It happened that Jiang Ruan was staying by Empress Dowager Yide's side when one day, Luzhu overheard the palace eunuchs discussing a certain matter. After making inquiries, she didn't even pause for tea before rushing to relay this news to Jiang Ruan. Naturally, Luzhu found it satisfying—back then, all the personal maids had felt indignant on Jiang Ruan's behalf. Jiang Ruan pondered briefly. While Empress Dowager Yide had somewhat stood up for her, she wouldn't resort to such self-degrading methods. It seemed more like the work of the General's Residence, but were those women's nail marks? Jiang Ruan shook her head, and a certain person came to mind.
If it were Xiao Shao, then it made some sense. The Brocade-clad Guards always acted as they pleased, sometimes indifferent to the means employed. Moreover, this eye-for-an-eye approach seemed like a deliberate effort to avenge her.
It must be said that Xiao Shao's move was indeed deeply satisfying. A faint smile touched her lips.
At the Brocade Hero King Manor, Jin Yi came to report Jiang Quan's affairs to Xiao Shao. Xiao Shao was at his desk reading a letter delivered posthaste from the Eastern Barbarian Country. Without looking up, he said calmly, "Well done. Go claim your reward."
"My lord, shouldn't we inform the young mistress? Otherwise, she won't know it was your doing." Jin Yi felt indignant on his master's behalf. How could one surrender hard-earned merits so easily on the path to winning a wife's heart? Though the Brocade-clad Guards usually cared little for accolades, when it came to winning a beauty's favor, one ought to spare no effort in showing devotion.
"Unnecessary." Xiao Shao's gaze remained fixed on the letter. He had done this merely to ensure Jiang Quan received his due punishment. As for how Jiang Quan should be dealt with, that was ultimately Jiang Ruan's decision to make. It was a trivial effort, and he had no intention of letting Jiang Ruan know—though she might well guess it anyway.
Jin Yi grumbled inwardly: With your reticence, my lord, beware the day someone steals your future wife away, leaving you with nowhere to cry.
...
In the Dream Reflection Hall of the palace, Noble Consort Chen was drinking wine.
The wine, a tribute from Persia transported by sea, was poured into a crystal-clear mutton fat jade cup, emitting a beautiful purple sheen like that of a fine amethyst.
Noble Consort Chen's drunken eyes narrowed slightly, as if she were somewhat weary. Her body grew increasingly languid, sinking into the soft couch like a gentle dream from the watery south. The corners of her lips curled slightly, her voice melodious yet carrying a cold, sober undertone.
"You say you saw Jiang Ruan and Liu Min in a tussle in the Imperial Garden, and Xiao Shao intervened on her behalf?" Noble Consort Chen asked.
The palace maid bowed her head. "Yes, Your Highness."
With a sharp "crack," the mutton fat jade cup filled with fine wine was smashed onto the ground. The exquisite jade shattered into pieces, its luster still beautiful, much like the fractured expression on Noble Consort Chen's face at that moment.
If the entanglement between Jiang Ruan and Liu Min had merely surprised Noble Consort Chen, the news of Xiao Shao defending Jiang Ruan felt like a sharp tug at her heart, filling her with unbearable resentment.
In this palace, few things caught Noble Consort Chen's attention—apart from the Eighth Prince Ye Li, Xiao Shao was one. Noble Consort Chen had entered the palace early in her youth, by which time the Emperor already possessed a harem of three thousand beauties. With her beauty, gentleness, and clever tongue, she had schemed her way to her current position. Yet in truth, every time she approached the Emperor, a faint sense of nausea rose within her.Xiao Shao was different. He was like the perfect dream in every woman's heart—pure, aloof, elegant, and noble. Even though Xiao Shao was around the same age as Ye Li, it didn't stop Noble Consort Chen from harboring those secret and filthy thoughts about him. No one knew when it had started, but she only remembered that when she was still a young woman, Xiao Shao had been a melancholic youth. Now, though her charm remained undiminished from those days, Xiao Shao had grown into a breathtakingly handsome man.
