirt fluttering behind her. As she drew nearer, the exquisite details of her makeup became apparent—gold dust delicately dusted at the corners of her eyes, enhancing an already stunning beauty. The faint upward tilt of her eyes and the smile playing at her lips exuded both dignity and allure, a blend of cool elegance and bewitching charm.
Nation-destroying enchantress. The thought surfaced simultaneously in everyone's mind.
Such a woman truly deserved the title "Nation-destroying enchantress."
A eunuch's drawn-out voice announced, "We welcome the Princess of Great Peace back to the capital—"
The Princess of Great Peace. The crowd could not help but be moved.No one could forget how three years ago, the Jiang family's legitimate eldest daughter had shielded Empress Dowager Yide from a sword with her own body, saving the Dowager's life. In gratitude, Empress Dowager Yide had specially rewarded her by taking her to the imperial ancestral temple. Not long ago, the Emperor had officially conferred upon her the title of Princess of Great Peace. Everyone knew Empress Dowager Yide treated this princess differently from others. Now, seeing her in person, they realized the Princess of Great Peace possessed such peerless beauty—she was undoubtedly the world's most stunning beauty.
Even the Emperor couldn't help but narrow his eyes slightly.
Among the crowd, Jiang Quan needed no confirmation. The moment he saw the woman's features, he knew it was Jiang Ruan. His body trembled involuntarily. He had always known Jiang Ruan was beautiful, inheriting seventy percent of Zhao Mei's looks, but he never expected his daughter to mature like a phoenix shedding its fledgling feathers, radiating such breathtaking elegance. Such beauty was enough to sway any man, but what she might bring to the Jiang family was not necessarily glory.
The Eighth Prince, Ye Li, stared intently at the stunning young woman approaching from afar. If three years ago his interest in Jiang Ruan had been purely about control and utility, now, beyond astonishment, he felt an overwhelming determination. There were many beautiful women in the world, but few were both beautiful and intelligent—and none as uniquely so as her. Ye Li's heart stirred slightly. This woman was worthy of standing by his side. When he became king, she would undoubtedly be his queen!
The Fifth Prince, Ye Hua, was equally dazzled. The Crown Prince, of course, couldn't hide the flash of admiration in his eyes. Even the usually unremarkable Fourth Prince, Ye Lang, couldn't suppress a trace of infatuation.
Commander-in-Chief Gu Xiuwen frowned. Long ago, he had learned from Madam Gu about Gu Yi's infatuation with the Jiang family's legitimate eldest daughter. At the time, he felt the Jiang family was somewhat beneath them, especially since Jiang Ruan wasn't favored by Jiang Quan. But later, Jiang Xin Zhi rose steadily in rank, Zhao Guang acknowledged his granddaughter, and Jiang Ruan herself was ennobled as the Princess of Great Peace. He had thought this made them a suitable match—until today. Seeing the girl's extraordinary beauty now filled him with unease. Such looks could invite disaster.
Princess Heyi nestled close to Consort Shu, feeling a surge of hostility the moment she saw the girl. She had believed her own beauty was unmatched in the capital of the Da Jin Dynasty. Yet the appearance of this red-clad maiden made her feel like a firefly next to the moon—her own beauty now seemed laughable. When she heard the title "Princess of Great Peace," her fists clenched, and a venomous glint flashed across her face.
Xiao Shao's words three years ago had always been a thorn in Princess Heyi's side. She had intended to find a way to ruin Jiang Ruan, or at least make her life a living hell. But then the Empress Dowager's imperial decree intervened, allowing Jiang Ruan to retreat unscathed to the imperial ancestral temple, escaping her grasp. Ten days ago, upon hearing Jiang Ruan was returning to the capital, she had already plotted countless schemes to harm her. Now, seeing Jiang Ruan's beauty only intensified the storm of resentment raging within her.
That vixen! No doubt she used that bewitching face to ensnare someone like Xiao Shao!
Jiang Ruan advanced with a faint smile, her gaze sweeping imperceptibly over the foremost figures, taking in every expression. Noble Consort Chen smiled at her, seemingly unaffected. But Jiang Ruan knew the meaning behind that smile: I've been waiting for you for a long time.
She had been waiting for this moment too.When her gaze fell upon Master Huijue standing not far from the Emperor, she smiled faintly once more. Huijue remained as benevolent and kind-eyed as she remembered, though compared to three years ago, his features now carried an even greater serenity and composure. At first glance, he truly resembled the Buddha enshrined in temples.
