A Dream within a Dream

"He cherishes this Jiang family above all else, sacrificing my life for its sake. Now I want him to live—to witness with his own eyes how the Jiang family will be destroyed by my hands."

"The Jiang family owes me blood debts, and I will collect them one by one. No one shall escape."

Her lips curved gently, her tone light with laughter, yet her words sent chills like a vengeful spirit: "The path of hell I once walked, the manjusaka blooming amidst piled bones along the way—you must savor them well."

She said, "Second Madam, take care."

For a fleeting moment, Second Madam's eyes seemed to flicker in response to her words, but in the next instant, she resumed her mindless giggling. Jiang Ruan straightened up as the executioner approached, offering an apologetic smile. "Her mind's gone, my lady. I doubt she understood a word."

Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. "I merely came to see her off." With that, she turned and left with Luzhu and Tianzhu (Nandina).

The supervising official threw down the execution token, his shrill voice drawing out: "Time's up—"

In an instant, the executioner's blade flashed, silver and crimson, as blood gushed forth and life was extinguished.

Jiang Ruan's steps never faltered, as though this were an event unworthy of even a pause. Only the prisoner's head rolled into the crowd, tumbling through the mud until its original form was barely recognizable.

...

Once a prominent family in the capital, the Li family had now fallen, leaving the Jiang residence even more desolate. Only Hong Ying was overjoyed—no mourning rituals or fasting for her, just daily indulgences to nourish her body. Her belly swelled day by day, and had Jiang Ruan not known it was just a pillow, she might have almost believed Hong Ying was carrying a young master.

After Old Madam Jiang's death, the household's management fell into Hong Ying's hands. Perhaps finding it improper for a former courtesan to oversee the household, Jiang Quan made an unprecedented move by assigning the bedroom maid Lian Ye to assist Hong Ying in managing affairs.

Lian Ye was practically invisible in the household, posing no threat or status to Hong Ying—not even comparable to a favored maid. Naturally, Hong Ying paid her no mind.

The Jiang daughters were all expected to observe mourning for Old Madam Jiang, but Jiang Dan was an exception. Her portrait for the imperial selection had been submitted, and in recent days, a reply had arrived. Palace envoys came to announce Jiang Dan's selection to join other candidates in showcasing her talents at court. Whether she would ultimately reside in the palace remained uncertain.

Yet Jiang Quan was clearly invested in this matter. In truth, the Emperor's selection of Jiang Dan had little to do with her talents. In the previous life, the Emperor had chosen a Jiang daughter to enter the palace solely to keep the family in check. By this time in that life, the Jiang family's influence had already peaked. But since her return to the capital three years ago, the family had faced overt and covert obstacles, their power far diminished from before. Still, the Emperor remained wary of the Jiangs.

Jiang Quan summoned Jiang Dan to his study for a full two hours, leading the servants to speculate he was instructing her on her duties. His high regard for Jiang Dan fueled dreams among the household of a future imperial consort from the Jiang family.

As Lianqiao brought in the peony cakes from the kitchen, she remarked, "Is the master truly elevating Fourth Miss? She can't even compare to Second Miss—how could she possibly win His Majesty's favor?"Lianqiao was straightforward by nature, and spoke even more directly when no one else was around. What she said wasn't wrong—if they truly wanted to elevate the Jiang family by sending a daughter to become a concubine in the palace, why not send Jiang Susu? Jiang Susu was beautiful and talented. Although she wasn't as patient as Jiang Dan, she was more appealing to men. Sending Jiang Susu into the palace would surely win the Emperor's favor.

"Master can't bear to part with Second Miss," Zisu said softly. "The palace may seem glorious and wealthy, but the hardships within are not something one can easily speak of."

Luzhu curled her lips. "Master is far too biased. But I don’t think others see it that way. These past few days, the maids in the manor have been scrambling to flatter Fourth Miss."

No one understood Jiang Quan’s intentions better than Jiang Ruan. In her past life, she had been coaxed into entering the palace the same way. Jiang Quan had claimed there would be people to look after her in the palace, and that Jiang Susu was too frail. It was all for the sake of the Jiang family, and with Ye Li’s promise to take care of her, she had entered the depths of the palace—only to end up without even a whole corpse.

