The third prince, Ye You, was notorious for bullying men and harassing women, relying on his royal status to run rampant in the capital. He had ruined countless young girls and married women, becoming a public enemy despised by all. Thus, when news of his death spread, the common people cheered, feeling a long-awaited sense of justice, and households celebrated in relief. However, Ye You had made far too many enemies, making it unclear who was responsible. As a result, Zuo Jiang, who had recently been humiliated by Ye You, became the prime suspect.
Zuo Jiang was deeply frustrated. With Ye You dead, if Noble Consort Chen suspected him of orchestrating the murder, it would be seen as an open challenge to her authority. Given her ruthless nature, she would undoubtedly hold a grudge against him. Now that he was the main suspect, every move he made was under surveillance, with countless eyes watching him from the shadows. He dared not act recklessly, living in stifling oppression.
When these events in the capital reached Jiang Ruan’s ears, she was momentarily stunned. She had been staying at the Brocade Hero King Manor these past few days. Xiao Shao had sent word to the General's Residence, claiming Jiang Ruan had been ambushed and was recuperating at his estate. To the outside world, it was said she had returned to the General's Residence to visit Zhao Guang and his wife. The Brocade Hero King Manor was known for its tight security, so no one had discovered the truth.
Now, hearing Tianzhu’s report, Jiang Ruan pondered—who in the capital would dare so brazenly kill a prince of the realm? None other than the Brocade-clad Guards. The swift and merciless execution, like autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves, matched Xiao Shao’s temperament. She had never intended to spare the Langzhong household or Ye You, but Xiao Shao had acted first. His decisiveness had saved her much trouble and was deeply satisfying. Yet, she wondered—would this bring him trouble?
Jin Yi, Jin Er, Jin San, and Jin Si sat perched on a nearby tree, observing Jiang Ruan. The Langzhong incident had put Xiao Shao on high alert—Tianzhu alone was not enough protection. He had ordered them to guard Jiang Ruan closely these days.
Jin Yi and Jin Er had just slaughtered everyone in the Third Prince’s residence the day before. As assassins, they had a natural bloodlust. Ye You himself had been personally executed by Xiao Shao—dozens of cuts, each slicing to the bone, ensuring he only breathed his last after the final strike. The Brocade-clad Guards had no shortage of torturous methods, but the chilling fury in Xiao Shao’s eyes last night had even unsettled his most loyal shadow guards.
Over the years, Xiao Shao had grown increasingly inscrutable, rarely revealing such murderous intent. Before his death, Ye You had experienced the most excruciating pain the world could offer. To die at Xiao Shao’s hands was truly his worst misfortune.
Jin San fiddled with a strand of her hair. "The master has summoned Ye Feng back. Does he intend to use him again?"
Ever since Ye Feng was reassigned to the Treasure Exchange Pavilion three years ago, Xiao Shao had never called upon him again. They all knew Ye Feng had committed a grave mistake—one that nearly turned the future young mistress and their master into irreconcilable enemies. It was already merciful that Xiao Shao hadn’t executed him in anger. For him to be reinstated now was truly strange.
Jin Si frowned. "Better not. Ye Feng is too foolish." Though Jin San and Jin Si shared identical features, their temperaments were worlds apart—even dressed the same, they were easily distinguishable. Jin San was alluring, while Jin Si was bold and spirited. Jin Si had never gotten along with Ye Feng and had no desire to see him return to Xiao Shao’s service.Jin Two shielded his head lazily with both hands and said, "Ye Feng has really landed himself a good assignment this time."
"What assignment?"
Jin Two grinned. "Delivering a grand gift to Noble Consort Chen."
......
The atmosphere in Dream Reflection Hall was unusually tense today. Gone was the usual gentle haze of incense and languid tranquility—instead, an undercurrent of agitation seemed to float in the air. The woman seated on the main throne, typically delicate and graceful, now tossed aside the book in her hand with visible impatience.
"Your Highness, the garments made yesterday should have arrived," a palace maid presented a small box.
The Directorate of Imperial Clothing was always the most diligent in delivering garments to Dream Reflection Hall. Everyone knew Noble Consort Chen enjoyed the Emperor's deepest favor, so the servants naturally scurried about with extra eagerness. Today was no exception—the maid had spotted the box upon returning to the bedchamber, assuming it had been delivered by the attendants.
At the sight of the box, Noble Consort Chen's expression softened slightly. She ordered the maid to bring it forward and gently opened it. What should have been a routine matter, however, ended with her letting out a startled cry. The box slipped from her grasp, hitting the floor with a crisp clatter. A round object tumbled out, rolling across the floor and leaving a trail of crimson droplets in its wake.
