A Dream within a Dream

Never expected there would be such a peerless beauty in the palace. Just now, what did that palace maid say she was called? Some kind of princess?

Jiang Ruan replied indifferently, "Third Highness."

"You know me?" Ye You was actually somewhat flattered. Such a beauty actually knew him, yet racking his brains, he couldn't recall where he might have seen her before.

"Third Highness is widely renowned—who in the Da Jin Dynasty wouldn't know you?" The smile at Jiang Ruan's lips carried a hint of mockery. "However, this princess has entered the palace many times, yet this is the first time meeting Third Highness."

Ye You was always very tolerant toward beauties, so he didn't take offense at the sarcasm in Jiang Ruan's words. He merely leered at her with a lascivious smile. "Might I ask for the young lady's name?"

Luzhu was already furious beyond words. Angrily, she said, "Third Highness, please show some respect. This is Her Highness the Princess of Great Peace, personally conferred by Her Majesty the Empress Dowager." As a servant, even though the other party was a wastrel, he was still a prince by status. She couldn't simply shoo him away like an ordinary rogue. Luzhu grew anxious, but Ye You suddenly had an epiphany. "So it's Miss Jiang."

The name of the Princess of Great Peace was now known throughout the Da Jin Dynasty. Initially, he had only heard that this princess, who had been conferred the title midway, was deeply favored by the Empress Dowager and possessed extraordinary beauty. However, commoners were always prone to exaggeration, so Ye You hadn't placed much stock in it. Now, seeing her in person, he was filled with regret—had he known earlier, he would have begged Noble Consort Chen to arrange a marriage with Jiang Ruan. If he had such a beauty in his household, he would die content.

Yet Ye You failed to consider that if Empress Dowager Yide adored Jiang Ruan so much, why would she betroth her to a dissolute scoundrel? Ye You shamelessly took a few steps closer to Jiang Ruan. "Speaking of which, we're practically family now. Sister Hong'an, why not join me for a little gathering?" Such a beauty—how could he rest without making her his in this lifetime?

"Third Brother, where do you plan to take the princess for this little gathering?" A deep voice sounded from behind—it was the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince, Ye Lang, approaching.

Ye You frowned, clearly displeased by the Crown Prince's sudden interruption. The Crown Prince glanced at Jiang Ruan and laughed heartily. "Hong'an, as it happens, I have something to discuss with you. Third Brother, if you have nothing else, you may leave first. I'll take Hong'an with me."

If Ye You was known for his unruly and shameless behavior in the palace, where none of his brothers could match him, the Crown Prince was an exception. Perhaps knowing he wasn't favored by the Emperor either, the Crown Prince had developed a somewhat reckless temperament. Against Ye You, they were evenly matched—neither was any better than the other. Realizing the Crown Prince's presence today meant he wouldn't get anywhere with Jiang Ruan, Ye You flicked his sleeve angrily, his expression shifting before he suddenly smiled at Jiang Ruan again. "Then, Princess, I shall visit you another day. We'll have a proper chat, just the two of us."

The suggestive tone made Luzhu frown, but the Crown Prince and Ye Lang appeared utterly unfazed, as if they were long accustomed to such behavior. After finishing his words to Jiang Ruan, Ye You straightened up and glared fiercely at the Crown Prince. "Eldest Brother, this younger brother takes his leave." Without waiting for a response, he turned and strode away.Ye Lang shrank back slightly. The Crown Prince glanced at him and said, "What a coward!" though there was no real reproach in his tone, indicating their usual good relationship. Ye You's earlier disrespect toward the Crown Prince likely stemmed from confidence that the Crown Prince's awkward position would eventually lead to his removal—currently just a figurehead—hence the audacity. The Crown Prince seemed accustomed to this status. He looked at Jiang Ruan and remarked, "Princess of Great Peace, you're now a juicy piece of meat everyone wants a bite of." He chuckled lowly, "Even this prince is somewhat jealous of how much the Empress Dowager dotes on you."

His gaze darkened as he spoke—a genuine sentiment. As Crown Prince, neither the Emperor nor Empress Dowager Yide favored him. Though the Empress pitied him, she couldn't alter the situation. Jiang Ruan smiled faintly, "Your Highness is the future ruler of the Da Jin Dynasty. Why envy a mere girl like me?"

"You're no mere girl—you're a treasure in this prince's eyes." Suddenly, he grinned oddly. "How about becoming this prince's consort? After all, we share no blood relation, and there's precedent in the Da Jin Dynasty."

