He had many questions he wanted to ask Jiang Ruan—how she had known the imperial examination questions back then, why she had helped him, and most of all, why she had disappeared from his sight afterward. If not for the Crown Prince inadvertently bringing out that calligraphy today, he might have remained in the dark forever, never knowing how close he had been to the confidant he sought.
Seeing him at a loss for words, Jiang Ruan said, "If Grand Tutor Liu has nothing further, this princess will take her leave." With that, she turned to go, only to feel a sudden tightness around her arm—Liu Min, casting aside all propriety, had grabbed hold of her.
Luzhu was startled and quickly glanced around. Fortunately, this part of the Imperial Garden was deserted. She said anxiously, "How dare you act so rudely! Let go of our lady at once!"
But Liu Min stubbornly refused to release his grip. Staring into Jiang Ruan's puzzled eyes, he finally asked in a hoarse voice, "Was it... you?"
The answer was obvious. Jiang Ruan replied, "It was me."
Something flickered in Liu Min's eyes. He took a sharp breath and asked firmly, "Why did you help me?"
Why help him? Should she say it was because of events from her past life? Jiang Ruan frowned slightly. "I wasn't helping you. I was helping the top scholar of the Da Jin Dynasty. It could have been anyone, not necessarily you."
Not necessarily him? Liu Min was momentarily dazed, overwhelmed by an indescribable mix of emotions—disappointment, anger, regret, and resentment—all tangled together. His grip on Jiang Ruan's arm tightened unconsciously, enough to make her wince.
Just then, a cool, composed voice rang out from behind, carrying a hint of inexplicable anger.
"Let her go."
Xiao Shao had arrived just in time to see Liu Min gripping Jiang Ruan's arm and her pained expression. A flash of displeasure crossed his mind.
The two turned at the sound. Though surprised to see Xiao Shao, Liu Min still didn't let go. Xiao Shao's gaze turned icy as he strode forward, seized Liu Min's wrist, and forcibly pried his hand from Jiang Ruan's arm.
Xiao Shao was a trained warrior, while Liu Min was nothing more than a frail scholar. The moment Xiao Shao grabbed him, a sharp pain shot through his wrist, leaving his face pale.
"Are you all right?" Xiao Shao turned to Jiang Ruan as he spoke.
She shook her head. "I'm fine."
"Prince Xiao, the princess and I were in the middle of a conversation!" Liu Min protested indignantly. Perhaps it was Xiao Shao's notorious reputation as a "traitorous subject" in court, but as an upright official, Liu Min instinctively disliked him. Seeing Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao so familiar with each other only deepened his frown. How could she associate with such a traitor?
Xiao Shao, meanwhile, studied Liu Min—the rising star in the Emperor's favor. Since becoming the top scholar three years ago, Liu Min had climbed steadily through the ranks, now holding a first-grade position. Even veteran officials regarded him with caution. Xiao Shao also knew that Jiang Ruan had corresponded with Liu Min three years ago, even providing him with the imperial examination questions. No matter how she had known the questions, the Brocade-clad Guards had exhausted themselves trying—and failing—to uncover her motives for helping Liu Min.However, since Liu Min won the top honors, Jiang Ruan had not had any further dealings with him. Now, as the two of them tugged at each other in the Imperial Garden, Liu Min gazed at Jiang Ruan with fervor and excitement, completely unlike his usual bookish and detached demeanor. Xiao Shao felt displeased and said coolly, "You've said enough now."
The coldness in his eyes sent a chill down Liu Min's spine.
Luzhu glanced at Liu Min, then at Xiao Shao, blinking as she thought to herself that their young lady was indeed quite sought after. Prince Xiao and Grand Tutor Liu were both excellent candidates for a husband. If she had to choose one, Luzhu mused, Prince Xiao would be better—after all, he was more handsome and imposing. Grand Tutor Liu was fine too, but he was a scholar, and wasn’t there a saying? "Chivalry is often found among butchers, while betrayal comes from scholars." Of course, Prince Xiao wasn’t a butcher—he was the most noble young prince of the Da Jin Dynasty.
At the moment, Jiang Ruan had no intention of getting entangled with Liu Min. If someone with ulterior motives saw them, it could easily be used against her. Now that Liu Min knew she was the one from back then, she believed that, given the Grand Tutor’s character, he wouldn’t stand idly by if anything happened in the future. Thinking this, Jiang Ruan smiled at Liu Min and said, "If the Grand Tutor has no further business today, I have some matters to discuss with Prince Xiao."
Her familiar tone eased Xiao Shao’s mood slightly, and a trace of amusement flashed in his eyes. Liu Min, however, paled. But as a proud and aloof official, he disdained petty disputes. Though displeased, he still showed Jiang Ruan some respect. He merely gave her a deep look, cupped his hands, and said, "Princess, until we meet again."