The palace maids and eunuchs instinctively lowered their gazes in confusion, only to nearly scream in shock upon seeing its contents. The item inside the box was none other than the severed head of Ye You, who had been killed days prior!
Ye You's face was frozen in an expression of terror and fury, his mouth agape as if he had suffered unbearable agony before death. The neck had been cleanly severed, the stump stained with blood, yet the face itself had been meticulously cleaned. Now, his wide, unblinking eyes seemed to stare directly at Noble Consort Chen, whose face drained of color as she nearly collapsed.
"Spare us, Your Highness!" The maid, realizing her grave mistake, immediately dropped to her knees and kowtowed. The other maids in Dream Reflection Hall followed suit, prostrating themselves in unison. Noble Consort Chen shrieked, "Lao Chen! Lao Chen!"
Eunuch Chen hurried in, his face paling at the sight on the floor. In two quick strides, he bent down to retrieve Ye You's head and placed it back in the box. Shooting a glare at the maids, he barked, "Dismissed!"
The maids scrambled out in haste. Noble Consort Chen took a shaky breath and turned to Eunuch Chen. "Lao Chen, it's him. It must be him." Her voice trembled with rare panic.
Eunuch Chen had been a servant from Noble Consort Chen's family before she entered the palace. Starting as a lowly eunuch, he had risen through the ranks to become her most trusted confidant. He was well aware of the matter involving Jiang Ruan. Though he disapproved of his mistress's obsession with Xiao Shao, he would stop at nothing to eliminate any obstacles in her path.
Jiang Ruan was a lingering threat, but Xiao Shao was no pushover—today's incident proved as much. They had known Xiao Shao was behind Ye You's death, but never imagined he would dare to openly deliver the severed head to Noble Consort Chen. Was this a warning, or a declaration?
Noble Consort Chen stared fixedly at the box in Eunuch Chen's hands before suddenly bursting into wild laughter. "So he dares to oppose me! He dares to defy all propriety and stand against me!" Clenching her teeth, the frenzy in her eyes gradually receded, replaced by icy, calculated beauty. Yet upon closer inspection, one could still detect the smoldering jealousy and fury beneath. She murmured, "Very well. Since he insists on this path, don't blame this consort for being ruthless. Let's see just how far he's willing to go for that woman!"Eunuch Chen moved his lips but ultimately said nothing. Noble Consort Chen glanced at him and said coldly, "You know what to do with the palace maids present today."
This was an order to silence them. Eunuch Chen bent at the waist and replied respectfully, "Yes."
...
Early in the morning, Brocade Hero King Manor welcomed a special guest.
The anxious and hurried visitor was none other than Luzhu. To recount, on the day Jiang Ruan entered the bridal chamber, Luzhu had gone to fetch her some sobering soup, only to return and find Jiang Ruan missing. Unaware of what had transpired, she eventually found Tianzhu, only to be shocked—Tianzhu was injured and merely said that Xiao Shao had sent someone to rescue Jiang Ruan.
Luzhu had to care for Tianzhu while waiting in unbearable anxiety until now. The person who fetched her said Jiang Ruan was unharmed at the manor, but Luzhu remained deeply worried. She wished she could sprout wings and fly back to Jiang Ruan’s side immediately.
Brocade Hero King Manor was far larger than the Jiang residence. The maidservant leading the way pointed out the direction and left. It was Luzhu’s first time in such a grand estate, and she unwittingly got lost.
Finally spotting someone ahead, Luzhu rushed forward without hesitation, calling out, "Young master!"
Jin Er was deep in thought when he suddenly saw a frantic young maid running toward him. The maid’s face was unfamiliar, but she had a sweet smile and looked quite obedient—somehow familiar. Jin Er initially thought she was a new servant in the manor, but her addressing him as "young master" struck him as odd.
Seeing the man staring at her, Luzhu frowned slightly. Objectively speaking, Jin Er was quite handsome, a dashing young man—if not for his roguish grin. Still, she asked, "Young master, do you know where the young lady from the Jiang residence is staying?"
At her question, Jin Er suddenly realized. No wonder the maid looked so familiar—she was the young mistress’s attendant. Knowing his master was a man of few words, Jin Er thought it best to take a roundabout approach through the young mistress. He deliberately crossed his arms and smirked at Luzhu, saying, "Oh, you mean the young mistress? She’s staying with our master."
