"You..." Liu Min's face flushed red. Jiang Ruan's blunt words left the usually proud and arrogant man both annoyed and momentarily speechless. Seeing Jiang Ruan's smiling face, he found himself unable to voice any reproach. With an angry flick of his sleeve, he could only mutter, "He's not a good man."
Even Luzhu frowned at this. Xiao Shao was the perfect husband in her eyes—what nonsense was this man spouting?
Jiang Ruan understood Liu Min's meaning. Among all court officials, regardless of faction, Xiao Shao had never aligned himself with any group. Yet every faction firmly believed him to be a "Traitorous Subject." When the old Jinying Wang rebelled, it was only by the Emperor's boundless mercy that Xiao Shao, the remnant of that rebellion, had survived to this day. Yet now his influence had grown so vast that he disregarded even the Emperor, acting with utter audacity in the capital itself. Liu Min was an upright official with rigidly traditional views—of course he saw Xiao Shao as nothing but a traitor. Though Jiang Ruan knew he meant no harm, the words still grated on her ears. Her smile remained, but her voice carried a faint chill as she replied, "So what?"
Liu Min's fair face darkened with anger. "He'll drag you down!" In Liu Min's eyes, though Jiang Ruan was enigmatic, she was perceptive. Their past correspondence had shown she was unlike those shortsighted fools. How could someone so principled and righteous associate with a Traitorous Subject?
"What business is it of yours?" With these words, Jiang Ruan's smile vanished entirely. Her calm gaze held Liu Min's, and though she said nothing more, her fury was unmistakable.
Liu Min stiffened.
The phrases "So what?" and "What business is it of yours?" made Jiang Ruan's stance unequivocally clear—she stood firmly by Xiao Shao's side. A wave of frustration rose in Liu Min's chest, his gaze brimming with disappointment. Jiang Ruan met his eyes and said, "The Grand Tutor oversees the Crown Prince's studies. When did you start concerning yourself with trivial matters? This princess has her own judgment and doesn't require your concern. If you're so inclined, perhaps turn your attention elsewhere—the palace is rife with unsavory affairs. Since you cannot tolerate the slightest impurity, you'll have your hands full."
The thinly veiled sarcasm finally made the situation unbearable for Liu Min. His well-intentioned advice had been utterly wasted. Without pausing to examine the source of his own disappointment and irritation, he could only utter, "Obstinately misguided," before storming off in a swirl of robes.
Jiang Ruan stood quietly, watching Liu Min's retreating figure. Luzhu glanced at her uneasily. "Miss... was it wise to treat Grand Tutor Liu like that?"
Luzhu knew about how Jiang Ruan had helped Liu Min win first place in the exams back then. Though she didn't understand exactly how Jiang Ruan had managed it, the close maids all understood that Jiang Ruan's intention had been to elevate Liu Min, making him a future ally. But after Jiang Ruan's words just now, who knew how this proud Grand Tutor would react? If their relationship soured from this point, might they lose an ally and instead gain a formidable obstacle?"It's fine. Grand Tutor Liu is a good man," Jiang Ruan said indifferently. Good people were always soft-hearted. If anything happened, Liu Min wouldn't stand idly by, given their past friendship. But... she lowered her gaze. What had just happened? She shouldn't have bothered with such meaningless verbal disputes. Yet, when Xiao Shao was mentioned, she couldn't help but feel anger. She frowned slightly, a sense of unease settling in her heart. Lately, this man had been appearing more and more in her life, his presence seemingly everywhere. He had forcefully intruded into her dark and tumultuous existence, like a fleeting ray of sunlight in purgatory, stirring forbidden fantasies in her heart.
With vengeance yet unfulfilled, every additional attachment was another weakness. Besides, she truly had no mind for other matters now. Xiao Shao was no ordinary man—his brilliance was merely concealed for now. One day, given the opportunity, he would soar to unimaginable heights, leaving the world in awe. How could someone like her, with a heart steeped in decay, dare to entertain such thoughts?
None of them noticed the figure in luxurious robes standing behind a vermilion pillar not far away. Ye Li had overheard their entire conversation, and a flicker of interest flashed in his eyes.
Xiao Shao, Liu Min... This Princess of Great Peace was far more intriguing than he had imagined. Her connection with Xiao Shao aside, he had already sensed something unusual between them. But what was Liu Min's involvement? Could the proud and aloof rising star of the court also have some entanglement with this princess?
