Jiang Ruan's voice turned slightly cold. "Fourth Sister truly doesn't regard herself as an outsider, daring to barge into my room so casually."
Jiang Dan stood frozen in place, her eyes widening in disbelief. The bed was completely empty—aside from Jiang Ruan herself, there was nothing else there.
Only one person lay on the bed, and the room was utterly vacant. The unusual behavior of Luzhu and Lianqiao earlier had convinced Jiang Dan that the person she sought was inside. Now, unwilling to accept this, she wished she could scour every corner of the room. Yet no matter how she looked, the small space could be taken in at a glance—there was clearly no one else. It all seemed like a cruel joke.
Jiang Dan forced a smile and grasped for words. "Da Jiejie, don't you usually rise very early? Why are you up so late today?"
Jiang Ruan looked at her with an amused expression. "I didn’t realize Fourth Sister paid such close attention to me, even knowing the exact times I wake."
Jiang Dan's heart clenched.
Jiang Ruan continued leisurely, "One might even think you’ve planted spies in my courtyard."
Jiang Dan found no words to refute this. She glanced around the room once more. Jiang Ruan’s quarters were sparsely decorated, leaving no place to hide even one person, let alone three. Realizing her efforts today were in vain, disappointment and unwillingness warred within her, leaving her rooted to the spot, unsure what to do next.
Jiang Ruan sat up from the bed, smoothing her loose hair as she spoke. "Fourth Sister will be entering the palace soon for the imperial selection, won’t you?"
"Yes," Jiang Dan answered, startled, lowering her head.
"You’ve seemed quite happy these past few days," Jiang Ruan remarked casually, examining her nails. "In that case, you ought to stay quietly in your room. If anything were to happen at this critical juncture... that would be truly unfortunate."
Her words carried a chilling undertone, and the warning was unmistakable. Jiang Dan shivered involuntarily. She had witnessed Jiang Ruan’s methods before—if something went wrong now, all her efforts would be for nothing.
Despite the resentment churning inside her, Jiang Dan showed none of it on her face. Instead, she reverted to her usual timid, meek demeanor. Nodding, she said, "Da Jiejie is right to admonish me. Dan Niang will return to her courtyard and study the teachings for women."
After Jiang Dan left, Luzhu fumed, "Fourth Miss clearly has ill intentions. Did you see her expression? It’s as if she’s just waiting for something terrible to happen to you."
Since following Jiang Ruan into the residence, Luzhu had come to understand the relationship between Jiang Dan and her mistress. Logically, since Jiang Dan had been raised by Zhao Mei, she should have been close to Jiang Ruan. Instead, she took every opportunity to kick her while she was down—truly malicious. Even Luzhu, who had spent years navigating the rough streets, understood the principle of repaying kindness. Encountering someone who repaid kindness with betrayal was a first for her.
Jiang Ruan remained silent. What Luzhu saw now was merely the tip of the iceberg. Since Jiang Dan was implicated in Zhao Mei’s death, she would not let her off lightly. If Jiang Dan was so eager to enter the palace, then she would grant her wish. No one understood the true nature of the palace better than Jiang Ruan. Slowly tormenting Jiang Dan within its walls would be far more agonizing than simply finding a way to eliminate her now.Luzhu noticed the fierce glint in her young mistress's eyes and was slightly startled, as if suddenly remembering something. She said, "Since Fourth Miss has left, let's release Prince Xiao. It wouldn't do to let him suffocate in there."
After all, Xiao Shao was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, a noble young master unaccustomed to being stuffed like cargo into the cramped space of a storage compartment—it must have been quite uncomfortable for him.
Tianzhu and Zisu went to guard the door while Jiang Ruan lifted the bed plank and opened the compartment. Xiao Shao and the other two crawled out. Once free, Xiao Shao caught sight of Jiang Ruan's appearance and froze momentarily, his ears turning slightly red as he averted his gaze uncomfortably.
Earlier, while lying on the bed, Jiang Ruan had been wearing only a snow-white undergarment. After Jiang Dan left, she had forgotten about it, so she found Xiao Shao's reaction puzzling. Luzhu, however, let out a soft "ah" and hurriedly fetched a cloak, draping it over Jiang Ruan from head to toe, covering her completely. Luzhu inwardly lamented—Xiao Shao had now slept on Jiang Ruan's bed and seen her body. By all accounts, Jiang Ruan had suffered a great loss, leaving both Luzhu and Lianqiao fuming.
Now properly clothed, Jiang Ruan seemed to understand the reason for Xiao Shao's earlier odd behavior and couldn't help but glance up at him. Their eyes met.