Luzhu’s attention zeroed in on the words "young mistress," ignoring Jin Er’s reference to Xiao Shao as "master." Wide-eyed, she demanded, "What young mistress?"
Jin Er found it amusing that Jiang Ruan, cunning and ruthless as she was, had such a naive maid. A mischievous idea struck him, and he grinned, "They’ve already slept together—what else would she be? The young mistress was drugged with a bewitching drug yesterday, and our master personally helped her... Ouch!"
Jin Er deliberately made his words ambiguous, but just as he was getting carried away, Luzhu kicked him hard. Having grown up in the streets, Luzhu was unlike the delicate maids of noble households—her kick was delivered with full force, landing squarely on Jin Er’s sensitive spot. With a pained cry, he clutched his groin and glared at her.
Luzhu glared back unapologetically and spat, "Ugh! You vulgar scoundrel! What filthy nonsense! If I hear such obscenities again, you’d better pray that thing between your legs never rises again!" After roaring at Jin Er like a lioness, she turned and stormed off, leaving him dumbfounded where he stood.He was wrong. He shouldn't have thought the young mistress's maidservant would be easy to bully. How could someone serving a mistress like that be easy prey? Hiss— Jin Er sucked in a sharp breath from the pain. As a squad leader of the Brocade-clad Guards and Xiao Shao's personal shadow guard, with his dashing looks, usually it was only women throwing themselves at him. Never did he expect to be bested by a mere maidservant today! Damn girl, Jin Er gnashed his teeth. Just wait until I catch you again—I'll teach you a proper lesson!
Up in the tree, Jin San and Jin Yi were cracking melon seeds while watching the show. Jin San remarked, "Asking for death. If he's angered the young mistress's maid, Jin Er won't be long for this world."
Jin Yi's face—identical to Jin Er's—remained expressionless, wooden as a stone. Jin San shot him a disdainful look, thinking how strange it was that twins with the same face could have such different temperaments. One was perpetually blank-faced while the other was as rakish as a street ruffian.
...
Leaving aside Luzhu's affairs for now, the relationship between the "young mistress" and "master" in Jin Er's mouth was far from the sweet whispers rumored outside. Jiang Ruan took a sip of honeyed lotus leaf water. The Brocade Hero King Manor had always been unaccustomed to liveliness, with few women visiting before. Butler Lin had searched extensively before finding a chef who could make sweet soups and pastries.
Originally meant to curry favor with the future princess consort, Jiang Ruan actually wasn't very fond of such sweet treats herself. The manor servants were overly enthusiastic toward her, and though she kept people at arm's length in her heart, she could only maintain a gentle facade.
Xiao Shao sat across from her. The morning air was crisp, and the slanting sunlight cast a golden glow over his handsome profile. The golden-threaded night bats embroidered on his brocade robes further accentuated his jade-like elegance. Even his manner of sipping tea exuded the unique noble refinement of royalty.
Some people in this world were simply born different from others. Though Jiang Ruan had seen much these past few days, such beauty still made her momentarily dazed.
She lowered her head to take another sip of the honeyed water—too sweet—and asked Xiao Shao, "Was Ye You's matter your doing?"
Xiao Shao nodded.
Jiang Ruan pressed, "You delivered his head to Noble Consort Chen?"
A cold glint flashed in Xiao Shao's eyes. "He brought it upon himself."
Jiang Ruan rested her chin on the cup's rim. Xiao Shao had done this solely to vent her anger. She studied the man before her carefully. She'd long noticed his numerous acts of assistance, but these days, the subtle feelings within her grew increasingly intense. She wasn't an inexperienced child when it came to emotions—having lived a second life, she understood full well what these strange stirrings in her heart meant.
For someone like him—a favored son of heaven—to help her time and again, had it been her past life self, she would have likely fallen long ago. Unfortunately, their paths had crossed in this lifetime instead. A faint bitterness rose in Jiang Ruan's heart. She had returned bearing vengeance—this life was destined to be stained with bloodshed. She didn't even dare get close to the Zhao family, let alone allow herself to develop feelings? In her previous life, she had died too early to know what happened afterward. But Xiao Shao had always been aligned with the Emperor. When the Emperor passed away, Xiao Shao was still in the Eastern Barbarian Country. If he had returned, how could Ye Li have let him go? In that past life, what had ultimately become of him?