Ye Li smiled faintly. Things were getting interesting. Jiang Ruan was his prey—how could he let someone else take her? But the time wasn't ripe yet. He could start by investigating her background. As for methods... A cold glint passed through Ye Li's eyes. Times had changed, and he now had countless ways to make Jiang Ruan his.
While undercurrents surged within the palace, the outside world remained peaceful. Even the most earth-shattering events were merely fodder for idle gossip among the common folk. As Jiang Li's scandal became the talk of the town, another matter paled in comparison.
The residence of the Capital Magistrate, usually a picture of harmony and happiness, now carried an air of heaviness. The maids moved cautiously, as if afraid of inviting misfortune. Even at a glance, it was clear things were not as they used to be.
Magistrate Dong was outwardly smooth and diplomatic, but at his core, he was a rigid traditionalist. Fortunately, his wife was gentle-natured, so the household had rarely seen discord—until recently.
A maid handed a small porcelain bowl to Madam Dong, who sat absentmindedly in the courtyard. "Madam, this is fresh bird's nest from the kitchen. Please try a little."
"How can I have the appetite for this?" Madam Dong pushed the bowl aside, her face clouded with worry. "After such a disgrace, how can the Dong family face the Changs? The master is furious, and that stubborn girl Yinger—why did she have to act this way? Ah."
Dong Yinger's betrothal to the third young master of the Chang family, Chang An, the Salt Transport Commissioner, had been arranged since childhood. The two families had always been close, and the children had grown up fond of each other. With this marriage, the bond between the Dongs and Changs would only deepen.Originally, the marriage was planned to take place by the end of this year. However, for some unknown reason, Dong Yinger suddenly declared a few days ago that she no longer wished to marry into the Chang family. At first, everyone thought it was just the capricious words of a young girl coming of age, perhaps shy and acting out, so they didn’t take her words seriously. Little did they know, Dong Yinger had taken the opportunity when Chang An visited their residence to tell him directly that she had already found someone she loved and requested the Chang family to cancel the marriage agreement.
Chang An, the third young master of the Chang family, was a kind and honest man. Upon hearing Dong Yinger’s words, he naturally wouldn’t force her against her will. He returned home and told his family he no longer wished to marry Dong Yinger. The Chang family, however, was not foolish. They found it strange that Chang An would suddenly want to break off the engagement for no apparent reason. After pressing him for answers, they finally learned the truth and were furious. They immediately sent someone to the Dong residence to confront the matter.
Upon learning of this, Magistrate Dong was enraged. Madam Dong, who doted on her daughter, tried to smooth things over by apologizing, dismissing it as the thoughtless words of a young girl. She brought Dong Yinger out to apologize to the Chang family. To everyone’s shock, Dong Yinger stood firm in front of the Chang family, declaring that she already had someone she loved, leaving no room for negotiation.
Such an act was nothing short of a blatant slap in the face to the Chang family. In a fit of anger, Madam Chang annulled the marriage contract, returned the marriage agreement, and made it clear to Madam Dong that the two families would henceforth be strangers to each other.
Magistrate Dong had spent his entire career navigating the complexities of officialdom. He was shrewd and meticulous, maintaining a reputation for integrity while fostering excellent relationships with both superiors and subordinates. Yet, his reputation was now tarnished by his own daughter. Despite his usual affection for Dong Yinger, this time he was truly furious. He confined her to her room, but Dong Yinger remained resolute in her refusal to admit any wrongdoing, further straining their father-daughter relationship. Madam Dong found herself caught in the middle, torn between the two.
Thinking of all this, Madam Dong felt another wave of headache. Glancing at the small porcelain bowl, she recalled how little Dong Yinger had eaten these past few days and said, “Take this to Yinger’s room. I’ll go check on her.”
The maid quickly complied. When they arrived at Dong Yinger’s room, they found her sitting at her desk, staring blankly at a sheet of rice paper, so lost in thought that she didn’t even notice her mother’s entrance. Madam Dong walked over and saw two lines of poetry written on the paper:
"The exquisite sieve holds red beans—
Does the bone-deep longing know?"