The young girl's beauty was peerless, untouched by powder or rouge, her features strikingly vivid and delicate, like the most brilliant cloud drifting from the horizon of the Da Jin Dynasty, lightly gracing the somewhat desolate autumn scenery. The slanting sunlight illuminated her, making her glow like spring blossoms. Stripped of her usual sharpness, her gaze held a trace of bewilderment, like a malevolent spirit emerging from a flower grove for the first time, drawing all eyes to her.
Jiang Ruan also looked at him. The young man stood tall and straight as jade, his skin like snow, his features exquisitely painted. Delicate silver threads embroidered intricate and eerie bat patterns into his dark blue robes. His thin lips pressed together slightly, enhancing his ethereal handsomeness, yet upon closer inspection, there was an undeniable heroic air about him, refined and graceful. In this world, there were those blessed with beauty—dressed in black, with ink-dark hair, like auspicious beasts of the imperial family, born noble and dignified.
Their gazes locked, and subtle shifts flickered across both their expressions, as if struck by the other's presence, or as if some emotion had suddenly surfaced. Lianqiao and Luzhu stood quietly to the side, the gentle sunlight seemingly reluctant to disrupt the serene moment—a tranquility as enduring as distant green mountains.
Xiao Shao was no stranger to beautiful women. He himself was extraordinarily handsome and had always considered appearance merely a superficial shell. He had known Jiang Ruan was not unattractive, but in this moment, he deeply understood the girl's beauty. Unlike any other beauty he had encountered, she possessed the coldest heart yet bore the most enchanting and passionate appearance. In moments of quiet, she seemed to transform into someone else—calm and kind—though he knew full well it was merely an illusion.
This girl was unlike anyone he had ever met, brimming with ferocity yet capable of concealing it beneath a tranquil exterior in an instant. What kind of experiences could have shaped her into who she was now?The cloak wrapped tightly around her, revealing only Jiang Ruan’s small, delicate face, no larger than a palm. Xiao Shao suddenly recalled the girl in snow-white robes from earlier. He knew she had always despised white, refusing to wear it, yet when clad in her undergarments, she appeared serene and fragile—like a newly bloomed lotus trembling on its stem. A breeze carrying the breath of spring swayed the flower’s shadow into his heart. That heart, steadfast as stone, had unknowingly been imprinted with her silhouette.
He was momentarily stunned by the sudden surge of emotion within him. After long days of worry and concern, he finally understood why she alone was different to him. For among countless women in this world, she was the only one.
Last night, her expression had been calm, her movements gentle yet resolute as she bandaged his wounds without hesitation. Time seemed to reverse, transporting him back to the Precious Light Temple many years ago, where a girl who seemed untouched by sorrow had gazed at him with clear, smiling eyes. On that lonely, cold moonlit night, she had brought a sliver of warmth to a solitary young man surrounded by deadly schemes.
Now, that girl had long grown into a ruthless and decisive young woman, her heart a labyrinth of schemes, her hands bloodless yet merciless. Yet even in the desolate night, she wielded a silver embroidery needle with ease, solving every challenge with laughter and without a trace of fear.
He gazed deeply at Jiang Ruan and spoke: “I’ll take responsibility.”
For a moment, Jiang Ruan was taken aback. Xiao Shao’s dark eyes gleamed like shooting stars across the night sky, radiant and bright. The young man stared intently at her after speaking, a flicker of barely perceptible unease in his gaze. He had received the adoring glances of many women before, but only now, experiencing it himself, did he realize how agonizing it truly was.
Ye Feng and Jin Yi had already retreated to a corner, wishing they hadn’t heard a word. Luzhu and Lianqiao stood awkwardly, unsure whether to stay or leave, beads of sweat forming on their foreheads. While Lianqiao hesitated, Luzhu watched Jiang Ruan with hopeful eyes. Over these days, even the maids had seen the kind of man Xiao Shao was. If Jiang Ruan could stay by his side, it would be the safest choice. Though their mistress was always decisive, even her closest maids sometimes felt an unbridgeable distance. If someone could truly enter her heart and protect her, perhaps Jiang Ruan wouldn’t be so alone.
After a brief moment of surprise, Jiang Ruan chuckled softly. Her smile was gentle, yet tinged with self-reproach—an expression Xiao Shao keenly noticed. Then she said, “Prince Xiao, you know I don’t care about such things.”
It was a polite refusal. Xiao Shao felt a fleeting disappointment, though it didn’t last long. If this woman’s heart were so easily moved, she wouldn’t be herself. He nodded. “The gates of Brocade Hero King Manor will always be open to you.” He paused, then added, “If you’re willing, I’ll appear by your side whenever you need.”
Jiang Ruan inclined her head. “Thank you.” She glanced out the window. “In that case, there’s no need for you to hurry back. Since there are people waiting outside anyway, you might as well stay a little longer.”
