It seemed she intended to promote Jiang Chao. As for Jiang Susu, she had indeed reached the age where potential matches should be considered. Having grown up under her care, Old Madam Jiang still held some affection for her granddaughter. However... Jiang Ruan smiled faintly: "The inner palace must not interfere in governance. The Empress Dowager's favor toward me is a heavenly grace—how dare I presume to influence Her Majesty's thoughts? As for my second sister, having grown up in the capital, she is far more familiar with noble circles than I am. If anything, she has seen more of the world than I have."
Old Madam Jiang was left speechless. Even setting aside Jiang Chao, Jiang Susu alone was already a headache. Since Xia Yan's scandal, not only had Jiang Quan become the laughingstock of the capital for being cuckolded by its so-called top talent, but Jiang Susu had also suffered collateral damage. Former friends among the noble ladies had distanced themselves, and it had been a long time since anyone sent her an invitation card. Prospects for marriage proposals were now out of the question. Anxious, Old Madam Jiang had hoped Jiang Ruan would take Jiang Susu out in society, never expecting such a blunt refusal.
"They are your own siblings—must you refuse to help?" Old Madam Jiang's anger flared.
"I truly have no means to assist," Jiang Ruan sighed. "I fear I must disappoint you, Grandmother."
Old Madam Jiang fixed her with a stare. "Ruan girl, even now, do you still resent the Jiang family?"
Jiang Ruan's smile was cool and detached. Not resentment—hatred. At this moment, she wasn't sure whether to find Old Madam Jiang's naivety amusing. In this life, she intended to dismantle the Jiang family step by step. Why would she lift a finger for Jiang Susu and her brother? As for restoring the family's glory—since Jiang Quan cherished this household so dearly, wouldn't it be better to let him watch everything he valued crumble before his eyes?
Perhaps Jiang Ruan's smile struck Old Madam Jiang as unbearably mocking, for she suddenly slammed the table and shouted, "Get out!" Cai Que, startled, hurried to soothe her. "Do not upset yourself, Madam. Think of your health."
"Never forget you were born of the Jiang family!" Old Madam Jiang, now incensed, spat venomously. "Everything you've eaten and used came from this house! What right have you to resent us? Your mother died early—without the Jiangs, would you even be alive today?"
Cai Que cast an uneasy glance at Jiang Ruan, while Zisu and Lianqiao's expressions darkened with indignation. Jiang Ruan rose, looking down at Old Madam Jiang. This once-formidable matriarch of the Jiang household now appeared aged and withered, her contorted expression paired with sagging skin lending her a grotesque absurdity.
Perhaps selfishness and callousness ran bone-deep in the Jiang blood—an innate belief that the world existed to serve them. Old Madam Jiang was no exception. Jiang Ruan's smile deepened, her voice laced with icy venom. "Perhaps I should ask instead—if not for the Jiang family, how could my mother have died?"
Old Madam Jiang froze, a flicker of panic in her eyes. "What are you saying?"
"Perhaps Grandmother already knows, doesn't she?" Jiang Ruan replied evenly.
"Rubbish! Get out—I won't have you here! Out!" Old Madam Jiang suddenly erupted, hurling a jade pillow with such force that it shattered on the ground, scattering crystalline fragments everywhere.Jiang Ruan gave a low chuckle, her gaze somewhat peculiar. "So it is indeed." When Old Madam Jiang met those glistening, smiling eyes, she felt as though she'd been plunged into an icy cellar, her entire body trembling uncontrollably.
"What is Grandmother afraid of?" Jiang Ruan said. "I won't treat the Jiang family the way the Jiang family treated my mother." It wouldn't be that simple—the pain they had inflicted would one day be repaid a thousandfold.
Old Madam Jiang stared at Jiang Ruan, her eyes wide. Suddenly, her body stiffened, and a trickle of blood slowly seeped from the corner of her mouth. Cai Que was startled and quickly patted Old Madam Jiang's back. "Old Madam, what's wrong?"
Jiang Ruan paused mid-step, watching as Old Madam Jiang slowly collapsed. The old woman's face had taken on a deathly pallor, her lips darkening, the blood flowing from her mouth unmistakably black. In her panic, Cai Que pressed her fingers beneath Old Madam Jiang's nose, then turned deathly pale and screamed, "Murder! Murder!"