Madam Dong felt both heartache and anger. After all, what young maiden doesn’t harbor romantic dreams? Dong Yinger was at an age where emotions ran deep, and under different circumstances, it might have been understandable. But she was already betrothed. Moreover, her current state bordered on obsession.
Yet, Madam Dong’s love for her daughter prevailed. She instructed the maid to bring the bowl over and said softly, “Yinger.”
Only then did Dong Yinger snap out of her reverie. Seeing her mother, she forced a smile. “Mother.”
Madam Dong’s eyes reddened at the sight of her. In just a few days, Dong Yinger had grown noticeably thinner, her once lively and charming appearance now replaced by a gaunt, weary look.
“Eat something,” Madam Dong urged, lifting the bowl of bird’s nest soup. “Look at you—you’ve lost so much weight. Apologize to your father later, and he won’t hold it against you.”
Dong Yinger turned her head away, her tone firmer than ever. “I won’t apologize, Mother. I’ve done nothing wrong. Should I marry someone I don’t love? What kind of life would that be? Chang An is a good man, but I already have someone in my heart. How could I wrong him?”Madam Dong glared at her, but ultimately yielded when she met Dong Yinger's stubborn gaze. "You foolish child... Who exactly is this person that has you so infatuated? How could a decent man involve himself with a betrothed maiden? If he were honorable, he would never commit such impropriety."
"He's a great hero!" Hearing her mother speak ill of the man she loved, Dong Yinger immediately defended him. "He's the youngest hero of the Da Jin Dynasty—not some villain. Mother, don't judge him unfairly."
Madam Dong frowned. "What youngest hero of the Da Jin Dynasty? Have you taken a fancy to a military officer?"
Dong Yinger turned her head away, biting her lower lip hard and refusing to speak further. Seeing her daughter like this, Madam Dong felt a wave of helplessness. She set the porcelain cup down on the table with a thud, her tone turning stiff. "Since you've already made up your mind and won't listen to me, so be it." With that, she stood to leave.
Dong Yinger's personal maid rose to escort her out. When they reached the courtyard gate and Madam Dong saw no sign of her daughter, she fixed a stern gaze on the maid. "As Yinger's personal maid, you must know everywhere she goes. Now that this has happened, you cannot escape blame."
The maid was startled and immediately knelt. "This servant failed in her duty to watch over the young miss. I beg for Madam's punishment."
"Beg for punishment?" Though usually gentle and kind, Madam Dong's anger flared when it came to her daughter. "Shall I have you sold off—for the lowest price possible? How does that sound?"
"Spare me, Madam!" Being sold for the lowest price meant being sent to the most wretched brothel, forced to serve clients day and night—a fate worse than death. The maid trembled in terror. "Please forgive me this once, Madam. I swear I'll never dare neglect my duties again."
Madam Dong regarded her coldly. "If you wish to avoid being sold, then tell me everything you know. Who exactly is this man Yinger speaks of? What tricks did he use to bewitch her?"
Cornered, the maid dared not hide anything and recounted the entire affair in detail. By the time she finished, Madam Dong was shaking with fury. "How could I have raised such a daughter! Foolish! Utterly foolish!"
To Madam Dong's shock, Dong Yinger's beloved turned out to be Jiang Xin Zhi, the youngest War God of the Da Jin Dynasty. The maid wouldn't dare lie—it seemed Jiang Xin Zhi had done nothing; this was entirely Dong Yinger's one-sided infatuation. For a woman of noble birth raised with strict propriety, her daughter's shameless pursuit was mortifying. Dong Yinger had fallen so deeply, yet failed to realize this was an impossible match. Even if Jiang Xin Zhi showed no interest, the difference in status alone made marriage between them unthinkable.Who is Jiang Xin Zhi? In recent years, he has repeatedly achieved great victories against enemy forces. The defeat of the Celestial Jin Kingdom is only a matter of time. On the day he returns triumphant to the capital, Jiang Xin Zhi will be the greatest hero. The Emperor has never been stingy in promoting capable and extraordinary individuals. By then, Jiang Xin Zhi's status will rise steadily, and countless families will seek to form ties with him. What does a mere Metropolitan Governor amount to? If Dong Yinger remains this stubborn, she might only end up as Jiang Xin Zhi's concubine. But for a dignified legitimate daughter to become someone's concubine—wouldn't that become a laughingstock if word got out? Moreover, though Dong Yinger has been willful since childhood, she still carries a trace of pride in her bones. If she knew this outcome, she might not be able to bear it herself.