With that, he nodded at Xiao Shao and left without another word.
He didn’t offer Xiao Shao the customary bow of deference but instead treated him as an equal—likely because Liu Min firmly believed Xiao Shao was a traitorous subject and looked down on him.
Xiao Shao coldly watched Liu Min depart. Jiang Ruan looked up at him and asked, "Why are you here?"
Only then did Xiao Shao retract his gaze. "I heard you ran into Ye You?"
No doubt Tianzhu had given him this "report." Jiang Ruan didn’t intend to hide it and nodded. "Yes."
Xiao Shao’s expression darkened. Ye You was the kind of man who lusted after any attractive person in the palace. Jiang Ruan was quite beautiful—of course he wouldn’t let her go.
Jiang Ruan had no idea that her stunning looks were merely "quite beautiful" in Xiao Shao’s eyes. Had she known, she would have scoffed—Xiao Shao himself was so striking that ordinary beauty hardly registered with him.
Xiao Shao asked, "Do you have any plans now?"
"Plans?" Jiang Ruan looked at him in surprise.
"You’ve come of age, been granted the title of princess by the Empress Dowager, and Jiang Xin Zhi has achieved outstanding military merits. The people in the palace are eyeing you covetously—your marriage will inevitably be used as a political tool," Xiao Shao reminded her.
It was true. Since returning to the capital, Jiang Ruan had met all sorts of people, and now she had become a coveted prize.
"Does Prince Xiao truly think I’d be tempted?" Jiang Ruan said. "As you said, all those people have ulterior motives. I’ve never considered marriage." Marriage—spending a lifetime with a stranger? In this life, she wasn’t sure she had the confidence for it. She feared ending up as tragically as she had in her past life.Xiao Shao noticed the fleeting coldness in Jiang Ruan's eyes and felt a slight pause in his heart. She truly hadn't considered the matter of marriage with anyone, including him... For a moment, an inexplicable sourness surged within him. The moment this feeling emerged, even he was startled. Over the years, he had remained aloof from women, his temperament solitary and indifferent, never having liked anyone or felt such emotions before. This was the first time he had tasted such a complex and indescribable sensation.
Seeing Xiao Shao silent, Jiang Ruan asked, "What's wrong with you?"
Xiao Shao looked at her and shook his head. "Nothing." His gaze then fell on her face. "Have you used the medicine?"
Since meeting the Empress Dowager, Jiang Ruan had begun using the medicine Xiao Shao provided. The ointment was indeed a rare and miraculous remedy, far more effective than ordinary treatments, healing her quickly. However, with Empress Dowager Yide present, she used it sparingly each day. Even so, her injuries had now completely healed.
"I have. It's excellent medicine," Jiang Ruan smiled.
Xiao Shao gave a faint smile. "I'll have Tianzhu bring you more." That ointment was exceedingly rare—even the imperial consorts seldom had the chance to use it. Yet here it was, applied to heal the slap marks on Jiang Ruan's face. If Mo Cong and the others found out, they would surely scold him for such extravagance.
Jiang Ruan felt the atmosphere grow somewhat strange and couldn't help but look up at Xiao Shao, who happened to be gazing down at her. Though she was considered tall for a woman, Xiao Shao towered over her, making her appear petite and delicate in comparison. His deep eyes seemed to hold an unusual emotion, and after just one glance, Jiang Ruan averted her gaze, an inexplicable flutter rising in her heart.
She wondered inwardly why she had become so easily unsettled lately, unaware that her slight unease had not escaped Xiao Shao's notice. The corner of his lips curled imperceptibly.
Luzhu trailed far behind the two, her anxiety mounting. Prince Xiao was a man of few words, and her young mistress, though gentle on the surface, was inherently aloof. If they were to come together, who knew how long it would take? As a clever and devoted maidservant, Luzhu was determined to ensure her mistress's happiness. She clenched her fists in resolve, deciding that in the coming days, she would find an opportunity to play matchmaker. Who said only professional matchmakers could arrange marriages? A bright maid like her could do just as well.
...
After feigning illness and skipping court for several days, Jiang Quan finally stepped out of the Jiang residence once more.
Not only did his colleagues regard him with mocking glances during court, but even after leaving, some pointed fingers at him behind his back. Jiang Quan had always prided himself on belonging to a noble and upright family, fair and incorruptible. Now, he had been humiliated beyond measure, never having experienced such disgrace before. All he could do was urge the coachman to hurry back to the residence.
The carriage rattled along, but after what seemed like an unusually short journey, it came to an abrupt halt. Assuming they had arrived, Jiang Quan lifted the curtain in confusion, only to freeze. This was not the familiar sight of his residence but a desolate stretch of wilderness.