"What happened?" Du Juan, who had been busy inside, lifted the curtain and entered, freezing in shock at the sight. Cai Que, eager to stir chaos, shrieked, "The eldest young lady killed the Old Madam! Someone, help!"
Zisu and Lianqiao's expressions changed, both exclaiming in unison, "What nonsense! The young lady is standing right here—how is this her fault? You're slandering her!"
"Heavens! Eldest Young Lady, you actually murdered the Old Madam?" A familiar voice rang out from the doorway, sharp as ever, though upon closer listening, one could detect a hint of satisfaction. It was Second Madam.
Jiang Ruan narrowed her eyes and smiled coldly, turning to Cai Que, who was cradling Old Madam Jiang. "Cai Que, did you truly see me kill someone?"
Under that piercing gaze, Cai Que faltered slightly, but she quickly replied, "Only the eldest young lady and the Old Madam were in the room. The eldest young lady was standing very close to her, and the Old Madam had just been arguing with her..."
"Oh heavens," Second Madam cried dramatically. "Even if you quarreled with the Old Madam, you couldn't just kill her! Such an unforgivable act—oh heavens!"
"Madam, mind your words," Lianqiao snapped. "Do you know the penalty for slandering a court-appointed princess?"
Second Madam hesitated briefly before raising her voice again. "What? Does being a princess mean you can kill at will? Why not silence me too? Is there no justice left in this world?"
Her voice was so loud that nearly all the servants in the mansion were alerted. Jiang Susu and Jiang Dan hurried over, while Hong Ying, farther away, was helped along by servants, her pregnant belly prominent. Along the way, maids must have informed her of the situation, for she cast a complicated look at Jiang Ruan upon arrival.
Jiang Susu seemed gleeful, while Jiang Dan dropped to her knees with a thud, crying out in panic, "Grandmother, what happened to Grandmother?"
"Fourth Sister doesn't understand?" Jiang Ruan said coolly. "Grandmother was murdered. I imagine she died with grievances unavenged."
Jiang Dan's expression faltered as she looked at Jiang Ruan with sorrow. "Da Jiejie, why would you harm Grandmother? She loved you so dearly—she even invited you to her courtyard today. How could you do this to her?""Fourth Sister, beware of loose lips bringing trouble," Jiang Ruan warned. "Does the word of this county princess carry less weight than that of a lowly maidservant? From start to finish, only Cai Que has accused me of harming our grandmother. As my younger half-sister, you choose to believe a servant over your own sister? How cold our sibling bond must be."
Jiang Dan was rendered speechless, unable to muster a response. Then a cold male voice interrupted: "This official is here on duty. Guards, arrest the eldest Jiang daughter for conspiring against her grandmother!"
A squad of officers had arrived. Jiang Ruan regarded their leader with an amused smile, murmuring softly, "This county princess never knew official business moved so swiftly—almost as if... someone knew Grandmother would meet misfortune beforehand."
"Enough talk!" The lead officer, an unfamiliar face, treated Jiang Ruan with blatant arrogance. At his signal, two constables moved to restrain her. With Jiang Quan absent from the residence, Hong Ying was the highest-ranking woman present. She addressed the officers hesitantly: "Sir, this matter hasn't been properly investigated—"
"Investigated?" The officer gave Hong Ying a sardonic look. "We have both witness and material evidence accusing the Jiang heiress of poisoning her grandmother. Any explanations can wait until she's in custody." He smirked at Jiang Ruan. "My apologies, Miss Jiang."
"Your diligence is truly touching," Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. "But where is the official warrant?"
The officer seemed prepared for this question. With a triumphant grin, he produced an arrest warrant from his robes, waving the properly stamped document before her. The black ink on white paper bore authentic official seals.
"Does the Eldest Miss Jiang see clearly now?"
Jiang Ruan's gaze swept indifferently past Second Madam and Jiang Dan. "Quite clearly."
"Then if you please."
"Young mistress!" Lianqiao and Zisu cried out urgently.
"Stay here," Jiang Ruan instructed.
A flash of triumph crossed Second Madam's eyes. Jiang Dan seemed dazed by the unfolding events, hiding silently behind her mother. Jiang Susu maintained a facade of grief. Cai Que and Du Juan tended to Old Madam Jiang's corpse, carefully wiping blood from her lips.