Thinking this, Jiang Ruan unconsciously furrowed her brows. Seeing her expression, Xiao Shao assumed she was worried about Noble Consort Chen's affairs and calmly reassured her, "I've already made arrangements in the palace. You needn't worry too much."Jiang Ruan snapped back to attention, her voice gentle: "Xiao Shao, you've helped me a great deal, but Noble Consort Chen and I are like fire and water in this lifetime. I have my own methods—you needn't intervene."
Xiao Shao was silent for a moment. "Understood," he said. He knew Jiang Ruan had many secrets—secrets so well-hidden that even the finest spies among the Brocade-clad Guards couldn't uncover them. Though puzzled, he had no desire to pry. Everyone had their own secrets. Jiang Ruan's secret lay in the perpetual darkness lurking in her eyes. That darkness was so profound that, though expertly concealed, it occasionally seeped through in fleeting glimpses, shrouding her entire being in a ruthless aura.
Last night, while unconscious, she had called out a name: Ye Li.
Xiao Shao lowered his gaze as the steam from the tea obscured the emotions in his eyes. What grudge did she hold against Ye Li? The way she had uttered that name in her delirium had been unmistakably bitter and grief-stricken. He had ordered his spies to investigate but found no connection between Ye Li and Jiang Ruan.
After a long pause, Xiao Shao asked, "What do you intend to do?"
"Ye You is already dead. The General's Residence and Jiang Li will reap what they've sown. Noble Consort Chen has gone to such lengths to stage this play—how could I let her end it so hastily?" A shadow flickered in Jiang Ruan's eyes. Xiao Shao noticed it and said, "If you encounter trouble, you need only tell me."
"Thank you," Jiang Ruan replied, thinking Xiao Shao's move had been masterful. Ye You's death had erased all traces, and while Jiang Li and the General's Residence seemed to have escaped with their lives for now, the deeper this matter unraveled, the more entangled they would become, plunging them into ever-greater turmoil. She felt no sympathy for Jiang Li or Zuo Jiang—those who sought to harm her deserved worse than death. The only one left unpunished was Noble Consort Chen. Since the consort had so much leisure to meddle in her affairs, how could Jiang Ruan possibly disappoint her?
A cold smile curled in Jiang Ruan's heart. It had been a long time since she'd seen the Holy Monk Huijue—though now, he should be addressed as the state preceptor.
...
In the General's Residence, Zhao Guang paced restlessly in his study, repeatedly taking down the sword hanging on the wall only to put it back moments later. Zhao Yuanfeng remarked dryly, "Father, if you keep pacing like this, I'm going to faint."
"What do you know, you fool!" Zhao Guang, already seething with pent-up fury, exploded at the provocation. "Your niece was drugged with a bewitching drug, and I can't even pace a little?!"
Zhao Yuanping couldn't stand it any longer. "Father, why are you so worked up? Didn't Prince Xiao already deal with the culprits? Ruan'er wasn't even scratched—she's safe and sound at the Brocade Hero King Manor. Why take it out on Third Brother?"
A few days prior, Xiao Shao had sent a messenger to the General's Residence to explain the situation. The news had enraged Zhao Guang so much that he nearly stormed out with his sword to cut down the General's Residence and that lecherous prince. But the messenger had urged him to remain calm, assuring him that Xiao Shao had everything under control. The very next day, the General's Residence was embroiled in scandal, and the Third Prince's household was wiped out.
It didn't take a genius to guess Xiao Shao's hand in it, but Zhao Guang was still displeased. "This is my family's business! What right does an outsider have to interfere? And sending an unmarried girl like Ruan'er to the Brocade Hero King Manor—what kind of arrangement is that? Yuanjia, go fetch your niece back at once!"Zhao Yuanjia, the eldest of the Zhao family, was inexplicably singled out by Zhao Guang. Helpless, he said, "Father, wouldn't bringing Ruan'er back now just give others an opportunity? Since Prince Xiao has helped Ruan'er, he wouldn’t harm her."
For the past few days, unfamiliar eyes had been watching the General's Residence. The servants searched but found nothing, certain they were spies—likely targeting Jiang Ruan. Currently, it was publicly claimed that Jiang Ruan was at the General's Residence. Any slip in secrecy would only endanger her and the entire household. Zhao Guang understood this, yet knowing and accepting were two different matters. After all, Jiang Ruan was his granddaughter, yet it was Xiao Shao, an outsider, who had avenged her. The attitude of the messenger who delivered the news that day still rankled Zhao Guang, making it seem as though the Brocade Hero King Manor was Jiang Ruan’s true home, while the General's Residence was the villain.