Xiao Shao had intended to refuse, but at the last moment, he changed his mind. “Very well.”Outside, Jin San, who had been listening with great interest, stared into the room with an expression of utter disbelief. Clearly, they were supposed to go to the Hundred Zhang Tower today, yet Xiao Shao had just agreed to Jiang Ruan's words and even acted as if her reasoning was perfectly sound. When a usually upright person started lying, they could be downright sneaky!
Xiao Shao remained oblivious to his subordinate's silent criticism, feeling quite satisfied with the arrangement. In fact, he thought this injury of his had come at just the right time. However, Jiang Ruan seemed entirely unaware of the presence of a man in her room, going about her business as usual without the slightest discomfort, which left Xiao Shao feeling a little disgruntled.
He had assumed the day would pass uneventfully, but that evening, something unexpected happened.
...
In the outer courtyard of the Ruan Residence, Luzhu was unusually seated beside Jin Er without their usual bickering. Instead, she asked nervously, "Will this really work?"
Jin Er nodded solemnly. "It should."
"I think so too," Luzhu agreed. "I've seen this kind of thing in operas before."
"Which opera was that?" Jin Er asked curiously. "Some obscure troupe?" He then smirked mischievously. "Didn't expect someone as young as you to be into that sort of thing."
Luzhu's face flushed red with anger, and she kicked him again, fuming, "Still not as bad as you, a seasoned veteran. Aren't you afraid one day you'll damage your family jewels and become useless?" With that, she stormed off triumphantly, leaving Jin Er standing alone in stunned silence.
He hated nothing more than having his prowess questioned. Well, this girl had stepped on his landmine one too many times!
Regardless of the commotion outside, the plan inside had to proceed step by step.
After dinner, Jiang Ruan went out to fetch some books. Although Xiao Shao was in the room, he maintained proper decorum, and their interactions remained comfortable. Just as she was about to enter, she noticed the outer room was empty, which struck her as odd. At that moment, she saw Luzhu hurriedly come in to replace the afternoon tea. Jiang Ruan asked, "Where are Lianqiao and the others?"
"Sister Lianqiao and Sister Zisu went outside to help Prince Xiao prepare medicinal broth," Luzhu lied without batting an eye. "Sister Tianzhu and Sister Jin San had some matters to discuss. Jin Yi and Ye Feng said they were feeling better and left earlier."
Jiang Ruan found it a bit strange but didn't dwell on it, simply nodding. "Alright, you may go."
Luzhu then left with the tea tray.
Jiang Ruan entered the inner room. As soon as she stepped inside, she heard a "click." Turning around, she saw the iron lock between the inner and outer rooms had been fastened. Normally, for safety at night, Jiang Ruan had installed an extra door between the two rooms and even added a lock. Now, Luzhu had locked it behind her.
Jiang Ruan raised an eyebrow slightly. Her maid wouldn’t do anything to harm her, so while she didn’t understand Luzhu’s intentions, she wasn’t worried. She merely gave the locked door a thoughtful glance before turning to face the curtain leading further into the inner room.
It wasn’t the pearl or crystal curtain favored by most young ladies, just an ordinary rain-patterned brocade in pale green due to mourning customs. Peering through the translucent gauze, she saw no one inside.
After a moment’s thought, Jiang Ruan lifted the curtain and stepped in confidently.
Yet the moment she did, she realized her mistake—and there was no going back.The room was indeed empty. The screen beside the daybed had been raised at some point, casting a slender silhouette upon it—a narrow waist, trim hips, and every movement exuding an intoxicating allure. The next moment, the figure emerged through the screen, and Xiao Shao appeared before Jiang Ruan, draped only in a snow-white robe.
A beauty fresh from the bath, radiant as spring dawn.
For a moment, Jiang Ruan was at a loss for how to react. Had this been some kind of scheme, she might have known what to do—but in this moment, all she could do was stand there, stunned.
The young man had shed his usual dark robes, the loose white garment barely clinging to his frame, revealing vast stretches of smooth, jade-like skin. The glow of the lamplight cast a moonlit sheen over him, making him seem as though he were bathed in celestial radiance. His lips were red, his teeth white, his starry eyes framed by elegant brows—like an immortal descending from a painting. Stripped of his usual aloof elegance, he now carried a warm, captivating beauty, an almost otherworldly allure and charm that was never present in his usual demeanor.
Jiang Ruan stood frozen in place, while Xiao Shao, too, seemed momentarily stunned—perhaps equally unprepared to see her the moment he stepped out. The impact was too great; the two simply stared at each other, neither moving a muscle.
After a long pause, Xiao Shao cleared his throat lightly and walked to the daybed with practiced nonchalance, sitting down as his robe pooled carelessly around him. His raven-black hair cascaded over his shoulders, enhancing his jade-like refinement.
(End of Chapter)
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