Strangely, the calmest person in the room appeared to be Jiang Ruan herself. Glancing at the officers behind her, she said coolly, "I'll walk on my own. No need for manhandling."
News of Jiang Ruan's arrest for allegedly murdering Old Madam Jiang sent shockwaves through the Jiang residence. At Ruan Residence, Jin Er and Jin San wore grave expressions. "I'll follow to guard Miss Jiang in prison," Jin San declared. "You go find our master."
Jin Er nodded and turned to leave when Luzhu came rushing into the courtyard. After glancing around uncertainly, she called softly, "Jin... Er?"
Pausing mid-step, Jin Er descended swiftly from a tree, landing before Luzhu. "What is it?"
Too anxious to be startled by his sudden appearance, Luzhu produced a letter from her robes. "The young mistress ordered this delivered to His Highness immediately."
Taking the letter, Jin Er nodded. "Understood."
As he turned to leave, Luzhu called after him: "Wait." When he looked back, she met his gaze hesitantly. "I was wrong before. This time our mistress has been framed... I beg you to protect her."Jin Er was slightly surprised inside. It was rare for Luzhu to lower herself to plead with him like this, which showed her deep loyalty to Jiang Ruan. As a subordinate, he naturally admired such devotion. Jin Er smiled and said, "Even without your request, I would protect Miss Jiang. You should be careful too." With that, he swiftly departed without looking back.
Luzhu turned around to see Tianzhu stepping out of the room, her expression icy. "We act tonight," she said.
...
News of Jiang Ruan being taken away by officials spread through the capital in the shortest time, causing an uproar. The Princess of Great Peace had enjoyed boundless praise since her return to the capital, and with a war god for a brother, the common folk had adored her. Who could have expected such a sudden turn of events? It was truly lamentable. There were also those who took pleasure in others' misfortune, claiming they had long seen Jiang Ruan as a troublemaker—her bewitching looks clearly masking a venomous heart. Now, she wouldn't even spare her own grandmother. How cruel.
At the center of these discussions, Jiang Ruan leaned quietly against the damp, cold wall of her cell, her eyes lowered as she gazed at the filthy straw before her.
In truth, the evidence in Second Madam's hands was likely insufficient for a conviction. Even with Cai Que as a witness, bringing Jiang Ruan down wouldn't be easy. Jiang Dan wasn’t so shortsighted—there must be another scheme at play.
The official leading the arrest was named Li Qiang. The speed with which the warrant for Jiang Ruan's capture had been issued was due to the orders of Hu Qianqiu, the Imperial Censor. And this Hu Qianqiu... A cold glint flashed in Jiang Ruan's eyes. Second Madam was originally the illegitimate daughter of the Minister of Personnel. In her youth, she had a childhood sweetheart—none other than the current Imperial Censor, Hu Qianqiu. Back then, Hu Qianqiu's family status had been inferior to Second Madam's, and the Minister of Personnel had wanted to use her to forge ties with the Jiang family, forcibly severing their romance.
Li Qiang was Second Madam's nephew from her maiden family, and Hu Qianqiu was her former lover. Jiang Ruan's imprisonment was undoubtedly their doing. Hu Qianqiu had held his position for years, sitting firmly as the Imperial Censor—he was no fool. Yet he had stepped forward for Second Madam. Her recent generosity toward the Jiang family's servants suggested she was prepared to go down with Jiang Ruan.
However, no matter how foolish or infatuated Hu Qianqiu was, he wouldn’t risk his official position for Second Madam. Therefore, her trump card wasn’t the Imperial Censor but... Jiang Ruan's lips curled slightly. Li Qiang.
Luzhu had investigated thoroughly. Second Madam had recently been selling off her jewelry. Hu Qianqiu certainly didn’t need her trinkets, but her nephew Li Qiang—a good-for-nothing who had bought his petty official position with family money—was a wastrel who frequented brothels and gambling dens. Rumor had it he had recently lost a fortune at the gambling house. In this world, gamblers were always bold, especially those desperate to recoup their losses.
What had Second Madam promised Li Qiang in exchange for his help?