Once Zhao Guang’s stubborn temper flared, he found fault with Xiao Shao no matter what. Though grateful for Xiao Shao’s timely rescue of Jiang Ruan, he couldn’t shake his resentment. He snapped at Zhao Yuanjia, "What do you know? Who’s to say that Xiao boy doesn’t have ulterior motives toward Ruan? She’s young—what if she’s deceived?"
Hadn’t Zhao Mei, too, misjudged someone, ruining her life and dragging her children into misery? This was Zhao Guang’s eternal pain.
Zhao Yuanping snorted with laughter. "Father, Xiao Shao developing feelings for Ruan? Don’t let that slip. Besides, Ruan getting fooled? She’s more likely to be the one doing the fooling."
Everyone in the Da Jin Dynasty knew Xiao Shao was cold and indifferent to women. Even if Jiang Ruan were peerlessly beautiful, she’d be no more than a passerby in his eyes. And given Jiang Ruan’s temperament—outwardly gentle but inwardly aloof and ruthless—Zhao Yuanping, sharing the Zhao family’s views on women, believed men would dislike such a personality. Women, in his eyes, ought to be like Zhao Mei—warm and simple. Though Jiang Ruan was his niece, her nature was hardly endearing to most men.
Of course, years later, it would prove that even Zhao Yuanping, the Zhao family’s brightest strategist, could misjudge. But for now, he stood by his opinion.
Zhao Guang, fiercely protective, grew furious at Zhao Yuanping’s words. He slammed the table and barked, "Are you even a Zhao? What’s wrong with Ruan? She’s perfect. That Xiao boy just hasn’t met anyone as good as her. Get out of my sight!"
Finally fed up, Zhao Yuanfeng stood and said, "Father, now isn’t the time to argue with Eldest Brother and Second Brother. We can discuss Prince Xiao another day. Shouldn’t we do something about the injustice Ruan suffered?"
"Do what?" Zhao Guang fumed. "That Xiao boy’s already done it all!"
"Isn’t Noble Consort Chen still untouched?" Zhao Yuanfeng reminded him.
Zhao Guang frowned. "A woman of the inner palace—how can we interfere?" Though seething, as a subject, he had no means to act against Chen Guifei, nor could the matter be made public. No solution came to mind.
Zhao Yuanping snapped his fingers. "If we can’t touch Chen Guifei, what about Minister Chen?" He smirked. "Noble Consort Chen acts so brazenly because her father’s grown too arrogant."Zhao Guang pondered for a moment before nodding and saying, "You're right. That old bastard—I've been wanting to deal with him for a long time. Perfect timing, let's teach him a lesson this time, or else everyone will think our General's Residence is easy to push around. The three of you, sit tight. This matter is of great importance..."
...
A prince of the nation had vanished without a trace, and even though he was a useless prince, it still stirred up quite a storm in the court. The Emperor had never liked this son, so he didn’t show much grief. Empress Dowager Yide, however, was unusually melancholic, though it didn’t seem to be solely because of this matter.
Jiang Ruan stayed at the Brocade Hero King Manor for a few days. After the initial uproar subsided, she didn’t return to the Jiang residence. Instead, Xiao Shao sent two of his men to escort her into the palace. Xiao Shao’s subordinates were no ordinary men, ensuring greater safety in this arrangement.
Upon returning to the palace, Jiang Ruan went to pay her respects to Empress Dowager Yide as usual. She pretended as if nothing had happened, but she noticed the Empress Dowager looked much more haggard. Seeing Jiang Ruan, the Empress Dowager seemed to recall something and asked, “This old one heard that something happened to your third sister on her wedding night. What exactly occurred?”
Jiang Ruan shook her head. “Third Sister didn’t speak of it, so I don’t know the details.”
The Empress Dowager sighed. She was well aware that Jiang Ruan’s relationship with the Jiang family was far from cordial. Back at the royal ancestral temple, Jiang Quan hadn’t even sent a proper letter home. The Empress Dowager had observed Jiang Ruan’s indifferent attitude toward her family—neither warm nor involved, and now her detachment was only natural.
“That Zuo Jiang—this old one sees he is no good man. He has disrupted all order. If the common people follow his example, the world will descend into chaos.” Clearly, this matter weighed heavily on Empress Dowager Yide. Though she had long withdrawn from court affairs, the sharp insight she had cultivated in her earlier years remained. Zuo Jiang had crossed a line in her eyes. Jiang Ruan knew better than to comment on matters of state before the Empress Dowager. After speaking for a while, the Empress Dowager seemed weary and retired for a short rest.
(End of Chapter)
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