Three years ago, when Jiang Ruan departed, she had entrusted Jiang Xinzhi to deliver a letter to Master Huijue. The letter meticulously detailed major events likely to occur in the capital over those three years. Huijue, already wise and astute, knew how to seize opportunities. With this letter, he gained wings to a tiger—following its guidance to "unintentionally" reveal heavenly secrets, he eventually won the favor of the supreme ruler in the palace.
It took Huijue three years to finally ascend to the position of state preceptor. This chess piece had at last moved to its intended place.
Her eyes swept over another familiar figure beside the Emperor—a young man standing tall and straight, exuding an air of solitary pride and noble purity. Jiang Ruan noticed his robes had now changed to those of a first-rank court official. Step by step, she moved forward, her smile deepening. Liu Min had finally become the Grand Tutor of the court, holding a first-rank position.
Everything was going splendidly. Even after three years away from the capital, the chessboard continued to advance steadily. She approached the Emperor and bowed deeply. "Your daughter pays respects to Imperial Father."
The Empress Dowager had already adopted her as a granddaughter, which meant she no longer needed to fear being sent into the palace one day to become the Emperor's woman, repeating the same fate as her past life. Empress Dowager Yide had done this precisely for her sake. Seeing Jiang Ruan grow more beautiful by the day and knowing her ambitions lay elsewhere, she had requested this title to completely sever any possibility of Jiang Ruan entering the palace.
This development brought joy to some and disappointment to others.
"Rise," the Emperor said indifferently.
Jiang Ruan stood up, her peripheral vision noting the absence of Xiao Shao. Logically, given his status, he should have been present today. Yet there was no sign of him anywhere. She couldn't help but recall his words before her departure—that he was going to the Eastern Barbarian Country. In a foreign land, who knew what dangers might arise? Had something unexpected happened?
At this thought, her brows involuntarily furrowed. But after a moment, she dismissed the idea in her heart. In her past life, Xiao Shao had lived beyond this point, so it was unlikely anything had gone wrong. Lost in her thoughts, she suddenly looked up and met a pair of smiling eyes—Ye Li's.
Ye Li gazed at her with boundless gentleness. Dressed in white, he truly embodied the image of a jade-like nobleman. Three years had passed, and he appeared more mature than before, like an ancient jade polished to greater smoothness, even more captivating to the eye.
Yet she had long since seen his true nature. Jiang Ruan smiled faintly and turned her head away, her eyes unconcealed in their disgust.
Ye Li was taken aback. Three years ago, he had assumed Jiang Ruan's resentment stemmed from Jiang Susu. But now, he clearly realized Jiang Ruan's aversion to him wasn't because of Jiang Susu. Jiang Ruan despised him from the bottom of her heart—as if it were innate. He couldn't recall doing anything to earn her hatred, yet every time they met, she displayed nothing but coldness and revulsion.
Ye Li frowned, then suddenly smiled again. No matter. Even so, he was confident he could win Jiang Ruan's heart. The woman he had set his sights on would not escape so easily.
After the monotonous rituals, once the tedious ceremonies were completed, Jiang Ruan accompanied Empress Dowager Yide back to Cining Palace first. After three years away, the Empress Dowager was somewhat delighted to return to the palace. The palace maids and eunuchs all behaved respectfully when they saw Jiang Ruan. Everyone knew that this Princess of Great Peace was now a favorite of Empress Dowager Yide, the cherished daughter of General Zhao, and had an elder brother hailed as the "God of War of the Da Jin Dynasty." She was practically the embodiment of boundless favor—someone not to be offended.
Jiang Ruan stayed in Cining Palace chatting with the Empress Dowager for a while before the latter claimed fatigue and permitted Jiang Ruan to leave the palace and return to the Jiang residence, bringing some imperial gifts with her. This was Empress Dowager Yide openly backing her. Jiang Ruan smiled and expressed her gratitude before departing from Cining Palace.
...
In the Imperial Garden, Princess Heyi tapped her slender fingers lightly on the teacup before her. "Fifth Brother, haven’t you made up your mind yet?"
A dark expression crossed the handsome face of the Fifth Prince, Ye Hua. "Tenth Sister, do you think your Fifth Brother is someone you can just use?"