Night had fallen, and the cell grew even damper and colder. This particular cell seemed deliberately isolated—no other prisoners nearby, only emptiness and silence. The jailers were nowhere to be seen.Footsteps echoed in the distance as a group of people entered. The man leading them wore coarse hemp clothing and couldn't help but freeze momentarily at the sight of Jiang Ruan before narrowing his eyes and saying, "The Princess's courage is truly remarkable, worthy of admiration." It was Li Qiang.
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. "You flatter me, Young Master Li." In her past life, what kind of prison had she not seen? She had endured places far colder and darker than this—what was there to fear now?
Li Qiang's eyes flickered slightly. "The Princess actually knows of this humble one? How surprising."
Jiang Ruan's gaze shifted to the men behind Li Qiang—all burly, rough-looking fellows whose lecherous and unrestrained stares made their intentions all too clear.
"How much silver did Second Madam offer you?" Jiang Ruan suddenly asked.
Li Qiang hadn't expected this question and gave her a wary glance before suddenly grinning. "No harm in telling the Princess—one thousand taels of silver."
Jiang Ruan nodded. One thousand taels—even Jiang Li's entire dowry at her wedding had only amounted to three thousand taels. For Second Madam to produce such a sum, she must have liquidated her entire fortune. To spend everything just to buy her life? Second Madam's thinking was far too naive.
Noticing Jiang Ruan's faintly mocking gaze, Li Qiang tensed and asked, "Does the Princess have something to say?"
"Is my life worth only a mere thousand taels of silver?" Jiang Ruan said coolly. "Don't you find that rather... regrettable?"
"What does the Princess mean?" Li Qiang narrowed his eyes.
"Five thousand taels—I'll buy out this deal," Jiang Ruan declared.
Li Qiang started, as did the men behind him. The rumors were true—Jiang Ruan's generosity was staggering. She must have received countless treasures from Empress Dowager Yide. It was impossible not to be tempted. Li Qiang had recently accrued a mountain of debt and had only taken Second Madam's job out of desperation, knowing full well the risks but also that failing to repay his debts would mean certain death. Now, Jiang Ruan was offering five thousand taels outright. How could he not reconsider? His expression shifted, as if about to relent, when one of the burly men beside him suddenly coughed lightly.
The sound snapped Li Qiang out of his thoughts. Glaring at Jiang Ruan, he forced a harsh laugh. "The Princess is indeed clever, but I am not a greedy man. This deal of yours... I dare not accept."
Had this been an ordinary person, turning his back on the deal wouldn't have mattered—Li Qiang had no affection for Second Madam, his aunt by marriage. But Jiang Ruan was the Princess of Great Peace. If not for his dire financial straits, he wouldn't have dared lay a finger on her. What if she survived and came after him later? The imperial family would never let him off. In matters like these, only the dead could keep secrets.
Li Qiang clapped his hands and stepped forward slowly. "Tonight, I fear I must offend the Princess." He wedged the torch he carried for light into the mouth of a stone beast carved into the wall. In the flickering firelight, Jiang Ruan sat calmly in her cell, her crimson skirts blazing like fire, her delicate features exuding both allure and an icy, mocking indifference.
Li Qiang swallowed hard. He had heard of the Princess's beauty, but seeing her up close was utterly breathtaking. Jiang Ruan asked coolly, "Does Young Master Li intend to silence me permanently?""By tomorrow morning, the people of the capital will know the news of the Princess of Great Peace committing suicide in prison out of guilt," Li Qiang said with a lewd grin. "But before that, the princess can still enjoy herself thoroughly."
Killing her first and then claiming it was suicide—did Li Qiang think everyone in the capital was a fool? She had thought Second Madam and Jiang Li were simply brainless, but it seemed the entire family was the same. Still, it was clear now: Second Madam hated her to the bone, hence devising such a method to torment her. Not only would she lose her chastity before death, but her reputation would also be ruined.
Seeing Jiang Ruan's expression remain unchanged, Li Qiang grew even more excited. With a wave of his hand, he opened the cell door, and several burly men surrounded her. Li Qiang smirked, "Princess of Great Peace, we'll all have a good time."
Jiang Ruan's expression darkened. Before she could press the mechanism on her blood-jade bracelet, a loud "bang" echoed through the air. Blades flashed, blood splattered, and in an instant, all the men before her collapsed—only Li Qiang remained standing.