Now, standing on the sidelines, she watched coldly as Jiang Quan repeated his old tricks. Jiang Dan was not her—Jiang Dan was entering the palace willingly. Jiang Quan was unwilling to sacrifice Jiang Susu, but he didn’t realize that Jiang Dan had the ruthlessness to sacrifice the entire Jiang family if it meant climbing higher.

Jiang Quan might have thought he could control Jiang Dan, but he didn’t realize that this move was like releasing a tiger into the mountains. Once this venomous snake found fertile soil, she would grow rapidly and then... devour the Jiang residence until not even scraps remained.

Both harbored ulterior motives—Jiang Quan thought he was deceiving everyone, while Jiang Dan was simply going along with the flow. Watching tigers fight from a safe distance was endlessly entertaining.

...

The days passed peacefully, as if unaffected by anything. Before long, it was late summer, and the weather had cooled slightly from the previous heat. The chaotic events of the past gradually settled, and Old Madam Jiang’s death seemed to fade from everyone’s memory.

At Brocade Hero King Manor, a snow-white pigeon fluttered in through the window and landed on the boxwood desk in the room. Its wings accidentally brushed against the ink in the inkstone, staining its pristine feathers with a few dark spots.

Xiao Shao lifted the pigeon from the edge of the inkstone and placed it in his palm. The little bird tilted its head to look at him, its black, beady eyes bright and clever. Xiao Shao stroked its head before untying the copper tube fastened to its leg.

The note inside was short, bearing a line of tiny handwriting. After reading it, Xiao Shao’s expression gradually turned cold.

A moment later, he burned the note over the oil lamp and ordered the person beside him, "Prepare a horse. I’m leaving the capital."

"Master..." Jin Yi hesitated.

"Summon Ye Feng. The Treasure Exchange Pavilion can wait. Go to Hundred Zhang Tower and find Qi Si."

Jin Yi stiffened. "Understood."

...

At Ruan Residence, Tianzhu lifted the curtain and said, "Miss, the carriage is ready."

Luzhu grabbed a small basket of pastries from the table and smiled. "We can take these to snack on the way."

A few days ago, they had received an invitation card from Madam Dong, signed by Dong Yinger but issued in Madam Dong’s name, inviting Jiang Ruan for a small gathering at their residence. Since Old Madam Jiang’s passing, Jiang Ruan had remained in her courtyard to observe mourning and hadn’t stepped out for quite some time. It had been ages since she last saw Dong Yinger, so receiving the Dong family’s invitation had surprised both Lianqiao and Zisu.So today, she had Tianzhu prepare the carriage for a trip to the Dong residence.

As they were leaving, they happened upon Jiang Dan and Hong Ying in conversation. Hong Ying's belly was noticeably larger now, and she would likely give birth in the coming days. Jiang Quan had entrusted all household affairs to Hong Ying's management. Xia Yan remained confined, and the former Second Madam had long since passed away, leaving Hong Ying unchallenged and acting as the de facto mistress of the Jiang household.

Luzhu's eyes flickered with thought. It was unclear whether Hong Ying was trying to play both sides, but aside from Jiang Susu, she was now always amiable toward Jiang Dan, and the two seemed exceptionally close. On the surface, Jiang Dan appeared harmless, but having followed Jiang Ruan for so long, Luzhu could discern the underlying currents—Jiang Dan was not as innocent as she seemed. By doing this, wasn’t Hong Ying slapping Jiang Ruan in the face? Or perhaps Hong Ying believed that by currying favor with Jiang Dan, she could later ingratiate herself with the imperial concubine in the palace?

Though Luzhu maintained a sweet smile, her eyes betrayed her indignation. It was Jiang Dan who noticed them first and greeted warmly, "Da Jiejie."

Jiang Ruan nodded. "Fourth Sister, Auntie."

Hong Ying rested a hand on her belly. Unlike other pregnant women who often appeared haggard and unkempt, she seemed even more radiant, exuding an added charm and grace. Her skin was smooth as jade, and her clothing and jewelry were of the finest quality, clearly indicating Jiang Quan's favor. Seeing Jiang Ruan, she smiled and asked, "Where is the young lady headed?"

"Miss Dong has invited me for a gathering at her residence."

Jiang Dan laughed. "Da Jiejie, how enviable."

"You’ll make many sisters in the future too—no need for envy," Hong Ying teased.

