Regarding Hu Qianqiu's fate, Ke Xiuran naturally took delight in his misfortune, thinking that the Princess of Great Peace was indeed no ordinary person—even Jinying Wang would stand up for her. Suddenly remembering something, he quickly stood up. Even if it was just for Jinying Wang's sake, he absolutely could not afford to slight the Princess of Great Peace. For now, it would be best to give the officials a heads-up.
...
While other parts of the capital remained unaware, the atmosphere in the Jiang residence was heavy. Old Madam Jiang's coffin was placed in the newly set mourning hall, with the entire household dressed in mourning attire. At night, it was Du Juan and Cai Que who kept vigil in the hall.
After Old Madam Jiang's death, the two maids had nowhere to go. Considering their years of service and hardships, they were to be released from the household as per the usual custom. Du Juan and Cai Que were now both past twenty-seven, neither yet married. Du Juan was born into servitude, with her parents still working on the Jiang family's estate, so she at least had a place to go upon leaving. Cai Que, however, had been bought by Old Madam Jiang from outside and had always been alone.
The mourning hall was even more desolate at night. Old Madam Jiang's coffin emitted an eerie, somber hue. A gust of wind blew through the hall, making the already faint candlelight flicker precariously. Unburned paper money in the basin floated up unsteadily, as if an invisible hand were playing with it. The musicians had long since left, and the Jiang residence grew even quieter, as if the vast estate held only the two of them.
Du Juan had gotten up to use the outhouse but had not returned for a long time, leaving Cai Que alone. The white paper lanterns swayed on the beams, casting mottled shadows that felt inexplicably unsettling.
Cai Que's heart tightened, and she instinctively wrapped her arms around herself. Outside the latticed window, the moonlight had vanished at some point, leaving only the faint glow of the mourning hall. As the eerie wind rose, even that meager light seemed on the verge of extinguishing.
Suddenly, the coffin emitted a sharp, strange sound—like someone scratching wood with their nails. Cai Que froze, a chill washing over her from head to toe, leaving her utterly cold. Uneasy, she took a step forward, only to hear another loud noise that drained the color from her face and sent her collapsing to the ground.
Du Juan seemed to have vanished without a trace, never returning. The loud noises grew increasingly intense, almost exploding in Cai Que's ears. Then, on the ground, within the shadows of the lantern light, a figure abruptly appeared.
The figure was slender and elongated, as if unnaturally stretched, vaguely resembling a woman. Long hair draped down, standing out starkly in the mourning hall.
Cai Que let out a scream, her composure shattered. The sight was too horrifying. She fell to her knees, kowtowing frantically toward the memorial tablet in the hall. "Old Madam, this servant was wrong! This servant shouldn’t have harmed you! Spare me, please spare me!"
But the shadow showed no mercy. It seemed to circle around from behind, drawing closer and closer. Cai Que felt a pair of icy hands brush against her neck, their long, grayish nails grazing her skin. Unable to bear it any longer, she looked up—and came face-to-face with a ghastly pale visage. The eyes were large and pitch-black, tangled hair draped everywhere, and the lips were smeared with dark, clotted blood.Cai Que finally broke down, wailing loudly, "Old Madam, this servant was wrong! Old Madam..." Her voice cut off abruptly as her eyes glazed over and she collapsed limply.
The terrifying ghostly figure suddenly tore off its hood, revealing the face of a beautiful woman—it was Jin San. Jin San pulled a medicine bottle from her sleeve, skillfully pinched Cai Que's chin, and forced her to swallow the contents. Cai Que slumped to the ground, unconscious.
Only then did Jin San stride confidently forward. Outside the window, Jin Yi stood expressionless, holding Du Juan in a firm grip. Du Juan, her acupoints sealed, was frozen in terror, unable to utter a word.
"Be good now, unless you want to end up like her?" Jin San smiled sweetly, though her beauty seemed monstrous in Du Juan's eyes.
Du Juan shook her head frantically in fear.
Jin San chuckled. "Then I'll unseal your acupoints. But don't scream—if you distract me..." She twirled a silver hairpin in her hand, its tip glinting with a sinister blue sheen, clearly poisoned.