She had thought that if possible, gazing at this man for a lifetime wouldn’t be so bad. Xiao Shao was cold by nature and had never been entangled with any woman. But now, upon learning that Xiao Shao and Jiang Ruan shared an unusually close relationship, it struck her like a bolt from the blue, instantly igniting an unbearable jealousy in Noble Consort Chen.
It felt as though a beautiful dream from her maiden years was slipping away. If her previous attitude toward Jiang Ruan had merely been the provocation of a worthy rival, from this moment on, Noble Consort Chen resolved with grim determination: Jiang Ruan must be eliminated, or she would never rest easy!
Her usually gentle face twisted tightly into an expression that was truly terrifying.
……
Life in the palace passed leisurely. With Empress Dowager Yide’s backing, the eunuchs and palace maids treated Jiang Ruan with utmost respect. As a result, some concubines occasionally tried to cozy up to her, reasoning that pleasing Jiang Ruan was akin to pleasing the Empress Dowager. However, Jiang Ruan maintained a reserved attitude toward them—polite but never overly warm. After a few attempts, the concubines gave up and simply stopped interacting with her.
Luzhu asked curiously, "Miss, that Wang Meiren seemed quite kind and friendly. Why were you so distant with her yesterday?"
"She only approaches me because she wants something. Getting involved would invite trouble later," Jiang Ruan replied.
Luzhu stuck out her tongue and fell silent. In truth, Jiang Ruan remembered clearly—in her past life, this Wang Meiren had been adept at flattering the powerful and trampling the weak. She had pretended to be affectionate sisters with Jiang Ruan while secretly mingling with Xia Jiao Jiao behind her back. And it wasn’t just Wang Meiren; among the Emperor’s vast harem, who was truly innocent? Those who were genuinely naive had long since turned to dust.
As she sat sipping tea, Empress Dowager Yide soon entered and, upon seeing Jiang Ruan, said, "Your father has sent an invitation card. I inquired, and it turns out your third sister is getting married."
Jiang Li was getting married? Jiang Ruan lowered her head in thought, suddenly realizing that her days in the palace had been so comfortable she had forgotten about Jiang Li’s impending marriage.
Seeing Jiang Ruan deep in thought, the Empress Dowager continued, "Since Jiang Li is marrying, you naturally must return. I’ve kept you here long enough—Jiang Quan should have learned his lesson by now. Today, I’ll have someone escort you back. He should behave himself for some time."
With her immense authority, Empress Dowager Yide had long since uncovered the full extent of Jiang Quan’s relationship with Jiang Ruan. Even if Jiang Ruan didn’t speak of it, the Empress Dowager was determined to stand by her. Now that Jiang Li was marrying, Jiang Ruan, as her elder sister, had to return—and Jiang Quan wouldn’t dare say a word against it.
After a moment’s consideration, Jiang Ruan smiled and said, "Thank you, Imperial Grandmother."Empress Dowager Yide looked at Jiang Ruan without speaking. In the three years they had spent together, she had seen clearly that Jiang Ruan was perceptive, gentle in temperament, meticulous in her actions, and far more mature in mind than her peers. Yet, for some reason, she always felt there was a place in Jiang Ruan's heart that could not be touched. The Empress Dowager knew that Jiang Ruan's birth mother had passed away early, which resonated with her own feelings of losing her daughter in her younger years. She thought that if Princess Yuan Rong had not died and had given birth to a child, that child would now be about Jiang Ruan's age. Thus, when facing Jiang Ruan, Empress Dowager Yide often felt a rare warmth.
When it was time to leave the palace and return to the Jiang residence, Yang Gugu, a palace official from the Empress Dowager's side, accompanied Jiang Ruan all the way. Yang Gugu held such prestige that even Jiang Quan had to show her some respect. With such a high-profile return, no one dared to say anything about Jiang Ruan. The servants of the Jiang residence could only whisper among themselves, remarking how formidable the eldest young miss had become.