"Fifth Brother, why say such things?" He Yi’s beautiful face bloomed into a smile, but it was as piercing as a viper’s glare. "The Princess of Great Peace is no ordinary woman. If Fifth Brother could marry her, Jiang Xin Zhi would eventually command one of the three armies, that old fool Zhao Guang would follow you, and with the Empress Dowager’s support—wouldn’t Fifth Brother be tempted?"
Ye Hua’s eyes flickered slightly. "What you say sounds good, but it’s too risky."
"Fortune favors the bold," Princess Heyi replied with a soft laugh. "But if Fifth Brother is afraid, that’s fine. I’ve heard that Eighth Brother has always been on good terms with the Xia family, who are related by marriage to the Jiang family. Their relationship with the Jiangs can’t be bad. Just now, I saw clearly—Eighth Brother’s gaze when he looked at the Princess of Great Peace... tsk tsk. I think, since the Princess has already come of age, it won’t be long before Eighth Brother sends a marriage proposal. By then, both the Zhao Family Army and the Guan Family Army will belong to Eighth Brother."
Ye Hua’s expression shifted slightly, but he still said, "So what? Back then, the Princess publicly rejected a marriage proposal at the palace banquet. Now that Father Emperor has allowed her to choose her own husband, she certainly won’t pick Eighth Brother."
"Fifth Brother, how can you be so naive?" Princess Heyi sighed. "Since I’ve shared such a scheme with Fifth Brother, if you refuse, I’ll naturally tell Eighth Brother. If Fifth Brother won’t act, but Eighth Brother will, then the Princess of Great Peace will have no choice but to marry him, won’t she?"
"Are you threatening me?" Ye Hua flared up in anger.
"I’m merely reminding Fifth Brother," Princess Heyi said with a faint smile. "My mother and the Noble Consort are at odds—of course I wouldn’t genuinely want to help him. That would be the worst option. That’s why I’ve come to Fifth Brother. Think carefully, Fifth Brother. The Princess of Great Peace is a rare beauty—you wouldn’t be at a loss."
Ye Hua’s mind instantly conjured Jiang Ruan’s stunningly beautiful face. His breath hitched—indeed, as a man, claiming he wasn’t tempted by such a peerless beauty would be a lie. Moreover, the support behind Jiang Ruan was not to be underestimated. Over the past three years, his struggle for the throne against Ye Li had grown increasingly fierce. The more brotherly affection they displayed on the surface, the more they wished for each other’s demise in private. If he could secure Jiang Xin Zhi and the Zhao family, wouldn’t that be another advantage? And Empress Dowager Yide held the Princess of Great Peace in such high regard—if he could win her over...
Ye Hua let out a cold laugh. "Tenth Sister, don’t try to fool me. Speak plainly—what is your goal?""Simple," Princess Heyi's beautiful face twisted with malice in an instant. "I want that bitch to be utterly disgraced."
Ye Hua was taken aback, then angrily retorted, "What do you mean by that? If she's to become my consort, how can she be disgraced?"
"Fifth Brother, don't speak too soon. If you rashly propose marriage now, with the Princess of Great Peace at the height of her influence, how would the Zhao family and Jiang Xin Zhi willingly accept it? Moreover, the matter of marriage is entirely in Jiang Ruan's own hands. But what if Jiang Ruan were to actively pursue you, offering herself willingly? When the time comes, even if Jiang Ruan herself were to cry and beg not to marry, she would have no choice but to do so. The imperial family would never tolerate such a shameless woman. If you then step forward, offering to take her as your official wife, wouldn’t the Zhao family and Jiang Xin Zhi be grateful to you? You’d gain benefits, and the Da Jin Dynasty would see that the Princess of Great Peace isn’t as virtuous as she appears. It’s a win-win situation."
Ye Hua studied Princess Heyi for a moment before suddenly laughing. "They say a woman's heart is the most venomous, but this is the first time I’ve seen my tenth sister so cunning."
Princess Heyi sneered, "She deserves to die." Ye Hua was a man with countless concubines, his residence filled with bedroom maids. Once Jiang Ruan entered the Fifth Prince's household, those women would never let her off easily. With her reputation ruined, Empress Dowager Yide would surely no longer treat her with the same warmth. The Da Jin Dynasty despised women who violated moral codes, and from then on, her every step would be fraught with difficulty. And once Ye Hua grew tired of Jiang Ruan, dealing with her would be effortless.