Du Juan nodded eagerly.
Once freed, Du Juan immediately gasped, "What happened to her?"
"Nothing much," Jin San replied breezily. "She'll just be a fool from now on."
Du Juan stiffened, a pang of sorrow striking her heart. She and Cai Que had served Old Madam Jiang together for years, their bond deep and unshakable. Yet moments ago, she had been helpless, forced to watch as Cai Que was tormented into madness. And now, to become a fool... What fate awaited a maid who lost her mind?
"Don't waste your pity," Jin San giggled. "Unless you'd like to join her? I wonder if that young Master Wang would still fancy you if you turned into a babbling idiot?"
Du Juan froze, her blood running cold. Master Wang? How did she know about him?
No one understood Old Madam Jiang's death better than she did. Though shocked by Cai Que's boldness, she had also been swayed by that person's offer—testify as instructed, and her slave status would be erased.
Du Juan had once resigned herself to a life of spinsterhood in Old Madam's service. But then came Master Wang. A mere maidservant could never wed him as his lawful wife. Yet freedom from bondage? That meant a future together. So she had agreed, though uneasily.
Trembling, Du Juan met Jin San's gaze. The latter smiled warmly. "But I adore pretty girls like you. Obey me, and I might just play matchmaker. Disobey?" Her voice turned icy. "And your dear Wang will suffer for it."
"I'll obey!" Du Juan blurted. Helping Cai Que frame Jiang Ruan had weighed on her conscience. Cai Que, not born into servitude, could leave the household—but Du Juan's family still toiled on the Jiang estate. For their sake, she should have stayed clear. Only for Master Wang had she wavered. That day, when Old Madam sent her to fetch tea leaves, she had lingered deliberately. Later, when questioned, she gave vague answers, feigning uncertainty.At the moment, Du Juan secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, she had been cautious back then, or else she would have ended up the same as Cai Que. Seeing Cai Que collapsed in the mourning hall, Du Juan couldn't help but shiver.
Jin San and Jin Yi left immediately after completing their task. At the same time, Tianzhu from Ruan Residence leaped into the courtyard. Zisu, Lianqiao, and Luzhu had been waiting anxiously and finally relaxed upon seeing Tianzhu return. For the past few days, there had been old women monitoring outside Ruan Residence, but luckily Tianzhu had martial skills and could avoid their prying eyes.
Zisu asked, "Is everything settled?"
Tianzhu nodded. Placing arsenic in the mansion wasn’t difficult for her. She had initially wanted to leave some in Jiang Dan’s courtyard as well, but Jiang Ruan had previously instructed that Jiang Dan could easily distance herself if anything happened. Since they couldn’t achieve everything at once, there was no need to alert the enemy. Though somewhat unwilling, Tianzhu held back.
Lianqiao sighed in relief, "Now we just wait for good news from His Highness tomorrow."
...
The night passed with everyone harboring their own thoughts. Early the next morning, a group of officers arrived at the prison. The leading officer was unfamiliar but extremely respectful toward Jiang Ruan, saying it had all been a misunderstanding and hoping she wouldn’t hold it against them.
Xiao Shao had acted swiftly. Jiang Ruan didn’t make things difficult for the officers. As she stepped out of the prison gate, she saw Zhao Yuanfeng waiting for her. He rushed forward and scrutinized her from head to toe, nodding in satisfaction when he saw she was unharmed. "He really thought of everything."
Jiang Ruan whispered, "Uncle."
Zhao Yuanfeng smiled at her and waved his hand. "Now that you're out, Ruan girl, I’ll take you to see a good show today."
Jiang Ruan smiled. "Alright."
...
Meanwhile, early in the morning, the servants of the Jiang residence were busy cleaning when they suddenly heard loud knocking at the main gate. The gatekeeper opened the door to see a group of officers with swords filing in, their expressions fierce. An older maidservant hurried forward and asked, "Sirs, what brings you here without—"
The officer rudely shoved her aside. "Out of the way! We’re here on imperial orders to arrest a fugitive!"