Madam Dong felt her head spin with confusion. After cursing silently a few times, she could only think of consulting her husband about future plans. This matter was too significant to let Dong Yinger have her way.
……
Among the close circle of young ladies, Lin Zixiang's situation was entirely different from Dong Yinger's. Recently, the Lin household had been brimming with joy. Historian Lin had been treating Lin Zixiang with unusual kindness these past few days, which puzzled her. Her father had always been a strict and old-fashioned man. Though he doted on her, he was never indulgent. Yet lately, he had frequently bought her clothes and jewelry without a word about frugality.
Lin Zixiang, being sensitive, went to ask Madam Lin what was going on, but even Madam Lin couldn't explain it. Though perplexed, Lin Zixiang quickly put the matter aside, preoccupied with thoughts of when she could next visit Jiang Ruan. Since Jiang Li's incident, she hadn't seen Jiang Ruan in a long time, and she was feeling rather bored, thinking that the group of young ladies ought to meet up more often.
In the study, Historian Lin was speaking with Madam Lin. She chided him, "It's all your fault. You've been far too obvious these past few days. Zixiang even asked me today what was going on. You need to restrain yourself—don't get carried away and let the child notice anything."
Historian Lin stroked his beard and replied, "Madam, I'm just overjoyed. The thought that our daughter won't be thrown into that pit of fire fills me with happiness. To think that as her father, I was so powerless before—I couldn't come up with any solution back then. If not for this sudden turn of events, I would have had to watch my own daughter suffer a living hell. It's truly shameful." As he spoke, a look of melancholy crossed his face.
Over a month ago, Noble Consort Chen from the palace had sent messengers to discuss—both overtly and covertly—Lin Zixiang's marriage prospects, intending to betroth her to the Third Prince, Ye You. Everyone in the Da Jin Dynasty knew what kind of man Ye You was. For Lin Zixiang to marry him would be to ruin her life. Yet Noble Consort Chen had threatened the entire Lin family. Given her favor with the Emperor, a mere Metropolitan Governor's daughter rejecting the position of a prince's consort would surely provoke the Emperor's wrath.
Caught between a rock and a hard place, Historian Lin had felt his heart twist in agony every time he saw Lin Zixiang's innocent, unsuspecting face. He had been utterly unable to find a way out. Those days had been filled with despair, and Lin Zixiang, being sharp, had noticed his low spirits and often asked him what was wrong.As the deadline drew nearer and Master Lin was driven to his wit's end, an unexpected incident occurred during Jiang Li's wedding. The very next day, Ye You was found decapitated. It was truly a miraculous escape from desperate straits. Had Master Lin known who killed Ye You, he would have personally visited to express his gratitude.
Now that Lin Zixiang no longer had to marry into the Third Prince's residence and bury the rest of her life in that pit of fire, Master Lin felt lingering fear whenever he recalled the matter. Moreover, ashamed and remorseful that as a father he couldn't assist in his daughter's marriage affairs, he had been desperately compensating Lin Zixiang these past few days. Little did he know his actions appeared utterly bizarre in Lin Zixiang's eyes.
Seeing Master Lin dwelling on these thoughts again, Madam Lin sighed and comforted him: "How could this be blamed on you, Master? It must be heaven's will. The heavens themselves are helping our Xiang'er, preventing her from marrying into such filthy places—this proves our Xiang'er is blessed."
Master Lin nodded: "Yes, Xiang'er is indeed blessed."
......
At Brocade Hero King Manor, Xiao Shao finished reading the letter in his hands and casually burned it in the oil lamp's flame. Summoning Jin Yi and Jin Er, he instructed: "There's been no unusual movement in the capital recently. Keep an eye on news from the Eastern Barbarian Country—their prolonged inactivity suggests possible deception."
Jin Yi and Jin Er bowed in acknowledgment. After a pause, Xiao Shao asked: "Is Chen Liang's matter settled?"
"Done," Jin Er replied animatedly. "This will trouble that old fox for quite some time."
"The General's Residence had the same idea as our lord," Jin Yi added calmly. "This subordinate acted before they could."