Jiang Ruan replied calmly, "If Your Highness can persuade Her Majesty and the Emperor, this humble girl has no objections."

Seeing her indifferent expression, the Crown Prince grew irritated that she truly didn't care. Jiang Ruan glanced at Ye Lang, who stood meekly behind the Crown Prince, appearing harmless. In the palace, the Crown Prince lacked talent while the Fourth Prince was incompetent—two kindred spirits. Though the Crown Prince didn't get along with other brothers, he treated Ye Lang well. Yet Ye Lang's demeanor reminded Jiang Ruan of Jiang Dan from the Jiang household.

Both were cowardly, both enjoyed stabbing others in the back. In her past life, hadn't the Crown Prince been betrayed by this seemingly close fourth brother, ultimately leading to his suicide in prison? Ye Lang had long sided with Noble Consort Chen, while the Crown Prince mistook enemies for friends.

Jiang Ruan addressed the Crown Prince, "Didn't Your Highness have matters to discuss with me? We may proceed now."

The Crown Prince paused—it had been an offhand remark. Before he could respond, Jiang Ruan turned to Ye Lang, "Does the Fourth Prince have business here? If not, I shall accompany His Highness ahead."

Ye Lang stiffened, unprepared for such a blunt dismissal. A wounded look flashed across his face—any observer might think Jiang Ruan had bullied the Fourth Prince.

Frowning, the Crown Prince watched as Ye Lang forced a smile. "Then Elder Brother, this younger brother shall take his leave. May you and the Princess converse at leisure." He departed hastily, his expression more anxious than angry.

Watching Ye Lang leave, the Crown Prince asked displeasedly, "Princess of Great Peace, what was that about?"

"Does Your Highness know how much I despise the Eighth Prince?"

The Crown Prince hesitated. He'd long noticed Jiang Ruan's dislike for Ye Li, though he didn't understand why she hated his exceptionally handsome eighth brother. Since the Crown Prince also disliked Ye Li, this aspect of Jiang Ruan pleased him.Jiang Ruan said indifferently, "This princess detests ants. Anything an ant has crawled over will be discarded without exception. This princess despises the Eighth Prince, and anything related to him is equally repulsive to me."

Although the Crown Prince was known as the "Talentless Crown Prince," he was no fool. He grasped the implication in Jiang Ruan's words and frowned. "What are you saying? How could Fourth Brother have any connection with Eighth Brother?"

Jiang Ruan glanced around and said, "Your Highness, I was just about to visit the Biyun Pavilion to fetch some books. If you have nothing else to attend to, you may accompany me."

The Biyun Pavilion housed numerous books, and it was common for palace consorts and the Empress Dowager to send their maids there to fetch reading materials. After a moment's thought, the Crown Prince replied, "Very well. This prince happens to be in the mood for a visit as well."

The eunuch attending the Crown Prince was astonished. Everyone knew the Crown Prince had little interest in reading. If word got out that he had gone to the Biyun Pavilion with Jiang Ruan, the palace would be abuzz with gossip by the next day. But the Crown Prince had always been willful and paid no heed to such matters, while Jiang Ruan, backed by Empress Dowager Yide, had nothing to fear. Thus, the two proceeded to the pavilion.

At this hour, the place was deserted. As the Crown Prince browsed the shelves with Jiang Ruan, he asked, "What did you mean by your earlier remark?"

Jiang Ruan continued scanning the shelves meticulously. "Does Your Highness truly not understand?"

The Crown Prince fell silent. Though Jiang Ruan refused to elaborate, a seed of doubt had been planted in his mind. Once such a seed took root, its growth would spiral beyond anyone's control. It would be difficult for Ye Lang to regain the Crown Prince's trust as he once had. If the Crown Prince decided to investigate, uncovering the ties between Ye Lang and the Eighth Prince would not be difficult.

"Why do you despise Eighth Brother so much?" the Crown Prince asked. He genuinely couldn't comprehend it—everyone in the palace adored Ye Li, who was gentle as jade and highly virtuous. Yet Jiang Ruan treated him as if he were venomous snakes or savage beasts.

Jiang Ruan replied, "The Eighth Prince is fine. It's just that he always reminds me of my second sister, and I detest people like her the most."

The Crown Prince regarded her with interest. "What kind of person is your second sister?"