The maidservant was terrified. Aside from Jiang Chao and Jiang Quan, no one in the residence held an official position—how could they be harboring a fugitive? Had something happened to the master? Too frightened to speak, she watched as the officers ignored her and began searching the mansion. Before long, Second Madam was dragged out of her courtyard.
"Officers, this is a mistake! I’ve done nothing wrong!" Second Madam still didn’t understand what was happening. Instead of news of Jiang Ruan’s downfall, she was met with a group of officers. The leader, who wasn’t Li Qiang, glared at her fiercely. "Shut up! Save your words for the magistrate!"
The officer’s menacing demeanor silenced Second Madam instantly. Meanwhile, Jiang Quan rushed out upon hearing the commotion. Frowning at the officer in charge, he demanded, "May I ask what crime my concubine has committed?"Originally, given Jiang Quan's rank, these officials would at least show him some courtesy, if not outright flattery. But today was different. The leader of the soldiers glanced at Jiang Quan and said with meaningful undertones, "Lord Jiang, it would be best not to interfere in this matter. Be careful not to bring trouble upon yourself." With that, he signaled his subordinates and left without another look back.
A chill ran down Jiang Quan’s spine. The official’s tone had been laden with implication—taking Second Madam away yet speaking so gravely. What did he mean by "bringing trouble upon himself"? And was mobilizing so many men to arrest Second Madam not an overreaction? Having navigated the official circles for so many years, a suspicion immediately arose in his mind—could something have happened to the Minister of Personnel?
Meanwhile, Second Madam followed the soldiers all the way to the government office, where two guards were left to watch her while the leader and his men went inside first. Her heart was in turmoil. After a moment’s hesitation, she steeled herself and pulled two jade rings from her fingers. In recent days, she had already sold all her jewelry to bribe Li Qiang. These jade rings were a gift from Jiang Quan when he first took her into the household, and she had been reluctant to part with them. But now, in such dire circumstances, she could no longer afford sentimentality. She shoved the rings into the hands of the two guards and forced a smile. "Sirs, may I ask why I’ve been arrested?"
The jade rings were of excellent quality—if pawned, they could fetch a thousand taels or more. Under normal circumstances, such a bribe would have been silently accepted by these low-ranking officers. But today, the tactic failed. The two guards exchanged a glance but did not take the rings.
Second Madam’s heart sank. It wasn’t the refusal that frightened her—it was the fact that they wouldn’t even accept a bribe. Had things escalated to this extent? What could be so serious that even these petty officers dared not take anything?
Her expression shifted, and she smiled again. "Sirs, then... do you know where your superior, Li Qiang, has gone?"
One of the guards gave her a strange look. "Li Qiang? He’s been missing since yesterday. No one’s seen him at the office, and the higher-ups have already replaced him. Even if he comes back, he won’t be reinstated." After a pause, he added bluntly, "Don’t bother scheming. Save your energy for the trial."
"Why waste words on her?" the other guard snapped impatiently.
Second Madam’s unease deepened. After what felt like an eternity, the sound of the grievance drum being struck heavily echoed from outside, each thud reverberating like a blow to the heart.
The grievance drum was only beaten for major cases, often implicating high-ranking officials. When the drumming ceased, Second Madam was brought into the courtroom.
Two rows of guards stood on either side, and the presiding official was not the one she was familiar with—this man had an unapproachable air. But what shocked her most was not this. Seated to the left of the main seat was a figure she knew all too well. Jiang Ruan, her makeup pristine and her attire a pale green, looked as stunning and alluring as ever. She gazed at Second Madam with a faint, mocking smile—there was not a trace of distress about her.
Second Madam’s heart plummeted. So Jiang Ruan had escaped unscathed once again. Bitter resentment surged within her, and her eyes turned toward Jiang Ruan like venomous daggers.The demeanor of Second Madam displeased others in the hall. Zhao Yuanfeng cleared his throat lightly and said, "It seems this criminal woman has yet to understand her position. Lord Ke?"