The cell door had been kicked open. The dark-clothed man's robe shimmered with golden bat patterns, so vivid they seemed ready to leap from the fabric. Xiao Shao stepped inside, his voice icy. "Seeking death."
Li Qiang trembled violently upon recognizing the newcomer, despair flooding his heart. Second Madam had never mentioned any special relationship between Jiang Ruan and the Jinying Wang of the Da Jin Dynasty. Overwhelmed by terror, his lower body grew damp, and a foul stench filled the cell. Li Qiang dropped to his knees, begging for mercy. "Your Highness, please spare—" Before he could finish, his throat was slit, blood gushing forth as he crumpled to the ground.
Expressionless, Xiao Shao sheathed his sword and strode forward.
Hidden in the shadows, Jin San silently retreated. Her master had personally intervened before she could act—lingering here would only be inappropriate.
After a brief moment of surprise, Jiang Ruan composed herself. She had considered the possibility of Xiao Shao coming after reading the letter's contents, but she hadn't expected him to arrive so swiftly. Casually lowering her left hand from the blood-jade bracelet, she said, "You'll need to clean this up later."
Xiao Shao nodded, pulling open the cell door and stepping inside. He frowned at the damp, gloomy surroundings. "Is what was written in the letter true?"
"Of course," Jiang Ruan replied. "It wasn't meant to be used now, but... never mind. Resolving it sooner is just as well."
The contents of the letter were originally intended for later use, but Second Madam's stupidity had forced her hand. Still, this would inevitably alert their enemies—but future matters could be dealt with as they came.
Xiao Shao's brow furrowed, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "They wanted to silence you." And worse, they had sought to defile Jiang Ruan before killing her. Though he knew Jin Er and Jin San were protecting her, the news had stirred unease in him. Rushing here and witnessing the scene just now, a faint aura of killing intent emanated from him.Jiang Ruan remained completely unaware, but since Xiao Shao's Brocade-clad Guards must have already investigated the whole story, she simply spoke openly: "Second Madam was incited by my fourth sister and originally intended to deal with me this way. The Minister of Personnel is nothing to fear, but the troublesome one is the head of the Censorate." Hu Qianqiu had served in court for many years, having made thorough arrangements at all levels, and the Emperor still greatly favored this pillar of the court. In her past life, while she was clear about matters related to the Jiang family, she had never interacted with this Hu Qianqiu. In fact, Hu Qianqiu belonged to the Fifth Prince's faction and originally had no connection with Ye Li. Unexpectedly, he turned out to be a romantic fool, willing to take such risks for Second Madam.
"Leave this matter to me," Xiao Shao said. "Don't worry."
Jiang Ruan paused slightly and looked at Xiao Shao. He was gazing at her with undisguised concern in his eyes. She replied, "Alright."
He could sense Jiang Ruan's attitude gradually changing, from initial aloofness to slowly growing trust—perhaps even Jiang Ruan herself hadn't noticed this subtle shift. Xiao Shao's mood inexplicably lightened. Glancing around, he said, "Tonight... hold on a little longer. Tomorrow, I'll take you out."
Jiang Ruan pondered briefly before responding, "You should be careful too."
Xiao Shao curved his lips slightly in a faint smile. After a moment's thought, he crouched down before her and took out a small whistle-like object from his robe, handing it to Jiang Ruan. "The Brocade-clad Guards are stationed everywhere. If you're in danger, use this whistle, and nearby guards will come to your aid."
It was likely his personal token. Before Jiang Ruan could speak, Xiao Shao had already stood up and ordered the Brocade-clad Guards to clean up the corpses on the ground. Jiang Ruan tucked the whistle into her sleeve, her eyes darkening as she sank into deep thought.
...
At the General's Residence.
Zhao Guang had just returned from court when he learned of the incident and nearly grabbed his weapon to storm the Minister's residence. It took considerable effort from everyone to calm him down. Su Shi wiped her tears anxiously, saying, "How could Ruan'er be imprisoned for no reason? They claim she harmed Old Madam Jiang—I don't believe it. She must have been framed."
The men of the Zhao family were all fierce and courageous, while the women were delicate and gentle. Seeing Su Shi in tears, Zhao Guang grew even more agitated. Zhao Yuanping tried to reassure her, "Mother, don't worry. Third Brother has already gone to the prison to find out what happened."
(End of Chapter)
OpenNovel