"Honeyed words conceal a dagger in the heart. Ruthless and cunning, yet foolish and laughable in her self-conceit." Such blunt criticism startled the Crown Prince. He studied Jiang Ruan from head to toe and shook his head. "I initially thought Xiao Shao fancied you for your beauty. Now I see your courage is equally remarkable." He smirked mischievously. "I must admit, I’m genuinely tempted to take you as my consort now."

"If Your Highness possesses the capability, I naturally have no objections," Jiang Ruan said, selecting her books and descending to the lower floor. In the main hall stood a large rosewood desk furnished with writing implements. Jiang Ruan approached it and paused upon noticing the high-quality peach blossom ink.

Seeing this, the Crown Prince teased, "He Yi told me that since you were sent to a rural estate as a child and your mother hailed from a military family, you are illiterate—only skilled in seductive dances like a courtesan." He deliberately phrased it harshly to gauge her reaction, but Jiang Ruan remained unfazed, her expression unchanged.Princess Heyi harbored a deep hatred for her, naturally sparing no effort to tarnish her reputation outside. Jiang Ruan saw no need to stoop to her level. However, the peach blossom ink in the palace reminded her of her past life, when Ye Li had personally taught her calligraphy. Times had changed, and the one she once loved had become her enemy, yet the peach blossom ink still carried the same fragrance as before.

She slowly picked up the brush. The Crown Prince watched her curiously. Jiang Ruan had too many mysteries about her—no wonder even the usually indifferent Xiao Shao treated her differently. Even he, the Crown Prince, found himself somewhat intrigued.

Jiang Ruan dipped the brush tip into the ink and, following the strokes from her past life, began to write slowly. The brush touched the paper silently, with only a faint ink fragrance wafting in the air. The handwriting was elegant and unrestrained, yet seemingly concealing an edge—each stroke exuded an indescribable grace.

"Goodness resembles the pine, evil the flower; the pine stands cold while the flower blooms bright. But when the heavy frost descends one day, only the pine remains, the flower out of sight." The Crown Prince read the words aloud from the paper, then remarked in surprise, "Your handwriting bears some resemblance to the Eighth Prince's." Though similar, the undertones were unmistakably different. He glanced at the words on the paper and chuckled, "Who would have thought the Princess of Great Peace is such a virtuous soul?"

A virtuous soul? Jiang Ruan sneered. In her past life, she had indeed believed in kindness, but what had it brought her in the end? In this life, she would not repeat the same mistakes. If the world saw her as a villain, so be it—even if she lived up to the title of "Nation-destroying enchantress." At least now her eyes were clear, and she would protect those she wished to protect.

The Crown Prince instinctively sensed a coldness in Jiang Ruan's gaze and was about to say more, but she had already gathered the books she had chosen and said to him, "If Your Highness still wishes to browse, take your time. I must return to Cining Palace and will not wait for you."

After Jiang Ruan left, the Crown Prince's gaze lingered on the calligraphy on the desk. The handwriting was exquisite—even someone like him, who cared little for calligraphy, could appreciate its strength and character. Yet Jiang Ruan had shown no intention of taking it with her. After a moment's thought, he ordered a young eunuch to store the piece away before leaving Biyun Pavilion himself.

...

When Noble Consort Chen heard that the Crown Prince and Jiang Ruan had gone to Biyun Pavilion together, she found it rather odd. "Since when has the Crown Prince been so close to her?"

Her personal maid replied, "Your Grace, it seemed they merely went to select books together and parted ways shortly after."

Noble Consort Chen fell into thoughtful silence. She no longer underestimated Jiang Ruan. Initially, she had thought the girl was merely a lucky and clever legitimate daughter, but now it was clear her schemes ran deep. With one masterstroke, Jiang Ruan had overturned Noble Consort Chen's arranged marriage and swiftly became the Princess of Great Peace, personally bestowed by the Empress Dowager. Such a feat was beyond the capability of an ordinary noblewoman. She had not forgotten how Jiang Xin Zhi and Jiang Ruan had publicly humiliated her before the court during the palace banquet.

"Jiang Ruan is no ordinary person," Noble Consort Chen remarked lazily, like a pampered Persian cat. "Continue investigating."

"Yes," the maid acknowledged before withdrawing.

...Meanwhile, after obtaining Jiang Ruan's calligraphy, the Crown Prince first went to Kunning Palace to speak with the Empress for a while before returning to the Eastern Palace. He spread out Jiang Ruan's writing, and the more he looked at it, the more he admired its excellence. He couldn't decide where to place it—framing and hanging it on the wall seemed overly extravagant, yet casually storing it away would be a waste.