Ke Xiuran, seated in the presiding chair, startled and turned to Zhao Yuanfeng. Everyone knew that this third master of the Zhao family was unruly by nature, yet the Zhao family had produced three generations of capable military officers. Offending him would surely bring many difficulties in court affairs in the future. Moreover, Zhao Yuanfeng's presence today to observe the case was clearly to support the Princess of Great Peace. Why not do him a favor to facilitate future dealings? With this thought, Ke Xiuran struck the gavel and shouted, "Criminal woman below, do you admit your guilt?"
Second Madam shook her head, feigning panic and confusion. "This humble concubine knows not what crime she has committed."
Ke Xiuran declared, "Bring forth the witnesses!"
Officers then escorted two maids forward. One, with disheveled hair like straw, muttered incoherently, "This servant was wrong, Old Madam. This servant didn’t mean to harm you. It was Second Madam who made me do it... Old Madam, this servant was wrong..." Clearly out of her senses, this was Cai Que.
The other knelt and spoke clearly, "Replying to Your Honor, this servant is Du Juan. I testify that it was Second Madam who bribed Cai Que to poison Old Madam, intending to frame the Princess. Second Madam also threatened to kill my entire family in the village if I revealed the truth."
"You lie! When did I ever—" Second Madam protested indignantly.
"Second Madam gave Cai Que a large sum of silver. If Your Honor doubts this, you may search Cai Que’s quarters."
"No need. This official has already investigated," Ke Xiuran waved his hand.
The court clerk then proclaimed loudly, "Criminal woman Jiang Li Shi, you poisoned Old Madam Jiang and conspired to frame the Princess of Great Peace. Your heart is as vile as a rat’s, and your crimes reach the heavens. According to the laws of the Jin Dynasty, murder demands life—you are sentenced to immediate execution."
At the words "immediate execution," Second Madam collapsed like a puppet with its strings cut, unable to support herself any longer. A cowardly and vicious woman, she lacked even the strength to defend herself. Only one thought filled her mind: her scheme had been exposed. Yet, recalling that her father was the Minister of Personnel and might still save her, her eyes lit up as she cried, "This humble concubine is wronged! This humble concubine is wronged! I beg the master to let me see my father!"
Hearing this, Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. Second Madam was still clinging to the hope of relying on her maternal family, perhaps even counting on Hu Qianqiu’s help. But the Li family was already struggling to protect themselves, and as for Hu Qianqiu... the Imperial Censorate would soon no longer have such a person.
Ke Xiuran struck the gavel again, his gaze darkening as he shouted, "Bring forth the criminal official Li Dexing!"
Second Madam froze as if struck by lightning.
Guards then escorted several shackled prisoners in tattered uniforms into the hall. They were none other than Second Madam’s father, Minister Li, and her brothers.
Minister Li looked utterly disheveled, clearly having suffered greatly. Spotting Second Madam, he spat at her viciously and cursed, "You scourge!"
Second Madam was stunned. "Father, what is this—"
"Get away from me!" Minister Li roared in fury.
"Silence!" Ke Xiuran struck the gavel once more, his expression stern.Minister Li gritted his teeth. In the past, would Ke Xiuran ever dare to treat him like this? Early this morning, officials had raided the Minister's residence under imperial decree. At first, he couldn't believe it, but the information revealed by the officials left him utterly shocked. All his past misdeeds had been uncovered, even those transactions he thought were flawlessly concealed. Other offenses might have been tolerable, but privately forming factions with court officials was a grave taboo in the eyes of the Emperor.
Minister Li's life had been smooth sailing until now, when he was blindsided. Some matters he barely remembered had been dredged up and meticulously listed in the confession papers in prison, making him suspect his own trusted aides had betrayed him.
The charges also implicated Hu Qianqiu, accusing him of accepting bribes from Second Madam, who had obstructed official duties. Minister Li found this particularly odd—why mix Second Madam’s affairs with the rest? A jailer who had some past dealings with him kindly warned, "Minister Li, the blame lies with your daughter. Of all people, she had to provoke the Princess of Great Peace. The forces behind the Princess are not ones the Minister’s residence can afford to offend."