"Auntie, you’re making fun of me," Jiang Dan replied shyly, lowering her head.

Jiang Ruan observed the harmonious scene before her—the concubine and the illegitimate daughter getting along splendidly. Hong Ying’s behavior was undoubtedly influenced by Jiang Quan’s directives. A cold glint flashed in her eyes, but when she raised her head again, her smile was as bright as ever. "In that case, I won’t disturb Auntie and Fourth Sister’s chat. I’ll take my leave now."

"Safe travels, Da Jiejie," Jiang Dan said with a kind smile. To an outsider, they might have seemed like true sisters.

Once they had left the estate and boarded the carriage, Luzhu could no longer hold back. "What does Fifth Auntie mean by this? She seems far more affectionate toward Fourth Miss than toward you."

Jiang Ruan shook her head faintly. "Fifth Auntie is a clever woman. She knows she stands to gain nothing from me." Her nature was aloof, and previously, due to Xia Yan and Second Madam, she and Hong Ying had been on the same side. But with Xia Yan and Second Madam gone, Hong Ying faced no threats in the household—she only needed to please Jiang Quan. And since Jiang Quan had always disapproved of Jiang Ruan, Hong Ying’s warmth toward her would only cost Jiang Quan’s favor.

"That’s just too opportunistic," Luzhu mused before finally shaking her head.

"Human hearts are fickle—why expect more?" Jiang Ruan closed her eyes and leaned against the carriage wall to rest.Luzhu stuck out her tongue and fell silent. Meanwhile, Tianzhu gave Jiang Ruan a thoughtful glance. The longer she served this mistress, the deeper her confusion grew about Jiang Ruan. She couldn't fathom the origin of that innate cold detachment that seemed to accompany Jiang Ruan since birth. In certain matters, she acted more ruthlessly than an assassin. Having seen all sorts of people in the Brocade-clad Guards, Tianzhu had never encountered such a terrifying combination—a refined young lady from the inner chambers who was both brilliant and utterly merciless.

Moreover, the words Jiang Ruan had spoken before Second Madam's death were deeply imprinted in Tianzhu's mind.

Jiang Ruan had said she would collect every life debt the Jiang family owed her one by one. Yet from beginning to end, the only family member of hers who had died in the Jiang residence was Zhao Mei. Where then did these multiple life debts come from?

Tianzhu felt Jiang Ruan harbored a profound secret, one that even her closest maidservants were completely unaware of. She thought perhaps she should find an opportunity to report these matters properly to her master.

...

At the residence of the Capital Magistrate.

Dong Yinger reclined on the daybed—or rather, she lay limp upon it as if drained of all strength. Compared to her previous emaciated and haggard appearance, she had seemingly gained some weight these past few days. Yet her face bore such heavy sorrow that she looked nothing like a carefree young maiden.

The maid Hong'er approached with a bowl of freshly cooked red date and lotus seed congee, placing it respectfully on the daybed as she said, "Young Miss, please have some congee."

"I don't want to eat," Dong Yinger turned her head away listlessly.

"You'll eat whether you want to or not," came a cold, stern voice as Capital Magistrate Dong entered the room. His expression was severe as he said bluntly, "Abandon those unrealistic thoughts of yours. Your portrait has already been sent to the palace. When the palace envoys come in a few days, you will obediently enter the palace."

"Father," Dong Yinger's voice was soft but resolute, "Yinger absolutely will not enter the palace."

"Not enter the palace? Then you can go with your mother to the Chang family to apologize and enter their household!" Magistrate Dong roared in anger.

"In this lifetime, Yinger will marry only one person—General Jiang Xin Zhi!"

At these words, Magistrate Dong was so enraged that he raised a hand to strike her. Dong Yinger met his gaze without fear, and in the end, his heart softened and the blow didn't fall. Still furious, he said, "Foolish! It seems you're still not thinking clearly. A few more days of confinement for you!"

With that, he stormed out in a huff.

After Magistrate Dong left, Dong Yinger seemed to collapse as if all her strength had drained away, weeping softly on the daybed. Her father had always doted on her, yet now he had confined her to her rooms under house arrest, having her carefully tended with fine food and drink daily—all for the sole purpose of sending her into the palace. She had once thought herself fortunate to have a good father and had pitied Jiang Ruan's circumstances. But now it seemed her father was no different from Jiang Ruan's—both equally heartless in the end!