Hong Ying had come to see Jiang Ruan twice, but things were not as good for her as the rumors suggested. Although Jiang Quan doted on Hong Ying, her background was too lowly, and now that she was pregnant, the authority over the household had fallen into the hands of Second Madam. Second Madam was never one to be trifled with, and she made life difficult for Hong Ying at every turn. Over time, the inner quarters of the Jiang residence became a battleground between the two women, and Hong Ying gained no advantage from it.
Hong Ying spoke with Jiang Ruan for a long time, but Jiang Ruan showed no particular reaction. Feeling somewhat displeased, Hong Ying ultimately said nothing and left with a smile. After Hong Ying departed, Lianqiao remarked, "Could it be that Fifth Madam wants our young lady to be her backer?"
"What kind of backer?" Zisu frowned. "It's better for the young lady not to get involved in these matters."
In the blink of an eye, the day of Jiang Li's wedding arrived.
As the illegitimate daughter of the Minister of Personnel, Second Madam had married Jiang Quan as a concubine, which served to strengthen the ties between the two families. The Minister of Personnel was a high-ranking official in the capital, and Jiang Li's wedding, personally arranged by Second Madam, turned out to be a grand affair. The dowry consisted of a full fifty-five chests, an exceptionally lavish amount for an illegitimate daughter, comparable to that of many legitimate daughters from other families.
Second Madam genuinely doted on Jiang Li, giving her most of the betrothal gifts sent by the Left Vice Minister to take with her. Jiang Li was now in high spirits; if she had a tail, it would surely be wagging up to the sky.
Since Jiang Li was the bride that day and had to wear her wedding attire, Jiang Ruan could not dress in bright red. In the end, she chose a light pink outfit, had Zisu style her hair, and went to see Jiang Li.
Jiang Li had just had her face threaded by the bridal attendant and was grimacing in pain. When she saw Jiang Ruan enter, she couldn't help but straighten her back, a flash of triumph crossing her face.
Jiang Ruan instructed Tianzhu to present the wedding gift to Jiang Li's maid, who then handed it to Jiang Li. Opening it, Jiang Li found a gold bracelet inlaid with pearls inside. Each pearl was large and round, exuding a soft luster, clearly a rare and exquisite piece. A flicker of delight immediately crossed Jiang Li's face, though she quickly suppressed it. With an air of nonchalance, she said, "Da Jiejie, this bracelet is truly beautiful—it even looks better than Second Sister's."Jiang Susu stood to the side, her eyes flashing with resentment upon hearing this. The dowry gift she had given Jiang Li today was a translucent green glass bracelet—a rare and fine piece in its own right, yet it paled in comparison to Jiang Ruan's offering. Still, it was the best she could manage. Ever since Xia Yan had fallen from power, every time Jiang Susu stepped outside, she was met with pointing fingers and whispers. In a fit of anger, she had simply stopped leaving her courtyard. Moreover, Jiang Quan no longer showered her with precious and beautiful jewelry as he once had. The contents of her jewelry box had remained unchanged for a long time. Now, seeing Jiang Ruan adorned in simple yet unmistakably expensive pieces, she seethed inwardly.
First, she cursed Jiang Li for being ungrateful—a mere illegitimate daughter who had snatched someone else’s marriage through underhanded means. Second, she cursed Jiang Ruan, a lone girl from the wilderness who now clung to the Empress Dowager’s coattails, thinking she had soared to the heights of a phoenix.
Though the three sisters were nominally siblings, none of them held any regard for the others. Jiang Ruan smiled and said, "Congratulations, Third Sister."
Jiang Li was naturally overjoyed. Since childhood, she had envied Jiang Ruan and Jiang Susu the most. Jiang Susu, at least, had Jiang Quan and Jiang Chao to protect her. Now that Xia Yan had lost her standing, Jiang Li was more than happy to watch her suffer. But the one who truly grated on her nerves was Jiang Ruan. Born to a useless mother yet still holding the title of legitimate daughter, Jiang Ruan had somehow stumbled into becoming a princess. The thought of it filled Jiang Li with jealousy. Becoming the wife of a high-ranking official should have been a glorious achievement, yet because of Jiang Ruan, Jiang Li still felt inferior.
"You’re too kind, Da Jiejie," Jiang Li replied with a smile.