Just then, a figure approached from outside, dressed in a green robe with a jade belt, his sleeves fluttering slightly. His expression was aloof, with a hint of arrogance between his brows. The Crown Prince's eyes lit up at the sight of him and called out, "Grand Tutor."

This was none other than Liu Min. Though he held the title of Grand Tutor, in reality, he often assisted the Emperor with political affairs. Officially, he was still responsible for the Crown Prince's studies, but his student was so unruly and dismissive of books that Liu Min could only sigh in resignation. Today, however, the Crown Prince greeted him with unusual enthusiasm. Frowning slightly, Liu Min approached and asked, "Your Highness?"

Proud of having acquired such a fine piece of calligraphy, the Crown Prince naturally wanted to show it to the top scholar of the imperial examinations. "This humble prince has obtained a masterpiece today," he said. "I invite the Grand Tutor to take a look."

Liu Min sighed inwardly, assuming the Crown Prince was teasing him again. The last time he had claimed to have a fine piece of calligraphy, it turned out to be an erotic painting, sending the upright scholar fleeing in embarrassment.

As the scroll unfurled, before he could even see the writing clearly, a refreshing fragrance wafted through the air—this was the renowned peach blossom ink, favored by many who prided themselves on their refined tastes. But when Liu Min finally saw the handwriting, it struck him like lightning, leaving him rooted to the spot in shock.

The strokes were elegant and flowing, with a restrained brilliance in their subtle flourishes. It was a script Liu Min knew intimately—one he revisited in his mind almost daily. It was a handwriting he would never forget, for it belonged to the mysterious person whose letters had helped him triumph in the imperial examinations three years ago, securing his position as the top scholar.

In truth, after Liu Min achieved that honor, the mysterious correspondent had vanished from his life as if they had never existed. Since entering the court, Liu Min had gained the Emperor's deep trust, attracting both allies and enemies in equal measure. In this chaotic world where right and wrong often blurred, he sometimes found himself lost. During those moments, he would think of that mysterious figure—someone who saw through complexities and seemed to understand his innermost thoughts, truly deserving the title of "kindred spirit." In the vast sea of humanity, such a connection was rare, and Liu Min sometimes wondered if the mysterious person and their bond had merely been a dream. Yet now, that handwriting had reappeared before his eyes, leaving him stunned, unable to believe what he was seeing.

Noticing Liu Min's dazed expression, the Crown Prince waved a hand in front of him. "Grand Tutor? Grand Tutor?"

Snapping out of his trance, Liu Min could no longer contain himself. He seized the Crown Prince's arm and urgently demanded, "Your Highness, where did you obtain this writing? Who is its author?"

As the Crown Prince's tutor, Liu Min had never once lost his composure in all the time they had known each other. Puzzled, the Crown Prince replied, "Why are you so agitated, Grand Tutor? Does this writing hold some significance for you?"Liu Min's heart stirred, knowing he couldn't let the Crown Prince detect anything amiss. He adopted a look of chagrin and said, "This humble official was startled by the exceptional character of this calligraphy. This work truly deserves to be called 'elegant and unrestrained.' As a mere scholar obsessed with literature, I behaved improperly just now. I beg Your Highness to punish me."

The Crown Prince thought for a moment and then relaxed. These scholarly types had always been eccentric. As the top scholar, Liu Min often became excited upon seeing fine calligraphy or paintings, so his reaction today was understandable. He believed Liu Min's words and laughed, "The Grand Tutor is truly sincere in his feelings."

It was no wonder the Crown Prince readily believed Liu Min. Liu Min had an excellent reputation at court and was fundamentally upright, never involved in any underhanded dealings. Faced with such an aloof and noble person, the Crown Prince had nothing to say and naturally no reason to doubt him.

Seeing that the Crown Prince believed him, Liu Min secretly sighed in relief. This was his first time lying, and cold sweat had broken out on his back. Yet his curiosity about the calligraphy overcame his wariness, and he tentatively asked, "Your Highness, who exactly wrote these characters?"

The Crown Prince laughed heartily, "Who does the Grand Tutor think could have written this?"

Liu Min pondered slightly, "The strokes are elegant and unrestrained, open and forthright, yet with hidden sharpness. It must have been written by... a true gentleman." In truth, this assessment was somewhat biased. The calligraphy appeared rounded yet concealed sharp edges, penetrating deeply—not exactly forthright but rather complex and mysterious. However, the Crown Prince naturally wouldn't notice such nuances, and Liu Min wouldn't voice his true thoughts.