Meanwhile, in the outer hall, Jiang Ruan alighted from her carriage and was welcomed in by the Dong residence servants. Having visited the Capital Magistrate's residence several times before, the servants were familiar with her. They led her to the main hall where Madam Dong sat lost in thought. Seeing Jiang Ruan enter, she quickly rose to greet her: "Your Highness."

"Madam may call me Ruan'niang," Jiang Ruan said with a smile.Madam Dong smiled apologetically. "Ruan Meimei, actually that invitation card was sent to you under Yinger's name by me. You... won't blame me, will you?"

"You jest, Madam," Jiang Ruan smiled. "But has something happened to Sister Yinger?"

Madam Dong's heart skipped a beat as she looked at Jiang Ruan, meeting those gentle, smiling eyes that seemed to possess a magical power to reassure and inspire trust. She relaxed slightly and sighed. "I don't mind telling you this, Princess. Yinger has never given me cause for worry before—she matured early and was always sensible. Perhaps you've heard that Yinger was betrothed to the third son of the Chang family years ago. But... ah, at this critical juncture, she's fallen for someone else. She went to tell Young Master Chang herself and broke off the engagement."

Seeing no trace of disdain on Jiang Ruan's face, she continued more boldly: "Such matters wouldn't be tolerated in any household, and the Chang family was no exception. After the broken engagement, word spread. Yinger is already at marriageable age, and this scandal has made potential suitors withdraw. With Yinger staying at home becoming the subject of gossip, my husband in anger had her portrait submitted for the imperial selection."

"Is Sister Yinger unwilling?" Jiang Ruan asked.

"Extremely unwilling." Madam Dong's expression grew more troubled. "When Yinger found out, she had a huge fight with her father. My husband is stubborn by nature and became unreasonable with his own daughter. He locked Yinger in her room, having maids watch her eat every day, threatening to have all her maids beaten to death if she used her health as leverage. Yinger had no choice but to eat, but she grows more despondent by the day." She looked at Jiang Ruan. "Good child, I know you and Yinger are close. She might listen to you where others fail. Please help her abandon these unrealistic notions and stop this infatuation."

Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. "Of course. But may I ask—who is Sister Yinger's beloved?"

At this question, Madam Dong's expression changed dramatically. She lowered her head as if unable to bear the weight of it, not daring to meet Jiang Ruan's eyes for a long moment. Finally, she forced out the words with difficulty: "It's... the Princess's elder brother... Deputy General Jiang."

...

The maid lifted the curtain as Dong Yinger said impatiently, "Leave me. I want to be alone."

"Young Lady, the Princess of Great Peace has come to see you," the maid whispered, nodding toward Jiang Ruan behind her. Jiang Ruan motioned for the maid to leave, and the maid quietly closed the door behind her.

Dong Yinger had been lying on the daybed and seemed momentarily confused by the maid's mention of "the Princess of Great Peace." After a pause, she turned to look and indeed saw Jiang Ruan approaching.

"Ruan Meimei!" Dong Yinger stood up in surprise. Since Old Madam Jiang's passing, she should have gone with her family to pay respects at the Jiang residence, but her father had confined her to her room, preventing her from seeing Jiang Ruan. It had been many days since they last met, and having seen no outsiders all this time, Dong Yinger felt a flicker of joy at seeing Jiang Ruan now.She studied Jiang Ruan carefully. Still in mourning, Jiang Ruan couldn't wear red and was dressed in a simple pale green gauze robe, which gave her an unearthly grace she didn't usually possess. She looked quite spirited, not at all like someone grieving Old Madam Jiang's death.

"Ruan Meimei, how are you? I couldn't leave the residence, but when I heard you'd been imprisoned, were you... mistreated?" Dong Yinger asked with concern.

Jiang Ruan shook her head, her gaze lingering on Dong Yinger's face. Dong Yinger had always appeared lively and cheerful, well-protected by her father, presenting a carefree image to outsiders. But now, the usual happiness that graced her face had vanished, replaced by deep sorrow.

Noticing Jiang Ruan's scrutiny, Dong Yinger lowered her head uncomfortably. "Ruan Meimei, why have you come to see me?"