"Deal," Ye Hua agreed readily. "I only care about gaining the person and the advantage. The process doesn’t matter. If you ever want her in the future, I’ll gladly oblige as a favor."
Princess Heyi smiled faintly. "In that case, thank you, Fifth Brother."
...
Jiang Ruan had just followed the guiding palace maid to the Imperial Garden when two unfamiliar maids approached. Their attire was exceptional, clearly not ordinary servants. Upon seeing Jiang Ruan, they gave a slight bow and said, "Miss Jiang, the Princess requests your presence for a discussion."
Though their words were polite, their tone lacked respect, their gazes openly appraising. Jiang Ruan smiled without responding, while the guiding maid hurriedly interjected, "Sisters, I was just escorting Miss Jiang out of the palace. Her Majesty the Empress Dowager instructed her to return to the Jiang residence first."
"The Princess has urgent matters to discuss with Miss Jiang. Given the Princess’s sincerity, surely Miss Jiang wouldn’t refuse her kindness," one of the maids replied with a smile.
So they were forcing the issue? The guiding maid hesitated, clearly aware of Princess Heyi’s domineering ways in the palace, backed by Consort Shu. She was deeply apprehensive.
The two maids watched Jiang Ruan leisurely, certain she wouldn’t dare refuse. After all, Princess Heyi was notorious for her arrogance, and with the Emperor’s favor, everyone in the palace had to defer to her. Jiang Ruan, having just returned to the capital, surely wouldn’t risk offending the Princess.
Jiang Ruan regarded them with a smile, saying nothing, appearing utterly unperturbed. After a moment, when she still hadn’t moved, one of the maids grew impatient. "Does Miss Jiang intend to make things difficult for us?"
"How dare you!" Jiang Ruan’s voice suddenly turned icy, her previously gentle demeanor vanishing as she coldly rebuked, "Who gave you the audacity to shout at this Princess?"The two palace maids were taken aback before they could speak, when Jiang Ruan continued, "This princess was personally conferred by His Majesty and the Empress Dowager, with a name bestowed by the Emperor. Yet you two address me as 'Miss Jiang' upon seeing me. What, as palace maids, do you not know my status? Or is it that in your hearts, you only recognize Princess Heyi as your mistress?"
The leading maid was also startled. Earlier, she had been conflicted—though Jiang Ruan was rumored to have won Empress Dowager Yide's favor, Princess Heyi had also been beloved in the palace for many years. Offending Princess Heyi for Jiang Ruan's sake made her uneasy. Moreover, Jiang Ruan always appeared smiling and gentle, leading her to assume the Princess of Great Peace was an easy target. Only now, hearing Jiang Ruan speak, did she realize Jiang Ruan was not someone to be bullied. Straightening her back, she said, "Indeed, sisters, why haven't you paid your respects to the princess upon seeing her?"
The two maids stiffened, gritted their teeth, and performed the customary bow of a servant to a princess. "We were careless earlier. But, Princess of Great Peace, our mistress is still waiting for you. Isn't this behavior of yours somewhat..."
"What if I refuse to go?" Jiang Ruan looked down at them, her enchanting yet icy gaze making them feel like insignificant ants beneath her notice—unworthy of even a glance. "This princess holds the same rank as Princess Heyi. She has no right to command me, and you, mere servants, should know better. Was this palace etiquette not taught to you, or do you take me for someone easily bullied?"
Her relentless words struck a nerve. The two maids, accustomed to following Princess Heyi's lead and even receiving deference from palace matrons, had long adopted their mistress's domineering ways. Never before had they been spoken to like this, and indignation flared within them. One, provoked beyond restraint, blurted out, "Princess of Great Peace, we are but lowly servants. Bullying us like this—aren't you afraid of the rumors it might spark?"
As soon as the words left her mouth, Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. The smile was so breathtakingly beautiful that the maid momentarily froze, sensing something amiss but unable to pinpoint what. Before she could figure it out, Jiang Ruan replied nonchalantly, "Since you've put it that way, you’ve reminded me—if I don’t bully you properly today, wouldn’t it be a waste to bear this wicked reputation for nothing? Might as well live up to it, so I don’t feel shortchanged." She uttered the final words softly, "After all, you are just servants."
(End of Chapter)
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