The Crown Prince shook his head, "This time, the Grand Tutor is mistaken. These characters weren't written by any gentleman—they were written by a woman."

Liu Min froze momentarily, "A woman?" That person wasn't a man? It was actually a woman?

"Indeed," the Crown Prince patted his shoulder, "The Grand Tutor would never guess who it is. It's none other than the current favorite of Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, the Princess of Great Peace who just returned to the capital this year."

These words struck like a thunderbolt. The Crown Prince had no idea what turmoil his statement caused in Liu Min. Jiang Ruan, the Princess of Great Peace—Liu Min certainly knew of her. On the day the Empress Dowager returned to the capital, the young woman in red had captivated the world with her peerless beauty and natural grace. Liu Min remembered that scene vividly. In fact, it wasn't his first time seeing Jiang Ruan. Three years ago at a palace banquet, he had seen her standing in the hall, spine straight and neither humble nor pushy as she refused Noble Consort Chen's arranged marriage proposal. When he became the top scholar, riding high on success, he had also heard of the tragic circumstances of the Jiang family's legitimate daughter. But he had never imagined that woman—the mysterious person he considered a kindred spirit—was her!

It was actually her, it was actually her!

Liu Min couldn't articulate the emotions swirling in his heart—only a sense of bitterness and overwhelming shock. That erudite person who so resonated with his thoughts was actually a woman, and one so close to him.

The Crown Prince teased, "What's this expression, Grand Tutor? Could it be you've been conquered by the Princess of Great Peace's calligraphy? This prince has always wondered what kind of woman could move the Grand Tutor's heart. Now it seems any woman with decent handwriting can catch your eye. Has the Grand Tutor developed admiration for the Princess of Great Peace? Should this prince mention it to the Empress and arrange a marriage for you two?"If it were any other day, Liu Min would surely have been angered by the Crown Prince's frivolous words. But today, shock overshadowed all else, and he had no mind to parse the meaning behind the prince's remarks, wholly absorbed in his own thoughts instead.

Seeing Liu Min like this, the Crown Prince simply assumed it was the natural reaction of a scholar who couldn't help but gaze longer at fine calligraphy. He said, "Never mind, I won't argue with you. Since you are my tutor, I'll offer you some well-meaning advice: if you fancy the Princess of Great Peace, you'd best act sooner rather than later. My brothers are all eyeing her covetously. Since you admire this piece so much, I'll do you a favor and gift it to you." With that, he left the still-dazed Liu Min behind and strode out, laughing heartily.

...

Jiang Ruan returned to Cining Palace and read for a while before feeling somewhat weary. With Tianzhu and Yang Gugu occupied elsewhere, Jiang Ruan took Luzhu for a stroll in the Imperial Garden. Just as they reached the garden, an excited voice called out, "Princess of Great Peace, please wait!"

Startled, Jiang Ruan turned to see a young man in plain blue robes standing not far away. His demeanor was clean and aloof, resembling more an ordinary scholar than a rising star of the court.

Liu Min saw her turn around, a peculiar glint flashing in his eyes. He took a few steps forward but maintained a safe distance befitting a scholar's etiquette. Gazing at Jiang Ruan, he said, "I once heard that when sages governed with rites, the nation flourished. After the sages departed, the nation declined. Thus, governing with rites is the righteous path. Yet some say: Though rites are good, they are difficult to enforce among the people. Only through laws can order be maintained, leading to a peaceful and prosperous age. As a foolish man, I have pondered this deeply without resolution, and wished to hear your thoughts."

These were the exact words from the first letter sent by that mysterious person—the seemingly casual question that had altered Liu Min's destiny forever.

Jiang Ruan smiled faintly, observing the young man before her. Just as in her past life, he had risen to the rank of a first-grade official, becoming a favorite of the Emperor. Only this time, his path had been smooth and untroubled, free of the trials and tribulations of before.

Paths are carved by one's own steps. Liu Min was an upright man of genuine talent and learning, exactly the kind of person the Emperor valued most. She returned his courtesy with polite detachment, saying, "Grand Tutor Liu, it seems you have asked the wrong person this question."

Liu Min stared at the composed woman before him. Ever since discovering that the mysterious figure was a woman, his heart had been in turmoil. Now, Jiang Ruan's expression showed no confusion—only calm and poise. Though she had subtly deflected his question, Liu Min knew without a doubt: it was her. The person he sought was Jiang Ruan.

(End of Chapter)