Zhao Jin, Lin Zixiang, and Wen Feifei had tried to visit, but Dong Yinger's father had turned them away, claiming she was ill. That Jiang Ruan had gained permission to enter the residence must mean something.

"Madam Dong invited me."

"My mother?" Dong Yinger looked puzzled. "Why would she ask you to come?"

Jiang Ruan remained silent. After a long pause, Dong Yinger said quietly, "You already know, don't you?"

"Yes," Jiang Ruan replied calmly. "You're entering the palace."

"I don't want to go to the palace!" Dong Yinger shook her head desperately. "I don't want to be sent there. Ruan Meimei, please save me."

"Then will you marry into the Chang family?" Jiang Ruan asked.

"No, I won't marry them either. I... Third Young Master Chang is a good man. I can't deceive him." Dong Yinger murmured, "My heart already belongs to someone else. I can't marry anyone else." She clutched the silk beneath her tightly. "Father insists on sending me to the palace, ignoring my wishes completely. He won't listen to anything I say."

"Lord Dong isn't wrong," Jiang Ruan said coolly, unmoved by Dong Yinger's words.

Dong Yinger stared at her in disbelief. "You think he's right? No, Father just wants to use me for the family's wealth and glory. He doesn't want me to ruin the reputation of the Capital Magistrate's office. He hasn't considered me at all. Ruan Meimei, after how Lord Jiang treated you, how can you not resent him? How can you say Father is right? What Father is doing now is no different from what Lord Jiang did to you. Ruan Meimei, how can you say such things?" Her voice was filled with resentment and obstinacy, a far cry from her former cheerful self.

Jiang Ruan quietly observed the woman before her. Time had flown by, and love, like poison, had transformed Dong Yinger into someone unrecognizable, even turning her against her own father. The Capital Magistrate Dong and Jiang Quan were entirely different men. Jiang Quan sought boundless wealth and power, willing to sacrifice Jiang Ruan and Jiang Xin Zhi's lives for it. The Capital Magistrate merely wanted his reckless daughter to come to her senses. Unfortunately, his efforts were in vain—Dong Yinger not only failed to wake up but grew to hate him as well.Dong Yinger suddenly raised her head, staring fixedly at Jiang Ruan. She abruptly slid off the couch and threw herself at Jiang Ruan's feet, tears streaming down her cheeks as she pleaded, "Ruan Meimei, please help me. You must help me. My heart belongs only to Deputy General Jiang, and I will never marry anyone else in this lifetime. Please persuade my father for me. You're so clever, Ruan Meimei, you'll surely find a way."

Her hair was disheveled, her tone desperate as she groveled at Jiang Ruan's feet like worthless straw, clutching Jiang Ruan's legs tightly with both hands. Her tearful, blurred eyes truly made her seem like someone with no way out.

Jiang Ruan sighed softly, bending down to pry Dong Yinger's fingers away one by one, looking at her with pity. "Why should I help you?"

Dong Yinger froze, not understanding what she meant.

Jiang Ruan's expression remained gentle, her tone soft, yet the words she spoke carried utter ruthlessness: "My elder brother has no interest in you. Whether you like him or not—what does it matter to him?"

"I..." Dong Yinger was at a loss for words. Indeed, Jiang Xin Zhi had only met her briefly a few times in the past and had never shown any particular interest in her. She had fallen for Jiang Xin Zhi wholeheartedly without knowing his true feelings. When he led troops to battle, she could deceive herself, but now Jiang Ruan had laid bare the truth without any pretense, leaving Dong Yinger utterly humiliated.

"You don’t want to enter the palace, nor do you want to marry into the Chang family, but you will never marry my elder brother either," Jiang Ruan said softly.

"Why?" Dong Yinger's voice trembled with tears as she stared at Jiang Ruan as if she were a stranger.

Why? Jiang Xin Zhi was rising swiftly in the imperial court and could never align himself with the Eighth Prince’s faction. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Governor maintained a neutral stance in court, offending neither the Eighth Prince nor the Fifth Prince. If Jiang Xin Zhi were to marry Dong Yinger in the future, Ye Li could use the Metropolitan Governor to threaten him, giving Jiang Xin Zhi a weakness to be exploited forever.

If Jiang Xin Zhi truly loved Dong Yinger, none of this would matter. Unfortunately, Jiang Xin Zhi had never shown any affection for her.

(End of Chapter)