"Coachman! Coachman!" Jiang Quan shouted in agitation. "Where is this?"
But no matter how much he called, no one answered. A chill ran down his spine as a sense of foreboding gripped him. Jumping down from the carriage, he was startled to find that the man seated at the reins was not his usual coachman but a stranger.
Suppressing his fear, Jiang Quan demanded sharply, "Who are you?"The man sneered and clapped his hands. A gust of wind whistled through the air, and suddenly, a woman appeared before them.
Both had unfamiliar faces. Jiang Quan glanced around—this desolate place was devoid of people, and even if he screamed for help, no one would hear. He steadied himself and said, "What do you two want? If it's money, we can discuss it properly."
"Lord Jiang has quite the bold tone," the woman giggled. "But we're not here for money."
If not money, then it must be his life. Cold sweat beaded on Jiang Quan’s forehead. He couldn’t fathom who he had offended. Forcing composure, he said, "Let’s talk this through... Assaulting a court official is a grave crime..."
Both of them flashed mocking glances. So this was the worthless scum who had dared to strike the young mistress? No wonder their master was so furious. The man smiled faintly, and before Jiang Quan could react, his knees buckled as a small stone struck them, sending him sprawling to the ground.
"Tsk, such weak bones," Jin Er (Jin Two) said disdainfully, turning to the woman beside him. "Your turn."
Jin San (Jin Three) cracked her knuckles and slowly approached Jiang Quan. Women were usually softer-hearted than men, so Jiang Quan seized the chance to plead, "Miss, spare me! I can give you silver. Who sent you to kill me?"
"Why the hurry, Lord Jiang? I’m not here for your life," Jin San replied with a bewitching smile. "It’s just that you’ve rubbed me the wrong way. I heard you recently beat your own daughter over your wife’s infidelity. We rogues despise injustice—we couldn’t stand seeing that poor girl wronged." Seeing Jiang Quan still hadn’t caught on, her expression darkened. "So let us deliver justice on her behalf!"
Slap! Slap! Slap! Over a dozen crisp strikes echoed across the wilderness, sharp enough to make one’s ears ring. When she finished, Jin San blew on her hand. "That hurt."
No one trained by the Brocade-clad Guards could be underestimated. Though Jin San appeared delicate, her strikes were far heavier than Jiang Quan’s had been that day—each one packed full force, leaving him dizzy and his face swollen like a pig’s head. Perhaps she had struck too hard—her nails left deep scratches across his cheeks.
Jin San giggled. "Oops."
Jiang Quan seethed inwardly. Out of nowhere, he had suffered such humiliation! And once again, it all traced back to Jiang Ruan. That girl was born to be his curse! His current plight was entirely her doing! She wasn’t a daughter—she was a nemesis, a debt collector!
Jiang Quan regarded Jiang Ruan as a thorn in his side, yet he never reflected on his own actions toward her—none of which befitted a father. The world had such people—those blind to their own faults, convinced the world owed them everything.
After venting their anger on Jiang Ruan’s behalf, Jin Two and Jin Three couldn’t bear to look at Jiang Quan another second. They left him stranded in the wilderness, where he would have to struggle his way back to the Jiang residence.
As they walked away, Jin Three asked, "The master told us to repay in kind. How was that for retaliation?""Indeed, with plenty to spare," Jin Er said. "With all our hard work, we're bound to earn some favor from the young mistress in the future."
...
That day, Jiang Quan ultimately drove himself back to the Jiang residence in full public view, his face bearing over a dozen slap marks. Under the watchful eyes of the entire capital, everyone witnessed the humiliating state of the famously upright Lord Jiang. Some speculated whether he had been struck by a courtesan—the slap marks didn't resemble a man's handprints, and there were even scratches from a woman's nails.
For a time, all the storytelling houses in the capital buzzed with excitement. Jiang Quan's misadventure was spun into tales that storytellers recounted daily in teahouses, drawing sizable crowds. The stories were vivid and entertaining, and soon the entire capital knew of the incident.
Poor Jiang Quan had just ended his feigned illness and returned to court for the first day, only to end up in this state. This time, he truly took to his bed in sickness, submitting a memorial to the Emperor. Burning with shame, he cursed Jiang Ruan repeatedly in his heart while also beginning to suspect—could it really be mere martial artists backing her? Who would dare support Jiang Ruan like this? Could it be the Empress Dowager? Or perhaps someone from the General's Residence, like Zhao Guang? Yet both the Empress Dowager and Zhao Guang were figures Jiang Quan couldn't afford to provoke. Thus, he had no choice but to swallow his anger for now, silently filing the matter away in his mind.
(End of Chapter)
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