When Minister Li asked who stood behind the Princess, the jailer refused to say more. Still, Minister Li realized one thing: this disaster had been entirely orchestrated by Second Madam. In other words, Second Madam had destroyed the entire Li family.
Now, whenever Minister Li saw Second Madam, he wished he had strangled her at birth. The Li family, full of court officials, had been ruined by this foolish daughter! His gaze then fell on Zhao Yuanfeng, and he wondered—could the Zhao family be the power behind the Princess? Jiang Ruan was the Zhao family’s granddaughter, so it made sense for them to intervene. Yet the Zhao family was known for their magnanimity and integrity; they wouldn’t act so ruthlessly, striking to annihilate an entire household.
The presiding official unfurled the scroll and read aloud, "Li Dexing, Minister of Personnel, as a court-appointed official, you have disregarded the law, harmed lives, engaged in corruption and bribery, deceived superiors, and concealed the truth. You have extorted wealth from the people and colluded with higher authorities. By law, your property is confiscated, and you are sentenced to immediate execution."
"The entire Li family, as officials, failed to discipline their daughter, accumulating countless crimes deserving of death. From this day forth, all male members of the Li family shall be exiled, and the women shall be registered as lowly courtesans."
"No—!" Second Madam cried out in panic. Why was this happening? If her own misdeeds had been exposed, that would be one thing, but why was the entire Li residence raided? And what were these charges being listed? She looked up at Jiang Ruan, who sat composed, her lips curved into a bone-chilling smile, exuding deep mockery as she gazed down at their wretched state.
"It was you..." Second Madam muttered.
"Bring Hu Qianqiu forward!" Ke Xiuran commanded again.
This time, the guards escorted Hu Qianqiu in.
Hu Qianqiu was led forward, his first act being to glare viciously at Ke Xiuran. Ke Xiuran had once been his protégé, a man of talent, but in recent years, he had increasingly threatened Hu’s position. Hu was certain Ke Xiuran had played a role in his downfall.Ke Xiuran also noticed Hu Qianqiu's gaze and felt somewhat smug. He shouted, "Hu Qianqiu, Imperial Censor of the Censorate! As an appointed official of the court, you colluded with another man's concubine, engaged in an illicit affair, and conspired to frame the princess. Your heart is worthy of execution, and you have shamed the Emperor's grace. From this day forth, your family property shall be confiscated, and you are demoted to a commoner. Your descendants shall be barred from holding office for five generations."
Hu Qianqiu felt a tightness in his chest. Though he knew his official position was certainly lost, hearing the words "demoted to a commoner" still made his heart sink. He spat out a mouthful of blood with a puh sound.
"Qianqiu!" Second Madan panicked and crawled to Hu Qianqiu's side.
"Get away!" Hu Qianqiu, no longer the tender and affectionate man he once was, slapped her away, looking at her as if she were an enemy. "You vile woman!"
If not for her, how could he, the esteemed Imperial Censor of the Censorate, have fallen to such a state? He had originally hoped to use her to forge even the slightest connection with the Jiang family. Now his entire career was ruined. Who in the capital would dare take him in after this?
Second Madam stared blankly at Hu Qianqiu as if looking at a stranger. She couldn't understand why everything had changed overnight. The entire Li family had fallen to such a state, Hu Qianqiu's official position was lost, and they all harbored hatred toward her. Had she been the one to bring them to this ruin?
Jiang Ruan sat smiling in the hall, as though nothing could shake her composure and calm. She was like a bewitching woman detached from the mortal world, coldly and mockingly looking down upon the struggles of others.
Feeling Second Madam's gaze, Jiang Ruan turned her head. Those upturned, clear, and alluring eyes showed no emotion at all, yet Second Madam understood. She was saying: The loser must pay the price.
"The loser must pay the price, the loser must pay the price," Second Madam let out a bitter laugh, the sound growing louder and sharper until everyone present couldn't help but frown. Yet Second Madam continued to laugh, her face streaked with tears.
(End of Chapter)
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