Jin Er blinked: "My lord, should we inform the young... I mean, the county princess?" If Jiang Ruan thought Zhao Guang's faction was responsible, wouldn't the credit be stolen again?
"Unnecessary," Xiao Shao stated decisively.
Receiving the expected answer, Jin Er deflated like a punctured balloon, casting a disinterested glance at Xiao Shao before withdrawing with Jin Yi. After their departure, Jin San entered to report on assigned matters. Noticing Xiao Shao's absorbed demeanor, the corners of his lips curled in amusement as he deliberately mentioned: "This subordinate encountered Tianzhu today. The county princess hasn't had much peace in the palace these days."
Without looking up, Xiao Shao asked: "What happened?"
"Grand Tutor Liu sought her out again," Jin San replied with feigned seriousness, suppressing laughter.
Xiao Shao's hand stilled mid-action. Finally raising his head, his dark eyes glinted with unusual intensity, clearly displeased: "For what purpose?"
"Grand Tutor Liu showed great concern for the county princess. After inquiring about her recent circumstances, he questioned her relationship with you, my lord," Jin San reported solemnly. "He advised her to keep her distance from you."
Setting down the scroll, Xiao Shao's handsome features seemed coated in frost as he coldly remarked: "He oversteps his bounds."
Though spoken lightly, the words unmistakably revealed the lord's foul mood. Jin San's brow twitched as he hurriedly added: "Indeed! The county princess said the same. But that Grand Tutor Liu is utterly unreasonable—he stubbornly fixated on you, my lord, until the county princess argued fiercely with him, sending him away in a huff."Jin San spoke while observing Xiao Shao's expression. Sure enough, after hearing Jin San's words, Xiao Shao's stern expression softened slightly, no longer as cold and intimidating as before. As a considerate subordinate, it was only natural to understand one's master's thoughts. Jin San continued, "It's clear that the young mistress still holds you in the highest regard. The bond between you two isn't something just anyone can undermine."
She silently thought to herself, My apologies, Grand Tutor. Though your reputation in court is impeccable, the young mistress belongs to our master. Our master has been utterly inexperienced in matters of the heart—without a little nudge from you, he might never have come to his senses.
Jin San's words greatly pleased Xiao Shao. His earlier displeasure melted away, and a faint smile flickered in his eyes as if recalling something, enhancing his already exquisite and handsome features to an almost breathtaking degree.
Jin San discreetly averted her gaze. She had long known how striking her master was, but now, nourished by the young mistress's affection, his features seemed even more picturesque—truly a peerless beauty in this world.
Xiao Shao said calmly, "I understand."
"Master, why not pay a visit to the palace yourself?" Since Xiao Shao was in a good mood, Jin San grew bolder and ventured to suggest: "It's been several days since you've seen the County Princess. As they say, a day apart feels like three years—relationships need constant nurturing. Besides, women's hearts tend to be softer. What if Grand Tutor Liu goes to apologize to the County Princess in a few days and she relents, mending their relationship? Where would that leave you, Master?" The Brocade-clad Guards privately considered their master's marital prospects of utmost importance. Having remained detached for so long, now that Xiao Shao had finally taken interest in a young woman, the guards naturally wanted to help their master seize the initiative and recognize the situation.
Xiao Shao frowned, recalling how Liu Min had clung to Jiang Ruan last time, and felt a surge of displeasure. Though he knew Jiang Ruan was hardly the "soft-hearted" type Jin San described, she had once helped Liu Min, so there was inevitably some connection between them. The thought of someone barely familiar taking his place only deepened the frustration in his chest.
Seeing her goal achieved, Jin San lowered her voice and said, "Master, this subordinate will take my leave now. Just one last thing—if Grand Tutor Liu and the County Princess grow closer, then whatever you and the County Princess can do together, he could do for her too." Without waiting for Xiao Shao's reaction, she swiftly slipped out.
Xiao Shao stood frozen. What he and Jiang Ruan had done... Liu Min could do too?
Suddenly, an unwelcome memory surfaced—that day when someone, under the influence of the Spring Breeze Elixir, had aggressively yanked him forward, pressing soft, fragrant lips against his. The fleeting heartbeat, the intoxicating scent of a young woman. Then, burrowing into his arms while tugging at his belt, rubbing against him relentlessly until he was utterly flustered and unbearably embarrassed.
(End of Chapter)
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