Tianzhu couldn’t help but feel disdain. This Second Miss Jiang was nothing but a fool, wearing her emotions plainly on her face—utterly unlikable. Just then, Jiang Dan entered the room. Second Madam, who had stepped out to fetch something, returned and immediately grew wary at the sight of Jiang Dan, positioning herself protectively in front of Jiang Li.
"Dan’er hasn’t yet congratulated Third Sister on her wedding," Jiang Dan said, signaling her maid to present the dowry gift. "Congratulations, Third Sister."
At the sight of Jiang Dan, Jiang Li frowned. She knew all too well how this marriage had come about, and Jiang Dan’s presence felt like a reminder of that. With a cold laugh, she ordered her maid to open the box. After a few mocking sounds, she picked out a plain silver bracelet and shook her head. "Fourth Sister, I don’t mean to be harsh, but this dowry gift of yours is rather shabby. Though we are illegitimate daughters, we are still the daughters of an official. Even commoners would disdain such trinkets."
To be fair, the bracelet wasn’t outstanding, but it wasn’t as terrible as Jiang Li made it out to be. For Jiang Dan, it was likely one of the more valuable items in her jewelry box. Jiang Li’s words were cruel and venomous, yet she seemed utterly oblivious, and Second Madam appeared equally indifferent. Jiang Dan lowered her head slightly, her shoulders trembling as she shrank back, looking pitiful.
In the past, Jiang Susu, to maintain her image of grace, would have spoken up in defense. And in Jiang Ruan’s past life, she would have undoubtedly sided with Jiang Dan. But times had changed, and no one spoke up now. Jiang Ruan merely smiled and said, "Third Sister, take your time to dress up. I’ll step out first—today, you must be the most beautiful bride."Jiang Li smiled smugly, "Thank you for your auspicious words, Da Jiejie. I naturally will be."
Jiang Ruan then left directly with Tianzhu.
In the outer hall, it was indeed a scene of lively harmony where both hosts and guests were enjoying themselves. Hong Ying, with her large belly, was greeting guests outside, while even the rarely seen bedroom maid Lian Ye had come out to help due to insufficient staff. The guests spoke polite words, but their eyes couldn't conceal their mockery.
Jiang Quan was now the biggest joke in the capital. The guests came to show support, but who knew what they were saying behind his back? The legitimate wife had cuckolded the master but couldn't be divorced, while the concubine was receiving guests—this was likely the first time such a thing had happened among officials of the Da Jin Dynasty.
Jiang Ruan's gaze lightly swept over the crowd but stopped on one person.
The man's extravagant silks and satins couldn't hide his playboy demeanor. His eyes gleamed cunningly as they roamed over the female guests, as if searching for prey.
Jiang Ruan abruptly turned around, her voice slightly cold. "Tianzhu."
"Yes." Tianzhu keenly sensed Jiang Ruan's unusual mood and asked, "Master?"
"How skilled are you at killing?" she asked.
"Though I dare not boast, within ten people is sufficient," Tianzhu replied.
"Be extra vigilant today." Jiang Ruan lowered her eyes. Ye You had arrived too? Good. She wanted to know who had invited Ye You. Jiang Susu? Second Madam? Or Jiang Li?
...
The wedding ceremony took place at Left Langzhong's residence. Jiang Li had no brothers, so Jiang Chao carried her into the bridal sedan chair. The procession was jubilant, drawing the attention of everyone in the capital. The wedding could be considered grand.
After the ceremony, Left Langzhong toasted the guests outside, while Jiang Li was escorted to the bridal chamber. Once the customary teasing of the newlyweds was over, it was time for the toast. Jiang Li's bridal veil remained unraised, but her voice, for the first time, became gentle and soft. After toasting Second Madam and Jiang Quan's parents, it was time to toast her siblings. Jiang Li delicately picked up a wine cup from the tray. "This cup is for my Da Jiejie. Now that I am married and must follow my husband, as daughters of the Jiang family, we have spent little time together, which is truly regrettable. Today, this cup of wine shall fulfill our sisterly bond."
(End of Chapter)
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